Brisbane synagogue gate crash leads to hate crime charges

A vehicle slammed into the gates of Brisbane’s largest synagogue on Margaret Street Friday evening, knocked them down, then drove off. Police quickly found the car and arrested the driver without incident; nobody was injured. A 32-year-old man faces charges including wilful damage, serious vilification (hate crime), dangerous driving, and drug offences, and is due in Brisbane Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Authorities say he likely acted alone and there is no ongoing threat, but the incident is being treated seriously, as it should be.

GLENN JACOBS: Tennessee must expand Education Freedom Scholarships

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is urging Tennessee lawmakers to at least double the state’s Education Freedom Scholarships program, pointing to 54,000 applications for 20,000 slots. He frames expansion as fairness for lower-income families and says more school choice pressures schools to improve through competition. Translation: politicians discovered “supply and demand” and would like a ribbon-cutting for it.

Pritzker tells Trump to “cut the check” after tariff loss

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says President Trump should refund taxpayers after the Supreme Court struck down a key piece of Trump’s tariff push, calling the tariffs illegal and improperly imposed. Nothing says “economic genius” like lighting people’s money on fire, then acting shocked when a court suggests maybe don’t.

National Park Service reinstalls panels at the President’s House site

With a legal dispute still ongoing, National Park Service crews began reinstalling some exhibit panels Thursday, restoring parts of the display above the former slave quarters at the President’s House. Bureaucracy remains undefeated, but at least history is being put back where visitors can actually see it.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer retires, Asha Sharma to lead

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years at Microsoft. Asha Sharma will take over leadership of the company’s gaming division, inheriting the easy job of keeping gamers calm and corporations humble—so, basically an impossible task.

UT System adopts policy limiting “unnecessary controversial subjects”

The University of Texas System Board of Regents unanimously approved a policy telling universities to ensure students can graduate without studying what it calls “unnecessary controversial subjects.” It also requires faculty to pre-list planned topics in syllabi, stick to the plan, and present controversial issues in a “broad and balanced” way. A bold strategy: turning higher education into an itinerary, because nothing prepares you for real life like never encountering surprise complexity.

Trump administration seeks to strip citizenship from former North Miami mayor

The Trump administration filed a civil denaturalization complaint aiming to revoke the U.S. citizenship of former North Miami mayor Philippe Bien-Aime, also known as Jean Philippe Janvier. Prosecutors allege he used two identities, entered with a fraudulent passport, dodged a removal order, and obtained benefits through false statements and a sham marriage before naturalizing in 2006. Investigators cite fingerprint matches tying the identities, and his attorney says they will respond in court.

.NET TLD glue record dispute reported on NANOG

A NANOG post says the .NET TLD servers are serving an incorrect glue record for one specific domain, while other domains using the same nameserver have correct glue. The reporter claims Network Solutions refuses to change it, insisting the IP is correct. Nothing inspires confidence like “the internet is wrong, actually,” from a company whose job is to make the internet less wrong.

Publicists Promoted False Illness Claims to Frame a Singer’s Performance

Reports about a former boy-band member turned A-list singer and widely criticized actor were steered by his team to mention that he had Lyme disease, even though he did not, seemingly to shape how his performance was perceived.

Massie moves to overturn Trump’s executive order supporting glyphosate

Rep. Thomas Massie is seeking to reverse President Trump’s executive order that frames maintaining an “adequate supply” of the controversial herbicide glyphosate as a national security priority. The order has drawn backlash from supporters of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, and Massie is emerging as at least one Republican formally challenging the administration’s push.

Austrian court fines man $11,000 over girlfriend’s fatal climbing accident in 2025

An Austrian court gave a man a suspended five-month sentence and fined him $11,312 after finding him negligent in connection with his girlfriend’s death during a climbing incident in 2025.

Tributes paid after two teenagers die at holiday park

Tributes have been paid to Cherish Bean, 15, and Ethan Slater, 17, who police say died at Little Eden Holiday Park on Wednesday.

Truck and bus drivers will be required to take commercial driver’s license tests in English

All truck and bus drivers will be required to take their commercial driver’s license tests in English, as the Trump administration expands its safety push aimed at removing unqualified drivers from the road.

Cline AI coding assistant npm package compromised in supply-chain attack that installed OpenClaw

The npm package for the open-source AI coding assistant Cline CLI was compromised in a supply-chain attack that silently installed OpenClaw on developers’ machines. The incident led to roughly 4,000 unintended installs.

DHS to Require Written Approval for All FEMA Staff Travel

The Department of Homeland Security will now require written approval for all Federal Emergency Management Agency staff travel, including trips paid for with disaster relief funds that are separate from any lapsed appropriations. FEMA employees were informed in a travel bulletin sent Friday.

Kehlani Had Not Appeared at Her Named Grammy Party by Midnight

At a Grammy Awards party held under Kehlani’s name, she had still not arrived as of around midnight, when many attendees began leaving, though she may have shown up later.

Bundee Aki Quit Rugby for Family Reasons Before Becoming an All Black

Bundee Aki, the Ireland international born in New Zealand, briefly stepped away from rugby for family reasons and worked as a bank teller before returning to the sport. He later broke through to become an All Black and has since gone on to earn 65 caps for Ireland.

Letitia James Praises Supreme Court Decision Striking Down Most Trump Tariffs

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a frequent critic of President Trump, hailed the Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling against his sweeping tariffs as a critical victory for the rule of law and the economy. The decision struck down most of the tariffs, rejecting the president’s expanded use of tariff authority.

Johnson rejects request for Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) denied a request from Rev. Jesse Jackson’s family to have the late civil rights leader lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol following his death this week at age 84, according to sources.

How Busy Families Can Stay Healthy During the School Year

As routines settle in and calendars fill up with activities and tasks, healthy habits can quietly fade. A few consistent, manageable routines can help busy families stay on track throughout the school year.

Philadelphia region could see weekend snow, but forecasts are still fuzzy

A storm starting Sunday might bring snow to parts of the Philly area. Meteorologists are doing their usual routine—“it could be nothing or it could be everything”—so impacts remain unclear.

Pet adoption feature: Phoebe and Piper, two 14-week-old puppies

Shelter Me spotlights Phoebe and Piper, available through 3Husketeers Rescue. Actual productive members of society, unlike most people with a microphone.

Poll: Canadians now view the United States as their top national security threat

A Nanos Research poll of 1,009 Canadian adults (Jan. 31 to Feb. 4) found 55% name the U.S. as Canada’s biggest security threat, ahead of China (15%), Russia (14%), and Iran (2%). Women were more likely than men to pick the U.S. The shift tracks with tariff and NATO friction, spicy U.S. rhetoric about Canada, and a separate finding that many Canadians no longer see the U.S. as a reliable ally. Nothing says “special relationship” like ranking your neighbor above Russia.

Chagos Islands dispute, Chagossian representative urges Keir Starmer to resign

Vanessa Calou of Friends of British Overseas Territories called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign over the government’s handling of the Chagos Islands. She says her father and brother were among protesters who traveled to the islands, were served removal papers, then secured a temporary injunction blocking removal. The Foreign Office pushed back, citing national security and maintaining the military base via a negotiated agreement. Empire paperwork, now with extra court filings.

Melania Trump donates 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian

Melania Trump donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History for a first ladies exhibition. She said the dress expressed a “distinct point of view” and reflected decades of education, experience, and wisdom—which is a lot of résumé for a garment whose main job is “exist near cameras.”

Supreme Court strikes down most of Trump tariff plan, plaintiffs’ lawyer applauds ruling

The lead attorney for plaintiffs challenging President Trump’s tariffs praised the Supreme Court after it struck down most of the plan, saying it reinforced limits on presidential authority. The Court found Trump lacked power to impose sweeping tariffs under the cited emergency statute, a reminder that “because I said so” is not, in fact, a constitutional clause.

AOC criticizes Vice President J.D. Vance after a joke at a Trump meeting

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Vice President J.D. Vance after he joked about her during President Trump’s inaugural Gaza Board of Peace meeting in Washington. The remark came after a moment when she appeared to stumble in a response, followed by awkward silence. Nothing says “peace meeting” like frat-house heckling.

NASA targets March 6 for Artemis II, first crewed Moon flyby since 1972

NASA set a March 6 target for Artemis II, a roughly 10-day mission sending four astronauts—three Americans and one Canadian—around the Moon and back, including a pass around the far side. The date follows repairs for a liquid hydrogen leak seen during a fueling test, with remaining work still ahead, including a flight readiness review and a limited March launch window. Humanity’s greatest technical achievement, held together by checklists and spite.

Ohio lottery mix-up turns into a $50,000 win

An Ohio man trying to play Mega Millions bought a ticket for the wrong drawing, then won $50,000 anyway. Proof the universe rewards chaos—just not enough to pay off your student loans.

Trump says limited strike on Iran remains an option as nuclear talks continue

Trump said a limited strike on Iran remains on the table even as negotiations proceed on a draft nuclear deal. Both sides signaled interest in moving quickly toward sanctions relief while also trading threats—a classic diplomatic technique sometimes called “deal-making,” and sometimes called “playing with matches in a fireworks store.”

Philadelphia shooting investigated as possible murder-suicide

A shooting in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood left a man dead and a woman hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities are investigating it as a possible murder-suicide.

US jets intercept Russian aircraft near Alaska

US fighter jets intercepted Russian military aircraft approaching the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. NORAD tracked two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35 fighters, and one A-50 surveillance aircraft until they left the zone.

Actor Eric Dane dies at 53 after ALS battle

Eric Dane, known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, has died at 53 following a battle with ALS.

Nissan recalls over 320,000 vehicles over engine failure risk

More than 320,000 Nissan vehicles made by Nissan North America are being recalled after US regulators said a defect could raise the risk of engine failure, potentially leading to a crash, according to the NHTSA.

January retail sales rise on supplements and online jewelry demand

January retail sales increased, boosted by New Year demand for sports supplements and continued strong online jewelry sales following a recent jump in gold prices.

Senate hearing targets infrastructure permitting reform

A Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing focused on how Congress should reform federal environmental review and permitting for projects like pipelines, power plants, fossil fuel extraction, mining, and refinery equipment. Lawmakers from both parties signaled the current system is dysfunctional, and reform is broadly viewed as necessary.

Mortgage rates hit lowest level since 2022

Mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point since 2022, with the average 30-year fixed rate falling to 6.01% this week, down from 6.85% a year ago.

Alysa Liu wins Olympic figure skating gold in comeback moment

Alysa Liu won gold in women’s figure skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, jumping from third after a standout free skate to a total of 226.79 points and edging Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto. The 20-year-old celebrated loudly on camera and said the emotion was fueled by seeing family and friends, capping a comeback after stepping away following the Beijing Games and returning in 2024 while studying at UCLA.

Midsummer Studios shuts down, “next-gen” life sim likely canceled

Designer Jake Solomon, known for XCOM, said Midsummer Studios is shutting down and its in-development life simulation game appears canceled. The studio, founded in May 2024 by Solomon and other former Firaxis staff, spent about 21 months on “Burbank,” pitched as “Life Sims + The Truman Show,” featuring AI for character memory, reasoning, and voices, while stating the art was made by human artists and not intended to replace developers with AI.

Epstein files describe security lapses among wealthy and powerful figures

Files released by the US Department of Justice describe serious operational security failures among wealthy and powerful figures linked to Jeffrey Epstein, including the use of plaintext emails. The disclosures have prompted police investigations into possible leaks of state secrets.

UK posts record January budget surplus on strong tax receipts

Higher-than-expected tax receipts helped the UK government take in more money than it spent in January, producing a record budget surplus, according to official data.

Death of French activist raises concerns about a political cordon sanitaire around LFI

The death of an identitarian activist after a violent incident is intensifying scrutiny of La France Insoumise (LFI), as two party staffers and MP Raphaël Arnault are among those suspected of involvement. The case is contributing to LFI’s growing political isolation and renewed debate over whether other parties will seek to exclude it through a so-called “cordon sanitaire.”

UK government finances improved more than expected in January

UK government finances were stronger than expected in January, with official data indicating tax receipts came in higher than forecast.

Why more matches in less time may harm football

“Bigger does not mean better” is the warning, as former Premier League manager Tony Pulis argues that cramming more fixtures into shorter schedules is likely to increase injuries and fatigue. He says expanding tournaments offers little benefit to players or fans and risks weakening the overall quality of the game.

Seoul stocks close at a new record above 5,800 despite global uncertainty

Seoul shares finished above the 5,800-point level for the first time on Friday, setting a fresh record high. Gains came as investors bet that upcoming market-friendly measures will support higher valuations even amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Former Firaxis creative director says Midsummer Studios will close

Midsummer Studios, co-founded by former XCOM designer and ex-Firaxis creative director Jake Solomon, has announced it is shutting down.

Keely Hodgkinson says it felt “weird” to break the world record set on her birth date

British Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson broke the indoor 800m world record in Liévin, France, running 1:54.88 to beat Jolanda Ceplak’s 1:55.82 by 0.88 seconds. Hodgkinson said it felt “a bit weird” to break a record that had been set on 3 March 2002, the day she was born, adding that she believes she can still improve. The performance followed a difficult, injury-hit year, and she now turns her focus to next month’s world indoor championships in Torun, Poland.

China marks Spring Festival with lion dances at the Great Wall

China celebrated the Spring Festival on 19 February 2026 with lion and dragon dance performances at the Badaling section of the Great Wall, as part of New Year festivities associated with the Year of the Fire Horse.

UK posts largest ever monthly budget surplus as capital gains tax receipts exceed expectations

The UK recorded a record £30.4 billion budget surplus in January, the strongest monthly result since records began in 1993 and £6.3 billion above Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts. The Office for National Statistics said a £17 billion surge in capital gains tax receipts and extra revenue from frozen income tax thresholds helped drive the outturn, alongside lower debt interest costs. Despite the strong month, borrowing over the ten months to January was £112.1 billion, still among the highest on record for that period. Separate data showed retail sales rose 1.8% in January, beating expectations, though economists warned the jump may not last amid softer wage growth and higher unemployment.

AccuWeather forecasts steady rain early Friday in the Philadelphia region

AccuWeather says a period of steady rain will move through the Philadelphia area early Friday, so commuters should plan for slower travel and allow extra time in the morning.

North Korea Reportedly Preparing Military Parade With 12,000 Personnel, Lawmaker Says

North Korea is reportedly preparing a large-scale military parade involving around 12,000 personnel to coincide with a major ruling party congress, according to an opposition lawmaker who cited satellite imagery.

Philadelphia Tribune marks Black History Month

The Philadelphia Tribune celebrated Black History Month on Thursday with an event in Center City.

Nissan Rogue owners report rear windshields shattering

Several owners of 2021 to 2025 Nissan Rogue SUVs say their rear windshields suddenly shattered without warning, often described as sounding like a loud bang.

South Wales man charged after body found in freezer

A 60-year-old man, Christopher Phillips of Porthcawl in South Wales, has been charged with preventing a lawful burial after police searching his Poplar Crescent home found the body of a woman in her 80s in a freezer. Officers went to the address Tuesday at 1:45 p.m. after a welfare concern call, and investigations into the death are ongoing.

Rain expected for Philadelphia, Friday commute impacts likely

AccuWeather forecasts evening showers followed by steady rain early Friday in the Philadelphia area. Commuters are advised to plan extra travel time Friday morning.

Hatfield police chief defends Ramadan post amid backlash

Hatfield Police Chief Tierney defended a social media post recognizing Ramadan and urged unity amid criticism. He said he is Catholic and described Ramadan as appropriate for a positive greeting, while Ash Wednesday is a somber observance and not suited to a celebratory post.

Trump orders agencies to identify and release UFO-related files

President Donald Trump said he is directing the Pentagon and other federal agencies to identify and release files related to UFOs and extraterrestrials, citing public interest. He added that he does not know whether aliens are real.

Suspect arrested in 2024 fire at Pennsylvania State Police barracks

U.S. Marshals arrested a man suspected of setting a 2024 fire at the Pennsylvania State Police Troop K barracks in Philadelphia. He is now in custody.

Veterans sue to block proposed “Independence Arch” at Memorial Circle

Three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the Trump administration from building a proposed triumphal arch at Memorial Circle in Washington. They argue the project lacks required approval from Congress.

Actor Eric Dane dies at 53 after ALS diagnosis

Eric Dane, known for roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has died at age 53, about a year after he revealed he had ALS.

Steve Perry says he will not rejoin Journey

Steve Perry said he does not plan to rejoin his former band Journey, despite online rumors claiming he will.

“Dylan’s Law” advances in New Jersey Legislature after jet ski death

Dylan’s Law, named for 20-year-old Dylan Geller of Voorhees who died after having a seizure while jet skiing, advanced after a 5 to 0 vote in the New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. The measure would require providing information in certain situations about different U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket types, aiming to improve safety for people with medical conditions in water sports. The bill now heads to the full Senate, then the Assembly, and could go to the governor if it passes.

Houston-area upscale home burglaries tied to suspected organized theft ring

Authorities say more than 60 upscale homes in the Houston area have been burglarized in a spree linked to an organized South American theft ring. Investigators allege the group targets rear, second-story windows in the evening, uses counter-surveillance and signal jammers to disrupt alarms and Wi-Fi, and steals high-value items like designer handbags and jewelry. Officials say similar cases are under investigation in multiple states.

Dragos: Ransomware is creeping into operational technology, and too many teams are still calling it “just IT”

Cybersecurity firm Dragos says its 2025 review shows ransomware quietly spreading across commercial operational technology environments. The report warns many incidents get mislabeled as ordinary IT problems even when they disrupt real-world operations, with ongoing issues like limited visibility and persistent confusion about possible nation-state involvement.

University of Mississippi Medical Center hit by ransomware, clinics and elective procedures canceled statewide

The University of Mississippi Medical Center said a ransomware attack triggered its emergency operations plan. The hospital and emergency room remain open, but all clinics and elective procedures across every location statewide were canceled. The FBI has been contacted.

Security experts push Treasury for enforceable AI guardrails in finance, deepfakes and rogue agents are not “edge cases”

Security leaders and analysts are urging the Treasury Department to make upcoming financial-sector AI guidance mandatory and enforceable. They cite rising risks from deepfake fraud, data poisoning, and autonomous AI agents, recommending steps like adversarial testing, a comprehensive AI inventory, identity and privilege mapping, and continuous real-time monitoring.

South Jersey braces for more snow, residents beg winter to take the hint

Communities in South Jersey are preparing for another round of snow as leftover piles from recent storms start to melt. Many residents say they are not thrilled at the prospect of more winter weather, a shock to no one with circulation.

Prince Andrew arrested in U.K. misconduct probe tied to Epstein, police search properties

British police arrested Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Officers searched Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate and a separate property in Berkshire, with Thames Valley Police confirming he remains in custody. Allegations focus on claims he shared confidential trade documents with Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy, potentially breaching the Official Secrets Act. King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the investigation should proceed and the law applies equally to everyone.

Les Wexner tells House Oversight he was “supremely conned” by Epstein, denies knowledge of sex crimes

Les Wexner, billionaire founder of L Brands and former Victoria’s Secret owner, told the House Oversight Committee he was “supremely conned” by Jeffrey Epstein, had no knowledge of Epstein’s sex crimes, and cut ties nearly 20 years ago after concluding Epstein was “an abuser, a crook and a liar.” Wexner said Epstein managed his fortune for years and later repaid $100 million, amid federal records describing financial misconduct involving property deals. He also addressed speculation about Donald Trump, saying he met Trump at Victoria’s Secret fashion shows but never saw him with Epstein, did not consider them friends, and was not aware of Trump engaging in sex with anyone connected to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell.

Alysa Liu wins 2026 Olympic gold, returns from hiatus to end U.S. women’s drought

U.S. skater Alysa Liu won women’s singles gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics after returning to the sport following more than two years away. The 2025 world champion posted a season-best 147.52 in the free skate for 214.91 overall, edging Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto by less than two points, while Japan’s Ami Nakai took bronze. Liu became the first American woman to win Olympic figure skating gold since 2002, ending a 24-year drought.

“Shaun the Sheep” hands-on exhibit opens at the Please Touch Museum

A new interactive Shaun the Sheep exhibit has opened at the Please Touch Museum, designed for children ages 3 to 9, a rare and welcome use of human ingenuity for something other than optimizing pop-up ads.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Released After Arrest on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office

British police said Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and has since been released.

Oscar winners Adrian Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña will present at the 2026 Academy Awards

Adrian Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña will return to the Oscars stage as presenters at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, after winning acting awards at last year’s ceremony.

Report: Over 1,000 Kenyans and other Africans recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine

A report says Russia has deployed more than 1,000 Kenyans and other Africans to fight in Ukraine after they were recruited by agencies described as rogue.

CDC data show a decline in early prenatal care in the United States

A CDC report released Thursday found that the share of pregnant mothers who began prenatal care in the first trimester fell from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024.

Trump signs executive order promoting glyphosate, prompting backlash from the MAHA movement

President Trump issued an executive order aimed at increasing support for the herbicide glyphosate, calling it a cornerstone of U.S. agricultural productivity and the rural economy. Glyphosate is the main ingredient in Roundup, a widely used weedkiller that has faced extensive litigation, and the move has drawn criticism from the Make America Healthy Again movement.

CDC Delays Meeting of Its Vaccine Advisory Committee

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has postponed the next meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which had been scheduled for Feb. 25 to 27.

Report Claims Former Boy Band Member Was Rude to an Oscar Winner at the Grammy Awards

A report about an incident at the Grammy Awards alleges that a foreign-born former boy band member behaved so rudely toward an Oscar-winning artist that others had to step in. The names suggested are Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.

Large banner featuring President Trump displayed at the Justice Department

A large banner showing President Trump and the slogan “Make America Great Again” was unveiled Thursday at the Department of Justice. The display is not standard practice, though similar large presidential banners have been hung before.

Companies Honored for Supporting the Military Community at the Warrior Friendly Businesses Awards

At the Warrior Friendly Businesses Awards, companies were recognized for their strong commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and military families.

Durable nylon-11 film generates electricity under pressure and keeps working after repeated car runovers

RMIT University researchers developed a flexible nylon-11 film that produces electricity when compressed and continues functioning even after being run over by a car multiple times. The technology could enable self-powered road sensors and other electronic devices, and the results were published in Nature Communications.

6abc Hosts Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade Sponsor Breakfast

6abc hosted the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade sponsor breakfast Thursday, presented by the Pennsylvania Juneteenth Initiative.

Slavery Exhibit Removed Under Trump Administration Restored Ahead of Court Deadline

A slavery exhibit at the historic President’s House site in Philadelphia was restored Thursday, ahead of a Friday deadline set by U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe. The judge ordered the National Park Service to reinstall the display after finding the agency’s removal improperly suppressed key historical facts.

Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña Will Present at the Oscars

Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña are set to present awards at the Oscars on March 15, with Conan O’Brien hosting the ceremony.

New Jersey man arrested after alleged hidden camera found in barbershop bathroom

Police in Mantua Township, New Jersey, say the owner of Gino’s Barbershop reported finding a hidden “spy camera” in the shop’s restroom on Feb. 13, 2026. Investigators arrested Richard Doerrmann, 55, of Mickleton, who worked as a barber at the business and is accused of placing cameras in the bathroom multiple times. He faces charges including invasion of privacy, and police say the investigation is ongoing.

SEPTA plans service increases and station upgrades for Philadelphia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup crowds

SEPTA is ramping up service and accelerating infrastructure improvements to handle heavy travel demand during FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Philadelphia. Lincoln Financial Field—temporarily renamed “Philadelphia Stadium”—will host games from June 14 to July 4, including five group-stage matches and a Round of 16 game. SEPTA’s work includes signal and track upgrades, new signage and lighting, accessibility improvements, and new fare gates at key hubs such as City Hall and NRG stations, along with station ambassadors and coordinated service plans expected by spring.

Similarities Between Arsenal’s 2007–08 Collapse and the Current Season

Arsenal’s disappointing 2–2 draw away to Wolves on Wednesday has prompted comparisons with the team’s 2007–08 season, when a late collapse derailed their campaign. Observers say there are echoes between that downturn and current events.

Trump holds White House meeting on Iran as ally warns the US could strike within hours

Donald Trump convened senior advisers at the White House to review options after nuclear talks with Iranian diplomats stalled, amid reports that the US is considering military strikes that could begin within hours. The White House said the session was pre-scheduled, but a major US military buildup in the region—including additional fighters, refueling aircraft, and carrier groups—has fueled concerns of a wider conflict. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged citizens to leave Iran immediately, while Iran’s Supreme Leader warned the US against escalating and accused Washington of trying to dictate negotiations.

Horse Rescued After Wandering Into an Ohio Backyard Swimming Pool

Firefighters and animal rescuers in Ohio worked together to rescue a horse that wandered from its pasture and became stranded in a resident’s backyard swimming pool.

Trump says the world will know within 10 days whether an Iran deal is reached

Trump said the world will know within 10 days whether negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme produce an agreement, as the United States increases its military presence in the Middle East.

Russia May Fully Block Telegram, but Timing Remains Unclear

Russian authorities have denied reports that Telegram will be fully blocked starting 1 April, saying no decision has been made. Many Russians view the denial as a sign that tighter internet censorship and deeper digital isolation may still be on the way.

'Made in Europe' plan triggers heavy lobbying in Brussels

The EU’s proposed European preference strategy is drawing intense lobbying from both within and outside the bloc. After one delay already, the plan now faces the risk of being postponed again.

Arts panel of Trump appointees approves his proposal for a White House ballroom

A federal arts panel composed of President Donald Trump’s appointees approved his plan to build a large ballroom on the site of the former White House East Wing.

Understanding a Tara Lipinski Commercial

“I Finally Understand This Tara Lipinski Commercial” focuses on the idea that identity is shaped by one’s personal journey, especially through uncertainty. It argues that a person is not defined by trophies or achievements, but by the relationships and bonds formed along the way that help guide purpose and self-understanding.

Peru congress reshuffle puts 83-year-old Balcazar in charge

Peru’s Congress elected 83-year-old left-wing lawmaker Jose Maria Balcazar as interim president after removing Jose Jeri following corruption allegations—because nothing says “fresh start” like swapping one political headache for a slightly older one.

OpenAI told to stop calling a video tool “Cameo” (for now)

OpenAI has been temporarily prevented from using the term “Cameo” for an AI feature that generates videos from user prompts while a trademark dispute is resolved, proving once again that the future is here, and it is stuck in a naming fight.

Leaked UK Foreign Office emails shine light on collapsed Chagos talks

A cache of Foreign Office emails is presented as revealing internal details of the UK’s negotiations over a Chagos agreement that has since collapsed. The material alleges Jonathan Powell, serving as Keir Starmer’s lead negotiator, visited China and spoke at a conference described as being run by a “front organisation,” raising questions about judgement and oversight in how the talks were handled.

Premio Lo Nuestro returns to Miami with Thalia hosting again

Premio Lo Nuestro returns Thursday for its 38th edition at Miami’s Kaseya Center, with Thalia hosting for the fourth consecutive year—because if it is not broken, do not fix it, just add more sequins.

eBay to buy Depop for €1 billion to chase younger shoppers

eBay is buying Depop in a €1 billion deal to reach younger consumers and expand in the fast-growing second-hand clothing market, a reminder that “vintage” is just “used” with better lighting and a trendier app icon.

Mourinho bans Real Madrid talk as UEFA investigates alleged racist abuse

Jose Mourinho ordered a blackout on Real Madrid-related talk among his Benfica squad after their Champions League match was overshadowed by allegations that Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinicius Junior. UEFA is investigating the claim Vinicius was called a “monkey,” which Kylian Mbappe supported, while Prestianni denies it and says his words were misunderstood. Real Madrid says it has sent evidence to UEFA. Mourinho drew criticism after suggesting Vinicius’s goal celebration inflamed tensions, prompting condemnation from Kick It Out. Benfica were told to focus on their next league game against AVS, with Prestianni suspended for yellow-card accumulation.

Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84

Rev. Jesse Jackson died Tuesday at his Chicago home after a battle with a rare neurological disorder that impaired his movement and speech. His children are honoring his legacy, with memorial services set for next week.

Gen Z tweaks the Full English (black pudding gets benched)

An English breakfast staple is under threat as Gen Z diners ditch black pudding for avocado and kimchi, plus swaps like smoked salmon and even leftover curry. In a survey of 2,000 adults, 44% said their fry-up has evolved, though eggs, bacon, and sausages remain most common. The Full English still holds strong as a Sunday tradition, but regional preferences and experimental extras are on the rise.

Wales keep tinkering as Steve Tandy adjusts squad for Scotland

Wales’ outlook shifted again as Steve Tandy made further changes to his squad ahead of the match against Scotland, still trying to land on a combination that works.

Police report says Anne Burrell left a suicide note

Police said chef Anne Burrell left a suicide note the morning of her death. Investigators also reported finding journal entries described as suicidal.