Iniaes

Pension Credit claims fall 36% as DWP figures highlight unclaimed support for about one million retirees

Pension Credit claims have fallen 36% over the past year, with DWP data showing 209,735 claims submitted between 24 February 2025 and 22 February 2026—117,595 fewer than the previous 12 months—despite awareness campaigns. Officials and experts estimate close to one million eligible households still do not claim the benefit, with DWP research pointing to confusion about eligibility, including mistaken beliefs that homeownership, savings, or a working partner automatically disqualify applicants. Nearly 100,000 claims were rejected over the same period, reinforcing concerns that clearer, more targeted guidance is needed.

Graham says Iran could face a "Berlin Wall"-style turning point

Sen. Lindsey Graham said President Trump’s approach toward Iran could help trigger a historic turning point comparable to the fall of the Berlin Wall. He argued that if the United States follows through with support for Iranian protesters risking their lives, it could contribute to major political change.

6abc Philadelphia and the Red Cross to Hold Blood Drive

The 6abc Philadelphia Blood Drive, hosted with the Red Cross, will take place on March 25, 2026, at five donation locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

House Democrats to Force Vote Next Week to Limit President Trump’s War Powers in Iran

House Democrats plan to use a procedural move to force a House vote next week on a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s authority to take military action against Iran. The measure is expected to fail due to strong Republican opposition, as well as opposition from a small group of Jewish Democrats, but Democratic leaders want to put members on the record.

Memorial services for Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. begin at his civil rights organization’s Chicago headquarters

Memorial services for the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. began Thursday in Chicago, the city the late civil rights leader called home, starting at the headquarters of his civil rights organization.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Says Washington Will Be Mostly Political Theater Ahead of the Midterms

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she expects most activity in Washington, D.C., for the rest of the year to be “purely performative” and aimed at influencing voters before the midterm elections. She claimed lawmakers had discussed in internal meetings as early as January 2025 that they had only a limited window—about six to nine months—to accomplish substantive work.

Judge Orders Greenpeace to Pay About $345 Million Over Dakota Access Pipeline Protest Case

A North Dakota judge said he will order Greenpeace to pay an estimated $345 million in damages to Energy Transfer over protests tied to the Dakota Access oil pipeline. In court filings Tuesday, Judge James Gion indicated that Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA, and Greenpeace Fund Inc. would each be held responsible for paying damages.

New York Sues Valve Over Alleged Illegal Gambling Through Loot Boxes

New York state has sued Valve, claiming that randomized loot boxes in games including Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 constitute unregulated gambling by charging players for a luck-based chance to win virtual items that can carry real monetary value. The lawsuit argues Valve enables resale through the Steam Community Market and third-party marketplaces, with rare skins sometimes worth thousands of dollars. It also contends Steam Wallet proceeds function like cash on Steam and can be converted to real money indirectly, citing an investigator who bought a Steam Deck with wallet funds and resold it.

Anonymity from the Founding Era to the Digital Age

Anonymity has been part of American public debate since the nation’s earliest days, when newspapers and pamphlets in the run-up to the Revolution were filled with political essays signed with pseudonyms like “Publius,” “Brutus,” and “A Farmer.”

WRU chair says the EGM is a setback for Welsh rugby

Welsh Rugby Union chair Richard Collier-Keywood says the extraordinary general meeting represents a step backwards for Welsh rugby, arguing that reducing the number of professional teams to three is the only way to secure a sustainable future.

Plume to launch an open, vendor-neutral agentic AI platform for ISPs

Plume Design, used by more than 450 ISPs across 58 countries, says it is evolving its platform into an open, vendor-agnostic, carrier-grade agentic AI orchestration system for ISP networks and operations. The upgraded Plume Platform is designed to autonomously monitor network conditions and diagnose issues.

Private equity firm CEO sentenced to probation after attacking teen at In-N-Out over accidental water splash

Lucas Kalisher, then CEO of Boulder-based Summit Source Funding, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree assault by strangulation after grabbing a 15-year-old by the neck and throwing him to the floor at a Loveland, Colorado In-N-Out in August 2024. Police said the teen had been splashing water with friends and accidentally splashed an adult woman, then approached to apologize when Kalisher attacked. Kalisher was sentenced to 30 months of probation, 120 hours of community service, an anger management evaluation, a no-contact order, about $200 in restitution, and an apology letter; other charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.

U.S. Women’s Hockey Captain Says Trump Joke Was Distasteful

Hilary Knight, captain of the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team, said President Trump made a “distasteful” and “unfortunate” joke about the team, but stressed it shouldn’t distract from their achievements. She added that the moment highlights broader issues around how women are represented and can serve as a teaching opportunity.

Could global tensions lead Sweden to consider adopting the euro?

Sweden has been in the EU for 30 years but has kept the krona, despite being legally expected to adopt the euro eventually. A 2003 referendum rejected euro membership, and governments have avoided revisiting it, shaped by memories of Sweden’s 1990s currency crisis and a belief that monetary independence has helped economic stability. Recent economic and geopolitical uncertainty, including concerns about volatile U.S. trade policy, has prompted renewed discussion. Some argue euro membership could increase Sweden’s influence and resilience. However, public opinion remains split, parties are divided, and any change would likely require a new referendum, making continued use of the krona the most likely outcome for now.

Trump Tariff Ruling Highlights Supreme Courts as a Check on Executive Power

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on February 20 that Donald Trump’s tariffs imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful, reaffirming that Congress—not the president—controls taxation and trade powers. Trump condemned the justices and said he would try again using Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to set a 15% global tariff, though that authority would be time-limited unless Congress extends it. The episode is framed as part of a broader pattern in which top courts in democracies, including the UK’s Supreme Court blocking Boris Johnson’s Parliament suspension and Israel’s Supreme Court curbing parts of judicial overhaul efforts, act as a key institutional check when leaders attempt to bypass legislatures.

Pro-Palestinian protest targets Paramount during “Scream 7” premiere

About 25 demonstrators rallied outside Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles during the “Scream 7” world premiere, urging a boycott after actress Melissa Barrera was dismissed over Israel-Hamas war posts that the company said violated its zero-tolerance stance on antisemitism and hate. The protest, organized by Entertainment Labor for Palestine, CODEPINK LA, and Jewish Voice for Peace Los Angeles, accused the studio of blacklisting performers critical of Israel. Director Kevin Williamson said he supported the protesters’ right to demonstrate as the film moves forward after multiple high-profile departures.

Japan’s AI “robot monk” debuts at Kyoto temple

Japan is testing an AI robot monk called “Buddharoid” at a Kyoto temple, where it answers visitors’ personal questions and sparks debate over how technology should, or should not, fit into religious guidance and faith.

Boxing contender Ruben Castillo dies at 68

The World Boxing Council confirmed the death of Ruben Castillo, 68, a Texas-born contender from the late 1970s and early 1980s who compiled a 67-10-2 record and a 43-fight unbeaten run. He lost a WBC super featherweight title bid to Alexis Arguello in 1980, later challenged Salvador Sanchez, fought Julio Cesar Chavez, returned from retirement in 1989 and 1995, and worked as a broadcaster alongside Chick Hearn. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, family members, and fans paid tribute.

NANOG thread argues AS-SET data is shaky, SLURM can add safeguards

In a NANOG discussion posted Feb. 26, Saku Ytti describes three common uses of AS-SET data: generating prefix-lists, building AS-PATH filters, and filling RPKI coverage gaps with SLURM entries. The post argues validation is only as good as the underlying AS-SET data, described as poor, but that it does not weaken checks for prefixes already covered by RPKI. The SLURM approach adds an extra safeguard by also verifying that a prefix’s origin matches the expected origin from routing registry data, not just that it arrived on the correct session.

Penny Lancaster says Rod Stewart stays vigilant after cancer diagnoses

Penny Lancaster said Rod Stewart closely monitors his health after thyroid cancer in 2000 and prostate cancer in 2017, and is now in remission. Speaking on “Loose Women,” she said he is proactive with check-ups and fitness, including gym training and underwater swimming to build lung capacity, and noted that a cancer diagnosis can leave a lasting psychological shadow even after recovery. Stewart continues touring despite recent health setbacks and surgeries.

Deadly flooding and landslides hit Brazil’s Minas Gerais

Minas Gerais state in Brazil is reeling after torrential rains triggered severe flooding and landslides that killed at least 46 people. Thousands have been displaced as mud and debris swept through towns, damaging homes and destroying local businesses.

Margarida Corceiro comments on Lando Norris post after breakup

Margarida Corceiro made her first public interaction with Lando Norris since their breakup by leaving a playful “Nice pjs, u welcome” comment on his Instagram post during the winter break. The split surfaced during pre-season testing in Bahrain, when Norris told Carlos Sainz he was single, after an on-and-off relationship that began in 2023.

Prince Harry and Meghan visit Jordan meeting Gaza evacuees

Jordan welcomed Prince Harry and Meghan as they met patients evacuated from Gaza during a WHO-supported humanitarian visit focused on mental health, recovery, and health care.

US plans passport services in West Bank settlements

The United States plans to offer passport services for the first time in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move expected to draw criticism from foreign governments and human rights advocates.

Critical Vulnerabilities in Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager

Vulnerabilities in Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager (formerly SD-WAN vManage) could let an attacker gain system access, escalate privileges to root, access sensitive information, and overwrite arbitrary files. Cisco has released software updates to fix the issues, and there are no workarounds. The security impact is rated Critical, with CVEs CVE-2026-20122, CVE-2026-20126, CVE-2026-20128, CVE-2026-20129, and CVE-2026-20133.

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Controller Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Cisco has disclosed a critical vulnerability (CVE-2026-20127) affecting Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Controller (formerly vSmart) and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager (formerly vManage) that could let an unauthenticated remote attacker bypass peering authentication and gain high-privilege administrative access. By sending crafted requests, an attacker could log in as an internal non-root privileged account, access NETCONF, and manipulate SD-WAN fabric network configuration. Cisco has released software updates to fix the issue, and no workarounds are available.

Cisco APIC Denial-of-Service Vulnerability in Object Model CLI

Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) has a denial-of-service vulnerability in its Object Model CLI component that could let an authenticated local user with any CLI-capable role trigger an unexpected device reload. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and can be exploited by entering crafted CLI commands. Cisco has released software updates to fix the problem, and no workarounds are available. The security impact is rated Medium (CVE-2026-20107).

NJDOT Workers Rescue Two Men from an Overturned Truck on Route 295 in West Deptford

A truck overturned off Route 295 in West Deptford and ended up in a stream. NJDOT workers helped rescue two men from the partially submerged vehicle.

AccuWeather Forecast: Significant Melting Expected

AccuWeather says mild air will linger into the weekend, bringing plenty of melting.

Quakertown School Board to Address Violent Clash Between Police and Students

The Quakertown School District is expected to address last week’s violent encounter between police and students during an anti-ICE protest.

Accuser Speaks After Former Officer Charged With Child Rape Dies in Shootout

A woman whose allegations sparked the investigation says she is grappling with conflicting emotions after the former officer accused of child rape was killed in a shootout, leaving the case to end without a trial.

The Controversy Over Enslaved People Held at the First White House

The President’s House controversy centers on nine enslaved men and women held by George Washington at the first White House, focusing debate on their lives and the legacy surrounding that site.

Philadelphia Board of Education to Vote on $2.8 Billion Facilities Master Plan

The Philadelphia Board of Education is scheduled to vote on a $2.8 billion Facilities Master Plan, which has faced strong opposition from parents, students, and the teachers' union.

Philadelphia’s Oyster House Wins the James Beard “America’s Classics” Award

Philadelphia’s Oyster House has received the James Beard “America’s Classics” award. The James Beard Foundation called it “legendary” and described it as the “last of its generation.”

Met Gala Announces 2026 Dress Code: "Fashion is Art"

Vogue reports that the Met Gala’s 2026 dress code will be “Fashion is Art.”

Mexican search collectives join hunt for Savannah Guthrie’s mother in Arizona

Mexican mothers experienced in searching for missing people are joining Arizona and federal authorities in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” host Savannah Guthrie.

GB News host claims Downing Street misled newsroom and Parliament over Starmer legal work

GB News presenter Patrick Christys alleges Downing Street provided inaccurate information about Sir Keir Starmer’s past legal work, including whether he worked alongside lawyer Phil Shiner. He says court records and other documents later showed Starmer had been involved in related cases, leading the Veterans Minister to return to Parliament and apologise for misleading MPs. Christys argues the handling was aimed at limiting political damage over Starmer’s involvement in Iraq War era cases, because nothing says “transparent government” like making someone come back later to say, “Sorry, we accidentally briefed everyone with nonsense.”

Trump announces new Iran sanctions ahead of nuclear talks

On the eve of nuclear talks, Donald Trump announced new U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian individuals, companies, and ships accused of supporting illicit oil sales and Iran’s ballistic missile programs, which is one way to set a cordial mood for diplomacy, like bringing a megaphone to a library.

Martin Lewis urges ex energy customers to check for unclaimed credit, Ofgem says £240m sits in closed accounts

Martin Lewis is urging anyone who switched energy supplier in the past five years, especially former customers of Octopus Energy, British Gas and EDF, to check old accounts for unclaimed credit. Ofgem says around £240 million is sitting in closed accounts, and suppliers may not contact ex customers. Separately, new Ofgem rules mean some customers of British Gas, Octopus, EDF and Ovo may automatically receive £40 compensation if smart meter installation or fault resolution standards are missed. Lewis also warns people to beware unsolicited refund approaches that could be scams, because the only thing more reliable than a utility billing error is a stranger offering to “help” you claim it.

Former U.S. Air Force officer arrested for allegedly providing defense services to China

The Department of Justice said Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, was arrested in Jeffersonville, Indiana, for allegedly providing “defense services” to Chinese military forces.

Sinkhole swallows cars near University of Nebraska–Omaha, no injuries reported

Security camera footage showed a road collapse at 67th and Pacific Streets near the University of Nebraska–Omaha, dropping two vehicles several feet into a sinkhole. The occupants got out before emergency crews arrived, no injuries were reported, and a water main reportedly broke. Officials warned the hole could expand and the street may remain closed for several days, because infrastructure maintenance is apparently a “surprise me” genre now.

Met Gala 2026 dress code reportedly set to “Fashion is Art”

Vogue reports the Met Gala’s 2026 dress code will be “Fashion is Art,” which should help attendees justify arriving dressed like a chandelier that won a custody battle.

Tchouaméni calls Real Madrid win a victory against racism

After Real Madrid beat Benfica, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni said the result was a victory for everyone who stands against racism.

Study finds large language models can deanonymize internet users faster than humans

Researchers found that large language models can deanonymize internet users more efficiently than human investigators, including people using pseudonyms, raising concerns that AI is accelerating the erosion of online privacy, because apparently we needed the future to make lurking both scalable and automated.

FBI searches home of LAUSD superintendent and district headquarters

FBI agents searched the home of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and also searched the district’s headquarters.

UN: Arab region shows gradual recovery, growth seen at 3.7%

A new UN report says the Arab region is clawing back toward economic recovery, with growth projected to hit 3.7% this year, despite conflicts and the usual global chaos humans insist on scheduling like it’s a quarterly meeting.

California parole board again backs release for man convicted in child abduction, sexual assault case

California’s parole board reaffirmed that David Allen Funston, 64, is suitable for release under the state’s elderly parole program, despite 1999 convictions on 16 felony counts involving child abductions and sexual assaults of victims under 7. After Gov. Gavin Newsom sent the case back for more review, the board reaffirmed its decision in February 2026, sparking fierce objections from the Sacramento County sheriff, prosecutors, and survivors who say he remains a serious risk and are trying to block his release. Former prosecutors want him evaluated under California’s violent predator law for possible civil commitment, while state officials say eligibility is set by statute and point to low recidivism rates for elderly parolees.

Trump delivers record-long State of the Union, touts a “golden age”

In “Unpacking Trump’s State of the Union Address,” President Donald Trump spoke to a joint session of Congress for 1 hour and 47 minutes, reportedly the longest State of the Union on record. He portrayed the country as entering a “golden age of America,” tying the pitch to the approaching 250th anniversary and framing his first year back in office around that theme, because nothing says “modesty” like giving your own era a commemorative plaque.

Ex-gamekeeper convicted of murdering former colleague in Perthshire

Former head gamekeeper David Campbell, 77, was found guilty of murdering ex-colleague Brian Low, shot dead on 16 February 2024 near Pitilie in Perthshire. Prosecutors said Campbell disabled CCTV at his Aberfeldy home, traveled with a shotgun, and carried out a premeditated attack tied to a long-running grievance. Low, walking his dog, died at the scene. Campbell received a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years, and police later apologised to Low’s family after the death was initially treated as non-suspicious for five days.

“Roots of the Rockies” explores Colorado beyond the postcard version

“Roots of the Rockies: Reclaiming Colorado’s Past to Understand Its Future” argues Colorado is more than peaks, gold-rush myths, and ski-town branding. A World of Travel episode highlights the state’s deeper history of homeland, migration, resilience, and reinvention—the parts that don’t fit on a souvenir mug.

Humble and Child’s Play mark 15 years, $15 million raised for hospitalized children

Since the first Humble Indie Bundle in 2010, Humble and Seattle-based charity Child’s Play have partnered to support hospitalized children. Over 15 years, the Humble community has raised more than $15 million for items like game consoles and accessible controllers to help reduce stress during hospital stays—an uncharacteristically wholesome use of the internet.

Cuba says border guard killed four on US-registered speedboat

Cuba reported that a border guard shot and killed four people aboard a US-registered speedboat near an island off the country’s northern coast. Six other passengers were wounded.

Federal authorities execute search warrants tied to LAUSD superintendent

Federal authorities are executing search warrants involving Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, including at LAUSD headquarters and his home. The district said it is aware of the law enforcement activity and is cooperating with the investigation.

Former Part-Time Officer Killed in Police Shooting Near Philadelphia

A former part-time police officer wanted on child rape charges was fatally shot by police in Bala Cynwyd after an early Wednesday officer-involved shooting. The incident is now under investigation by Montgomery County police.

Digital Estate Planning Guidance (Consumer Reports)

Consumer Reports outlines steps for creating a digital estate plan, including organizing access to online accounts and key information to better support loved ones in case of a medical emergency or death.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 Performer Nominees Announced

Seventeen artists are on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 performer ballot, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross, and Shakira. First-time nominees include Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, New Edition, Pink, and the Wu-Tang Clan, with Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, The Black Crowes, and Oasis returning. Inductees will be announced in April after voting by more than 1,200 voters, with additional honorees selected by committees.

House Democrats Say DOJ Withholding FBI Records Tied to 2019 Trump Allegation

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee argue the Justice Department is withholding FBI documents related to a 2019 allegation that Donald Trump sexually assaulted a minor in the 1980s. They say the materials should have been included in public releases under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The DOJ denies any cover-up, saying it has produced responsive documents aside from duplicates, privileged materials, or records tied to ongoing investigations, and says any temporary removals are for redactions before restoration. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged in connection with Epstein.

Microsoft Warns of Malicious Git Repos Targeting Next.js Developers

Microsoft says attackers are planting malicious Git repositories disguised as legitimate interview or coding-test projects, targeting Next.js developers. A limited number have been tied to real compromises, and the malware is designed to steal secrets while communicating with command-and-control servers.

Philadelphia Gay News Marks 50th Anniversary

The Philadelphia Gay News celebrated its 50th anniversary, with celebrities and dignitaries gathering at the National Constitution Center to honor the longtime newspaper serving Philadelphia’s LGBT community.

England Scrum-Half Alex Mitchell Out for Remainder of Six Nations

England’s first-choice scrum-half, Alex Mitchell, has been ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations campaign with a hamstring injury.

UK Says Chagos Islands Talks Not Paused Amid US Concerns

The UK government says talks on the Chagos Islands agreement have not been paused, clarifying remarks from a minister. The statement follows comments that the UK is discussing US concerns after President Trump criticized the deal.

Illinois Democrat Robin Kelly Criticizes Trump’s SOTU Segment Honoring Service Members

Rep. Robin Kelly, an Illinois Democrat running for her party’s 2026 Senate nomination, mocked President Donald Trump’s State of the Union segment honoring service members, saying on a livestream it felt “like an award show.” During the address, Trump presented five military awards, including Purple Hearts to two West Virginia National Guardsmen wounded in a 2025 shooting, one posthumously, Medals of Honor to two pilots, and a Legion of Merit to a Coast Guard petty officer for flood rescue efforts.

Anti-Prison Group Makes Panel Video Private After Controversial Comments

Believers Bail Out, an Illinois-based anti-prison organization, made a panel discussion video private after activist Dhoruba bin Wahad paraphrased a passage describing killing Jews and connected it to his political views about Israel. The panel also included former inmates and veteran activists Jalil Muntaqim and Jihad Abdulmumit discussing revolutionary politics and tactics such as mass labor strikes. Defending Rights and Dissent and Believers Bail Out did not respond to requests for comment.

Zuffa Boxing’s 93-Fighter Roster Raises Questions About Andy Ruiz Jr.’s Status

Zuffa Boxing released a 93-fighter roster in a black-and-white graphic to signal the size of its long-anticipated move into professional boxing. The rollout quickly prompted speculation after former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. was not included, raising questions about his current relationship with the promotion.

Fields of study most likely to lead to closely related jobs

With so many training and degree options available, the key question is how often graduates end up working in roles closely related to what they studied—and which fields most consistently translate into matching jobs.

Supreme Court ruling limits Trump’s authority to impose tariffs under emergency powers

A Supreme Court decision restricting President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs is pushing the administration to rely on other laws to pursue its trade policy.

Smart meter rules could trigger automatic £40 payments for eligible UK households

A new UK-wide rule change means energy suppliers must automatically pay £40 compensation in certain smart meter cases, without customers having to make a claim. Payments apply if a household waits more than six weeks for an appointment, if an installation fails due to issues within the supplier’s control, or if the supplier does not provide a clear action plan within five working days after a meter problem is reported. Ofgem says the changes are intended to improve supplier performance and protect consumers when installations or fixes go wrong.

A Proposed Fix to the First Step Act After Bureau of Prisons Implementation Failures

A proposed fix for the First Step Act follows allegations that the Bureau of Prisons mismanaged its rollout, leaving tens of thousands of inmates incarcerated for months beyond what the law allows. The delays have cost taxpayers billions and reduced the pre-release custody capacity needed to carry out the law as intended.

Army pilot wounded in Maduro raid receives the Medal of Honor during Trump speech

During a speech by Donald Trump, Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Trump said Slover served as the pilot of the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter in a raid targeting Nicolás Maduro, during which Slover was wounded.

UK border digitization policy leaves some dual British nationals unable to enter without a UK passport

The UK government says its move to digitize border and immigration checks is a major change for millions of travelers. As the Home Office overhauls travel documentation, some British citizens with dual nationality are being refused entry to the UK unless they present a British passport or pay £589 for a certificate.

Five notable moments from Trump’s State of the Union address

In a record-length address to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump promoted his vision of a “golden age of America,” highlighted his administration’s achievements, and criticized Democrats, while facing low approval ratings and ongoing economic concerns.

Badenoch says some of Starmer’s MPs have called Labour the “paedophile defenders” party

Kemi Badenoch claimed that MPs in Keir Starmer’s own party have described Labour as the “paedophile defenders” party, a remark that drew a hostile response from Labour MPs in Parliament.

Spiro expands electric motorcycle operations in Africa

Electric motorcycle maker Spiro is accelerating its African expansion after raising $50 million in debt financing led by the African Export-Import Bank. The Dubai-headquartered company plans to increase motorbike sales and battery production, adding to its network of about 80,000 bikes and 2,500 battery-swapping stations across Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Togo, and Uganda, while moving into Cameroon with planned full operations in Douala. Spiro says demand is strongest in East Africa, where governments are promoting EV adoption, while it is reassessing strategy in Nigeria as fuel supply dynamics shift.

Why the Druzhba (“Friendship”) oil pipeline is dividing Europe

Watch the video: The Soviet-built Druzhba (“Friendship”) pipeline, constructed in the 1960s to supply oil to Warsaw Pact countries and one of the world’s longest pipelines, is now a major source of division across Europe.

Former adviser says Peter Mandelson arrest could damage Keir Starmer for years

Former political adviser Oscar Reddrop told GB News that Lord Peter Mandelson’s arrest could cause lasting political damage for Keir Starmer and a Labour government. Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Monday and released on bail early Tuesday. His lawyers said the arrest came despite an agreement for a voluntary interview next month and called police claims that he was preparing to leave the country “baseless,” saying he intends to cooperate and clear his name.

Polish officials say Russia and Belarus are using underground tunnels to move migrants into Europe as part of hybrid tactics

Polish officials claim Russia, working through Belarus, is sending migrants into the European Union via underground tunnels, describing it as an escalation of “instrumentalised migration” used to pressure and destabilise NATO states. They allege the tunnels were designed and dug with help from skilled specialists from the Middle East, while Bulgaria’s interior minister said Russian security services are aiding illegal migration into Britain and other European countries. UK officials said hostile states, alongside smuggling networks, are driving illegal migration and called for stronger international cooperation and support for border security.

Brazil Landslides: 43 Missing After Heavy Rain in Minas Gerais

Brazil is dealing with deadly flooding and landslides in the state of Minas Gerais after record rainfall hit the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá, leaving 43 people missing.

Robot dogs and drones assist inspections at a metro station in China

A metro station in China has introduced the country’s first full-space “robot cluster,” using robot dogs and drones to support staff, speed up critical train inspections, and improve passenger safety.

Championship club issues brief statement after sacking manager six weeks into the job

West Bromwich Albion sacked head coach Eric Ramsay just six weeks into the role following a nine-match winless run that saw them slip from 18th to 21st, one place above the relegation zone. The club issued a brief statement. Assistant head coach Dennis Lawrence also left, and first-team coach James Morrison will take charge on an interim basis starting with the trip to Oxford United.

Greece named the world’s leading destination for dock-and-dine tourism

Greece has been ranked the top global destination for dock-and-dine tourism, according to a BoatBooker study that placed it first for gastronomic spots accessible only by sea.

Poland Commemorates Four Years Since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine in Warsaw

Poland is marking four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Warsaw, as crowds gathered to call for continued Western support, reaffirm Ukraine’s sovereignty, and declare that Crimea is part of Ukraine.

Martin Short’s family confirms death of his daughter Katherine Hartley Short, 42, and requests privacy

Martin Short’s family has confirmed that his eldest daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died at age 42 and has asked for privacy while grieving. The Los Angeles County coroner ruled her death a suicide after authorities conducted a welfare check at her Hollywood Hills home. Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker who worked in mental health care, and Short has postponed an upcoming performance with Steve Martin following the loss.

Trump Presents Two Medals of Honor During the State of the Union Address

During Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, to two American service members.

Philadelphia man finds his car filled with snow after accidentally opening the windows with his key fob

A Philadelphia man discovered his car packed with snow after a key fob mishap opened the windows remotely, leaving the vehicle exposed to the weather.

Theft at a Center City Philadelphia bar leads to $8,000 in fraudulent charges, victim says

A victim says a night out with friends at a Center City Philadelphia bar ended with their phone and credit cards being stolen, followed by about $8,000 in fraudulent charges.

In Democratic response, Spanberger accuses Trump of lying in the State of the Union

In the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Trump misled the public and failed to address Americans’ concerns. She argued his trade policies have raised family costs, criticized the Republican-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act as threatening rural health care and increasing living expenses, and condemned immigration enforcement tactics she said involve unaccountable federal agents and improper detentions. Spanberger also attacked Trump’s foreign policy as favoring rivals and adversaries, and accused him of corruption, citing crypto ventures and the handling of the Epstein files.

Rep. Al Green Escorted Out After Protesting During Trump’s Address to Congress

Rep. Al Green was escorted out of the House chamber Tuesday night after protesting during President Donald Trump’s primetime address to Congress. Green stood near the podium holding a sign reading, “Black people aren’t apes!” and refused to sit or lower it after Trump began speaking, prompting Capitol security to remove him. The episode mirrored last year’s address, when Green was ejected for repeated interruptions and later censured by the House. Afterward, Green said he was willing to accept punishment and framed the protest as opposition to Trump’s policy goals, including potential cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

Two students sentenced to prison for killing a sheep with fireworks

Two students, Leighton Ashby, 22, and Oakley Hollands, 20, were jailed after a prolonged attack on a sheep near Ditchling Beacon in the South Downs in November 2023. Prosecutors said they chased, punched, and kicked the animal for about 30 minutes before inserting fireworks into its mouth and anus, killing and mutilating it, while Hollands filmed and encouraged the violence. Both pleaded guilty; Ashby was sentenced to two years in prison and Hollands to 20 months in a young offenders’ institution, with the judge calling the conduct callous and sadistic.

HP says memory now makes up 35% of PC component costs, up from last quarter

HP Inc. says memory now accounts for about 35% of the materials cost to build a PC, up from roughly 15 to 18% last quarter, and expects RAM’s share to keep rising through the year. The company is accelerating qualification of new suppliers to bring lower-cost parts into its PCs faster.

Trump says 'America is back' in a lengthy State of the Union address

President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday, declaring that “America is back” and offering an optimistic assessment of the country.

UK Government to Publish Confidential Documents on Prince Andrew’s Appointment as Trade Envoy

The UK government is set to release confidential documents related to Prince Andrew’s appointment as a trade envoy after lawmakers approved a motion Tuesday requiring their publication. The move follows the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on charges tied to allegations that he shared government reports with Jeffrey Epstein during his time in the role.

Fire Destroys Lindenwold Apartment Building, Displacing Eight Families

A fire destroyed an apartment building in Lindenwold, forcing eight families to leave their homes. Everyone escaped safely, including 81-year-old Russ Hume, a former volunteer firefighter of nearly 40 years, who said he called 911.