Iniaes

Trump Says He Wants to Raise Proposed Global Tariff to 15% From 10%

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants to increase a proposed global tariff to 15%, up from the 10% rate he announced the previous day.

New lottery game offering $1 million a year for life to launch in 30 states and Washington, D.C.

A new lottery game is set to launch in 30 states and Washington, D.C., with a top prize advertised as $1 million a year for life. It will operate similarly to Powerball and Mega Millions, but includes some differences in how the game is structured and played.

Pennsylvania Suburbs Declare Snow Emergencies Ahead of Major Winter Storm

Communities across suburban Pennsylvania have declared snow emergencies in preparation for a major winter storm expected to arrive Sunday and continue into Monday. Residents are urged to check local listings for affected areas.

Trump says he will raise global tariffs to 15%

Trump said he will raise newly announced global tariffs from 10% to 15%, after the Supreme Court struck down most of his previous tariffs on Friday.

Police Body Camera Shows Rescue of Man from Burning Home in Ocean County

Police body camera footage shows officers in Ocean County rescuing a man escaping a house fire by jumping from a balcony. Officers positioned themselves to catch him and bring him to safety.

How Heavy Internet and Short-Form Video Use Can Affect the Brain

Research suggests heavy use of short-form video platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is associated with worse attention and memory and higher anxiety. A 2025 longitudinal study of more than 7,000 children found that greater screen use correlated with reduced cortical thickness in brain regions involved in higher-level thinking, impulse control, and addictive behavior, and was also linked with more ADHD symptoms. However, studies indicate impacts vary by activity: removing social media while allowing general phone use did not produce the same negative effects, suggesting what people do on screens matters more than total time.

DHS Plans to Provide Tailored Suits for Secret Service Protective Detail

The Department of Homeland Security says the Trump administration will fund two tailored suits for U.S. Secret Service agents assigned to protective detail duties. The plan, reported by CNN and reflected in a public contract solicitation, followed comments from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem expressing dissatisfaction with the agents’ current appearance.

Trump raises global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court ruling against earlier tariffs

Trump said he will increase a worldwide tariff to 15% after the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that most of his earlier import tariffs were illegal. He criticized the decision and said his administration will work in the coming months to set new tariffs it says are legally permissible.

London Bridge attack first responder dismissed over offensive messages about Traveller communities

Detective Constable Mark Luker of the British Transport Police, who was among the first officers at the 2017 London Bridge terror attack, has been dismissed for gross misconduct after sending WhatsApp messages using derogatory terms and jokes about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. A misconduct panel found the comments deliberately linked Irish Travellers to theft and concluded he likely knew the language was especially offensive, even though it accepted he was not inherently racist.

Nor’easter Targets Philadelphia Region

AccuWeather is tracking a nor’easter forecast to smack most of the Philadelphia area with major impacts, while coastal zones are under a blizzard warning. Winter, once again, is applying for the job of “regional bully” and interviewing extremely well.

Hungary Launches Parliamentary Campaign Season

Parliamentary election campaigning is underway in Hungary, and candidates plus their supporting organisations have two weeks to gather the required voter signatures to qualify. Nothing says “vibrant democracy” like speed running paperwork with a stopwatch.

Sierra Nevada Avalanche Recovery Efforts Continue

Officials in California’s Sierra Nevada are working to reduce the risk of additional avalanches after a deadly slide, so recovery teams can safely reach and recover the victims. The focus remains on safety and respecting the dead, in terrain that does not do second chances.

Arne Slot Shrugs Off Rooney’s “Aura” Critique

Liverpool manager Arne Slot responded to Wayne Rooney’s claim that he lacks the “aura” for Anfield, saying success is what creates presence and noting that both he and Jurgen Klopp have won league titles. Slot also questioned how widely Rooney’s view is shared, while Rooney warned pressure could rise if Liverpool miss Champions League qualification, with Liverpool currently sixth ahead of a trip to Nottingham Forest and improved league form of late.

Referee Appointment Draws Fresh Scrutiny

Referee Matthew Carley, appointed for Wales vs Scotland, has previously been criticised by a BBC presenter over his officiating. Nothing spices up a match like the pre-game subplot, “Will the whistle be the main character?”

eCryptfs Shows Surprise Signs of Life Ahead of Linux 7.0

The in-kernel stackable filesystem eCryptfs, known for per-directory encryption, is seeing an unusual uptick in development activity ahead of Linux 7.0 after years of quiet. This comes as alternatives like fscrypt across multiple filesystems and full-disk encryption have become more prominent, and as Ubuntu has largely moved away from home-directory encryption efforts, so yes, the old tool is polishing its resume.

Baby Monkey “Punch” Drives Zoo Tourism in Japan

A baby monkey named Punch has gone viral, drawing attention and prompting visitors to travel to a zoo in Japan to see him in person. The internet has once again identified the one true economic development plan: cute animal content with a face you cannot argue with.

Maro Itoje Receives Message From Father After Mother’s Death

England captain Maro Itoje received a poignant message from his father, Efe Itoje, following the death of Maro’s mother ahead of the Six Nations. It is a reminder that behind the headlines and fixtures, grief does not check the calendar.

ATS Euromaster Plans UK Wind-Down, Hundreds of Jobs at Risk

Car garage chain ATS Euromaster confirmed plans to wind down UK operations after significant financial losses, putting 703 roles at risk across its head office, call centre, and 103 sites. The company proposes selling 35 locations to Formula One Autocentres and 14 to S&M Tyres (Elite Garages), with affected sites staying open during consultation until 30 April 2026 and final trading set for 1 May 2026 if approved, corporate strategy by spreadsheet, human cost by reality.

Wales captain impressed as fans praise emerging new players

Wales’s captain was left speechless by the surge of promising new talent, with supporters praising the emerging players after Wales Under-20s confirmed their strength and depth in a convincing Friday-night win over Scotland.

Cuba’s health minister says U.S. oil restrictions are straining the country’s healthcare system

Cuba’s health minister warns that U.S. restrictions on oil supplies are leaving hospitals unable to function properly, putting thousands of lives at risk and pushing the country toward what he describes as a potential humanitarian crisis.

Update for Readers

The publisher says they underwent emergency hernia surgery on Wednesday but faced complications after aspirating during the procedure, which burned their lungs and required breathing tubes and two days of sedation. They expect to remain hospitalized for a few more days, warn that updates will be slower than usual, and thank Chris Riback for stepping in during their recovery.

On This Day, Feb. 21: The New Yorker Magazine Was Published for the First Time

On Feb. 21, 1925, the first issue of The New Yorker was published.

Olympics Live Updates: U.S. Athletes Pursue Gold as Ilia Malinin Returns for Gala

Live updates follow a busy slate as U.S. athletes compete across multiple events, including the ski mountaineering mixed relay, the U.S. women’s curling team in the bronze medal game against Canada, and speed skater Jordan Stolz in the men’s mass start. Two-woman heats continue with three American teams still in medal contention, including Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries. Figure skater Ilia Malinin returns to the ice for the gala, joined by other U.S. skaters including Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito.

Famous Birthdays for Feb. 21: Sophie Turner and Anthony Daniels

Famous birthdays for Feb. 21 include actor Sophie Turner turning 30 and actor Anthony Daniels turning 80.

US strengthens ties with Central Asia through new investment agreements

The United States is expanding its economic engagement with Central Asia, with Kazakhstan signing investment agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars during the Kazakh president’s visit to Washington.

Pennsylvania News Quiz: Public Funds for Security at Gov. Shapiro’s Private Home and the DHS Shutdown

The Great PA News Quiz highlights the week’s major developments, including scrutiny over publicly funded security upgrades at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private home, the DHS shutdown, a ruling tied to the removal of a Trump-related slavery exhibit, and a record-setting Girl Scout cookie sale.

Guido’s Most Read Stories This Week

Guido reported weekly traffic of 901,697 visitors across 872,673 visits, generating 895,890 page views. The most read and shared items included a report that No. 10’s political team opposed the proposed Chagos deal as a “boys club” and urged Keir Starmer to reverse course as Powell departed Labour, as well as coverage of Labour reversing its position on local election cancellations after a Reform legal challenge, and Labour’s plans related to the Chagos Islands.

Three Killed in U.S. Strike on Suspected Drug-Trafficking Boat in the Pacific

The U.S. military said it struck a boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean late Friday after intelligence identified it as a drug-trafficking vessel, killing three people on board. U.S. Southern Command said the boat was traveling along known maritime routes used for narcotics trafficking.

Hyundai under pressure in Canada’s submarine procurement bid

Hyundai’s South Korea–backed bid for Canada’s next-generation submarine program is drawing scrutiny as the competition broadens beyond military capability to include expectations for industrial investment and wider economic benefits in Canada.

Uncertainty After Trump Announces New Tariff Plan

Uncertainty is rising after Trump said he would impose a 10% global tariff for 150 days under Section 122, an emergency provision.

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Sunday into Monday in the Philadelphia Region

AccuWeather reports a Winter Storm Watch for the Philadelphia region from Sunday into Monday, with accumulating snow expected after a sunnier start to the weekend on Saturday.

Two children hospitalized after a fire in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood

Two children were taken to the hospital after a fire in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood.

High School Principal Issues Ultimatum to Students Who Walked Out to Protest

Wilson High School in Spring Township, Pennsylvania, saw about 60 students leave class for an anti-ICE demonstration after a planned event was canceled. In a viral video, Principal Daniel Weber told students to return to class or have their names taken and face suspension for leaving without permission. The district said any discipline would be based on violating school procedures and safety protocols, not students’ viewpoints, as similar anti-ICE walkouts nationwide have raised concerns about supervision, safety, and escalating confrontations.

The View Panelists Argue About Trump During Black History Month

A segment on The View about President Donald Trump’s Black History Month event at the White House escalated into an on-air dispute between guest co-host Savannah Chrisley and panelist Sunny Hostin. Chrisley defended Trump against accusations of racism, citing personal experience and arguing a staffer was responsible for a controversial Truth Social post, while Hostin repeatedly called Trump racist and pointed to his attacks on DEI programs, past comments and actions, and the Obama-related post. Whoopi Goldberg joined in to explain the panel’s criticisms, later trying to de-escalate, as the White House spokesperson issued a statement defending Trump’s record and attacking Hostin.

CBS correspondent presses Karoline Leavitt for examples of claims Trump was falsely labeled racist

CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to cite examples of when President Donald Trump was “falsely” accused of racism, after Trump’s statement on the death of Jesse Jackson included a complaint about being repeatedly called a racist. Leavitt, visibly incredulous, said she could provide “a plethora” of examples and argued that Democrats and media figures have long leveled the charge. The exchange underscored a recurring political dispute dating back to Trump’s 2015 campaign and continuing through later controversies and campaign-cycle comparisons.

Joe Rogan Criticizes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Proposed 2027 Budget on His Podcast

On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan sharply criticized Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed $127 billion fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on a reported $1.2 billion allocation for migrants. Rogan and guest Michael Malice argued over how cities should respond to the migrant situation, with Malice emphasizing basic humanitarian needs and Rogan advocating for work or removal from the country. Separately, The Washington Post editorial board also criticized the proposal, citing tax increases, expanded social spending, and concerns about the scale and efficiency of city government.

South Jersey Residents Rush to Buy Salt Ahead of Another Snowstorm

As another snowstorm approaches, South Jersey residents are rushing to buy rock salt and ice melt, but many hardware stores are running low or out of stock, leaving customers searching for whatever supplies remain.

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.