Iniaes

Elbit Systems lands $277 million export deal for 30 mm turrets

Elbit Systems said on Feb. 18, 2026, it secured contracts worth about $277 million from an international customer to supply 30 mm turrets and associated munitions. The multi-year deal is a fresh export order in the company’s land combat systems portfolio.

Drivers say fuel prices still top their worries, despite “Fuel Finder”

A survey found 36% of motorists say rising petrol and diesel prices are their biggest worry for the year ahead, even after the Government launched the “Fuel Finder” scheme. New CMA-backed rules require forecourts to share pump prices with a central database for near real-time comparisons, and ministers claim this could save households about £40 a year. Other concerns included insurance costs at 32% and pothole damage at 23%, plus maintenance, road tax, and new-car prices. The fuel duty freeze is due to end in September, adding uncertainty.

Sweden ranks third globally in military assistance to Ukraine in 2025

Sweden ranked third worldwide in military assistance to Ukraine in 2025, both by total support and by the share of GDP devoted to the aid, according to data cited by Sweden’s Embassy in Ukraine from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. The embassy said the level reflects strong political commitment.

Ex-HSBC asset management executive banned from trains after “doughnutting” fraud

Former HSBC Global Asset Management executive Joseph Molloy has been banned from Southeastern trains for a year after admitting fraud tied to a “doughnutting” ticket tactic used to avoid paying part of his commute from Orpington to Canary Wharf. Prosecutors said he did it at least 740 times over 11 months, saving £5,911 by using smartcards obtained with false details and claiming discounted fares. He received a 10-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, 80 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £5,000 compensation.

Bulgaria takes delivery of first Stryker armored vehicles

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defense said five Stryker armored vehicles arrived at the port of Burgas on Feb. 14, 2026. The shipment begins deliveries under the country’s military modernization program and is the first phase of a larger international procurement effort.

Report, Lagarde weighing early exit from ECB post

Christine Lagarde is reportedly considering stepping down as President of the European Central Bank before her term ends in October 2027, with sources saying the move could be intended to secure a successor ahead of France’s upcoming elections.

US ambassador says Trump team pushed Europe to get proactive

US Ambassador Andrew Puzder told Euronews the Trump administration urged Europe to stop “hitting the snooze button” and become more proactive.

Researchers spot malware campaigns reusing the same Excel-to-PowerShell infection chain

A report tracking malware campaigns with reused material describes an infection chain using a malicious Excel attachment exploiting CVE-2017-11882 to download an HTA, which launches PowerShell and ultimately a DLL. The PowerShell stage retrieves a PNG image hiding a Base64-encoded payload between “BaseStart-” and “-BaseEnd” markers, which extracts into a .NET binary. A similarity search found hundreds of related images with the same thumbnail, and a YARA rule was created to help track campaigns reusing the material.

Vinicius speaks out after Real Madrid vs Benfica match suspension

Vinicius spoke out after a Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica was suspended for 10 minutes, with both teams leaving the field. Benfica denied that any racist incident took place.

Thomas Jane Saddles Up for “Frontier Crucible”

Thomas Jane says he signed on to play the outlaw in the new western “Frontier Crucible” because the guy is a hard-scrabble survivor with more depth than he first appears. In other words, not just a hat, a gun, and an emotional support scowl.

Northern California Avalanche Leaves Skiers Missing

An avalanche in Northern California’s backcountry left six skiers stranded, and 10 others were still unaccounted for as search-and-rescue teams worked Tuesday to reach the group and locate the missing. Nature remains undefeated, and tragically consistent.

Vigil Held for Emmaliz Rosado After Vineland Crash

Family and friends gathered Tuesday night to remember 23-year-old Emmaliz Rosado, who died after a car crash Monday morning in Vineland. Police said the collision happened around 9:14 a.m. near Delsea Drive and Sherman Avenue, involving Rosado’s 2005 Honda Civic, a 2009 Ford Flex, and a 2017 Peterbilt commercial truck. A memorial was placed outside her home in Millville, and police asked anyone with information to contact Officer Christian Morales and reference case #26-9591.

House GOP Majority Wobbles as Tariff Fight Exposes Fault Lines

With midterms looming and little legislative time left, House Republicans’ razor-thin majority is triggering floor revolts that stall efforts tied to President Donald Trump’s tariff authority. A small group of Republicans joined Democrats to block a procedural move aimed at stopping a vote that would limit Trump’s ability to impose tariffs on Canada without congressional approval. Democrats then forced a vote to end Trump’s northern border emergency declaration, a step that would effectively roll back the Canada tariffs, pulling in more Republican support despite Trump’s warnings. The one-seat margin is turning “party discipline” into a genre of fantasy.

New Book Rekindles South Korea Unification Debate

A new book by former South Korean officials revived debate over the peninsula’s future, arguing that unification should be treated as a national priority for South Korea. Big idea, enormous stakes, and no shortage of people who will argue about it confidently from a safe distance.

South Korean Prosecutors Rush Generative AI Tools for Legal Work

South Korea’s prosecution service is accelerating development of generative AI tools to support investigations, trial preparation, and drafting legal documents. Because nothing says “precision and due process” like rushing experimental automation into the most consequence-heavy paperwork on earth.

Study: Anxiety Over Elite Competition Drives Private Tutoring Costs in South Korea

A study found parental anxiety about competition for elite universities and jobs is pushing higher spending on private education in South Korea, contributing to rising private tutoring costs. The market for stress has, once again, posted record growth.

South Korea’s NIS Seeks Expanded Access to Military Bases in Insurrection Probes

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service proposed a rules revision that would give it authority to enter military bases to gather information as part of insurrection-related investigations. Expanding surveillance powers is always sold as “just for this one thing,” until it becomes the default setting.

Philippe Sands’s Mauritius Legal Role and Starmer Link Draw Scrutiny

Philippe Sands KC, described as a close friend of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, served as Mauritius’s chief legal counsel from 2010 to 2024 in efforts to secure transfer of the Chagos Islands from the UK to Mauritius. Mauritius budgeted at least £8.3 million for the legal work. Sands said he did not know his personal earnings and confirmed it was paid work, not pro bono. The fees and his links to Starmer drew criticism from UK politicians and some Chagossian campaigners, while others defended the lawyers as performing normal professional duties. “I cannot recall my earnings” is a line that only works if you bill in vibes.

Message of Condolence Regarding Cryptome

In an email thread referencing Cryptome, correspondents offer condolences and praise an unnamed individual’s courage and sacrifice, saying few people are willing to take the risks involved in exposing secrets and revealing hidden positions.

Inquiry About Purchasing a Cryptome Site Archive

One person says they tried to buy a copy of the Cryptome site archive last year but never received a response, adding that they would still be willing to contribute to Cryptome’s hosting costs.

Email Thread About Cryptome and Claims Related to Epstein

In an email chain titled “Re: Cryptome,” one participant asks how many people are included. Another message claims the sender “went viral” during the Epstein document release and says media outlets contacted them about Epstein while allegedly ignoring questions about a separate network they describe as a child abuse ring that kills victims to eliminate witnesses.

Message Regarding the Death of Cryptome Founder John Young

A sender pays tribute to John Young and expresses hope to continue their discussions in the afterlife. They claim they received widespread media attention related to the Epstein document release and criticize journalists for not asking about what they describe as a separate, “real” pedophile network that they allege harms children to eliminate witnesses, sharing a link for further information.

Inquiry About Archiving Cryptome and Future Management

Someone asks whether there are plans to archive the Cryptome website and whether anyone will be taking over its operation.

Follow-up on Cryptome After Nearly Two Years

An email reconnects regarding Cryptome after an absence of almost two years, followed by a standard confidentiality and liability disclaimer.

Cryptome: John died in March 2025

An email reply notes that John died in March 2025 and offers a brief message of condolence.

Message Suggests Holding a Funeral Ceremony if Cryptome Is No Longer Active

In an email reply titled “Re: Cryptome,” Niklas Angelid says that if Cryptome is dead, it should have a funeral ceremony. They sign off with best regards and reference a prior message sent on February 16, 2026.

Ocasio-Cortez Faces Backlash After Munich Security Conference Remarks

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew criticism after a high-profile appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where several comments and exchanges went viral and fueled scrutiny of her foreign policy knowledge as 2028 speculation grows. Flashpoints included her mockery of Marco Rubio’s remarks about the origins of American cowboy culture; her use of the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza; a lengthy, noncommittal answer on whether the U.S. should defend Taiwan with troops; and a claim about Venezuela’s location relative to the equator that critics said was incorrect. Republicans, conservative commentators, and other public figures amplified the attacks, and the episode also drew attention to other potential 2028 Democrats facing similar foreign-policy questioning.

Save up to 70% on hair care products with ABC Secret Savings

ABC Secret Savings is offering exclusive discounts on hair care products, with deals of up to 70% off on solutions designed to help keep hair healthy.

Lost diamond from ring found in a water shoe after a trip to Florida and back to Pennsylvania

Cindy Ware of Chester County, Pennsylvania, discovered the diamond from a family heirloom ring was missing—only for it to turn up months later lodged in the sole of her neighbor Coleman’s water shoe. Coleman had unknowingly taken the shoe to Florida, wore it at the beach and pool, and found the stone afterward, initially assuming it was costume jewelry until a Fort Lauderdale jeweler confirmed it was a mid-century diamond. After Coleman posted a photo on Facebook, a friend connected it to Ware, who believes the diamond fell out during a pool exercise class and ended up pressed into Coleman’s shoe during water volleyball, allowing it to travel to Florida and back before being returned.

Creativity at the Philadelphia Home and Garden Show

Local Spotlight features creativity at the Philadelphia Home and Garden Show, joined by Jim Gibbons, owner and operator of Recon Recycled Containers.

Person Rescued from the Icy Schuylkill River in Philadelphia on Tuesday

A person was pulled from the icy Schuylkill River Tuesday afternoon near John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Schuylkill Avenue, with firefighters conducting the rescue around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. It is not yet known whether the person was injured.

Why Donald Trump Is Suing the BBC in Florida

This comes down to a jurisdiction fight in his $10 billion defamation case over a Panorama documentary. The BBC argues the programme was not broadcast in Florida and says a Miami federal court lacks personal jurisdiction, while Trump’s lawyers claim the film was distributed in Florida through licensing and North American distribution, may have been available via BritBox, and that the BBC has an ongoing presence in the state through offices, subsidiaries, and Florida-targeted online services. The case is set for trial in Miami in mid-February next year, with the BBC expected to seek dismissal by mid-March. A UK filing is not possible because the defamation time limit has expired.

Police Identify Suspect in Rhode Island Youth Hockey Game Shooting That Killed Two and Injured Three

Police have identified a suspect in a shooting at a Rhode Island youth hockey game where a gunman fired multiple rounds, killing two people and injuring three others.

CBS denies blocking Stephen Colbert’s interview with James Talarico

CBS is rejecting Stephen Colbert’s claim that the network stopped him from airing an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico. Colbert told viewers on Monday that CBS attorneys informed him “in no uncertain terms” that the interview could not be broadcast.

Randy Fine faces censure and resignation calls after post comparing Muslims to dogs

Randy Fine, a Republican Florida lawmaker, is facing calls from Democrats for a formal censure or for him to resign after he posted on X that, if forced to choose, he would pick dogs over Muslims.

Search for Nancy Guthrie continues as sheriff reports no DNA match from glove

The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has entered its third week, and the sheriff says DNA from a glove found near her home did not match any known profile.

Jesse Jackson Jr. says his father did not view himself as a politician

Jesse Jackson Jr., the former Democratic congressman from Illinois, said his father, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, did not consider himself a politician. He said Jackson saw politics as a tool for serving the public and advancing opportunities for marginalized communities through what he called servant leadership.

Sydney Sweeney’s “The Housemaid” to be Released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 17

Sydney Sweeney’s blockbuster film “The Housemaid,” co-starring Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, is scheduled for a DVD and Blu-ray release on March 17.

Inquest hears final message from Britain’s Got Talent dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson amid sexual assault allegation

An inquest in Winchester heard evidence about the death of Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Kerri-Anne Donaldson, who was arrested and questioned over a sexual offence allegation she denied. A detective said the complainant reported that Donaldson had warned she would take her own life if the allegation became public, and he later accepted he should have factored that into his risk assessment. Donaldson was found after an overdose at a hotel, later returned home, and was discovered dead on June 7, 2023. Her sister described a final reassuring message sent the night before. The inquest is continuing.

Eurovision fans criticise online the cancellation of the 70th anniversary live tour

Eurovision fans have reacted with strong online criticism after organisers cancelled the inaugural 70th anniversary live tour, creating another setback as preparations continue for this year’s song contest.

Iran Conducts Live-Fire Missile Drills Ahead of Second Round of U.S. Nuclear Talks

Iranian state media reported that Iran’s military launched live missiles toward the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, as Tehran and Washington held their second round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program. The missiles were fired from inland and coastal sites in Iran and were said to have hit designated targets in the strait.

Supreme Court introduces software to help justices spot potential conflicts of interest

The Supreme Court has introduced software to help justices identify potential conflicts of interest and decide when to recuse, amid increased ethics scrutiny. Updated court rules will require lawyers to include stock ticker symbols for all companies involved in a case to support the checks. The changes take effect March 16.

Wild Turkeys Chase UPS Driver During Delivery in Connecticut

A Connecticut woman recorded video of two wild turkeys pursuing a UPS driver as he tried to make deliveries in a neighborhood.

Wales fly-half could return this summer as Welsh region considers signing

A Wales fly-half currently playing abroad is being linked with a summer move back to Wales, with at least one Welsh region considering a deal amid interest from other Welsh clubs.

DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin to Leave the Trump Administration

Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Security’s assistant secretary for public affairs, plans to depart her role in the Trump administration. A prominent defender of the administration’s immigration policies, she frequently appeared on television to promote DHS work and defend some of its most controversial actions, according to a source familiar with her plans.

Pedro Pascal Appears Unmasked in New 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' Trailer

A new trailer released Tuesday for “The Mandalorian and Grogu” shows Pedro Pascal’s character, Din Djarin, with his face visible, despite usually keeping it hidden behind a mask.

Trump Urges Washington, D.C.-Area Officials to Act on Potomac Sewage Spill

Trump called on officials in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to take immediate action to address a major sewage spill in the Potomac River, saying the federal government could help and that he was awaiting their call.

Political leaders mourn the death of Jesse Jackson

Political leaders marked the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson on Tuesday, praising his legacy as a prominent civil rights activist and Democratic strategist. Jackson died early Tuesday morning at age 84 from progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurodegenerative disorder.

Royal Drama, Now With Extra Sadness

A book claims Kate was less concerned than Prince William about keeping Prince Harry in a working royal role. It also says William took Harry’s departure hard and was intensely saddened by the decision, proving once again that the monarchy’s core product is feelings, served with a crown.

Sweden Offers Private Islands, Billionaires Need Not Apply

Sweden is making private islands available through a Visit Sweden initiative aimed at sharing a distinctly Swedish approach to nature: freedom paired with responsibility. Billionaires are excluded from applying, which is a refreshingly direct way of saying, “Please stop turning Earth into a souvenir shop.”

IRS: Refunds Are Up This Year

Average tax refunds are running higher this filing season. The IRS reports an average refund of $2,290 through Feb. 6, up 10.9% from $2,065 at the same point last year.

China’s AI Firms Rush New Models Ahead of Lunar New Year

Chinese AI companies including Alibaba, ByteDance, and Zhipu have announced new model launches in recent weeks, as the sector also watches for a possible upcoming release from DeepSeek.

Belgium Summons U.S. Ambassador After Antisemitism Claim

Belgium summoned the U.S. ambassador after Bill White accused Belgian authorities on X of pursuing an antisemitic prosecution of Jewish Belgians. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot rejected the claim as “dangerous disinformation,” escalating tensions between the two countries.

Trump to Resume “Affordability Tour”

Donald Trump will resume his affordability tour on Thursday after a three-week pause, starting in the district formerly represented by Marjorie Taylor Greene. Nothing says “cost of living” like a political roadshow, the classic format for delivering practical, totally non-performative solutions.

Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband Due in Court on Murder Charge

William Stevenson, 77, the former husband of Jill Biden (1970 to 1975), is scheduled to appear in a Delaware court Tuesday to enter a plea to a first-degree murder charge in the death of his current wife, Linda Stevenson, 64. Prosecutors say he was indicted by a state grand jury after she was found unresponsive at their home on Dec. 28. He has been jailed since charges were filed Feb. 3, unable to post $500,000 bail, and court records do not yet list a defense attorney. Jill Biden’s spokesperson said she has no comment.

Jürgen Klopp Gets a Ceremonial Winter Olympics Gig

Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager and now head of soccer for the Red Bull group, will take a ceremonial role at the Winter Olympics on Tuesday by ringing the bell to signal the start of the final lap in the men’s biathlon relay. He says he has long been a biathlon fan, inspired by growing up near Germany’s Black Forest, and has admired Norwegian legend Ole Einar Bjørndalen, whom he met for a 2019 documentary.

EU Opens Probe Into Shein Over Illegal Goods and Addictive Design

European Union regulators have opened an investigation into Shein, asking whether the retailer has done enough to curb illegal products and protect users from potentially addictive design features. Translation: regulators are checking whether “infinite scroll” is being used as a digital vending machine for questionable stuff.

Shop Owners Report Paramilitary Extortion Demands

Shop owners say they are worried about violence after paramilitaries demanded protection payments. One business owner said she was approached for money before her new shop had even opened.

Winter Olympics Curling Hit by “Double-Touching” Dispute

A dispute over alleged “double-touching” at the Winter Olympics has shaken curling, putting pressure on the sport’s tradition of trust and self-officiating. When your whole brand is honor-system vibes, one messy moment can turn the ice into a courtroom.

Trump Says He Plans to Be Involved in Iran Nuclear Talks

Donald Trump said he plans to be involved in nuclear negotiations with Iran as talks begin Tuesday in Geneva, while warning there would be consequences if Tehran does not agree to a deal.

Luke Littler weighs new darts after record Target deal

Luke Littler says he might switch to new shirts and possibly different darts after signing a 10-year, record sponsorship and management deal with Target Darts worth about £20 million. The 19-year-old world champion is open to testing new equipment, even though he has largely stuck with his Target Gen One 23g darts after earlier changes did not work, as he tries to bounce back from early Premier League losses.

Tesco recalls Grape and Berry Medley over salmonella

Tesco has issued an urgent recall of its 230g Grape and Berry Medley after salmonella was found. The recall covers packs with use-by dates 16 and 17 February 2026. Customers are told not to eat them and to return them to any Tesco store for a full refund, no receipt needed. The Food Standards Agency has also published a notice, and Tesco has pulled the affected items from sale and posted in-store warnings.

Tyson vs Mayweather exhibition reportedly set for DR Congo

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are reportedly set to meet in an exhibition fight on 25 April in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after organisers moved on from an initial March plan. The agreement was finalised in September, pairing the former undisputed heavyweight champion with the unbeaten 50-0 Mayweather. The location nods to the country’s boxing history as the site of the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle,” even as questions linger about Tyson’s condition as he nears 60.

Ireland investigates Elon Musk’s Grok over AI sexual image concerns

Ireland has launched a large-scale investigation into Elon Musk’s Grok following concerns about AI-generated sexual images. Under EU rules, Irish regulators can impose fines of up to 4% of a company’s global revenue.

India says EU free trade deal should be signed and implemented quickly

India’s ambassador to the European Union said India is confident the free trade deal agreed with the EU in January will be signed and implemented quickly.

North London measles guidance could mean 21-day school exclusions

Unvaccinated children in north London could be excluded from school for up to 21 days if they have been in contact with a pupil with measles, according to national guidelines cited in a letter from Enfield Council. The warning follows a sharp rise in local cases across schools and nurseries, including some hospitalisations, with vaccine uptake in Enfield among the lowest in the country.

Jenrick backs Farage call for minister to resign after election postponement dropped

Robert Jenrick backed Nigel Farage’s call for Housing Secretary Steve Reed to resign after the Government dropped plans that would have postponed local elections affecting about 4.6 million people. Jenrick told GB News the reversal was a win for democracy, credited Reform UK’s legal challenge, argued a second year of postponement would have pushed legal powers too far, and urged voters to punish Labour and the Conservatives while claiming Reform is ready to win control of councils.

5,000-year-old cave bacteria show antibiotic resistance and potential new drug leads

Romanian researchers drilled a 25-metre ice core from Scărișoara Cave and recovered 5,000-year-old bacteria that can grow in extreme cold and high-salt conditions, and show resistance to 10 modern antibiotics. The findings suggest resistance genes are ancient and widespread in nature. The microbes also produced compounds that inhibited or killed 14 disease-causing bacteria, including several high-priority pathogens, hinting at possible new antibiotic leads. Scientists caution that melting ice could release dormant microbes and resistance genes into modern ecosystems.

Notable birthdays for Feb. 17

Feb. 17 includes birthdays such as musician Ed Sheeran (35) and TV personality Paris Hilton (45).

Rhode Island hockey game shooting leaves two dead

Police say 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito, fired roughly a dozen rounds into the spectator area during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Two people were killed, three were left in critical condition, and Dorgan died by suicide. Court records and relatives cited longstanding family conflict tied to gender identity and a history of mental health issues.

FEMA to assist after massive Potomac River sewage spill

FEMA will help with cleanup after an estimated 200 million to 300 million gallons of sewage spilled into the Potomac River, according to President Donald Trump.

South Korea’s NC AI accelerates “physical AI” for industry

South Korea’s NC AI is ramping up work on “physical AI,” using real-world manufacturing data to improve robotics and other industrial operations.

UK child first to receive new magnet-guided leg-lengthening procedure

Nine-year-old Alfie Phillips from Northampton is the first child in Britain to undergo a newer leg-lengthening procedure after being born with fibular hemimelia. Surgeons at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital used a motorised telescopic nail and magnets to extend his leg by about three centimetres over six weeks in a March 2025 operation, avoiding older external frames. He was walking the next day and is now running and playing basketball, with the technique already used on three more children.

Philadelphia City Council seeks more details on plan to close and modernize schools

Philadelphia City Council is seeking more information on Superintendent Watlington’s proposal to close 20 schools, modernize 159, and merge six, as members raise concerns about the impact.

Two British skiers identified after fatal French Alps avalanche

Two British skiers killed in an avalanche at a ski resort in the French Alps last week have been identified.

Philadelphia high school basketball team appeals season-ending forfeit

Philadelphia’s Carver Engineering and Science boys’ basketball team is challenging a season-ending forfeit after being disqualified in the final minute of a game against Constitution High School following an on-court clash.

Dorset cafe apologises after offensive receipt message at funeral wake

A bereaved family said they were “disgusted” after a waiter at Crossroads cafe in Poundbury, Dorset, printed the slur “depressed f**ks” on a receipt during a wake. The cafe apologised, refunded the family, and said the employee responsible, reported to be 17, was suspended and faced disciplinary action after an internal review.

English councils scramble as local elections proceed on short notice

Councils across England are rushing preparations for local elections after the government dropped plans to postpone them, leaving 30 councils to organise the vote with little time.

Philadelphia family seeks help finding driver in hit-and-run involving 9-year-old

The family of Thomas, a 9-year-old honor roll student, is asking for help identifying the driver who struck him in a hit-and-run in West Philadelphia around 12:22 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2026, on the 2200 block of South 56th Street. He has been released from the hospital but faces a long recovery, including surgery for a broken femur and plastic surgery for a lip injury. Police describe the suspect vehicle as a mostly burgundy 2010 to 2013 Honda Crosstour with mismatched panels and a bicycle rack on the roof, and the driver as a bearded man about 25 to 35 years old. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or 215-686-TIPS.

Questions Raised About Whether Cryptome Is Still Active

A reader reports not receiving emails from Cryptome recently and notes the site has not been updated in over a year, prompting concern that Cryptome may no longer be operating.

Trump criticizes Newsom’s overseas agreements as inappropriate

Trump condemned California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s meetings and nonbinding agreements with foreign partners, urging international leaders not to treat the governor as a substitute on U.S. foreign policy. The dispute followed Newsom’s appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where he signed a clean-energy memorandum with the United Kingdom, announced cooperation with Ukraine’s Lviv region, and publicly criticized Trump’s diplomacy. Newsom’s office defended the trip as legitimate state-level engagement and said the agreements could draw significant clean-energy investment, while the episode underscored a growing political rivalry spilling onto the international stage.

Steve Bannon Advised Jeffrey Epstein on Managing Resurfaced Abuse Allegations

Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement and former senior aide to President Trump, intermittently advised Jeffrey Epstein for months on responding to renewed allegations that Epstein was a serial pedophile. The guidance reportedly included recommending lawyers, suggesting when to keep a low profile, helping shape Epstein’s public narrative, and arranging what they described as “media training.”

Can AI meet people’s emotional needs?

Artificial intelligence is reshaping human romance, from fully customizable virtual companions and avatars to “digital clones” of deceased people or even living ex-partners. Beyond these extreme examples, human–AI relationships span a wide spectrum, including dating apps that use algorithms to predict compatibility and help users make more effective use of online dating.

Austrian Prosecutors Charge 21-Year-Old With Terrorism Over Alleged Plot to Attack Taylor Swift Concert

Austrian public prosecutors filed terrorism-related charges on Monday against a 21-year-old man accused of planning an attack on one of Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts scheduled for August 2024.

Two officers shot and armed suspect sought after incident near Indiana high school

Two police officers were injured in a shooting near a high school in Beech Grove, Indiana, and authorities are searching for an armed suspect who remains at large.

Speed Camera Enforcement Starts Near Five Philadelphia Schools

Speed zone enforcement is beginning near five Philadelphia schools, with tickets issued only when school zone flashers are active during morning and afternoon school hours.

National Constitution Center Marks Presidents Day

The National Constitution Center is observing Presidents Day by welcoming visitors to explore its newest permanent gallery, “America’s Founding.”

Vaccine manufacturers scale back research and cut jobs

Vaccine companies are reducing research efforts and laying off staff as industry leaders and investors say uncertainty has grown since Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic, was chosen in November 2024 to become the next U.S. health secretary. They warn of potential disruption to vaccine development, including mRNA technology.

Judge orders NPS to restore Philly slavery exhibits

A federal judge told the National Park Service to restore exhibits about enslaved people at the former executive mansion site in Philadelphia, agreeing with the city that the Trump administration likely removed them unlawfully. Judge Cynthia Rufe also blocked further changes or damage to the outdoor display, and invoked Orwell’s “1984” to swat away any history-editing ambitions.

Lithium-ion batteries suspected in deadly Jersey Shore house fire

Investigators say a Stafford Township home fire early Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, likely started in a storage container outside due to a lithium-ion battery failure. Two people escaped; 92-year-old Betty Matero died from smoke inhalation. Officials renewed the usual, tragically necessary reminders: charge only when supervised, unplug when full, watch for damage, and don’t store batteries in extreme heat or cold to reduce thermal runaway risk.

First solar eclipse of 2026 brings an annular “ring of fire”

The first solar eclipse of 2026 arrives Tuesday as an annular eclipse, meaning the Moon covers the Sun’s center but leaves a bright ring visible.

Trump blasts UK–California clean energy partnership

Donald Trump criticized a new UK–California clean energy agreement after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an MOU in London with UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Trump urged British leaders not to partner with Newsom, called him incompetent, and warned the UK has “enough trouble,” while the deal aims to cooperate on clean energy tech like offshore wind.

Clinton, Czech deputy PM clash over Trump at Munich Security Conference

Hillary Clinton argued with Czech Deputy Prime Minister Petr Macinka at the Munich Security Conference, with Clinton saying Trump is undermining Western values and institutions. Macinka, a right-wing party leader, defended Trump’s agenda as a needed correction to liberal priorities.

Rhode Island ice rink shooting leaves two dead, four hospitalized

A shooting at a Rhode Island ice skating rink Monday afternoon killed two people, including the suspected shooter, and sent four others to the hospital.

Six-year-old Girl Scout sells 87,000 cookies, because hustle never sleeps

A six-year-old Girl Scout in Pennsylvania has sold 87,000 cookies so far this year, setting a record and demonstrating a frankly intimidating early knack for business.

DC Water sewer collapse cleanup continues after massive Potomac overflow

Nearly a month after part of DC Water’s Potomac Interceptor collapsed, recovery and cleanup are still underway following a major wastewater overflow into the Potomac River. DC Water said about 243 million gallons had spilled as of Feb. 6, and public health officials are monitoring potential impacts.

Penn State sets April 25 date for Blue-White Weekend, scrimmage uncertain

Penn State announced its annual Blue-White Weekend will be held April 25, with more details to come. The program has not confirmed a traditional spring scrimmage, and head coach Matt Campbell said plans may depend on team health.

Bryce Harper bristles at public doubts from Phillies leadership

Bryce Harper seemed annoyed that Dave Dombrowski’s doubts about his return to elite form were aired publicly rather than kept in-house. But Harper’s recent performance and the Phillies’ broader struggles are already out in the open, leaving the team to deal with some uncomfortable honesty as it tries to get unstuck.