Iniaes

Detective says revenge has not been ruled out in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie who vanished from her Tucson home on February 1, say they have not ruled out a revenge motive, alongside possible financial motives. Pima County Sheriff’s Department official Chris Nanos said a ransom demand has not clarified the motive and dismissed the idea of a burglary gone wrong, citing doorbell footage of a masked, armed person apparently trying to disable security equipment. The FBI said a glove recovered near the home appears consistent with those worn by the suspect on video, and a DNA profile is being verified before potential comparison with the CODIS database. A $100,000 reward remains offered as tips continue to come in.

Teddy Roosevelt’s descendants urge senators to protect public lands

Descendants of former President Theodore Roosevelt, known for his conservation legacy, have sent a letter to U.S. senators urging them to oppose a Senate resolution they say would undermine protections for public lands in Minnesota.

Diners caught on CCTV appearing to place their own hair in food before refusing to pay £165 bill

Two men dining at The Dial in Burton upon Trent reportedly refused to pay a £165 bill after claiming they found hair in their steak. The restaurant says CCTV footage shows one of the diners pulling strands from his own head and placing them on the plate before the pair allegedly swore at staff and left without paying. General manager Jez Hives shared the footage online to warn other local businesses; the incident has not been reported to police.

Measles outbreak: Six early warning signs in children and how to protect them

A measles outbreak is spreading through schools and a nursery in Enfield, north-east London, with more than 60 suspected cases and some children needing hospital care, especially unvaccinated under-10s. Doctors say early measles can resemble a cold—cough, fever, runny nose, and sore, watery eyes—but children often appear more unwell, with light sensitivity, a temperature that rises over days, and reduced eating and drinking. Koplik spots in the mouth may appear before a rash that typically starts on the face and behind the ears around day four or five, then spreads downward. Parents are advised to seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulties, increasing drowsiness, persistent wheezing, or a fever that won’t settle; the best protection is two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Cologne’s Rose Monday parade satirizes world leaders from Trump to Putin

Germany’s Cologne Carnival blends colorful costumes with sharp political satire, with Rose Monday floats mocking figures from Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin. The parade highlights how many Germans use humor and exaggeration to grapple with serious global politics.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants Will Stream on Tuesday

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants will begin streaming on Paramount+ on Tuesday, Paramount+ announced in a press release on Monday.

Trial starts for father of alleged Winder, Georgia, school shooting suspect

The murder trial began Monday for the father of an alleged school shooting suspect in Winder, Georgia. Prosecutors say he bought the assault rifle used to kill four people.

Is the Current Global Order Coming to an End?

As questions grow about whether the global order is unraveling, Keir Starmer says Europe must be prepared to fight, raising the issue of whether European countries have the budgets and industrial capacity to match that ambition.

Emma Raducanu loses to lucky loser Antonia Ruzic in Dubai first round

British number one Emma Raducanu was knocked out of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the first round after losing to lucky loser Antonia Ruzic.

Snoop Dogg turns a failed card payment into a surprisingly wholesome Olympic flex

After Snoop Dogg’s team had a card payment fail at the Cronox bar in Livigno, the owners let him take the food anyway. He repaid them the next day by sending five tickets to the men’s snowboard halfpipe final at the Winter Olympics, which they attended as Yuto Totsuka won gold. Snoop has been at the Games as an NBC correspondent and Team USA’s honorary coach, because apparently that is a sentence we all just accept now.

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration comments risk becoming the club’s newest self-inflicted wound

Sports editor Dan Roan looks at how Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s remarks on immigration could dent his public standing and create wider repercussions for Manchester United, a club that truly never misses an opportunity to add another avoidable subplot.

Chagos campaigners say Labour’s handover rationale is undermined by a key UN sea law clause

Campaigners argue Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea undercuts the legal basis being cited for a rapid deal to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Friends of the British Overseas Territories and barrister James Tunbridge say the clause exempts the territory from the type of legal action referenced, urging the government to withdraw the proposed deal while lobbying MPs and peers to press ministers. They also say a judicial review brought by Chagossian representatives has stalled for months, prompting an application for a new hearing and judge, with campaigners insisting Chagossians should be consulted.

Kim Jong-un unveils new Pyongyang housing district for families of soldiers reportedly killed fighting for Russia

Kim Jong-un officially opened a new housing district in Pyongyang intended for families of soldiers reported killed while fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine. The move is framed as support for bereaved families, and as messaging to reinforce Pyongyang’s pro-war posture.

Brixham’s Golden Hind pirate-ship Airbnb abruptly shuts down, locals left with questions

A replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, which operated as a pirate-ship Airbnb in Brixham Harbour, has closed with immediate effect and no clear explanation. Owners Mary and Sean Twomey announced the shutdown on February 14, citing unspecified “higher powers” and promising an update. The ship was a long-standing harbour landmark and a Pirate Festival fixture, and had recently been advertising for staff, prompting surprise and disappointment locally.

UK signs border security agreement with China to disrupt small boat supply chains

The UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a border security agreement with China as part of a broader relations reset, aiming to disrupt supply chains for dinghies, engines, and equipment used in English Channel crossings. The plan focuses on intelligence-sharing to trace recovered engines and boats back through distributors to manufacturers, many based in China, and to identify suspicious sales. Ministers hope restricting supplies will raise costs and weaken smuggling networks, but evidence suggests deterrence can shift routes rather than stop migration, potentially increasing danger, overcrowding, and death rates. The reporting also notes enforcement alone is unlikely to reduce crossings without expanding safe and legal routes for asylum seekers.

Dutch speed skater Femke Kok grabs 500m gold (and an Olympic record)

The Netherlands finally got its first gold in the women’s 500 meters as Femke Kok won in record-setting fashion, because of course the Dutch found a new way to treat ice like a personal property right.

Norway wins men’s 4x7.5 km relay, Johannes Klæbo hits nine Olympic medals

Norway took the cross-country relay in Italy, handing Johannes Klæbo another gold and pushing him to a Winter Olympic record of nine medals. At this point Norway should just invoice the rest of the field for “participation services.”

Running Linux on Apple Silicon is still a character-building exercise (unpaid)

A writer tried Fedora Asahi Remix on an M-series MacBook Air and regretted it, thanks to Apple’s custom hardware and boot process that force the Asahi Linux project into endless workarounds. External monitors were a mess without built-in HDMI, ARM app support was inconsistent even with x86 emulation, and basic connectivity (like joining a non-iPhone hotspot) turned into a choose-your-own-adventure where every ending is “no.”

Rubio sounds friendlier toward Europe, Europeans remain appropriately unstarry-eyed

Rasmussen Global CEO Fabrice Pothier warned that Marco Rubio’s warmer rhetoric, including talk of an “intertwined destiny,” should not be mistaken for reconciliation. A separate newsletter take echoed the same vibe, Rubio is projecting charm while keeping the olive branch firmly in the “do not touch” display case, as he continues a Central Europe tour that includes Hungary.

Ferrari tells everyone to stop asking about Hamilton’s race engineer situation

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur waved away repeated questions about Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer plans, insisting the story is overcooked. Hamilton has said an early-season engineer change could hurt his title chances after a rough 2025 with no podiums and tense radio moments with Riccardo Adami, who has since been reassigned, with Cedric Michel-Grosjean expected to take over long-term once he joins and Carlo Santi covering testing.

FCC clears Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show after conservative pushback

After conservative lawmakers pushed for a federal review, the FCC investigated Bad Bunny’s halftime performance and found no rules were violated. Bureaucracy was deployed, paperwork was shuffled, and the republic somehow survived.

UK North Sea windfall tax sparks warning of investment flight and job losses

A cross-industry coalition is warning Labour that the 38% energy profits levy, taking the combined headline tax rate to 78%, is making the UK one of the least competitive places for oil and gas. They argue it is driving investment away, worsening supply-chain redundancies, weakening energy security, and increasing emissions by shifting demand to higher-carbon imports, and they want a new fiscal framework moved up from 2030 to April, targeting headline rates around 40%. They point to a grim milestone, no new UK North Sea wells were drilled last year for the first time since 1964.

Ukraine detains former Energy Minister German Galushchenko while he tried to leave

Ukrainian anti-corruption law enforcement officials said they detained former Energy Minister German Galushchenko as he attempted to exit the country.

Steve Smith added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad ahead of Sri Lanka match

Australia added batter Steve Smith to its T20 World Cup squad in time for Monday’s crucial game against Sri Lanka in Kandy.

Finland warns Russia is reinforcing nuclear and Arctic capabilities near the border

A Finnish minister warned that Russia is strengthening nuclear and Arctic capabilities close to Finland’s border, adding to regional security concerns as U.S. diplomacy tries to look smoother without actually changing gears.

Johannes Klaebo wins relay gold as Norway claims men’s cross-country title and his ninth Olympic medal

Norway won the men’s 4x7.5 km cross-country relay in Italy on Sunday, earning Johannes Klaebo his ninth Winter Olympic medal, a new record.

Water main break shuts down Spruce Street near Penn Medicine hospitals in University City

A water main break has closed Spruce Street between 34th and 38th Streets near the Penn Medicine hospitals in University City. Repairs are expected to take several weeks.

Milos faces risks from overdevelopment and weak environmental protection

Milos is increasingly threatened by overdevelopment, with experts warning that continued coastal construction and limited environmental safeguards could permanently damage the island’s distinctive volcanic landscape.

Scottish police union leader says people carrying knives in public should expect to be shot

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said people who brandish knives in public should expect an armed police response, arguing officers need stronger protection as knife incidents increase. The SPF is pushing for New Zealand-style rules to place firearms in every patrol vehicle for faster access, ahead of the May Scottish Parliament elections. Police Scotland has not endorsed the proposal and said firearms officers prioritise de-escalation and communication, while the Police Federation of England and Wales opposes routine arming but wants more trained firearms volunteers.

Dutch speed skater Femke Kok wins 500 meters gold with an Olympic record

Dutch speed skater Femke Kok set an Olympic record in the women’s 500 meters on Sunday, winning gold and giving the Netherlands its first gold medal in the event.

Farrer byelection set for four-way contest that could signal shifts in Australian politics

Sussan Ley will resign as the longtime MP for Farrer after a farewell period, triggering a byelection likely in April or May that could become an early test of Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and a gauge of whether One Nation can convert polling strength into votes. Independent Michelle Milthorpe, who lifted her profile after taking 20% of the primary vote in 2025 and finishing 44–56 on a two-candidate-preferred basis, would need about a 6% swing and may benefit from Ley’s departure and broader Liberal brand weakness. With Ley gone, the Nationals will also run a candidate, reopening a Liberal–National rivalry not seen in the seat since 2001. One Nation is expected to improve on its 6.6% 2025 result by consolidating votes from other right-wing minor parties, while Labor is unlikely to win but could influence the outcome through preferences.

What Thailand’s election means for the country’s future and its pro-democracy movement

Thailand’s election is set to keep Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in power after his conservative Bhumjaithai Party won the most lower-house seats, while the progressive People’s Party finished second and will lead the opposition. The result underscores the structural barriers facing pro-democracy parties amid strong pro-military and pro-monarchy influence, with renewed legal pressure on reformists tied to efforts to amend the lèse-majesté law. Although the People’s Party topped the national party-list vote and dominated Bangkok, Bhumjaithai’s strength in constituency races—helped by rural patronage networks and allegations of irregularities—delivered a decisive seat advantage. A referendum to amend the constitution passed, but conservatives now control the process and could delay or dilute reforms.

Conflicts in Maryland Could Undercut Wes Moore’s 2028 Prospects

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s national profile is rising, but tensions with fellow Democrats at home are growing. Democratic lawmakers in the state legislature have frequently resisted his agenda and overridden his vetoes, raising questions about his influence in Annapolis as he positions himself for a possible 2028 presidential run.

Republicans push SAVE America Act with a “talking filibuster” gambit

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna says the Senate could pass the SAVE America Act, an election bill requiring nationwide photo ID to vote and proof of U.S. citizenship to register, if Republicans drag it to the floor and force a “talking filibuster,” meaning opponents would have to physically hold the floor with continuous speeches instead of leaning on the usual 60-vote barrier. She urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to move quickly, claimed broad public support for voter ID, and hinted some Democrats might not be perfectly in lockstep, while Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer promised a full-scale fight. Democracy, apparently, is now also a cardio event.

Australian universities unlock more “free” research, with a gloriously cheap librarian nudge

Publicly funded research in Australia is getting more open, with 59 percent of papers by Australian authors freely available in 2024. But huge numbers still sit behind paywalls even when they could legally be shared via “green open access,” meaning self-archiving accepted manuscripts in repositories. A James Cook University library campaign called “Bring Out Your Dead!” combined a short prompt with hands-on librarian help for copyright and embargo checks, producing 233 deposits in 2024, more than double the prior year, without new funding or publisher renegotiations. The takeaway is both uplifting and mildly infuriating: a lot of public knowledge is trapped mainly because nobody had time to click the right buttons.

Southwark Council’s takeaway tab meets a council tax hike

Southwark Council spent about £6,000 on takeaways and deliveries since 2022, including £2,983 at Domino’s, £1,437 via Deliveroo, £1,152 via Uber Eats, and £469 at Pret A Manger, per a Freedom of Information release. The costs sit inside a broader “subsistence” category nearing £40,000 and land awkwardly alongside a 4.99 percent council tax increase, the maximum allowed. Critics called it inappropriate, while the Labour-run council said most spending supported children in care, youth activities, community events, and food during emergencies—which is a comforting explanation that still doesn’t answer the eternal question: why is it always Domino’s?

Adrian Lester on playing a CIA handler who keeps everything locked down

Adrian Lester says Dane, the CIA handler he plays on “Ponies,” is intensely secretive and deliberately hard to read, even around people he genuinely likes. In other words, your classic government professional—emotionally available like a classified PDF.

Philadelphia area forecast, showers fade by Monday morning

AccuWeather says rain and snow showers will continue overnight in the Philadelphia region, ending early Monday morning. Expect cloudy skies and cooler temperatures for Presidents Day.

Victoria election polling, Coalition leads, One Nation close behind

A DemosAU poll taken February 1–10 ahead of Victoria’s late November election puts the Coalition at 29 percent on primary vote, ahead of Labor at 23 percent, with One Nation near 21 percent and the Greens at 15 percent. After preferences, the Coalition leads Labor 53–47, a result that could deliver a lower-house majority while also raising the possibility of One Nation winning seats and holding leverage. Premier Jacinta Allan sits at net favourability of -37, Liberal leader Jess Wilson is at net +3 and leads as preferred premier 40–31, while voters rank crime (30 percent) and cost of living (29 percent) as top issues. Separately, a national Resolve poll shows Labor leading on 32 percent, with the Coalition and One Nation tied at 23 percent each, because nothing says “stable political era” like a three-way scrum for second place.

FA Cup fourth-round highlights, including Birmingham City vs Leeds United

Highlights are out from five FA Cup fourth-round matches, including Birmingham City vs Leeds United. The tournament continues its proud tradition of turning weekends into a blur of hope, heartbreak, and people insisting this is “the year” with a straight face.

Deadline Approaches to File Claims in $30 Million 23andMe Data Breach Settlement

The deadline to submit a claim in the $30 million settlement related to the 23andMe data breach is approaching, and some eligible claimants may receive payments of thousands of dollars.

British Museum faces calls to return Benin Bronzes after Cambridge University agrees to transfer more than 100 artefacts to Nigeria

The British Museum is facing renewed pressure to return the Benin Bronzes after the University of Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology formally transferred ownership of 116 bronzes to Nigeria. The items, taken during the 1897 British occupation of Benin City, are expected to be physically returned by the end of 2026, with 17 pieces staying in Cambridge on an initial three-year loan. Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments said the works will be housed in museums in Lagos and Benin City and expressed hope the move will encourage other institutions to follow.

What is the dart frog toxin reportedly used to kill Alexei Navalny?

The toxin in question is epibatidine, which occurs naturally in some South American frogs and can also be manufactured in a laboratory.

Team GB wins its second gold medal of the day at the Winter Olympics

Team GB won two Winter Olympic titles in a single day for the first time, with Matt Weston and Tabitha Stoecker taking gold in the mixed team skeleton event.

Weston and Stoecker win Great Britain’s second Olympic gold medal of the day

Matt Weston and Tabitha Stoecker took a thrilling mixed team skeleton victory, making Weston the first Briton to claim two Winter Olympic gold medals.

Obama praises Minnesota protesters and criticizes federal agents’ conduct as dangerous

Former President Barack Obama, speaking on Brian Tyler Cohen’s “No Lie” podcast, criticized the actions of federal immigration officers in Minneapolis as “rogue,” calling their conduct “deeply concerning and dangerous,” while expressing support for local protesters opposing the agents’ presence. He pointed to recent enforcement actions that included a fatal shooting by immigration officers.

SpaceX Dragon Brings New Crew to the International Space Station

SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft delivered a new crew to the International Space Station on Saturday afternoon, bringing astronauts from NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos and returning the station to full staffing.

Transgender doctor involved in Sandie Peggie changing-room dispute leaves NHS

A transgender doctor involved in Sandie Peggie’s employment tribunal dispute over access to women’s changing facilities has left NHS Fife. The health board said Dr Beth Upton departed at the end of 2025, after a tribunal ruling in December found NHS Fife had harassed Peggie and should have temporarily restricted Upton’s use of the women’s changing room following Peggie’s complaint. Peggie plans to appeal parts of the judgment that went against her, while NHS Fife’s legal costs have exceeded £400,000.

A Candidate Who Has Not Voted in Years Is Now Seeking Votes

Former football coach Derek Dooley is running for office for the first time and says he went nearly two decades without voting, including skipping the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. He is seeking the Republican nomination in Georgia to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, arguing that Washington needs an outsider with a fresh outlook who is not driven by political ambition.

Spring Garden parking garage flooded after burst pipe

A burst pipe flooded a parking garage on the 1600 block of Callowhill Street in Spring Garden, submerging nearly 20 vehicles and sending drivers scrambling to rescue their cars from an impromptu indoor lake.

North Korean-linked hackers pose as crypto recruiters, trick developers into installing malware

Threat actors tied to North Korea are reportedly using LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit to masquerade as crypto and blockchain employers, luring JavaScript and Python developers into “coding challenges” that quietly install malware. ReversingLabs says the campaign abuses malicious packages like “bigmathutils,” which turned harmful in version 1.1.0 after racking up roughly 10,000 downloads, then gets deprecated or removed to duck scrutiny. The remote-access trojans can check for MetaMask—because of course the point is to vacuum up your crypto—and variants have appeared across JavaScript, Python, and VBS since at least May 2025.

Elana Meyers Taylor heads to fifth Winter Olympics, still chasing first gold

At 41, bobsled pilot Elana Meyers Taylor will compete in her fifth Winter Olympics at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, aiming for her first gold after earning five medals—three silver and two bronze—as the most decorated Black Winter Olympian. A mother of two, she says she’s also trying to model perseverance for her sons, who are deaf. She has roots in Douglasville, Georgia, with family ties to Pemberton, New Jersey.

Researcher argues death may be a staged process, not an instant switch-off

At a major U.S. scientific conference, Arizona State University researcher Anna Fowler reviewed more than 20 studies on near-death experiences and post-mortem brain activity, arguing biological and neural functions may fade over minutes to hours rather than stop instantly at clinical death. She cited cardiac-arrest research where some survivors report awareness during periods of absent cortical activity, plus studies suggesting electrical signals and awareness can persist from minutes up to about an hour during CPR under certain conditions. Fowler said this could influence resuscitation practices and the timing of organ retrieval after cardiac arrest, and she urged an updated definition of death that treats it as staged and potentially reversible.

Man dies after entering floodwater during police chase, force refers itself to watchdog

A man died after entering floodwater during a police chase. Derbyshire Police said it has referred itself to the policing watchdog.

Family still seeking answers months after Strawberry Mansion shooting death

Relatives are still looking for information months after a woman was fatally shot in Strawberry Mansion. Police say she was not the intended target.

Humphries says Littler rivalry risks losing its spark amid constant matchups

Luke Humphries says his rivalry with Luke Littler could feel less special because they’ve played 28 times in two years, including frequent Premier League meetings. Ahead of the Premier League night in Glasgow, Humphries referenced his recent 6–5 loss in Antwerp and said major finals carry more excitement than routine league nights, noting they’ve met in seven major finals since 2024, with Littler leading 4–3.

Scientists may have found the Luna 9 lander, but cannot agree where

Researchers say they may have identified traces of Luna 9, the Soviet probe that achieved the first soft lunar landing in 1966, but they disagree on the exact spot. One search used crowdsourced image comparisons to the probe’s original photos, while another used machine learning to flag a candidate site in Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data. With the lander only about two feet across, confirmation is tough with current imagery, and higher-resolution Chandrayaan-2 observations are expected to help narrow it down.

Welsh rugby frustrations aired by fans in Cardiff

BBC Sport reporter Sonja McLaughlan spoke with Wales supporters in Cardiff about the state of Welsh rugby, gathering reactions that ranged from disappointment to outright anger.

Alberta separatists flirt with Washington, and the U.S. dollar

Alberta’s prosperity is reportedly powering a sovereigntist mood, with Alberta Prosperity Project figures said to be quietly meeting in Washington to float ideas like adopting the U.S. dollar and even forming an independent military. A poll pegs separation support or leaners at 29 percent, not a majority, but enough for politicians to start auditioning for the role of “misunderstood petro-prince.” Critics say the movement blames Ottawa for everything while glossing over Alberta’s own boom-and-bust choices, like low taxes, modest royalties, thin savings, and underinvestment in services.

UK pushes coordinated action on Russia after Navalny poisoning

Britain’s foreign secretary, Cooper, says the UK will keep working with partners on responses to Russia following the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, with tougher sanctions on the table. The vibe is “collective action,” because nothing scares a Kremlin hardliner like a well-organized spreadsheet of penalties.

Guimarães named 2026 European Green Capital

Guimarães in northern Portugal will spend 2026 running a year-long program spotlighting green spaces and sustainability-focused activities. In a world where many leaders treat “environment” like a garnish, a city doing the whole meal is a pleasantly rare concept.

South Africa’s power-cut fix, Ramaphosa intervenes as grid reforms stall

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Eskom’s transmission assets will move into the National Transmission Company of South Africa once it is fully independent, a pivot after a December 2025 plan to keep it as an Eskom subsidiary. Reform advocates argue an independent grid is crucial for competition and investment, while Eskom warns shifting assets could spook lenders given its heavy debt. A three-month task team is meant to resolve the restructuring fight, which is political-speak for “please stop screaming long enough to keep the lights on.”

Ads and sponsored content creep into AI chatbots, privacy worries rise

Advertising is being introduced into AI chatbots, raising privacy concerns and forcing brands to race for visibility in yet another shifting online ecosystem. Because apparently the one thing humans demanded from conversational AI was “make it more like a billboard, but personal.”

Interpol warns criminals are using AI to level up phishing and deepfakes

Interpol’s cybercrime teams in Singapore are adapting as criminals use AI to sharpen phishing and produce more convincing deepfake videos. It is the classic cat-and-mouse game, except the mouse now has a film studio, a voice actor, and a decent prompt engineer.

Nottingham Forest hire Vitor Pereira, their fourth manager this season

Nottingham Forest have appointed 57-year-old Vitor Pereira on an 18-month deal, making him the club’s fourth manager of the season. At this rate, Forest’s most consistent performer is the contract printer.

Jack Draper debuts buzz cut while rehabbing injuries

British tennis player Jack Draper showed off a close-cropped buzz cut on Instagram as he works back from injuries that have limited him for six months. The world number 12 last played in Great Britain’s 4–0 Davis Cup win over Norway, beating Viktor Durasovic in straight sets, and fans also spotted a new tattoo as he targets a full return after a strong 2025 season that included an Indian Wells title.

TUC says gender pay gap could take 30 more years to close

The UK’s Trades Union Congress warns the gender pay gap could take another 30 years to close, estimating the average woman effectively works 47 days a year unpaid compared with men. Somehow we can price derivatives in milliseconds, but equal pay remains stuck in “maybe later” mode.

Feb. 15 birthdays

Jane Seymour turns 75, Alex Borstein turns 55. Hollywood continues its proud tradition of being shocked that time is, in fact, linear.

WTO milestone leadership appointment (Feb. 15, 2021)

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a U.S.-trained Nigerian economist, was appointed director-general of the World Trade Organization, becoming the first woman and first African to lead it. History was made, and somewhere a committee tried to schedule a meeting to discuss how to feel about it.

Kent countryside circular walk, pub-to-pub sanity loop

A hearty circular walk in Kent starts and ends at a cosy village pub, winding through countryside and featuring a notable landmark along the way. Exercise, fresh air, and a reward at the finish line: the rare British plan that actually makes sense.

Cass report author warns children “weaponised” in trans debate

Dr Hilary Cass said children have been “weaponised” in the trans debate, arguing that extreme voices have helped drive distress for young people. The adults in the room, once again, are mostly trying to locate the room.

England’s Tom Banton calls unbeaten 63 a breakthrough

Tom Banton described his unbeaten 63 against Scotland as a breakthrough innings for England, crediting greater maturity and a more settled approach. The glamorous sporting revelation here is that calm helps.

Venezuela families begin hunger strike for political prisoners

Ten relatives in Venezuela began a hunger strike demanding release of the remaining 33 political prisoners held at Zona 7, after 17 detainees were freed on Saturday. They are continuing protests and pressing for an amnesty law.

Former Nottingham Forest owner attacked in Mayfair home

Fawaz Al-Hawasi, a 57-year-old Kuwaiti businessman and former owner of Nottingham Forest, said masked intruders entered his £10 million Mayfair home, ransacked it while he slept, and stabbed him in the hand, with a neck injury also reported. Police said injuries were not life-threatening, the investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what was stolen.

UK urged to expand submarine force amid growing undersea threats

Witnesses told the House of Commons Defence Committee the UK should significantly increase its submarine force as undersea threats rise and uncrewed tech gets cheaper. Submergence Group CEO Brett Phaneuf floated “100% more submarines,” with autonomous systems helping offset cost and delay, warning low-cost underwater drones could harass shipping, disrupt trade, and threaten critical infrastructure. Other experts stressed integration and concepts of operation, noting the undersea domain has long been underfunded despite rising strategic importance.

“Cold Space War”, Ukraine, Starlink, and Europe’s linked security

Ukraine and SpaceX reportedly found a way to block Russian forces from using Starlink, prompting angry reactions from Russian propagandists that also targeted Palantir. Separately, Russian spacecraft intercepted communications from two European satellites, underscoring how tightly US and European space and security interests are tied together.

Beyond apples, other fruits with major health benefits

This looks at fruits besides apples that offer strong health benefits, explaining how advantages differ and highlighting several top choices. Nature’s original multivitamins, now with more variety and less smugness.

Medway residents call for resurfacing of “dangerous” road

Residents in Medway say their street is in poor condition and are urging the council to resurface what they describe as a dangerous road. Basic infrastructure should not require a grassroots campaign, but here we all are.

Viagra and Cialis Linked to Broader Health Benefits in New Review

A review in the World Journal of Men's Health reports evidence that PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis may be associated with improved cardiovascular health, lower stroke risk, and possible benefits for diabetes, likely tied to improved blood flow and vascular function. The review also notes potential improvements for enlarged prostate and urinary symptoms, suggesting the same mechanism could affect the heart, brain, lungs, and urinary system.

UK to Send Royal Navy Carrier Group to North Atlantic and Arctic

Keir Starmer said the UK will deploy a carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and Arctic waters later this year, with patrols off Greenland expected by the end of 2026. Led by HMS Prince of Wales under Operation Firecrest, the deployment is set to operate alongside the US, Canada, and other NATO allies amid increased strategic focus on Greenland and rising Russian naval activity near the GIUK gap.

Burst Pipe Floods Spring Garden Parking Garage, Submerges Vehicles

A burst pipe flooded a parking garage on the 1600 block of Callowhill Street in Spring Garden, submerging nearly 20 vehicles. Drivers reportedly rushed in to try to save their cars, because nothing says “relaxing evening” like sprinting into a surprise indoor lake.

Lifetouch School Photo Days Canceled Amid Epstein-Related Rumors

School photography company Lifetouch is facing scrutiny from some school districts, with certain photo days canceled after rumors circulated tying the company to Jeffrey Epstein files. Parents and students are being told to monitor district updates as schools review the claims and decide whether to continue working with the company.

European Cruise Trends for 2026: Smaller Ships, Cultural Focus, and F1 Themes

Forecasts for 2026 European cruise travel point to more emphasis on smaller ships, itineraries centered on cultural exchange, and Formula 1-themed experiences. The shift is framed as a response to overtourism pressures and changing traveler priorities, because even at sea the industry still wants to find new ways to deliver crowds—just with better branding.

Hatton Garden Burglar Freed After Sentence Error, Then Returned to Custody

Michael Seed, 65, involved in the 2015 Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary that stole £13.6 million in valuables, was released from HMP High Down after officials miscalculated his sentence. Seed, known as “Basil the Ghost,” was not due for release until June 2027 but was mistakenly freed on August 12, 2025, remained at liberty for about six months, and was returned to custody on February 5. The Ministry of Justice said new checks and an investigation are underway, proving once again the state can misplace anything—even a convicted jewel thief.

DOJ Explains Epstein File Redactions, Includes List of Named Officials

The Justice Department sent a six-page letter to Senate and House Judiciary leaders detailing its rationale for redactions in the released Jeffrey Epstein files, according to Politico. The letter also reportedly included a list of government officials and other politically exposed persons named in the documents, including former President Donald Trump.

Man Shot and Killed in North Philadelphia, No Arrests Reported

Police said an unidentified man was shot in the head while sitting in the driver’s seat of a blue car on the 1500 block of West Boston Street in North Philadelphia around 7:59 p.m. Saturday. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 8:21 p.m. Investigators said the shooter approached the car, fired multiple shots, and fled southbound. No arrests have been made, and police said no motive has been determined.