Iniaes

South Korea navy chief relieved amid martial law allegations

The defense ministry said it removed Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kang Dong-gil from duty over allegations he was involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed late-2024 attempt to impose martial law.

EU floats a “two-speed” path to unity

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said a “two-speed” Europe, where some countries integrate faster than others, could be a route to unity. She said the Parliament is not opposed to closer integration, echoing Mario Draghi’s call for a pragmatic move toward a federation.

Rotterdam cooking program helps newcomer women integrate

A Dutch program in Rotterdam brings newcomer women together to cook at the Mixblik food factory while also training them in sales, administration, food-industry standards, and Dutch language skills.

Opinion column compares Japan’s political mandate with Britain’s turmoil

“A Japanese Lesson for Troubled Britain” argues Japan has rallied behind Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after her party won a two-thirds Lower House supermajority and adopted a tougher stance toward China, while the UK under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is portrayed as politically weak and making concessions to Beijing. The piece cites China’s rhetoric toward Takaichi, the 20-year sentence for British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, and UK controversies including a proposed large Chinese embassy project in London and plans involving the Chagos Islands.

Kim Yo Jong warns of “terrible response” to future drone flights

Kim Yo Jong said Seoul’s expression of regret over alleged drone incursions was “sensible,” but warned any future flights would trigger a “terrible response.”

Trump pardons five former pro football players

Former President Donald Trump granted pardons to five former professional football players previously convicted of crimes including perjury, drug trafficking, and counterfeiting U.S. currency.

Chrome 145 fixes 11 security vulnerabilities

Chrome version 145 patches 11 security flaws, including three rated high severity. Two of the high-severity issues were discovered and reported by Google.

Jockey Rachael Blackmore announces pregnancy

Retired jockey Rachael Blackmore said she is expecting her first child with her husband, fellow jockey Brian Hayes, sharing the news on Instagram. The announcement comes weeks after their wedding in West Cork. Blackmore retired last May after a 16-year career that included becoming the first woman to win the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Kazakhstan aims to become a regional space hub

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a regional space hub by sharing technology, expertise, and talent, launching the Di’er-5 nanosatellite with China, and preparing for an upcoming Soyuz-5 (Sunkar) rocket launch.

UK civil service chief to depart

Sir Chris Wormald is leaving as head of the UK Civil Service. The Cabinet Office said the departure was mutually agreed after months of negative media coverage of his performance.

Portugal restricts social media access for under-16s

Portugal approved restrictions limiting access to social media for children under 16, joining other European countries pushing tougher rules on minors’ platform use.

Feb. 13 birthdays

Notable Feb. 13 birthdays include musician Henry Rollins (65) and actor Kelly Hu (58).

Anniversary of the 2021 Texas winter storm and power crisis

On Feb. 13, 2021, a winter storm spread extreme cold and snow across much of the U.S. South. Texas experienced a two-week power crisis as the grid failed, and at least 246 people died.

Weekend Warm-Up With a Side of Sunday Storm

AccuWeather says temperatures climb this weekend, and a storm could roll in Sunday—because of course the one day you plan something outdoors is the day the sky files a complaint.

Arizona Sheriff Reportedly Denies FBI Access to Key DNA Evidence in Missing Elder Case

Democratic Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is reportedly refusing an FBI request for access to a glove and DNA evidence tied to the suspected abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, missing since Jan. 31. Reuters, citing an anonymous law enforcement source, said the sheriff is sending the evidence to a Florida-based contractor instead of an FBI lab in Virginia, a move the source warned could slow the investigation. Guthrie’s daughter, “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, has urged the public to help as the search continues.

South Jersey Community Shaken After ICE Seen Near Elementary Bus Stops

In Lindenwold, New Jersey, residents were unsettled after several elementary school students said they felt unsafe waiting for their school bus when ICE agents were seen nearby.

Two Cafe Thefts Under Investigation in Northern Liberties

Police are investigating two thefts at cafes in Northern Liberties. It’s not yet known if the incidents are connected, and surveillance cameras captured the suspects.

Velzeboer Takes 500m Short Track Gold After World Record Semi

Xandra Velzeboer of the Netherlands won gold in the women’s 500-meter short track speed skating in Milan, Italy, after setting a world record in the semifinals.

Multi-Alarm Fire Hits American Custom Drying in Burlington Township

Fire crews battled a multi-alarm blaze that broke out around 9:24 p.m. at American Custom Drying on the 100 block of Elbow Lane in Burlington Township.

After 30 Years, Bristol Alum Finally Gets Her Graduation Moment

Bee Costello-Bates, 54, finished a politics degree at the University of Bristol in 1993 but missed graduation due to her father’s serious illness. Now a journalist and PR consultant, she reconnected through the Bristol Mentors scheme, supported students from underrepresented groups, and collected her degree at a ceremony at the Wills Memorial Building attended by her husband and 11-year-old daughter.

Goldman Legal Chief to Resign After New Epstein Files Cited

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Kathy Ruemmler will resign after the U.S. Department of Justice released additional files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein indicating a close relationship between the two. Ruemmler said she will step down, proving once again that reputations are fragile, but elite accountability is apparently still on an appointment-only basis.

UK Tribunal Allows Bangladeshi Man to Stay Over Risk of Detention and Long Sentence

A Bangladeshi man identified as MM won the right to remain in the UK after the Upper Tribunal found a reasonable likelihood he would be detained and face a 20-year prison sentence if returned to Bangladesh. The court accepted evidence he was convicted in absentia on politically motivated bomb charges linked to alleged involvement in Islami Chhatra Shibir, and that warrants remain active. The judge ruled the conviction is still in force, and that instability and lingering influence of former ruling-party figures could leave him jailed and struggling to obtain bail.

Driveway Rock Barricade Sparks Neighbor Feud

A dispute escalated after a woman said her neighbor repeatedly reversed onto her driveway to turn around on a narrow road. Without speaking to him, she placed rocks to block access. The neighbor later claimed the rocks damaged his car, got aggressive, and threatened police and a solicitor, while online commenters argued over whether basic communication should be required before launching Operation Landscaping Justice.

U.S. Men Open Olympic Preliminary Round With 5–1 Win Over Latvia

The U.S. men began preliminary-round play in Milan with a 5–1 victory over Latvia, controlling the game throughout. Brock Nelson scored twice.

Arrest offers relief to mother decades after 5-year-old daughter’s killing in Philadelphia

A mother in Philadelphia says she feels relief after an arrest in the killing of her 5-year-old daughter, Iriana, who was raped and strangled in July 2000. Her body was found in North Philadelphia, wrapped in wallpaper.

Russia Concentrates Su-57 “Felon” Stealth Fighters Near China’s Border

Russia is massing Su-57 “Felon” stealth fighters near China’s border. Satellite imagery from February 9, 2026 shows roughly 15 to 20 aircraft—nearly the entire fleet—gathered at the Dzyomgi air base in the Far East. The base sits about 280 kilometers from the Chinese border and next to the Komsomolsk-na-Amure production facility, suggesting the deployment is intended to protect both the scarce aircraft and the nearby manufacturing site.

Trump’s Greenland Push Is Prompting U.S. Allies to Reconsider Nuclear Weapons

Analyst Robert Kelly says a “new nuclear age” may be emerging as U.S. allies lose confidence in America’s nuclear umbrella. He argues that Donald Trump’s second-term shift from indifference to open hostility—underscored by threats to take Greenland by force—has weakened the long-standing bargain in which U.S. protection helped discourage allied nuclear proliferation, pushing some partners to consider developing their own nuclear deterrents.

Assessing the Risk of a Large-Scale Chinese H-20 Nuclear Strike

In 2026, China’s Xi’an H-20 stealth bomber is framed as a high-priority strategic threat, but it has not yet reached confirmed operational status. The aircraft is expected to use a flying-wing design similar to the U.S. B-21 Raider, while facing major challenges in engine performance and achieving broad-spectrum stealth needed to penetrate advanced air defenses.

Disney Jr. Announces March Premiere Dates for Preschool Series "BeddyByes" and "Magicampers"

Disney Jr. has set March premiere dates for two new preschool shows. "BeddyByes" debuts on March 2, and "Magicampers" premieres on March 23, with episodes available to stream the next day on Disney+.

South Korea’s intelligence agency says Kim Jong-un has designated his teenage daughter as North Korea’s heir

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has formally designated his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae—believed to be about 13—as his successor. Officials point to her growing visibility at major state events, reports that she has begun weighing in on policy, and symbolic shifts such as being shown walking alongside her father. The agency says it will watch for signs of her status at upcoming Workers’ Party events, while questions remain about why Kim would name such a young heir.

U.S. Colleges Received $5.2 Billion in Foreign Funding in 2025, Education Department Says

The Education Department reported that U.S. colleges and universities received more than $5.2 billion in foreign gifts and contracts in 2025 across over 8,300 transactions, based on mandatory disclosures under Section 117 for foreign funding of $250,000 or more. Carnegie Mellon and MIT were the largest recipients at nearly $1 billion each, followed by Stanford and Harvard. Qatar was the largest reported foreign source at more than $1 billion, with the U.K., China, and several other countries also contributing substantial amounts. The department said the data is publicly available through a foreign funding transparency platform launched in 2025, and noted ongoing Section 117 investigations and broader legal disputes involving several major universities.

Newsmax host criticizes Trump Justice Department over Epstein file redactions, calls for accountability

A Newsmax host condemned the Trump Justice Department for redacting material in the Jeffrey Epstein records, arguing the matter should not be partisan and saying someone should face jail time if wrongdoing occurred.

Plans propose banning vaping in cars carrying children

Vaping in cars with children could be banned under new proposals, which will be considered during a 12-week public consultation starting Friday.

Phillies Release Nick Castellanos After He Admits Bringing Beer Into the Dugout

The Philadelphia Phillies released outfielder Nick Castellanos after he admitted to bringing beer into the dugout. Castellanos is now a free agent and can sign with any team for the league minimum.

Keir Starmer urged to soften migrant crackdown amid pressure on his pledge to stop small boat crossings

Keir Starmer is facing a Labour backlash over Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposed migration crackdown, with 35 Labour MPs joining Unison and dozens of organisations to oppose plans they call unfair. The letter urges the government to drop proposals to retrospectively extend the wait for indefinite leave to remain, including doubling the standard qualifying period from five to ten years and imposing longer waits on some health and social care visa holders and benefit claimants. Critics say changing rules for migrants already living in the UK would breach trust and worsen staffing shortages, while ministers insist they will press ahead as part of tighter immigration controls and efforts to curb small boat crossings.

Speaker Mike Johnson Criticizes Justice Department Monitoring of Lawmakers’ Access to Epstein Files

Speaker Mike Johnson said it was inappropriate for the Justice Department to track lawmakers’ document searches as they review the unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files, arguing members should be able to examine the materials at their own pace and discretion. His remarks followed photos of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s notes from a congressional hearing that suggested the department is monitoring which Epstein-related documents lawmakers are viewing, raising concerns on Capitol Hill.

South Korea’s teenage snowboarder Gaon Choi wins Olympic halfpipe gold, ending Chloe Kim’s bid for a third straight title

South Korean teenager Gaon Choi won gold in the Olympic halfpipe on Thursday with a score of 90.25, preventing American Chloe Kim from claiming a record third consecutive Olympic victory.

Phoenix man sentenced after buying a paring knife at a supermarket and fatally stabbing a stranger following an argument

A Phoenix jury convicted 48-year-old Damian Mitchell of murder in the December 2024 killing of 29-year-old Reminisce Biddle, and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Prosecutors said Mitchell bought a 3.5-inch paring knife at a Safeway and, after the two men exchanged words outside, followed Biddle behind a nearby building and stabbed him once in the chest. Investigators said surveillance footage and the prepaid debit card used for the purchase helped identify Mitchell, who was arrested on Jan. 5, 2025, and admitted buying the knife while offering an alternative account of the stabbing.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Sentenced to Two Years for Sharing Classified War Plans with Online Contact

Retired U.S. Army colonel Kevin Charles Luke, 62, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for sending classified information about U.S. war plans to a woman he met online, federal authorities said Wednesday. Luke pleaded guilty in October 2025 and admitted he abused a position of public trust.

The Best Romantic Bars in Philadelphia

Skip the prix-fixe dinners and the scramble for a 7 p.m. reservation—Philadelphia’s Valentine’s Day vibe is better found at candlelit bars, where the mood and the drinks do the heavy lifting.

Man arrested after 25 years in 2000 rape and murder of 5-year-old Philadelphia girl

More than 25 years after 5-year-old I’riana DeJesus was reported missing and later found strangled in Philadelphia in 2000, authorities have arrested Alexis Flores in connection with her rape and killing. FBI Director Kash Patel said Flores, a longtime fugitive and former FBI Top 10 Most Wanted listee, was taken into custody with help from international partners and is being brought back to the United States. Flores was identified as a suspect after a 2004 arrest in Phoenix, but was deported to Honduras before DNA evidence later linked him to the crime.

FYI Philly Celebrates Black History Month

This week on FYI Philly, Black History Month is marked by highlighting Black-owned businesses, featuring meals with cultural and historical significance, and focusing on self-care created by and for women of color.

Poisoning AI Scraper Bots with Iocaine

Poisoning scraper bots with iocaine describes how websites hit by increasingly aggressive AI scraping—sometimes to the point of a de facto DDoS—are fighting back with tools like Iocaine, an MIT-licensed nonsense generator that injects fake data into pages so scraped text becomes less valuable. The goal is to make large-scale scraping economically unviable rather than endlessly blocking new bots.

Franklin Institute Opens Universal Theme Parks Exhibition

“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” opens this weekend at the Franklin Institute, a collaboration with Comcast NBCUniversal that explores how theme parks are designed and built. The 18,000-square-foot show includes eight galleries, 25 interactive experiences, and more than 100 original artifacts from attractions such as Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters, along with hands-on design and tech demonstrations. It runs February 14 through September 7, 2026, in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center.

Review ordered into Daily Mail owner’s £500 million takeover bid for the Telegraph

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has ordered an investigation into the Daily Mail owner’s £500 million bid to take over the Telegraph, examining the deal on public interest and competition grounds.

Reviewing Jim Ratcliffe’s Claims About Immigration and Welfare Benefits

BBC Verify fact-checks several statements made by Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe about immigration and benefits.

France plans to expand nuclear power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels

France is betting on nuclear power to phase out fossil fuels, with the government presenting an energy plan to cut imported fossil fuel use by ramping up nuclear-generated electricity over the next decade.

What U.S. and South Korean conservatives can learn from Japan’s election

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party won a two-thirds supermajority in the lower house, highlighting how a migration approach based on demographic realities and steady institutional management can succeed. The result is presented as a contrast to the crisis-driven immigration rhetoric often used by parts of the American and South Korean right.

Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story” revisits JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s New York romance

Ryan Murphy’s new FX series, “Love Story,” revisits the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, portraying the relationship that played out on New York City streets and drew intense national attention.

Ratcliffe apologises for language used in immigration comments

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said he regrets the language he used about immigration and acknowledged it offended some people, after previously claiming the UK had been "colonised" by immigrants.

More than 50 conservative leaders oppose codifying Trump’s drug pricing policy

More than 50 leaders from conservative and free-market organizations signed a letter to Congress on Thursday urging lawmakers not to enshrine President Donald Trump’s “most favored nation” drug pricing model into law.

Montgomery County Man Arrested on Suspicion of Plotting to Hire a Hitman

A man in Montgomery County has been arrested and jailed after authorities accused him of trying to pay someone to kill his ex-girlfriend and two men she dated after their relationship ended.

Democrats Launch a Multi-Million-Dollar Program to Train Campaign Staff Ahead of November

The Democratic National Committee is launching a multi-million-dollar training program to help new and current campaign staff build a range of skills as both parties prepare for the November midterm elections.

Katie Holmes and Krysten Ritter Pay Tribute to James Van Der Beek

After James Van Der Beek died of cancer at 48, former co-stars and collaborators, including Katie Holmes and Krysten Ritter, shared tributes to him on social media.

Trump-appointed judge declines to follow Fifth Circuit ruling allowing indefinite ICE detention

U.S. District Judge Damon R. Leichty, a Trump appointee, ordered conditional release for detained Ecuadorian immigrant Carlos Chillogalli Puzhi unless ICE promptly provides a proper custody redetermination with required procedural protections. Leichty said the case falls under 8 U.S.C. §1226(a), which generally requires an individualized bond hearing for immigrants already in the United States, and said he was not persuaded by a recent Fifth Circuit decision endorsing the government’s use of §1225(b) to deny bond and detain certain immigrants for the length of their removal proceedings.

Wegmans Recalls Chicken Noodle Soup After Plastic Pieces Found in Containers

Wegmans is recalling its organic chicken noodle soup after reporting that some containers may contain pieces of red plastic.

Sheetz opens its first store in Montgomery County

Sheetz is holding the grand opening of its first Montgomery County location on Thursday in Limerick Township on Ridge Pike, directly across the street from a Wawa.

Rutte says Trump’s concerns about Arctic security are valid

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said U.S. President Donald Trump “has a big point” on Arctic security as NATO launched “Arctic Sentry,” a new initiative to improve coordination and vigilance in the High North amid increased Russian and Chinese activity and the opening of Arctic sea lanes. Rutte said NATO must take the risks seriously and avoid complacency, and described the effort as a concrete outcome of discussions with Trump. Arctic Sentry will be coordinated under NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, with Joint Force Command Norfolk leading day-to-day responsibility, and support from Allied Command Transformation to integrate new technologies and identify capability gaps.

Seoul Says Kim Jong Un’s Daughter May Be Positioned as North Korea’s Next Leader

South Korean officials say Kim Jong Un’s daughter may be nearing formal designation as North Korea’s next leader, even as North Korean state media has never published her name and refers to her only as his “respected” or “most beloved” child.

EU Plans New Sanctions to Close Cryptocurrency Loopholes Used by Russia

Brussels is finalizing a 20th sanctions package that would ban cryptocurrency transactions involving Russia and restrict dealings with Russia-based crypto service providers. The measures are expected to expand banking sanctions, including against some lenders in third countries, and may target the Russia-linked payments platform A7 and its ruble-pegged stablecoin A7A5. Analysts say enforcement may be limited because decentralized crypto markets can route transactions without centralized intermediaries, while Russia continues advancing domestic rules to freeze and confiscate digital assets.

Ukraine skeleton racer barred over “helmet of memory”

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was removed from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after refusing to stop wearing a “helmet of memory” showing images of Ukrainians killed since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The IOC said it violated rules banning political demonstrations at competition venues, revoked his accreditation shortly before the men’s skeleton event, and offered alternatives like a black armband. Heraskevych condemned the decision and said the rule was being applied inconsistently.

Danny Murphy’s “keep Dyche” take ages like warm milk

BBC pundit Danny Murphy was criticised after saying on Match of the Day that Nottingham Forest should keep Sean Dyche, shortly before Dyche was sacked. Owner Evangelos Marinakis made the call after a 0–0 home draw with Wolves, leaving Forest 17th and marking their third managerial change of the season. Dyche leaves after 114 days, with six wins from 18 league matches and two victories in his final 10 games.

Spanish farmers flood Madrid with tractors over EU–Mercosur deal

Hundreds of tractors and thousands of farmers drove into Madrid to protest the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement with Latin American countries.

Trump orders Pentagon to buy coal power

President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to purchase electricity produced by coal-fired power plants as part of a broader push to support domestic coal production.

James Van Der Beek dies at 48

Actor James Van Der Beek, known for Dawson’s Creek, Varsity Blues, and The Rules of Attraction, died at 48 after bowel cancer. Celebrities posted tributes on social media following the news.

Speed skating chaos, Wennemars derailed, Stolz wins gold

Dutch champion Joep Wennemars had his men’s 1,000 metres medal hopes disrupted at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics after contact with China’s Lian Ziwen during a lane change. Wennemars finished fifth in 1:07.58, then reacted angrily and pushed Lian when he approached. Officials disqualified Lian for impeding and granted a re-run, but Wennemars skated slower, in 1:08.46, leaving his original time as his final result. American Jordan Stolz won gold in an Olympic record 1:06.28, with the Netherlands’ Jenning De Boo taking silver and China’s Ning Zhongyan bronze.

Varoufakis warns EU faces federation or euro unravelling

Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis said the EU is stuck between moving toward a federation and the euro unravelling, arguing that weak fiscal policy and limited investment capacity are fueling Europe’s gradual disintegration.

Australia’s Liberals brace for another leadership knife fight

Sussan Ley, widely viewed as a stopgap Liberal leader, is under pressure and could lose the leadership ballot, with Angus Taylor seen as the likely successor. Ley has struggled to project authority amid ideological divisions, worsening polls, and internal undermining from conservative factions, while tensions with the Nationals have added strain. Taylor would inherit the same unstable landscape, with powerbrokers and rivals, including Andrew Hastie, positioned to challenge if support slips.

Team GB figure skating medal drought continues

Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson fell from fourth to seventh in the Olympic ice dance final in Milan after Fear stumbled during the twizzle sequence in their Scottish-themed free dance. France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron won gold, ahead of Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates, with Canadians Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier taking bronze.

Remembering the 2009 Buffalo plane crash

On Feb. 12, 2009, a Continental Airlines turboprop commuter plane crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York, killing 50 people, including one person inside the home.

Cisco raises hardware prices to offset higher memory costs, says demand is steady

Cisco has raised prices on its hardware to cover higher memory costs and says customers have not changed their purchasing behavior despite the increases. The company notes it is seeing limited direct benefit from the AI boom, but expects a wave of campus network upgrades to drive demand.

AccuWeather: Brief cool spell before milder weather returns this weekend in the Philadelphia region

The Philadelphia region will see temperatures in the 30s over the next two days, then a shift to milder, above-average temperatures this weekend.

Philadelphia Controller Review Finds Widespread Issues With Speed Cushions Near Schools

A review by Philadelphia’s controller found widespread problems with the speed cushions installed near schools.

Green councillor says she and her grandchildren wrote Valentine’s Day cards for asylum seekers in Crowborough

Anne Cross, a Green councillor on East Sussex County Council, said she and her grandchildren made Valentine’s Day cards they planned to give to men housed at the Crowborough asylum seeker site as a welcome gesture. Nusrat Ghani, the local MP and Deputy Speaker, criticised the idea as inappropriate and said it raised safeguarding concerns. The site currently houses 27 people and is expected to accommodate hundreds of single adult men as part of a wider move to use military facilities instead of hotels.

Police Seek Man Suspected of Multiple Lewd Acts at South Jersey Apartment Building

Police in Washington Township, Gloucester County, are searching for a man suspected of committing lewd acts multiple times in the common areas of the Washington Way Apartments. Investigators say he was caught on camera and that the incidents typically occurred between 3 and 4 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cody Evanko or the Washington Township Police Department.

Longview Service Issue Resolved

Linode reported that the Longview graph dashboard became unavailable around 11:04 UTC on February 10, 2026, due to an internal certificate expiry. Access to existing reporting data was affected, but there was no permanent data loss. The certificate was rotated, and the issue was mitigated by 23:44 UTC on February 10. Monitoring continued until the incident was declared resolved at 04:23 UTC on February 12.

Montgomery County Man Arrested in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

A man in Montgomery County has been arrested after being accused of hiring a hit man as part of an alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

Russia Moves to Block WhatsApp as Part of a Messaging App Crackdown

Russia is taking steps to block WhatsApp in a broader crackdown on messaging services. WhatsApp says the goal is to steer its roughly 90 million users in Russia toward a state-owned app that enables government surveillance.

Police say the same gunman carried out two fatal shootings on Florida’s coasts

Authorities are investigating two fatal shootings on opposite coasts of the Florida Peninsula and say both attacks were carried out by the same shooter.

Trump and Netanyahu Meet at the White House to Discuss the Iran Nuclear Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss the Iran nuclear deal.

Philadelphia Extends Warning Period for New Red-Light Cameras in Southwest Philadelphia

Philadelphia has extended the warning period for newly installed red-light cameras in Southwest Philadelphia, delaying the start of ticketing while drivers continue to receive warnings.

Police ask for help identifying suspect after reports of lewd behavior at Washington Township apartment complex

Police in Washington Township, New Jersey, are asking residents to provide tips to help identify a suspect accused of committing lewd acts outside an apartment building, raising concerns among neighbors.

Nottingham Forest dismiss head coach Sean Dyche for the third time this season

Nottingham Forest announced it has dismissed head coach Sean Dyche, marking the club’s third managerial change this season.

Anthropic says it will cover any consumer energy price increases linked to its data center power use

AI company Anthropic says it will pay for any rise in consumer electricity costs attributable to the energy demand of the data centers it uses. The company noted that much of its computing capacity is leased through major cloud providers, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

Joe Frazier statue approved to move from South Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia’s Art Commission unanimously approved moving the “Smokin’” Joe Frazier statue from outside Xfinity Live!/Stateside Live! in South Philly to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, replacing the Rocky statue that has been there since 2006. Rocky is set to go inside for an exhibition and then move to a permanent spot at the top of the steps later this year. The $150,000 city-funded relocation is backed by the mayor, the museum, the sculptor, and Frazier’s family and foundation, though some of Frazier’s granddaughters questioned why a real boxing champion would be placed lower than a fictional character. The commission added requirements for informational rails around the Frazier statue and for signage directing visitors to it, aiming to better recognize Frazier’s legacy alongside Rocky’s.

Brendan Fraser praises his co-star as "Rental Family" prepares to stream on Hulu

Brendan Fraser, Shannon Gorman, and director Hikari discuss themes of family, the filming experience, and human connection in “Rental Family,” which arrives on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ on Feb. 18.

Philadelphia region to see brief cool spell before milder weekend

The Philadelphia region will stay in the 30s for the next two days, then warmer, above-average temperatures are expected to return this weekend.

What causes the feeling of “butterflies in your stomach”?

“Butterflies in the stomach” is a common fluttery sensation that can show up with excitement or anxiety, such as before an interview, public speaking, or early romance. It’s part of the fight-or-flight response: the brain detects a potential threat, triggers stress hormones like adrenaline, increases heart rate and blood flow, and temporarily deprioritizes digestion by reducing gut activity and blood flow. The sensation likely reflects changes in gut movement and signaling along the vagus nerve within the gut-brain axis, though the exact mechanism isn’t fully proven. Gut microbes may influence stress responses, but there’s limited human evidence linking them directly to the sudden “butterflies” feeling. Managing it can include mindful observation, practical preparation, reframing the situation, acceptance-based approaches, and seeking therapy such as acceptance and commitment therapy if anxiety is frequent or disruptive.

House Republicans propose requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote ahead of the midterm elections

House Republicans are advancing a bill that would require people to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, primarily by presenting a valid U.S. passport or a birth certificate.

House Passes Trump-Backed Election Integrity Bill With Support From Only One Democrat

The House of Representatives passed a revised, Trump-backed election integrity bill, the SAVE America Act, by a 216–213 vote, with Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar as the only Democrat to support it. The measure would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, mandate voter ID at the polls, and ban mail-only voter registrations. Democrats said the requirements could block eligible voters who lack documents or have name changes, while Republicans argued voter ID is already common and popular. The bill is expected to face steep opposition in the Senate, including from some Republicans such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Board Keeps Casey Wasserman as LA28 Chair After Reviewing Epstein-Related Allegations

Casey Wasserman will remain chair of LA28 after the board reviewed his mention in newly released Jeffrey Epstein-related files and decided he should continue leading the Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee.

Father Accused of Stabbing Infant and Leaving Him in Snow in Coatesville

A father in Coatesville is accused of stabbing an infant and leaving the child in the snow. Police said they took the baby’s father, Michael Phillips, into custody when they arrived.

Alex Murdaugh maintains innocence as South Carolina Supreme Court hears appeal

Alex Murdaugh continues to deny killing his wife and son as his attorneys argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court, urging the justices to overturn his two murder convictions and life sentence.

Linux kernel graphics driver development begins experimenting with AI-assisted code review

David Airlie of Red Hat, a co-maintainer of the Linux Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) graphics and display drivers and the “accel” accelerator drivers, announced experimental work to use AI to assist with reviewing code and patches for these open-source kernel driver projects.

Actor James Van Der Beek Dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in “Dawson’s Creek,” “Varsity Blues,” and “The Rules of Attraction,” has died at age 48.

Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe says immigration is creating major challenges for the UK

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Britain has seen a “profound and unprecedented” rise in net migration and argued it is creating serious political, social, and economic pressures. Speaking to Sky News, the Ineos owner—who now lives in Monaco—claimed the country cannot sustain high immigration alongside large numbers of people on benefits, and said tougher, potentially unpopular choices are needed. He also praised both Nigel Farage and Keir Starmer as well-intentioned, but suggested the situation requires more political toughness.

Bucks County Couple Donates Thousands to Help Struggling Families

A local couple in Bucks County donated thousands of dollars to support families struggling financially.

Sabayon Linux creator begins work on matrixOS, a Gentoo-based immutable distribution

Fabio Erculiani, the creator of the Gentoo-based Sabayon Linux distribution known for its out-of-the-box experience from the mid-2000s through 2019, announced he is developing a new Linux distribution called matrixOS, described as Gentoo-based and immutable.

Russian drone strike kills three young children and their father in Ukraine

A Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region killed three young children and their father, and injured the children’s pregnant mother.

Beyoncé’s Latest Product Launch Falls Short

“Blind Items Revealed #7 - Mr. X” claims that Beyoncé’s newest product venture failed to gain traction, suggesting her fans primarily support her by buying concert tickets rather than purchasing her branded merchandise.

Walz says Minnesota immigration crackdown may end within days

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis is expected to end within days. He told reporters he discussed the situation with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles that morning and spoke Monday with border official Tom Homan.

LGBTQ+ Business Leaders Join City Hall Roundtable on Supporting Diverse Businesses

LGBTQ+ business leaders took part in a roundtable discussion at City Hall to discuss ways city officials can better support diverse businesses.

Trump says he urged Netanyahu to keep U.S.-Iran nuclear talks going

Trump said he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue U.S. talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Netanyahu’s office indicated ahead of their meeting that Israel wants the negotiations to also address limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for groups including Hamas and Hezbollah.