Iniaes

Affleck, Garner, and the Eternal Celebrity Triangle That Isn’t

Despite rumors, Ben Affleck is not trying to come between Jennifer Garner, the mother of his children, and her current partner.

Canada and France Open Consulates in Greenland, Aka “Please Stop Threatening to Annex the Arctic”

Canada and France said they will open consulates in Greenland, signaling support for Denmark as relations with the United States have been strained after President Trump suggested taking control of the self-governing Arctic territory. Canadian officials, including Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon, are set to visit Greenland’s capital, Nuuk.

Michoacán Cranks Up Avocado Shipments for Super Bowl LX

Mexico’s Michoacán state has raised avocado shipments to the United States by nearly 20%, with exporters projecting around 130,000 tons will be sent for Super Bowl LX consumption this Sunday.

Scotland Seek Redemption Against Italy

Scotland head into their match with Italy determined to prove they’ve improved since a damaging defeat in Italy two years ago. Captain Sione Tuipulotu didn’t play in that loss, but says the impact still lingers, and the team must show clear growth this time.

Rumor Mill: Podcaster Reportedly Seen With Black Eye

A controversial podcaster is said to have had a particularly bad week and has reportedly appeared with a black eye. The claim also suggests he is now being controlled, or used as a figurehead, by others.

PokéPark Kanto Opens in Tokyo

PokéPark Kanto, Pokémon’s first permanent theme park, opened in Tokyo on Thursday, adding a major new attraction as Japan’s tourism boom increases demand for entertainment venues.

Inside Istanbul, Turkey Plays Diplomatic Go-Between Again

A travel feature on Istanbul frames Turkey as a bridge between past, present, and future, and notes the country’s push to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table as tensions rise and the risk of U.S. military action grows.

Deadly Mosque Attack in Pakistan

A suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Pakistan during Friday prayers, killing 31 people and injuring 169.

Germany Warns of Increased Iranian Espionage Targeting the Bundeswehr

Germany says Iranian intelligence is stepping up efforts to target the Bundeswehr, prompting warnings of rising espionage risks, potential cyberattacks, and a more dangerous threat environment overall.

Iron & Wine Releases New EP “Roses”

Indie folk artist Sam Beam, known as Iron & Wine, released the new EP “Roses” on Friday along with a music video, ahead of an album due Feb. 27.

DOJ Seeks Pause in Civil Suit Over Fulton County 2020 Election Records

The Justice Department asked Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. to halt its civil lawsuit seeking Fulton County’s 2020 election records, arguing the case largely overlaps with ongoing criminal proceedings after the FBI executed a search warrant and seized the records from the county’s elections hub. The DOJ said key documents are now in federal custody and that a stay would avoid interfering with the criminal investigation and protect the clerk, Ché Alexander, from civil questioning that could create criminal exposure. Fulton County has separately moved under seal for the return of the seized materials and to unseal the affidavit supporting the warrant.

DIY Camera Hack: 3D-Printed 35mm Body Meets a Soviet Lomo Smena 8M

A work-in-progress camera-hacking project pairs the lens and shutter assembly from a Soviet Lomo Smena 8M with a 3D-printed 35mm camera body that holds the film cartridge, sets the focal plane, and includes a take-up reel, assembled with M2 screws to match the Lomo hardware. The approach could be adapted to other cheap vintage snapshot cameras with similar lens-and-shutter units.

US lawmakers to EU, keep the methane rules

American lawmakers are urging the EU not to water down its methane regulations ahead of new requirements taking effect in January 2027, when European oil and gas importers must meet monitoring, reporting, and verification standards linked to methane emissions data from producers and exporters supplying Europe.

Toyota profit plunges, CFO tapped to become CEO

Toyota reported a 43% drop in quarterly profit, citing tariff pressures and higher costs, and said its finance chief will take over as CEO. Nothing says “calm, steady leadership” like changing captains mid-storm while the ship is being pelted by tariffs.

Bombing at Shiite mosque near Islamabad kills dozens

A bombing at a Shiite mosque near Islamabad during Friday prayers killed at least 31 people and wounded 169, highlighting a surge in extremist violence in Pakistan.

Britons back fines for feet on seats, and other commuter sins

More than half of Britons surveyed support fining commuters up to £20 for putting their feet on public transport seats, with similar support for penalties targeting other bad etiquette. A poll of 1,000 people commissioned by rail travel company JRPass found littering and shoes on seats were most disliked, and majorities also complained about blocking doorways, placing bags on seats, and playing audio without headphones, even as many respondents admitted they do some of it themselves. Naturally, the national pastime is moral outrage, with a side of “but I’m the exception.”

Azerbaijan joins Trump-backed “Board of Peace”

Azerbaijan has become a founding member of the Trump-backed “Board of Peace,” seeking to convert regional influence into more international clout while carefully navigating sensitive dynamics with Iran. Because nothing screams “stability” like geopolitics branded like a luxury condo development.

UN monitoring data shows al-Qaeda networks have expanded since 9/11

Data compiled by a United Nations monitoring group indicates al-Qaeda and affiliated groups have expanded sharply since 9/11, with intelligence estimates suggesting about 25,000 potential fighters worldwide compared with roughly 500 in September 2001.

Puerto Rico’s growing interest in sovereignty, Congress urged to respond

Puerto Rico is increasingly looking toward sovereignty, and Congress is being urged to take the shift seriously. Supporters say sovereignty could allow Puerto Rico to become a stable, democratic, economically sustainable partner of the United States—assuming Washington can briefly look up from its perpetual food fight.

Danone recalls Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula over possible toxin contamination

Danone is recalling specific batches of Aptamil and Cow & Gate infant formula after the UK Food Standards Agency warned of possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and abdominal cramps. Parents and caregivers are advised to check batch numbers against the official recall notice, as only certain products are affected, including some tied to an earlier recall. The UK Health Security Agency reported up to 36 children with symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning after consuming potentially contaminated batches, and Danone and Nestlé said they stopped using ingredients from the supplier linked to the issue while unaffected formula remains on sale.

Louvre theft leaves Empress Eugénie’s crown damaged, now being restored

After thieves broke into the Louvre, cut through display cases, and stole Napoleonic jewels, the crown of Empress Eugénie fell during their escape and was left mangled on the pavement. The recovered crown is now undergoing complete restoration. Even in crime, someone always has to make it slapstick.

Leaders praise Azerbaijan–Armenia peace agreement at Zayed Award ceremony

At the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi, world leaders praised the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace agreement, emphasizing dialogue, compromise, and practical steps toward lasting peace. A rare moment of adults acting like adults—somebody check the calendar.

Russian general shot in Moscow

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, a senior official in the main directorate of Russia’s military general staff, was shot several times in Moscow. Yet another day in the “everything is totally stable” department.

UK house prices top £300,000 (and first-time buyers get to scream into a pillow)

Halifax says the average UK house price has risen above £300,000 for the first time, calling it a milestone while warning it could push first homes even further out of reach for first-time buyers, which is an elegant way of saying “good luck, renters for life.”

2026 Winter Olympics primer

The 2026 Winter Olympics (Milan–Cortina) begin with an opening ceremony on Friday, followed by 16 days of competition expected to draw global attention from sports fans.

Fenerbahçe arrival sparks backlash over blackface, plus alleged political help on transfer

Two Fenerbahçe supporters were filmed at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport with their faces painted black while welcoming N’Golo Kanté, prompting widespread criticism. Kanté, a Premier League and World Cup winner, joins Fenerbahçe after leaving Al-Ittihad, with reports saying the move was helped along by political intervention after administrative delays, because apparently even football paperwork needs a guy in a suit to “make a call.”

Stella Tsai makes history on the Commonwealth Court

Stella Tsai was sworn in to the Commonwealth Court, becoming the court’s first Asian American judge and marking a historic milestone in its membership.

Sky Sports apologises after van Gerwen swears on live TV

Sky Sports issued an on-air apology after Michael van Gerwen swore during a live post-match interview on the opening night of the 2026 Premier League in Newcastle while reacting to a redesigned nightly winner’s trophy. Van Gerwen apologised immediately, as did host Emma Paton, and many fans found the moment amusing, with the seven-time champion’s win ending a nearly two-year wait for a nightly victory and moving him top of the standings, two points ahead of Gian van Veen.

UK minister defends Starmer amid Mandelson vetting row

Home Office minister Mike Tapp defended Keir Starmer’s implied criticism of security and vetting officials who questioned Peter Mandelson before his appointment as ambassador. On Sky News, Tapp argued Mandelson was not the vetting officer and claimed falsehoods were told during the vetting process, which is the sort of sentence that makes the public wonder if anyone is vetting the vetting.

Fanfiction praised as a creative community, warned against “commercial smoothing”

Fanfiction and fan communities are described as welcoming, skill-building spaces with massive archives of creative work, including erotica, and a formative training ground for writers. The main concern raised is the push to convert fanfiction into commercial publishing, where personal fantasies get repackaged and sanded down to fit mass-market tastes.

CIA shuts down The World Factbook

The CIA has shut down The World Factbook, ending a public reference resource that began in 1962 as a classified document and later became a widely used, free online database with millions of annual views. The agency gave no reason, and the site’s pages now redirect to a farewell announcement, which is a very on-brand way to say “don’t ask questions.”

On this day: Ariel Sharon elected Israel’s prime minister (Feb. 6, 2001)

On Feb. 6, 2001, Ariel Sharon was elected prime minister of Israel.

Famous birthdays for Feb. 6

Notable birthdays for Feb. 6 include musician Tinashe (33) and actor Charlie Heaton (32), alongside other figures celebrating today.

UK Government Scrambles to Hand Over Private Messages Tied to Mandelson Ambassador Appointment

Top government figures are turning over private communications connected to Peter Mandelson’s ambassador appointment, as officials gather records and some of Sir Keir Starmer’s own MPs urge him to resign. Nothing says “trust us” like a mad dash to collect the receipts after the fact.

NFL Honors 2026, Stafford Wins MVP and Garrett Takes Defensive Player of the Year

At the 2026 NFL Honors on Thursday, Matthew Stafford won his first NFL Most Valuable Player award, and Myles Garrett was named Defensive Player of the Year. A nice reminder that sometimes a ceremony exists to reward excellence, not to launch a lifestyle brand.

Maryland Man Charged in Alleged Attempt to Murder OMB Director Russell Vought

A Maryland man, Colin Demarco, has been charged with attempting to murder Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. Court records say Demarco was arrested on Jan. 22 and arraigned the next day in Arlington General District Court. Politics is already a full-contact sport; it does not need to become a literal one.

Greenland Becomes a Flashpoint in Arctic Power Politics

Greenland’s strategic value, from U.S. homeland defense to Arctic shipping routes and critical minerals, is pulling it into renewed great-power competition. Donald Trump’s push for greater U.S. leverage, including tariff threats and talk of military action, triggered European backlash before easing into a U.S.-NATO framework and negotiations with Denmark and Greenland. Experts expect years of turbulence as the U.S., Russia, and China angle for influence in a more multipolar world, because of course the planet warming has to come with a side of geopolitical chest-thumping.

British Tourist Charged After Alleged Assault of Gay Man on Cruise Ship

A 71-year-old British tourist has been arrested and charged in Australia with assault occasioning bodily harm after allegedly attacking a younger gay man aboard the Discovery Princess en route from Dunedin to Sydney. Witnesses say the incident happened Tuesday, and the man was arrested when the ship docked in Sydney; the charge carries up to five years in prison under the Crimes at Sea framework, with a court date set for Feb. 18. Congrats to bigotry for once again showing up where nobody asked it to be.

Abington Township Police Warn of Possible Linked Break-Ins in Rydal

Police in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, are urging residents to stay alert after two early-evening incidents in Rydal that may be connected. An attempted break-in was reported Jan. 17 on Meetinghouse Road, and a burglary the next day on Washington Lane resulted in jewelry and other valuables stolen while no one was home. Investigators think the suspect targeted basement windows and may have backed off when it looked like someone was in. Police advised better lighting, securing doors and windows, and checking surveillance footage from Jan. 17 to 18.

RentAHuman.ai Claims to Let AI Agents Hire People for Real-World Tasks

A new platform called RentAHuman.ai says autonomous AI agents can search, book, and pay humans to do physical tasks the bots cannot. Built by developer Alexander Liteplo, it bills itself as “the meatspace layer for AI,” with people listing skills, location, and rates while AI hires directly or posts bounties. Liteplo claims tens of thousands of sign-ups, though only a small number of profiles are publicly visible so far. Silicon Valley finally reinvented the temp agency, but with more jargon and fewer labor protections, presumably.

Antifa activist charged over alleged threats and doxxing of ICE personnel

Federal prosecutors say Kyle Wagner, 37, of Minnesota, used social media to threaten Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and encourage violence against federal officers in the Twin Cities. He was arrested and charged with cyberstalking and transmitting threatening communications. Investigators allege he posted calls to “hunt” and kill ICE agents, promoted armed resistance, and doxxed an ICE supporter by posting identifying details, including an address. Prosecutors also say he showed up at protests in tactical gear despite allegedly being prohibited from owning a firearm, as senior Justice Department officials framed the case as part of a broader crackdown on threats against law enforcement.

Epstein jail footage records mention an “orange-colored shape,” and the questions keep multiplying

Newly released Justice Department records describe surveillance video from the Metropolitan Correctional Center on the night Jeffrey Epstein died that appears to show an “orange-colored shape” moving up the stairs toward the tier where his cell was located around 10:39 p.m. The entry suggests it could have been an inmate escorted to the tier or an officer carrying orange linens, though officers on duty reportedly said no linens were replaced that shift, and investigators reviewing the footage reached differing conclusions. The documents also reiterate previously reported lapses at the facility, including missed rounds, falsified logs, staffing fatigue, camera problems, and uncertainty about the ligature allegedly used in Epstein’s death, which was ruled a suicide.

Chrome Manifest v3 did not kill ad blocking (despite the “trust us” vibes)

Ad blocking remains effective even after Chrome introduced Manifest v3, the extension system update many expected would weaken content-blocking and privacy tools compared with the older Manifest v2.

2-year-old dies after alleged abuse at Queens shelter, prosecutors seek upgraded charges

A 2-year-old boy identified by his mother as Maliek died Wednesday night after suffering severe injuries prosecutors say were inflicted by his father, Dayvon Morrison, at a Queens shelter. Authorities allege the child was injured late Friday and was not taken for immediate medical care, with prosecutors saying Morrison traveled for days before the boy was brought to his mother’s home, where a witness called 911. Morrison was arraigned on attempted murder and assault charges before the child’s death, and the Queens District Attorney’s Office said it intends to seek upgraded charges.

Trump reportedly ties Gateway funds to naming Dulles and Penn Station after him

President Donald Trump reportedly offered to release funding for the Gateway infrastructure project if Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supports renaming Washington Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station after Trump. The request was said to have been made directly by the administration, continuing a pattern of Trump seeking to attach his name to prominent public assets.

Trump claims he prevented multiple nuclear wars, other governments disagree

Donald Trump said on Truth Social that he helped prevent nuclear wars involving India and Pakistan, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine, while praising U.S. military strength and nuclear capabilities. Indian officials have rejected claims that U.S. pressure influenced their ceasefire with Pakistan, and Iran and Israel previously denied having a formal ceasefire even as fighting paused. Trump also urged negotiating a new, modernized nuclear arms treaty to replace New START and suggested any future deal could include China, while Russia has argued the UK and France should be included.

Ex-judge seeks new trial after ICE courthouse obstruction conviction

Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan is asking a federal judge for a new trial after a jury convicted her of felony obstruction for allegedly helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz avoid ICE agents at the courthouse. Her lawyers argue ICE had no lawful right to execute an administrative immigration warrant in a state courthouse because a long-recognized common-law privilege can limit civil arrests and service of civil process for people attending court. The motion also argues the jury instructions were flawed, including what Dugan needed to know about who ICE was seeking, and says the court’s response to juror questions effectively altered the indictment.

Molly-Mae Hague announces she is expecting baby number two

Molly-Mae Hague announced she is expecting her second child, posting a video highlighting her baby bump with the caption “Soon to be four.” Celebrity announcements remain the one corner of modern life where everyone behaves like this is breaking news from the moon.

Jack Draper returns, Britain takes control in Davis Cup qualifier

Jack Draper said he is “winning by being here” as he returned in emphatic fashion, helping Great Britain take control of their Davis Cup qualifying tie against Norway. Nothing says elite sport like a man casually turning existential gratitude into a scoreboard advantage.

Super Bowl ad blitz targets support for Susan Collins in Maine

Maine viewers watching the Super Bowl will see a 30-second spot for Republican Senator Susan Collins highlighting her support for firefighters. The commercial is funded by a Republican-aligned group as part of an expensive effort to shore up Collins, viewed as a vulnerable incumbent, ahead of an expected competitive Democratic challenge in November. Democracy: where the vibes are purchased wholesale during the world’s loudest snack break.

South Carolina man charged with murder after girlfriend fatally shot

Police in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, say 19-year-old Jayvion Nyrek Rice fatally shot his 21-year-old girlfriend, Skyy Ernestasjah Logan, during an argument at a home in Inman. Investigators say Rice initially claimed the shooting was accidental, but authorities charged him with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after reviewing evidence. Prosecutors said the victim’s 3-year-old son was on a couch after the shooting, calling for his mother, and a judge ordered Rice held without bond as the case proceeds.

Blind-item gossip alleges Keith Urban affair timeline and “no baggage” replacement

A “Blind Items Revealed” post claims a woman who allegedly had an affair with A-list singer Keith Urban was later dropped for a younger partner described as having “no baggage,” with the item also alleging overlap while Urban was married. Names floated include Maggie Baugh and Karley Scott Collins. As always with blind items, treat it like a campfire story told by a raccoon in sunglasses.

White House to launch TrumpRx.com for “lower-cost” prescription drugs

Because nothing says “health care reform” like a direct-to-consumer website with a branding strategy that sounds like a commemorative coin. The White House says TrumpRx.com will roll out alongside claimed results from the “Most Favored Nation” drug pricing policy, which officials argue will cut costs by cutting out intermediaries.

Astrophysicists spot an absurdly powerful black hole

A University of Oregon team reports finding an extraordinarily energetic black hole, potentially about 100 trillion times more powerful than the Death Star. Finally, a space headline that does not require a panel discussion featuring three billionaires and a rocket shaped like insecurity.

Warren clashes with Treasury Secretary Bessent on affordability

At a Senate hearing, Sen. Elizabeth Warren pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on rising costs, saying families aren’t buying the administration’s spin and arguing affordability problems go well beyond groceries. She cited figures from a Trump-era economic agency to back the claim that Americans are feeling the squeeze.

U.S.-led talks help secure Ukraine-Russia prisoner swap

U.S.-led talks in Abu Dhabi helped Kyiv and Moscow agree to exchange 314 prisoners, the first swap in five months, even as fighting continues. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the exchange was completed, including 157 Ukrainians released by Russia, many held since 2022. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said negotiations continue, and U.S. and Russian officials agreed to restart high-level military-to-military dialogue suspended since 2021.

UK ETA travel rules leave UK and Irish dual nationals in limbo

The planned UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, system is creating uncertainty for UK and Irish dual nationals abroad. They aren’t eligible to apply for an ETA due to citizenship, but those without a valid UK passport may struggle to prove entry rights. The ETA app’s nationality flow also appears to complicate applications for some dual nationals, potentially forcing risky workarounds.

Warsaw mayor warns against a Ukraine peace deal without Ukraine

Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski said any peace agreement to end Russia’s war must have Kyiv’s full consent. He warned that bypassing Ukraine would fracture Western unity, damage credibility, and embolden authoritarian governments.

Recall expanded for Chips Ahoy! Baked Bites Brookie

A previously issued nationwide recall of Chips Ahoy! Baked Bites Brookie has been expanded. Nothing brings people together like the shared suspense of asking, “Is my snack legally allowed to exist?”

Super Bowl prop betting goes mainstream, and critics warn about sports integrity

Super Bowl Sunday has evolved into a huge betting day, with prop betting often traced to a Caesars Palace wager during the 1986 Super Bowl on whether Bears lineman William “The Refrigerator” Perry would score. After a U.S. Supreme Court decision opened the door for state legalization, prop and micro-betting exploded into a major industry. Critics say the growth is fueling gambling scandals across leagues and could threaten pro sports integrity.

Keke Palmer to host Billboard Women in Music ceremony

Keke Palmer will host Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony in Los Angeles on April 29.

SNP business conference set for London with £750 tickets

The SNP’s business conference will be held in London, with tickets priced at £750 per person. Organisers say the 2026 event targets senior business leaders and public affairs professionals in and around London, offering access to senior SNP figures.

Care Home Fraudsters Jailed After Forged Will Scheme Targeting Elderly Resident

Graham Walker, 74, and Lyn Walker, 71, former care home operators in the West Midlands, were each jailed for three years after being convicted of fraud for trying to seize the £175,000 to £178,000 estate of resident Rita Barnsley, 85. Prosecutors said it was among Britain’s largest elder fraud convictions, featuring a forged will with inconsistent handwriting and ink, naming care home manager Jamiel Slaney-Summers and Lyn Walker as executors and funneling most of the estate to them. Slaney-Summers, described as the ringleader, previously received five and a half years and was also convicted of stealing £6,000 using Barnsley’s bank card. The Walkers were ordered to pay £30,000 in prosecution costs.

Study Links Mediterranean Diet to Lower Stroke Risk in Women

A new study reports that women who regularly follow a Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of stroke. Turns out olive oil, fish, and vegetables beat the modern wellness industry’s preferred strategy of vibes and supplements.

Russian Ship Captain Jailed After North Sea Collision Kills Crew Member

Vladimir Motin, 59, a Russian ship captain, has been jailed for six years at the Old Bailey after a collision in the North Sea off the Yorkshire coast led to a fatal explosion. Prosecutors said Motin was on sole watch when the container ship Solong struck the anchored oil tanker Stena Immaculate near the Humber Estuary on March 10, 2025. Crew member Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, who was working on Solong’s bow, died in the resulting fire, and his body was not recovered.

GB News Clash Over Starmer’s “Vision”, Wales Polling, and Reform UK’s New Welsh Leader

On GB News, presenter Andrew Pierce reacted with disbelief when former Labour councillor Simon Nash said Prime Minister Keir Starmer has a “great vision” for the UK and predicted Labour would perform well in Wales in May. Pierce pointed to polls suggesting Labour could slip to third and highlighted Labour’s difficulties in Wales, while Nash argued by-elections can be unrepresentative and cited policy shifts on digital ID, pub taxes, and energy investment as reasons voters may back Labour. The segment also noted Reform UK launching Dan Thomas as its new Welsh leader and briefly referenced controversy involving Peter Mandelson.

Georgia Governor’s Race Disrupted by Self-Funding Republican Candidate

Republican Rick Jackson launched a bid for Georgia governor at his health care company’s headquarters, complete with a staged entrance meant to evoke Donald Trump. He pledged to spend at least $50 million of his own money, signaling he has the resources and organization to become a major contender. Democracy, now with premium features for subscribers who own themselves.

Calls for More Oversight Before Increasing Public School Funding

An argument is being made that before allocating additional money to public schools, there should be clearer oversight and transparency about how current funds are spent, focusing on where the money goes and who is responsible for results.

Badenoch Says UK “Not Being Governed” Under Starmer, Criticises Mandelson Apology

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the UK is “not being governed” under Keir Starmer and argued his apology over the Peter Mandelson scandal was insufficient. In a Westminster speech, she claimed Starmer and his team were focused on political damage control and saving his job rather than addressing issues such as NATO, the cost of living, and reindustrialising Britain through cheaper energy.

Kyiv hit by Russian drones amid worsening energy crisis

Russian drones struck Kyiv on 5 February 2026, as the city dealt with deepening power cuts and cold while renewed attacks piled on.

UK’s Rwanda deal, delayed cancellation could stick taxpayers with a £100m bill

An 18-month lag in formally terminating the Rwanda migrant agreement could leave UK taxpayers liable for up to £100 million, because apparently the government needed a long spiritual retreat to “find itself” before sending a cancellation notice. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said official notice only went out on December 16, 2025, with officials arguing they had to repeal the Safety of Rwanda Act first. Rwanda has now launched a claim at the Permanent Court of Arbitration over outstanding payments after the UK asked it to forgo the remainder while termination paperwork crawled along.

Eurozone inflation drops to 1.7% as energy prices slide

Eurozone inflation fell to 1.7% in January, the lowest since September 2024 and below the ECB’s 2% target. Core inflation eased to 2.2%, with cheaper energy doing much of the heavy lifting.

£112m upgrade approved for A46 Walsgrave junction near Coventry

The government approved a £112 million upgrade to the A46 Walsgrave junction to cut congestion and improve safety for roughly 57,000 daily drivers. National Highways aims to start in autumn and open by 2028, keeping A46 through-traffic moving without stopping while maintaining access via new local links, the plan now enters a six-week window for legal challenges.

Minister defends Mandelson amid questions over Epstein links

Steve Reed defended the Prime Minister after backlash over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador, claiming Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein were “next to nothing”, which is a fascinating measurement system given reports he stayed in Epstein’s apartment. Questions remain over why Keir Starmer and Morgan McSweeney approved the appointment with that knowledge.

South Korea proposes joint management of parts of southern DMZ with US

South Korea’s defense ministry has proposed that South Korean forces jointly manage parts of the southern half of the DMZ with the United States, according to a source.

China’s Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse) gets a Draco Malfoy mascot twist

China’s Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, 17 February, marking the Year of the Fire Horse, last seen in 1966. This year’s festivities are drawing attention for a Harry Potter-themed mascot, Draco Malfoy, raising questions about how he ended up hitching a ride on the holiday.

Storm Leonardo batters Portugal and Spain, at least one dead

Storm Leonardo swept through Portugal and Spain, killing at least one person and forcing thousands to evacuate. It follows a run of severe storms this year, after last week’s weather in Portugal killed five people and injured hundreds.

Olympic champion Imane Khelif open to sex verification testing amid new rules dispute

Algerian boxer and Paris 2024 women’s welterweight Olympic champion Imane Khelif said she would undergo sex verification testing if it is the final requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The issue resurfaced after her 2023 World Championships disqualification under IBA eligibility claims, despite being cleared under Olympic criteria in Paris. With governance shifting to World Boxing and new genetic testing rules drawing criticism and an apology over naming her, Khelif has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing mandatory testing is unlawful and disproportionate, while calling for athlete dignity and protection of women’s sport.

MoMA PS1 spotlights Vaginal Davis with “I Have Been Consistent in My Insanity”

MoMA PS1 opened a presentation celebrating Vaginal Davis, a key queercore figure, surveying five decades of work across performance, visual art, writing, filmmaking, music, and education, and emphasizing her influence as a countercultural icon.

Downingtown residents fear for children after multiple dog attacks

Some residents say they’re worried about kids’ safety after multiple dog attacks. Police said a November attack on a child was the most severe, and the dog’s owner is scheduled for a hearing.

Brief sunshine, then Arctic air returns with possible snow squalls

AccuWeather forecasts a few mild, sunny days, then a surge of bitter Arctic air this weekend, with snow squalls possible.

Penn State player Gavin McKenna charged with felony aggravated assault

Gavin McKenna, a Penn State player widely projected as a potential first overall pick in this June’s NHL draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault and additional counts, according to court documents.

Officer placed on leave after video appears to show police vehicle hitting naked man

An officer has been placed on leave after video surfaced that appears to show a police vehicle hitting a naked man. Norristown Police Chief Michael Trail called the footage alarming and concerning.

Delaware River ice delays Philadelphia salt shipment

Ice on the Delaware River is delaying Philadelphia’s salt resupply. Mayor Cherelle Parker said the Streets Department is still waiting on a shipment stalled on the river.

Don Lemon says arrest was politically motivated, critics cite organizing footage and later court actions

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon told Jimmy Kimmel Live he believes his arrest was politically motivated and tied to intimidation by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department. He said he was acting as a journalist, not a protester. The interview largely portrayed Lemon sympathetically, with limited discussion of video that appears to show him coordinating with protest organizers. It emphasized early judicial reluctance to approve a warrant while downplaying that a grand jury later indicted him and a judge ultimately found probable cause. Lemon criticized the indictment process and said he offered to self-surrender but was arrested publicly. Trump said he dislikes Lemon but claimed he had no advance knowledge of the arrest.

ICE arrests New Orleans police recruit from Cameroon amid dispute with NOPD

ICE arrested 46-year-old Larry Temah, a New Orleans Police Department recruit from Cameroon, saying he had an active deportation order and lacked work authorization, even as he was close to graduating from the academy and had been issued a firearm. Federal officials say he overstayed his legal status after a 2022 residency denial tied to alleged fraud and missed immigration court dates that led to a removal order. The NOPD disputes ICE’s account, saying it verified his eligibility through E-Verify and was not notified of a detainer, fueling a broader clash over local hiring practices and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Arizona authorities investigating possible ransom notes in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother

Authorities in Arizona say they’re aware of reports of possible ransom notes tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TODAY host Savannah Guthrie, and that tips are being routed to detectives working with the FBI. TMZ reports it received an alleged ransom message demanding millions in Bitcoin, including a specific wallet address, a deadline, and implied threats, plus details that could suggest inside knowledge. The sheriff’s department has not confirmed authenticity. Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Sunday, and the case is being treated as an abduction, with homicide detectives assigned.