In other news

The article discusses the Alpha course, a Christian program that is one of Britain's most successful cultural exports. The course is designed to introduce people to Christianity and features a mix of food, discussion, and video presentations. The article describes a typical Alpha course gathering, where strangers meet in a vicar's living room, share a meal, and watch a video featuring Bear Grylls on a desert island. The program aims to help people find meaning and purpose in their lives through Jesus Christ.

The article discusses Britain's GDP growth, citing data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that shows the economy grew by 1.3% last year, the fastest rate since 2022 and the third-fastest in the G7. However, the numbers are not yet final. The news is welcome for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whose central mission is to 'kick-start' economic growth. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding the GDP numbers and their potential impact on the prime minister's agenda.

The article argues that banning teenagers from social media will do more harm than good. Many countries, including Australia, Britain, and Spain, are considering restricting under-16s from having social media accounts. However, the author believes that such restrictions are not the solution to the problems associated with social media. The article highlights that a significant majority of Britons and Americans support banning under-16s from social media, but the author disagrees with this approach. The author suggests that instead of banning teenagers from social media, alternative solutions should be explored to address the negative effects of social media on children and teenagers.

The article discusses the issue of a tenor shortage in amateur choirs and suggests ways to address it. The author highlights the challenges faced by amateur choirs in finding tenors and notes that the problem is not just about finding singers with the right vocal range, but also about developing their skills. The article references Andrea Bocelli's performance at the Olympic torch ceremony in Milan, showcasing the impressive vocal abilities of professional tenors. The author argues that with proper training and development, amateur singers can improve their skills and help alleviate the tenor shortage.

The article discusses a new model of European integration called the 'European Onion', which is a satirical concept that has emerged as an unexpected alternative to the long-discussed United States of Europe. The author argues that European federalists have historically used various names for their integration efforts, and now the 'European Onion' has sprouted as a new, layered approach to continental togetherness. The article is a commentary on the evolving nature of European integration and the various attempts to achieve unity.

The article discusses the upcoming general election in Bangladesh, marking the return of democracy after a revolution brought down the despotic Sheikh Hasina Wajed and her Awami League government 18 months ago. The election, scheduled for February 12th, is the country's first competitive vote since 2008. Despite concerns about potential violence, the campaign has been relatively peaceful so far. The article highlights the significance of this moment in Bangladesh's history and the challenges that lie ahead for the winner of the election.

The article discusses Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's historic opportunity to transform her country after her Liberal Democratic Party's decisive victory in the snap election on February 8th, 2026. The LDP won almost 70% of the seats in parliament's lower house, giving Takaichi a once-in-a-generation chance to remake Japan. The article emphasizes the importance of her seizing this opportunity to bring about significant changes.

The article discusses the resurgence of tin mining in Cornwall, a region in Britain that was once a major supplier of tin during the Industrial Revolution. Higher tin prices and national security concerns are driving investment in the industry, with companies like Cornish Metals leading the charge. The article highlights the historical significance of tin mining in Cornwall and how it is making a comeback after years of decline.

The Canadian women's curling team was called for a double touch infraction during their match against Switzerland at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, echoing a similar controversy involving the Canadian men's team the previous day. Rachel Homan, a three-time World Championship gold medalist, disputed the call, stating she had never double-touched a stone in her life. The infraction resulted in Switzerland winning the match 8-7. The Canadian women's team has now lost three consecutive matches, standing at 1-3 in the Winter Games.

A woman died and her husband went missing when they were walking their dog on a frozen river near Cape Cod on Saturday. The couple fell through the ice, and local police responded to the scene. Two officers attempted to rescue them but also fell into the water. The woman's body was recovered, but the husband's whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities are still searching for him.

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri, known as the Mayor of Flavortown, has revealed six foods he avoids despite his love for bold flavors. These include ghost peppers, peanut butter hamburgers, cow brains, haggis, liver and onions, and plain egg dishes. Fieri's aversions are rooted in his personal taste preferences and past experiences, such as struggling with the texture of cow brains and the heat of ghost peppers.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended the Munich Security Conference where she participated in a panel discussion on common values among Western nations. Clinton expressed a more hawkish stance on border security, stating that migration 'went too far' and needs to be addressed in a humane manner with secure borders. She acknowledged the need for a physical barrier in certain areas but maintained her previous opposition to a large-scale border wall expansion. Clinton's comments were compared to her previous stance during her 2016 presidential campaign, where she supported deferred immigration enforcement for certain groups and wanted to end family detention. Her recent statements appear to be a shift from her earlier views, while still emphasizing the importance of a strong family structure and humane treatment of migrants.

Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu expressed disappointment that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) wouldn't adjust the training schedule to allow her the same amount of practice as other skiers in the halfpipe event, despite her competing in three disciplines (slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air). Gu argued that being able to do something beyond the ordinary should be celebrated, not punished. FIS stated that they made every effort to facilitate the best possible training but couldn't make changes for one athlete as it wouldn't be fair to others. Gu is on track to repeat her three-medal haul from the previous Olympics and will headline the last medal event in the action-sports park.

The article criticizes NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for pushing a woke agenda through the league, citing the controversial Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show as an example. The author argues that while the NFL's business model relies on its traditional fan base of working-class white males, Goodell is attempting to diversify the league's audience by incorporating left-wing messaging and cultural references. The article draws parallels with other companies that have faced backlash for similar strategies, such as Bud Light and Target, but notes that the NFL's unique position as a dominant sports league has allowed it to avoid similar consequences so far. However, the author suggests that the NFL's ratings decline during Bad Bunny's performance may indicate that fans are starting to wise up to the league's cynical tactics.

The article discusses Team USA's win over Denmark in the 2026 Olympics, highlighting that despite struggling, they remain on pace to win their group and advance to the knockout stage. The author suggests that the win exposes a 'path to gold' problem, implying concerns about the team's performance and potential for success in the tournament.

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce accidentally hit a fan, Edenne Flinn, with a golf ball during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on February 13, 2026. The incident was the fourth time Kelce has hit a spectator with a golf ball, with previous incidents occurring in 2024 and 2025. Kelce apologized and signed an autograph for Flinn after the incident. The article also mentions Kelce's potential retirement from football and his engagement to Taylor Swift.

China's top market regulator, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), has summoned the country's leading tech companies, including Alibaba, ByteDance, Baidu, Tencent, JD.com, Meituan, and Taobao Instant Commerce, to demand an end to 'involutionary' competition amid a promotional blitz for artificial intelligence (AI) apps and other services during the Lunar New Year period. The regulator warned the companies to 'uphold a fair and competitive market environment' and 'foster innovation and healthy development within the platform economy.' The term 'involution' refers to cutthroat, low-quality price competition that has become prevalent in various sectors, including electric vehicles and food delivery, and has been deemed damaging to the economy. The tech giants have been engaged in an intensifying giveaway battle to attract users for their services, particularly AI apps, before the Lunar New Year, a critical shopping period.

China is increasingly adopting liquid cooling technology in data centers due to the rising demand for AI infrastructure. As AI data centers push their thermal limits, Chinese manufacturers are aggressively investing in liquid-cooling technologies. Dozens of Chinese listed companies have announced plans to expand into or ramp up liquid-cooling systems. Key players in this sector include Sanhua Intelligent Controls, Lansi Technology, Kehua Data, Shenzhen FRD, Goaland Energy Conservation, and Envicool, a precision cooling specialist whose customers include Nvidia, Intel, Alibaba, and Tencent.

The article discusses the declining global trust in the US dollar and its potential impact on the world economy, according to Zhu Min, a former deputy director of the International Monetary Fund and deputy governor of the People's Bank of China. Zhu notes that the US dollar's share of global foreign exchange reserves has fallen to 57% from 70% in the past, while the proportions of gold, euro, and yuan are rising. He warns that the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts will be critical in steadying the financial market, but if not aligned with inflation, may create new uncertainties. The article also mentions Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for China to build a 'strong currency' that can be widely used in international trade and investment.

Hong Kong's police chief, Commissioner Joe Chow, announced plans to integrate facial recognition technology into public CCTVs this year, pending resolution of legal and technical issues. The force will prioritize high-traffic shopping centers and notify the public before deploying the technology. Chow cited the need to address adaptability, public acceptance, and the legal framework before implementation.

The article discusses how China's influence is growing in West and Central Africa as France's presence declines and Russia's ability to supply arms is hindered by the Ukraine war. A 'military vacuum' has been created in the Sahel region following a wave of military coups since 2020, and China is well-positioned to fill this gap due to its reputation for 'cost-effective technology and flexible financing'. Chinese arms suppliers are leveraging this opportunity to expand their military trade in the region, capitalizing on the decline of French and Russian arms.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the residents of Jakarta, Indonesia's capital city, which has been ranked as the world's most populous city. Despite its promise, Jakarta is plagued by extreme heat, floods, pollution, congested traffic, and a tough job market. A 22-year-old midwifery lecturer, Fitri Sartika Rama, shares her experience of living in Jakarta, describing it as a 'young person's city' that rewards ambition but exacts a heavy daily toll. The article highlights the difficulties faced by Jakarta's residents and the trade-offs they make to live in the city.

Malaysia has imposed an immediate ban on e-waste imports, reclassifying the material under an 'absolute prohibition' to curb a trade that often blurs legitimate recycling with illicit flows. The ban is a response to the country becoming a dumping ground for the world's toxic scrap. Malaysian customs recently intercepted nearly 200 tonnes of e-waste at Port Klang, which had been shipped from three US ports. The containers have been placed under guard and are awaiting sign-off to be sent back to the United States. Officials say that enforcing the ban will be a challenge due to the high volume of shipping containers.

US President Donald Trump celebrated Valentine's Day by sharing a series of cards on social media that praised his accomplishments, criticized Democrats, and poked fun at his own Secretary of State. The cards featured images of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Senator Chris Van Hollen meeting a former ICE detainee, and Greenland. The messages were characteristic of Trump's style, boasting about his achievements and deriding his opponents.

Brazilian police in Rio de Janeiro used fancy dress disguises to blend in with Carnival-goers and catch phone thieves. Two suspects were arrested after a drone spotted a woman stealing a phone and passing it to an accomplice. The police operation, part of 'Operation Tracking', recovered five stolen phones and the suspects had 30 criminal records between them. This tactic is not new to Latin American police, with Peruvian officers also using disguises in previous operations to combat crime.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has criticized a planned US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau, involving thousands of newborns, as 'unethical'. The trial aimed to compare the effects of administering the vaccine at birth versus at six weeks of age. The WHO expressed concerns over the study's scientific justification, ethical safeguards, and consistency with established research standards, emphasizing that the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine is a proven, life-saving intervention. The Guinea-Bissau government suspended the trial due to public outrage, with critics arguing that using local babies as test subjects was unacceptable. The WHO recommends hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth, and Guinea-Bissau plans to introduce this practice nationwide by 2028.

An Indian man, Nikhil Gupta, has pleaded guilty to plotting to kill a US-based Sikh separatist leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York City. Gupta admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, and faces up to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors alleged that Gupta was directed by an Indian government official, Vikash Yadav, to carry out the plot. India has denied any involvement in the alleged plot, labelling Pannun a terrorist, while Pannun claims he is merely an activist advocating for Khalistan, an independent homeland for Sikhs.

Former US President Barack Obama has indirectly addressed a racist video posted on President Donald Trump's social media, criticizing the lack of 'shame' and 'decorum' among public officials. The video depicted Obama and his wife Michelle as apes, drawing widespread criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Trump initially defended the video, but later blamed it on a staff member and had it deleted. Obama spoke to a podcast host about the tone of political discourse, stating that it has 'devolved to a level of cruelty' unseen before. He emphasized that most Americans find such behavior troubling and that there is a loss of decency and respect for public office.

Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has accused his rivals, particularly those in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party, of planning to blackmail him with a secretly recorded sex tape ahead of the country's election on April 12. Magyar, who is currently leading in the polls, claims that the tape, allegedly from August 2022, was recorded with secret service equipment and possibly faked. He has announced plans to file a complaint with authorities. Fidesz leaders have denied any knowledge of the claims, with some accusing Magyar of lying. The allegations have added to the tense atmosphere ahead of the election, which is seen as a crucial test for Orban's 16-year grip on power. Magyar's centre-right Tisza party is currently at least eight points ahead in the polls. The election campaign is set to begin on February 21.

The Israeli government has expanded its control over the West Bank, sparking concerns among Palestinians and international leaders. The new measures, announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, include expanding Israeli control beyond military occupation into municipal services in Palestinian-run areas and granting broad powers to take over 'heritage sites' across the West Bank. Palestinian officials, including Hebron's acting mayor Asma al-Sharabati, have condemned the moves as 'the end of the road' for negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. The changes are seen as a significant shift in Israel's long expansion of control over the West Bank, which has escalated since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

The article discusses China's accelerating nuclear buildup in the Sichuan Province, as revealed by satellite imagery. The buildup includes new bunkers, ramparts, and facilities handling hazardous materials, suggesting an expansion of China's nuclear capabilities. Experts believe that China is making plutonium-packed cores of nuclear warheads and that the country's nuclear stockpile is growing rapidly. The article highlights the implications of China's nuclear expansion for global arms control and the potential for increased tensions with the United States.

Olympic athlete Eileen Gu criticizes the scheduling of her freeski events at the Milan Cortina Olympics, stating that it is 'really unfair' and 'doesn't make sense.' Gu qualified for the big air final but is concerned that competing in the final will prevent her from practicing for her preferred halfpipe event, putting her at a disadvantage. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) rejected Gu's request to adjust the training schedule, citing the complexity of constructing the Olympic competition program.

Australia's high cigarette taxes, intended to reduce smoking, have inadvertently fueled a multibillion-dollar black market. The average cost of a pack of midmarket cigarettes is around $40, nearly double the price in New York City. Many Australians, like 75-year-old Pat Felvus, have turned to buying illicit cigarettes, which are readily available on the black market. The black market has led to violence between organized crime groups, with firebombings, extortion, and homicides reported. Critics argue that the government's approach has created a 'pseudo-Prohibition' that has spawned an organized crime marketplace. The government has refused to back down on tax hikes, instead focusing on toughening laws and enforcement efforts.

The article profiles Corey Chan, a 63-year-old San Francisco resident who has dedicated himself to preserving the traditional Chinese art of lion dancing. Chan, who is also the heritage director at Cameron House and director of Kei Lun Martial Arts, has spent years learning and teaching the craft, from constructing and repairing lion heads to performing the intricate dances. Along with his crew, Jeff Lee, Travis Lum, and Thomas Chun, Chan has restored numerous lions and dragons, including a 150-year-old dragon called Moo Lung. The article delves into the history and cultural significance of lion dancing, as well as the challenges of keeping the art form alive in modern times.

The Trump administration secretly deported nine migrants to Cameroon in January, despite them having U.S. court protections from being sent back to their home countries. The migrants, who were from countries such as Zimbabwe and Ghana, were flown to Yaoundé, Cameroon's capital, where they were detained and pressured to return to their home countries. The deportations highlight the secrecy surrounding President Trump's global deportation effort, which has involved murky deals with willing governments, often in exchange for cash. Critics argue that this practice circumvents U.S. court orders and puts migrants at risk of persecution.

The Iranian government continues to arrest protesters weeks after nationwide demonstrations against the country's theocratic rule, with reports of raids on homes and workplaces across major cities and rural towns. The crackdown has resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests, with many detainees being held incommunicado and denied access to lawyers. Despite the government's efforts to suppress the protests, civic groups continue to issue defiant statements, and exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has called for a global day of action in support of the Iranian people. The protests were triggered by anger over spiraling prices and have since broadened to demand an end to the theocratic government.

The Olympic curling committee issued a warning to Canada after a heated altercation between Canadian curler Marc Kennedy and Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson during their match at the Winter Olympics. Eriksson accused Kennedy of 'double touching' a stone, which Kennedy denied, using expletives. The committee spoke with Canadian officials and warned them that any further inappropriate language would result in additional sanctions. The incident highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the sport, with both teams emphasizing the importance of fair play.

A 44-year-old Slovak fugitive, wanted by Italian authorities for a series of thefts committed in 2010, was arrested in Milan while attending the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics to support his national ice hockey team. The man was tracked down by the carabinieri after checking into a campsite on the outskirts of Milan and was subsequently taken to Milan's San Vittore prison to serve an 11-month and 7-day sentence. The arrest occurred before he could watch Slovakia's hockey team play in the opening game, which they won 4-1 against Finland. Slovakia also defeated Italy in a preliminary match.

The U.S. women's curling team achieved an Olympic first by defeating Canada 9-8 on Friday. The team, comprising sisters Tabitha and Tara Peterson, Taylor Anderson-Heide, Cory Thiesse, and alternate Aileen Geving, capitalized on Canada's weak shots to secure the win. The victory was significant as the U.S. women had never beaten Canada in the Olympics before. The team members, who balance curling with day jobs and motherhood, expressed their delight and pride in their achievement. The U.S. team is now 2-1 in the round-robin, with several matches left before the semifinals next Friday.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, discusses his brother Flavio's 2026 presidential campaign against incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Eduardo is on an unofficial diplomatic mission in the US to free his father, who is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup d'état. Flavio Bolsonaro has declared his candidacy, and Eduardo believes the nation's economic and security issues will propel him to victory. Eduardo dismisses concerns that the current electoral scenario could split the vote and lead to a first-round electoral victory for Lula, stating that the right-wing candidates will unite against Lula in the second round.

A Jet2 flight from Turkey to the UK was diverted to Belgium due to a midair brawl between passengers. The incident occurred on flight LS896 from Antalya to Manchester, and was reportedly triggered by a male passenger making racist remarks and becoming aggressive when he couldn't buy cigarettes. The situation escalated into a physical fight, prompting the crew to divert the plane to Brussels, where authorities removed the two disruptive passengers. The flight then continued to Manchester, and Jet2 has banned the passengers from flying with them again.

A French national, previously convicted of terrorism and released from prison in December, allegedly attacked a police officer with a knife and scissors near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The attacker was shot and killed by another officer. The incident occurred during a ceremony to relight the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The attacker had been sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2013 for attempted murder of three police officers in Belgium.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm after a 23-year-old far-right youth, Quentin, was fatally beaten on the sidelines of a conference in Lyon. The attack occurred while Quentin was providing security for a protest against hard-left MEP Rima Hassan's appearance at the Lyon branch of Sciences Po university. Macron described the violence as 'an unprecedented outburst' and emphasized that 'hatred that kills has no place in our country.' The incident has heightened tensions between France's far-right and hard-left ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. An investigation into suspected aggravated manslaughter has been launched.

The article from The Straits Times discusses Singapore's Gambling Regulatory Authority's (GRA) efforts to manage gambling risks, including regulating blind boxes and reporting on casino visits by Singapore citizens and permanent residents. The GRA has observed a decline in casino visits from 2023 to 2024 and is taking steps to address gambling risks associated with younger gamblers and higher stakes. The article also mentions the authority's role in regulating the gambling industry in Singapore.

The article explores the complex dynamics between the ethnic Chinese minority and the Malay majority in Kelantan, Malaysia, a state governed by the Islamist party PAS. While the Chinese community has historically been integrated into Kelantanese society, recent policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment and economic challenges. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of interfaith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the cultural heritage and identity of the Chinese community in Kelantan, who have maintained their traditions while adapting to the local culture.

New Zealand officials have warned of potential further flooding on the North Island after heavy rain caused widespread damage and one fatality. A state of emergency was declared in two districts, Waipa and Otorohanga, as the weather bureau forecasted more severe weather to hit late on Sunday. The heavy rain has caused power outages, road collapses, and home evacuations, with around 4,291 properties remaining without power. A man died when his vehicle was submerged in floodwaters on a highway. The extreme rainfall is attributed to human-caused climate breakdown, which has made such events more common and intense globally. This incident follows a similar event in January where six people were killed in a landslide triggered by heavy rains at Mount Maunganui.

The article discusses the deepening crisis in Cuba due to a US-led oil blockade, which has resulted in severe fuel shortages, impacting the country's economy, infrastructure, and daily life. Diplomats in Havana are preparing for potential regime change and humanitarian disaster, while Cubans are adapting to life without fuel, with some expressing anxiety and others finding ways to cope. The US has imposed tariffs on countries supplying Cuba with oil, and Mexico has ceased sending tankers, exacerbating the crisis.

The article discusses a surge in violent crime among Palestinian citizens of Israel, with one person being killed daily on average in 2026. The victims are often targeted by Arab organized crime groups, and the Israeli government has been accused of neglecting the issue and failing to effectively address the root causes of the violence. The article highlights the stark inequality in the way the Israeli authorities handle crimes committed against Palestinian citizens versus Jewish Israelis, with a significantly lower rate of solved homicides in Arab communities. The situation has sparked widespread protests and demands for government action, with many calling for greater investment in law enforcement and social programs to address the underlying issues driving the violence.

Paris mayoral candidate Rachida Dati is running a social media-led campaign, posting videos with everyday Parisians to highlight her campaign promises and criticize current Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Dati's strategy is inspired by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's successful campaign, but it remains to be seen if it will work for her. Dati's campaign focuses on cleanliness, security, and mobility, but her messaging has been contradictory. She faces criticism from rivals, including Emmanuel Grégoire, who accuses her of 'pure theatre' and 'raw demagoguery'. The first round of voting in France's municipal elections will take place on March 15.

Four new astronauts arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on February 15, 2026, to replace four colleagues who were evacuated due to a serious health issue. The new crew members include NASA's Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France's Sophie Adenot, and Russia's Andrey Fedyaev. They joined the three remaining crew members on board, and will spend eight to nine months on the ISS. The medical evacuation was NASA's first in 65 years, and the details of the astronaut's illness were not disclosed due to privacy concerns.