Wednesday, February 18, 2026

The U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, warned that Europe’s relaxed stance after the Soviet collapse is now at odds with the reality of war in Ukraine. He told a Washington broadcast that European leaders are not worried about U.S. support, but rather the growing danger on their own contin...

Texas Attorney General Files Suit Against Children’s Hospital Over Transgender Care

The state’s top prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against a local children’s medical center, accusing the facility of committing fraud by providing gender‑affirming treatment to minors. The lawsuit claims that the hospital’s services violate state Medicaid rules, asserting that such care is not medical...

Peru’s Quick‑Turn Presidency: New Leader Picks

Peruvian lawmakers are set to choose a new president after the sudden removal of José Jerí. The chosen candidate will serve only until July 28, when the winner of the April general election takes office. This short‑term role highlights Peru’s unstable political climate, where presidents are frequent...

Gabon Cuts Off Social Media Amid Security Fears

The Gabonese government has halted access to several online platforms, citing the risk that certain posts could harm the nation’s unity and safety. The decision was announced by the country’s communication regulator, which did not list specific sites that were affected. In practice, users in Gabon f...

Nevada Battles Unlicensed Sports Prediction Site

Nevada’s gaming authorities have filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, a company that runs an online platform where people bet on sports and other events. The state says Kalshi is operating without the required licenses and is letting people under 21 place bets, both of which break Nevada law. The case...

Nevada Hits Back at Prediction‑Market Giant Kalshi

The Nevada Gaming Control Board and the state attorney general have filed a lawsuit against Kalshi in Carson City District Court. The action follows a federal appeals court denial of Kalshi’s request to halt state enforcement. Why Nevada is Acting Unlicensed Operations: Kalshi allegedly runs a sp...

politicsneutral

Late Night Legal Limbo: Why Colbert Couldn't Chat with Talarico

There's a bit of a mix-up happening between Stephen Colbert and CBS. It all started when Colbert wanted to have Texas state representative James Talarico on his show, "The Late Show." But things didn't go as planned. CBS says they didn't stop Colbert from having Talarico on the show. Instead, t...

Why U. S. Health Care Is So Expensive

Health care in the United States consumes almost one‑fifth of the country’s economic output, far exceeding other wealthy nations. The culprit lies not in medical technology alone but in how the system is organized, funded, and run. Global Models of Health Delivery | Country | Structure | Funding ...

Eagan Holds Off on Big Tech Buildings for a Year

The council has paused any new data center or crypto‑mining projects for a full year. Key points of the pause: Construction Restrictions No new builds within 500 feet of homes. Sites cannot exceed 20 MW of power usage. Permit Freeze No permits for building, changing, or expanding relat...

Power Networks and a Port CEO: A Shocking Middle‑East Twist

A sudden shakeup at one of the world’s biggest port groups shows how a disgraced financier’s reach stretched far beyond the United States. The chief executive of Dubai’s DP World stepped down after his name appeared in a trove of documents released by the U. S. Department of Justice, revealing that ...

A Fresh Path for Young Offenders in Ramsey County

Ramsey County is changing how it handles youth crime. Instead of sending most teens straight to court, the county’s attorney and public defender offices joined forces with community groups and police in 2021. They launched the (Re)Imagining Justice for Youth program, which looks at each case as ...

Ukraine Hits Belarus with New Sanctions Over War Aid

Ukraine has introduced a new set of restrictions targeting Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus. The move is aimed at punishing Minsk for its support of Russia in the conflict with Kyiv, where Belarus has served as a critical launch pad for Russian forces and drones. Key Points Sanction...

Health Boost Video Features Kid Rock and RFK Jr. in a Gym‑Sauna Adventure

The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a new wellness message by pairing singer Kid Rock with former senator Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The duo appeared shirtless in an Instagram clip that shows them working out, eating homemade meals, and relaxing in a sauna and cold plunge. They als...

National Parks: Where History and Science Are Under Fire

Preserving History and Nature In a bold move, groups focused on preserving nature and history have taken legal action against the Trump administration. They claim that recent policies are leading to the removal or alteration of key exhibits in national parks. These exhibits cover important topics ...

Politicians and the Real Talk About Immigration Rules

The debate over immigration enforcement feels like a tug‑of‑war. Some lawmakers shout against agencies that pull people in, while others keep their hands off the issue. The tension grows when a state law says it will not work with federal immigration officials, and the local sheriffs are left asking...

Powerful People, Little Consequence: What Americans Think

A recent survey reveals that a majority of U.S. adults believe that wealthy and influential individuals rarely face punishment for wrongdoing. Key Finding: 70 % of respondents agreed that the Epstein files—linking him to top politicians, bankers, and academics—reflect reality. Only a small fr...

Canada Helps Ukraine Fix and Modernise Energy

Canada has decided to give a big boost to Ukraine’s energy field, especially after Russia’s attacks on power plants and gas lines. In a Paris meeting, the two governments announced a new partnership that will bring Canadian oil and gas gear to Ukraine on cheaper terms. The plan also encourages Canad...

Nevada Takes Legal Action to Stop Kalshi’s Sports Betting Platform

Nevada gaming officials have filed a lawsuit to prevent Kalshi, an online prediction market, from offering contracts that let residents bet on sports such as football and basketball. This case is part of a larger battle over whether state regulators can oversee companies that allow financial bets th...

Planning for Retirement: Is $2 Million Enough?

Retirement planning can be tricky. A recent study found that many Americans think they need around $2 million to retire comfortably. But is that really the case? Factors to Consider Several factors come into play when determining if $2 million is enough: Location: Where you live impacts ...

New Leader Steps Up for JPMorgan’s Big‑Deal Financing

JPMorgan Appoints Catherine O'Donnell to Lead North America Leveraged Finance JPMorgan has selected Catherine O'Donnell to head its North America Leveraged Finance unit. She will relocate to New York, bringing more than two decades of experience in complex debt deals. New Role O'Donnell wi...

businessneutral

Big Blaze Bashes Fox Valley Sports Storage

A blaze erupted early Wednesday morning at a commercial building that stored snowmobiles, boats and personal watercraft. Firefighters were summoned just before 1 a.m. to 8913 South Route 31, where they discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from a metal pole barn. The structure’s size and the inte...

businessliberal

Alamosa Grants Open for 2026 Events

Visit Alamosa has opened its grant application window for the upcoming year, offering local non‑profits a chance to secure funding for their events. The county’s tourism board partners with community groups, providing financial support that keeps the area lively for both visitors and residents. Fu...

businessneutral

Santa Clarita Celebrates Its Diverse Business Community

The Santa Clarita Valley recently hosted a unique event to highlight its vibrant business community. The usual venue was swapped for an artsy setting, bringing together local leaders and government officials. The diverse range of businesses, from a yoga studio to a historical society, showcased the ...

businessliberal

Navient's Long-Awaited Reparations Begin

CFPB Starts Sending Payments to Borrowers The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has begun distributing payments to borrowers affected by Navient's misleading practices. This follows a $120 million settlement reached in 2024, with $100 million allocated directly to borrowers. Misleading...

healthneutral

Building Muscle for Better Health: Lindora's New Approach

Lindora, a leader in medical weight loss, has appointed JJ Virgin as their Chief Metabolic Health Officer. Virgin advocates for fixing metabolism first, believing that weight loss follows naturally when metabolism is optimized. A New Approach to Health Virgin's role involves enhancing Lindora's h...

healthneutral

Smart Health: How AI Can Help You Talk to Your Doctor

AI is everywhere, even in health care. Many people use AI tools like chatbots to get medical advice. This can be helpful, but it also has risks. For example, AI might give wrong information or make people worry too much. But if used the right way, AI can help patients talk better with their doctors....

healthliberal

A Long‑Term Friendship Built on Shared Health Challenges

A Quiet Life in a Bright Condo The 95‑year‑old Rosine, who calls herself Neni, lives alone in a sunny condo she bought after her husband died. She keeps busy with baking, attending board meetings, scrubbing floors, and dusting a chandelier that needs little work. Every morning she makes her bed ...

cryptoneutral

Zircuit Finance Opens a New Way to Earn Stablecoin Yields

Zircuit has introduced a fresh platform that lets users deposit USDC and USDT into a vault aiming to deliver 8–11% annual returns—the exact yield depends on market dynamics. Key Features Institution‑style investing without high minimums Designed for those who want professional-grade exposure...

environmentliberal

Small Shifts, Big Climate Wins

People often think that climate change is a problem too huge for one person to affect. Yet the numbers say otherwise. If just ten percent of Americans changed a few daily habits—what they eat, how they travel, how they heat their homes and what clothes they buy—the planet could see a massive drop in...

weatherneutral

Snowy Surprise? NYC Might Get a Few Inches This Weekend

New York City Weather Outlook: Mild Week Ahead, Weekend Snow Possible The forecast for New‑York City this week points to a mostly mild spell, with temperatures staying comfortable throughout the workweek. However, meteorologists warn that a winter storm over the weekend could still deliver plowab...

cryptoneutral

Crypto Investors Bet Big Amid Market Slump

Dragonfly Capital, a prominent crypto investment firm, has just raised a massive $650 million fund despite the current crypto market downturn. This move is significant as many other investors are pulling back. A History of Timing Market Downturns Dragonfly has a track record of raising funds duri...

environmentliberal

Climate Change: A Threat to Our Health and Safety

In early 2026, a significant shift occurred in U.S. climate policy. The administration decided to revoke a 2009 finding that identified six greenhouse gases as threats to public health. This move was met with criticism, as many experts argue that climate change poses serious health risks. The ...

entertainmentneutral

Bright Red Love Reimagined: AMOR’s Temporary Journey

The AMOR sculpture, once perched in Sister Cities Park, has been taken down for a comprehensive makeover. Designed by Robert Indiana to echo his famed LOVE piece at Kennedy Plaza, the statue was removed on Wednesday morning for conservation work. City officials plan to reinstall it on May 1, just be...

educationneutral

Springtime Fun and Fundraising: Madison's Bunny Breakfast Event

Madison High School is buzzing with excitement as the Madison Education Association (MEA) gears up for their yearly Bunny Breakfast. This event is not just about delicious food and fun activities; it's a chance for the community to come together and support future teachers. Event Details Date...

entertainmentliberal

Joe Rogan Faces Heat Over Health Tips for Comedian

A popular podcast host has drawn criticism after a comedian’s sister accused him of pushing risky medical advice. The controversy centers on Whitney Cummings, who is friends with Rogan and allegedly uses growth hormone and testosterone. Ashley Cummings claims that the drugs were suggested by Rogan, ...

educationliberal

School Money Crisis: Why Teachers and Students Are In Trouble

The state budget for 2027 has sparked anger among Connecticut school leaders. Superintendent Steven Rioux of Putnam Public Schools is asking the town to raise property taxes by 7.23 %—a jump from last year’s 1.66 %. He says the district needs $1.6 million more to cover rising costs for health insura...

celebritiesneutral

A Giant of Hollywood Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Robert Duvall, a beloved figure in Hollywood, passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that touched many lives. His impact on the film industry was immense, with countless celebrities sharing their memories and tributes. Tributes from Colleagues Al Pacino Al Pacino, who worked with...

A New Way to Invest in Consumer Loans

MSABF 2026-1: A Revolutionary Approach to Consumer Credit Morgan Stanley Investment Management has finalized a significant transaction with the creation of MSABF 2026-1, a specialized fund focused on consumer loans. Backed by loans from leading lenders and rated by KBRA, this fund features a re...

financeconservative

Italy's Tax Haven Appeal: Why the Rich Are Flocking

A Dream Destination for the Wealthy Italy is not just a dream destination for tourists. It's becoming a hotspot for the wealthy. Over 3,600 millionaires moved there last year, bringing in €21 billion. Why? Italy offers a special tax deal known as the CR7 rule. The CR7 Rule Named aft...

technologyliberal

Tech Deals and National Security: A New Look at U. S. Rules

Technology deals can pose hidden threats to national safety, and a new book dives into the complex web of U.S. rules designed to mitigate those risks. The author, a cyber‑strategy leader in Washington, D.C., argues that while the expanding regulatory landscape is necessary, it also creates confusion...

Drones Deliver More Than Food in China’s Flying City

Hefei, roughly the size of Chicago, is transforming into a drone hub that goes far beyond snack deliveries. The local government deploys unmanned aircraft to transport everyday goods—from park‑ordered meals to life‑saving blood supplies heading to hospitals—forming the backbone of an emerging low‑al...

technologyliberal

AI Coding Turns Work Into Play

The scene starts on a weekday evening in New York. A commuter leaves Union Square, hops on the subway, and pulls up a phone app that can write code for him. He types a simple request: “Show me the data I just uploaded, put it in a database, and make it searchable on a web page. ” While the train rat...

AI Watch: Who’s Monitoring Health Insurers’ Use of Technology?

Health insurers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to streamline claims, detect fraud, and predict patient needs. But who keeps an eye on how these powerful tools are being applied? Regulatory Oversight Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Testing AI models that flag suspici...

Electric Ships: The Future of Global Trade?

Electric vehicles are not just for roads. They are now sailing the seas. The Ning Yuan Dian Kun: A Game-Changer The Ning Yuan Dian Kun, a container ship, is the first of its kind. It runs on electricity, not diesel. This ship can carry 740 containers—a significant amount of cargo! P...

PC Leads the Way for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3

The upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 is being built with PC as the main focus. This strategic decision is driven by the superior gaming experience that PCs currently offer. A Shift in Development Approach This approach marks a departure from the previous games in the series: First ...

Infosys and Anthropic Team Up to Boost AI in Businesses

Infosys and Anthropic have joined forces to enhance AI capabilities for large enterprises. This collaboration aims to make AI more intelligent and practical across industries like telecom, banking, and manufacturing. The Plan The partnership involves integrating Anthropic's Claude AI models with ...

Signal Tracker Helps Search for Missing 84‑Year‑Old

Investigators are using a cutting‑edge device that can locate the faint radio waves emitted by medical devices such as pacemakers. The tool, dubbed a signal sniffer, was created by former NSA hacker David Kennedy. How It Works Nancy Guthrie, an 84‑year‑old pacemaker user, vanished from her Tucson...

sportsneutral

Nate Williams: From G‑League Grind to Golden State

Nate Williams began his life in Rochester, New York. He grew up on the court, practicing every day with friends and family. His talent caught the eye of high‑school coaches at University Prep Charter, where he led his team with strong numbers. Later, he moved to Prolific Prep in California for more ...

sportsneutral

New Courts, New Feel: How the Expo Changed Playoff Basketball

South Portland’s girls basketball squad has had to shift its game plan this season. Because the Maine Principals’ Association moved many schools into Class A, the early rounds of the state tournament now take place at the Portland Expo Center instead of on a team’s own gym. The change means ev...

sportsliberal

Russia’s Return to the Paralympics: A New Chapter

Russia will send a small delegation to the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy, ending over ten years of sports isolation. The move follows growing support among international sporting bodies to lift the long‑standing Olympic ban on Russian athletes. It also opens the possibility for a full Russian team ...

lifestyleneutral

A Quiet Life in Winchester: History, Apples, and Easy Living

Winchester is a small town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley that offers a peaceful place for people who want to retire without the bustle of big cities. The community is famous for its apple orchards and its deep history that stretches back to the 1700s. It was named one of the best retirement ...

educationneutral

A Bachelor’s Degree Still Matters – Just Think Differently

College graduates today face a new challenge: machines can do many tasks, so people ask if the old four‑year degree still counts. The chatter on social media often paints a bleak picture, claiming that degrees are “useless” or “out of date.” These loud warnings can mislead families who wonder if the...

environmentliberal

Greenland's Changing Landscape: A Glimpse into the Arctic's Future

In the heart of Greenland, a man named Jørgen Kristensen shares a unique bond with his sled dogs. These dogs have been his companions since he was a child, offering him comfort and support when he faced bullying at school. Today, Kristensen is a champion dog sledder, but the changing climate is maki...

cryptoneutral

A Quiet Game of Power in Crypto

THORChain, a permissionless network that lets users swap digital coins without intermediaries, has become the focus of a heated debate over who truly governs it. While the project touts a voting system among node operators, recent events reveal that a single administrator can halt the entire protoco...

celebritiesneutral

A Glimpse Into the Mixed‑Heritage Skater

Madison Chock grew up beside the waves of Redondo Beach, California, before her training took her across state lines to Michigan. She began skating on local rinks long before the roar of Olympic crowds filled arenas. Her full name, Madison La’akea Te‑Lan Hall Chock, hints at deep cultural roots: ...

entertainmentneutral

Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta is Back with More Drama

Southern Fried Lies is coming to MTV on February 17th at 8/7c. The Cast is Back with More Drama Salma Sims is trying to clear her name after cheating rumors. Sierra Gates isn't making it easy for her. Erica Banks seeks advice after a recent arrest. Yandy & Mendeecees Harris face a rocky relati...

educationneutral

Young Inventors Take Flight at Plano Library

Plano Library is set to host an interactive STEM workshop, brought to you by Aurora’s SciTech Museum. This event is all about exploring the science behind flight. Kids will get to design and test their own paper helicopters in a wind tunnel. It's a fun way to see how things fly and how they can be i...

weatherliberal

Wildfire Chaos: A Chicago‑Sized Blaze Sweeps Two States

The sky turned orange over Oklahoma and Kansas when the Ranger Road Fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon, quickly expanding to a size that rivals Chicago. In just eight hours the blaze consumed an area equivalent to three or four football fields every second, leaving over 145,000 acres scorched and ...

celebritiesneutral

Celebrating Stars on February 18

John Travolta Age: 72 Fun fact: His middle name is Joseph, a detail fans sometimes overlook. Molly Ringwald Age: 58 Recent work: Appeared in the film “Run Amok.” Yoko Ono Age: 93 Notable cameo: TV show “Mad About You.” Cybill Shepherd Age: 76 Family spotlight: Daughter Cle...

Ghana Puts a Big Pay‑off into Its Debt Plan