Fidesz and KDNP faction leaders stated that the extraordinary parliamentary session called to discuss the Samsung case was based on 'fake news', leading to their boycott.

A gold mining operation in West Africa has surpassed 3 million ounces in reserves, with Aurum continuing to build momentum in its exploration and extraction efforts.

Győr's mayor, Pintér Bence, criticized the Fidesz party for not attending the extraordinary city council meeting, stating it was the third time they had 'fled' the assembly.

Nikola Jovanović stated that the extraordinary budget rebalance, scheduled for adoption by the Belgrade Assembly on February 27, will lead to new borrowing and less money for Belgrade municipalities.

Czech politics is stirred by disputes over Andrej Babiš's extradition, the new Environment Minister Igor Červený, and Tomio Okamura's controversial campaign, raising questions about trust in justice versus political calculus.

Chelsea knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup on Sunday, thanks to an extra-time winner from Naomi Girma, her first goal in a Chelsea shirt.The USA international joined Sonia Bompastor’s Blues...

A new Ipsos poll indicates that Smer is gaining on Progressive Slovakia, with eight parties projected to enter parliament. The extra-parliamentary Democrats have also surpassed the 6% threshold, overtaking KDH.

A 35-year-old man, Izmir Dunga, has been arrested in Albania as part of an international operation for drug trafficking and is awaiting extradition to Italy, where Interpol Rome had issued a warrant for his arrest.

Referee Chan has commended Asia Rugby for 'going the extra mile' in its operations and initiatives.

Airports in Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto are asking passengers travelling through U.S. Customs to allow for extra time to pass through security checks. While most airports didn't explain the reason behind the NEXUS closure Sunday, Vancouver International Airport said on its website that it's suspended until further notice "due to the partial U.S. Government shutdown."

Concerns have been raised that extra classes for Senior High School (SHS) students are undermining Ghana's Free SHS policy.

Adriano Patozi, 64, has been arrested by Albanian police on charges from Italian authorities for corruption and involvement in drug trafficking, with extradition to Italy pending.

UAE has announced the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule, offering early clarity for all. Federal government employees get a break from March 19-22, 2026. Private sector workers will enjoy a holiday from Ma

Andrej recounts his extraordinary experience of visiting three countries—Colombia, Brazil, and Peru—in just three hours in the Amazon region, all without needing a passport.

Referee Chan praises Asia Rugby for going the 'extra mile' in its efforts to develop the sport in the region.

A dentist who admitted to multiple false claims under the Dental Treatment Service Scheme will be sentenced today for defrauding the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland.

A lesbian woman from Morocco, who fled her family and sought asylum in the US, was deported to Cameroon and then back to Morocco, despite a court order protecting her from extradition.

The Syrian central government has reportedly regained control over all of the country's oil resources after driving out Kurdish forces from northeastern Syria. However, the oil wells are in poor condition due to fighting and chaotic extraction.

Naomi Girma scored an extra-time winner while Man City and Arsenal also progressed

Hokejisté Mladé Boleslavi hostí v dohrávce 34. kola Tipsport extraligy pražskou Spartu. Předchozí tři utkání v probíhající sezoně zvládl tým z hlavního města se skóre 13:3, i tentokrát tak bude favori

Italy's energy decree has expanded the increase in the regional production tax (IRAP) to include gas extraction and transport, aiming to fund reductions in burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Norwegian men's curling team lost their semifinal match against Canada in an extra end, forcing them to compete for a bronze medal against Switzerland.

Jammu and Kashmir's head coach Ajay Sharma has led the team to their maiden Ranji Trophy final, a remarkable resurgence after a challenging start. Sharma, a former India batter cleared of match-fixing allegations, has instilled a winning mindset, transforming the team's approach to red-ball cricket. Their success is fueled by the players' extraordinary journeys and hunger for performance.

The Danish government is exploring the possibility of extending licenses for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea beyond their 2042 expiry, despite a national goal to cease extraction by 2050.

Lawyer claims FICAC detention of Charlie Charters aimed at “extracting information,” not investigation  The Fiji Times

Poland implemented extraordinary measures to protect its airspace, deploying fighter jets and activating defense systems in coordination with NATO, following massive Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Four injured in pellet gun attack over 'unauthorised' sand extraction in Brahmanbaria  The Daily Star

US president calls for removal of Susan Rice as streaming platform pursues takeover of Warner Bros Discovery Donald Trump has told Netflix to remove the Democratic foreign policy expert Susan Rice from its board or “face the consequences”, while the streaming platform is locked in an extraordinary corporate battle to take control of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD). In comments posted on his Truth Social platform, the US president described Rice – who served as national security adviser to Barack ...

Four injured in pellet gun attack over 'unauthorised' sand extraction in Brahmanbaria  The Daily Star

Scotland displayed a resilient performance, securing a dramatic comeback victory over Wales in Cardiff, showcasing a different side of their team's personality.

Oregon's softball team came from behind to beat #14 Duke in extra innings, concluding the Mary Nutter tournament on a high note.

An "extraordinary" women's 1500m speed skating semi-final at the 2026 Winter Olympics sees six of the seven skaters crash, with China's Yang Jingru - the only athlete not to fall - finishing first.

Scotland displayed a different side of their personality in the dramatic comeback victory over Wales in Cardiff, writes Tom English.

Stephanie Scarbrough is a staff photographer with The Associated Press, based in Baltimore, covering everything from sports and daily life to breaking news. The Milan Cortina Games are her first Olympics as a photojournalist. This was the biggest crash in short track speed skating at this year’s Winter Olympics, leaving the crowd stunned as it became apparent that Kamila Sellier of Poland had been injured beyond the usual bumps and bruises of the sport.

An "extraordinary" women's 1500m speed skating semi-final at the 2026 Winter Olympics sees six of the seven skaters crash, with China's Yang Jingru - the only athlete not to fall - finishing first.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AUGUSTANA) — Jacob Jastrzebski scored with 43 seconds remaining in regulation and Augustana secured the extra conference point in a shootout following a 3-3 overtime tie against St. Thomas Friday night at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. Easton Young and Colton Friesen also scored in regulation, while Josh Kotai turned aside 39 shots […]

An unprecedented incident occurred in the women's 1500m speed skating semi-final at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where six of the seven skaters crashed, with China's Yang Jingru being among them.

Extra Space Storage has issued its 2026 same-store revenue guidance, ranging from (0.5%) to 1.5%, reflecting steady occupancy and strategic capital deployment.

Texas State softball bounced back from a loss to Oklahoma State with a clutch extra-innings victory over Kansas City.

UConn baseball earns its first win of the season, topping Arizona 6-4 in four extra innings to improve their record to 1-3.

A single extraordinary photo captures a moment of triumph on ice, showcasing the intensity and emotion of the event.

Over the years, I've seen passengers making some basic mistakes and social faux pas on train rides. sculpies/Getty Images I've been riding trains across the US for over 26 years, and it's one of my favorite ways to travel. After hundreds of trips, I have a running list of some of the worst things passengers do on board. Avoid bringing too much luggage and taking up more than your fair share of space on board. Train travel can be an adventure. Whizzing by different terrain and meeting new people are all part of the trip. However, a ride can also be frustrating or a bit chaotic, especially if other passengers are doing things that irritate you. After more than 26 years of riding trains up and down both US coasts and across the Midwest, here are seven things I wish passengers would stop doing. Talking your seat partner's ear off As is the case on most public transportation, you risk encountering talkative seatmates on trains. Being stuck in a conversation for a multihour train ride can be exhausting, especially since many people choose this form of transit because it's considered a leisurely and relaxing travel option. I don't usually mind having brief conversations with people near me — it's a shared experience after all — but not everyone wants to be social. When it comes to chatting on board, consent from both parties is key. Bringing too much luggage There probably won't be tons of storage space on the train. Daniel J. Macy/Shutterstock Similar to air travel, trains have limited space in front of the seats and in the overhead bins. Try to stick to your fair share of luggage, or plan in advance to check it when you board. On Amtrak, most reservations allow you to bring one bag and two carry-on items. You may be able to bring more if you book a private car or upgrade your ticket. People are getting on and off at every stop, so even if your train car looks empty when you board, you should still be mindful of how much space you're taking up. Spreading your belongings (or body) out across a row of seats Speaking of taking up too much space: Spreading all your things across a row or more of seats is annoying for fellow passengers. Since there isn't much extra space on trains, I wish people were more mindful about taking too many seats, blocking the middle aisle, and knocking into the people around them when they need to unpack something or resituate their luggage. This also goes for lying down across multiple seats. If you need to stretch out, go to the café car or observation space, where there's usually a little more room to move around. Leaving trash and spills for others to clean A lot of people think they don't have to clean up after themselves on trains and planes. It's especially annoying because there are trash receptacles throughout the train, making it easy to organize your space as you go. I usually find them near stairwells, in restrooms, in the dining car, or at the end of the passenger cars. Your trash is your responsibility — the same goes for anything you spill during the trip. Trapping people on the stairs or between cars Try not to stand in front of doors for too long. Dogora Sun/Shutterstock Don't stand in the way of people in the space between cars or on the narrow, sometimes winding, stairwells. Space is limited, and if you trap someone for too long, they may start to feel unsafe or uncomfortable. It's sometimes unavoidable to momentarily block people as they get on and off the train, but otherwise, be mindful and stay aware of your surroundings. Taking your shoes off When you're in a public place that's not a pool or spa, taking your shoes off probably won't elicit a pleasant reaction. This is especially true when you're trapped in what's essentially a metal tube for hours. Keep your shoes on to avoid bothering your fellow train riders. I personally wouldn't want my feet touching the floor of a train anyway. Watching videos or listening to music without using headphones If you want to avoid irritating everyone around you, reduce your noise pollution. You might be fascinated by the cooking video you found on YouTube, but the rest of the passengers probably aren't. And no matter how amazing your taste in music is, use headphones while on the train. This also applies to phone calls — no one wants to hear your whole conversation on speakerphone. This story was originally published on November 10, 2024, and most recently updated on February 20, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider

Iowa basketball is hopeful that star forward Tavion Banks could wind up with another season of eligibility for 2026-27.

Veteran actor David Harewood, known for “Homeland,” “Sherwood” and “Supergirl,” is finally leading a show with “Pierre.” “It’s my first lead character in a 40-year career, which is quite extraordinary, and the first time I’ve been number one on the call sheet. It’s an exciting place to be.” “I’m very lucky to have worked with […]

The Supreme Court of India has taken an extraordinary step in the dispute between Bengal and the Election Commission, ordering judicial officers to be part of SIR duty.

Trump says he will seek release of files on extraterrestrials, "based on the tremendous interest shown".

Expenditures were made outside legislative approval, several arms and departments of the Edo government under Governor Monday Okpebholo. The post SPECIAL REPORT: Edo’s N14.15 billion extra-budgetary spending raises questions about fiscal discipline under Okpebholo appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Great Britain's women's curling team has been eliminated from the competition after the USA defeated Switzerland in an extra-end thriller to qualify for the semi-finals.

Extra Space Storage announced its Q4 results, with FFO of $2.08 beating estimates by $0.04 and revenue of $857.5M surpassing expectations by $124.64M.

A Nigerian man has been extradited to the US in connection with sextortion and the death of an American minor, as part of a wider FBI operation targeting sexual extortionists.

Reigning World Cup champion Vinzenz Geiger fell not once but twice in the concluding super team event as Nordic combined powerhouses Germany finished without a medal in the sport for the first time in

The Sporting News is tracking live updates and results from Alysa Lius's attempt to medal in the women's figure skating final on Thursday. Follow along as Liu hits the ice.

We read proxy statement so you don’t have to

Football fans in the UK will benefit from new rules allowing pubs to open later for home nations' World Cup knockout games, offering an extra round of drinks.

Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, known as Natwarlal, was an extraordinary Indian trickster who became a synonym for deception. He masterfully used psychological brilliance and forged documents to pull off audacious scams, including allegedly selling iconic Indian landmarks. His ability to manipulate trust and authority made him an elusive legend.

Select Water Solutions projects significant water infrastructure growth of 20%-25% by 2026 and is actively pursuing partnerships in lithium extraction, indicating strategic expansion in both sectors.

Judge grants Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction for extra eligibility  Associated Press News

I like to prep my meals for the Mediterranean diet in advance. George Arkley I've followed the Mediterranean diet for years, and I meal prep to save time and money. My favorite Chicken meatballs are versatile and packed with protein. I like to pair my prepped dishes with olive salad, which I can also make in advance. I have followed the Mediterranean diet for more than five years. It's long been considered the healthiest diet, and this way of eating emphasizes the consumption of unprocessed foods and healthy fats. Common ingredients people on the diet eat include vegetables, seafood, whole grains, and beans. While following it, I like to cook meals in advance in larger batches so I can enjoy them throughout the week or freeze them to eat at a later date. Some of my go-to Mediterranean-diet recipes stray slightly from more typical ones I've seen, but I try to stick with the core principles of this style of eating while keeping things interesting. Here are some of my favorite meals to make in advance and how I usually prepare them. I make chicken meatballs to pair with salads and pasta dishes. George Arkley Chicken meatballs are versatile and can be easily incorporated into pasta dishes, salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Plus, they freeze well. To make them, I usually combine ground chicken, chopped red onion, egg, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Then, I mix in oregano, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper and form my meatballs. I pop them in the air fryer or oven until brown, let them cool, then freeze them in individual portions for later. Stuffed peppers are a budget-friendly, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for freezing for later. George Arkley Stuffed peppers are easy to customize with different types of meat, rice, cheese, and vegetables. To start, I cut each bell pepper in half and remove the seeds. I drizzle the peppers in olive oil and bake them for a bit while I cook my preferred filling on my stovetop. I often stuff peppers with a mix of cooked ground turkey (be sure to drain any excess juice), diced onions, canned diced tomatoes, garlic, tomato puree, chicken stock, and herbs. Once I bake and cool the peppers, I freeze them. When I defrost them, I add grated cheese and heat them in the oven until they're hot and the cheese is golden. I whip up a big batch of beef stew for cold days. George Arkley Sometimes I spend a free afternoon cooking a large batch of beef stew I can fill my freezer with. To make it, I brown ground beef in olive oil on my stove and set it aside on a plate. Then, I add diced onion, rosemary, and garlic to the pan I was using. I cook them for a few minutes and then add red wine. I then pour in beef stock, canned chopped tomatoes, and jarred grilled peppers. I add the beef back in and cook my stew in the oven for two hours. Then, I stir in canned butterbeans and olives and cook for another 30 minutes. I make a slurry with cornstarch and cold water and stir it into my stew to help it thicken. I let it simmer until I like the consistency. Once it cools, I freeze individual serving sizes that I can thaw whenever I want them. Try these fishcakes even if you're not a fan of white fish. George Arkley Homemade fishcakes are a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet without spending a fortune at the fishmonger. To make them, I fry chopped leeks on the stove and set them aside in a bowl. Then, I grind up a few tilapia filets in a food processor and add them to the leeks, along with an egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and cumin. I form my mixture into small cakes, then fry them in a pan for five minutes on each side until golden brown. I freeze the cakes individually and usually serve them with garlic mayo and salsa. My favorite chicken traybake works well as leftovers. George Arkley A one-pan chicken traybake is perfect to throw in the oven on a busy weeknight, particularly if you also need lunch prepped for the next day. For mine, I chop potatoes, onions, and lemons into medium-sized chunks and toss them in a pan with olive oil, capers, jarred peppers, sundried tomatoes, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. I start roasting them in the oven while I season chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I fry the thighs skin-side down on the stove until the skin turns brown, then add them to the tray of things I began roasting. I cover the whole thing in foil for a bit, then keep baking and tossing everything around until my potatoes are crispy. Once finished, I serve myself a portion and keep the rest for lunch the next day. It's very tasty leftover. I cook Moroccan soup to use up any veggies that are on their way out. George Arkley Nothing says batch cooking like a cozy soup. Drizzle diced carrots, onion, celery, and leeks with olive oil and cook in a large pan on the stove. Season with turmeric, harissa, and red-pepper flakes before adding chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, vegetable stock, and water. Leave to simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, then add cans of green lentils and chickpeas. Simmer for another half an hour. Whisk a couple of eggs, a tablespoon of flour, and lemon juice into a couple of cups of water, then add that mixture to the soup. Let it simmer for a few more minutes before pouring yourself a serving and freezing the rest. Olive salad is the perfect side dish. George Arkley I prepare olive salad once or twice a week to keep in the fridge. To make it, I chop pitted olives, shallots, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers into tiny chunks. I toss those in a dressing made with lemon juice, sweet paprika, extra-virgin olive oil, and chili flakes. Lastly, I top my salad with fresh parsley, mint, crumbled feta, and walnuts. It can be eaten on its own, but I usually serve a small portion of it with one of my batch-cooked recipes. This story was most recently updated on February 18, 2026. Read the original article on Business Insider

Now that’s a departure with flavor! Timo Werner said goodbye to RB Leipzig this Wednesday not with long speeches, but with an extra helping of meat and plenty of sauce.While training was underway, a...

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! An Italian word that roughly translates to the grit and fierce determination upon which Juventus have historically based their relentless, never-say-die attitude, “grinta” was fairly conspicuous by its absence in Istanbul on Tuesday night. Instead it was replaced by a collective performance that had all the structural integrity of a soggy cannolo. Having come from a goal down to lead at half-time courtesy of two Teun Koopmeiners goals, Juve did show a modicum of resilience in their Bigger Cup shellacking at the hands of Galatasaray, but only before a second-half collapse so preposterous it suggested their half-time refreshments had been spiked with LSD or magic mushrooms. While there was always a decent chance an ensemble cast of Galatasaray Expendables featuring Davinson Sánchez, Lucas Torreira, Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, Mauro Icardi and Ilkay Gündogan would give their Italian visitors a good run for their money over two legs, few could have foreseen them spanking five goals past the Bianconeri in the first one. Re: yesterday’s Football Daily tour of refereeing nightmares across Europe, I’d like to wave an assistant referee’s flag for England. Darren England’s immaculate reffing of the Macclesfield v Brentford FA Cup tie showed it can be done, and done very well, without VAR” – John French. Re: the question in yesterday’s Football Daily: ‘Who wants to be a referee?’ Well, I do. I love football. I am a very weak player. If I do not referee games, those games may not get played. The only thing worse than a game with several refereeing errors is a game where no referees are present and players try to make calls themselves. I have been part of that, too. What would help is more excellent former players who choose to referee” – George Affeldt. Dare I make a suggestion from across the pond to help remedy football’s terrible implementation of VAR? Virtually none of America’s conduct is praiseworthy these days, but the one thing we have done well is the way video reviews have been implemented. The key has been the challenge system, rather than reviewing almost every important call, as in the Premier League. Managers/coaches are given a very limited number of challenges to on-field decisions, and they need to decide whether or not to challenge almost immediately. If their challenge is correct, the call is overturned and they get another to use later. If they are wrong, they lose the ability to challenge any important ref howlers that might be just around the corner. The video booth can’t intrude with some piece of minutiae that no one on the field noticed, and we don’t typically have 1,057 controversies per game. There is one downside for fans: highly entertaining manager meltdowns are now a rarity here. If you really believe a call is wrong, you challenge it, and if you don’t have a challenge because you were wrong in your last one, you eat some humble pie, something the former-player pundits of the Premier League should consider adding to their diets” – Steve Plever. This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...

Veteran forward Brad Marchand admitted his apprehension about potentially being an 'extra guy' for the Canada men’s national ice hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Team bosses in Formula 1 anticipate a swift resolution regarding the compression ratio saga, as F1 and power unit manufacturers prepare to vote on additional engine tests.

A human rights report alleges that Pakistan's Punjab police have killed 900 people in eight months, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings.

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has had his sights on Warner Bros. Discovery for months. Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images; Mario Tama/Getty Images Paramount Skydance is coming up against a key deadline in its pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery. David Ellison's media company doesn't need to raise its bid just yet, however. The crucial WBD shareholder vote isn't until March 20, giving the Ellisons extra time if they need. Paramount Skydance is staring down a key deadline in its pur...

Syndicated entertainment news strip “Extra” has been renewed for Season 33 by the Fox-owned TV station group in key markets. Telepictures senior VP of current programming Lauren Blincoe and Fox Televi

Huzefa Hafiz Ismail, an American suspected of leading a vast international money laundering network, has been extradited to France after his arrest in Texas in August 2024.

Apple is rumored to be working on an iPhone case equipped with extra antennas to improve satellite connectivity, a project that has reportedly been in development for several years.

A Tipperary dentist who “brought utter ruination on himself” by defrauding the HSE of €58,000 over a 17-year period has been jailed for one year and ordered to pay €100,000.

The family of Sarah Root, an Iowa graduate killed by an illegal immigrant, will attend President Trump’s State of the Union address after his administration extradited the individual convicted in her 2016 drunk-driving death.

Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres is in superb form and is seen as a crucial factor in providing an extra dimension to Arsenal's title challenge.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to deliver a video address to an extraordinary plenary session of the European Parliament on February 24, marking four years since the start of the Russian invasion.

A forensic audit is underway in Sri Lanka to investigate fiscal extraction and the impact of climate erosion, according to the Daily Mirror.

El Prat airport is increasing its operations with 9,100 additional flights and enhanced VIP services to accommodate the Mobile World Congress, with airlines offering extra travel options.

Syria's justice minister announced the government has formally requested the extradition of former regime dictator Bashar Assad and other figures, promising no amnesty for blood crimes.

Locals in Zambia's Copperbelt are experiencing unchecked pollution and contamination as mining companies extract metals for sustainable energy.

Prit: Leeds played extraordinary well and Daniel Farke is doing a great job. As for Villa, we were poor for large parts of the game and I think Unai Emery got the team selection wrong. Villa need to be starting with Tammy Abraham as Ollie Watkins has failed too many times this season.

The Romanian Environment Ministry reports that 90% of permits issued for 'fish ponds' are being used for gravel extraction, raising concerns about environmental regulations.

Extra! Extra! News from North Korea now more freely available but are South Koreans reading it?  phnompenhpost.com

An article reflects on the profound question of a mother's death and her lasting impact, using the term 'Mutti' to explore the extraordinary importance of seemingly overlooked aspects of life and relationships.

The Danish government is considering reopening the 2020 North Sea agreement to extend oil and gas extraction beyond the previously agreed 2042 deadline, a move described as highly significant given Europe's energy needs.

Talks between the US and Iran are expected to take place on Thursday in Geneva "with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal," Badr Albusaidi, foreign minister of regional med

The municipality of Kópavogur, Iceland, is offering additional personnel to its fire department. An official stated they are in good communication with the fire chief, who is calling out extra staff.

The Danish government is exploring the possibility of extending oil and gas extraction beyond 2042, potentially continuing until 2050.

Naomi Girma’s extra-time winner saw Chelsea eliminate Manchester United from the FA Cup, securing a quarter-final place on their quest to retain their trophy.This fifth round clash saw a repeat of l...

Milan rolled out a red carpet of ice for the 'Up & Down Below Zero' event, featuring a parade of celebrities, maximum sophistication, and extravagant prices.

Plan International Ghana has issued a recommendation against extracting stories from individuals who are recovering trauma survivors, emphasizing ethical considerations in reporting.

Ruling setback for US president's economic agenda; Trump imposes 10% extra global tariff on partners

Team USA and Canada may want to do it.

Tottenham vs Arsenal Prediction and How to Watch: North London Derby Arrives With Stakes and UncertaintyDerby drama under Tudor and ArtetaTottenham vs Arsenal has never required extra storylines, but ...

The Danish government has announced it will send extra billions in aid to Ukraine, reinforcing international support for the war-torn nation.

An edited extract from Hazel Sheffield's book details how a Welsh village successfully saved its forest, establishing a new model for community stewardship and securing its future.

The Superintendent of Police (SP) has called for increased vigilance at sensitive polling stations.

The Limassol Criminal Investigation Department has received complaints in recent days about fraudsters posing as employees of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and extracting money from unsusp

India's unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup highlights their formidable depth, a strength that also presents their sole selection dilemma. Former coach Ravi Shastri believes the winning combination will likely remain intact against South Africa, emphasising flexibility and the need for extra bowling options, especially with dew a factor.

The politician was 18 when she and her mum were hauled off to a police station for the killing of the man she’d considered an uncle. What happened next would shape her future. She talks Labour’s woes, making mistakes, and why it’s finally time to share her own traumatic story • Read an extract from Naz Shah’s memoir here Naz Shah found it thrilling when she was arrested on suspicion of murder. “I’ll be honest with you, I had fun. It was the most excitement I’d ever had in my flipping life. I’...

Transcripts from Extra Space Storage (EXR)'s Q4 2025 earnings call provide details on the company's financial performance and discussions.

Scotland displayed a different side of their personality in the dramatic comeback victory over Wales in Cardiff, writes Tom English.

Friday night at the Milano Ice Skating Arena was supposed to close out the short track speedskating program at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics ... Read More

Bank of America (BofA) has increased its price target for W. P. Carey (WPC), citing strong investment activity in net lease properties.

As if the Saudi Clasico, considered by many the marquee fixture of the Roshn Saudi League calendar, needed any more meaning.The match-up between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad is more than simply a football ...

A recent storm in the Tahoe region has delivered an extraordinary amount of snow, impacting the area significantly.

Could Wirtz also attract the next generation of Germans to Liverpool? Clearly Jurgen Klopp had a profound influence on how Liverpool are viewed in the country.Now Germany's best player representing th...

This story focuses on Great Britain's curling team, detailing their semi-final win against Switzerland and their narrow exit from the women's semi-finals after a loss to the USA.

Some Medicare Advantage plans have been quitting unprofitable markets and trimming extra benefits

New England did right by its wide receiver.

Scientists have extracted DNA from mummified cheetah remains, leading to a surprising discovery, while a 113-pound 'river monster' has put a South Carolina lake on the map.

Donald Trump has stated he will seek the release of files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs, citing significant public interest.

Mary Ann Pajo watched quietly as cemetery workers opened her son’s tomb in Manila this week and removed his body for examination by a forensic pathologist. Accused of dealing drugs, 30-year-old Joewarski Pajo was shot dead while playing a game on his phone, one of thousands of extrajudicial killings alleged to have taken place under former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. A hearing begins at the International Criminal Court on Monday that will determine whether Duterte will stand trial over...

PwC, like many consulting firms, is investing heavily in engineering talent. Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images PwC's engineers have created a new AI agent to tackle enterprise-grade spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are unsexy, but crucial to corporate operations, PwC exec Matt Wood told Business Insider. Traditional AIs "just kind of shrug and give up" when they meet a big spreadsheet, Wood said. The real way to judge a company's AI expertise isn't in the flashy headlines, but by looking at the "unsexy" work rolling out behind the scenes, Matt Wood, PwC's global and US commercial technology and innovation officer, told Business Insider. If Wood's theory holds — that real AI prowess shows up in unglamorous advances — PwC's latest launch is certainly notable. After all, what could be less sexy than spreadsheets? The Big Four firm announced this week that it has developed a "frontier AI agent" capable of reasoning over vast, enterprise-grade spreadsheets — something that conventional AI systems struggle with because of their complexity, size, and interdependencies. The agent can understand and navigate spreadsheets, mimicking "how experienced practitioners work: scanning, searching, jumping across tabs, integrating charts and receipts, and reasoning," PwC said in a press release. Why spreadsheets matter Wood, who joined PwC in 2024 from a role as vice president of AI at Amazon Web Services, said that when he started, he'd noticed the wraparound, ultra-wide monitors filled with spreadsheets: "That's all anybody was working on," he said. But these were not "your school soccer team budget spreadsheet," said Wood. The spreadsheets that power large enterprises are enormously complex, often containing millions of cells, charts, graphs, images, receipts, and dozens of interlinked workbooks. "They are more like financial engines than they are spreadsheets," he told Business Insider. These files often underpin business-critical decisions, yet PwC "found that even today's modern AI was very poorly suited to managing these big enterprise spreadsheets," Wood said. "They just kind of shrug and give up for want of a better word." Matt Wood, PwC's global and US commercial technology and innovation officer. PwC Creating an AI capable of understanding and reasoning across large, complicated spreadsheet applications is what PwC's engineers set out to solve. Their solution was a "genuine advance in the field," Wood said. The agent has unlocked use cases across assurance, advisory, and tax, and boosts time saving on some tasks "from literally days to hours," said Wood. He gave the example of audit walkthroughs, where teams previously spent weeks manually gathering and validating evidence across numerous complex spreadsheets that existing AI tools couldn't handle. Now, users simply upload the files, and the frontier agent automatically maps their structure, extracts relevant data, and performs validation and consistency checks — tasks that would otherwise require combing through millions of rows by hand. The result is faster meetings, less back-and-forth with clients, and cleaner, structured data ready for deeper AI-driven analysis, he said. Consulting powered by engineers PwC's AI spreadsheet agent was built in-house by engineers — a function the firm has been rapidly expanding as it shifts beyond the traditional roles associated with the Big Four. In January, PwC launched a dedicated tech engineering career track to attract more technical talent, saying it wants to become "a destination for top engineering talent." Previously, the firm offered only consulting and accounting career paths. Wood told Business Insider that adding the engineering track is "a signpost" of its future plans. At the same time, PwC is retraining non-technical employees. The US branch of the firm recently announced a companywide workplace learning strategy focused on knowledge sharing and on developing a mix of human and AI skills needed for the future. Wood described the work engineers do at PwC as having two modes: "transforming today" and "building for tomorrow." The first focuses on improving current workflows — reducing back-and-forth with clients, increasing trust, and delivering work more efficiently. The second reimagines professional services from scratch: "If you were to start from a blank piece of paper, what would professional services look like in an AI agent world?" said Wood. PwC engineers also work directly on client engagements, building AI systems tailored to specific projects. For example, they help organizations reorganize and redesign their finance functions from the ground up using agents, Wood said. Many of the consulting industry's top players are pursuing similar investments in technical talent as AI reshapes the work they do. Accenture, already one of consulting's most technically sophisticated players, has added nearly 40,000 AI and data professionals in the last two years. They now account for roughly 10% of its global headcount. EY, another Big Four firm, has added 61,000 technologists since 2023, according to its latest annual report. Have a tip? Contact this reporter via email at pthompson@businessinsider.com or Signal at Polly_Thompson.89. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely. Read the original article on Business Insider

An analysis reveals which nations are currently on track to earn additional qualification berths for the 2026-27 Champions League campaign.

Mexico's President Sheinbaum announced the country is seeking the extradition of US-based fuel smugglers, also providing updates on AIFA airport's new train and a toxic tamale incident.

The USA need an extra end to beat Switzerland 7-6 in a dramatic finish to qualify for the women's curling semi-finals, knocking Great Britain out of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The trio has called several Olympics in recent years.

Austria Wien narrowly missed out on an opportunity to make history as the first Austrian side to reach a women’s European semi-final on Wednesday. Sparta Praha found two clinical goals in extra time...

Extra preparation and work in the second half of the season helped launch 106-pound sophomore to finals

The UAE has clarified overtime work rules for private sector employees during Ramadan 2026, including a two-hour daily reduction in working hours and increased pay for overtime and evening shifts.

Wall Street analysts are reportedly bullish on Extra Space Storage stock, indicating positive sentiment for the company's future performance.

The Trump Department of Justice has blocked the largest copper, gold, and silver extraction site in the U.S. due to concerns over salmon, causing the stock to tumble.

A striking photo captures a silhouette against the sun, highlighting a unique visual moment.

Unfortunately for us—or at least those of us in colder climates—Punxsutawney Phil did predict an extra six weeks of winter. But that's just an excuse to stock up on even more cute winter clothes...

Colorado Democrats are pushing a proposed ballot measure to redraw the state's House map for the 2028 and 2030 elections, aiming to secure more seats and signaling an ongoing national battle over gerrymandering.

Rebecca Morrison executed an extraordinary shot against the USA, securing a victory for Team GB and keeping their hopes alive for advancing to the curling semi-finals.

Italy’s chances of receiving an extra spot in next season’s Champions League were dealt another blow after defeats for both Juventus and Inter in the play-off round first legs on Tuesday night.The...

Every generation rediscovers Emily Brontë’s novel, and every generation seems convinced it finally understands it.

A customer reports that a moving company held their boyfriend's belongings hostage, demanding an additional $300 on top of the original $350 quote, effectively doubling the cost.

Syndicated entertainment news program Extra has been renewed for a 33rd season by Fox Television Stations, it was announced Monday. Dancing With the Stars judge Derek Hough will return as host of the

The government’s so-called “Vision 2050” cube, erected at the entrance to Valletta, has triggered widespread public backlash, with critics denouncing it as an extravagant propaganda stunt funded by taxpayers. The structure, set to be officially inaugurated later this week by Prime Minister Robert Abela in what sources describe as an expensive “spectacle” followed by an … Continued

A leading AI firm alleges that Chinese laboratories used 24,000 fake accounts in coordinated 'distillation' attacks to extract capabilities from Anthropic's Claude chatbot.

A man in the US is being sued for allegedly purchasing a winning lottery ticket worth $12.8 million after the winning numbers had already been drawn.

Afnan introduced its new unisex extrait de parfum, '9PM Night Out', designed for evening wear, at an event in Zagreb.

A Russian citizen has been arrested in Montenegro and detained for up to 72 hours, with details suggesting involvement in an extramarital affair.

Spain's Popular Party (PP) announces plans to reform the Immigration Law, introducing amendments to prevent mass regularization from benefiting delinquents, following congressional approval of a law against repeat offenders.

A Russian citizen has been arrested in Montenegro and detained for up to 72 hours, reportedly for being in an extramarital relationship.

The article highlights the extraordinary sacrifice and legacy of Trooper K. Indiran's family, with his dedication to service starting at a young age.

Welsh rugby fans experienced mixed emotions of agony and hope following their team's loss to Scotland in the Six Nations.

A teaching union in the UK has stated that the government's proposed £4bn for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) overhaul is inadequate, as full details of the reform plans are set to be published.

A rare 1300 horsepower Ferrari, an extra edition created to commemorate a Le Mans victory, was seen at a car dealership in Budapest.

Scotland displayed a resilient performance, securing a dramatic comeback victory against Wales in Cardiff, showcasing a different side of their team's personality.

On a grey day in a remote forest, a bus pulls up and dozens of extras spill out in puffer jackets and trainers. Within an hour, they will be transformed into Norse peasants waiting for Vikings to ride

India's T20 World Cup gamble backfired as Axar Patel's omission for Washington Sundar in the Super 8 clash against South Africa led to a crushing defeat. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the difficult selection, driven by tactical matchups and the desire for an extra batter, ultimately proved costly. The team hopes Axar understands the strategic intent.

Notre Dame Baseball secured a comeback victory in extra innings against Indiana at the Live Like Lou Jax Baseball Classic in Jacksonville, Florida.

A quiz invites participants to test their knowledge about aliens, referencing former President Barack Obama's comments on the subject.

Relatives of victims from the Tempi tragedy are filing lawsuits and extrajudicial complaints against the Larissa Public Prosecutor's Office to halt 'fast track' and 'truncated' exhumations, three years after the incident.

The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur exploded with two goals in under two minutes during the first half, leading to a thrilling match.

Naomi Girma scored a 99th-minute winner to send Chelsea through to the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, defeating a resilient Manchester United 2-1 in extra time.

Former tennis player Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Josep Santacana reached an out-of-court settlement to finalize their divorce in 2025, as she could no longer afford the legal costs.

The Greek SYRIZA party criticized the Mitsotakis government, accusing it of being fully subservient to what they describe as Donald Trump's doctrine regarding resource extractions.

Scotland displayed a different side of their personality in a dramatic comeback victory over Wales in Cardiff, reversing the narrative on an extraordinary day.

Meal vouchers remain a popular non-salary benefit for Romanian employees, providing support for food expenses, with details on the maximum daily value for 2026.

A Nobel laureate has invented a machine capable of extracting up to 1000 liters of water from the air daily, potentially without electricity.

Un análisis financiero en poder del turbio magnate acertó en 2010 al remarcar el riesgo de dependencia de la deuda española de inversores extranjeros. Hoy es muy superior. Leer

A psychology column argues that introversion and extroversion are not fixed personality traits but rather flexible states, suggesting that individuals often exhibit characteristics of both.

An edited extract from a new book details how a Welsh village successfully saved its forest, providing a blueprint for community-led environmental stewardship and securing its future.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he will order relevant institutions to identify and publish previously classified documents related to extraterrestrial life, UFOs, and unidentified aerial phenomena.

Team USA and Canada may want to do it.

Jammu and Kashmir's head coach Ajay Sharma has led the team to their maiden Ranji Trophy final, a remarkable resurgence after a challenging start. Sharma, a former India batter cleared of match-fixing allegations, has instilled a winning mindset, transforming the team's approach to red-ball cricket. Their success is fueled by the players' extraordinary journeys and hunger for performance.

A guilty plea in New York has confirmed India's involvement in an assassination attempt on US soil, leading Pakistan to highlight India's alleged sponsorship of extraterritorial terrorism.

An 'extraordinary' women's 1500m speed skating semi-final at the 2026 Winter Olympics saw six of the seven skaters crash, with China's Yang Jingru being the only one to finish upright and take first place.

Scotland displayed a different side of their personality in the dramatic comeback victory over Wales in Cardiff, writes Tom English.

President Trump has ordered the release of government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life, following previous remarks on the topic by former President Obama.

Liverpool line up extraordinary move to sign German wonderkidLiverpool’s recruitment drive continues to evolve, and fresh reporting from TeamTalk suggests the club are already scanning the horizon f...

Mexico is pursuing the extradition of individuals based in the United States who are suspected of involvement in fuel smuggling operations.

Karl Jacobson, city’s police chief for three years, is accused of pilfering money from fund meant to pay informants An official who recently resigned as police chief of one of Connecticut’s largest cities was arrested on Friday on larceny charges after allegations that he stole more than $85,000 from two department accounts – money that was meant to pay for certain informants as well as a youth extracurricular program. Karl Jacobson, who abruptly retired from the New Haven police department in January, turned himself in on an arrest warrant. He was later released on a court-set bond of $150,000, a state prosecutor said in a news release. Jacobson faces two counts of larceny related to defrauding a public community. Continue reading...

Italy's chances for an extra Champions League spot remain slim despite recent victories in the Europa League and Conference League.

Film promotions for movies like 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Wicked' are becoming increasingly extravagant, with actors staying in character and engaging in unusual behaviors to create instant impact.

When planning a multigenerational trip to the Caribbean during the busy holiday season, our family settled on an ultra-luxury cruise. David Morris We booked the least expensive suite on a Seabourn ultra-luxury cruise for about $9,000. After crunching numbers and seeing high-end resort prices, this felt reasonable for a family trip. We loved getting to see lots of new places and not worry about having to plan our meals. I paid $9,000 for what was technically the cheapest room on an ultra-luxury cruise — a price that initially felt steep until I compared it with alternatives. My family had been planning a multigenerational trip to the Caribbean during the busy period between Christmas and New Year's Eve, which is also one of the most expensive travel weeks of the year. We wanted something that felt indulgent without becoming logistically exhausting or financially disproportionate once all the extras were added up. At first, we looked at high-end beach resorts, but they were commanding eye-watering rates. I saw a few in Barbados and St. Barts charging over $4,000 a night for a room, and that price doesn't even include food, drinks, and gratuities. The costs seemed like they could really add up. As we ran the numbers, an all-inclusive cruise began to make more sense. Plus, we liked the idea of exploring Caribbean destinations we hadn't visited before without having to deal with multiple hotel check-ins, flights, and transfers. A port-heavy itinerary could allow us to sample several places while unpacking just once. So, our group settled on a 12-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Seabourn Ovation. Our family booked two rooms and spent about $20,000 on the cruise. David Morris We traveled as a group of five: my mother, my brother and sister-in-law, their 7-year-old son, and me. In total, we booked two entry-level suites — one for my mother and me, and another for my brother, sister-in-law, and their son — bringing the combined cruise fare to just over $20,000 for five people across 12 nights. This figure includes accommodations, all meals, a selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. We saved some money on my 7-year-old nephew's fare thanks to the cruise line's third-guest-at-half-price policy. By booking through a preferred travel advisor, I also received $400 in onboard credit, plus an additional $250 referral credit (which my brother's family also received). Our cabin felt like part of a boutique hotel. David Morris Our suite measured 302 square feet, plus a 68-square-foot balcony. Its decor was pretty minimal, but it felt a bit elevated with accents of marble, dark wood, and glass. Despite being the cheapest option on the ship, this room felt more like it was part of a boutique hotel than just a standard cruise cabin. The walk-in closet was a pleasant surprise. David Morris The base-category suite felt thoughtfully laid out, with a seating area, a couch, a table, two beds, and a generously sized walk-in closet. Our clothes and bags easily fit inside with space to spare. In the other suite, a sofa bed was set up as a dedicated sleeping space for my nephew. The bathroom had dual sinks, a tub, and a compact but functional shower. David Morris The bright-white bathroom featured dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower. My only critique was the shower size, which felt slightly tight compared to ones in some newer ships we've sailed on. Our room's minibar was stocked exactly to our preferences. David Morris We were delighted to find our room's minibar stocked with complimentary ginger beer, juices, and the spirits we requested prior to our sailing. Twice-daily housekeeping kept everything meticulously refreshed. Room aside, we were pretty happy with the ship. David Morris Since all of our meals, standard beverages, and gratuities were included in the cost of the cruise fare, we didn't have to budget or crunch numbers during our trip. We had most of our dinners in the ship's main dining room, which was so easy. It felt quite formal, and the rotating menus kept things interesting across the 12-night itinerary. Passengers also had access to The Patio, a poolside eatery with laid-back fare, and The Colonnade, a more casual spot serving buffet breakfasts and lunches, plus seated themed dinners. We also enjoyed our opportunities for specialty dining. 12 David Morris Options for specialty dining included a sushi restaurant and a Mediterranean eatery called Solis, which was a standout for me. The menu featured steak, lobster, and whole grilled fish deboned tableside. I particularly loved its post-dinner affogatos Pools, hot tubs, and quieter outdoor spaces were easy to find. 13 David Morris The ship has a large main pool surrounded by lots of loungers, though we preferred the smaller hot tubs in other areas. Quieter spots, like the hot tub at the bow with incredible views of the ocean, quickly became our favorites. My favorite area on board was The Retreat. 14 The Retreat. David Morris Located on the top sundeck, The Retreat was my favorite area on the ship. The space offered shaded cabanas, a noticeably calmer atmosphere than the main pool deck, and attentive, unhurried service. To access it, passengers had to pay an additional $150 per day on port days or $250 on sea days. Booking it on sea days felt especially worthwhile. The quiet setting made it easy to relax or catch up on a bit of remote work on my laptop without feeling out of place. Excursions cost extra, but they felt well-organized and fairly priced. 15 David Morris We mostly booked excursions through the cruise line for peace of mind. Our favorite was in Saint Lucia, where a packed day included a catamaran ride, volcano hike, mud bath, and snorkeling. The excursion ran late, but the ship waited for us as it had been booked through them. Holiday surprises added to the experience. 16 David Morris On Saint Kitts, the crew arranged a private Christmas Day beach party with grilled lobster and drinks. Later, Santa Claus arrived by Jet Ski to serve caviar and Champagne in the surf. The cruise's overall cost felt reasonable considering everything it included. 17 David Morris Ultimately, our cruise averaged out to about $333 per person, per night. That felt surprisingly fair considering how much was included in our 12-night trip. We also really enjoyed the ship's intimate size. Compared to other mega-ships carrying thousands of people, this 600-passenger vessel felt calm, navigable, and personal. We never felt overwhelmed by crowds, even on sea days. Although children aren't typically the target audience for ultra-luxury cruises, my nephew genuinely had a great time alongside the mostly older guests. His sailing also felt like a great value, considering he was charged half price as a third guest and still had his own proper bed. For a multigenerational holiday trip that combined ease, variety, and consistent service, the value ultimately justified the price. All in all, we enjoyed the trip enough to book another Seabourn voyage (at a discounted price) before disembarking. Read the original article on Business Insider

Krista LeRay started her company during the pandemic. Courtesy of Penny Linn Marketing Krista LeRay started the popular needlepoint company Penny Linn Designs during the pandemic. She ran a popular blog and started the business after sharing a hand-painted canvas with followers. She says it's important to lean on others and not to give criticism more than 24 hours of attention. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Krista LeRay, founder and CEO of Penny Linn Designs. It has been edited for length and clarity. My first needlepoint project was in college. I moved from the Chicago suburbs to the University of Kentucky for college and remember feeling struck by how preppy everything was. Everyone had these needlepoint belts that they would wear. I wanted to immerse myself in the culture, so I decided to try needlepoint. A local needlepoint store showed me how to do the basic continental stitch, and that was that. I stitched in college but then didn't think about it for a while, until my then-boyfriend (now husband) started talking about a needlepoint belt, and I said I could make him one. Then I stitched a ringbearer pillow for our wedding in 2019, and really fell back in love with the hobby. But I couldn't find the things I wanted to stitch in stores. It all felt older to me, so when the pandemic hit in 2020, and I had extra time on my hands, I started painting my own canvases. Since then, I've grown Penny Linn Designs to over 10 million in sales. I didn't set out to start a needlepoint business I worked for Major League Baseball after graduating from college in 2013, but also ran a successful blog on the side. Eventually, I started making more money from my blog than at my corporate job, and I began blogging full-time. I shared the canvas I painted with my followers. It was the green Ralph's Coffee cup. My followers started asking me if I could paint a canvas for them to stitch, and that's what led me down the path to starting Penny Linn. Things just sort of snowballed. By 2022, I was making as much as I was making from my blog, making needlepoint canvases. When I had my first son that year, I had been blogging for 10 years and had sort of hit my max with sharing my life online. It felt like a natural progression to turn my full attention to Penny Linn. My 24-hour rule helps me navigate online criticism and make my business better Throughout my blogging experience, I dealt with a lot of negative comments and cattiness. It helped me build a thick skin, something that is definitely needed when running a business. I have a 24-hour rule about dealing with criticism. I try not to read things about myself online, but if I do, I always ask whether the comment is valid. If it's not, I can push the critique aside. If it is, I give myself 24 hours to be upset about it. After that, I either move on or decide to make a change. I stick to things I feel confident about, and am not afraid to rely on others for help I only want to invest in things I'm good at and feel confident in. It's tough, but you have to decide what you're standing firm on when you grow a business. For me, that means that Penny Linn doesn't offer finishing services for our needlepoint projects. I don't want to provide a product that isn't up to my standards, and right now I don't believe we're good enough to get there. That makes some people mad, but I know it's right for us. One of the other things I do is hire people who are smarter than me for my team. I know I don't know everything, so I look to others to help guide me on things like accounting and legal issues. I design needlepoint canvases I'd want to stitch I always say that Penny Linn is for a stitcher by a stitcher. I'm the stitcher that I'm talking about. Everything we sell is something I'd want to make. For now, that means mainly smaller canvases. A lot of people coming to Penny Linn are needlepoint beginners, so the projects are easier to manage and less expensive than larger projects like Christmas stockings. As our customers continue to grow with us, we'll start offering bigger projects. Needlepoint is a popular hobby now, and I definitely worry about whether its popularity will continue. But I always remind myself that things like embroidery and needlepoint have been around since the dawn of time. Once you're a needlepointer, you're one for life. I think people will always come back to it, and we'll continue to evolve. Read the original article on Business Insider

Jared Isaacman. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman blasted the "troubling" failures of the Boeing Starliner mission. In a letter to NASA staff, he said it wasn't initially deemed a mishap due to reputational concerns. A report into the mission found "unprofessional behavior," including yelling in meetings. The head of NASA sent a scathing letter to employees on Thursday, outlining the failures of the botched Boeing Starliner mission that left a pair of astronauts stuck in space. Jared Isaacman slammed "design and engineering deficiencies" but said the "most troubling failure" was decision-making and leadership. "If left unchecked, [it] could create a culture incompatible with human spaceflight," he added. The mission took place in June 2024, flying two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. However, helium leaks saw Starliner's thrusters malfunction. The mission was supposed to last eight days, but the pair ultimately spent over 90 days in space before returning to Earth on a SpaceX flight. "We returned the crew safely, but the path we took did not reflect NASA at its best," Isaacman told staff. Also on Thursday, the incident was formally designated as a "Type A mishap" — the most severe level, on par with the Columbia and Challenger Space Shuttle disasters. NASA defines such mishaps as those causing more than $2 million in failure costs, the loss of a vehicle or its control, or deaths. However, a mishap was not initially declared for Starliner, despite a loss of control and, according to Isaacman, "cost thresholds exceeding a Type A mishap by a factor of one hundred," implying a loss of at least $200 million. This decision was influenced by "concern for the Starliner program's reputation," he added. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, before boarding Starliner in June 2024. MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images Isaacman's letter wasn't entirely gloomy. He praised the "extraordinary professionalism" of controllers and crew who recovered control of the spacecraft and achieved docking with the International Space Station. "At that moment, had different decisions been made, had thrusters not been recovered, or had docking been unsuccessful, the outcome of this mission could have been very different," he added. 'Unprofessional behavior' included 'yelling in meetings' The letter coincided with the publication of the report into the Starliner mission. It's over 300 pages long and details the engineering and cultural problems. Investigators said there were "times of unprofessional behavior" as NASA and Boeing butted heads on how to bring the astronauts home. "There was yelling in meetings," one interviewee said. "It was emotionally charged and unproductive." Another said they heard safety engineers being berated "off muted mics." "It was probably the ugliest environment that I've been in," said another. The report listed three root causes for the debacle. Firstly, it said NASA had a "hands-off approach" to setting up the contract, leading to insufficient oversight of Boeing's design and testing. Then, Boeing didn't verify the propulsion system across all environments and use cases during the design phase, leaving Starliner exposed to conditions for which it wasn't properly certified, the report said. Lastly, it said the culture at NASA's Commercial Crew Program led to greater acceptance of technical risk and a reluctance to fully challenge Boeing's analyses. Isaacman said that NASA will continue working with Boeing. "But to be clear: NASA will not fly another crew on Starliner until technical causes are understood and corrected, the propulsion system is fully qualified, and appropriate investigation recommendations are implemented," he added. In a statement, Boeing said it was "grateful" to NASA for its "thorough investigation." "In the 18 months since our test flight, Boeing has made substantial progress on corrective actions for technical challenges we encountered and driven significant cultural changes across the team that directly align with the findings in the report." Read the original article on Business Insider

The USA need an extra end to beat Switzerland 7-6 in a dramatic finish to qualify for the women's curling semi-finals, knocking Great Britain out of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Liverpool need wingers and they need speed in their current attack. The Reds haven't really replaced Luis Diaz since he left for Bayern Munich, and they also haven't really added any wingers of genuin...

The 221st extraordinary session of Japan's Diet opened on July 20th with an opening ceremony attended by the Emperor, scheduled to run until July 17th.

How Bhattacharya's NIH Is Rethinking China, DEI, And High‑Risk Labs Authored by Jeff Louderback, Jan Jekielek via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), For decades, scientists have looked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an agency that publishes papers, according to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, in Washington, on Feb. 8, 2026. Irene Luo/The Epoch Times Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the emphasis for NIH funding has shifted to “provable, testable hypotheses, not ideological narratives,” he said, which is resulting in widespread reforms to the agency. Bhattacharya, who obtained both a doctorate in economics and a medical degree from Stanford University within three years of each other, outlined changes that the NIH has implemented in his first year as the agency’s director and talked about his vision for the next three years in an interview with Epoch Times Senior Editor Jan Jekielek. The NIH has been instrumental in medical advances for decades, Bhattacharya said, but in the 21st century, it became “much more of a staid institution, not willing to take intellectual risks.” During the same time, the agency “was willing to take risks on dangerous gain-of-function and other social agendas, like DEI, that it had no business really engaging in.” “I think the NIH now, under my leadership, under President Trump’s leadership, and under what Secretary [Robert F.] Kennedy is looking over … is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country, reversing the flatlining of life expectancy, and making good on its mission ... research that improves the health and longevity of the American people, and the whole world,” he said. One of the 13 agencies managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the largest supporter of biomedical research globally, providing 85 percent of all biomedical research funding worldwide, according to Bhattacharya. It funds about $50 billion in scientific research via grants to hundreds of thousands of researchers at academic institutions and hospitals, he said. The NIH is not an agency that makes decisions or policies about public health directly, Bhattacharya said, noting that he intends to “remove the politicization of science that has existed for decades.” The National Institutes of Health Gateway Center in Bethesda, Md., on June 8, 2025. During President Donald Trump’s second term, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said the agency “is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country.” Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters/File Photo Political Agendas Over the past 15 to 20 years, the NIH has incorporated political rather than scientific agendas, Bhattacharya told The Epoch Times. “Probably the most prominent example of this is DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said. “If you were a researcher outside the NIH, the ticket to getting sort of extra, relatively easy funds was to promise to do DEI research. Looking into it, much of that research had no real scientific basis at all. I don’t even characterize this as science.” As an example, Bhattacharya used a project that studied the question: “Is structural racism the root reason why African Americans have worse hypertension results than other races?” “The problem with that hypothesis is that there’s no way to test it,” he said. “If structural racism is the cause, then what control group can you have to test the idea that that is true? ... None of that actually translated over to better health for anybody, much less for African Americans. “Scientists of the country understand that if they want NIH support, they need to propose projects that have the chance of improving the health of people rather than achieving some ideology that should not belong at the NIH.” The NIH has redirected its funding since Trump took office for his second term. That includes allocating funds for “early career scientists,” Bhattacharya said. President Donald Trump (C) speaks as National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (2nd L) looks on during a press conference at the White House on May 12, 2025. The NIH redirected its funding priorities after Trump began his second term. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Funding Changes There should be “fundamental changes” with the way the NIH funds educational institutions, Bhattacharya said, and he intends to work with Congress “to make [this] happen.” On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration cannot reduce the amount of money the NIH pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administration and facility maintenance. The ruling applies to three lawsuits filed by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and 21 other states, as well as hospitals, schools, and the associations that represent them. The NIH published a guidance document in February 2025 to limit how much grant funding could flow to research institutions to cover their indirect costs. These are costs that cannot be directly attributed to an individual research project and include expenses related to funding equipment, facilities, and research staff. The guidance document states that these indirect costs could not exceed 15 percent of funding for direct research costs, regardless of the costs incurred at universities. The NIH stated that Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard charged in excess of 60 percent for indirect costs, even though they had billions of dollars in endowments. Attorneys for those who filed suit said small universities don’t have such large endowments and that if the guidance took effect, there would be many layoffs, stalled clinical trials, and laboratory closures. “If you don’t have amazing scientists who can win the grants, you’re not going to get the facility support. But in order to attract excellent scientists to your institution, you have to have excellent facilities. It’s the kind of Catch-22 that guarantees that our funding from the NIH is going to be concentrated in relatively few institutions,” Bhattacharya said. Scientists at schools such as the University of Alabama, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Kansas deserve access to funding like Stanford and Harvard, he said. A researcher studies skin wound healing in a lab at the University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago on March 5, 2025. On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration could not limit the percentage amount the National Institutes of Health pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administrative expenses and facility maintenance. Scott Olson/Getty Images Dealing With China The NIH must be “very careful about how we fund research relationships with China, especially post-pandemic,” Bhattacharya said. “The U.S. invested in the Chinese biomedical research enterprise. Almost every single top Chinese biomedical research scientist of note was funded in some part by the NIH. Many were trained in the United States, so we invested heavily in that,” he said. “Post-pandemic, and especially given the geopolitical circumstances we are in now, it looks, in retrospect, like it wasn’t all that wise an investment.” The NIH must implement more secure measures with foreign research, he said, referencing the collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology. “In the case of Wuhan, what happened was that the NIH funded … Eco Health Alliance, which had a sub-award relationship with the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Bhattacharya said. “When the pandemic happened, and the NIH had an interest in getting the lab notebooks of what exactly was studied in Wuhan, the Eco Health Alliance essentially delayed reporting at all about what it knew had happened,” Bhattacharya said. “They ultimately said, ‘Oh, well, we don’t control Wuhan Institute of Virology. We can’t get the lab notebooks.’” He noted that the NIH “funded research in collaboration with China that was actually quite dangerous and may indeed have led to the pandemic.” Under Bhattacharya, the NIH now has more stringent auditing processes with domestic and foreign institutions. “If it is NIH-funded, then [the domestic and the foreign institutions] have to have direct auditing relationships united with the NIH,“ he said. ”Then the NIH can shut off money to the foreign institution, if it’s not cooperating. ... It’s called a sub-project system. It’s one of the first things that I did.” Read the rest here... Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 21:45

Thousands of Hong Kong bank employees are receiving return-to-work lai see, extra benefits, and gifts as they resume work.

Men’s team edge tense semi-final battle 8-5 They go for gold in Saturday’s final against Canada Great Britain’s men’s team will play for the curling gold on Saturday night against Canada, after they beat Switzerland 8-5 in an extraordinarily tense semi-final. The team, who only scraped through the round-robin stage because the Italian team lost to the Swiss earlier in the day, had promised that they would be an entirely different proposition if they got to the knockout rounds and they were as good as their word. The Swiss had won all nine games they had played coming into this semi-final, but were soundly beaten by Bruce Mouat and his team of Grant Hardie, Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie. Continue reading...

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio earn Trump's acclaim following their Munich Security Conference speeches, with Trump joking about firing Rubio.

Liverpool's Premier League title hopes are all but gone thanks to their poor run of form.The Reds' start to the 2025-26 season was rather impressive with the Anfield outfit managing to win five top fl...

The Hollywood star is on the island – Filming focuses on the port of Hydra, where the main set has been installed The post Up to 200 euros a day for extras in Brad Pitt’s film in Hydra: An old hydrofoil is recruited for the filming appeared first on ProtoThema English.

Grand Theft Auto 6 fans have already been waiting forever for the game's release, but PC users unquestionably have it the worst.

(ANSA) - ROMA, 19 FEB - The role of dance as a space for cultural dialogue and international collaboration was the focus of 'Lives on Pointe', a meeting hosted by the Italian Embassy in Singapore and dedicated to comparing the Italian and Southeast Asian dance scenes. The talk featured Italian dancer Marco Carrer, prima ballerina Myrna Kamara, and Chihiro Uchida, artistic director of the Kadence Ballet Academy and partner in the initiative. The dialogue explored the artists' professional paths, the challenges of contemporary ballet, and the opportunities associated with international mobility, while also offering a glimpse into the development of dance in Singapore and the region. In his speech, Ambassador Dante Brandi emphasized the strategic value of this cooperation: "Ballet," he said, "preserves an extraordinary tradition and continues to nurture outstanding talent, but today it must face profound changes that require openness and international collaboration. The dialogue between Italy and Singapore encourages the cross-fertilization of experiences, skills, and artistic visions, helping to strengthen a vital, contemporary, and evolving cultural ecosystem." The event is part of Italy's broader cultural diplomacy efforts to promote dance as a privileged area of exchange between Italy and Singapore. Read article...

Resolute Holdings stock experienced an extraordinary 400% surge after Nine Ten trimmed its stake by $5 million.

Brighton is reportedly making an extra effort to sign Said El Mala, potentially outbidding Bayern Munich for the player.

James Deering's 1916 winter home is located less than 10 minutes away from the heart of Miami. Robin Hill/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museums and Gardens Vizcaya, built by James Deering more than a century ago, might be Miami's most valuable real estate. The 45,000-square-foot mansion has a total of 54 rooms, with the main house open to the public. Citadel CEO Ken Griffin began assembling a waterfront compound next to the historic mansion in 2022. The exorbitant price tags on Miami's luxury real estate are not a secret to anyone, least of all the flock of billionaires moving to the city. But unlike the high-rise apartments in the financial center of Brickell or exclusive mansions in Indian Creek — where you might be neighbors with Jeff Bezos or Ivanka Trump — the city's potentially most valuable piece of real estate is decorated with limestone, mangroves, and tiles salvaged from Cuban estates. Built between 1914 and 1922 by International Harvester heir and Gilded Age millionaire James Deering as a winter home, Villa Vizcaya sits fewer than 10 minutes from downtown Miami, in a waterfront neighborhood that's quickly becoming a magnet for the city's new billionaire residents. While built in the years following the Gilded Age, it is notable for its Gilded Age-era extravagance, technologies, and collection of fine art. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens estimates the mansion cost $26 million to build, which is more than $800 million in today's money, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Florida International University estimates that the mansion is worth over $1 billion today. In 1962, Miami-Dade County bought the property for $1 million, and today, the 45,000-square-foot mansion and its surrounding gardens operate as a museum open to the public. Shortly after announcing that Citadel would move its headquarters from Chicago to Miami, CEO Ken Griffin bought up a waterfront compound less than a half-mile from Vizcaya, in the neighborhood of Coconut Grove. The $106.9 million sale set a country record for the most expensive residential property purchase at the time. Since then, the hedge fund magnate has proposed relocating the historic Villa Serena mansion, located on his estate, to Vizcaya's campus after he donated $20 million to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Take a look inside James Deering's historic mansion and see how its new neighbor could alter the surrounding landscape. Vizcaya was James Deering's winter home from 1916 until his death in 1925. Robin Hill Photography/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Struggling with illness toward the end of his life, James Deering came to Miami, then a small city surrounded by mangrove forests and wetlands, looking for tropical warmth, which was believed to help improve health. By the turn of the century, the Deering family had begun to develop estates around South Florida, with patriarch William Deering purchasing a home in Coconut Grove in 1900. By the time James Deering began building Vizcaya, his brother, Charles Deering, was also developing a winter home in the south of Miami. The property, known today as Deering Estate, also operates as a museum and is open to the public. The main house features 54 rooms, including 34 rooms decorated with their original furniture. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Spanning over 45,225 square feet, Vizcaya's main house features the living spaces of James Deering himself, his guests, and the house staff. Envisioned by interior designer Paul Chalfin, Vizcaya drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance, adapted to South Florida's subtropical climate, and showcases furniture, artworks, and artifacts purchased by Chalfin and Deering on their travels to Europe. Although Miami's population was estimated to be only 10,000 in 1916, the construction of the Vizcaya estate employed an estimated 1,000 workers, many of whom were Black immigrants from the Bahamas. Apart from the main house, Vizcaya is also home to the Vizcaya Village, the historic quarters of the mansion's workers and farmers that allowed Vizcaya to serve as a self-sufficient farm-to-table estate. The Village expands over 12 acres and includes 11 "architecturally significant" buildings, according to the museum's website. The tour begins in the courtyard, which is adorned with tropical plants. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Lined with tropical plants such as palms and philodendrons, the courtyard highlights South Florida's natural beauty while reflecting the mansion's European inspirations. While today the courtyard is covered by a glass canopy that allows for the estate's air conditioning, it was originally open to the elements, allowing the tropical climate to seep into the main house. Meant to be used as Vizcaya's main entrance, the East Loggia opens up to the Biscayne Bay. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Featuring marble floors and columns and decorated ceilings, the East Loggia was meant to serve as Vizcaya's main entrance for guests arriving by sea, which was Deering's intended — and preferred — way of entering the mansion. It was used as an entrance for guests who arrived by boat, while the current main entrance of the museum was used as a back entrance for guests arriving by car. The room also features a model boat hanging from its ceiling in honor of the explorers who inspired Deering's interpretation of Vizcaya. Although he began living in Vizcaya during his retirement, Deering included multiple working spaces in the property. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider James Deering was heir to the International Harvester manufacturing firm, which produced tractors and other agricultural machinery, and he worked as its vice president from 1902 until 1909. Deering might have been one of the first prominent Florida "snowbirds," retirees who travel South during the colder months. His downstairs library, located in the northwest corner of the main house, is steps from the entrance hall that welcomes guests. It features Deering's personal book collection, desks for him and a secretary, and seats for business guests. When closed, the door leading to the next room — a reception room meant for entertaining guests — is concealed within the book-lined walls. The reception room features a ceiling imported from Venice, which had to be resized to fit. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider The reception room is lined with tropical-inspired silk panels showing palm trees. Our tour guide brought our attention to the ceiling, which is decorated with sculpted panels that extend to the sides of the room. The ceiling was imported from Venice and purchased before construction on the property was finished. By the time workers were putting up the decorations in the mansion, they realized that the ceiling panel did not fit the room dimensions, leading to the restructuring of the panel, which curved into the walls. "We should remember that this house was built during the First World War," curator Flaminia Gennari said in the audio tour. "So to import large quantities from Italy in the middle of the war was very complicated." Vizcaya's telephone line was one of the first in Miami. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Wired throughout the house, Vizcaya features a highly innovative telephone system for the time. Only 17 years before the start of Vizcaya's construction, the Miami Telephone Company began providing telephone service to the city. Vizcaya's telephones also featured automatic electric exchange, allowing users to connect directly to the number they dialed without going through a human operator. The telephone room, located between two of Vizcaya's main entertainment rooms, was meant for guests to communicate privately without disturbing the flow of the entertainment. The living room showcased Deering's most impressive collections. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider The living room, with its 1600s limestone fireplace, features some of Vizcaya's most impressive items, including an "admiral carpet" originally commissioned in the 1450s by the grandfather of King Ferdinand II of Spain, the Spanish king who sponsored Christopher Columbus' exploration of the Americas. The room also features throne-like armchairs where US President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II sat in 1987 during the Pope's visit to America. A centerpiece of the room is the Welte Philharmonic Organ, designed to fill the house with music through elaborate sound systems. Designed for guests rather than full-time professional players, the organ uses perforated paper rolls to aid the musicians' performance by adjusting notes and volume. Concealing the organ pipes is an oil painting, which was cut in half to cover wooden doors. "Chalfin had the idea of cutting it in half and using it as the doors of the organs, which is not a very respectful thing to do for a representation of the Virgin Mary, the child, and the saints, but it somehow testifies to the freedom and positive carelessness that they had around old objects," Gennari said in the audio tour. The mansion's formal dining room features the house's oldest artifacts, although it was rarely used. Robin Hill Photography/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens While Deering himself didn't often eat in the formal dining room, he made sure it was impressively decorated for his guests. Sitting to the side is the room's most awe-inspiring feature: a marble tabletop on carved bases resembling mythical creatures, historical artifacts unearthed near Pompeii, dating back to the times before Mount Vesuvius' eruption. Next to the dining room, on the south side of the mansion, the enclosed loggia gave guests a view of the gardens. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider The colorful glass panels, designed for Vizcaya, feature the estate's main symbols: the seahorse and the caravan. Providing a view of the garden through the glass panels and double doors, the enclosed loggia allowed guests to take in the garden views while staying cool from the Florida sun. The loggia also connects the gardens to the main house through sculpted iron gates. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Aside from giving guests an inside view of the gardens from the ground level, the room also connects the outdoors to the rest of the mansion. Downstairs, the kitchen worked as a serving space for staff to plate food and bring it to guests. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider When designing Vizcaya, Deering asked for the main kitchen to be built upstairs as he didn't want the smell of food to flood the main entertaining rooms on the first floor. To facilitate the transportation of meals and the serving of guests to the dining room, the entertaining rooms, and the loggia, he built a downstairs serving pantry. Today, the serving pantry cabinets display one set of Deering's fine dining china, the one designated for his 80-foot-long luxury yacht, Nepenthe. Commissioned in 1912 to be shipped from Europe, the original set of china purchased by Deering was transported to America as cargo aboard the Titanic. After the ship sank, a replacement set was ordered and is now displayed. The kitchens feature state-of-the-art Gilded Age technology. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Throughout the house, Deering incorporated cutting-edge technology, including annunciators with bells connected throughout the house that Deering or guests could ring at any time to get the house staff's attention. Another then-advanced feature of the serving kitchen were its refrigerators, which were rare at the time. The kitchen also featured a warming oven that helped keep food warm while guests were served. Connecting to the upstairs kitchen, which serves as the house's main cooking area, was a dumbwaiter: a food elevator meant to carry the food cooked upstairs to the downstairs plating area, where staff would then take it to the main entertaining rooms, like the dining and sitting rooms. Upstairs, 24 rooms housed guests, staff, and Deering himself. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Nine of the bedrooms were dedicated to guests and each was given a name and decorated uniquely, showcasing the artifacts and furniture purchased by Deering and Chalfin on trips to Europe. While not open to the public, an additional 14 rooms housed staff. Another then-advanced technological feature of Vizcaya was its elevator. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Deering was motivated to move to South Florida because of his illness, so accessibility features were built throughout the house, including an elevator he would use when using a wheelchair or to avoid walking upstairs. Today, the elevator isn't open to the public, and the museum's second floor is not wheelchair accessible. Deering's main office was inspired by the Napoleonic era. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Connected to Deering's bedroom and bathroom, the sitting room was his office where he would tend to business and personal matters, such as sorting his mail. The decoration style was inspired by Napoleonic France. Deering's bedroom was modest compared to some of his guest bedrooms. Robin Hill/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Unmarried all his life, Deering's room features a single bed rather than a larger size, and his room is furnished for practicality rather than aesthetics. His personal bathroom has one of the most breathtaking views of the property. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Opening onto a balcony, Deering's bathroom overlooks Biscayne Bay and offers one of the best views of the house, although it is not accessible to the public today. The closed-off balcony also leads to a secret door to the Espagnolette, the guest bedroom located next to his, usually reserved for Deering's dearest guests. Spiral staircases lead to the South tower. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider A set of spiral staircases leads up to the South tower, one of the two guest suites overlooking the estate. The tower bedroom has views of the bay and the gardens. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider The corner room atop the North tower was designed to transport guests to Europe. "Water reflects upwards to the ceiling and the sound of waves is audible in this room, precisely as upon the quay of this great canal of Venice," noted Chalfin about the room, according to the mansion's website. A central piece in the room is a large wardrobe assembled with 1700s Venetian panels, as well as antique painted closet doors. The breakfast room was Deering's preferred dining space. Robin Hill Photography/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Back on the second floor, the breakfast room was the central entertaining spot. The room is lined with oil paintings depicting ocean scenes, and the windows slide into pocket doors, revealing views of the garden. It also features a sound system, with a piano hidden in a room off the spiral staircase next door and connected to the breakfast room through floor vents that allow sound to travel into the space. Most of the time, Deering opted to dine in this room rather than the formal dining space. Tucked next to the breakfast room is the main kitchen. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Designed to maximize staff efficiency, the main kitchen upstairs has different areas for different tasks, including separate sinks for washing dishes and produce. It also features ice boxes, or refrigerators of the time, powered by salt water. During Deering's time at the estate, Vizcaya employed two French chefs dedicated to food and pastries. Food served at the mansion was sourced from the staff village built across the street, where a farm provided vegetables, dairy, chicken, herbs, and citrus. "You and I could come down and drive into the farm area, stop and buy a dozen Deering eggs and take them home and have them for breakfast, and I think that was probably particularly important during World War I," historian Arva Moore Parks said in the audio tour. "He was able to supply not only himself but his workers also." Inspired by European designs, the gardens feature mazes, terraces, fountains, and more. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Inspired by 17th- and 18th-century Italian and French villas, the Vizcaya gardens feature a variety of scenes, from a garden theater to multiple paths and mazes, intended to highlight and enhance the native South Florida flora surrounding the estate. The original layout of Vizcaya featured over 180 acres of subtropical forests. Today, that number has gone down to 50 acres. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan hosted Pope John Paul II at the estate. Diana Walker/Getty Images On September 10, 1987, President Ronald Reagan welcomed Pope John Paul II at Vizcaya, where the two conversed while exploring the gardens and the estate. Atop a garden mount is the Casino, a focal point of the gardens. Robin Hill/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museums and Gardens Located at the top of garden mounds designed to block the reflection of water ponds into the main house, the garden casino — Italian for "little house" — was a space where Deering and his guests could take in the garden views or enjoy the subtropical weather without being in direct contact with the sun. Inside the building, a painted ceiling depicts heavenly images. Underneath, bathrooms and other now closed-off areas hide under decorated ceilings. Originally, the casino overlooked a water park part of the estate, where gondolas would be launched, a crucial part of Deering's vision for Vizcaya. Today, the water park no longer exists, and the land is instead taken up by a Catholic church, hospital, and schools after the Deering family sold part of the property to the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine in 1946. The opposite side of the estate was once used for clandestine entertainment; now, it is a café. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider While today a café sits underneath the mansion, the space served as a leisure center during Deering's stay. The rooms were filled with billiard tables, bowling alleys, and leather chairs. Hidden underneath the billiards table was also a roulette table, which Deering often used when his college friends visited the estate. The mansion, which opened at the peak of the Prohibition era, also had a decent supply of liquor, which Deering smuggled into the estate and hid in secret bars and cellars. The swimming pool is half-covered, providing relief from South Florida's relentless sun. Robin Hill/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Tucked next to the leisure rooms underneath the main house is the half-indoor swimming pool, in which Deering is said to have only swum once. Designed as the main entry point to the mansion, the east side of the mansion opens up to a stone barge in the Biscayne Bay. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider When he first moved into his winter home in December 1916, Deering arrived by sea on what he intended was the front entrance to Vizcaya. Opening up to the Biscayne Bay, the waterfront side of the property features a stone barge, a sculpted structure that acts as a breakwater and protects the main house from changing tides and waves. Today, the mansion hosts private events and has become a local staple for Quinceañera pictures. The mansion is often used for private events. Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider Purchased from the Deering family by Miami-Dade County for $1 million in 1962, Vizcaya today operates as a museum open to the public and for private reservations. The estate often serves as the backdrop for Quinceañera pictures among Miami's large Hispanic population. Walking around the gardens, I saw multiple young women dressed in extravagant gowns posing in the many stunning locations of the estate. Along with being a photographic hot spot, Vizcaya also hosts private events, from Miami Swim Week runway shows to floral-decorated weddings in the gardens. Today, the estate remains an icon of Miami, a city that many would often relate to modern luxury rather than the old and classic wealth on display in Gilded Age-style mansions like Vizcaya. The Vizcaya Village could be the future home of Ken Griffin's Villa Serena. Robin Hil Photography/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens After purchasing the historic Villa Serena estate in Coconut Grove in 2022, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin proposed relocating the 1913 Mediterranean Revival mansion to Vizcaya's Village campus. The home, designed by architect August Geiger for William Jennings Bryan, a three-time Democratic presidential candidate and former US secretary of state, is considered one of Miami's earliest grand waterfront residences. The proposal would move the century-old home from Griffin's property to Vizcaya's Village grounds, where it would be open to the public for the first time in its history and would benefit from an additional $5 million endowment provided by Griffin for its preservation. Any relocation would require extensive planning and government approvals, which have not yet been cleared. Skeptics have said that moving the structure would be an ambitious undertaking that wouldn't align with preservation goals. "Moving a historic structure is absolutely a last resort solution, to be done only if (there) is no other way possible to save a structure… It is not a preservation-minded alternative just because someone bought it and now doesn't want it," Kathleen Slesnick Kauffman, Miami's former historic preservation officer, told the Chicago Tribune in 2023. The Village originally served as Vizcaya's self-sufficient farm and the servants' quarters. Robin Hil Photography/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens The Vizcaya Village, which covers about 12 acres of agricultural fields and includes nearly a dozen buildings, was originally built as the quarters for the mansion's servants and farmers. Today, the campus houses a café and hosts a weekly farmers market, and is undergoing construction and expansions to transform the grounds into a cultural and community space. The Citadel CEO's $20 million donation will expand the village's role in the community. Robin Hil Photography/Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens In November 2025, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens announced a $20 million capital donation from Griffin and said that the funds would be used toward building a brand new Center for Learning and Discovery in the village grounds. Once open, the center will offer educational programming like "hands-on artmaking and urban-agriculture experiences," the museum organization wrote in the announcement. The expansion will seek to expand Vizcaya's role in its community. Read the original article on Business Insider

Could the Premier League get an extra place in the Champions League again? This is how it looks at the end of the league phases.

⚽ WCL updates from the second leg (first leg: 0-4) ⚽ Live scores | Follow us on Bluesky | Email Sarah Hello and welcome to the second leg of Arsenal and Leuven Women’s Champions League play-off. The first leg was played in Belgium with the Gunners coming out 4-0 winners and so it is quite the scoreline Leuven need to overturn. Not only will they have to score at least four goals to send the tie to extra time, Leuven will have to do so at the defending champions’ home as this game is in London. Continue reading...

My wife and I at our new home in Canada. Tara Pyfrom After a hurricane hit our home in the Bahamas in 2019, we decided to permanently move to Canada. Our family did so after a three-week whirlwind of online research and thorough paperwork. The quick move wasn't easy, but we're still in Canada six years later and glad we did it. "I guess we're moving to Canada." It was a quiet, almost outrageous statement considering our position. Just a few weeks earlier, Hurricane Dorian had slammed into our home in the Bahamas, a country I'd lived in my entire life. My family had spent 24 hours trapped in our attic, praying the roof would hold before evacuating to nearby Florida. Once we arrived, we found ourselves stuck in immigration limbo. For as long as possible, we tried to remain in Florida, close to home. However, in the wake of the disaster, the US authorities limited many Bahamians to stays of only a few weeks, our family among them. We had no legal option to stay in the US long-term, but we didn't want to return to devastation, either. This left us with very little time to figure out a future for our 6-year-old daughter and four dogs. Canada started to seem like our best option, since the country was actively looking for immigrants, with pathways toward legal permanent residency. We weren't confident in our choice, but we committed. I wish I'd known what was in store for us over the next three weeks. We spent the next few weeks searching for signs and navigating red tape We decided to move to a town near an ocean in Canada. Tara Pyfrom Once we'd set our sights on Canada, we narrowed our search to areas that met our nonnegotiables: Our home had to be near the ocean and within driving distance of some of our relatives in the US. We looked into school districts and housing costs and settled on a small town we'd only ever seen on Google Maps and Google Earth. From our temporary place in Florida, I cried and squinted over blurry Street Views, looking for a sign from the universe. During the most frantic time of my life, I learned to pay attention to the things that soothed my soul and made me breathe easier. The endless forests lining the residential streets, the deer-crossing signs, and the knowledge that the ocean would be just a short drive away were our consolations. My wife found a home on a local real-estate site that was the size and location we were hunting for. When we spotted a seashell from the tropics sitting on the bathroom counter in the grainy photos, it felt like a sign from the universe that we were on the right path. When we showed up, the place turned out to be the perfect fit. Our move to Canada happened quickly and frantically, but it worked out in the end. Tara Pyfrom Of course, our journey wasn't as simple as just selecting a property to call home. Moving to a brand-new country can be a legal maze full of dead ends. We knew we needed help with our immigration applications almost right away, but we didn't know anyone in the field to ask questions. We reached out to every Canadian we knew, asking for a referral to an immigration attorney. It didn't take long to find one: the ex-wife of our daughter's camp counselor's sister. The world might be a big place, but six degrees of separation is still a solid link. The paperwork was overwhelming. Every time I thought we finally had everything, our lawyer emailed another list of documents we needed. I ended up calling in favors back home and begging officials for copies of things as I struggled with the delays and extra stress. I learned the hard way that I should have all our important documents in the cloud before ever needing them. The whirlwind move wasn't pretty, but 6 years later, I'm still glad we did it I learned a lot throughout the move. Tara Pyfrom Moving to a new country with only three weeks of preparation is unhinged. For a long time, we struggled with mental-health issues from the trauma of the hurricane and the quick, major changes that followed. I didn't handle the stress well at all. I threw a fork at the dinner table once and had a full-on anxiety attack when I couldn't find the car keys. To-do lists became my lifeline, and eventually, I accepted that I couldn't make the process perfect. It took years of therapy to feel stable again and for our new home to really feel like home. Eventually, we managed to focus on the good in Canada, even though it was so different from where we'd lived before. We learned our new country had more in common with the Bahamas than we realized, like an abundance of kind people and dedicated families. Our family is in Canada now, but still has our Bahamian roots. Tara Pyfrom Today, we even tease our daughter that she is more Canadian than Bahamian when she insists she doesn't need a coat in sub-zero temperatures. At times, we catch ourselves acting very much like the locals — complaining about the weather constantly and apologizing for everything. Six years later, I'm confident this move was the best decision we could have made for ourselves and our family. However, I still tell people, "Don't move to a new country with only three weeks of planning!" Sometimes, though, there's little choice in the matter. And whether it's been planned for three weeks or three years, a move won't ever be perfect. Moving to a new country quickly is ridiculous, complex, and emotional, but survivable — and you can find peace on the other side of the chaos. Read the original article on Business Insider

Gisèle Pelicot's memoir, 'A Hymn to Life,' is described as a 'riveting' account of her ordeal and a 'rousing feminist manifesto,' praised for its courage and compelling narrative.

A new study indicates that former President Trump's tariffs are projected to cost the average household an additional $1,300 this year, representing the largest tax increase since 1993.

KARACHI: A large number of people gathered outside the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday to protest the killing of a man during an alleged encounter by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) a day earlier, alleging that the deceased was a student who was earlier arrested by law enforcers. On Tuesday, the CTD said that officials had conducted a raid on a house in Shah Latif Town on a terrorist hideout. According to the department, the men inside the house opened fire on officials, who then retaliated, leading to the deaths of four suspects. The CTD said the suspects belonged to the Bashir Zeb network of Fitna al-Hindustan, a term used by the state for Balochistan-based terrorist groups. However, on Wednesday afternoon, a large number of residents of Old Golimar, including women and children, protested and staged a sit-in outside the KPC, demanding justice for Hamdan, one of the killed suspects identified by the CTD. The deceased’s father, Mohammed Ali said that on December 29, 2025, his son Hamdan was allegedly taken away by the CTD. He said that he had also filed a petition before the Sindh High Court against the alleged disappearance of his son.  He asserted that it was a “fake encounter” and termed it an “extra-judicial killing”. He further alleged that the CTD was not even handing over the body and was demanding that he sign a form admitting that his son was a “terrorist”. He said that the CTD, in a press conference on Jan 6, 2026, had announced the arrest of his son Hamdan and others, and their affiliation with a banned terrorist organisation. He said that his son was a student who had no affiliation with any terror group. The father said that his son was supposed to be presented before a court on Wednesday after the completion of his physical remand in the CTD custody. However, the family was informed that he had been killed in an alleged encounter. He said the family visited the Edhi morgue, but were informed by officials that they would not hand over the body without the approval of the CTD.