Multiple news sources report that the Pentagon's Northern Command stood down over 1,500 federal troops, including those from Alaska and the Texas National Guard, who had been placed on alert for potential deployment to Minneapolis following President Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act. This de-escalation comes after fatal shootings involving federal officers and signals a potential shift in the administration's approach to unrest in the city.

Multiple news sources report that the Pentagon's Northern Command stood down over 1,500 federal troops, including those from Alaska and the Texas National Guard, who had been placed on alert for potential deployment to Minneapolis following President Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act. This de-escalation comes after fatal shootings involving federal officers and signals a potential shift in the administration's approach to unrest in the city.

Multiple news sources report that the Justice Department has released another batch of Jeffrey Epstein files, revealing new details and photos related to figures like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and former Prince Andrew, who is shown in compromising photos with an unidentified woman. While many prominent individuals have appeared in the released files, none have been accused of wrongdoing, though Prince Andrew has faced scrutiny and calls to testify about his knowledge of Epstein's activities.

Multiple news sources report that the Justice Department has released another batch of Jeffrey Epstein files, revealing new details and photos related to figures like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and former Prince Andrew, who is shown in compromising photos with an unidentified woman. While many prominent individuals have appeared in the released files, none have been accused of wrongdoing, though Prince Andrew has faced scrutiny and calls to testify about his knowledge of Epstein's activities.

Multiple news sources report that NASA's Artemis II mission, which aims to send four astronauts around the moon, has been delayed to at least March due to a hydrogen leak detected during a dress rehearsal, prompting the cancellation of the test and a shift in the launch window. Despite the setback, NASA views the rehearsal as valuable for identifying and addressing issues before the actual launch, ensuring a higher probability of success.

Multiple news sources report that NASA's Artemis II mission, which aims to send four astronauts around the moon, has been delayed to at least March due to a hydrogen leak detected during a dress rehearsal, prompting the cancellation of the test and a shift in the launch window. Despite the setback, NASA views the rehearsal as valuable for identifying and addressing issues before the actual launch, ensuring a higher probability of success.

PepsiCo is reducing prices on its snack products, including Lay's and Cheetos, by up to 15% to address consumer concerns about inflation and declining brand loyalty. This move, starting this week, aims to boost sales volumes as consumers increasingly opt for cheaper store-brand alternatives amid persistent inflationary pressures. The company hopes to regain market share by offering more affordable options.

PepsiCo is reducing prices on its snack products, including Lay's and Cheetos, by up to 15% to address consumer concerns about inflation and declining brand loyalty. This move, starting this week, aims to boost sales volumes as consumers increasingly opt for cheaper store-brand alternatives amid persistent inflationary pressures. The company hopes to regain market share by offering more affordable options.

Russia hits Ukraine energy sites in 'most powerful blow' so far this year2 hours agoShareSaveSarah RainsfordEastern and Southern Europe correspondent in KyivShareSaveAFP via Getty ImagesKyiv residents shelter at a train station during Russian air raidsRussia has used a record number of ballistic missiles to target Ukraine's energy sector, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. The combined missile and drone strikes hit power plants and infrastructure in Kyiv and multiple locations causing "the most powerful blow" so far this year, according to private energy company DTEK.The strikes were launched as temperatures dropped to -20C (-4F) and left more than 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and damaged a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv beyond repair.Zelensky said Russia was "choosing terror and escalation" rather than diplomacy to end this war and called for "maximum pressure" on Moscow from Ukraine's allies.The attack comes after a so-called "energy truce" agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin expired at the weekend.Ukraine's president suggested that Russia had simply used the time to stock up on missiles and prepare for the next attack.It also came on the day Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and to address the national parliament.Donald Trump's initiative was meant to give diplomacy a chance.

Russia hits Ukraine energy sites in 'most powerful blow' so far this year2 hours agoShareSaveSarah RainsfordEastern and Southern Europe correspondent in KyivShareSaveAFP via Getty ImagesKyiv residents shelter at a train station during Russian air raidsRussia has used a record number of ballistic missiles to target Ukraine's energy sector, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. The combined missile and drone strikes hit power plants and infrastructure in Kyiv and multiple locations causing "the most powerful blow" so far this year, according to private energy company DTEK.The strikes were launched as temperatures dropped to -20C (-4F) and left more than 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and damaged a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv beyond repair.Zelensky said Russia was "choosing terror and escalation" rather than diplomacy to end this war and called for "maximum pressure" on Moscow from Ukraine's allies.The attack comes after a so-called "energy truce" agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin expired at the weekend.Ukraine's president suggested that Russia had simply used the time to stock up on missiles and prepare for the next attack.It also came on the day Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and to address the national parliament.Donald Trump's initiative was meant to give diplomacy a chance.

Multiple news sources from early February 2026 depict a world navigating geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and economic uncertainties, evidenced by events like escalating international conflicts, debates surrounding immigration, and breakthroughs in AI. Simultaneously, cultural milestones and complex social issues are unfolding, creating a narrative of both progress and significant global challenges.

Multiple news sources from early February 2026 depict a world navigating geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and economic uncertainties, evidenced by events like escalating international conflicts, debates surrounding immigration, and breakthroughs in AI. Simultaneously, cultural milestones and complex social issues are unfolding, creating a narrative of both progress and significant global challenges.

Multiple news sources report on two separate events: first, a 13-year-old Australian boy swam for four hours to save his family after they were swept out to sea, underscoring the importance of water safety; second, a University of Utah study using century-old hair samples revealed a 100-fold decrease in lead concentrations since 1916, demonstrating the positive impact of EPA regulations. Additionally, WIRED reports on shower filters and their potential benefits for hair and skin health by removing chlorine and other contaminants from shower water.

Multiple news sources report on two separate events: first, a 13-year-old Australian boy swam for four hours to save his family after they were swept out to sea, underscoring the importance of water safety; second, a University of Utah study using century-old hair samples revealed a 100-fold decrease in lead concentrations since 1916, demonstrating the positive impact of EPA regulations. Additionally, WIRED reports on shower filters and their potential benefits for hair and skin health by removing chlorine and other contaminants from shower water.

Drawing from multiple news sources, speedskater Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Games gold medal, and bobsledder Frank Del Duca, an Army sergeant with Italian roots, have been selected as the U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. This marks Jackson's third Olympics and Del Duca's second, with the opening ceremony set to be a unique event spread across several Italian cities.

Drawing from multiple news sources, speedskater Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Games gold medal, and bobsledder Frank Del Duca, an Army sergeant with Italian roots, have been selected as the U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. This marks Jackson's third Olympics and Del Duca's second, with the opening ceremony set to be a unique event spread across several Italian cities.

Multiple sources indicate that in the current high-interest rate environment, home equity loans and HELOCs offer a more affordable borrowing option for homeowners compared to personal loans and credit cards, with average rates around 7-8% as of February 2026. While these rates are subject to change based on market conditions and individual factors, leveraging substantial home equity can provide access to large sums of money at a comparatively lower cost, especially with potential future rate decreases.

Multiple sources indicate that in the current high-interest rate environment, home equity loans and HELOCs offer a more affordable borrowing option for homeowners compared to personal loans and credit cards, with average rates around 7-8% as of February 2026. While these rates are subject to change based on market conditions and individual factors, leveraging substantial home equity can provide access to large sums of money at a comparatively lower cost, especially with potential future rate decreases.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the world is grappling with geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks that are outpacing mitigation efforts, as highlighted in a new international report. Meanwhile, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offer a positive counterpoint amidst these complex global challenges.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the world is grappling with geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks that are outpacing mitigation efforts, as highlighted in a new international report. Meanwhile, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offer a positive counterpoint amidst these complex global challenges.

According to multiple news sources, a guide by Stevie Bonifield on TechPolicyReport highlights Signal's key privacy settings and best practices for community organizers, emphasizing its importance for groups like mutual aid networks and ICE watch patrols. The guide also reminds users of their First Amendment rights when using the platform, referencing concerns raised by FBI director Kash Patel and reaffirming the right to observe and communicate about law enforcement activity.

According to multiple news sources, a guide by Stevie Bonifield on TechPolicyReport highlights Signal's key privacy settings and best practices for community organizers, emphasizing its importance for groups like mutual aid networks and ICE watch patrols. The guide also reminds users of their First Amendment rights when using the platform, referencing concerns raised by FBI director Kash Patel and reaffirming the right to observe and communicate about law enforcement activity.

According to multiple news sources, the original Nintendo Switch has become Nintendo's best-selling console ever, surpassing the Nintendo DS with over 155.37 million units sold since its 2017 launch. Fueled by holiday sales and the successful launch of the Switch 2 in June 2025, Nintendo is aiming to dethrone Sony's PlayStation 2 as the best-selling video game console of all time.

According to multiple news sources, the original Nintendo Switch has become Nintendo's best-selling console ever, surpassing the Nintendo DS with over 155.37 million units sold since its 2017 launch. Fueled by holiday sales and the successful launch of the Switch 2 in June 2025, Nintendo is aiming to dethrone Sony's PlayStation 2 as the best-selling video game console of all time.