Light Pollution, Space Junk, Epstein Files, Cuba Oil Crisis, and Film Casting Dominate Headlines
In a flurry of developments, news from February 9, 2026, highlighted a range of issues, from environmental concerns to political controversies and cultural discussions. Research on light pollution's impact on biodiversity, the potential of electron beams to remove space debris, the redaction of names in the Epstein files, the impact of a U.S. oil blockade on Cuba, and authentic casting in a new film, all captured attention.
Researchers at Newcastle University published new research demonstrating that typical levels of artificial light at night could simultaneously suppress early-night activity, according to Phys.org. Professor Darren Evans and Madeleine Fabusova from the School of Natural and Environmental Science conducted the study.
Meanwhile, Osaka Metropolitan University explored the theoretical use of electron beams in the ionosphere to remove space junk, Phys.org reported. This potential alternative to active debris removal (ADR) by laser could offer higher overall energy efficiency.
In the political arena, members of Congress who accessed unredacted Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein discovered evidence of concealed individuals, according to Time. Lawmakers alleged that at least six men had been shielded from public view without clear legal justification. "There are six men, some of them with their photographs, that have been redacted, and there's no explanation why those people were redacted," said Thomas Massie of Kentucky, according to Time.
The U.S. oil blockade on Cuba continued to cause a severe energy crisis, leading to rolling blackouts, strains on hospitals, and the grounding of jets, Time reported. Cuban aviation authorities notified international airlines that refueling services would be suspended for a month. Air Canada suspended its service to the island as a result. This followed President Donald Trump's executive order imposing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba.
In the entertainment world, Noam Ash, star and writer of "Bookends," discussed authentic queer and Jewish casting, according to Variety. Ash's experience, including moving in with his then-boyfriend after a breakup, informed the film's narrative.
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