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US Strikes Kill 11, Colbert Blocked, Tech News Breaks

US Military Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats Kill 11, Raising Death Toll

WASHINGTON - February 18, 2026 - The U.S. military conducted strikes on three alleged drug trafficking boats in Caribbean waters on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, according to a report by Euronews. This brings the total number of fatalities to at least 145 since the Trump administration began targeting individuals it refers to as "narcoterrorists" aboard small boats.

The strikes, detailed in a statement from US Southern Command, targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. Euronews reported that this was one of the deadliest days of the Trump administration's campaign against alleged traffickers.

In other news, Jack Altman announced he would be joining Benchmark as a general partner, as reported by TechCrunch. Altman has been running his own VC firm, Alt Capital, since at least 2024. Alt Capital raised a $150 million Fund I in early 2024 and then a $274 million Fund II last September. According to PitchBook, Alt Capital invested in at least 52 companies, including Rippling, Antares Nuclear, and CompLabs. Altman stated on LinkedIn that the past two years running Alt Capital were the most rewarding of his life, adding that he loved new ideas and being part of a team with a mission. It is unclear what will happen to Alt Capital or whether Benchmark has acquired its portfolio.

Meanwhile, The Verge reported that Stephen Colbert said CBS blocked him from airing an interview with James Talarico, a Democratic representative from Texas. Colbert stated that the network's lawyers told him he could not have Talarico on the show. The network allegedly did not want to upset FCC chair Brendan Carr.

Finally, MIT Technology Review highlighted the rise of luxury car theft, detailing a new type of organized criminal enterprise involving vehicle transport fraud and theft. Crooks use email phishing, fraudulent paperwork, and other tactics to impersonate legitimate transport companies and divert luxury vehicles. They then erase traces of the vehicles' original ownership and registration. In some cases, the cars have been resold or are out of the country before the theft is discovered.

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Synthesized from multiple sources. Reviewed for accuracy.

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DEVELOPING: Abuse Payouts Cripple CA Schools, Cities!
AI InsightsJust now

DEVELOPING: Abuse Payouts Cripple CA Schools, Cities!

California schools and cities face severe budget shortfalls due to settlements from historical sexual abuse cases, leading to infrastructure failures and potential insolvency. This financial strain highlights the long-term societal consequences of past misconduct, forcing difficult decisions about resource allocation and public services.

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DEVELOPING: Indian AI Lab Unleashes Open-Source AI Revolution!
AI Insights1m ago

DEVELOPING: Indian AI Lab Unleashes Open-Source AI Revolution!

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DEVELOPING: Heron Power Secures $140M, Revolutionizing Grid Tech!
Tech1m ago

DEVELOPING: Heron Power Secures $140M, Revolutionizing Grid Tech!

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Climber on Trial, President Ousted, War Crimes Alleged
Politics3h ago

Climber on Trial, President Ousted, War Crimes Alleged

Drawing from multiple news sources, a man is on trial in Austria for gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend died of hypothermia on a mountain climbing trip to the Grossglockner. Prosecutors allege the experienced climber, identified as Thomas P, made critical errors and abandoned his girlfriend near the summit in stormy conditions, while his defense claims the death was a tragic accident, sparking debate about criminal liability in mountain sports.

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London TV Screenings: Norton, S.W.A.T., and Dunhill Dominate!
Entertainment19m ago

London TV Screenings: Norton, S.W.A.T., and Dunhill Dominate!

Drawing from multiple news sources, ITV Studios unveiled its London TV Screenings lineup, showcasing a Graham Norton reality show and new dramas starring Dominic Cooper and Mia Wasikowska, alongside numerous returning titles, to international buyers on February 25th. Additionally, reports detail Juliette Bryant's account of her encounter with Jeffrey Epstein in South Africa, facilitated by a woman who introduced him as "American royalty" and arranged her travel to the United States. Furthermore, the Dunhill pre-BAFTA Filmmakers dinner in London saw a gathering of A-list celebrities, including Henry Golding, Brian Cox, and other notable actors and directors.

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London TV Screenings: Norton, Bergerac, and S.W.A.T. Lead the Charge!
World2h ago

London TV Screenings: Norton, Bergerac, and S.W.A.T. Lead the Charge!

Drawing from multiple news sources, ITV Studios has announced its London TV Screenings slate, featuring a Graham Norton-hosted reality show and new dramas with notable actors like Dominic Cooper and Mia Wasikowska. The slate, which includes six new formats, twelve fresh dramas, and numerous returning and non-scripted titles, will be presented to approximately 750 international buyers at the Odeon Leicester Square on February 25th.

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Epstein Ranch Probed, Social Media Giants Investigated
Culture & Society2h ago

Epstein Ranch Probed, Social Media Giants Investigated

Drawing from NPR and UNICEF reports, the Toyokana Center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, provides a safe space for girls who have experienced sexual violence, addressing a growing problem. The center was established in response to the needs of girls and young women, with UNICEF data revealing a rise in reported cases, highlighting the critical need for safe spaces where survivors can be heard and receive care.

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Tech Giants Face Backlash, Legal Battles
Tech2h ago

Tech Giants Face Backlash, Legal Battles

Drawing from multiple news sources, popular Twitch streamer Eret and others are expressing distrust of Discord's new age verification measures, citing concerns about data security and the platform's handling of user information. This follows Discord's announcement of age checks, which has sparked backlash and prompted some users to seek alternatives, especially after a previous data breach and scrutiny over the company's chosen verification partner.

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Password Managers' Security Questioned; VMware Shrinks; New Database Emerges
World2h ago

Password Managers' Security Questioned; VMware Shrinks; New Database Emerges

Drawing from multiple news sources, research reveals that the "zero knowledge" security claims made by popular password managers like Bitwarden, Dashlane, and LastPass are not always accurate, especially when account recovery features or shared vaults are enabled. Despite widespread adoption and the promise of impenetrable encryption, vulnerabilities exist that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive user data, challenging the security assurances provided by these services.

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Password Managers Vulnerable; Crypto's Dark Side Emerges
Tech22m ago

Password Managers Vulnerable; Crypto's Dark Side Emerges

Password managers, once a niche tool, are now widely used, with an estimated 36% of US adults utilizing them to store sensitive data. However, new research, drawing from multiple sources, reveals that claims of "zero-knowledge" security by major password managers like Bitwarden, Dashlane, and LastPass may be overstated, especially when account recovery or sharing features are enabled.

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