Ken Watanabe doubted a kabuki film could succeed, but *Kokuho* defied expectations, becoming Japan's top-grossing live-action movie! This unexpected hit, a three-hour period drama, is now poised to charm US audiences, proving that traditional art forms can still captivate in the modern age.

Ken Watanabe doubted a kabuki film could succeed, but *Kokuho* defied expectations, becoming Japan's top-grossing live-action movie! This unexpected hit, a three-hour period drama, is now poised to charm US audiences, proving that traditional art forms can still captivate in the modern age.

Google has launched the Pixel 10a, a new entry-level smartphone priced at $499, featuring enhanced AI camera capabilities and a flat-backed design. The phone includes a brighter display, improved battery life, and the Tensor G4 chip, along with new AI-powered camera features and Satellite SOS for emergency communication. Preorders are open now, with shipments starting March 5th.

Google has launched the Pixel 10a, a new entry-level smartphone priced at $499, featuring enhanced AI camera capabilities and a flat-backed design. The phone includes a brighter display, improved battery life, and the Tensor G4 chip, along with new AI-powered camera features and Satellite SOS for emergency communication. Preorders are open now, with shipments starting March 5th.

The FDA has reversed its initial rejection of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, following a formal meeting and proposed changes to the application process. This reversal, driven by Moderna's engagement, allows for a review of the vaccine, potentially offering a new option for seniors by late 2026 if approved. This situation highlights the complex interplay of regulatory processes and the potential impact of political appointees on scientific review.

The FDA has reversed its initial rejection of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, following a formal meeting and proposed changes to the application process. This reversal, driven by Moderna's engagement, allows for a review of the vaccine, potentially offering a new option for seniors by late 2026 if approved. This situation highlights the complex interplay of regulatory processes and the potential impact of political appointees on scientific review.

Acer's Chromebook Plus Spin 514, a 2-in-1 device featuring a Kompanio Ultra 910 processor, is now available at a record low price of $499, a $200 discount. This model, with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, offers strong performance, a 120Hz touchscreen, and long battery life, making it ideal for productivity and entertainment. The deal is available at Best Buy until the end of today, February 18th.

Acer's Chromebook Plus Spin 514, a 2-in-1 device featuring a Kompanio Ultra 910 processor, is now available at a record low price of $499, a $200 discount. This model, with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, offers strong performance, a 120Hz touchscreen, and long battery life, making it ideal for productivity and entertainment. The deal is available at Best Buy until the end of today, February 18th.

Audible's new feature uses AI to synchronize audiobook playback with the corresponding ebook text, highlighting words in real-time for enhanced focus and comprehension. This innovation leverages AI to improve the reading experience, potentially aiding language learners and those seeking deeper engagement with literature.

Audible's new feature uses AI to synchronize audiobook playback with the corresponding ebook text, highlighting words in real-time for enhanced focus and comprehension. This innovation leverages AI to improve the reading experience, potentially aiding language learners and those seeking deeper engagement with literature.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the government is considering delaying the equalization of the minimum wage due to business concerns and union opposition, while California schools and cities grapple with severe budget shortfalls stemming from historical abuse settlements. Simultaneously, Johannesburg, South Africa, is facing a severe water crisis caused by years of neglect and mismanagement, impacting residents, schools, and hospitals.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the government is considering delaying the equalization of the minimum wage due to business concerns and union opposition, while California schools and cities grapple with severe budget shortfalls stemming from historical abuse settlements. Simultaneously, Johannesburg, South Africa, is facing a severe water crisis caused by years of neglect and mismanagement, impacting residents, schools, and hospitals.

Drawing from multiple news sources, ITV Studios will present its London TV Screenings on February 25th, featuring new and returning dramas, reality shows, and non-scripted titles, including a Graham Norton-hosted reality show, while the 2026 Winter Paralympics will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags, a decision condemned by Ukraine. Other developments include India's border community development near China, ongoing talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, and reports on Juliette Bryant's encounter with Jeffrey Epstein.

Drawing from multiple news sources, ITV Studios will present its London TV Screenings on February 25th, featuring new and returning dramas, reality shows, and non-scripted titles, including a Graham Norton-hosted reality show, while the 2026 Winter Paralympics will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags, a decision condemned by Ukraine. Other developments include India's border community development near China, ongoing talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, and reports on Juliette Bryant's encounter with Jeffrey Epstein.

Drawing from various news sources, President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24th, at 9 p.m. ET, with extensive live coverage planned across major networks, including Fox News, starting before the speech. The address will also be streamed live on the White House website and YouTube.

Drawing from various news sources, President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24th, at 9 p.m. ET, with extensive live coverage planned across major networks, including Fox News, starting before the speech. The address will also be streamed live on the White House website and YouTube.

Drawing from various news sources, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will feature approximately 2,900 athletes, including around 230 from Team USA, who have historically performed well, with 330 medals won through 2022. Notable American athletes to watch include freestyle skiers Alex Ferreira, a two-time medalist, and Alex Hall, both aiming for success in their third Olympic appearances.

Drawing from various news sources, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will feature approximately 2,900 athletes, including around 230 from Team USA, who have historically performed well, with 330 medals won through 2022. Notable American athletes to watch include freestyle skiers Alex Ferreira, a two-time medalist, and Alex Hall, both aiming for success in their third Olympic appearances.

Drawing from multiple news sources, a narrative about wealthy individuals fleeing high-tax jurisdictions, despite being widely debunked, threatens wealth redistribution policies. Simultaneously, the UK's inflation rate has dropped to its lowest point since March 2025, increasing the likelihood of interest rate cuts by the Bank of England.

Drawing from multiple news sources, a narrative about wealthy individuals fleeing high-tax jurisdictions, despite being widely debunked, threatens wealth redistribution policies. Simultaneously, the UK's inflation rate has dropped to its lowest point since March 2025, increasing the likelihood of interest rate cuts by the Bank of England.

Drawing from multiple news sources, ITV Studios is set to present its London TV Screenings lineup on February 25th, showcasing a diverse slate of new and returning dramas, reality shows, and non-scripted titles, including a Graham Norton-hosted reality show and dramas starring Dominic Cooper and Mia Wasikowska. The event, held at Odeon Leicester Square, will cater to approximately 750 international buyers with a wide variety of genres.

Drawing from multiple news sources, ITV Studios is set to present its London TV Screenings lineup on February 25th, showcasing a diverse slate of new and returning dramas, reality shows, and non-scripted titles, including a Graham Norton-hosted reality show and dramas starring Dominic Cooper and Mia Wasikowska. The event, held at Odeon Leicester Square, will cater to approximately 750 international buyers with a wide variety of genres.

Drawing from various news reports, Guatemala is phasing out its three-decade-long program that utilizes Cuban doctors to address healthcare gaps, citing the mission's completion of its cycles. Cuba has historically earned billions through these medical missions, which have also served as a tool for international diplomacy, particularly in Latin America, but Guatemala's decision signals a shift in this long-standing arrangement.

Drawing from various news reports, Guatemala is phasing out its three-decade-long program that utilizes Cuban doctors to address healthcare gaps, citing the mission's completion of its cycles. Cuba has historically earned billions through these medical missions, which have also served as a tool for international diplomacy, particularly in Latin America, but Guatemala's decision signals a shift in this long-standing arrangement.