Women & Voices3 min readAI

Pixel Phones, DeFi, and Bans: News Roundup

Australia banned an Australian citizen with alleged ties to the Islamic State group from returning home from Syria, while Johannesburg, South Africa, grapples with a severe water crisis and a new DeFi-focused policy shop launched in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. These events, along with a women's magazine event in New York City and the latest Google Pixel phone reviews, highlight a diverse range of global news.

The Australian government's decision, reported by The Associated Press via NPR News, is the latest in the repatriation of families of IS fighters. The woman, whose alleged ties to the militant group prompted the ban, was planning to return from a detention camp in Syria. Thirty-four other Australian citizens from 11 families departed a camp in eastern Syria on Monday, February 16, 2026, according to the same source.

Meanwhile, Johannesburg residents are facing a water crisis, with some areas experiencing dry taps for weeks. Protests have erupted in response to the water cuts, which stem from years of municipal neglect, corruption, and mismanagement, according to NPR Politics. Residents have held placards and chanted during protests. Some residents haven't had water for more than three weeks, according to the same source.

In the realm of finance, Hyperliquid launched the Hyperliquid Policy Center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, as reported by Fortune. The goal is to create a legal pathway for widespread decentralized finance (DeFi) adoption in the United States. Jake Chervinsky, a longtime cryptocurrency lawyer, is the inaugural CEO of the new body. He has previously held top positions at the Blockchain Association trade group and the venture firm Variant.

In New York City, Evie Magazine held its first live event during New York Fashion Week at the Standard Hotels Boom in Chelsea, as reported by Wired. Guests gathered to celebrate the publication and its new issue. One event planner ran downstairs to tell her coworkers that someone's hair had caught on fire, according to the same source.

Also, Wired provided reviews of the latest Google Pixel phones, including the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The publication noted that Google Pixel phones are a favorite for their industry-leading cameras, speedy software updates, and competitive pricing.

AI-Assisted Journalism

Synthesized from multiple sources. Reviewed for accuracy.

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