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Lunar New Year prayers, robots and festivities usher in the Year of the Horse

People are celebrating the Lunar New Year with prayers, fireworks and street festivals for the Year of the Horse. On Tuesday, crowds gather at temples and events across Asia and beyond. In Hong Kong, people lined up at midnight to light incense and make wishes. In Vietnam, singers led countdown shows and fireworks light up city skies during Tet. In Moscow, two weeks of Lunar New Year events are underway with food stalls and red lanterns. In Taiwan, worshippers heard a temple bell ring 108 times and left flower offerings.

Amentum Selected to Advance UK Hypersonic Strike Capabilities

CHANTILLY, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Amentum (NYSE: AMTM) has been selected to provide missile design engineering and program management expertise to advance the UK’s ambition for hypersonic strike capabilities. The Industry Mission Partner (IMP) contract was awarded by Team Hypersonics UK, part of the Ministry of Defence, to accelerate weapon development and sovereign capability while bolstering collaboration with Australia and the…

Ohana Development Launches USD 4.1 Billion ‘Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana’ in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Ohana Development, a leading UAE real estate developer, has officially launched ‘Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana,’ a USD 4.1 billion gated waterfront community on Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi and Manchester City F.C.’s first branded residential project globally.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216102386/en/Manchester City Yas Residences by…

Agronomics Limited Announces Half-year Financial Report

Unaudited Interim Results for the six-month period ending 31 December 2025DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Agronomics Limited (AIM:ANIC), a leading listed company in the field of clean food, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six-month period ending 31 December 2025. A copy of these Interim Results is available on…

Empire Metals Limited Announces Major Drilling Campaign to Commence at Pitfield

LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Empire Metals Limited (LON:EEE)(OTCQX:EPMLF), the AIM-quoted and OTCQX-traded exploration and development company, is pleased to announce the commencement of a major drilling campaign at the Pitfield Project in Western Australia (‘Pitfield’ or the ‘Project’). This programme is designed to evaluate the extent of the giant TiO2 mineral system at Pitfield,…

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc Announces Preliminary Unaudited Results Q4 & FY 2025

COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERSPreliminary unaudited results for the full year ended 31 December 2025UXBRIDGE, ENGLAND / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Resilient topline & productivity gains underpin strong profit & cash delivery; announcing further €1bn share buyback*; well placed for 2026 & beyondFY 2025 Total CCEP Key Financial Metrics As ReportedComparable Change vs FY 2024Adjusted Comparable Change vs FY…

The Venture Debt Conference Announces Speakers for April 16 Event in New York

Fourth Annual Conference to Address Venture Debt, Growth Debt, and Private Credit TrendsNEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / DealFlow Events today announced the speakers for the 4th annual Venture Debt Conference, scheduled for April 16, 2026, in New York City.Venture debt and growth debt have become established components of private credit and venture-backed company capital…

Nikon Introduces The Ultra Compact Trailblazer II Binocular

Nikons Latest Rugged and Super Portable Binocular Series are Ready for any AdventureMELVILLE, NY AND TOKYO, JAPAN / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., Today, Nikon announced the release of new TRAILBLAZER II binoculars. These binoculars improve upon the original “TRAILBLAZER,” models which were made popular for their small size, durable build and versatile optics.The…

Shooting at Rhode Island youth hockey game leaves 3 dead, including shooter, and 3 more wounded

Authorities say a shooting during a Rhode Island youth hockey game has left three people dead, including the shooter. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday night that three more victims remained hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities say they believe the shooting was a targeted attack stemming from a family dispute. The shooting occurred at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence. Goncalves says someone had helped end the violent scene Monday afternoon by intervening and trying to subdue the shooter, who was at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena to watch a family member’s game.

5 Things That Surprised Me After My First Visit to Costa Rica

After spending 16 days exploring Costa Rica, it has quickly risen to the top of my travel pyramid. From the kindness of the people to the natural landscapes ofwaterfalls, volcanoes, and beaches to the lively wildlife, I felt transported to another world. I can’t say this for many trips, but this one went off without a hitch, aside from some unseasonal…

Texas Republican Paxton steps up his Senate bid against GOP Sen. Cornyn ahead of early voting

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is stepping up his race for the U.S. Senate with early voting about to begin for the March 3 GOP primary. On Monday night the Republican headlined his first scheduled campaign rally since entering the race. He’s running against longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Paxton told supporters at an east Texas bar on Monday that Cornyn is backed by “the D.C. establishment.” Republican Senate leaders have spent heavily attacking Paxton over his impeachment and personal scandals. Early voting starts Tuesday. Paxton plans several stops across Texas and has started airing ads that tie himself to President Donald Trump.

Body of man found near trail in Koochiching County

The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office located the body of a missing man Monday afternoon. Authorities believe the body is that of Mark A. Rood. His body was found about 60 feet from a trail near Highway 11 and Tilson Bay. Authorities said the recent warm temperatures and rain help in the search efforts. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating…

El sultán bin Ahmed visita los estudios, el parque cinematográfico y el estadio de Shanghái

SHANGHÁI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–feb. 16, 2026–Su alteza el jeque Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, vicegobernador de Sharjah y presidente del Consejo de Medios de Comunicación de Sharjah, visitó el sábado los estudios y el parque cinematográfico de Shanghái, de una extensión de 800.000 metros cuadrados, ubicados en la localidad de Shidon, en la ciudad china de Shanghái.Este comunicado de prensa…

Lake Superior Zoo illuminates winter nights

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Zoo is hosting multiple luminary night walks. The walks began over the weekend with 1,000 glowing ice luminaries lining the zoo’s walking paths, creating a magical winter experience for visitors. While warmer temps have caused many of those ice luminaries to melt, staff have replaced many of them with traditional paper bag luminaries to…

Twins starter Pablo López ends bullpen session early after experiencing elbow soreness

Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López ended a bullpen session early over what manager Derek Shelton said was “a little bit of elbow soreness.” López threw two-plus innings before shutting things down. He was considered ahead of schedule in preparations to join Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic. Lopez turns 30 next month. He has been the opening day starter for the Twins the past three seasons. Lopez was limited to 75 2/3 innings last year due to injuries.

Trump administration ordered to restore George Washington slavery exhibit it removed in Philadelphia

A federal judge has ordered an exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington to be restored at his former home in Philadelphia after President Donald Trump’s administration took it down last month. The order came on Presidents Day, the federal holiday honoring Washington’s legacy. The city of Philadelphia sued last month after the National Park Service removed the panels from Independence National Historical Park. The removal followed a Trump executive order on “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks. U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe said all materials must be restored while a lawsuit challenging the removal’s legality plays out.

Expectations are low for the latest US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine

A Ukrainian delegation is heading to Geneva for another round of U.S.-brokered talks with Russian officials, days before next week’s fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor. There was no anticipation of any significant progress on ending the war at the Tuesday-Wednesday meeting in Switzerland. Both sides are sticking to their negotiating positions on key issues despite the United States setting a June deadline to reach a settlement. Ukraine is locked in a war of attrition with Russia’s bigger army on the front line while Ukrainian civilians endure Russian aerial barrages that repeatedly knock out power and smash homes.

Rubio plugs Orbán’s bid for another term in Hungary’s elections

Marco Rubio is backing Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s April election during a visit to Budapest. On Monday, Rubio praised Orbán’s close personal relationship with Donald Trump, saying that bond strengthens U.S.-Hungarian cooperation. Rubio also signed a civilian nuclear deal which covers small modular reactors, U.S. nuclear fuel, and spent fuel storage. Rubio’s trip follows a stop in Slovakia on Sunday. Orbán has invited Trump to Budapest and offered to host a U.S.-Russia-Ukraine peace summit. The long-serving leader has remained friendly with Russia and continues purchasing Russian energy.

Vatican expands visitor experience at St. Peter’s Basilica to mark 400th anniversary

Fancy a pizza with a view? The Vatican is marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of St. Peter’s Basilica with a host of visitor-friendly initiatives, including expanding access to its spectacular terrace and its snack bar in the shadow of Michelangelo’s great dome. The Vatican on Monday outlined its plans to make better use of St. Peter’s and to redistribute the millions of people who pass through it each year. Among the initiatives are a new online reservation system to cut waiting times and simultaneous translations for Masses in up to 60 languages. In addition, a permanent exhibition tracing the history of the basilica is opening on the terrace, alongside an expanded snack bar for hungry pilgrims.

Faraday Future Founder and Co-CEO YT Jia Shares Weekly Investor Update: Addresses FF’s Market Performance and Will Announce an Improvement Plan for EAI Robotics and Recommend Major Changes for AIxC

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 16, 2026–Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFAI) (“Faraday Future”, “FF” or the “Company”), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, today shared a weekly business update from YT Jia, Founder and Global Co-CEO of FF.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216651848/en/Faraday Future Founder and Co-CEO YT Jia Shares Weekly Investor…

Iran meets UN nuclear watchdog in Geneva ahead of more US talks

Iran’s top diplomat has held talks with the U.N. nuclear watchdog in Geneva before a second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in a significant step after Iran suspended cooperation with the agency last year. After U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an additional aircraft carrier to the region, Iran on Monday launched a second recent naval drill. Also, sailors passing through the region received by radio a warning that the northern lane of the Strait of Hormuz, in Iranian territorial waters, likely would see a live-fire drill.

California walloped by winter storm with high winds and heavy rain and snow

California is being walloped by a powerful winter storm carrying thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy snow in the mountains. Millions of residents in Los Angeles County were facing a flash flood warning as rain pounded the region. Residents in some areas scarred by last year’s devastating wildfires faced an evacuation warning. Meanwhile, state emergency officials are deploying rescue resources for flooding and debris flows. Forecasters expect extreme Sierra snow through late Wednesday. The storm comes amid a snow drought across much of the American West.

Dolphins releasing star receiver Tyreek Hill in major roster cuts

The Dolphins are releasing star receiver Tyreek Hill, ending the All-Pro’s four-year tenure in Miami. Hill is recovering from a season-ending injury suffered in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 29 that required surgery to repair significant damage to his left knee, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament. It is one of several major roster cuts the Dolphins made on Monday. The Dolphins acquired Hill in a trade with Kansas City ahead of the 2022 season and gave him a $120 million, four-year contract extension.

Arrive AI Showcases Autonomous Delivery Infrastructure Powered by Arrive Points(TM) at India AI Impact Summit 2026

NEW DELHI, IN / ACCESS Newswire / February 16, 2026 / Arrive AI (NASDAQ:ARAI), an autonomous delivery infrastructure company, today announced the global expansion of its AI-powered autonomous logistics ecosystem at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Built around its patented smart receptacles, Arrive Points™, Arrive AI’s system enables secure, fully asynchronous handoffs between ground robots, drones, couriers, and end…

Vaughn Public Library wrapping up renovations

ASHLAND, Wis.– Wisconsin’s oldest operating library in Ashland is reaching the tail end of its recent renovation. The 138-year-old Vaughn Public Library hasn’t been renovated in 40 years. The 8-million-dollar project was made possible by a referendum that was passed several years ago, as well as several grants. The Library Director said, the 138-year-old building has a lot of catching…

Large group protesting for democracy on Presidents’ Day

CLOQUET, Minn.– Throughout the day on Presidents Day, around 100 people protested in Moose Lake and Cloquet. We the People Cloquet Area Indivisible held the protest to oppose the current administration. It mainly centered around themes of No Kings, ICE enforcement, and what they described as “injustice against democracy.” “Our democracy is being broken by a President of the United States…

Opening statements held in the trial of a Georgia high school shooting suspect’s father

The trial has started for a man whose teenage son is accused of killing two students and two teachers at a Georgia high school in 2024. Lawyers gave opening statements Monday in the case against Colin Gray. Prosecutors say Gray gave his son, Colt, access to a gun and ammunition despite warning signs. They link that decision to the four deaths at Apalachee High School. Investigators say the 14-year-old planned the attack and brought a rifle in his backpack. Gray’s attorney says his client wasn’t told about the planning and timing of the shooting and shouldn’t be held criminally responsible The trial is being held in Winder, where the shooting happened, with jurors from nearby Hall County.

‘Ready, Set, Launch’ Gives Texas State University Students A Competitive Edge

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / February 16, 2026 / Regional organizations are coming together to present Ready, Set, Launch on Feb. 18 at Texas State University to give business and communications students a competitive edge in today’s challenging job market, where recent college graduates are facing the weakest entry-level hiring landscape in years, with only about 30% landing…

Anson Resources to Commence Drilling at Yellow Cat Uranium-Vanadium Project, Utah USA

Highlights:Yellow Cat uranium and vanadium exploration drilling program to commence;The program aims to confirm the mineralization extends for 4,500m between known Uranium and Vanadium historical workings;Sampling has yielded values up to 10.33% U3O8 and 25.6% V2O5;Drilling contractor selected and program to commence in early March.BRISBANE, AU / ACCESS Newswire / February 16, 2026 / Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) (“Anson” or…

Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigators work with Walmart after identifying suspect’s backpack

Investigators working on the disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother are consulting with Walmart management to develop leads. That’s because a backpack the suspect was wearing is sold exclusively at Walmart stores. Chris Nanos, the sheriff of Pima County, Arizona, told The Associated Press in a text message on Monday that the suspect’s “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” is the only clothing item that has been “definitively identified.” Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Arizona home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. The Federal Bureau of Investigation released surveillance videos of a masked person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthrie’s front door the night she vanished.

Sultan bin Ahmed bezoekt het Huawei R&D-Centrum en SMG in China

SHANGHAI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–feb 16, 2026–Zijne Hoogheid Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, vice-heerser van Sharjah en voorzitter van de Sharjah Media Council, bezocht het Huawei Research and Development Centrum en Shanghai Media Group (SMG) in Shanghai, Volksrepubliek China.Dit persbericht bevat multimedia. Bekijk hier het volledige persbericht: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260213365699/nl/Sultan bin Ahmed visits Huawei R&D Centre and SMG in China (Photo: AETOSWire)Zijne…

Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and ‘Godfather’ mainstay, dead at 95

Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose classic roles included the wily confidant of the first two “Godfather” movies, had died at age 95. He first gained notice for a small part as the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He won an Academy Award as best actor for portraying the over-the-hill country music singer in the 1983 film “Tender Mercies.” He also won four Golden Globes, including one for playing the philosophical cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” a role he often cited as his favorite.

Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and ‘Godfather’ mainstay, dead at 95

Robert Duvall (CNN) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the first two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95. Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his…

Taylor Swift concert attack plot leads to terrorism charges against 21-year-old man

Austrian prosecutors are charging a 21-year-old man who they say planned to attack Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts. Vienna prosecutors say he backed the Islamic State group online and shared its propaganda. Prosecutors say he studied bomb-making instructions and made a small amount of an explosive used by IS. They also say he tried several times to buy weapons abroad and bring them into Austria. Authorities canceled three Taylor Swift shows in Vienna in August 2024 after they said they stopped the plot. The suspect is in custody and faces trial near Vienna.

Abduction of Mexican mine workers raises doubts over touted security improvements

The abduction of 10 mine workers in Mexico’s Sinaloa state has raised questions again about the government’s touted security improvements. In late January, gunmen abducted workers from a Canadian-owned silver and gold mine near Panuco. Authorities have identified five bodies and are working to identify five more. Since September 2024, two Sinaloa Cartel factions have fought across the state. President Claudia Sheinbaum points to lower homicide rates but analysts say episodes like this undermine her message. Security forces add troops and make arrests yet residents say fear, displacement and missing people keep rising.

Winter Olympics recap: Heartbreak in slalom and Eileen Gu tries to defend big air gold

Eileen Gu is readying to defend her big air ski freestyle title and a Norwegian contender’s emotional reaction overshadowed the last men’s Alpine ski event of the Milan Cortina Olympics. Also on Day 10 of the Winter Games, the United States won its women’s hockey semifinal game. Canada plays next, which could set up yet another gold-medal decider between the old rivals.

Topcon and Fixposition Announce Collaboration Agreement

LIVERMORE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 16, 2026–Topcon Positioning Systems and Fixposition have entered an agreement to collaborate on integrated technology for future product offerings.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216559656/en/Topcon provides high-precision GNSS (global navigation satellite system) positioning technologies for geomatics, construction, and agriculture applications worldwide. Working with companies such as Fixposition — specialists in Visual RTK (real-time…

HELLENiQ ENERGY and Chevron Sign Offshore Concession Agreements for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production with the Hellenic Republic

ATHENS, Greece–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 16, 2026–HELLENiQ ENERGY, in collaboration with Chevron, signed today the Lease Agreements with the Hellenic Republic for the exploration of four offshore blocks located south of Crete and the Peloponnese, marking a significant milestone for Greece’s upstream development.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216381183/en/Snapshot from the signing of the lease agreements at the…

Michigan rises to No. 1 in AP Top 25 men’s hoops poll for 1st time since January 2013

Michigan is No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for the first time in 13 years, ending Arizona’s nine-week reign. The Wolverines claimed 60 of 61 first-place votes in Monday’s new poll to climb one spot and supplant the Wildcats. Arizona had been unbeaten entering last week before falling at Kansas and at home to Texas Tech. It marks Michigan’s first No. 1 ranking since January 2013. Houston, Duke, Arizona and UConn rounded out the top five. No. 24 Wisconsin and No. 25 Alabama were the week’s new additions. They replaced Clemson and Kentucky.

2 years on, Navalny’s death still casts a shadow over Russia and wider Europe

Mourners in Moscow have marked two years since Russian opposition leder Alexei Navalny died in an Arctic prison, as a new European analysis fuels claims he was killed by poisoning. On Monday, his family, supporters, and several European diplomats laid flowers at his grave under heavy security. His mother says Russian authorities killed him. The Kremlin says Navalny died of natural causes. On Saturday, the U.K., France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands said lab tests found a rare toxin in samples from his body. Epibatidine is linked to poison dart frogs. Navalny’s allies remain in exile and struggle to unite.

Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say

Five European countries say Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with a rare toxin linked to poison dart frogs. On Saturday, the U.K., France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands say European lab tests confirmed epibatidine in his body. They say the toxin does not occur naturally in Russia. They argue Russia has the means, motive and opportunity to administer the poison. They also reported Russia to the chemical weapons watchdog, which did not comment immediately. The Russian opposition leader died in a Russian Arctic penal colony in 2024. Russia denied wrongdoing and says he died naturally.

Trafficmind Expands Global Anycast Network for Performance-Critical and Regulated Workloads

LAUSANNE, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 16, 2026–Trafficmind.com today announced the expansion of its global Anycast network with the addition of new edge capacity in Osaka, Japan. The expansion strengthens support for latency-sensitive and compliance-driven workloads across the Asia-Pacific region.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216960232/en/The Osaka deployment adds 100 Gbps of edge capacity and is hosted within carrier-neutral…

Brazil’s Lula gets image boost at Rio Carnival, but also faces legal risks

A Rio Carnival samba school has honored Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with a glowing parade, but his rivals are calling it illegal early campaigning. On Sunday night, Academicos de Niteroi filled Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome with floats and songs about Lula’s rise from poverty to national power. The school’s organizer says it is a cultural tribute, not campaign material. Analysts say the risk sits with any link to his administration. Brazil’s top electoral court has rejected attempts to block the parade but judges say they might review the case if they find that rules were broken.

Prosecutors plan to charge an Israeli settler with killing a Palestinian activist in the West Bank

Israeli prosecutors say they plan to charge a settler in the killing of a Palestinian activist during a confrontation that was caught on video. That would open a rare prosecution of violence by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank. Attacks from settlers and home demolitions by authorities have spiked dramatically over the past two years. But the death in July of Awdah Hathaleen has drawn particular attention due to his involvement in the 2025 Oscar-winning film “No Other Land.” The case also stands out because the confrontation was captured on video from multiple vantage points.

A Distinguished Presidents’ Day Message of Gratitude, Leadership, and National Optimism

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / February 16, 2026 / Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK) proudly extends its warmest Presidents’ Day greetings to its valued shareholders, partners, and to all Americans across our great nation. Presidents’ Day is a moment to reflect on leadership, resolve, and the enduring principles that have shaped the United States of America and continue…

Depop Launches “Depoponomics,” a National Campaign Reframing Resale as a Personal Economy

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 16, 2026–Today, global peer-to-peer marketplace Depop has launched “ Depoponomics,” a new national U.S. campaign designed to position resale as a practical personal economy, where selling clothes directly supports everyday life.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216901130/en/The campaign launches against a backdrop of shifting consumer behavior and financial pressure. Today, 77% 1 of…