US & World News

CLASS ACTION DEADLINE TONIGHT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Reminds SLM Investors of the Pending Class Action Lawsuit Deadline on February 17, 2026

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against SLM Corporation (“SLM” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SLM) and reminds investors of the February 17, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.This press release features multimedia….

What to see and do when the desert is in bloom

Record winter rainfall in California ended a drought lasting more than 1,300 days, and may bring Death Valley its first superbloom since 2019. Across the American Southwest, bloom season transforms the desert. Trails become more comfortable, night skies grow clearer and desert towns get busier as visitors arrive for hiking, stargazing and seasonal events.For much of the year, the desert…

GBK Collective Appoints Insights Veteran Rebecca Szew as Partner and Chief Client Officer

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–GBK Collective, a leading marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and analytics consultancy, today announced the appointment of Rebecca Szew as Partner and Chief Client Officer. In this expanded leadership role, Szew will oversee GBK’s client research design and thought leadership, partnering closely with the company’s new President of Client Services, Ben Rogers, to grow client relationships, expand…

Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz as it held latest round of indirect talks with US

Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live fire military drills as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States in Geneva over its disputed nuclear program. It was the first time Iran has announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, since the U.S. began threatening Iran and rushing military assets to the region. It marks a further escalation in a weekslong standoff that could ignite another war in the Middle East. The talks lasted almost three hours before wrapping up, Iranian state media reported.

Caidya Names Michael Clay COO to Drive Operational Excellence and Advance Multi-Regional Clinical Development

RALEIGH, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Caidya, a leading global, mid-sized CRO focused on accelerating clinical development for innovative biopharmaceutical companies, today announced the appointment of Michael Clay as chief operating officer (COO). Clay will lead Caidya’s global operational delivery, client engagement model, and execution strategy, further strengthening the company’s ability to serve innovative biopharma sponsors across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific.This…

3rd3rd Marketing and AgingIN Tackle Senior Living’s Workforce Crisis

– Complimentary Webinar Addresses Care Team Retention and Resilience – SEATTLE, Wash., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As senior living communities continue to navigate workforce challenges that directly impact care quality and operations, 3rd3rd Marketing and AgingIN are partnering to present a timely webinar: “Workforce That Stays: Creative Strategies to Attract, Inspire, & Retain a Mission-Driven Team” on Friday,…

Ohana Development lancia “Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana” per un valore di 4,1 miliardi di dollari ad Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, Emirati Arabi Uniti–(BUSINESS WIRE)–feb 17, 2026–Ohana Development, uno dei principali sviluppatori immobiliari degli Emirati Arabi Uniti, ha lanciato ufficialmente “Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana”, una community residenziale recintata sul lungomare del canale Yas ad Abu Dhabi, dal valore di 4,1 miliardi di dollari USA, e il primo progetto residenziale a marchio Manchester City F.C. a livello globale.Questo…

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84

Jesse Jackson (CNN) CHICAGO (AP) — The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader’s assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84. As a young organizer in Chicago, Jackson was called to meet with King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, shortly…

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Announces Leadership Appointments

ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC) (“MVW,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed Matthew (Matt) E. Avril as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Avril will continue to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. Avril joined the Company’s Board in March 2025 and has served as…

Auri Inc. (OTCID: AURI) to Present Business Initiative and Corporate Plan at BFCVC 3 – February 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST

Auri Inc. (OTCID: AURI) to Present Business Initiative and Corporate Plan at BFCVC 3 – February 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM ESTDALLAS, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Auri Inc. (“AURI”), a cutting-edge incubating holding company, continues advancing its business operations through strategic acquisitions and revenue expansion.Auri Inc. formally invites shareholders, investors, and stakeholders to attend its…

Black Dragon(BDGR) Invites Shareholders to Join Auri Inc in Strategic Financial Updates

DALLAS, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Black Dragon Resource Companies, Inc. (OTC PR WIRE)(OTCID:BDGR) (“The Company”) Black Dragon Resource Inc., (BDGR) and its Parent company AURI Inc (AURI), is inviting shareholders,investors and stakeholders to join BFCVC 3 live chat on February 18, 2026https://www.youtube.com/live/vEVQwZDwgX8?si=jfxcD7ojBY_Lm3uzwww.bfccollective.com/bfcvcMr. Haldar has extensive experience in Oil and Gas industry and brings his vast…

EU privacy investigation targets Musk’s Grok chatbot over sexualized deepfake images

X faces a new EU privacy investigation after its Grok chatbot generated nonconsensual deepfake images on the platform. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission said on Tuesday that it has opened the case under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. The regulator says Grok has created and shared sexualized images of real people, including children. Researchers say some examples appear to involve minors. X did not respond to a request for comment. X had added some limits to Grok, but European authorities weren’t satisfied. X also faces other probes in Europe over illegal content and user safety. That includes Spain, which has has ordered prosecutors to investigate X, Meta and TikTok for alleged crimes related to AI-generated child sex abuse materials on their platforms.

CNS Pharmaceuticals Appoints Multiple Key Executives to Drive Company’s Recently Initiated Strategic Transformation

New Members of the Strengthened Leadership Team Add Decades of Operational Execution, Pipeline Optimization and Transactional Expertise to Support Company Growth and Value CreationHOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNSP) (“CNS” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel treatments for primary and metastatic cancers in the brain and…

Leading Cannabis Brand PAX Returns to Canada With TRIP All-in-One Vape

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–PAX, a pioneering global cannabis brand, today announced its anticipated return to the Canadian market with the launch of TRIP, PAX’s All-in-One vaporizer in the brand’s award-winning Live Rosin with Diamonds line. Products are now available in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with further expansion to come.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217058433/en/PAX TRIP…

Ameresco, Luminace and the Town of Coventry Announce the Completion of Coventry Landfill Solar Project

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & COVENTRY, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, and Luminace, one of the largest decarbonization-as-a-service providers in North America, jointly announced the successful completion of the Coventry Landfill Solar project. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the Town of Coventry’s efforts to expand renewable energy generation and enhance long‑term environmental…

Boyd More than Doubles Liquid Cooling Manufacturing Capacity in Mexico, Boosting Production for AI Infrastructure, Hyperscale and Colocation Data Centers

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Boyd is excited to announce its growing capacity for AI data center liquid cooling system production with the expansion of its design and manufacturing facility in Juarez, Mexico. To scale with growing hyperscaler, colocation, and enterprise AI data center installation demand, Boyd’s Juarez thermal campus is being expanded to approximately 460,000 square feet, up from…

Castlelake Repays Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust 2021-1

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Castlelake L.P. (“Castlelake”), a global alternative investment manager with 20 years of experience investing in asset-based private markets, (“Castlelake”), today announced the full repayment of Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust 2021-1 (“CLAS 2021-1”), an aircraft-backed securitization (“ABS”) originally issued by Castlelake in 2021.CLAS 2021-1 was comprised of $595 million of asset-backed debt and a diversified…

Kohler Unveils “Step into Possibility” at KBIS 2026, an Immersive Showcase of Design Leadership and Sustainable Solutions

KOHLER, Wis., Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kohler Co.  presents Step into Possibility at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), a showpiece brand experience that brings together innovative design, the power of partnerships, and industry-leading sustainability solutions.Spanning 15,600 square feet, the show’s most highly anticipated booth (#W1700) transports guests from the show floor into Kohler’s world shaped by imagination and…

SharkNinja Introduces Shark® SilkiPro™ Straight

NEEDHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–SharkNinja, Inc. (NYSE: SN), a global product design and technology company, today announced the launch of Shark ® SilkiPro™ Straight.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217765567/en/SharkNinja Introduces Shark® SilkiPro™ StraightFor years, straightening has been synonymous with excessive heat, damage, lengthy routines, and a constant compromise to hair health, often requiring multiple tools…

Cizzle Brands Corporation Announces U.S. Retail Expansion with Launch of CWENCH Hydration at 109 Target locations in the U.S.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Cizzle Brands Corporation (Cboe Canada: CZZL) (OTCQB: CZZLF) (Frankfurt: 8YF) (the “ Company ”), the sports nutrition company elevating the game in health and wellness, is pleased to announce that its flagship sports hydration brand, CWENCH Hydration, has launched in 109 Target stores across the United States, as well as on Target.com.This press release features multimedia. View…

Bangladesh’s new prime minister is sworn in after his party’s landslide election win

Bangladesh’s new prime minister has been sworn in after his party’s landslide win in parliamentary elections last week, the country’s first since the massive 2024 uprising. The vote was billed as key to Bangladesh’s future political landscape after years of intense rivalry and disputed polls. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, whose term will last the next five years, is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman. He is also Bangladesh’s first male prime minister in 35 years. The country’s figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office. Dozens of Cabinet members and members of the new government were also being sworn in on Tuesday.

Soluna Expands Partnership With Blockware, Adding 6 MW at Project Dorothy 1

ALBANY, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Soluna Holdings, Inc. (“Soluna” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SLNH), a developer of green data centers for intensive computing applications, including Bitcoin mining and AI, today announced the expansion of its partnership with Blockware, adding an additional six megawatts of capacity at Soluna’s Dorothy 1 site in west Texas.This press release features multimedia. View the full release…

Greene Concepts Announces Be Water Coming Soon to Amazon

MARION, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Greene Concepts, Inc. (OTCID:INKW), owner and operator of a 60,000-square-foot bottling facility in Marion, North Carolina, and producer of the premium artesian spring water brand Be Water™, announced that Be Water will soon be available on Amazon, expanding national access to its American artesian spring water.With its expansion onto…

Athletes and fans brave the snow and cold at the Winter Games, in photos

Heavy snowfall continues to sweep across the mountain venues of the Winter Games, postponing some events but failing to stop the action as athletes push through snow-covered courses and bundled-up fans endure the cold to cheer them on. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics Categories: US & World News

Finding Humor in the Hardest Moments: Jane Rogers Shares a Hilariously Honest Memoir About Life with Epilepsy

– Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 13, Jane has navigated decades of neurological mayhem with a sharp wit and a resilient heart – OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada, Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — What happens when your brain becomes your most unpredictable sidekick? In “Laughing Through the Storm: Life with Epilepsy: Unpredictable, and Unexpectedly Funny” (ISBN: 978-1834189024; paper) released…

Run 2 The Rescue Featured in PEOPLE – Major National Spotlight Amplifies Mission to Save Dogs from China’s Dog Meat Trade

– Since launching roughly 18 months ago, Run 2 The Rescue has saved over 220 dogs – NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Run 2 The Rescue, a Sag Harbor–based nonprofit with rescue operations and a shelter in Beijing, China, has been featured in PEOPLE in an exclusive story highlighting the dramatic transformation of Kronk, an injured…

OCCU selects Floify to support scalable, member-centric lending

– AI-enabled point-of-sale platform to streamline the lending experience from application to funded loan – BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Floify, the mortgage industry’s leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced that OCCU has selected Floify to support its next phase of member-centric lending and long-term growth. OCCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union based in Eugene, Oregon,…

Photos show the life of civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson

Civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson died Tuesday. A protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate, Jackson led a lifetime of crusades in the United States and abroad, advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and health care. He was 84. This is a…

AP Was There: A profile of Jesse Jackson as he prepared his 1984 campaign for the presidency

In 1983, The Associated Press profiled the Rev. Jesse Jackson when he was a 41-year-old civil rights activist preparing his historic 1984 campaign for the presidency. Jackson at the time described himself much like a prophet. In the ’60s, he battled for equal rights, picketing restaurants and marching for open housing. In the ’70s, he stressed self-respect and economic justice. In the ’80s, he turned to leadership, making a run for president. Friends and foes described him similarly. They mention his ego, his drive, his grand ideas, his weakness as an organizer, and his clever courting of the media.

Suicide bomber and gunmen kill 11 soldiers and a child in northwestern Pakistan

Officials say a suicide bomber and gunmen have attacked a military checkpoint in northwest Pakistan, killing 11 soldiers and a child. The military said troops stopped the vehicle at the post and the blast collapsed part of the compound. The attack happened Monday night in Bajaur, near the Afghan border. Police say militants then tried to slip into the post and triggered a shootout. The military said its forces killed 12 attackers and that a search operation was underway. Officials say the blast also damaged nearby homes and wounded seven civilians. Leaders condemned the attack as violence linked to the Pakistani Taliban rises.

National Energy Services Reunited Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, is $398.3 million, up 34.9% sequentially and 15.9% year-over-yearNet income for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, is $7.8 millionAdjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure)** for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, is $31.9 million, up 106.6% sequentiallyAdjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure)** for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, is $84.4 million,…

Walker & Dunlop Arranges €118 Million Refinance for the Zuiderpoort Office in Belgium

BETHESDA, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it has arranged a €118,750,000 loan to refinance Zuiderpoort, an office complex in Ghent, Belgium.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217445934/en/Zuiderpoort. Photo Credit: Blue Colibri CapitalWalker & Dunlop EMEA Capital Markets arranged the transaction on behalf of funds managed by Blue Colibri Capital. Claudio Sgobba,…

Datavault AI Updates Revenue Estimates by Approximately 30% at $38M to $40M

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ:DVLT) (“Datavault AI” or the “Company”), a leader in data monetization, credentialing, digital engagement and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization technologies, today announced its updated preliminary (unaudited) fiscal year 2025 revenue is estimated to be $38 to $40 million, exceeding its prior estimate of $30 million by up…

Who Does the Best Botox in Raleigh?

The Best Botox in Raleigh is by Dr. Jindal.RALEIGH, NC / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Botox remains one of the most widely performed non‑surgical aesthetic treatments in the United States. Millions of botulinum toxin procedures are administered annually to address facial lines and wrinkles. In Raleigh, patients searching for the “best Botox” often compare injector credentials, specialization,…

Nate Heise hits go-ahead 3-pointer in No. 6 Iowa State’s 70-67 win over No. 2 Houston

Nate Heise hit a go-ahead 3-pointer and Tamin Lipsey came up with an offensive rebound in the final seconds to cap No. 6 Iowa State’s rally in a 70-67 victory over Big 12 leader and second-ranked Houston on Monday night. Heise was 3 for 3 from 3-point range hours after sister Taylor Heise scored to help the U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team beat Sweden 5-0 to reach the gold-medal game in Milan. The Cyclones (23-3, 10-3) closed with a 17-4 run to take down a second top-10 team in three days. Iowa State topped No. 8 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday. The Cougars (23-3, 11-2) had their six-game winning streak snapped and their lead in the conference was cut to a half-game over No. 4 Arizona.

ITC Infotech Establishes Asia-Pacific Digital & AI Engineering Hub in Melbourne, Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia & BANGALORE, India–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–ITC Infotech, a leading global technology services provider, has established its Asia-Pacific headquarters and Digital & AI Engineering Hub in Melbourne, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Australia and the region.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216905016/en/A glimpse from the launch: S. Sivakumar, Group Head – Agri & IT, ITC…

Endava Partners with Miro to Drive Innovative New Model for AI Transformation

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 17, 2026–Endava, the technology-driven business transformation group whose AI-native approach combines cutting edge technology with deep industry expertise, today announced a partnership with Miro®, the AI Innovation Workspace for teams, to bring collaborative AI workflows to Endava’s global operations and enhance its AI-native delivery model Dava.Flow™. Endava will deploy Miro enterprise-wide, compressing decision cycles and improving alignment across…

Global Neighbors @Yiwu: Turning a Foreign Land into Home

YIWU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 February 2026 – As red lanterns light up the streets and alleys, Yiwu is welcoming spring in a unique way. For the international community living here, the city has transformed from a foreign commercial hub into a warm “hometown.” This year, three expatriates shared their unique Chinese New Year experiences in Yiwu….

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…