Report: Tencent was Highguard's secret financial backer

Wildlight leadership previously claimed the studio wasn't being supported by a 'big organization.'

EU candidate countries urged: 'Keep up the momentum'

EU candidate country Montenegro has taken another step towards joining the bloc. This comes after it closed another negotiating “chapter” in its negotiations with the EU. It means a total of 13 chapters have now been provisionally closed, marking what the EU calls a

The Elder Scrolls 6's new update will make fans happy

Todd Howard calls Fallout 76 and Starfield a "creative detour" as he gives an Elder Scrolls 6 development progress update, including the game's engine

Jensen Huang teases reveal of 'a chip that will surprise the world' at next month's GTC

Looking ahead.

Hamas placing loyalists in key Gaza positions saved for Trump-backed committee, sources say

A military assessment presented to Netanyahu in late January is said to show Hamas is taking over Gaza's government ministries. Hamas says the appointments are temporary and blames Israel for blocking the Palestinian technocratic committee from entering the Strip

Nearly 200 Southeast Asians, including 2 Singaporeans, served in Israeli military: IDF data

There were 111 Filipinos, 71 Thais, four Vietnamese, two Singaporeans and one Indonesian enlisted in the Israel Defence Forces as of March 2025, according to official data obtained by an Israeli non-governmental organisation.

East Africa: Bayer East Africa Launches Campaign Against Fake Seeds to Boost Food Security

[Capital FM] Kisii -- Bayer East Africa has urged farmers nationwide to avoid purchasing counterfeit seeds this planting season, warning that uncertified seeds undermine food security and threaten livelihoods.

The World Needs New Heroes, Argue Creators at Berlinale: ‘We Made This Series Because We Felt Powerless’

“All Heroes Are Bastards,” new series about migrants who gain superpowers and fight against injustice, was born out of frustration. “We made this series because we felt very powerless. We wanted to build a world where we had the power,” said Esra Phul. She directed and

White House hits back at ‘loser’ Bruce Springsteen as he announces politically charged US tour

Springsteen's tour is billed as a “celebration” and “defense” of “America, American democracy, American freedom - all of which are under attack by our wannabe king and his rogue government in Washington, D.C.". Naturally, the White House aren't too thrilled about the upcoming

Best CD rates today, February 19, 2026 (lock in up to 4% APY)

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, February 19, 2026: Refinancing applications on the rise

This Is Not My LA Art World

Helene Schjerfbeck’s penetrating self-portraits at The Met, Pride flag artist’s foundation sues the Trump administration, and remembering Henrike Naumann.

Latest news bulletin | February 19th, 2026 – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this February 19th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

Best high-yield savings interest rates today, February 19, 2026 (top account pays 4% APY)

Best money market account rates today, February 19, 2026 (earn up to 4.01% APY)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un drives rocket launcher vehicle

Ahead of a key party congress, Kim showcased rocket launchers and a housing project in Pyongyang.

Trump attacks on Democrats cast shadow on governors' meeting

Governors will descend on Washington this weekend for the National Governors Association’s (NGA) winter meeting, a typically bipartisan gathering that has been overshadowed this year by President Trump’s escalating attacks on two Democratic governors. After initially inviting

Talarico gets burst of momentum from CBS controversy

Controversy surrounding a CBS “Late Show” segment with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has given the Democratic rising star a new burst of momentum just as early voting kicks off in the Lone Star State. Comic Stephen Colbert said during Monday's episode that CBS told him

Paddington Bear Set to Attend and Present at BAFTA Film Awards

The British Academy has ensured a true icon of U.K. cinema will have a key role in the ceremony.

Paddington Bear Joins Lineup of Presenters at BAFTA Film Awards

This weekend’s BAFTA Film Awards is set to get a marmalade-y splash of furry Peruvian charm. Paddington Bear has been confirmed as one of the ceremony presenters, with the beloved creature — currently on stage at the West End in “Paddington the Musical” — set to present the

Hims & Hers under fire over copycat weight loss drugs

Hims & Hers is facing battles on multiple fronts as it seeks to maintain its lucrative business in copycat weight loss drugs. Federal regulators are seeking to rein in the online telemedicine platform, which for years has been selling a non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Family deepfakes help people celebrate and grieve in India

There is growing demand for recreating dead and absent family members for events using AI.

DHS shutdown talks hit a wall as GOP fumes

Discussions between the White House and Democratic leaders on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have hit a wall as administration officials publicly slammed the minority party for refusing to make concessions. Ever since Democrats sent the White House

Campus vaccine strategies put to test by rising measles cases

New outbreaks of measles, which had been considered eradicated in the U.S., may force colleges to rethink their vaccine strategies. There is no standard way universities approach vaccine reporting, requirements or exemptions, with some given a far freer hand by their home

Anthropic on shaky ground with Pentagon amid feud after Maduro raid

Anthropic has increasingly found itself at odds with the Pentagon over how its AI model Claude can be deployed in military operations following disclosure about its use in the raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month. The AI company is one of several

India is in the midst of a data-centre investment boom

Money is flowing into the country, but the benefits may prove temporary

Payday 2 was outperforming Payday 3 towards the end of 2025

The 13-year-old shooter delivered more net sales than its successor during Q4.

Africa: Telco Giant Sonatel Sees 8.3 Percent Jump in Annual Revenue

[Daba Finance] Sonatel, the largest company by market value on the BRVM, reported consolidated revenue of 1,923.1 billion FCFA (about $3.47 billion) in 2025, up 8.3 percent year on year. Net income reached 413.6 billion FCFA (about $746.6 million), an increase of 5.1 percent

Africa: African Countries Should Resist Europe's Assertive Migration Diplomacy

[ISS] European leaders distance themselves from Trump's hardline immigration tactics, but how different are their approaches?

From Macron to Altman: What are world and tech leaders saying at the India AI summit

World leaders want to regulate AI — but they can't agree on how. Here is everything that is being said.

Islamic police in Nigeria arrest nine Muslims for not fasting during Ramadan

Officers in Kano search cafes and restaurants every year during Ramadan looking for Muslims breaking the fast.

The 'LeBron James of spreadsheets' thought Excel becoming a popular esport was 'unlikely' before winning the grand prize in Las Vegas

'You can have a lot more fun with Excel than people realise.'

Over 1,000 Kenyans enlisted to fight in Russia-Ukraine war, report says

Investigators call the recruitment a well-organised trafficking ring involving immigration staff and security agencies.

Former prince Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct in office, news reports say

U.K. police announced an investigation but did not name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his titles last year over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to visit Malaysia on Feb 20 at the invitation of PM Anwar Ibrahim

The leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's "special visit", said Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Russia urges restraint as US builds up military assets near Iran

MOSCOW, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday that it was seeing an unprecedented escalation of tension around Iran as the United States moved military assets into the Middle East, and the Kremlin urged both Tehran and "other parties" to exercise prudence and restraint.

Israeli forces and Hamas committed atrocity crimes in Gaza, UN report says

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Israeli forces, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have both committed serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza and carried out atrocity crimes, a U.N. report published on Thursday said. Intensified

The secret math behind catchy melodies

Why do some melodies feel instantly right, balanced, memorable and satisfying, even if you have never heard them before? New research from the University of Waterloo suggests that more than creativity is at play.

South Korea ruling party claims ex-President Yoon’s life sentence falls short of expectations

The alternative was a death sentence.

Ivrea Carnival 2026: Italy’s famous Battle of Oranges draws thousands

Thousands gathered in the northern Italian town of Ivrea for the annual “Battle of Oranges,” a three-day carnival tradition in which participants reenact a historic revolt by pelting each other with tons of oranges.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested over alleged misconduct in public office

The former British royal was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a police statement read. Law enforcement also conducted searches of addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

Modi’s AI unity pose turns awkward for Altman and Amodei

The episode, captured on camera and widely shared across social media, drew amused reactions online.

Modi's AI unity pose turns awkward for Altman and Amodei

NEW DELHI, Feb 19 - When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi nudged speakers at the India AI summit to join and raise their hands in a symbolic show of unity, most executives obliged. Two did not: rivals Sam Altman of OpenAI and Dario Amodei of Anthropic.

Iko Uwais to Star in Indonesian Action Film ‘Warrior,’ Reuniting With Silat Roots (EXCLUSIVE)

Iko Uwais is returning to his home turf. The martial arts star who became a global name through the “Raid” franchise is set to lead “Warrior,” a new Indonesian action thriller that brings him back to the Silat-based fighting style that launched his career. The film follows a

Thai cops go undercover as lion dancers to nab suspected thief

Officers dressed as a red-and-yellow lion made the arrest on the evening of Feb 18.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and King Charles’ brother, was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. According to the BBC, vehicles believed to be unmarked police cars arrived to Sandringham Estate in Norfolk early Thursday —

Top Democrat says 'billionaire Epstein class' pushing for U.S. war on Iran

The Massachusetts Democrat's comment is the latest instance of a growing trend among Democrats – tying the so-called 'Epstein class' to issues of the day, whether relating to specific policy concerns like Iran or more big-picture trends

‘Line of Duty’ Lands Robert Carlyle as Season 7 Guest Lead

Robert Carlyle has been cast as the guest lead in the seventh installment of Jed Mercurio’s hit BBC crime thriller “Line of Duty.” The BAFTA-winning actor, known for his roles in “Trainspotting,” “The Full Monty” and “28 Weeks Later,” will play Detective Constable Shaun Massie

Freelancer empathy

When phone cameras got good enough, portrait photographers scolded people who took their own headshots. And when the Mac got pretty good at typesetting, professional designers pointed out that people who can’t tell a font from a typeface and don’t care about kerning should