Republicans are ignoring Trump and holding out hope for a second megabill

The president said Republicans have “gotten everything passed that we need,” but lawmakers aren’t so sure.

Gold, stablecoins and Hong Kong’s market reality

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s recent remarks before the Senate Banking Committee have quickly entered the global financial conversation. Asked whether China might be developing digital assets backed by gold rather than the renminbi, Bessent said he “would not be

Soccer-FIFA and Board of Peace to support Gaza reconstruction through football

Feb 20 (Reuters) - FIFA and the Board of Peace signed a partnership agreement on Thursday to attract investment from global leaders and institutions for sustainable development in conflict-affected regions through football. The Board of Peace, established under the U.S.

Somaliland, where Muslims love Israel

"I love Israel!" Three little words rarely heard together in the Muslim world, and yet have become a common phrase in Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia. Israel became the only country in the world to recognise Somaliland's independence in December -- something the

Most Europeans don't know what the ECHR does, but do they want to leave it?

As some European governments push for a tougher migration framework under the European Convention on Human Rights, public opinion appears firmly on their side. Yet strikingly few Europeans say they know much about the convention itself.

Rani Mukerji Says Success of Mumbai Supercop Film ‘Mardaani 3’ Is a Call to Protect Women: ‘Even If One Girl Is Affected, It Is the Failure of Our Society’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Bollywood star Rani Mukerji is thrilled with the success of “Mardaani 3,” but the actor says the commercial milestone is secondary to the conversation the films have sparked around crimes against women. The franchise, which follows Mumbai supercop Shivani Shivaji Roy as she

Fans flock to Japan zoo to see viral baby monkey Punch

Dozens of fans flocked to a Japanese zoo on Friday to catch a glimpse of a baby macaque who shot to social media stardom months after being abandoned by his mother.

Germany's fighter jet dilemma: Faltering European dream and US reality

Germany is rearming with a renewed focus on buying European. But with the German-French-Spanish fighter jet project, FCAS, at a standstill, does Berlin have any real options beyond the American F-35?

South Korea's ex-President Yoon apologises after life sentence over martial law

In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon said that while he was sorry for the "frustration and hardship" brought upon the people by his martial law decree, he stood behind the "sincerity and purpose" behind his actions.

ICC prosecution opposes former Philippine president Duterte’s bid to skip confirmation hearing

Duterte refuses to recognise the jurisdiction of the Hague-based tribunal over him.

Asos founder dies after falling from condo balcony in Thailand: Reports

Thai police said Quentin Griffiths had been involved in two ongoing court cases that might have caused him stress.

UN Rapporteur for Palestine says she won't resign despite French backlash

Francesca Albanese insists she has "the trust of the [UN] Human Rights Council" in an interview on Euronews' Europe Today show.

IMF rebukes China’s model with its own credibility in tatters

As the International Monetary Fund takes China to task, the world’s “lender of last resort” is grappling with a new legitimacy crisis. It used to be a one-size-fits-all response to financial crackups that earned the IMF global ire. From the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis to the

“Hide competitive stats”

I’ve been playing an online wordgame for a few months, and after each round, it shows me how well I’m doing against the 10,000 other people who are also playing. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the stats weren’t improving my mood (a really good play had me ranking

US builds website to let Europeans access content banned by their own governments

The site displays the motto “Information is power. Reclaim your human right to free expression. Get ready,” with a graphic of a galloping white horse above the Earth.

How the Golden Gate Bridge Was Built: A 3D Animated Introduction

Built during the depths of the Great Depression (from 1933 to 1937), the Golden Gate Bridge became the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. During its construction, workers battled harsh conditions — strong winds, thick fog, and the risk of plunging into the San

Pulp Call for Action on Fervent Single ‘Begging for Change’

The track, which features Damon Albarn, comes off charity compilation album HELP(2)

EU agencies consider risk of exposure low, as recall of infant formula continues

CDC and EFSA have assessed that the current likelihood of exposure to contaminated infant formula is low, and that most affected children appear to have experienced mild symptoms. Recalls are still ongoing, and investigations continue at the national level. The multi-country

Outspoken Laos lawmaker’s election exit sparks rare dissent

The announcement came just days before Feb 22’s poll, in which all 243 candidates contesting.

‘Democracy is working’: Analysts say Yoon conviction proves strength of South Korea’s institutions

A Seoul court that sentenced Yoon to life behind bars said the former president damaged South Korea’s democracy, but analysts say the landmark ruling proves the nation’s institutions are resilient, even as political divisions persist.

Venezuela approves amnesty for likely release of hundreds of political prisoners

Although the new law was not a prerequisite for the government to free prisoners, the approval marks a reversal for authorities in the South American nation, who for decades have denied holding any political prisoners.

‘Maxima’ Franchise Expands with First Spin-Off, ‘The Other Royals – A Maxima Story’: ‘There Was So Much More to Tell’ (EXCLUSIVE)

The “Maxima” franchise, inspired by the life of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and starring Delfina Chaves, is getting its first spin-off: “The Other Royals – A Maxima Story.” In the meantime, Season 2 of “Maxima” will premiere locally on March 14, followed by an

France on edge as Loire floods and storm Pedro threatens more chaos

France is watching the Loire spill across streets and car parks in Les Ponts-de-Cé, near Angers.

Death of French activist sparks spectre of 'cordon sanitaire' around LFI

With two staff members of LFI and MP Raphaël Arnault among those suspected of involvement in the violence that led to the death of the identitarian activist, LFI is finding itself increasingly isolated.

Malaysia’s top coalition party DAP weighs Cabinet roles, report says

The party suffered a setback during elections in 2025.

Changes to integration support and migration policy in Belgium

Citizenship application fee increased to €1,000 Belgium increased the fee for acquiring nationality from €150 to €1,000, with annual indexing. The change is part of broader government measures to strengthen conditions for accessing citizenship, emphasising individual

China celebrates Spring Festival with lion dances at Great Wall of China

China marked the Spring Festival with lion and dragon dances at the Badaling Great Wall on 19 February 2026. The shows formed part of New Year celebrations linked to the Year of the Fire Horse.

Stephen Colbert Celebrates Former Prince Andrew’s Arrest: ‘Let’s Hear It for British Justice’

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was detained on suspicion of "misconduct in public office" on Thursday morning

Tunisian MP jailed for eight months over posts mocking president

The MP was arrested this month after mocking the president's handling of the recent floods in the country.

Netflix Animated Comedy ‘Strip Law’ Is a Joke-Dense Love Letter to Las Vegas Lunacy: TV Review

Animation suits Las Vegas. From “CSI” to “Hacks,” Sin City has no shortage of representations on television. But the Netflix comedy “Strip Law” — created by Cullen Crawford, an alum of the satirical site ClickHole as well as “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” — has an

Week in wildlife: a peek-a-boo fish, dunkin’ frogs and a white crow

This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world Continue reading...

Clean and just energy transition: New study provides tools to assess emerging energy technologies

As the European Union continues on its pathway towards climate neutrality by 2050, its energy mix is undergoing dramatic changes. Clean sources make up ever greater shares of the EU’s energy mix, but a great part of the future transition relies on the maturation of new

Stop-Motion ‘Hidari,’ Indonesian Dramas Join Hong Kong Market Through Japan, Jakarta Sections

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society will present four projects selected through new partnerships with Jakarta Film Week, JAFF Market and the Japan Creator Support Fund at the upcoming HKIFF Industry Project Market. The development-stage titles – Loeloe Hendra

How I Learned To Love The Bubble (Even Before It Bursts)

Asos co-founder dies after Thailand balcony fall

Quentin Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000 and remained a significant shareholder after leaving the firm five years later.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast Honor Eric Dane After His Death: He ‘Was a Light’

The cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” is speaking out following the death of Eric Dane. The actor, who appeared as Dr. Mark Sloane for 145 episodes of the ABC medical drama, died on Feb. 19 after a battle with ALS. “Eric was a light. You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set

Remy Bond Celebrates Escapism on Shimmering Pop Song ‘Cherry Red Balloon’

The hazy track is the singer's first new music since her Backstage at the Tropicana EP

Trump’s trade coercion tests Japan’s economic strategy

Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. Takaichi’s mandate to be put to the test by WashingtonScott Foster reports that despite a commanding domestic mandate, Takaichi faces mounting pressure from Washington

Western France floods deepen after 35 days of rain

After 35 days of rain, France battles major floods, evacuations and power cuts while forecasters say rivers will keep rising despite drier weather ahead.

Journalist with Germany's Deutsche Welle detained in Turkey

FRANKFURT, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Turkish authorities have detained a veteran correspondent of German state-backed international broadcaster Deutsche Welle in Ankara, accusing him of "disseminating misleading information" and "insulting the president". Istanbul Chief Public

UN touts panel for ‘human control’ of AI as leaders weigh message at summit

The UN chief called for governance of AI that is led by science.

Newsletter: France lashes out at Commissioner Šuica's Board of Peace meeting

Also in this newsletter: The EU mediates amid Hungary and Slovakia’s energy standoff with Ukraine, and the French far right asks the European Parliament to mark death of activist Quentin Deranque.

Proposed RTS Link fare of $5 to $7 ‘affordable’ for many Malaysians, but may still be steep for some

Lower-income workers and those used to taking the bus or riding motorcycles to Singapore may find it costly.

Two years of the Digital Services Act ensuring safer online spaces

Two years ago, the Digital Services Act (DSA) entered into force. The DSA protects your fundamental rights online by regulating online services such as social media platforms, marketplaces, app stores, and online travel and accommodation services. Its goal has been to ensure a

Spring weather in South Korea till Feb 21 before sudden temperature drop

Daytime highs in Seoul are forecast to fall to around 10 deg C on Feb 22 and further to about 3 deg C on Feb 23.

Chinese start-up’s gongfu robots fire up tech-wary investors

Investors pushed up shares in robotics firms even as the broader market sagged.

UK government finances better than expected in January

The government took in more from tax receipts than expected, official data suggests.