Shell suits top Brits’ list of fashion regrets in new poll
Shell suits lead the list of fashion choices that make British adults cringe, according to a poll of 2,000 people. Low-rise jeans, peplum tops and cargo trousers follow close behind.
World News
EBRD Eyes Funding for Fortis’ 270 MW Solar-BESS Plant in Serbia
Fortis Renewable Energy has signed a mandate letter with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for potential financing of a 270 MW solar power plant paired with a 72 MWh battery storage system near Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. The project, set to become the region's largest photovoltaic facility, targets construction start in the third quarter of this year.
China Targets Auto Digitalization, CSP Expansion by 2030
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a plan December 30, 2025, to boost automotive digitalization, aiming to lift vehicle makers' smart manufacturing by one level and cut R&D cycles 20% by 2027. Separately, energy regulators set a 15-gigawatt target for concentrated solar power capacity with costs matching coal by 2030.
SNB Details ELF Liquidity Plan to Shield Swiss Banks from Crises
The Swiss National Bank unveiled detailed rules Thursday for its extended liquidity facility, a standardized tool set to launch in 2027 that lets banks tap emergency funds against collateral. Officials say the measure will fortify Switzerland's financial system against shocks like the 2023 Credit Suisse collapse.
Oil Prices Rise on US-Iran Tensions, Strait of Hormuz Fears
Brent crude futures rose 24 cents to $70.59 a barrel early Thursday, extending a more than 4% rally from the prior session. Traders cited risks of supply disruptions from escalating US-Iran tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.
Opinion Piece Claims US Founded on Sullivan Order Genocide
A Venezuelan news outlet argues the United States originated in systematic genocide under George Washington's 1779 Sullivan Order. The piece ties the Revolutionary War campaign to modern U.S. foreign policy.
Russia’s Urals Crude Discount Hits $28/Barrel, Deepest Since 2023
Russia's Urals crude oil traded at a record $28 per barrel discount to Brent last week, the widest gap since April 2023. The plunge stems from slumping exports to India and Baltic Sea ice disruptions.
Marcos to visit Naga City with Robredo on Feb. 21 for flood project
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will visit Naga City on Feb. 21 alongside Mayor Leni Robredo to inspect flood control efforts. The joint appearance by the former rivals draws attention amid talk of 2028 election alliances.
Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Sued by Ex-Girlfriend for Alleged Domestic Abuse
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice faces a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend accusing him of repeated physical assaults over 18 months. Dacoda Jones, mother of his two sons, filed the suit in Dallas County District Court on February 16, seeking more than $1 million in damages.
Laila Edwards, Cleveland Heights’ Black Pioneer, Stars in US Olympic Hockey Final
Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards, the first Black woman on the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team, has tallied seven points through six games as Team USA heads into Wednesday's gold medal final against Canada. The 20-year-old defenseman wears No. 10 and ranks second among Americans in ice time at 21 minutes, 37 seconds per game.
Opinion Piece Urges Global South to Rethink Internet Reliance for Cybersecurity
A Venezuelan commentary argues that true cybersecurity for nations in the Global South demands physical disconnection from the internet. The piece invokes a regional proverb to claim no online presence offers the ultimate protection against digital threats.
Chevron Leads Race for Quick Venezuelan Oil Gains Amid Vast Challenges
Foreign oil companies including Chevron are rushing into Venezuela to ramp up production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day within six months, executives say. But even basic projects face severe hurdles like polluted fields and crumbling infrastructure.
Xiaomi 17 Starts at €999 in Europe, Leaks Show
Leaked European prices put the Xiaomi 17 at €999 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The pricier Xiaomi 17 Ultra reaches €1,699 for 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.
Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun Still Dating Casually
Sydney Sweeney and music executive Scooter Braun continue their casual romance, an insider told Us Weekly. The 28-year-old actress enjoys the low-pressure relationship after her split from fiancé Jonathan Davino.
Ex-BCB Official Blames Naqvi for Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2026 Ouster
A former top official at Bangladesh's cricket board accused Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi of persuading Bangladesh to skip the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The claim surfaced as Bangladesh faced elimination from the tournament over repeated refusals to travel citing security concerns.