Trump touts ‘golden age’ in State of the Union amid economic pessimism

President Donald Trump proclaimed a “golden age of America” in his State of the Union address, using a record-length speech to cast his stewardship as a run of uninterrupted victories even as polls show sagging approval and voter frustration over the cost of living ahead of November’s midterm elections. Heeding warnings from Republicans anxious about losing control of Congress, Trump centered the first hour on the economy, asserting he had slowed inflation, lifted the stock market to record highs, signed sweeping tax cuts…

Police wrap up search at Prince Andrew’s former residence

Police conclude search at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home after arrest linked to Epstein probe British police have concluded searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home in southeast England following his arrest last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, part of an ongoing investigation into his ties with the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police said officers had wrapped up activity in Berkshire that began after the arrest on Thursday. “Officers have now left the location…

Deadly Brazil downpours kill 25, dozens still unaccounted for

At least 25 people are dead and 43 remain missing after torrential rains triggered destructive floods and landslides in southeastern Brazil, where a river burst its banks and a wall of mud swept through neighborhoods overnight, authorities said Tuesday. The state of Minas Gerais bore the brunt of the disaster, with the municipality of Juiz de Fora reporting 18 deaths and 40 missing, and the nearby city of Ubá confirming seven deaths and three missing. Videos and images shared by the fire brigade showed streets turned into…

Uganda plans railway link to Tanzania to open new export route

Uganda eyes Tanzania rail link to open new mineral export corridor via Dar es Salaam Uganda plans to connect a new standard gauge railway to Tanzania’s line now under construction, potentially opening a second ocean outlet for its exports through the port of Dar es Salaam and offering a fresh route for gold, copper and iron ore, according to a government document seen by Reuters. The move adds a southern corridor to Uganda’s long-standing plan to tie its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kenya’s network that runs from the…

Pressure Mounts on Russia to Agree to a Ceasefire

As it happened: Russia urged to agree to ceasefire Calls mounted for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, with the focus on halting hostilities long enough to protect civilians and open safe channels for humanitarian relief. Appeals for a pause in fighting underscored the immediate need to reduce risk to populations caught near front lines and to create space for diplomacy. Across the day’s developments, the thrust of the message was consistent: a ceasefire—temporary or longer-term—would be a practical step to de-escalate, curb…

UN Secretary-General denounces Ukraine war as a stain on global conscience

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine with an urgent appeal for an “immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire,” calling the war “a stain on our collective conscience” and warning of escalating global risks if the fighting continues. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session convened to commemorate the anniversary, Guterres said “the cascading consequences of this blatant violation of international law” have rippled far beyond…

Kenyans Lured into Russia-Ukraine War, Faced ‘Fight or Die’ Ultimatum

Dancan Chege left Kimende, a small town in Kenya’s Kiambu County, expecting to drive trucks in Russia. Within days, he says, he was wearing a Russian uniform in occupied Ukraine, his civilian clothes burned, and a trainer warning him and other recruits: “This is the Russian military, and once you are in, you either fight or die.” Chege’s account mirrors a growing pattern across Kenya and parts of Africa: fraudulent recruitment funneling young men into the Russia-Ukraine war. Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS)…

U.S. TV host announces $1 million reward for leads in mother’s kidnapping

Savannah Guthrie said her family is offering up to $1 million for information leading to the recovery of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was kidnapped 24 days ago from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The US TV anchor acknowledged in an emotional Instagram post that her 84-year-old mother may be dead, a stark admission that underscores the urgency and anguish surrounding a case that has gripped the country and baffled investigators since Feb. 1. “We need her to come home,” Guthrie said, fighting back tears. “For that reason, we…

North Western State of Somalia Says It Thwarted Network Opposing Recognition of Israel

North Western State of Somalia says it dismantled foreign-funded network aimed at undermining Israel recognition Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia authorities said Tuesday they have dismantled a network allegedly financed by the Somali federal government and unnamed foreign actors to weaken public support for Israel’s recognition of the self-declared republic. At a news conference in Hargeisa, Minister of Interior and Security Abdalle Mohamed Arab Sandheere accused domestic operatives…

Louvre president tenders resignation to Macron, says Élysée Palace

PARIS — The head of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, has resigned after months of mounting crises at the world’s largest museum, including a high-profile robbery of French crown jewels, the French presidency announced. President Emmanuel Macron accepted Des Cars’ resignation, with the Elysee hailing it as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs appeasement and a new strong impetus to carry out major security projects.” Macron appointed Des Cars to lead the Louvre in 2021. Des Cars had come…