Jeffrey Epstein estate to pay victims up to $35 million

Epstein estate agrees to pay up to $35 million to settle remaining victim claims The estate of convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has agreed to pay up to $35 million (€29.7 million) to resolve outstanding legal claims from potentially dozens of victims, according to a proposed court judgment filed in New York. The agreement would create a class encompassing people who said they were sexually assaulted, abused or trafficked by Epstein between Jan. 1, 1995, and Aug. 10, 2019, the date of his death in a New York jail,…

Somalia and Saudi Arabia Finalize Comprehensive Maritime Transport Agreement

Somalia and Saudi Arabia on Friday signed a comprehensive maritime transport cooperation agreement in Riyadh, laying out a long-term plan to modernize Somalia’s ports, strengthen shipping services and deepen logistics ties along one of the world’s most strategic sea lanes. The accord was signed by Somalia’s minister of ports and marine transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Saudi Arabia’s minister of transport and logistics services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. Officials from both governments described the deal as a…

Eric Dane, Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star, dies at 53 after ALS battle

Eric Dane, the U.S. actor who rose to fame on Grey’s Anatomy and later earned a new generation of fans on Euphoria, has died at 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his representatives said in a statement shared with The Associated Press. Dane spent his final days surrounded by friends and family, including his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia, his representatives said. No additional details were immediately released. Dane became a household name as Dr. Mark…

Somali National Army Chief, AUSSOM Leaders Meet to Speed Security Transition, Joint Operations

Friday February 20, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s new army chief met senior African Union leadership in Mogadishu to tighten battlefield coordination and accelerate the country’s Security Transition Plan as Somali forces prepare a renewed push against al-Shabab following Ramadan. Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), hosted a closed-door session at army headquarters with Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the Special Representative of the African Union and head of the…

Mugabe’s Son Arrested in Zimbabwe Over Alleged Shooting

South African police have arrested Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, the youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former president Robert Mugabe, on an attempted murder charge after a shooting at a property in an upmarket Johannesburg suburb, authorities said Wednesday. Police said a 23-year-old man believed to be a gardener was critically injured in the incident and remains hospitalized. Officers searching the house recovered bullet cartridges but did not find a firearm at the scene, the statement said. Another man was taken into custody as…

California avalanche rescue operations to continue through the weekend

California avalanche search to continue into weekend as storms halt recovery on Castle Peak Authorities in Northern California said Friday the search for a ninth person believed killed in a massive Sierra Nevada avalanche will extend into the weekend, as relentless storms and unstable snow continue to thwart efforts to recover victims on Castle Peak near Lake Tahoe. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said eight victims of the backcountry avalanche have been located but cannot be safely moved. “Due to hazardous weather…

Search operations continue after Andrew’s release from police custody

LONDON — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation Thursday after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, as detectives said they will continue searches at his former home in Berkshire. The development follows the release of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and marks the first time in modern history that a senior royal has been arrested. Andrew was held in custody for around 11 hours before Thames Valley Police released him under investigation. The force said…

Sudan’s El-Fasher Sees RSF Unrest with Distinctive Traits

UN Report Highlights Genocide Indicators in Sudan’s el-Fasher The United Nations has identified significant indicators of genocide following the RSF’s takeover of el-Fasher. Investigations reveal widespread atrocities, urging global responses. The UN's independent mission described the RSF's operation as deliberate and coordinated. Tens of thousands have died in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, with millions displaced. UN urges accountability for war crimes and pressure for humanitarian access. Violence and Human…

Trump sets 15-day deadline for Iran to reach agreement

Trump sets 10–15 day deadline for Iran deal, warns U.S. may “take it a step further” President Donald Trump said Iran has at most 15 days to reach an agreement addressing concerns starting with its nuclear program, suggesting the United States would attack if it does not. “We’re either going to get a deal or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. Pressed on timing, Trump added: “I would think that would be enough time — ten, 15 days, pretty much maximum.” Earlier at an event in Washington,…

Trump convenes first Board of Peace meeting on the Gaza conflict

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his newly formed “Board of Peace” on Thursday in Washington, bringing together international figures to discuss the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the shape of a possible stabilization mission. The session focused on shoring up the truce and coordinating a reconstruction drive for Gaza. Trump said participating members collectively pledged $7 billion for rebuilding and that the United States would contribute an additional $10 billion, calling the…