First Thing: Former prince Andrew arrested at Sandringham estate Police assessing if Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. Plus: how plastic production has doubled The Guardian - UK · Feb 19
Oil prices jump amid signs of U.S.-Iran conflict The market sees risks to both Iranian exports but also a conflict that could threaten other supplies. Axios · Feb 19
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 US leg of the tour. Euronews · Feb 19
Trump’s bid to name Penn Station after himself looks like a presidential shakedown The US president’s relentless self-aggrandizement spree continues amid hypocrisy and shifting explanations The Guardian - US · Feb 19
5 Things Retirees Should Be Paying Attention to in the Trump Economy Hold on to your budget lists, because the U.S. economy in 2026 presents a unique set of challenges for retirees and those nearing retirement. President Trump and the White House administration's... GOBankingRates · Feb 19
Laura Loomer laments she’s not one of the ’10s with perfect bodies,’ but brags to MTG that she’s Donald Trump’s ‘loyal woman’ The MAGAverse equivalent of Godzilla vs Kong is underway! We Got This Covered · Feb 19
US hockey star Haley Winn's three older brothers are her biggest fans online and at the rink U.S. hockey defender Haley Winn’s three older brothers are her biggest, loudest and most colorful fans The Independent UK · Feb 19
Zelensky tears into Putin over Ukraine-Russia peace talks: ‘I don’t need historical s**t’ It comes after further talks between Moscow and Kyiv in Geneva failed to make significant progress The Independent UK · Feb 19
GOP angst over voter turnout builds as losses pile up Strategists admit that Democratic voters appear far more motivated than Republicans assumed. Axios · Feb 19
Europe answers Trump's call on Ukraine "We are spending real money, whereas the U.S. is actually making money on this war," said Poland's foreign minister. Axios · Feb 19
Trump officials plan to build 5,000-person military base in Gaza, files show Exclusive: approximately 350-acre compound planned as base for multinational force, according to records reviewed by the Guardian The Guardian - US · Feb 19
Trump responds to Obama’s viral interview, saying he will ask Pentagon to release files on UFOs and extraterrestrials – as it happened This live blog is now closed. The Guardian - US · Feb 19
Government to pursue Chagos deal despite Trump’s renewed opposition The proposed legislation is due to be debated in the House of Lords. Evening Standard · Feb 19
Keir Starmer blocking US from attacking Iran from Diego Garcia, report says – as it happened Under existing agreements, the British government must issue clearance to the US before it can carry out military operations from UK bases The Guardian - UK · Feb 19
The Independent UK · Feb 19 Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Dr. Oz slammed over ‘leisurely’ midweek brunch photos: ‘Shouldn’t he be doing war stuff?’ One critic asked social media users to spare a thought for military personnel who are ‘preparing for a Trump-Hegseth war against Iran’
Euronews · Feb 19 US military ready for Iran strike from Saturday, reports claim US officials said the military will be ready to strike Iran within days as Donald Trump weighs action, even as Geneva nuclear talks expose wide gaps, according to reports by multiple US media outlets.
The Guardian - AU · Feb 19 What is Trump’s Board of Peace and who is involved? The Trump-run group is viewed as an alternative to the United Nations, but democratic allies such as the UK, Canada, France and Germany are notably uninvolved
The Times of India · Feb 19 'Her skin’s so beautiful': Trump’s unexpected praise for Nicki Minaj steals spotlight at Black History Month event in White House President Donald Trump made headlines at a White House Black History Month event with personal praise for rapper Nicki Minaj. His comments on her beauty and nails quickly spread online. This moment gained attention due to Minaj's visible political support for Trump. The incident fuels discussions on celebrity involvement in…
The Guardian - UK · Feb 19 For or against? Timeline of Trump’s meandering position on UK Chagos deal Washington has given its backing to the agreement only to withdraw it again – and then repeat the cycle
Euronews · Feb 19 Putin 'never wants' peace, Georgia's Zourabichvili tells Euronews In an interview with Euronews' flagship morning show Europe Today, Salomé Zourabichvili said that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has to be brought to peace by constraint".
The Independent UK · Feb 19 Trump-Iran latest: US president gives 10-day ultimatum to Tehran to agree to deal or ‘bad things happen’ President Trump has given Iran 10 to 15 days to reach a deal before the US takes action
The Independent UK · Feb 19 Tech firms must remove ‘revenge porn’ in 48 hours or risk being blocked Companies could face large fines or have their services blocked in the UK if they fail to comply
The Times of India · Feb 19 Fortified tunnels, repaired missile sites: Is Iran preparing for US strike? What satellite images show Satellite imagery from Iran shows that the Khamenei-regime is accelerating efforts to fortify key nuclear and missile sites, as the United States ramps up its military presence in the region and warns that time for diplomacy is running out.
Radio France Internationale · Feb 19 UN hits out at Trump's ‘Board of Peace’ ahead of inaugural meeting in Washington Members of the United Nations Security Council have sent out a clear message ahead of US President Donald Trump’s inaugural Board of Peace gathering – the fragile Gaza ceasefire must become permanent, and unilateral moves in the West Bank risk closing the door on a two-state solution.
Euronews · Feb 19 ‘Days Of Ash’: U2 surprise drop six ‘songs of defiance’ - one in response to ICE shootings U2 is the latest band to release new music in the wake of the deadly Minneapolis ICE shootings, following Bruce Springsteen’s tribute track to Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both shot and killed by ICE agents.