Trump moves closer to a major war with Iran There's little public debate about what could be the most consequential U.S. military action in a decade. Axios · Feb 18
Exclusive: Rubio's secret squeeze on Raul Castro's Cuba The talks show that the Trump administration sees 94-year-old revolutionary Raul Castro as the communist island's true decision-maker. Axios · Feb 18
Kaitlan Collins attacks Trump’s ‘smile’ comment: ‘I think a lot of women can identify with that moment’ CNN anchor points out it would have been inappropriate to look cheerful during the exchange because she was asking about justice for the survivors of sexual assault The Independent UK · Feb 18
Avalanches are becoming more frequent. Here’s how to survive one There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of survival The Independent UK · Feb 18
Former army chief seen as Zelenskyy's top rival reveals to AP a rift between them The former Ukrainian army general widely seen as the top political rival to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken publicly for the first time about a deep rift between the two men The Independent UK · Feb 18
Ukrainian and Russian envoys hold a second day of US-brokered talks in Geneva U.S.-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian envoys are continuing in Geneva, with both sides apparently still far apart on peace terms The Independent UK · Feb 18
Zelenskyy says no agreement on key issues in peace talks as he accuses Russia of ‘dragging out negotiations’ – as it happened Unresolved ‘sensitive’ issues in peace talks are fate of occupied territories in east Ukraine and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant The Guardian - UK · Feb 18
Somalia renews its US-backed fight against al-Shabab militant group. Here is why it matters Somalia’s government says U.S.-backed airstrikes and expanded ground operations have shifted momentum in its long-running war against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group The Independent UK · Feb 18
Keir Starmer reiterates backing for Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to bring together Palestinian and Israeli officials in a push for progress. The Independent UK · Feb 18
How bad are Trump’s aid cuts now Congress is fighting back? IN DEPTH: The US president has signed into law a new $50 billion health aid package after pushback from legislators. But will it make the difference it should in the long term? Rachel Hagan investigates The Independent UK · Feb 18
Trump administration 'woke Europe up' from slumber, US ambassador tells Euronews Ambassador Andrew Puzder told Euronews' Europe Today morning show that Trump and his team have helped stop Europe from “hitting the snooze button” and jolt the continent into action. Euronews · Feb 18
Newsletter: Time for Europe to 'stop hitting the snooze button' Also in this newsletter: the latest on the push for a 20th package of sanctions against Russia; tensions escalate amid anti-semitism row between US and Belgium; and how US sanctions are making life impossible for an ICC judge. Euronews · Feb 18
$1K Government Cash for Babies? Unlock Trump Accounts Before the Tax Deadline If you're ready to learn more and potentially open a Trump Account, read on for quick details about how they work and how to take part in the program. GOBankingRates · Feb 18
‘Populism’: we used to know what it meant. Now the defining word of our era has lost its meaning In the 2010s it described an insurgent rhetorical style; in the 2020s it is inadequate to account for the wildly diverging fates of the left and right, says Oliver Eagleton, managing editor of Phenomenal World The Guardian - UK · Feb 18
The Independent UK · Feb 18 Eight skiers found dead and one still missing after Lake Tahoe avalanche It is the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. since 1981
Radio France Internationale · Feb 18 Ireland watchdog opens probe into sexual AI imagery from Grok chatbot Ireland’s data protection watchdog has launched a probe into Elon Musk’s social media platform X over AI chatbot Grok’s generation of sexualised deepfake images, the latest step of an international backlash against the tool.
Roll Call · Feb 18 Kennedy’s push to find cause of autism divides Hill Republicans One year into his term, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s focus on autism is polarizing Capitol Hill Republicans.
Roll Call · Feb 18 EPA’s end to endangerment finding eases rules for carmakers The EPA's decision will have immediate impacts on vehicle tailpipe emissions limits and start-stop technology incentives.
The Guardian - AU · Feb 18 US and Japan unveil $36bn of oil, gas and critical minerals projects in challenge to China Donald Trump says deals ‘end our foolish dependence on foreign sources’, while Japanese PM hails enhanced economic security
Euronews · Feb 18 Investor optimism on European growth hits record high, survey finds European investor optimism about economic growth has hit a record high, Bank of America’s latest fund manager survey shows, buoyed by hopes of German fiscal stimulus and defence spending.
The Independent UK · Feb 18 Olives, opera and a climate-neutral goal: How a mural in Greece won ‘Best in the World’ Greece's southern city of Kalamata, long known for its olives and seaside charm, has found itself in the spotlight
AAP · Feb 18 Premier polishes pitch to lure Trump to Australia A premier is bidding to bring the United States president to Australia, claiming his state has something Donald Trump wants and needs.
The Guardian - AU · Feb 18 Afternoon Update: Hanson condemned for ‘reprehensible’ comments; Americans top NZ ‘golden visa’ surge; and ringing in lunar new year Race discrimination commissioner calls on Hanson to apologise while NSW premier accuses her of ‘racist intervention’
The Independent UK · Feb 18 Japan's exports surge 17% in January, on strong shipments to China and other Asian markets Japan has reported its exports surged nearly 17% in January from a year earlier, on strong shipments to China and other Asian markets
Euronews · Feb 18 Eleven killed in narcoboat strikes amid Trump’s Latin America drug war US strikes on three alleged drug boats kill 11, escalating Trump’s campaign against narcotraffickers in South American coastal waters.