Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley killed two and injured ten, targeting Hezbollah sites linked to weapon production and smuggling. The attack followed Hezbollah’s drone breach of the ceasefire. Israel, citing Lebanon’s failure to meet ceasefire terms, has delayed its withdrawal deadline to February 18. The truce requires Hezbollah to pull back north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure in the south.
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At the 78th British Academy Film Awards, 'Conclave' won best picture and three other awards, while 'The Brutalist' also secured four trophies. Zoe Saldaña won best supporting actress for 'Emilia Pérez,' which also received the best film not in the English language award. Mikey Madison took home the best actress prize for 'Anora.'
Attorney General Pam Bondi warned Rep. Jasmine Crockett against her "non-violent call" to take down Elon Musk, potentially affecting Tesla. ​Pam Bondi said Crockett should need to tread very carefully as she is an elected public official. “She is an elected public official, so she needs to tread very carefully because nothing will happen to Elon Musk," Pam Bondi said.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Friday told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington needs to approach the issue of Taiwan "prudently", the ministry in Beijing said, as the pair held their first talks since Donald Trump took office. The Chinese minister said the pair should follow the lead of China's Xi Jinping and Trump in setting the tone for relations at a "new important juncture," the ministry said.
China has signed an agreement with Pakistan to send a Pakistani astronaut to its space station, Tiangong, making it the first time a foreign national will be on board. The collaboration includes selecting and training the astronaut, highlighting growing aerospace ties between the two nations.
Government shutdown looms as House Speaker Johnson unveils a revised continuing resolution, facing opposition from both Democrats and conservatives influenced by Elon Musk. The new proposal extends funding for three months and suspends the debt limit for two years, drawing criticism for increasing debt without spending cuts.
House Republicans narrowly approved a budget resolution, advancing Trump's economic plan with $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in cuts. The proposal, which faces Senate review, has stirred concerns over social program cuts and the national debt among lawmakers.
Alice Weidel, a gay woman with a Sri Lankan partner, leads Germany's far-right AfD, which opposes same-sex marriage and champions traditional values. Her leadership has bolstered the AfD's support. Despite criticism for her anti-immigration stance and controversial views, she remains influential in German politics, urging stricter immigration laws and a referendum on EU membership.
If the first leak was a lapse, the second looks like a pattern. And patterns — especially those that risk lives — are rarely tolerated long in Washington, even in a Trump-led administration where loyalty often trumps protocol.
Republican commentator Charlie Kirk said had it not been for RFK Jr, the Kennedy legacy would be completely dead. "The Kennedys were a great American family who faced a choice – they could continue their legacy as statesmen, or they could devolve into useless trust fund babies good for nothing but tabloid fodder. Most chose the latter."
Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States, becoming the first Hindu to hold the position. Her appointment has garnered praise from the Hindu-American community, who celebrate her deep-rooted Hindu beliefs and journey. Gabbard’s spiritual upbringing and connections with various Hindu institutions are key facets of her identity.