Politics

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, has died, and the article recalls his commitment to nonviolence and to building coalitions and direct-action campaigns that used love as a public force.

A UN fact-finding mission reported that actions in el-Fasher show hallmarks of genocide and named senior Rapid Support Forces leaders; investigators say they will continue inquiries, including into alleged foreign involvement.

Children with a legal right to special needs support will face a review when they move to secondary school under planned SEND reforms, and new-style EHCPs are to be introduced from 2030 reserving EHCPs for the most severe and complex needs.

A 90-page penal code issued by the Taliban is reported to permit husbands to physically punish wives unless injuries are severe, and it reportedly assigns different penalties based on social status.

U.S. officials say Washington has deployed its largest fleet of jet fighters to the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq war, and President Trump is reported to be weighing options for possible strikes on Iran.

From 25 February dual nationals will need to use a British passport or a certificate of entitlement to enter the UK as part of the Electronic Travel Authorisation rollout; the Home Office says information has been public since October 2024.

A U.N.-backed fact-finding mission reported that an October operation by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces in and around el-Fasher displayed "hallmarks of genocide," targeting non-Arab communities, and the team called for accountability.

A Texas judge will consider a formal declaration of innocence for four men who were wrongfully accused in the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders. Cold-case investigators say DNA and other evidence point to Robert Eugene Brashers, who died in 1999.

A federal judge will hear arguments on whether to extend a Minnesota order that blocks arrests and deportations of lawfully admitted refugees; the temporary restraining order expires Feb. 25.

Ministers say an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill will require platforms to take down non‑consensual intimate images within 48 hours of a report, with penalties for non‑compliance; the change is presented as part of a wider effort on online safety.

A Lancet Global Health study estimates more than 75,000 people were killed in Gaza in the first 16 months of the war, about 25,000 more than local authorities reported at the time.

A small group of Chagossians landed on a Chagos atoll and were served an eviction notice by British authorities; the US has formally signalled support for a Labour agreement to transfer the islands to Mauritius.

Norman C. Francis, longtime president of Xavier University and a civil rights leader who helped lead Louisiana's post-Katrina recovery, has died at age 94.

NYU Langone announced it will close its gender‑affirming care program for minors, citing the departure of its medical director and the current regulatory environment.

A former Hampshire officer says she reported an attack in January 2020 that was not progressed; the suspect, Bruno Sala, was later convicted and jailed in 2025, and the force says it is carrying out an internal review.

A two-month-old boy and his family were deported to Mexico after the infant was taken to a Texas hospital, with lawmakers and Homeland Security giving differing accounts of his condition and the circumstances of the removal.

At least 37 miners died in a suspected carbon-monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine near Wase in Plateau state; more than 20 others were rescued and taken to hospital and the site has been sealed as investigations begin.

The Prime Minister and Welsh First Minister made a joint appearance to back Transport for Wales's rail improvement pipeline, which lists 43 projects and has an estimated cost of up to £14 billion.

Politicians and experts in the UK are urging that suicides where domestic abuse is suspected be investigated as potential homicides, and they call for better police training and a more investigative approach. Reporting cited a large discrepancy between a media estimate of up to 1,500 such suicides a year and official figures that recorded 98 last year.

Japan's lower house formally reappointed Sanae Takaichi as prime minister on Wednesday, 10 days after her February 8 election victory; she is due to give a policy speech outlining defence, economic and legislative plans.

New rules for New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa, introduced in April 2025, have coincided with 573 applications representing 1,833 people, with nearly 40% from the United States and a doubling of applications from China since August 2025.

Almost 1.5 million households have received a £25 Cold Weather Payment since December, and over £35 million has been paid to vulnerable households across England and Wales this winter as part of wider cost of living support.

The UK government announced a package of rail schemes for Wales estimated at up to £14bn, including new stations and service extensions. Ministers said exact funding allocations will be set at future spending reviews.

An inquest heard that Kerri-Anne Donaldson had said she would take her own life if an allegation became known; she died in June 2023 and the inquest is ongoing.

Subramanyam Vedam, 64, whose 1980 murder conviction was overturned after 43 years, was denied bail and will remain in immigration custody while he appeals a 1999 deportation order.

Police said a person opened fire at a Senior Night hockey game in Pawtucket, killing two people; players fled on skates and the shooter died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

Authorities say a gunman opened fire at a Pawtucket high school hockey game, killing two people and injuring three before dying by suicide; the shooter's daughter spoke briefly to reporters. Undetermined at this time.

Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights leader and two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84, his family said. They described him as a "servant leader" to the oppressed, the voiceless and the overlooked.

Sri Lanka signed a letter of intent on 17 February 2026 to join the Global Charter for Children's Care Reform, with Minister Saroja Paulraj signing during a visit by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy; the UK also provided £1 million in humanitarian assistance for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Donald Trump said he would be "indirectly" involved in US–Iran talks due to start in Geneva, and Tehran's foreign ministry said the US position on the nuclear issue appeared "more realistic."