Rob Jetten Becomes Youngest, First Openly Gay Prime Minister of Netherlands

Rob Jetten has made history as the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands, following the swearing-in of his new minority government. The 38-year-old clinched victory in October’s elections, leading his Democrats 66 party (D66) to a narrow win over anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders. Jetten has now formed a centre-right minority coalition with the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA). As a minority government, every major reform—from boosting defence spending by €19bn (£16.6bn) to implementing cuts in healthcare and social benefits—will require negotiations and approval on a case-by-case basis in the Netherlands’ two parliamentary chambers. The coalition has also pledged stricter asylum policies, including requiring refugees to apply for asylum outside Europe rather than after arriving, a topic that has triggered the collapse of the country’s last two governments. Jetten succeeds Dick Schoof, who led one of the shortest-lived administrations in Dutch history. Under the new cabinet, D66 will supply seven ministers, VVD six, and CDA five, with three state secretaries from each party. King Willem-Alexander formally swore in Jetten at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague on Monday. Ahead of the ceremony, Jetten shared a selfie on X, writing: “Proud to be doing this together. In a new phase, with great responsibility and, above all, a shared promise to work for everyone in the Netherlands. By not dwelling on what’s wrong, but by building on what can be improved. That requires courage and collaboration.”

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Mexico’s Most Wanted Cartel Leader El Mencho Killed In Security Operation, Violence Erupts Across States

Mexican authorities have confirmed that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” has been killed in a major security operation, marking what officials describe as a significant development in the country’s fight against organised crime. Oseguera, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was reportedly killed on Sunday during a raid in Tapalpa, a town in Jalisco state. Authorities have yet to disclose full details of how the operation was carried out. According to the New York Times, El Mencho had built a reputation as one of Mexico’s most dangerous and powerful drug traffickers. Over the past decade, the CJNG expanded rapidly under his leadership, developing a sprawling criminal enterprise involved in drug production, international trafficking, extortion and violent control of territory. The cartel became known for bold, coordinated attacks against security forces and for unleashing waves of violence across several Mexican states. Shortly after news of his death broke, unrest flared in at least five states. Residents reported that vehicles were set on fire and used to barricade highways — a tactic frequently employed by cartels to disrupt movement and signal retaliation. In Jalisco, officials suspended public transport services in certain areas and urged residents to remain indoors. Some disturbances were reported in Guadalajara, the state capital and one of Mexico’s largest cities. Security analysts warn that the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes could lead to further instability. Although his death represents a symbolic victory for the government, experts say it may spark violent power struggles within the CJNG, while rival criminal groups attempt to seize territory. Past high-profile takedowns of cartel leaders have often resulted in fragmentation and increased bloodshed rather than immediate peace. The development also carries international implications. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pressed Mexico to intensify its campaign against drug cartels, at times threatening unilateral military action if stronger measures were not taken. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected any suggestion of U.S. military intervention, describing such proposals as violations of Mexico’s sovereignty. Nevertheless, her administration has strengthened intelligence-sharing and security cooperation with Washington amid tensions over fentanyl trafficking and border security. The CJNG has been identified as a major supplier of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, to the United States, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis. The U.S. government had previously offered a $15 million reward for Oseguera’s capture. As officials prepare to release more information about the operation, concerns remain that the aftermath of his death could trigger renewed violence in parts of the country.

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Florida Lawmakers Approve Renaming Palm Beach Airport To Honor Donald Trump

Florida lawmakers have approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport in honor of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Passed on Thursday, the measure designates the airport as the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ expected signature to become law. Located in the coastal town of Palm Beach, just minutes from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, the airport would also need approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before the new name is officially adopted. If finalized, the airport would join a growing list of institutions bearing Trump’s name. In December, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts board voted to rename the venue the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” while the State Department added Trump’s name to the United States Institute of Peace. Trump has reportedly sought to rename New York’s Penn Station and Washington Dulles International Airport after himself, though both proposals were rejected. Separately, the Treasury Department confirmed that draft designs have been prepared for a commemorative $1 coin featuring Trump’s image, despite laws prohibiting the depiction of a living or sitting president on U.S. currency. On Thursday, a large blue banner featuring Trump’s portrait was also displayed across the Justice Department headquarters, an agency traditionally considered independent from political influence.

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King Charles III Urges Law To Take Its Course Following Prince Andrew’s Arrest

Britain’s King Charles III has said that “the law must take its course” following the arrest of his brother, Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. In a statement from Buckingham Palace, the monarch said, “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.” He added, “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.” Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew’s arrest on Thursday, along with searches at two addresses linked to him in Berkshire and Norfolk. “We have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time,” the police said, without naming the individual in line with U.K. guidance. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.” Norfolk Police confirmed it is assisting with the inquiry. The arrest followed reports of unmarked police cars and plain-clothed officers at Andrew’s Norfolk residence, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, early Thursday—coinciding with his 66th birthday. The allegations being investigated reportedly relate to Andrew’s time as the U.K.’s trade envoy, with claims he shared confidential government reports with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These reports are said to have included details of trips to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in 2010 and 2011. The allegations trace back to documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in its final disclosure of Epstein-related files. One email, addressed to “The Duke” and forwarded to Epstein, included reports on Southeast Asian visits, while another outlined a potential investment opportunity in Afghanistan. The investigation also follows scrutiny of a photograph showing Andrew leaning over a woman, whose identity and context remain unclear, and claims that Epstein sent a woman to Andrew at the Royal Lodge in Windsor in 2010. Thames Valley Police said all information is being assessed according to established procedures. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The renewed investigation has reignited questions about his connection to Epstein, who was first convicted in 2008 on charges related to prostitution, including involving a minor, and died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

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Prince Andrew Arrested Over Alleged Misconduct In Public Office

Prince Andrew has been arrested and is currently in custody over allegations of misconduct in public office. Police officers are conducting searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk, including the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, where he had been residing until recently. Vehicles believed to be police cars were also seen entering the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk earlier today. King Charles III reacted to the development, saying he “learned with the deepest concern” of Andrew’s arrest and stressing that “the law must take its course”. The arrest follows a statement from Thames Valley Police confirming they were reviewing a complaint concerning the alleged disclosure of confidential material by the former royal to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, who marks his 66th birthday today, has consistently denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein.

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Civil Rights Icon Reverend Jesse Jackson Dies Peacefully

Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and two-time U.S. presidential candidate, has died, his family announced Tuesday. In a statement, Jackson’s family described him as “a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.” They added, “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.” Jackson passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side. His official cause of death has not been released. He had battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) for over a decade, a condition that affects walking and swallowing and can lead to serious complications. He was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and participating in marches and demonstrations. Over his lifetime, he championed the rights of African Americans and the economically disadvantaged, leaving a legacy of activism, justice, and equality.

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Sega Hardware Pioneer Hideki Sato Dies At 77, Leaving Lasting Legacy In Gaming

Hideki Sato, the legendary video game hardware designer known as the “father of Sega hardware,” has passed away at the age of 77. His death was confirmed on February 13, 2026, by Japanese gaming outlet Beep21, which paid tribute to his profound influence on the gaming world. Sato joined Sega in 1971 and played a key role in developing the company’s most iconic systems, including the SG-1000, Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, Saturn, and Dreamcast. His innovations helped establish Sega as a major force in both the home console and arcade markets throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He eventually rose to leadership positions, serving as director of Sega’s Research & Development department and later as company president from 2001 to 2003. Sato was celebrated for bringing arcade-level technology to home gaming, creating experiences that left a lasting mark on generations of players. Beep21 described him as “a truly great figure who shaped Japanese gaming history and captivated Sega fans all around the world,” adding that “the excitement and pioneering spirit of that era will remain forever in the hearts and memories of countless fans.” The gaming industry and fans worldwide are mourning Sato’s passing, remembering the consoles and experiences he created that defined childhoods and helped shape modern gaming culture.

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Taliban’s New Law Allows Husbands To Punish Wives, Sparks Worldwide Outcry

The Taliban’s new penal code in Afghanistan has sparked global outrage for putting women and children at risk. Reports say the 90-page law allows husbands to physically punish their wives and children, as long as it does not cause serious visible injuries. Cases that lead to severe harm, like broken bones, carry a maximum prison sentence of only 15 days. Legal action can reportedly proceed only if the wife can prove abuse in court. The law also reportedly allows authorities to jail married women for up to three months if they visit relatives without their husband’s permission. Human rights groups say the law treats women as property and removes protections that existed under the 2009 Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law. Exiled Afghan rights group Rawadari, which claims to have obtained the document, warned that the law could make abuse legal and leave women and children more vulnerable. The group called on the United Nations and the international community to act quickly to stop the law from being enforced.

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