Month: February 2026

THREE people were detained after a Swat team descended on a home near the Tucson home of missing Nancy Guthrie, reports say.

The Friday night operation unfolded about two miles from Guthrie’s property as members of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant, reportedly acting on a tip.

Two men – along with one of their mothers – were taken into custody, a local police told Fox News Digital.

It’s unclear whether any of those detained are considered suspects.

Late Friday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department posted on X that a statement would be “forthcoming,” but did not specify what the announcement would address.

The SWAT operation came just hours after investigators recovered DNA evidence from someone not known to be “close” to Guthrie at her property.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed the unidentified DNA – discovered on the missing 84-year-old’s Tucson property – is now central to the probe.

He declined to say where inside the home it was found.

This is breaking news. More to follow… please refresh for more updates and follow the-sun.com for the biggest stories of the day…

Available for over a year

In the 1970s and 80s the sport of darts was booming in the UK. It was on TV almost every week and the sport’s stars were household names.

But by 1989 the sport was in decline, and the world championship was the only event that was still televised.

The sport’s top players blamed the British Darts Organisation for failing to keep the game on TV and broke away to form their own competitions in 1993.

This rival tour became the Players Darts Council in 1997, which is now responsible for the sport’s biggest tournaments.

John Lowe MBE is a three-time world darts champion and was one of the rebel players. He’s been speaking to Tim O’Callaghan.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: John Lowe at the 1993 Darts World Championship. Credit:Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images)

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Stylish lakeside huts in Somerset

Six vintage-style “luxury huts” spaced out around a lake make up The Shepherds Hut Retreat in south Somerset. They have modern kitchens and bathrooms, private areas with hot tubs, and fancy features such as telescopes, gin bars, pizza ovens, fire pits and hammocks. There is also a woodland sauna on site. The newest hut, 1898, is the grandest, and is inspired by the Pig hotels. It is a mile’s walk to the Lord Poulett Arms, a thatched 17th-century pub in the village of Hinton St George, and half an hour’s drive to the beaches of the Jurassic Coast in east Devon and Dorset.
From £169, coolstays.com

A Jacobean manor in Kent

Boys Hall, a gorgeous Jacobean manor house near Ashford, is now a restaurant with rooms. The pub area has comfy chairs and a wood burner; lounges with inglenook fireplaces, sofas and books; there’s more than a hectare (2½ acres) of grounds, including a rose garden. The restaurant is a light, oak-framed space serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a weekly changing set menu of Kentish produce (three courses for £30; perhaps venison terrine, braised beef cheek stew and winter berry trifle). The nine rooms feature original stone mullion windows, oak panels and beams, plus rolltop baths and four-poster beds.
From £220 B&B, boys-hall.com

A fairytale farm cottage in the Malvern Hills

Wishbone is a 16th-century, fairytale cottage hidden away on an ancient fruit farm. The stone and timber barn is half-covered by foliage on the outside, but the inside has been beautifully restored and converted. There is a vaulted ceiling above the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas, a bedroom with a king-size bed and an en suite shower room. Original wattle and daub panels, brick floors and beams add to the charm, and barn doors open on to the patio. Beyond the orchard in front of the cottage are fields with oak trees and a lake.
From £850 for two nights, uniquehomestays.com

A thatched pub in Bedfordshire

Thousands of Uber, Bolt and Addison Lee drivers will log off on Valentine’s Day, urging customers to boycott ride-hailing apps as unions accuse firms and TfL of failing to address falling pay, safety risks and unfair working conditions.

Private hire drivers across the UK are urging customers to boycott major ride-hailing apps on Valentine’s Day as part of a protest over pay, working conditions and what they describe as regulatory failures.

Members of the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) Private Hire Drivers branch are asking consumers not to use Uber, Bolt or Addison Lee on Saturday 14 February, while drivers log off the platforms and join a motorcade in central London from 5pm to demand legislative reform.

Nader Awaad, chairman of the IWGB Private Hire Drivers branch, described drivers’ experiences as “systemic exploitation” caused by fare structures, rising operating costs and what he calls insufficient oversight from Transport for London (TfL).

Awaad, 59, from Walthamstow, began driving in 2019 after being made redundant from a senior management role. He told The Mirror: “The UK’s private hire industry is a wild west. With no protection from unfair dismissal, drivers see their livelihoods disappear in the blink of an eye.

“With no real safety measures, we are left unprotected from passenger violence, frequently resulting in serious injuries or, in the tragic case of our member Gabriel Bringye, death. And that’s before we even start talking about pay,” he said.

Gabriel Bringye, 37, was a much loved private hire driver from Tottemham, north London. In February 2021, he was fatally stabbed during a robbery by a group of teenagers who had booked his cab by chance. He died from blood loss despite attempting to defend himself.

The attack left a deep mark on the driving community, and following the trial, Bringye’s family established Gabriel’s Campaign for Driver Safety, calling for stronger protections for private hire drivers and measures to prevent future tragedies.

According to the IWGB, drivers can work 12 to 18-hour days just to break even, covering fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, traffic fines and platform commission. Awaad highlighted a case where a Heathrow-to-central London ride cost £111 for the passenger, but the driver was paid only £29. “After expenses, many drivers are earning less than the minimum wage,” he told us.

He also criticised “upfront” or “dynamic pricing,” which sets fares for passengers and pays drivers via algorithms. Research from Oxford University found that Uber driver pay has declined since the model’s introduction. Under this system, drivers have no say over fares and can bear the cost of delays or route changes.

The protest follows the Supreme Court ruling that Uber drivers are workers, entitled to minimum wage and holiday pay. Awaad argues operators responded by adjusting pay structures in ways that reduced earnings. Uber has said it complies with the ruling and provides worker protections, including holiday pay, pensions and minimum earnings guarantees.

Beyond pay, safety remains a concern. Drivers report risks of assault and abuse, along with sudden account deactivation by operators. Awaad insists TfL, as the licensing authority, should oversee any suspension decisions. The union also wants stricter passenger identity checks after incidents involving stolen or fraudulent accounts.

Awaad’s attempts to raise these concerns directly with TfL Commissioner Andy Lord, including offering detailed evidence, were reportedly declined.

When The Mirror reached out to TfL, a spokesperson said: “We take our responsibilities as the licensing authority seriously to ensure that everyone can travel safely and reliably. Operators must meet high standards in order to be licensed in London and we continually keep licensing requirements under review to ensure safe services for Londoners.”

The IWGB is lobbying Parliament for legislative changes addressing pay transparency, commission levels, safety protections, and due process in account suspensions.

Alex Marshall, IWGB president, urged public support: “If drivers and riders unite, we can push TfL and the government to implement protections similar to New York, France, Mexico and Barcelona. Drivers deserve fair pay, capped hours, holidays and safety measures. The time for change is now.”

Responding to concerns around pay and transparency, an Uber spokesperson said: “We regularly engage with drivers, especially through our industry-leading agreement with GMB Union, who are not taking part in this action. More and more people choose to earn with Uber because we offer flexibility over where and when they work, as well as offering the best benefits in the sector.

“Drivers have transparency over every trip they take – including the destination and their earnings – before they decide whether to accept it. All drivers receive a weekly summary of their earnings, which includes a clear breakdown of what Uber and the driver received from trips,” the statement concluded.

Similarly, a Bolt spokesperson said the company operates a different model outside London. “Through Bolt Flex, the first model of its kind in the UK, drivers outside London can set their own fares, negotiate directly with passengers, and operate on a transparent, flat commission with no hidden fees. Drivers are already earning up to 7% more per trip on average, while receiving 24% more orders per hour.”

In response to safety concerns, Bolt added: “The safety of drivers is our top priority. We have committed €100 million globally to strengthen safety across our platform, contributing to a 14% reduction in safety-related incidents year over year.

“Drivers are provided with passenger ratings and ride history before pickup, can share live trip details with trusted contacts, and have access to 24/7 in-app and phone support. Our Emergency Assist button connects directly to emergency services and alerts Bolt’s 24/7 safety team, and our trip monitoring technology flags unexpected or prolonged stops. We also offer one of the sector’s most affordable CCTV schemes for drivers.

“Drivers on the Bolt platform operate as independent partners, and access is conditional on compliance with our safety and community standards. Accounts are only ever deactivated following a full investigation, with a clear review process. We will continue working with drivers to raise standards across the sector.”

The Mirror contacted Addison Lee for comment.

A MAJOR UK train station has closed for nine days as planned upgrades get underway.

Rail passengers can expect disruptions as the bustling travel hub undergoes a “once-in-a-lifetime overhaul”.

Network Rail is investing £8 million in an upgrade to Manchester Piccadilly train station in an effort to reduce future service disruptions.

Track and signalling upgrades are scheduled to take place from Saturday, 14 February to 22 February.

The southern approach to station, which was built in the 1980s, will see significant upgrades to a stretch of track.

Network Rail previously explained that issues with its outdated infrastructure can disrupt all trains running in and out of Manchester.

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This amounts to around 400,000 trains into the station every year.

Manchester Piccadilly has advised passengers that no trains from the south and east of the city will run into the station over the half-term break.

Some trains from across the north will also be impacted as well as direct connections to Manchester Airport station, which were impacted by a signal failure earlier this week.

Services normally running to and from Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at other stations, including Stockport, over the next nine days.

Platforms 1-12 will be closed but the concourse will remain open to the public, while there will be a limited service westbound from platforms 13 and 14.

Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail’s North West & Central deputy regional managing director, said: “Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway. 

“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we are working closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council on alternative travel plans to keep people on the move.”

Feb. 13 (Asia Today) — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s approval rating rose 5 percentage points from the previous week to 63%, marking his highest level this year, according to a poll released Thursday by Gallup Korea.

The survey of 1,003 adults nationwide, conducted Monday through Wednesday, found that 63% of respondents said Lee was “doing well” in handling state affairs.

Those who said he was “doing poorly” fell 3 percentage points to 26%, while 11% said they had no opinion.

Among reasons for positive evaluations, “economy and people’s livelihoods” ranked highest at 16%, followed by “real estate policy” at 11% and “foreign affairs” at 10%.

For negative evaluations, “real estate policy” and “economy and people’s livelihoods” were each cited by 15% of respondents. “Foreign affairs” accounted for 9%, while 7% cited concerns about “authoritarian leadership.”

Regionally, approval was highest in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province at 81%, followed by Daejeon, Sejong and South Chungcheong Province at 69%. Support stood at 63% in Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province, 62% in Incheon and Gyeonggi Province and 58% in Seoul. Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province recorded the lowest approval at 49%.

By age group, support was strongest among respondents in their 40s at 75%, followed by those in their 50s at 70%, 30s at 66% and 60s at 65%. Approval among those 70 and older was 57%, while respondents ages 18 to 29 showed the lowest support at 39%.

Support for the Democratic Party rose 3 percentage points from the previous week to 44%, while backing for the People Power Party fell 3 percentage points to 22%.

The poll was conducted via telephone interviews using randomly selected mobile virtual numbers. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The contact rate was 40.4% and the response rate was 13.3%.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260213010005002

This Valentine’s Day, chocolate prices are no longer at last year’s peak, but cheap chocolate has not made a comeback, and it probably never will. Last year’s cocoa price crisis, driven by a combination of extreme heat, drought and disease in key producing regions, may have eased. But the aftertaste remains: A market that no longer behaves the way it used to, because the landscapes that grow cocoa are no longer the same. And the world’s unwitting appetite for cheap chocolate at the expense of biodiversity is part of the reason.

Cocoa is one of the most rainfall-dependent crops in the tropics, grown mainly by smallholders with few safety nets. Because cocoa production is concentrated in a handful of regions, a bad season in one place can quickly ripple across global supply. That fragility was laid bare in 2024, when the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which produce nearly 60 percent of the world’s cocoa, were hit by climate extremes that slashed harvests. Prices surged by more than 300 percent, squeezing some farmers, enriching others, and leaving consumers paying for the uncertainty.

The problem is not simply that cocoa is vulnerable. It is that we have built a cocoa economy that magnifies the vulnerability. For decades, the world has chased low prices and high output, and too often that has meant converting forest landscapes into farmland, from West Africa to parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia.

But forests are not optional. They regulate rainfall, protect soils, and create the microclimates on which cocoa depends. Full-sun cocoa farms can produce higher yields in the short term, but the sugar rush is followed by a costly crash: Depleted soils, limited protection from heat and drought that is on the increase, and little for farmers to fall back on when the monocrops fail. Yields fall, farms expand deeper into forests to compensate, and the cycle repeats.

This is why cocoa’s price volatility is not a temporary blip. It is a warning sign: We are weakening the natural systems cocoa depends on at the same moment that climate change is making harvests less reliable.

Research by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows how extreme heat undermines agriculture, reducing both the quantity and quality of crop yields and increasing pest and disease pressure. A recent study modelling cocoa under mid-century climate change finds that warming could wipe out as much as a third to half of today’s suitable cocoa area in some core producing zones, while shifting production towards new regions. Without safeguards, that transition risks trading climate stress in one place for forest loss in another. The details will vary across regions, but the implication is global: As climate change alters weather patterns, the geography of cocoa production will shift, and a stable supply will become harder to take for granted.

Unless we build resilience now, future Valentine’s Days may come with less chocolate and higher prices.

But we can eat our chocolate and keep forests too, by changing how cocoa is grown. It starts with bringing trees back to cocoa farms, reversing the damaging practices that are ultimately undermining production. Change can be made through climate-resilient agroforestry practices that rebuild shade cover, improve soil health and moisture retention, and reduce cocoa’s exposure to heat and drought. Cocoa grown under shade trees can stabilise farm conditions and support biodiversity, while producing higher-quality beans that meet premium market standards, giving farmers stronger incentives to maintain tree cover rather than clear more land.

Sceptics argue that growing cocoa with trees means accepting lower yields. But when it comes to unsustainable practices, high productivity today comes with a high cost tomorrow. A farm that exhausts its soil, loses shade, is exposed to drought, and needs ever more chemical inputs to maintain production is not a success story. It is a trap.

In a changing climate, the point is not how much cocoa a farm can produce in a year, but how reliably it can produce year after year. That requires resilience built into the landscape, now more than ever: More tree cover, healthier soils, and diversified farm systems that protect livelihoods when climate extremes hit.

This is not theoretical. It is already happening.

In Ecuador’s Amazon province of Napo, a project financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported with technical assistance from the FAO has helped strengthen a sustainable cocoa value chain built around the traditional Chakra agroforestry system used by Kichwa communities. Put simply, it is cocoa grown as part of a forest garden: Kichwa women known as Chakramamas help steward these farms, cultivating cocoa under shade trees alongside a diverse mix of other crops and native plants, rather than clearing land for a single crop. Recognised by FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, the model is still expanding more than a decade on, helping Indigenous producer families earn more from premium cocoa through stronger processing, marketing, and partnerships with high-value buyers. High-end chocolatiers continue to source from Chakra producers, showing that cocoa grown alongside trees can deliver world-class quality while keeping forests standing for biodiversity, climate and land benefits.

There are more examples. In the Ivory Coast, FAO-backed efforts supported by the Green Climate Fund are already delivering results, restoring 1,084 hectares (2,679 acres) of degraded land and converting 3,527 hectares (8,715 acres) of conventional cocoa into improved agroforestry systems while reducing pressure on forests. Meanwhile, 234 farmers now have access to cocoa cooperatives, ensuring access to international fair-trade and organic certifications and a better price for their products. In Sao Tome and Principe, FAO has supported cocoa agroforestry through the GEF-funded Restoration Initiative, helping restore nearly 10,000 hectares (about 25,000 acres) of forest and improve land management across a further 23,000 hectares (about 57,000 acres). These are not boutique experiments. They are working models for stabilising supply, supporting farmer incomes, and reducing the forest loss that fuels cocoa’s growing volatility.

But projects alone will not be enough. Scaling them will take serious investment: From governments, companies, and consumers. It will also require rules that shift incentives across the entire cocoa economy, such as a new European Union law that requires cocoa and chocolate entering the EU market to be deforestation-free. By tying market access to how cocoa is grown, these rules are pushing governments, producers, and companies to rethink production models, improve traceability, and strengthen zero-deforestation cocoa systems.

Governments will also need to invest in farmer adaptation and long-term productivity, not just short-term output. That means accessible finance, practical support on farms, and policies that reward sustainable production instead of expansion into forests.

And chocolate companies need to promote resilience across their supply chains, not just chase volume. In a world of climate disruption, the cheapest cocoa is not necessarily the best bargain if it comes at the expense of farmers’ livelihoods or the ecosystems that keep cocoa viable in the years to come.

Paying farmers for chocolate that keeps forests standing is not a luxury. It is part of what makes cocoa more available and keeps farmers in business in a warming world. Chocolate is sold as a simple pleasure, but cocoa is no longer a simple crop: Its future depends on whether we treat forests and biodiversity as essential infrastructure for stable and resilient agrifood systems.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

The Night Agent season 3 trailer has left fans feeling disappointed.

The Night Agent fans have expressed their concern after the season three trailer featured a glaring absence.

Netflix’s popular spy thriller series The Night Agent is set to return on February 19 with its third season, once again starring Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland. This time around, Peter faces one of his most perilous missions yet as he works to uncover the truth behind a string of terrorist attacks.

The third instalment sees the return of several main cast members, including Fola Evans-Akingbola as Secret Service agent Chelsea Arrington and Amanda Warren as Catherine Weaver, Peter’s handler in Night Action. The new season also introduces Genesis Rodriguez as journalist Isabel and Stephen Moyer as an assassin known as The Father.

Netflix released a trailer in January which showed Peter seeking Isabel’s assistance in discovering who orchestrated the devastating events. Whilst grappling with his own internal struggles, he must contend with threats from ‘broker’ Jacob Monroe (Louis Herthum) as well as the enigmatic new assassin.

Whilst many fans were thrilled about the show’s return, a significant number have expressed concerns due to the absence of one key character. Luciane Buchanan, who played Rose Larkin, confirmed she would not be reprising her role following the show’s second season.

In the critically lauded season two finale, her character declared she was prepared to step back from her romantic entanglement with Peter, seeking the opportunity to embrace an ordinary existence free from danger. Viewers noticed her conspicuous absence from the season three trailer, prompting an outpouring of reactions in the comments section.

@BatrinaCoarPearsall expressed: “Peter and Rose’s trauma-bond is what makes this show so good.” @sherlina observed: “I feel like Rose and Peter’s bond and story were one of the main things setting this show different from other spy thrillers but now it seems like just any other spy themed shows with action but not really a story to tell.”

@tiu_forever6521 remarked: “Kinda looks like any other spy thriller without the Rose/Peter heart of it all at the core. Damn.” @ZayDaGoat1806 noted: “Without Rose it doesn’t feel the same people saying they couldn’t do her justice in this season but she’s more useful than a reporter.”

@MissFawlty lamented: “Miss Rose already! She was the show’s emotional core. Hope they bring her back big time if the show is renewed for season 4.” @Burner-g4e concluded: “What worked in season 1 was Peter’s personal motivations and determination and the relationship with Rose. Without that, this is just like every other action series. From this trailer, I feel like I’ve seen this a million times before. They’ve strayed so far from what made the show a success.”

However, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the show’s return, with @heptavian expressing: “Finally my favourite Netflix agents are back!” and @yoshikigrg8 chiming in: “Yes. I’m so glad this is happening. Really love this series.”

In September 2025, actress Buchanan confirmed she wouldn’t be making a comeback, revealing to Deadline during an interview about her series Chief of War: “As much as that show has been so amazing, especially for my career – being a lead on a U.S. show from little New Zealand was such a whirlwind.

“The writers decided that they wanted to follow Peter and his journey based on what happened at the end of season two. And so, we don’t get to see what happens to Rose, but I think it’s a really exciting time for the show, and who knows, it’s not a goodbye forever.”

Reflecting on the moment she received the news, she shared: “They [the creators] called me not so long after season two, and they were like, we’ve been trying to find a way to bring her in, but we want to do her character justice and not make her a sub-character.

“I totally respected that decision and agreed. I was like, if it makes sense to a story, I’ll do that. If it doesn’t, let’s not force that.”

The Night Agent season 3 is coming to Netflix on February 19

La Mirada finally got its breakthrough win in the Southern Section Open Division basketball playoffs on Friday night, going on the road to defeat St. John Bosco 56-53.

The Matadores (23-7) wanted to be in the Open Division playoffs last season and went 1-3, failing to make the state playoffs. They lost to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Wednesday, in a pool-play opener, ending their 14-game winning streak, then came back to inflict a rare home defeat on St. John Bosco in a pool play game. St. John Bosco had a chance to tie the score at the end but a three-point attempt failed.

Jordyn Houston led La Mirada with 22 points. St. John Bosco faces Notre Dame on Tuesday. La Mirada is in good position to claim second place in the pool and advance to the quarterfinals.

Harvard-Westlake 67, Damien 62: Joe Sterling finished with 22 points to help the Wolverines get back into the win column in an Open Division pool play game.

Corona Centennial 74, Etiwanda 48: The Huskies rolled to a win in their Open Division opener.

Crespi 82, Corona del Mar 70: The Celts faced a large, enthusiastic road crowd and won their first Open Division game. Isaiah Barnes scored 24 points and Jasiah Williams 23. Maxwell Scott scored 35 points for Corona del Mar.

JSerra 75, Loyola 46: Jaden Bailes scored 22 points in the Division 1 playoff victory.

Mater Dei 85, Westlake 59: It was another dominating win for the Monarchs in Division 2.

Rolling Hills Prep 63, Orange Lutheran 52: Josahn Webster, the son of King/Drew coach Lloyd Webster, contributed 23 points for Rolling Hills Prep.

Shalhevet 42, Palm Springs 41: Sam Jacobsen had the game-winning basket for Shalhevet in a Division 4-A game.

Venice 58, Sun Valley Poly 40: The Gondoliers advanced in the City Section Division I playoffs.

The fashion retailer is selling a budget-friendly backpack that could be ideal for travel

Primark is selling an attention-grabbing travel bag that looks similar to a pricier version. The fashion retailer is selling a £17 Roll Top Backpack that could be ideal for flights.

According to the product description, Primark has opted for a ‘roll-top backpack with zip-up sections.’ As such, airline passengers might choose to use the bag as cabin luggage, using the zipped sections to secure important documents and the roll-top design to keep the bag compact, given that many airlines impose size limits on luggage.

Fashion fans might also compare Primark’s yellow version of the backpack to a more expensive alternative. It arguably resembles the Eastpak Medium backpack with laptop sleeve in tarp yellow, which is currently on sale for £45.50 at London Luggage, marked down from £65.

Both designs include a roll-top backpack with a zip fastening, front pocket, and front zip, and the styles are offered in a near-identical colour. However, shoppers looking at the product images will quickly spot that there are some design differences, including the black base on the Primark bag that the pricier style lacks. There will, of course, also be differences in fabric and construction, as the backpacks come from different retailers.

Nonetheless, shoppers looking for a budget-friendly backpack could be impressed by the cheaper Primark option. Customers choosing between the styles will likely wish to compare the product images and descriptions offered by both brands.

While Primark does not offer a detailed product description for the backpack, which is made from polyester, there are several product images to browse on the brand’s website.

Shoppers interested in the backpack can purchase it for click and collect or use Primark’s website to check in-store availability at their nearest store. There are four different colour options, including navy, black, and a two-toned ecru design.

The product description for the Eastpak backpack states: “Get outdoor ready with our water-resistant top-loading backpack. This hard-wearing day pack is crafted from a durable top-coated fabric with statement black trims.

“Stash your laptop in the padded back compartment and store small valuables in the security pocket.” The description continues: “30 year warranty – Covered by our 30 year global warranty.

“Bottle Holder – Multifunctional side pocket which can be used as a bottle holder. 13″ Internal pocket to protect your 13″ device. Padded Back – Padded Back for extra comfort. Water Resistant – Made with a water resistant fabric.”

For shoppers with more room in their budget, another option at John Lewis could be the Samsonite Ecodiver Rolltop Large Cabin Backpack. The retailer sells the 35L backpack in yellow for £125.

The product description states: “Ecodiver sets a new standard within Samsonite’s casual assortment. This collection combines practicality with a stylish design and was developed with special attention to security and comfort. The water-resistant coating makes this range the perfect choice for all your outdoor adventures and endless strolling in the city.”

Nestled in Derbyshire, this charming village of fewer than 200 people boasts a stunning Jacobean manor house dating from 1609, traditional tearoom and a 13-mile scenic trail

This picturesque village has less than than 200 residents and has been carefully preserved to maintain its quintessentially English character and heritage.

Tissington stands out as the perfect postcard destination – a serene Derbyshire village offering visitors an incredibly tranquil escape. Dotted with charming cottages constructed around a magnificent Hall, complete with a duck pond and traditional tea rooms, the location exudes old-world appeal.

Its remarkable conservation is credited to the FitzHerbert family, who’ve maintained ownership for more than four centuries whilst remaining active members of the community. The affluent family resides at the Hall, which forms Tissington’s beating heart.

Their ancestral connection runs so profoundly through the area that the local church, St Mary’s, features numerous tributes to departed family members.

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Tissington Hall

Standing proud at the village centre is the stunning hall, originally constructed back in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert as a Jacobean manor house. Sir Richard inherited the property in 1989 and currently lives there alongside his wife and their four children.

It holds distinction as one of merely 300 properties across Britain where direct descendants of the original builder still reside. Season after season, the family continues welcoming visitors to the estate, offering access to explore the magnificent interiors and spectacular flourishing gardens.

Entry currently costs £16 for adults, whilst children under five can access the grounds free of charge. The site welcomes visitors between 12pm and 3pm, with guided tours available every half hour by appointment.

Food and Drink

Tucked away in this charming village sits the beloved Herbert’s Tearoom, providing the perfect pit stop for ramblers and cyclists exploring the Peak District. The tearoom dishes up mouth-watering cakes alongside tea and coffee in a quintessentially British atmosphere, with seating available both inside and outdoors.

A satisfied visitor recently posted on TripAdvisor: “We love visiting this beautiful tea room for a light lunch, especially after a leisurely stroll around the peaceful and relaxing village. Excellent food, very pleasant and attentive staff, reasonable prices and consistently high standard of customer service.”

Though Tissington lacks a traditional countryside pub within its boundaries, several excellent spots can be found on the village outskirts. The Old Dog in nearby Thorpe prides itself on delivering ‘unfussy’ quality grub in a welcoming atmosphere, championing locally sourced produce.

Further along, guests can enjoy a meal at the Sycamore Inn in Parwich or pop in for a pint at the Coach and Horses in Ashbourne. Despite its tranquil, remote character, the village sits within easy reach of numerous superb Derbyshire dining spots.

Tissington Trail

Stretching 13 miles across the Peak District, the Tissington Trail has become a firm favourite with ramblers, following the path of a former railway line. The route is largely level, making it highly accessible, while still delivering breathtaking views and the chance to explore the charming village of Tissington.

Originally part of the London and North Western Railway connecting Buxton and Ashbourne from 1899, the line was eventually shut down. Nearly seven decades later, the Peak District National Park acquired the land and transformed it into the beloved trail, creating a vehicle-free haven for walkers and cyclists alike.

One visitor wrote: “We all went out as a family and had a brill day. The routes are well maintained and are fairly flat apart from the odd big hill. The scenery and views are stunning, and it’s not too busy.”

Another claimed: “We walked from Ashbourne to Tissington, and the route was lovely, with some great scenery. We particularly liked the old Tissington railway station, where we stopped for a picnic before wandering around the village and walking back again.”

This breathtaking abandoned village in North Cornwall is one of the most magical spots in the county, a real hidden gem with unmatched coastal views and a rich history.

A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fishing village in North Cornwall, now better described as a tiny hamlet, boasts some of the most spectacular vistas Cornwall can offer – and that’s quite the claim given a third of the county holds designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status.

Nestled comfortably between its better-known neighbours – Port Isaac and Polzeath – this diminutive hamlet now falls largely under National Trust ownership. A peaceful ambience, stunning coastal panoramas, and abundant natural splendour – that’s how you’d characterise this small Cornish settlement.

Despite its modest proportions, it possesses a remarkably colourful history encompassing fishing, smuggling, mining, a devastating maritime tragedy, a wealthy man’s architectural whim, and even a stint as a filming location for the television adaptation of Winston Graham’s celebrated Poldark novels.

The now-abandoned hamlet of Port Quin derives its name from the Cornish words ‘porth’ meaning cove, and ‘gwynn’ meaning white – literally White Cove.

Tucked between imposing headlands, this compact hamlet forms a protected inlet with a substantial fishing heritage. Indeed, the scale of the old fish cellars (which remain visible in Port Quin today) suggests it was once a flourishing and prosperous fishing community on the Cornish coastline, reports Cornwall Live.

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Famous for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, picture-perfect villages and rich maritime heritage, Cornwall is one of the most-visited corner of the UK. Sykes Cottages has a large number of holiday homes to choose from, with prices from £36 per night.

Today, Port Quin boasts just a handful of holiday lets, all under the stewardship of the National Trust. The hamlet has seen virtually no modern construction over the centuries, remaining remarkably preserved from the march of time and urban sprawl.

Three local farms – Scarrabine, Trevigo, and Roscarrock – encircle Port Quin’s harbour, each managed by families from the area. The National Trust also maintains the fields surrounding this now-abandoned village.

Situated approximately two miles west of the busier Port Isaac, Port Quin is an enchanting, uninhabited cove blessed with untamed natural splendour and a dramatic, craggy coastline.

The village’s tragic legend

Port Quin has earned its reputation as the ‘village that died’, hiding a heartbreaking history.

Local folklore tells of a catastrophic Sunday night during the 19th century when, according to legend, all the village’s menfolk defied the Sabbath to go fishing, only to be caught in a ferocious storm that claimed every one of their lives.

Left without breadwinners, the village women found themselves unable to feed their families, compelling them to desert their homes and seek refuge with their children in nearby communities where they might find better opportunities.

This poignant story lives on in Frank Bramley’s 1888 painting ‘The Hopeless Dawn’, which is displayed at Tate Britain in London. A compact National Trust car park sits at Port Quin, typically visited by a mobile vintage café throughout the summer season.

Things to do in Port Quin

Port Quin’s protected inlet is celebrated as one of Cornwall’s finest locations for rock pooling, kayaking or angling, or simply taking a refreshing plunge in the Atlantic.

The cove is beloved by families, ideal for youngsters to safely paddle without the hassle of tourist hordes. Winter brings ferocious storms, however, making swimming at Port Quin inadvisable during those months.

Port Quin enjoys the advantage of being close to Port Isaac, Cornwall’s renowned fishing village, which brims with restaurants, welcoming pubs, and remarkably two Michelin-starred establishments within its compact confines – Outlaw’s New Road and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen.

Run by chef Nathan Outlaw, the Outlaw venues are cherished by locals and tourists alike, all of whom rave about the delectable cuisine.

Nathan’s acclaimed flagship venue, Outlaw’s New Road, is nevertheless scheduled to close its doors on March 28 this year.

The shuttering will be swiftly followed by the launch of a fresh venture from the Michelin-starred chef – Outlaw’s Bistro, operating from the well-loved Outlaw’s Guest House located directly opposite.

The South West Coast Path runs straight through Port Quin and provides walkers with an enchanting stretch of pristine coastline, exceptional even by Cornwall’s remarkably elevated standards. A stunning three-and-a-half-mile coastal ramble stretches from Port Quin to Port Isaac, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Rollercoaster’ due to its challenging landscape.

With sections that are extremely steep, walkers are urged to take care and ensure they’re properly kitted out and ready for the trek.

Yet the vistas along this route are utterly spectacular, and those who venture along it will catch a splendid glimpse of Doyden Castle, a 19th-century folly that’s been transformed into a National Trust holiday let.

Doyden Castle is a compact but impressive fortress standing at the cliff’s edge on the isolated Port Quin headland, backed by sweeping ocean panoramas.

Built in 1830 by a local entrepreneur as a private getaway (essentially: a venue for gambling and revelry), today Doyden Castle operates as a delightful one-bedroom holiday cottage brimming with historical treasures.

Gothic arched windows, a welcoming open fireplace, and the original wine storage in the cellar all contribute to its irresistible appeal.

Famous connections

Port Quin and several neighbouring spots have featured in well-known films and television programmes.

During the 1970s, Quin House in the village served as a filming location for the inaugural series of the BBC’s Poldark, whilst Doyden Castle was employed to depict a gatehouse. Roscarrock and its magnificent surroundings also made appearances on the beloved series.

During the 1980s, Doyden Castle served as a filming location for an adaptation of the celebrated classic novel Jamaica Inn. The castle and Port Quin also appeared in the 1997 film Swept from the Sea.

In 2011, the iconic Doyden Castle was featured as Pentire Castle in ITV’s popular series Doc Martin.

A small village in the Yorkshire Dales is just as picturesque as it is welcoming, especially when it comes to good food and drink.

Tucked away amidst the breathtaking greenery of the Yorkshire Dales lies a charming grey stone village that serves as an excellent launching pad for countryside expeditions.

Boasting numerous campsites, Kettlewell provides the perfect pit stop for keen ramblers and explorers seeking somewhere to put their feet up and enjoy quality food and refreshments.

The village features three historic inns – a testament to its previous role as a key transport centre – which continue to operate as pubs today.

One visitor described it as having “views beyond compare” in a TripAdvisor review. They said: “Driving around the dales was an absolute delight; we had to keep stopping to take piccies of stunning scenery. Any town or village is worth visiting.”

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Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

Another shared: “Beautiful village with 3 amazing pub restaurants and two tea rooms. The properties and scenery are amazing. We have stayed on 4 occasions over the years and plan on another visit soon.”

Dining Options

What secures Kettlewell’s special place in walkers’ affections is its array of dining and drinking establishments. The Blue Bell stands as the oldest, positioned at the village centre beside the water.

Complete with crackling log fires and exposed timber beams, this traditional pub offers travellers a perfectly pulled pint year-round. Their menu features classic pub fare including fish and chips and humble pies – ideal for recharging following an extensive day’s hiking.

Sitting alongside them are the village’s two other beloved watering holes, The Kings Head and Racehorses Hotel, an 18th-century establishment that has retained its character throughout the decades.

However, it’s actually the Kings Head that claims the top spot for dining on TripAdvisor, with patrons describing it as a “proper Dales pub”.

One review said: “We’ve been to this pub several times over the last few years. It’s compact and very cosy; it can get crowded with only 20 or 30 visitors, but that’s one of the things we love about it. The locals are friendly; they love this place and are very welcoming to everybody who supports it.”

The culinary delights don’t end there, as this peaceful village boasts two charming cafes as well, with the more traditional option being The Cottage Tea Room. A few streets away sits And Then – Tasting Deli, praised by guests for its “outrageously good coffee” and warm hospitality.

One customer said: “We visited a couple of times during our stay in Kettlewell and were impressed with the quality of the food and drink, and we found the service very friendly from the owner and all the staff.”

They added: “Prices were reasonable given how good everything was, and we enjoyed our visits sat in by the cosy log burner. Our takeout Wensleydale sandwiches were top-notch too!”.

Summit

Right on its doorstep lies an extensive selection of rambles through the stunning Dales, yet the most popular route from Kettlewell remains the trek to Great Whernside. This peak’s highest point looms majestically over the village and attracts keen walkers from across the nation.

It wasn’t until 1997 that public access to the summit was officially established, leading to the construction of two footpaths reaching the top. One route starts directly from Kettlewell, whilst the other follows along the summit ridge.

The challenging walk can take up to four hours, though the route is clearly marked with well-defined footpaths and signage throughout the ascent. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll find yourself at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet.

Part of Yorkshire’s tourist attractions is the ‘Dales 30’ – a collection of 30 mountains with some exceeding 2,000 feet in height, and this happens to be amongst them. Though the climb shouldn’t be mistaken for Whernside, which forms one of Yorkshire’s three highest peaks, located on the Cumbrian border.

Feb. 13 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s government maintained its assessment for a fourth straight month that the economy is on a recovery track, citing strong semiconductor-led exports and a gradual improvement in consumption, while warning that weak employment growth and sluggish investment remain key challenges.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance said in its February “Recent Economic Trends” report that “the recovery trend appears to be continuing,” repeating wording it has used since November.

Exports rise, consumption edges up

January exports, based on customs-clearance data, rose 33.9% from a year earlier, the report said. Average daily exports increased 14.0%. Semiconductor shipments more than doubled, up 103%, while computers, wireless communications devices and automobiles also posted gains.

South Korea recorded a trade surplus of $8.74 billion, or about 12.6 trillion won ($8.7 billion), extending the surplus streak to 12 consecutive months, the report said.

The ministry cautioned that export growth remains concentrated in a limited number of items, including semiconductors, leaving the trend vulnerable to shifts in the global technology cycle and changes in U.S. trade policy.

On the domestic side, December retail sales rose 0.9% from the previous month. Fourth-quarter private consumption, based on preliminary gross domestic product data, rose 0.3% from the prior quarter.

The consumer sentiment index came in at 110.8 in January, above the 100 baseline, up 1.0 point from the previous month. Domestic credit card approvals rose 4.7% from a year earlier in January, supporting signs of a modest pickup in spending.

Hiring slows, capital spending stays weak

Employment growth slowed in January, with the number of employed people rising 108,000 from a year earlier, down from a 168,000 increase in the previous month. The unemployment rate rose 0.4 percentage points to 4.1%.

Jobs growth was led by sectors such as health and social welfare and transportation and warehousing, while hiring difficulties persisted in weaker areas such as construction, the report said.

Investment indicators remained mixed. Facility investment fell 3.6% in December from the previous month, dragged down by reduced spending on transportation equipment. Facility investment also fell 1.8% in the fourth quarter from the prior quarter, though some leading indicators, including machinery orders, improved.

Construction output rose 12.1% in December from the prior month, but construction investment fell 3.9% for the fourth quarter. A decline in building permit area was cited as a potential headwind.

Inflation cools to 2.0%

Consumer inflation rose 2.0% in January from a year earlier, easing from 2.3% in the prior month, the report said. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, also rose 2.0%.

The ministry said it will continue macroeconomic support and efforts to boost consumption, investment and exports, while monitoring risks including tougher tariff conditions among major economies and geopolitical uncertainty.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260213010004994

Welcome to Bunker Talk. This is a weekend open discussion post for the best commenting crew on the net, in which we can chat about all the stuff that went on this week that we didn’t cover. We can also talk about the stuff we did or whatever else grabs your interest. In other words, it’s an off-topic thread.

This week’s second caption reads:

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lucas Keka, left, munitions operations technician assigned to the 726th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Daryc Fliginger, 726th EMSS Munitions Flight production supervisor, secure a munitions storage bunker at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Aug. 25, 2023. The 726th EMSS provides security forces, satellite communications, munitions support, vehicle management, contracting, finance and logistics in support of USAF personnel in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dhruv Gopinath) 

Also, a reminder:

Prime Directives!

• If you want to talk politics, do so respectfully and know that there’s always somebody that isn’t going to agree with you. 
• If you have political differences, hash it out respectfully, stick to the facts, and no childish name-calling or personal attacks of any kind. If you can’t handle yourself in that manner, then please, discuss virtually anything else.
• No drive-by garbage political memes. No conspiracy theory rants. Links to crackpot sites will be axed, too. Trolling and shitposting will not be tolerated. No obsessive behavior about other users. Just don’t interact with folks you don’t like. 
• Do not be a sucker and feed trolls! That’s as much on you as on them. Use the mute button if you don’t like what you see.  
• So unless you have something of quality to say, know how to treat people with respect, understand that everyone isn’t going to subscribe to your exact same worldview, and have come to terms with the reality that there is no perfect solution when it comes to moderation of a community like this, it’s probably best to just move on. 
• Finally, as always, report offenders, please. This doesn’t mean reporting people who don’t share your political views, but we really need your help in this regard.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly considering This Morning’s Sian Welby for a presenting role on the BBC series following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

This Morning star Sian Welby is reportedly being considered for the hosting job on Strictly Come Dancing. Towards the end of last year, long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shocked the nation when they announced that they had quit after more than a decade on air together.

Ever since the news broke, rumours have been rife with who might take on the coveted roles on the BBC Saturday night favourite, with celebrities such as X Factor star Rylan Clark, former Strictly finalist Fleur East and Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc all being thrown into the mix.

But now, it’s thought that bosses are looking at Sian, a radio host and occasional This Morning presenter, who, coincidentally, bears a resemblance to Tess.

READ MORE: Shirley Ballas sparks fears she’s quit Strictly Come Dancing for rival showREAD MORE: Strictly’s Anton Du Beke ‘wanted to start again’ as he shares real reason for name change

Sian, 39, has become a favourite amongst the younger audience with her presenting job on Capital FM, and also stands in on This Morning, often appearing on main hosting duties with Dermot O’Leary and fronting the ITV Daytime competitions that often run across Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and Loose Women.

A source said: “Sian might be less well-known than other names linked with Tess and Claudia’s jobs so far. But she’s got everything it takes with one special ingredient — a younger audience, thanks to her job on trendy Capital FM.

Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “And working on This Morning ticks all the TV boxes. Execs have looked at her as someone who would be a good fit for the job!”

It comes just days after Zoe Ball and Emma Willis were both said to be going for the same job on the programme. Ahead of the series’ presumed return later this year, radio host Zoe, 55, and former Big Brother presenter Emma, 49, were said to be battling it out for the top job, and only one of them will be successful because bosses want to have someone “a bit more left field” for the other position.

A source said: “It’s a straight shoot-out between Zoe, who is the front-runner, and Emma. Only one will get it, not both. The senior execs want a traditional presenter working alongside a more left-field person, a female stand-up comedian.”

Fans can also expect the comedic aspects to continue in the programme in the style of Claudia, who has also enjoyed major success with fellow BBC show The Traitors, as the source added: “It’s felt the humour Claudia brought to the show, particularly in her ‘Claudatorium’, needs to carry on.”

Ever since Tess and Claudia broke the news that they were leaving, several big showbiz names have been rumoured to be their replacements, including Chris and Rosie Ramsay, Rylan Clark, Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden and Angela Scanlon, amongst a host of others.

In the initial announcement, which consisted of a video of the pair sitting next to one another, Claudia began with: “Hi, it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us…” Tess added: “Yeah, we have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton…”

“The very sparkly baton…” Claudia continued before she turned to Tess and said: “You’ve been here since the beginning…” Tess, who used to host the show with the late Bruce Forsyth, then replied: “2004 with Brucey – lovely Bruce.

“That’s over two decades ago, and a lot of that time has been with you. It’s been a huge part of our lives, hasn’t it? Since our children were literally babes in arms, and now they’re young adults, and I think, genuinely, we have cherished every second.”

Claudia added: “We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show, and we just want to thank the Strictly team because Strictly is the people who make it so thank you…” Tess agreed: “They are the very best team in television. We’ve been so lucky.

“And the audience as well, they’ve been so wonderful. They’ve been with us for this entire journey of 21 years, and we wouldn’t have a show without them, and they’ve been just so loyal and supportive.”

Claudia added: “We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show, and we just want to thank the Strictly team because Strictly is the people who make it so thank you…” Tess agreed: “They are the very best team in television; we’ve been so lucky.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Sanne and Nick Gibson are two Wizz Air captains who first met at pilot school in Arizona and now fly for the same budget airline, managing to juggle life as parents with flying across Europe

This is your captain speaking. And this is your captain’s husband speaking.

Not the words you’d expect to hear as you buckle up ahead of a trip away, but ones that could crackle through the intercom of Sanne and Nick Gibson’s Wizz Air plane when they happen to be flying together.

The aviators are a vanishingly rare duo who don’t just work for the same company, but do exactly the same job. Sometimes in the same cockpit.

They are veteran captains for the Hungarian budget airline, both based at its UK base in Luton. They start work at the same time, jumping out of bed in the small hours, heading to the airport and skillfully flying a plane load of people to one of the 190 or so airports Wizz Air serves, before heading back to the UK again after a short 35-minute break.

Impressively, Sanne, 31, and her 33-year-old husband manage to make it back from Budapest, Corfu, Rome or wherever they happen to be going that day in time to pick up their 1.5-year-old daughter from nursery.

Having known each other for more than 10 years has its advantages when it comes to working together. When they first joined one another in the cockpit, the professional connection was instant.

“We didn’t have to understand each other first. I knew Sanne’s thought process before it came out of her mouth. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-pilot, because you know each other so well, you understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Nick, from Leeds, explained.

It seems to be true what they (might) say: couples that fly together, stay together.

Sanne and Nick’s soaring romance began in 2015 when they met at pilot school in Arizona. “Away from the prying eyes of parents,” for the first time and beneath the scorching desert sun, the Yorkshire lad and Dutch woman hit it off one evening around a pool after a hard day’s flying.

They exchanged bucket lists, Nick impressing Sanne with boasts of a police ride-along he’d secured in a chance encounter with a cop.

Wings earned, what had remained a friendship in the US blossomed into a romance in the UK, where Nick took Sanne for her first Nando’s on their first date. From then, they may well have been inseparable – had the fast-paced, demanding life of a young pilot not got in the way.

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He scored a job in Munich, and she in Strasbourg, meaning they were a two-hour drive apart. When Sanne later landed a gig in Toulouse, Nick managed to transfer to Bristol so he could do night layovers in the French city.

And then, when Sanne secured a job at Wizz Air in 2017 and Nick the year after, the couple had achieved their ambition of working from the same base for the first time. “I know other people in this job had been at it for ten years trying to get to the same place,” Nick explained.

On his very first flight as a captain, Sanne was there alongside Nick as his co-pilot.

“Sometimes I have to pinch myself that we live together. And we get home every night. I am so lucky,” Sanne said.

The couple’s rotas are aligned, meaning they both work five days on and then four days off. They have permanent, live-in childcare for five days when they’re at work – something they say is crucial to them getting enough sleep to be ready to fly.

“The mum guilt is a real thing, but I think it’s a really important thing to keep going. Flying is a perishable skill; if you don’t fly, you lose it. It’s not like riding a bike. I remember that first takeoff after maternity leave, I was halfway down the runway before I got my head in the game,” Sanne said.

While Nick and Sanne do fly together, they don’t do so all the time. In fact, it’s a chance when they do end up in the same cockpit. “We don’t push for it, but it is quite nice. It was just us, no daughter, no phones. We just sat there and had a chat,” Nick said.

Both are quick to note that they’ve never had a domestic while behind the controls, despite Sanne noticing that Nick does sometimes make a loud whistling sound into the microphone when he’s flying.

They also resist doing a ‘his and hers’ bit to the cabin over the intercom, for fear it’d freak out passengers concerned that they aren’t taking their jobs seriously enough.

Looking to the future, the husband and wife won’t be flying together anytime soon. Because Sanne is due to give birth just before Valentine’s Day.

But after six months of maternity leave, they’ll both be back in the cockpit, jetting off to somewhere sunny together.

Do you have a story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The tunnel will become the world’s longest underground railway connection at 64km long when it opens

The Brenner Base Tunnel is presently being built to link Austria and Italy. This remarkable tunnel, destined to become the world’s longest, is due to open in 2032.

The railway tunnel will join the Austrian city of Innsbruck with Franzensfeste/Fortezza in Italy, connecting two nations across different time zones. Construction expenses are projected at 8.54billion euros (£7.4billion). The extraordinary BBT will stretch for 55km (34 miles) as a cutting-edge railway tunnel.

BBT explained: “In May 1994, a railway bypass was opened south of Innsbruck, known as the Inn valley tunnel. This 12.7 km tunnel links to the Brenner Base Tunnel.

“Passenger and freight trains along this stretch will therefore not only travel through the Brenner Base Tunnel, but for a few kilometres, through the Inn valley tunnel as well. This line, totalling 64 kilometres, will become the longest underground railway connection in the world.”

An unusual characteristic of the Brenner Base Tunnel is the “exploratory tunnel running from one end to the other”.

“This tunnel lies between the two main tunnels and about 12m below them and with a diameter of 5m is noticeably smaller than the main tubes.

“The excavations currently underway on the exploratory tunnel should provide information on the rock mass and thereby reduce construction costs and times to a minimum.

“The exploratory tunnel will be essential for drainage when the BBT becomes operational.”

Additional remarkable railway projects include the globe’s lengthiest train route, which links three nations spanning eight time zones.

MILAN — He popped the quad axel. He stumbled across the ice. He tried to hide the pained expression.

Ilia Malinin fell apart in the men’s free skate, tumbling from near lock to win the gold medal to eighth place after a disastrous performance Friday. After his music ended, Malinin covered his anguished face. He put his hands on his knees, shook his head in disbelief and scrunched his face, hoping to hold back the tears.

It was the first time since November 2023 that he hadn’t won a competition.

“I just thought that all I needed to do was go out there and trust the process that I’ve always been doing with every competition,” Malinin said with tear-stained cheeks. “But, of course, it’s not like any other competition. It’s the Olympics.”

American Ilia Malinin reacts after stumbling through the men’s singles free skate at the Winter Olympics on Friday in Milan.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Malinin skated four times at the Milan-Cortina Games, helping the United States to a team gold medal with a clutch free skate that clinched the one-point win. But the 21-year-old had just one clean skate in his first Games experience. He explained his slow start during the team event as “Olympic nerves.”

There was no explaining away Friday’s flop.

“I think people only realize the pressure and the nerves that actually happen from the inside,” said Malinin, whose technical advantage was supposed to be insurmountable for his opponents. “It was really just something that overwhelmed me. I just felt like I had no control.”

After Malinin’s score was announced, Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov covered his mouth in shock. He was the new Olympic champion. Shaidorov claimed his country’s first Olympic gold in figure skating. His coach held his arm up like a boxing champion as a legion of Kazakh fans seated in the corner above the kiss-and-cry booth where skaters wait for their score waved their country’s teal and yellow flags. Malinin hugged him. He pointed to Shaidorov’s chest.

“You deserve it,” Malinin said.

Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama shook off several falls in his program to fight for his second consecutive Olympic silver. His countryman Shun Sato was in tears after learning he took the bronze.

Ilia Malinin’s father, Roman Skorniakov, reacts during his son’s performance at the men’s singles free skate at the Winter Olympics on Friday in Milan.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

The United States’ Andrew Torgashev finished 12th with his season’s best 259.06-point total. Maxim Naumov stumbled through several jumps in his free skate to finish 20th overall with a 223.36 point total. The 24-year-old who lost both parents in a plane crash last year earned a standing ovation from actor Jeff Goldblum, who was in the stands behind the judges.

As the groups progressed toward the medal contenders, the crowd filled Milano Ice Skating Arena to the brim. Fans in suites in the rafters leaned over glass panes to get a better look. Volunteers and arena workers stood at the top of the concourse with no open seats left to claim.

While rising to the top of the sport with his stunning jumps and crowd-pleasing backflip, Malinin said his mission was to boost the popularity of figure skating to get this kind of attention outside of just the Olympic stage.

But standing at the center of the ice as fans waved U.S. flags from every corner, Malinin, the “Quad God” who looked invincible just three months ago when he became the first person to land seven quadruple jumps in one program, felt scared.

“Especially going into that starting pose, I just felt like all the just traumatic moments of my life really just started flooding my head,” Malinin said. “It was just like so many negative thoughts that just flooded into there, and I just did not handle it.”

He started off the program with a strong quad flip. Then he bailed mid-air on his signature quad axel that he had yet to attempt in the Olympics. The crowd gasped. Panic started when Malinin downgraded a planned quadruple loop to a double two jumps later.

American Ilia Malinin falls while competing in the men’s singles free skate at the Winter Olympics in Milan on Friday.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Behind the boards, his father and coach, Roman Skorniakov covered his face. Coach Rafael Arutyunyan, who has worked with Malinin part-time since 2021, paced back and forth. He hit the padded boards for encouragement before Malinin lined up for a three-jump combination.

Malinin fell again.

The program couldn’t end soon enough just to allow the 21-year-old a chance to hide after years of being in the spotlight as the presumed next Olympic champion.

“Being the Olympic gold hopeful is really just a lot to deal with,” Malinin said, “especially for my age.”

Malinin’s free skate music includes self-narrated voiceovers telling the story of his personal journey growing in the sport. As it begins, he uncovers his face. His words echo over the speakers.“The only true wisdom,” Malinin says in the program, “is in knowing you know nothing.”

After this result, that couldn’t be more true.

Feb. 13 (Asia Today) — A vast stretch of reclaimed land in South Korea’s southwestern county of Haenam is being prepared for a government-backed artificial intelligence data center, part of a broader plan to build a new corporate city known as Solarisdo.

In Sani-myeon, where tidal flats once met the sea, construction vehicles have carved deep tracks into what was ocean just two decades ago. The site, now flattened and marked by a sign reading “Data Center,” is slated to host the National AI Computing Center by 2029.

The project is part of Jeollanam-do Province’s Solarisdo development, a 6.32 million-pyeong site – about 20.8 million square meters – envisioned as a self-sufficient city for more than 60,000 residents. The name combines “solar,” “sea” and “do,” the Korean word for province, reflecting its focus on renewable energy, waterfront development and smart-city infrastructure.

Provincial officials say the National AI Computing Center will operate as a high-performance computing hub under a public-private partnership, supporting artificial intelligence research and development.

While a groundbreaking date has not been finalized, an official said the center is scheduled to begin service in 2029.

The planned 40-megawatt facility is expected to use an average of 2.4 million liters of water per day for cooling. Jeollanam-do also aims to attract more than 20 additional data centers to the area, which could raise total daily water consumption to as much as 60 million liters – roughly equivalent to the daily water use of more than 200,000 people.

Provincial officials said the area has sufficient water resources, citing nearby Yeongam Lake, Geumho Lake and the Yeongsan River. They said average daily freshwater availability in the region reaches about 1 billion liters. Electricity demand will be addressed through a planned solar power plant and new substations in Solarisdo, officials said.

Local civic groups, however, voiced concern that large-scale data centers could deepen regional inequality and strain local resources.

An official with the Gwangju Environmental Movement Coalition said similar large industrial projects have prioritized national demand over local interests, citing the semiconductor complex in Yongin. The group questioned whether the data center would generate meaningful long-term employment and warned of added pressure on water and electricity supplies.

Jeollanam-do officials countered that the AI center is expected to create about 100 research and development jobs, including for graduates of local universities. They also said the project could attract startups and related companies, helping diversify the regional economy. Additional government support, including lower utility fees and rental assistance, may be needed to encourage investment, they added.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260213010005030

New opinion poll finds seven in 10 US adults disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of Greenland issue.

Denmark’s prime minister and Greenland’s premier met ⁠with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and agreed that talks would be pursued on the running of Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory that President Donald Trump has threatened to take over.

Rubio held a 15-minute meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday.

Greenland’s leader Nielsen said in a post on social media that during the meeting with Rubio, “it was emphasised that the conversations being made are the right way forward and the interests of Greenland were once again clearly highlighted”.

Prime Minister Frederiksen said on X after the meeting: “Constructive talk with Secretary of State Marco Rubio together with Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Chairman of Naalakkersuisut, at the Munich Security Conference.”

“Work will continue as agreed in the high-level working group,” she said.

The meeting between the Danish and Greenlandic leaders and the US state secretary comes amid severely strained ties between Europe and Washington, and NATO allies, amid President Trump’s repeated threats to take over Greenland and criticism of European nations as “decaying” and “weak”.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said, “We’re negotiating ‌right ‌now for Greenland.”

“I ‌think Greenland’s going to want us, but we get along very well with Europe. We’ll see how it all works out,” he said.

After months of bellicose language regarding the US’s necessity to acquire Greenland, Trump abruptly stepped back from his threats last month, saying that he had reached an understanding with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that would give the US greater influence in the mineral-rich Arctic territory.

Late last month, the US, Denmark and Greenland also launched talks to find a diplomatic path out of the crisis.

Poll finds most US adults disapprove of Trump’s Greenland plan

The US administration has cited key national security concerns related to Russia and China to justify its demand to take control over Greenland and has accused Denmark, and Europe more broadly, of being unable to defend the strategic territory.

But, according to a new opinion poll conducted by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Trump’s push to seize control of Greenland has gone down badly with the US public and members of his own party.

The survey, conducted between February 5-8, found that about seven in 10 US adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the Greenland issue – a higher disapproval rating than the share of those who dislike how he is handling foreign policy generally.

Even among Republican supporters, about half disapprove of his attempt to turn Greenland into US territory, according to the poll.

Sweden said on Thursday that it would send fighter jets to patrol Greenland as part of a newly launched NATO mission in the Arctic aimed at placating Trump’s concerns over the threats posed by Moscow and Beijing.

The government said in a statement that Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets would patrol Greenland as part of the newly-launched NATO mission, Arctic Sentry.

“As a NATO ally, Sweden has a responsibility to contribute to the security of the entire territory of the Alliance. The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important from a strategic perspective,” Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said.

In a separate statement, the Swedish Armed Forces said the fighter jets would be based out of Iceland, where six aircraft have been stationed since early February as part of the rotating incident response force, NATO Air Policing.

Swedish special forces would also be sent to Greenland to take part in training exercises for a couple of weeks, the military said.