Israel & Iran 
Canada launches huge defence plan to curb reliance on US
Month: February 2026
U.S. releases new details on alleged secret Chinese nuclear test
At a event in Washington D.C., A U.S. official said a remote earthquake in 2020 was caused by a Chinese nuclear test.
Humanoid robots show off creepily impressive kung-fu moves during Lunar New Year festival in China
Improvements to the AI that powers Unitree’s H2 and G1 humanoid robots, alongside mechanical upgrades, have resulted in a dazzling kung-fu demonstration.
US increases military presence near Iran amid tensions
US Iran tensions live updates: As per officials from the US and Iran, the talks in Geneva showed “progress”. However, the tensions continue to linger as Washington works towards making ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. | World News
European stocks rise tracking company earnings, data
European stock markets rose Wednesday as traders assessed company earnings and economic data, while oil prices ticked higher following US-Iran talks.
Oil prices fall back as ‘hopeful’ Tehran responds to Trump
Shares vacillated and oil prices dropped back down Tuesday as Tehran gave an encouraging response during talks with US officials in Geneva on Iran’s nuclear programme, after days of escalating
Iran signals progress in US talks after Strait of Hormuz military drill
The indirect discussions involved US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Araqchi, and were mediated by Oman. | World News
Ramadan 2026 moon sighting updates as London mosque declares start of holy month
This comes after Ramadan was declared in Saudi Arabia
Robert Jenrick to outline Reform UK plans for Bank of England and OBR
Nigel Farage named his top team on Tuesday, which included Conservative defectors Mr Jenrick and Suella Braverman.
Huge new festival is coming to West London this spring
Expect live cooking, flowing drinks and plenty of tunes
Police assessing claims Epstein trafficked women into UK through London airport
Gordon Brown shocked to read emails about paedophile financier boasting he could transport girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia
Gaza welcomes Ramadan amid fragile ‘ceasefire’ and fears of renewed war
Despite displacement, Gaza families strive to create joy this Ramadan, navigating grief, scarcity, and fragile peace.
Global pressure does little to stop Israel’s anti-Palestinian policies
Many Israelis see condemnation as evidence of anti-Semitism, rather than a verdict on their government’s actions.
LIVE updates as police shut area near Kilburn High Road after ‘incident’
Quex Road is closed both ways from West End Lane to Kilburn High Road today (February 18). Follow our blog for live updates.
Ramadan begins in Palestine, Gulf; Egypt, Syria, more Muslim states to come
Palestinians in Gaza face food shortages, restrictions as Israeli attacks continue during Islamic holy month.
Piccadilly and Bakerloo line delays amid wider tram disruption
Tube delays on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines come as tram services remain suspended between East Croydon and Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and New Addington
TfL advert banned for reinforcing negative stereotypes about black men
A viewer complained that the ad was irresponsible, harmful and offensive for perpetuating negative racial stereotypes about black teenage boys
Meet the canine heroes competing for the Crufts 2026 Hero Dog title
The Royal Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, has today revealed the five finalists shortlisted for the Royal Kennel Club Hero Dog Award.
Drill rapper on the run from Lewisham police AGAIN teases new music
A convicted robber and drill rapper DSAVV has teased new music while on the run after escaping police custody at a Lewisham hospital.
End date announced for delayed Gallows Corner roadworks on A12
TfL vows that flyover upgrade and water main replacement in east London will be completed by ‘end of April’
BAE Systems profits leap amid ‘new era’ of defence spending
Europe’s biggest defence contractor reported better-than-expected underlying earnings of £3.32 billion for 2025, up 12 on 2024.
Andrew sent Epstein Christmas cards for years after ‘cutting ties’, files reveal
The former Duke of York wished Jeffrey Epstein ‘much joy and happiness’ in a Christmas card in 2011 – a year after he claimed to have cut all contact with the convicted sex offender
Rain, snow and flooding warnings across island of Ireland
Most of the island is under weather warnings as forecasters warned of a widespread risk of flooding.
Calls for answers about Lord Advocate’s email to FM on Peter Murrell charge
The Conservatives say the First Minister received a ‘private warning’ about the charges against the former SNP chief executive.
Inflation falls to 3% boosting chance of interest rate cuts
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation decreased to a 10-month-low of 3% in January from 3.4% in December.
Daisy Green owner speaks out amid ‘David and Goliath’ takeover row
Prue Freeman has faced backlash and legal action since Daisy Green’s takeover of Hoxton Beach was announced
Inflation falls to 3 boosting chance of interest rate cuts
The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation decreased to a 10-month-low of 3 in January from 3.4 in December.
New Towns set to be blighted by ‘critical’ levels of flight path noise
Exclusive: Both Thamesmead and Crews Hill in Enfield – two major developments shortlisted by the government’s New Towns Taskforce – sit beneath flight paths from the capital’s major airports
Waterloo trains delayed after safety inspection on tracks
South Western Railway delays between Raynes Park and Wimbledon due to safety inspection. Services to London Waterloo, Exeter, Weymouth, Portsmouth…
Keir Starmer reiterates backing for Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to bring together Palestinian and Israeli officials in a push for progress.
Police ‘assessing’ Stansted Airport private flights over Epstein links
Police are assessing information about private flights to and from Stansted Airport following the publication of millions of files relating to the paedophile…
Excitement builds as King and Queen set to arrive in east London
King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Barking and Dagenham today – our reporter Olivia Carter is there with live coverage from their visit as it…
Women worst hit by unemployment jump with 51,000 more out of work
The increase is significantly higher than the 27,000 jobless rise for men
Ex-Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies to go on trial over speeding ticket
Ex-Olympic swimmer and member of the House of Lords was caught by a speed camera on the M4
Bowling strikes gold on Valentine’s Day as couples seek fun ‘without pressure’
Hollywood Bowl said that people were increasingly locking in their date nights ahead of time rather than relying on spontaneous trips.
Israeli army sniper in Chile accused of Gaza war crimes could face justice
Rom Kovtun’s social media reveal he was holidaying in country, opening door to ‘universal jurisdiction’ legal jeopardy.
Former army chief seen as Zelenskyy’s top rival reveals to AP a rift between them
The former Ukrainian army general widely seen as the top political rival to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken publicly for the first time about a deep rift between the two men
Heathrow airport runway expansion could add £250 to family fare, airlines warn
Airline bosses raise concerns the adding of a third runway could add at least £60-£65 on average to ticket prices
Arrest made after man, 33, stabbed to death
A man, 33, was stabbed to death in Manor Park Road Harlesden on February 11 and another man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Another senior London Labour councillor joins Greens as wave of defections continues
James McAsh blamed Labour becoming ‘intolerant of anyone pushing for progressive change’ for his defection
Stephen Colbert says TV interview with Democrat pulled amid regulatory fears
Colbert said lawyers for TV network CBS said in ‘no uncertain terms’ that James Talarico could not appear on his show.
Popular comedian announces London O2 show
Jack Whitehall will bring his 2027 Bad Influence tour to London’s O2 Arena, marking his return to live stand-up comedy.
Man, 33, stabbed to death in Harlesden named for the first time
A man stabbed to death on Manor Park Road in Harlesden has been named for the first time.
Charles Bronson reveals his most memorable inmates during his 50 years inside
Charles Bronson describes 50 years in prison as ‘horrendous and brutal’ at times – but says ‘I’ve still got hope’ of one day being freed.
West London ‘murder’ victim named for first time as man arrested
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder
Overground services resume but delays remain after signal issue
London Overground trains between Willesden Junction and Clapham Junction face delays after a signalling fault. Passengers advised to check updates…
Crash forces major road to close with 9 London buses diverted
The severity of the injuries are not yet known
London’s biggest luxury chocolate producer plunges into administration
Parent company Prestat closed Marasu’s Petit Fours’ flagship store in Piccadilly last week
Wealthy banker dodged £5,900 in London train fares ‘doughnutting’ fraud
Joseph Molloy, a former HSBC executive, exploited the scam over 740 times in 11 months, saving a total of £5,911 on Southeastern train fares, Inner London Crown Court heard
Nvidia is partnering with major Indian VC firms in search for the country’s next AI start-ups
Nvidia is expanding its partnerships in India, including with venture capital firms, as it bets on the country’s AI ecosystem that has drawn massive Big Tech investments.
