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- Kaja Kallas Rejects Civilisational Decline Claims at Munich Security Conference
- Coach passenger ‘stabbed in shoulder’ on M6 close to Cannock | UK News
- Deep Blue Hole Discovered: Scientists Struggle to Reach the Bottom | World News
- Chelsea star ruled out of Arsenal clash in huge boost to Mikel Arteta
- European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef respects IOC’s disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych
- Over 60 Children in London Infected with Rapidly Spreading Measles
- Friedrich Merz warns at Munich Security Conference that global order has changed
- Epstein claimed to a friend that Princess Beatrice was ‘fond’ of him | News UK
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Kaja Kallas Rejects Civilisational Decline Claims at Munich Security Conference
3:00 pm
TL:DR – Kaja Kallas Rejects Civilisational Decline Claims at Munich Security Conference
• Kaja Kallas, Estonia’s Prime Minister, rejected claims of Europe’s civilisational decline at the Munich Security Conference on 15 February 2026.
• Kallas referred to “European bashing” in international discourse, highlighting excellent living standards and societal achievements.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns about Europe’s policies, particularly regarding migration and climate change, during the same conference.
• Kallas noted ongoing interest from countries like Ukraine in joining the EU, countering notions of decline.
• She cautioned against rewarding Russia in upcoming negotiations in Geneva, emphasising the threat it poses.
Kallas says ‘Europe is not facing civilisational erasure’ in rebuke to US bashing
Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, rejected claims that Europe is facing a civilisational decline that could lead to its disappearance, responding to US criticism on 15 February 2026 at the Munich Security Conference. Her comments are significant as they counter a narrative suggesting that the continent requires renewal due to ineffective policies, particularly concerning migration and climate initiatives.
During a panel discussion hosted by Euronews, Kallas addressed what she termed constant “European bashing” and highlighted the continent’s excellent standards of living and societal achievements. Her remarks came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the collective West needs renewal, citing migration and climate policies as areas needing reform.
Kallas Defends European Values Amid US Criticism
Kaja Kallas stated that Rubio’s remarks appeared aimed at both Europe and a domestic audience in the United States. While she acknowledged the importance of transatlantic unity, she noted that “we don’t see eye to eye on all issues” while defending European values.
Kallas also referred to the Press Freedom Index, emphasising Estonia’s position at number two, compared to the US, which ranks 58th. She further argued that the European Union remains an attractive political project for many countries, including Ukraine and those in the Western Balkans, signifying strength rather than decline.
Kallas Addresses Russia’s Negotiation Tactics
Kaja Kallas warned against rewarding Russia during upcoming negotiations mediated by the United States. She expressed concern that if Russia gains more at the negotiation table than it has on the battlefield, it would pose a significant threat.
“Today, Russia is broken,” Kallas asserted, emphasising the need for caution in future diplomatic engagements.
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Coach passenger ‘stabbed in shoulder’ on M6 close to Cannock | UK News
2:00 pm
TL:DR – Coach passenger ‘stabbed in shoulder’ on M6 close to Cannock | UK News
- A man was arrested for attempted murder following a stabbing on a coach on the M6 Toll.
- The victim sustained a shoulder injury; his condition is stable and not life-threatening.
- The incident occurred near Cannock; police were alerted at 8.15am.
- The M6 Toll was temporarily closed for an investigation.
- Separately, a baby girl was seriously injured in a crash involving a Ford Transit that fled the scene.
Coach passenger ‘stabbed in the shoulder’ on M6 near Cannock | News UK
A man was left with serious injuries as his coach passed through Cannock (Picture: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
A man has been arrested for attempted murder after a stabbing on a coach on the M6 Toll.
The victim suffered a knife injury to his shoulder in the attack as the coach passed through a toll booth near to Cannock.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: ‘We were called at 8.15am this morning to reports a man had been stabbed in the shoulder on the M6 Toll southbound between T8 and T7.
‘The man was taken to hospital, his condition is stable and his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.’
A 41-year-old man, from Northumberland, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and remains in custody.
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The M6 Toll was closed after police investigated the attack.
It came after a baby girl suffered serious injuries after a Ford Transit van crashed into two cars and a lorry off the M6 on Friday.
Police say a white Ford Transit hit three stationary vehicles before making off from the scene. The baby, a passenger in one of the cars, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Lancashire Police says enquiries are ongoing to find the driver and passenger of the van, who officers believe to have serious injuries.
Sergeant Ben Elliott said: ‘A baby has been left seriously injured following this collision and our thoughts remain with her and her loved ones at this time. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to locate two men, the driver and passenger of the white Ford Transit van, and I can reassure you we are doing everything possible to find them.
‘We are particularly concerned for them as we believe they sustained serious injuries in the collision, and strongly encourage them to come forward to us. I am appealing directly to you, the public, for your assistance.
‘If you have dashcam or CCTV footage of the collision, please do get in touch with us. We are also aware that there may be people who witnessed the collision that we haven’t yet spoken to.
‘If this is you, or if you know someone who was travelling on that road at the time, please let us know.’
Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to call Lancashire Police on 101
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Deep Blue Hole Discovered: Scientists Struggle to Reach the Bottom | World News
12:59 pm
TL:DR – “Deep Blue Hole Discovered: Scientists Struggle to Reach the Bottom | World News”
- Taam ja’, an underwater sinkhole in Chetumal Bay, Belize, remains a mystery for scientists attempting to measure its depth.
- Initial sonar readings suggest it is about 900 feet deep, but accuracy is hindered by varying water conditions.
- Divers found uneven walls; a 1,640-foot cable failed to reach the bottom, raising questions about potential underwater currents affecting measurements.
- If proven deeper than the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, it could become the world’s deepest measured sinkhole.
Scientists find a blue hole so deep that they can’t reach the bottom | News World
The stunning underwater sinkhole holds mystery for scientists (Picture: Getty)
There’s an underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize that is so deep, scientists aren’t sure how far down it goes.
In Chetumal Bay, sinkhole Taam ja’, a ‘blue hole’, has proved to be a challenge for researchers trying to measure its depth.
Using sonar to map the hole, they found Taam ja’ is roughly 900 feet deep – but those measurements might be inaccurate, due to temperature and salinity changes in each layer of water.
Divers were sent into the hole, roughly 30 metres down, and found that the walls of the hole were squishy and uneven, before turning into firmer rock.
After anchoring a boat above the hole’s opening, a research team lowered a massive cable, measuring 1,640 feet, into the hole, but it wasn’t long enough to reach the bottom.
Researchers noted that the instrument could have been pushed sideways by currents and thrown off the measurements, but the mystery remains: how deep is Taam ja’?
Its unknown just how deep the massive hole goes (Picture: Frontiers in Marine Science)
Despite repeated attempts to measure the hole with long cables, there’s been no definitive measure of its depth.
For years, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, in the South China Sea, was believed to be the deepest blue hole in the ocean.
If scientists can measure the depth of Taam ja’, it could replace the Sansha Yongle hole as the deepest measured sinkhole in the ocean.
It’s believed Taam ja’ could have a network of underwater caves and tunnels, making its measurement even more difficult.
Earlier this year, scientists were able to extract a sediment core from the bottom of the marine sinkhole that provided a 5,700-year storm archive.
The layers of sediment showed that over the past six millennia, on average, between four and 16 tropical storms pass over the hole per 100 years.
The Great Blue Hole lies around 60 miles off the coast of Belize City and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was formed at the end of the last Ice Age when rising seawaters flooded a series of enormous caverns.
It’s thought the caves were formed about 153,000 years ago and completely submerged around 15,000 years ago.
The Hole is populated by several shark species, including Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, hammerheads, bull sharks, and black-tip sharks.
Chelsea star ruled out of Arsenal clash in huge boost to Mikel Arteta
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Chelsea star ruled out of Arsenal clash in huge boost to Mikel Arteta | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Chelsea faced a significant setback with defender Marc Cucurella ruled out for up to a month due to a hamstring injury sustained in their 2-2 draw against Leeds United. Manager Liam Rosenior prepared for upcoming matches, including a crucial Premier League clash against league leaders Arsenal on 1 March, as the team aimed for a top-four finish.
Chelsea have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of a crucial period in the Premier League, with defender Marc Cucurella likely to be sidelined for up to a month due to a hamstring injury. The setback was confirmed after Cucurella was forced off at half-time during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United last week. This injury comes as the Blues prepare for key fixtures, including a match against league leaders Arsenal on 1 March.
Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United, and they aim to secure a top-four finish to qualify for the Champions League. Manager Liam Rosenior, who took over last month, is also focusing on progressing in the Champions League, with Chelsea having advanced to the knockout stages after securing sixth place in their group.
Cucurella’s absence is a considerable loss for Chelsea, as he has established himself as one of the top left-backs in the Premier League following a challenging start to his time at the club. According to BBC Sport, Rosenior was non-committal regarding Cucurella’s return date, but suggestions indicate he will miss several upcoming matches.
Chelsea’s next Premier League match is against relegation-battlers Burnley this weekend, followed by the pivotal encounter with Arsenal.
European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef respects IOC’s disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych
11:00 am
TL:DR – European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef respects IOC’s disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych
• European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef respected the IOC’s decision to disqualify Vladyslav Heraskevych over his helmet at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
• The IOC banned Heraskevych’s custom helmet, which honoured deceased Ukrainian athletes from the Russian invasion.
• Micallef expressed sadness that the situation could not be resolved before the competition.
• The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed Heraskevych’s appeal against the IOC on 6 October 2023.
• Other Ukrainian athletes also faced restrictions on helmet designs deemed political by the IOC.
European Commissioner for Sport says he ‘respects’ IOC’s decision to ban Ukrainian Olympian
European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef expressed regret over the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych due to a custom helmet featuring portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes. The ruling, announced before Heraskevych’s first run at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding athlete expressions during competitions.
The significance of this disqualification lies in the contrasting narratives of sportsmanship and political expression. Micallef stated he respected the IOC’s decision but was saddened that a resolution could not be achieved to allow Heraskevych to honour his fallen compatriots.
Glenn Micallef Remarks on IOC Decision
Micallef told Euronews that he appreciated the effort made by Kirsty Coventry, the president of the IOC, to address the situation directly with Heraskevych, stating, “The decision by the IOC is one I respect.” He acknowledged that the IOC had offered alternatives for Heraskevych to commemorate the athletes, such as wearing a black armband, which the athlete rejected.
Heraskevych’s helmet depicted over 20 Ukrainian athletes killed since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022. He defended his choice, saying, “I did not break any rules. I defended the interests of Ukraine… They deserve it.”
Disqualifications Amidst Political Tensions
The IOC’s decision extends beyond Heraskevych; other Ukrainian athletes have faced similar restrictions. Ukrainian freestyle skier Kateryna Kotsar’s helmet was disqualified for a message advocating bravery, while short track speed skater Oleh Handei had his helmet barred for an inscription deemed political.
Heraskevych described the IOC’s ruling as damaging, stating that it serves as an instrument of propaganda for Russia amid ongoing threats he receives from Russian sources.
Court of Arbitration for Sport Upholds IOC’s Disqualification
On Friday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Heraskevych’s appeal against the IOC and the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). The CAS indicated that while sympathetic to athletes’ commemorations, the guidelines aim to balance personal expression with the integrity of sporting performance.
The CAS reiterated that limitations on expression during competitions are deemed reasonable and highlighted that athletes have other venues to raise awareness, such as press conferences and social media.
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Over 60 Children in London Infected with Rapidly Spreading Measles
10:00 am
TL:DR – Over 60 Children in London Infected with Rapidly Spreading Measles
- Over 34 confirmed measles cases reported in north London since January 2023.
- 60 suspected cases identified across seven schools and a nursery in Enfield.
- Health officials urge parents to ensure children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
- One in five hospitalised children were unvaccinated.
- Temporary vaccination clinics established to increase immunisation rates.
- Measles is highly contagious; vaccination essential for prevention.
- UK’s measles vaccination rates are the lowest since 2010-11, with only 91.9% of children vaccinated.
More than 60 children left infected with ‘fast spreading’ measles in London | News UK
More than 34 measles cases have been laboratory-confirmed since the start of the year (Picture: Getty Images)
A measles outbreak has infected dozens of children in schools across north London and left a number in hospital.
More than 60 suspected cases of the potentially deadly disease have been reported by seven schools and a nursery in Enfield, according to the Sunday Times.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the north London borough from the beginning of the year until February 9.
Every parent in the area is being written to by Enfield’s director of public health as officials battle to stop the infection spreading across London.
The disease has spread through Enfield in north London (Picture: Getty Images)
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Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
Most people recover, and getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent becoming sick or spreading the disease.
A message posted on the NHS Ordnance Unity Centre For Health GP surgery said there was a ‘fast spreading measles outbreak in several schools across Enfield’.
The GP surgery added: ‘Infections have been confirmed across at least seven schools in Enfield and Haringey and it is spreading.
‘During this recent outbreak, one in five children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
‘Parents should ensure that their children are up-to-date with all their immunisations.’
Measles can be prevented through vaccination, which is available as part of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) injection.
However, Enfield is said to have one of the lowest uptake rates for the two-shot vaccine in the country.
Temporary vaccination clinics have been held in schools throughout the borough to try reverse the trend.
Vaccination is crucial to preventing the spread of measles (Picture: Getty Images)
What are the signs of measles?
According to the NHS, measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.
Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
The measles rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They’re not usually itchy.
Enfield Council said it was ‘working closely with the UK Health Security Agency, the NHS and local partners to respond to a confirmed outbreak of measles in the borough’.
Its cabinet member for health and social care, Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, said: ‘We are following national public health guidance to manage the situation, protecting residents and limiting further spread.
‘The current outbreak has mainly affected children and some have required additional care with a short stay in hospital. Measles is one of the most infectious known diseases. It is approximately six times more infectious than Covid-19.
‘Catching the measles is entirely preventable, but it spreads extremely quickly where vaccination levels are low. By checking your family’s vaccination status and taking up the free NHS vaccine, you are protecting not only yourselves but also vulnerable members of our community.
‘Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family. We urge everyone who is not fully vaccinated to act now.’
How to get vaccinated for measles
Vaccination rates are at their lowest since 2010-11 (Picture: Getty Images)
The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
Children are also now offered the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).
According to the NHS, if you or your child needs the MMR vaccine, your GP surgery will be able to arrange it.
Your child may also be able to get it through their school.
If you need the MMR vaccine for your work, you should also be able to get it through your employer’s occupational health service.
Last month, the World Health Organisation declared the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.
According to UK Health Security Agency figures 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in 2024-25.
This is the lowest level since 2010-2011.
WHO recommends at least 95% of children should receive vaccine doses for each illness to achieve herd immunity.
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