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- António José Seguro Elected President of Portugal After Historic Victory
- Wolves vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups
- European Parliament drafts procedure to select host for European Customs Authority
- South Korea Urges Citizens to Cease Drone Flights Over North Korea | Latest News
- Former Man Utd coach reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s two targets instead of David de Gea
- Iran Risks Self-Destruction as Trump Deploys Warplanes to the Region
- European Commission launches strategy to support nine EU states bordering Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
- Where You’re Most Likely to Encounter Shark Bites on Holiday: A Detailed Map
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Global Reaction to DE Elections
António José Seguro Elected President of Portugal After Historic Victory
9:00 pm
TL;DR
• António José Seguro defeated André Ventura on 8 February 2026, securing two-thirds of the vote and halting the rise of the far right to the Presidency.
• Mariana Corrêa welcomed guests Carlos Coelho and André Franqueira Rodrigues to discuss European institutions after the election results.
• António Costa expressed appreciation for democracy following the election outcome, highlighting its impact on Portuguese society.
• The election results signal a potential shift in the political landscape and may renew momentum for social-democratic parties across Europe.
António José Seguro Wins Historic Presidential Election in Portugal
António José Seguro achieved a significant victory in the Portuguese presidential election on 8 February.
Seguro’s win is seen as a broad mobilisation against far-right populism in Portugal.
The election results bring real implications for Portugal’s political stability moving forward.
Ten days after the runoff, Portugal is assessing the implications of António José Seguro’s victory. On 8 February, he defeated André Ventura with around two-thirds of the vote, according to reports. This halted the rise of the far right to the presidency and secured one of the largest margins in Portugal’s democratic history.
The result reflected a broad mobilization—from the centre-left to sectors of the centre-right—aimed at preventing a populist breakthrough. For many voters, supporting Seguro was described as less an ideological endorsement and more a stand in defence of democratic norms amid growing polarisation.
Impact of Seguro’s Victory on Portugal’s Political Landscape
Seguro’s election signifies complex changes in the political landscape of Portugal.
The far right remains a potent force, despite its electoral defeat.
Seguro may play a moderating role, influencing government stability in a tripartite system.
While secure in his victory, the political landscape left behind is complex. Ventura’s strong support highlights persistent societal tensions, such as concerns over immigration and economic pressure. The far right was defeated, but according to sources, it continues to consolidate itself as a significant political force.
In this increasingly fragmented political environment, Seguro may have to take on a moderating role. This position could significantly influence government stability and the ability to broker agreements on critical issues like healthcare and labour reform.
European Reactions to Portugal’s Presidential Election Outcome
The election outcome was welcomed by several leaders at the European level.
Seguro’s victory could signal renewed momentum for the social-democratic camp across Europe.
Portugal’s political situation may influence its role in addressing broader European challenges.
The impact of Seguro’s election extends beyond Portugal. António Costa, President of the European Council, highlighted the “Portuguese people’s appreciation for democracy.” As socialist parties face challenges across Europe, this victory may represent renewed momentum for the social-democratic camp. But the specific context remains significant in assessing its broader implications.
Questions remain about what role Portugal will assume within a European framework shaped by multiple challenges, including increased defence spending demands. The event marks a key moment in a changing political landscape, not only for Portugal but potentially for the entire European continent.
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Wolves vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups
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Wolves vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Arsenal faced Wolves at Molineux on 18 February 2026, seeking to secure a vital Premier League victory. The Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta, held a four-point lead over Manchester City despite a recent 1-1 draw with Brentford. Wolves, under Rob Edwards, struggled with injuries and remained bottom of the table, nine points from safety.
Top-of-the-table Arsenal travel to rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier League this evening. The Gunners hold a four-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City but were frustrated in a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Brentford last time out in the top flight.
Mikel Arteta’s men can take encouragement from a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Wigan in the FA Cup at the weekend and will be looking to carry that same form into tonight’s clash at Molineux. The leaders previously snatched a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture, thanks to a fortuitous Yerson Mosquera own goal.
Wolves facing relegation battle
Despite experiencing a slight lift under manager Rob Edwards since his November appointment, Wolves are in a precarious position, facing the threat of relegation to the Championship, with nine points separating them from their nearest rivals Burnley. They will be missing star forward Hee-Chan Hwang and central defender Toti Gomes due to muscle injuries.
Arsenal have dealt with several injury concerns leading up to the match, but Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori have both been cleared to play. However, captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz remain unavailable for the visitors.
Confirmed starting line-ups announced
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made four changes to their line-up following their win over Grimsby, with January signing Adam Armstrong starting up front. The confirmed Wolverhampton Wanderers XI includes Sa, Tchatchoua, Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci, H. Bueno, Andre, A. Gomes, Mane, Bellegarde, and Armstrong.
Arsenal’s starting XI consists of Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Madueke, Martinelli, Saka, and Gyokeres. Both teams are set to kick off at 8pm GMT this evening.
European Parliament drafts procedure to select host for European Customs Authority
6:00 pm
TL;DR
• The European Parliament and member states have drafted a procedure for selecting the hosting country of the future European Custom Authority.
• This procedure is expected to be formally approved in the coming days.
European Parliament and Member States Finalise Hosting Procedure for European Custom Authority
The European Parliament and member states have drafted a procedure for selecting the hosting country for the European Custom Authority.
This procedure is expected to be formally approved in the coming days.
This initiative aims to streamline customs operations across the EU.
According to sources, the drafting process involved significant collaboration between the European Parliament and the member states. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring that the new authority can effectively oversee and implement customs regulations within the EU.
The formal approval of the procedure will pave the way for determining which member state will host the European Custom Authority. This step is anticipated to enhance the efficiency and coherence of customs operations across the region.
Expected Formal Approval for European Custom Authority Hosting Procedure
The expected approval of the hosting procedure will take place in the coming days.
This marks a significant advancement towards establishing the European Custom Authority.
Member states are preparing to collaborate closely during this selection process.
The impending approval signifies a key stride in the establishment of the European Custom Authority. Following this, member states will actively engage in discussions regarding potential candidates for hosting the authority.
According to EU News, this initiative serves to bolster customs enforcement and improve operational efficiency throughout the EU. The selection process is expected to incorporate multiple factors, including infrastructure and logistical capabilities of the candidate countries.
Member States Collaborate to Enhance EU Customs Efficiency
The collaborative effort of member states aims to enhance the effectiveness of customs operations.
This cooperation is crucial for the future operations of the European Custom Authority.
Customs efficiency is a priority for achieving seamless trade within the EU.
The joint efforts of member states are designed to create a robust framework that supports the European Custom Authority’s function. Effective customs operations are essential for facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with EU regulations.
This streamlined approach is expected to significantly benefit intra-EU customs processing, with member states working in unison to align their customs strategies. The final outcome will depend on the successful implementation of the newly approved procedures.
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South Korea Urges Citizens to Cease Drone Flights Over North Korea | Latest News
3:14 pm
TL:DR – South Korea Urges Citizens to Cease Drone Flights Over North Korea | Latest News
- South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young calls for an end to civilian drone flights into North Korea, citing damage to inter-Korean relations.
- Three civilians flew drones, two of which crashed in North Korea, prompting investigations into aviation law violations.
- North Korea warns of severe consequences for future provocations and has urged Seoul to conduct an investigation.
- The situation follows a controversial drone operation by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, leading to his indictment for aiding an enemy state.
South Korea asks citizens to stop flying drones to North Korea | News World
Chung Dong-Young has pleaded with civilians to stop (Picture: AFP)
### South Korea Urges Civilians to Halt Drone Flights into North Korea
South Korea is asking civilians to stop flying drones into North Korea after two of them crashed, angering its northern neighbour. South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated that three civilians had sent drones to North Korea on four occasions, which have harmed inter-Korean ties.
### Investigation into Drone Incidents
A trio flew the aircraft between September 2025 and January, Chung said, citing a joint police and military investigation. Two of the drones crashed in North Korea, consistent with Pyongyang’s claims, while the others returned to the south. Authorities are investigating the civilians on suspicion of violating aviation safety laws and aiding the enemy; some officials from military intelligence and the National Intelligence Service are also under investigation for possible involvement. “We express official regret to the North,” Chung noted, emphasizing that the government is taking the incident very seriously.
### North Korea’s Warning and Previous Incidents
North Korea has urged Seoul to investigate, warning that provocations could lead to “terrible situations.” This follows a previous incident where former South Korean president, Yoon Suk Yeol, sent 18 drones to the north, which Chung termed “an extremely dangerous incident.” South Korean prosecutors indicted Yoon in April 2025 on charges including aiding an enemy state, accusing him and his military commanders of ordering a covert drone operation into the North to escalate tensions and justify his martial law decree. Facing severe consequences, Yoon denies any wrongdoing.
### Speculations Surrounding Kim Jong-un’s Succession
The apology comes amid spreading rumors that Kim Jong-un has chosen his daughter as his successor. Until recently, the young teenager was kept away from public observation but has begun attending high-profile events with her father. The Kim family remains secretive, and speculation surrounds how many children Kim and his wife, Ko Yong-hui, have.
Reports indicate that Kim Ju-ae is the middle child of three and is believed to be around the age of 13 or 14, though her birthday remains unknown. She was first introduced to former NBA star Dennis Rodman during one of his visits to North Korea in early 2013. Her first public appearance in Western media occurred in November 2022, when she was seen accompanying her father during an inspection of the launch of the country’s largest ballistic missile, a Hwasong-17 intercontinental.
Kim Ju-ae’s increasing public profile could suggest that she may eventually take on a leadership role and present the Kim family in a monarchical style.
Former Man Utd coach reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s two targets instead of David de Gea
3:00 pm
Former Man Utd coach reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s two targets instead of David de Gea | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
In October 2011, Sir Alex Ferguson selected David de Gea as Manchester United’s new goalkeeper, opting for him over Hugo Lloris and Manuel Neuer, according to former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele. The £18.9 million transfer from Atletico Madrid marked De Gea as the second most expensive goalkeeper at the time, succeeding Edwin van der Sar.
David de Gea was chosen by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United in 2011, according to former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele. This decision, confirmed during an appearance on the Talk of the Devils podcast, was significant as it marked a pivotal moment in the club’s goalkeeping history. De Gea was signed for £18.9 million from Atletico Madrid, making him the second most expensive goalkeeper at that time.
Eric Steele stated that he scouted several goalkeepers, including Hugo Lloris and Manuel Neuer, before Ferguson ultimately trusted his judgement on De Gea. Steele had observed the Spanish goalkeeper live 17 times, which influenced Ferguson’s decision. De Gea went on to make 545 appearances for the club before departing in 2023.
Steele shared his experiences while scouting, recalling a match at Anfield where De Gea’s impressive foot save convinced him of the young goalkeeper’s potential. “I turned to Ray Clemence and said, ‘I’ve seen enough,’” Steele remarked. He noted that Ferguson acknowledged his earlier challenges with selecting goalkeepers, expressing his confidence in Steele’s recommendation.
Iran Risks Self-Destruction as Trump Deploys Warplanes to the Region
2:33 pm
TL:DR – “Iran Risks Self-Destruction as Trump Deploys Warplanes to the Region”
- The US is dispatching refuelling planes to the Middle East amid escalating Iran-US tensions following nuclear talks.
- A Trump adviser predicts a high likelihood of military action in the coming weeks, potentially involving Israel.
- Security experts note the US shows military strength to pressure Iran’s leadership.
- Iran has increased its military presence, conducting drills in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Experts warn that a US-Iran war would be easy to initiate but hard to control, potentially leading to severe consequences for both nations.
Iran is ‘bringing war upon itself’ after Trump sends warplanes to region | News World
Refuelling planes and other aircraft are making their way towards the Middle East (Picture: FlightRadar)
Just a day after warning Iran to make a deal, the United States appears to be sending refuelling planes to key points in the region.
Dozens of planes are headed towards the Middle East as tensions between Iran and the US reach a breaking point after nuclear talks.
It comes as one Trump adviser told Axios: ‘The boss is getting fed up. Some people around him warn him against going to war with Iran, but I think there is 90% chance we see kinetic action in the next few weeks.’
Sources have suggested that any conflict would likely be a joint operation with Israel.
Security expert Will Geddes told WTX News the influx of military equipment to the region is a show of force from Donald Trump, telling the Ayatollah to comply and step down.
He explained: ‘The big challenge is that the Ayatollah is not going to stand down. Khamenei has openly taunted Trump, saying he’ll send U.S. warships to the bottom of the sea if he tries anything.
‘If there is any action—and though Donald Trump hasn’t given an attack order yet—we are going to see a monumental display of U.S. military strength against Iran.’
What would a US war with Iran look like?
Iran is mounting its military presence ahead of a potential attack (Picture: Shutterstock)
Last month, the US moved the USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided missile destroyers into the region, which can be used to launch attacks from the sea.
As fears of a US attack in Iran mount, Dr Bamo Nouri, a professor in International Relations at the University of West London, told WTX News that a conflict launched by the US would be easy to start – but hard to control.
‘An outright war would carry enormous and unpredictable costs for both sides. For Washington, military strikes could backfire by unifying Iran domestically, accelerating its nuclear programme rather than halting it, and pulling the US into a prolonged regional confrontation,’ he explained.
‘For Iran, direct war with the United States would threaten regime stability and risk devastating infrastructure losses.’
Dr Nouri said that structurally, neither Iran nor the US would benefit from a full-scale war.
‘What we are seeing now is still pre-negotiation positioning, not even the first full stage of structured diplomacy, where both sides test leverage before any serious political concessions are put on the table,’ he said.
‘This still looks more like high-risk brinkmanship designed to shape negotiations rather than an imminent decision for all-out war.’
The IRGC has been conducting test strikes and drills (Picture: Shutterstock)
Iran has rebuilt a shield over one of its nuclear missile bases (Picture: Reuters)
Geddes observed: ‘Right now, the US will be mapping the country to ensure strikes hit regime assets rather than civilians – nuclear development capabilities and military assets, ultimately pushing to disable the regime’s military power and pressure them to leave.
‘I don’t think we’ll see a ‘President Maduro’ situation here, but as with other dictators in the past—like Bashar al-Assad in Syria—we may see the Ayatollah being told: ‘Take your money and disappear,’ he explained.
The US won’t make any moves until all assets in the region are in place – but something to watch is the warnings issued to the maritime industry.
Iran has been conducting military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane in the Red Sea.
A map showing the shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz
Any military action would be preceded by an advisory to the maritime industry, essentially telling them to ‘hold tight’, Geddes said.
He added: ‘Ultimately, Iran is bringing it on themselves. In any negotiation—whether it’s international diplomacy or a kidnapping—there has to be a concession on both sides.’
Today, satellite images showed that Iran has built a concrete shield over a new facility at a sensitive military site and covered it in soil, experts say.
Images also show that Iran has buried tunnel entrances at a nuclear site bombed by the US during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran last year, fortified tunnel entrances near another, and has repaired missile bases struck in the conflict.
They offer a glimpse of Iranian activities at some of the sites at the centre of tensions with Israel and the US, as Washington seeks to negotiate a deal with Tehran on its nuclear programme while threatening military action if talks fail.
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