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  • Philippine vice president faces 2 new impeachment bids after surviving attempt last year

    Philippine vice president faces 2 new impeachment bids after surviving attempt last year

    MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte confronts renewed impeachment proceedings as activist groups filed dual complaints before the House of Representatives on Monday. The allegations center on substantial corruption claims involving 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential funds during her tenure as both vice president and education secretary.

    This political escalation marks the latest development in the tumultuous career of Duterte, a 47-year-old lawyer and former city mayor whom supporters view as a potential presidential candidate in the 2028 elections. The current impeachment bids follow a previous attempt that was nullified by the Supreme Court last year due to constitutional technicalities regarding impeachment frequency.

    The complaints allege systematic mishandling of government funds, with additional accusations of unexplained wealth in personal bank accounts. Notably, one filing references Duterte’s controversial November 2024 statement during an online news conference, where she reportedly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the House Speaker assassinated if she were harmed amid ongoing political disputes.

    Michael Poa, legal counsel for the vice president, issued a statement asserting their readiness to address the allegations through proper constitutional channels, maintaining that the accusations lack both factual foundation and legal merit.

    The political drama extends beyond Duterte, as President Marcos himself faces two impeachment complaints in the House, though the chamber remains dominated by his allies. The allegations against Marcos involve purported failure to veto budgetary appropriations for infrastructure projects where kickback schemes allegedly benefited both the president and allied legislators.

    This unfolding constitutional confrontation highlights the deepening fractures within Philippine politics, particularly between former allies Duterte and Marcos, whose relationship has deteriorated significantly since their previous political partnership.

  • Hellas Verona, last in Italy’s Serie A, fires coach Paolo Zanetti

    Hellas Verona, last in Italy’s Serie A, fires coach Paolo Zanetti

    VERONA, Italy — In a decisive move reflecting the intense pressure of Italy’s top football division, last-placed Serie A club Hellas Verona has terminated the contract of head coach Paolo Zanetti. The dismissal was announced on Monday, merely 48 hours after the team suffered a demoralizing 4-0 defeat away to Cagliari.

    The loss solidified Verona’s position at the very bottom of the league table, a point below fellow strugglers Pisa, who also possess 14 points from 23 matches. This coaching change is part of a broader trend of instability in the Italian top flight, bringing the total number of clubs that have changed managers this season to six.

    Zanetti’s tenure was marked by profound difficulty, with the team securing only two league victories throughout the entire campaign. These wins, both achieved consecutively in December, provided a brief glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal season. With 15 matches remaining in the season, the club now faces a formidable challenge, sitting four points adrift from the safety of the 17th-place position and potential salvation from relegation.

    The managerial upheaval extends beyond Verona. Just one day prior, Pisa also parted ways with their coach, Alberto Girardino, highlighting the cutthroat nature of the league where poor results prompt immediate organizational action as clubs battle for survival.

  • England’s resurgence threatens France’s and Ireland’s Six Nations dominance

    England’s resurgence threatens France’s and Ireland’s Six Nations dominance

    The Six Nations Championship is poised for a potential power shift as England emerges as a formidable challenger to the longstanding French-Irish supremacy. Under coach Steve Borthwick, England rides an impressive 11-game winning streak highlighted by their decisive 33-19 victory over New Zealand in November, which precipitated the departure of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. This resurgent squad, featuring emerging talents like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Pollock, faces its ultimate test in a climactic final-round showdown against defending champion France in Paris.

    France enters as tournament favorite despite autumn campaign concerns. The team benefits from an ideal schedule with home advantages against both Ireland and England, coupled with the return of inspirational captain Antoine Dupont from ACL injury. Coach Fabien Galthié has embraced a transitional phase toward the 2027 World Cup, surprisingly dropping established stars including record try-scorer Damian Penaud in favor of promising newcomers like Théo Attissogbe and Lenni Nouchi.

    Ireland confronts significant challenges including a humiliated front row against South Africa, lineout inconsistencies, and multiple injuries to key players. The team additionally faces disciplinary concerns after Bundee Aki’s six-week suspension for referee abuse, highlighting what former official Owen Doyle describes as a ‘growing and unacceptable culture’ of misconduct toward match officials.

    Scotland battles persistent reputation issues despite moments of brilliance, with notorious collapses stemming from weak benches and mental fragility. Coach Gregor Townsend received a contract extension through 2027 despite growing clamor for change. Italy demonstrates renewed optimism under Gonzalo Quesada but faces injury setbacks, while Wales struggles with ongoing performance issues and concerningly low ticket sales despite ending historic losing streaks in 2025.

  • Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    In a heartwarming display of regional unity, Shenshan village in Jinggangshan city recently hosted an expansive Spring Festival gala that transcended provincial boundaries. The festive gathering on February 1, 2026, welcomed participants from seven neighboring counties across both Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, creating a colorful tapestry of cultural exchange and community bonding.

    The event, held as the Lunar New Year approached, transformed the village into a hub of celebration featuring traditional performances, local culinary specialties, and interactive activities that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region. Residents from both provinces shared customs, songs, and dances unique to their respective communities, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cross-regional relationships.

    This innovative approach to Spring Festival celebrations demonstrates how rural communities are revitalizing traditional festivals to promote social cohesion. The gala served not only as entertainment but as a meaningful platform for preserving intangible cultural heritage while building bridges between neighboring areas that share historical connections but maintain distinct local traditions.

    The successful event has drawn attention from cultural preservation advocates who see such initiatives as models for maintaining traditional festivals in modern times while adapting them to contemporary community needs.

  • China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama

    China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama

    China has vehemently denounced the Grammy Award recognition bestowed upon the Dalai Lama, characterizing the prestigious music industry honor as an instrument of political warfare against Beijing. The Tibetan spiritual leader, residing in exile in India since 1959, received the award for Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for his work “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

    Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian articulated Beijing’s firm opposition during a press briefing on Monday, asserting that the 14th Dalai Lama represents not merely a religious figure but rather a political exile masterminding anti-China separatist activities under religious pretexts. “We firmly oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation,” Lin declared.

    The Dalai Lama, perceived globally as the symbolic leader of Tibet’s autonomy movement, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it in his official statement as an acknowledgment of “our shared universal responsibility” which he accepted with “gratitude and humility.”

    This diplomatic confrontation occurs against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Beijing and Tibetan exile communities. China administers Tibet as an autonomous region despite persistent allegations of cultural suppression targeting Tibetan language, traditions, and identity. The dispute extends to the contentious matter of succession planning for the spiritual leadership, with Beijing insisting the next Dalai Lama must be born in Tibet and sanctioned by the Communist Party, while the current Dalai Lama maintains his successor should emerge from a free country without Chinese involvement.

  • 3 seasons in, PWHL set to enjoy international coming-out party during Milan Cortina Games

    3 seasons in, PWHL set to enjoy international coming-out party during Milan Cortina Games

    The landscape of women’s professional hockey has undergone a revolutionary transformation since Kendall Coyne Schofield’s emotional plea for greater visibility following the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. What was once considered a distant dream has materialized into the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which now stands poised for its international showcase at the Milan Cortina Games.

    Four years after her tearful declaration that ‘the status quo is not good enough,’ Coyne Schofield’s vision has been validated through the PWHL’s successful launch in 2023. The league, financially backed by Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, represents the first truly professional platform for female hockey players, distinguishing itself from previous iterations where athletes often played without salary or proper recognition.

    The Olympic tournament serves as a strategic launching point for the eight-team league, which features 61 PWHL players distributed across ten competing nations—notably comprising the majority of both Team USA and Team Canada rosters. The league is capitalizing on this global stage through extensive advertising campaigns aimed at converting casual Olympic viewers into dedicated PWHL followers.

    Hockey Hall of Famer Jayna Hefford, now PWHL executive vice president, emphasizes the critical opportunity: ‘Previous years, everybody falls in love with the Olympics. They hear stories about players, we have huge viewership numbers, and then it’s sort of like ‘What now?”

    The league’s growth metrics demonstrate remarkable progress: attendance has surpassed 500,000 fans nearing the midpoint of its third season, following the milestone of one million attendees achieved in under two seasons. Expansion plans include adding up to four new teams next season, with potential future establishment of European franchises.

    Despite these achievements, challenges persist. The PWHL lacks a national broadcaster in the United States, though games are available through local markets and YouTube. Additionally, international representation remains limited, with only 25 of the league’s 200-plus players hailing from outside North America. League executives acknowledge this gap and are actively pursuing global growth through potential exhibition games in Europe and enhanced scouting efforts.

    Veteran Swiss national team player Alina Muller, now with the Boston Fleet, believes the league’s stability will gradually attract more international talent: ‘Now being able to watch our games and think, ‘Yeah, I want to end up playing professionally,’ will change the attitude toward the sport completely.’

    The Milan Cortina Games thus represent not just another tournament, but a pivotal moment in women’s hockey history—the culmination of years of advocacy and the beginning of a new era of professional opportunities for female athletes worldwide.

  • ‘Technical issues’ delay Gaza committee’s entry via Rafah crossing: official

    ‘Technical issues’ delay Gaza committee’s entry via Rafah crossing: official

    The newly established National Committee for the Administration of Gaza faces unexpected delays in entering the Gaza Strip due to unresolved technical complications at the Rafah border crossing. Committee member Aed Yaghi confirmed from Cairo that unspecified ‘technical problems and obstacles’ have prevented the 15-member governing body from crossing into Gaza as originally planned on Monday.

    The administrative committee, formed to oversee governance transition in Gaza, continues to face operational challenges beyond border access issues. An anonymous committee member revealed the organization currently lacks both a physical headquarters and operational funding, though arrangements are underway to secure rental facilities in Gaza City shortly.

    Upon eventual entry, committee representatives plan immediate coordination meetings with Palestinian factions and government institutions to facilitate the transfer of ministerial responsibilities and administrative offices. This transitional process marks a critical phase in establishing functional governance structures within the territory.

    In parallel developments, Palestinian security officials indicate approximately 50 medical patients are scheduled to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing on Monday. However, officials note that departure procedures for individuals seeking to leave Gaza remain undefined and inconsistent.

    The Rafah border crossing resumed partial operations on Sunday on experimental basis following an extensive 18-month closure, raising hopes for improved humanitarian access despite ongoing administrative complications.

  • UAE residents can now see air taxis up close near Dubai Mall

    UAE residents can now see air taxis up close near Dubai Mall

    Dubai has taken a significant step toward revolutionizing urban transportation by publicly displaying Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi near Dubai Mall. This exhibition allows residents and visitors to interact directly with the futuristic aircraft, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s advanced air mobility preparations.

    The eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft represents a new category of urban transport that combines helicopter-like vertical takeoff capabilities with airplane efficiency for forward flight. Featuring six tilting electric propellers, the vehicle operates with dramatically reduced noise levels—reportedly inaudible when flying at standard operational altitudes of approximately 1,000 feet.

    Joby Aviation’s UAE Flight Operations Manager Lorcan Lynch emphasized the importance of public engagement: “This initiative enables people to see, touch, and comprehend the forthcoming transportation revolution. We aim to foster familiarity before passengers ever book their inaugural flight.”

    The comprehensive urban air mobility network will initially connect four strategic vertiports across Dubai: Dubai International Airport (reportedly near completion), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina near the American University, and Downtown Dubai. The Downtown vertiport will be strategically positioned atop a dedicated parking structure, optimizing urban space utilization.

    This public demonstration follows the successful completion of the UAE’s first eVTOL test flight in November 2025, a 17-minute journey that would typically require 50 minutes by conventional road transportation. Authorities have confirmed that pricing structures will align with public transportation affordability objectives as the service progresses toward commercial implementation.

  • McKenzie clarifies claim South Africa will host Wafcon 2026

    McKenzie clarifies claim South Africa will host Wafcon 2026

    South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has clarified that no official decision has been made regarding the relocation of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) from Morocco, despite his deputy’s premature announcement that the country would host the tournament. The clarification came after Deputy Minister Peace Mabe publicly declared at an awards ceremony on Sunday that South Africa would step in as hosts following Morocco’s apparent withdrawal. Mabe later told SABC Sport: “When Morocco said ‘We are not able to host’, South Africa, we said ‘Yes, we are available’. We are going to take it.” However, Minister McKenzie emphasized that Morocco remains the officially designated host for the 2026 tournament, stating that Mabe’s remarks “do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities.” He noted that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet initiated any alternative hosting process, though South Africa has expressed willingness to support CAF if alternative arrangements become necessary. The potential hosting change comes as Morocco has invested significantly in football infrastructure while preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The North African nation has been a crucial supporter of women’s football in recent years, with few other countries expressing interest in hosting WAFCON due to its significantly smaller supporter base compared to the men’s Africa Cup of Nations. With just 43 days remaining until the expanded 16-team tournament kicks off on March 17, South Africa would face substantial logistical challenges despite having 13 CAF-approved stadiums available.

  • Tariffs, rising debt expected to sow ‘mess’, ‘chaos’ in US

    Tariffs, rising debt expected to sow ‘mess’, ‘chaos’ in US

    A gathering of prominent US economic experts at the Brookings Institution has delivered a sobering assessment of America’s current trade and fiscal policies, warning that recent measures will inevitably yield long-term economic disruption despite demonstrating surprising short-term resilience.

    The panel discussion, titled “One Year of ‘America First’ Trade Policy: What Did We Learn, and What Comes Next?”, examined the paradoxical performance of an economy that continues expanding slowly despite implementing policies that mainstream economists would traditionally predict would trigger stagnation or collapse.

    Ben Harris, Vice-President and Director of Economic Studies at Brookings, identified four unprecedented policy shocks implemented throughout the past year: tariff rates skyrocketing from 2.4% to 28% on average; net immigration plunging to near zero or negative levels; trillions in new debt accumulated outside recession or wartime conditions; and erosion of Federal Reserve independence through White House pressure and investigations.

    Harris proposed several theories explaining the economy’s unexpected endurance, including possible overstatement of shock impacts due to evasion and muted retaliation, offsetting stimuli from emerging technologies like AI investment, potential flaws in traditional economic models regarding short-term predictions, and the simple reality that full effects require time to materialize.

    Former White House official Nora Todd detailed how corporations have implemented sophisticated mitigation strategies, including absorbing tariff costs rather than passing them to consumers, stockpiling goods preemptively, and restructuring production chains to avoid tariffs entirely.

    Wendy Edelberg, Senior Fellow in Economic Studies, presented data showing tariffs have already elevated consumer prices by approximately half a percentage point, with further inflation anticipated. She emphasized that both imported goods and competing domestic products have become more expensive, disproportionately burdening low-income households and small businesses while ironically reducing manufacturing employment due to increased costs of imported inputs.

    Daniel H. Rosen, cofounder of Rhodium Group, highlighted the geopolitical consequences of current policies, noting that US allies are increasingly seeking alternative markets and strengthening economic ties with China. He advocated for a more nuanced trade approach that distinguishes between genuinely sensitive security concerns and the vast majority of economic exchange that presents no security threat.

    The consensus among experts indicates that while immediate catastrophic collapse has been avoided, the accumulated policies are creating structural vulnerabilities that will manifest as persistent inflation, supply chain fragmentation, eroded geopolitical trust, and ultimately significant economic disruption in the longer term.