Peru's Congress has elected 83-year-old leftist Jose Balcazar as the nation's eighth president in eight years, underscoring a period of profound political instability. Balcazar, who replaces a leader ousted by scandal, now faces the challenge of overseeing transparent elections despite his own controversial past comments defending child marriage.
Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was reportedly arrested on his 66th birthday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This dramatic development, confirmed by Thames Valley Police, follows intensifying scrutiny over his Jeffrey Epstein connections and allegations he sent confidential trade reports to the convicted sex offender.
Scientists at the University of New Hampshire have leveraged artificial intelligence to discover dozens of high-temperature magnetic materials, including 25 previously unknown compounds, aiming to replace expensive rare earth elements. This groundbreaking AI-driven innovation promises more sustainable and affordable solutions for critical technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems by reducing reliance on costly imported materials.
The U.S. Treasury has successfully concluded a significant public-private initiative to fortify cybersecurity and risk management for artificial intelligence within the financial services sector. This crucial effort, supporting the President's AI Action Plan, will soon release six new resources designed to ensure secure and resilient AI adoption across the U.S. financial system.
Vanderbilt Health researchers have developed an experimental vaccine that successfully protected animals from *C. difficile* infection, preventing illness, death, and recurrence. This novel vaccine, administered to the colon's mucosal lining, offers a promising new strategy against a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections.
Warner Bros. Discovery has reopened high-stakes negotiations with Paramount, granting them seven days to submit a "best and final offer" for a potential takeover, directly challenging Netflix's agreed deal for WBD's studios and HBO Max. Despite Paramount's promise of a higher bid and Netflix's temporary waiver, Warner Bros. Discovery's board surprisingly continues to recommend shareholders approve the original Netflix merger.
