February 16, 2026

New Hong Kong Think Tank Launched to Fix Talent Gap in Local Studies

Hong Kong’s new think tank, Hong Kong Future Economy Institute, aims to solve the talent shortage in local policy research. It will focus on housing and population policies for the younger generation and long-term city planning.

February 16, 2026

US Military Boards Sanctioned Oil Tanker Veronica III in Indian Ocean

US forces boarded the Panamanian tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean. The ship is linked to sanctioned oil from Venezuela, Iran, and Russia.

February 16, 2026

Christianity’s Global Shift: Growth in Africa, Decline in Europe and North America

Christianity grew 6% to 2.3 billion by 2020 but lost share worldwide. Europe and North America saw declines, while sub-Saharan Africa surged by 31%. Religious switching outpaced conversions, shrinking Christianity’s share even as numbers rose.

February 16, 2026

Lac La Belle Shipwreck Found in Lake Michigan After 60 Years of Search

After nearly six decades, diver Paul Ehorn discovered the Lac La Belle shipwreck in Lake Michigan. The 150-year-old steamer sank in 1872 with passengers and cargo. This is Ehorn’s 15th shipwreck find.

February 16, 2026

UK to Fine AI Chatbot Makers for Putting Children at Risk, Plans Faster Social Media Rules

The UK will punish AI chatbot makers who risk children's safety with heavy fines or blocking. New rules under the Online Safety Act will soon close a big legal loophole. Faster social media restrictions for under-16s may come by summer. Labour calls government action 'smoke and mirrors.'

February 16, 2026

China’s Bombers Patrol Scarborough Shoal as Manila and Beijing Restart Talks

China's military flew bombers over Scarborough Shoal right after Manila and Beijing revived political talks. This shows ongoing tension despite diplomacy.

February 16, 2026

China's Tech Giants Battle for Spotlight on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala

ByteDance, Alibaba, Tencent, and others race for attention at CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala. AI cloud deals, robot dances, and massive giveaways highlight the fierce tech marketing battle.

February 16, 2026

US Pushes Allies for 'Collective Strength' to Deter China's Military Rise

In Munich, US officials urged stronger cooperation among Indo-Pacific and European allies to counter China's growing military power. Emphasizing defense spending and collective strength, the US called for stable yet firm relations with China, focusing on protecting the strategic first island chain including Taiwan.

February 16, 2026

FBI Finds Glove Near Nancy Guthrie’s Home That May Match Suspect’s in Arizona Abduction

FBI says glove found two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home could match gloves worn by the suspect who abducted her in Arizona. The glove is sent for DNA testing as authorities continue their intense investigation.

February 16, 2026

Domestic Abuse Suicides of Women Under-Reported, Called a National Scandal by Experts

Experts reveal many domestic abuse-driven suicides among women go uncounted and overlooked by police, with actual numbers possibly ten times higher. Campaigners demand better investigations and justice.