Australia pledges $2.7 billion to progress nuclear submarine shipyard build

SYDNEY, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Australia said on Sunday it would spend A$3.9 billion ($2.76 billion) to progress construction of a ‌shipyard that will help deliver nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral ‌AUKUS defence pact with the U.S. and Britain.

Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN-783) off the coast of Western Australia

Announced in 2021, AUKUS is Australia's ​largest-ever defence investment and will see U.S.-commanded Virginia-class submarines based in Australia from 2027, several Virginia submarines sold to Australia from around 2030, and Britain and Australia building a new class of AUKUS nuclear-powered ‌submarine.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony ⁠Albanese described the A$3.9 billion as a down payment to deliver the new shipyard in Osborne, a suburb ⁠of Adelaide in South Australia state.

"Investing in the submarine construction yard at Osborne is critical to delivering Australia's conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines," Albanese ​said in ​a statement.

Official projections put the total ​cost of the build ‌at A$30 billion "over coming decades", he said.

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Osborne is where Australia's ASC and Britain's BAE Systems will jointly build Australia's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, the core component of the AUKUS pact. Until that work begins later this decade, the shipyard is where much of the ‌maintenance is performed on the country's existing ​Collins-class submarine fleet.

South Australian Premier Peter ​Malinauskas said the down payment ​would be spent on building enabling infrastructure for ‌the shipyard. "This is just the beginning," ​Malinauskas said in ​the statement.

In December, a Pentagon review of the AUKUS project found areas of opportunity to put the deal on the "strongest ​possible footing," including ‌ensuring that Australia is moving fast enough to build its ​nuclear submarine capacity.

($1 = 1.4138 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Sam McKeith ​in Sydney; Editing by Jamie Freed)

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February 14, 2026

Australia pledges $2.7 billion to progress nuclear submarine shipyard build

SYDNEY, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Australia said on Sunday it would spend A$3.9 billion ($2.76 billion) to progress construction...

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Over 190,000 'lethal' doses of cocaine seized in Valentine's Day week bust at southern border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at theLaredo Port of Entryseized 190,000 lethal doses of cocaine worth $6,800,000, according to a press release.

The drugs were seized from a truck delivering flowers at the World Trade Bridge inLaredo, Texas,Tuesday.

A 2018 T3 International tractor-trailer was referred for inspection by a CBP officer. The vehicle had a shipment of "roses/fresh flowers."

Alleged Human Smuggling Operation Exposed In Texas As 17 Illegal Aliens Found Inside Residential Home

Officers seized a total of 211 packages containing516.76 pounds of alleged cocaineafter a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination.

Laredo Port of Entry Director Alberto Flores said in the release the "substantial" seizure "highlights the steadfast dedication of our officers in safeguarding our borders and communities from the threat of illicit drug trafficking."

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"The discovery within a shipment of roses demonstrates the vigilance and expertise of our officers," said Flores.

Cbp Supervisor Accused Of Harboring Illegal Immigrant In His Texas Home Faces Criminal Charges

"Their commitment to the mission reflects the high standards of service CBP upholds, and their actions continue to make a meaningful impact in protecting our nation."

The World Trade International Bridge connects the United States and Mexico over the Rio Grande between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.

Homeland Security Investigationsspecial agents are investigating the seizure.

Texas Border Officers Arrest 3 Fugitives Wanted For Alleged Child Sex Crimes

Over theSuper Bowl weekend, a fugitive was apprehended at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo.

A CBP officer requested a secondary examination for a 64-year-old male, Rito Bueno, matching him to an arrest warrant.

"Bueno has been wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child," a press release at the time said.

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Bueno was transported to Webb County jail in Laredo for adjudication of the warrant.

Fox News Digital reached out to CBP for additional comment.

Original article source:Over 190,000 'lethal' doses of cocaine seized in Valentine's Day week bust at southern border

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February 14, 2026

Over 190,000 'lethal' doses of cocaine seized in Valentine's Day week bust at southern border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at theLaredo Port of Entryseized 190,000 lethal doses of cocaine wo...

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Global protests call for Iran regime change in major cities worldwide after bloody crackdown

Anti-Iran regime protestersgathered in major cities across the globe Saturday calling for a leadership change in a Global Day of Action Rally.

Over 250,000 protesters rallied in Munich, Germany, Saturday with the Munich Security Conference as a backdrop.

"With the number of participants recorded, this gathering is one of the largest rallies held in Munich in recent years," the Munich Police reported in a press release. "The peaceful atmosphere is particularly noteworthy, despite the high number of participants in the meeting."

Iran Regime Reportedly Issued Nationwide Shoot-to-kill Orders As Protest Death Toll Surges

Crowds reportedly chanted "change, change, regime change" and "democracy for Iran" with green, white and red flags with lion and sun emblems waving in the air with a few "Make Iran Great Again" red hats spotted.

Exiled Iranian Crown PrinceReza Pahlavi was among the hundreds of thousands protesting, telling Reuters a possible attack on Iran will either weaken the regime or accelerate its fall.

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"It's a matter of time. We are hoping that this attack will expedite the process, and the people can be finally back in the streets and take it all the way to the ultimate regime's downfall," said Pahlavi.

He said he hopesPresident Trumpwill have the United States intervene and "have the people's back."

Uproar After Iran Named Vice Chair Of Un Body Promoting Democracy, Women's Rights

On Friday, President Trump said regime change in Iran would be the "best thing" to happen while speaking to troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

"People are hoping that, at some point, the decision will be made that there's no use, there's no point, we're not going to get anywhere with negotiations," said Pahlavi. "Intervention is a way to save lives."

Sen. Lindsey Graham,R-S.C., was present in Munich for the security conference and echoed a similar sentiment in a sideline interview  Friday.

Nikki Haley Urges Trump To Make Iran Action A 'Legacy-defining Moment' Before Leaving Office

"There's no negotiating with these people in my view. They're hell-bent on enacting an agenda based on religion that teaches them to lie, teaches them to destroy in the name of God," said Graham.

He shared that the regime is the weakest it has been since 1979, adding, "It is a regime with American blood on its hand." And he called on protesters to "keep protesting."

The senator also took the stage at the Global Day of Action, speaking to the crowd and holding up a black "Make Iran Great Again" hat.

Large demonstrations were also held in Toronto, Melbourne, Athens, Tokyo, London and Los Angeles.

An estimated 350,000 people marched on the streets of Toronto, the city's police spokesperson, Laura Brabant, told The Associated Press.

Iranian American activist and Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Sheila Nazarian told Fox News Digital the protests across the globe represent a universal truth.

"When regimes silence their people, the people eventually find their voice. Whether in the streets of Tehran or in diaspora communities around the world," she said.

Nazarianleft Iranwhen she was 6 years old along with her family.

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"As someone who came to this country from Iran, I know firsthand that these protests are not about politics. They're about basic human dignity, women's rights and the fundamental freedom to live without fear," she added.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Original article source:Global protests call for Iran regime change in major cities worldwide after bloody crackdown

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February 14, 2026

Global protests call for Iran regime change in major cities worldwide after bloody crackdown

Anti-Iran regime protestersgathered in major cities across the globe Saturday calling for a leadership change in a Global...

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Keshan Johnson wins dunk contest; Damian Lillard wins 3rd 3-point contest

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat has not started a game this season, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers has not played in one, and yet both made their impact on All-Star Weekend.

Johnson delivered the defining moment of his short, two-season NBA career so far when he won the Slam Dunk competition over rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs to close out Saturday's prelude of events to Sunday's All-Star Game.

In the 3-point Contest, the veteran Lillard defeated seven other long-distance shooting rivals and won the event for a third time, tying the record previously held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. The 35-year-old has been out due to an Achilles injury.

Johnson used a between-the-legs reverse dunk and a running dunk from just inside the free-throw line to post a combined score of 97.4 in the final round. He then had to wait out a final dunk from Bryant, who delivered a perfect 50.0 on his opening dunk of the final round.

Needing a score of 47.5 to become the dunk champion in his native Southern California, Bryant struggled to deliver some flash and settled for a 360-degree dunk just before time expired. His score of 43.0 left him with a final-round total of 93.0.

"I beat the odds. I made it. I made it into the NBA," Johnson said. "Every year I was watching the NBA Dunk Contest, I dreamed of being out there, putting on a show for everybody. I learned from all the people that came before me, paying homage to them. And now that I'm here, I had to have crazy faith to be here and be in this position."

Bryant said that whether the result is last place or a close second, the pain is all the same.

"I could care less if it was an Uno game, I could care less if it was running lines, I could care less if it's a shooting competition," Bryant said. "I feel like losing is something that burns. I just hate it. That's just something you don't want to feel."

Eliminated in the opening round of the dunk competition were Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic and Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Johnson, who has played in just 21 games off the bench this season and averages 7.6 minutes per game, outlasted them all.

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Lillard's 3-point victory was almost as much of a surprise. He has been out of action since an Achilles tear during last season's playoffs as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

"For me, it means a lot just being able to get involved in some competition, feel a little bit of pressure, to do something that I haven't been able to do all year," Lillard said. "But just as a shooter, any time you can get in this competition and win it amongst other great shooters, I think that's one of the greatest honors you can have as a shooter in this league."

Lillard scored 29 points in the final round to hold off Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, who had 27 in the final after posting a high score of 30 while advancing from the first round. Rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets also advanced to the final round but was eliminated with a score of 17.

While Lillard made his final 3-point shot to record his 29, Booker reached 27 by making his first two shots on the final rack of balls, then missed all three of his final shots, any one of which would have forced overtime in the competition.

In addition to Booker's 30 in the first round, Knueppel and Lillard each scored 27 to move on. Failing to advance were the Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell (24), the Miami Heat's Norman Powell (23), the Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray (18), the Philadelphia 76ers' Tyrese Maxey (17) and the Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis Jr. (15).

Lillard said his entry in the contest started off as a joke between NBA executive Michael Levine and became a reality when one player in the field backed out.

"It didn't really take much," Lillard said "I think I've done it enough times. ... I think this was my sixth time doing it. I get up every day, and my mind is engaged in being able to play the game. I knew it was an opportunity to get back on this stage."

Team Knicks -- comprised of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and team legend Allan Houston -- won the Shooting Stars contest with a dominating 47 points in the final. Team Cameron -- consisting of former Duke players Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel and Corey Maggette -- were the runner-up with 38 points.

The Shooting Stars competition had all three players shoot from seven different spots on the floor with each distance worth a varying amount of points.

Team All Star (Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, Richard Hamilton) and Team Harper (Dylan Harper, Ron Harper Jr., Ron Harper) were eliminated in the first round of the Shooting Stars contest.

--Doug Padilla, Field Level Media

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Keshan Johnson wins dunk contest; Damian Lillard wins 3rd 3-point contest

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat has not started a game this season, Damian Lillard of the Portla...

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7 players ejected amid No. 17 St. John's win at Providence, including 6 after fight sparked by Flagrant 2 foul

Providence was up by one point before bedlam erupted in Amica Mutual Pavilion less than six minutes into the second half of the Friars' Saturday afternoon game against No. 17 St. John's.

Friars graduate forward Duncan Powell committed a Flagrant 2 foul on a driving Bryce Hopkins, a Red Storm graduate wing who spent the previous three seasons at Providence.

Massive brawl breaks out in Providence after an unnecessary Flagrant-2 foul from Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins.Punches thrown and Powell has been ejected.pic.twitter.com/t41E6EmZfW

— Brian Rauf (@brauf33)February 14, 2026

That led to a fight that resulted in six of the game's seven ejections. A raucous Friars student section had front-row seats to the unhinged altercation, which eventually shifted toward the Red Storm bench and then, notably, saw Powell try to swing on St. John's forward Dillon Mitchell, who ducked out of the way beneath the basket just in time.

Hopkins had been hearing jeers from the Providence crowd well before Powell took a hack at him on the break. Following a stoppage in play that lasted close to 20 minutes while the referees sifted through the punishments, St. John's (20-5, 13-1 Big East) took control of the game and took down Providence (11-15, 4-11) 79-69 in the testy affair.

The seventh ejection came later in the second half when Providence's Jamier Jones was thrown out after he was called for a Flagrant 2 foul on St. John's forward Zuby Ejiofor.

Here's the complete list of ejected players:

• F Dillon Mitchell (St. John's)

• G Kelvin Odih (St. John's)

• F Ruben Prey (St. John's)

• F Sadiku Ibine Ayo (St. John's)

• G Jaylin Sellers (Providence)

• F Duncan Powell (Providence)

• F Jamier Jones (Providence)

The six-ejection scuffle headlined the heated Big East contest, though. Four St. John's players were booted, and two Providence players got the hook because of that skirmish.

In the wake of the lengthy delay, the officials informed the coaches of the appropriate mid-game discipline, and Friar faithful chanted, "Duncan Powell!"

Providence fans chant Duncan Powell's name for getting tossed after a dirty foul on former Friar Bryce Hopkinspic.twitter.com/FQUUZW2tuQ

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68)February 14, 2026

As for the game itself, St. John's rebounded from Providence's rally that started at the end of the first half and continued into the beginning of the second.

The Red Storm, who have now won 11 games in row, were led by Dylan Darling's 23 points.

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino, who led Providence to a Final Four in 1987,told reporters postgamethat the league will handle Saturday's altercation and that he didn't want his players to be asked about it.

But, naturally, there was still some reflection.

"I feel like we responded in the best way possible," St. John's forward Zuby Ejiofor said,per The Associated Press.

"Coming into this game we knew exactly how rowdy this environment was going to be — not only for [Hopkins], but for all of us. We knew it was going be tough. You have to have a great mindset to come in here and win, and I think that's what we did."

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February 14, 2026

7 players ejected amid No. 17 St. John's win at Providence, including 6 after fight sparked by Flagrant 2 foul

Providence was up by one point before bedlam erupted in Amica Mutual Pavilion less than six minutes into the second half ...

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Spend Early Valentine's Day Dinner at Their Go-to L.A. Hotspot

NEED TO KNOW

• Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent a pre-Valentine's Day dinner at one of their go-to spots

• The Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of Sussex ate a meal at Funke in Beverly Hills on Feb. 13

• Meghan previously celebrated her 44th birthday at the restaurant back in August
  

Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryspent a pre-Valentine's Day dinner at one of their go-to spots.

On Friday, Feb. 13, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, and the Duke of Sussex, 41, ate a meal at Funke in Beverly Hills, photos obtained exclusively by PEOPLE show.

The couple opted for casual looks, with Meghan wearing a brown jacket and black pants, while Harry paired a black jacket with jeans.

Funke, an upscale restaurant belonging to chef Evan Funke, is where Meghandined to celebrate her 44th birthdayback in August.

At the time, she posted a photo from her celebrations onInstagram. In her caption, Meghan praised the restaurant, writing, "This dinner last night at @funke_la with the culinary mastery of @evanfunke and his team is in the top five meals of my life. Extraordinary 🍝 Thank you for a standout dining experience."

Last year, Meghan honored Harry with a loving post onInstagramas they spent Valentine's Day apart.

At the time,Prince Harry was in Canadafor the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler, where he kicked off the event with Meghan before she headed home to care for their children,Prince Archie, 6, andPrincess Lilibet, 4, several days later.

Meghanshared videos on social mediaof her children marking the holiday with a Valentine's Day-themed breakfast.

"Back home taking care of our babies, and missing my Valentine, as he continues on at the Invictus Games, changing lives and reminding all of us of the power of healing and resilience through these incredible veterans and their families. Beyond proud of my husband and what he's created," Meghan wrote below an undated black and white snap of her and Harry kissing.

"My love, I will eat burgers & fries and fish & chips with you forever. Thank you for you," she continued.

Meghan added the hashtag "#LoveWins," a throwback to a quote in the speech she made at theirroyal wedding receptionin 2018.

She signed the post, "As ever, M" — an Easter egg before she announced herAs everlifestyle brand.

Prince Harry and Meghanconnected through a mutual friendin the summer of 2016 and immediately began dating after they met.

Their relationship was long-distance at first, as Harry lived in the U.K. while Meghan was based in Toronto, starring on the legal dramaSuits.She later relocated to be with him.

The coupleannounced their engagementin November 2017. Prince Harry popped the question with an engagement featuring two diamonds from the personal collection of his late mother,Princess Diana.

Prince Harry and Meghan later married in a classicroyal weddingat St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in May 2018.Queen Elizabethgave them the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

The couple's first child, son Prince Archie, was born in London in May 2019. Less than a year later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they werestepping back from their royal roles in the U.K.and they later settled in Meghan's home state of California. The family expanded when their daughter Princess Lilibet was born in June 2021.

Exclusively speaking to PEOPLE in 2025, Meghanreflected on being back in a "honeymoon period" with Harry.

"My husband met me when I hadThe Tig, and I see this spark in his eye when he sees me doing the thing that I was doing when he first met me," the Duchess of Sussex said, referring to her work launching As ever and appearing in her Netflix series,With Love, Meghan.

"It's almost like a honeymoon period again, because it's exactly how it was in the beginning when he'd watch me scribbling away, writing newsletters, fine-tuning edits and just really being in the details of it. I think he loves watching as much as I love doing that creative process. It's just been fun. This is who I've always been," she added.

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Spend Early Valentine's Day Dinner at Their Go-to L.A. Hotspot

NEED TO KNOW Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent a pre-Valentine's Day dinner at one of their go-to spots The Duchess of Sussex and t...

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Cardi B falls out of chair and crashes on stage during Las Vegas show

Taylor Hill/Getty

Be careful!

Cardi Bfell off a chair mid-song during her concert in Las Vegas on Friday night.

The rapper was in the middle of performing her "Thotiana" remix when she took a provocative pose in a metal chair on stage at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nev. After she leaned back a little too far, thechair came crashing down on her and she toppled backwards.

The good news? She didn't miss a beat, continuing her signature flow while lying on her back.

After returning to her feet, Cardi joked about the tumble. "That was the government!" she yelled. "That was the government!"

Kevin Mazur/Getty

The musician continued to poke fun at her accident in a video posted to her Instagram Stories afterwards. "Y'all, the government was out to get me today," she said, laughing. "I'm telling you, it was the government! The government, bitch!"

Cardi alsojoked about the incidentin a post on X. Resharing video footage of it, she wrote, "Can someone put a community note on this? This video is clearly AI."

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The rapper also shared a video on her Instagram Stories showing several bruises on her legs, though they're likely unrelated to her toppling on Friday night — she fell on her backside then, but the marks appeared around her knees and shins.

"I'm out here working for y'all motherf---ers!" she said in the video. "That's a lump right there. I'm out here working for y'all motherf---ers!"

In another video, which was time-stamped 2:28 a.m. local time, Cardi said she planned to take a "concoction" of supplements and anticipated a fitful night of sleep on her tour bus.

"I'm gonna take some ashwagandha, magnesium, and melatonin," she said. "Baby, I cannot wait. I want to sleep so f---ing good, bitch. Woah. I am so tired. And I just cannot get the hang of the bus — the whole shaking and everything. I'm very sensitive."

Kevin Mazur/Getty

The musician just embarked on her Little Miss Drama Tour — her first headlining tour since 2019 — in support of her second studio album,Am I the Drama?

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with ourEW Dispatch newsletter.

The tour kicked off on Wednesday with a show in Palm Desert, Calif., and Friday's show in Nevada was its second. Cardi will perform more than 30 shows across North America before the tour wraps on April 18 in Atlanta.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

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Cardi B falls out of chair and crashes on stage during Las Vegas show

Taylor Hill/Getty Be careful! Cardi Bfell off a chair mid-song during her concert in Las Vegas on Friday nigh...

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