**Summary:** Civil servants claim that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, used taxpayer money to pay for massages and excessive travel costs while serving as the UK's trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. One former staff member stated they initially refused the massage expense but were overruled by senior staff.

**Key points:**
- The alleged expenses, including massages and excessive travel costs, occurred during Andrew's unpaid role as trade representative from 2001 to 2011.
- A retired civil servant claimed to have been annoyed by the massage request and refused payment, but was overruled by superiors.
- A former senior Whitehall official overseeing finances confirmed seeing similar expenses and had 'absolutely no doubt' about the massage claims.
- The allegations surface shortly after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment on the specific claim.

**Why it matters:** These fresh allegations regarding the use of public funds add to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, particularly following his recent arrest.

Daily Mail - Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'used taxpayers' money to pay for massages while he was trade envoy', civil servants claim

Huffington Post ES - Suma y sigue: el expríncipe Andrés usó dinero de los contribuyentes para pagarse masajes, según exfuncionarios

Ex-Royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Accused of Using Taxpayer Funds for Massages

**Summary:** Following a Supreme Court ruling, China has urged the United States to cancel unilateral tariffs, specifically those imposed during the Trump era. This call is a direct diplomatic action following the judicial decision.

**Key points:**
- China called on the US to cancel tariffs that were implemented during the Trump administration.
- The call for tariff cancellation was made subsequent to a ruling by the US Supreme Court.
- The event is linked to Asian stock market reactions, with reports noting a rally after the tariff decision.

**Why it matters:** The event signifies a diplomatic push by China to reverse trade measures following a significant legal development in the US, potentially impacting international economic relations.

inquirer.net - Asian stocks rally after Trump's Supreme Court tariffs blow

france24.com - China calls on US to cancel Trump-era tariffs following Supreme Court ruling

inquirer.net - China urges US to cancel unilateral tariffs after Supreme Court ruling

China Urges US to Cancel Unilateral Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

**Summary:** Austin Tucker Martin, 21, was fatally shot by US Secret Service agents after breaching the security perimeter of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida early Sunday morning while carrying a shotgun and a gas canister. Martin reportedly came from a family of avid Trump supporters and was described as being 'obsessed with the Epstein cover up.'

**Key points:**
- The incident occurred around 1:30 am (0630 GMT) while President Trump was in Washington.
- Martin, a North Carolina resident, allegedly raised his shotgun after being told to disarm.
- A cousin stated Martin's family were big Trump supporters and described him as quiet.
- Text messages uncovered by TMZ showed Martin was concerned about the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

**Why it matters:** The event highlights ongoing security concerns surrounding high-profile political figures and residences, particularly in the context of politically charged incidents.

US Secret Service kills man trying to access Trump Florida estate - INQUIRER.net

US Secret Service Kills Man Trying to Access Trump's Florida Home - Deccan Chronicle

Gunman shot dead at Mar-a-Lago was 'obsessed with Epstein cover up,' came from family of 'avid Trump supporters' - Daily Mail Online

Gunman Shot Dead at Mar-a-Lago After Breaching Security Perimeter

**Summary:** Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed by the Mexican army during an operation to capture him. His death triggered widespread violent reactions across several Mexican states, including blockades and arson attacks.

**Key points:**
- The Mexican Ministry of Defense confirmed the death of Oseguera Cervantes, who was one of Mexico and the US's most wanted capos, with a $15 million reward offered by the US.
- Disturbances were reported in at least seven states: Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas.
- In Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus requested residents stay home and suspended public transport service, activating a "red code."
- Attacks included dozens of fires set to businesses and vehicles, and road blockades using burning cars, trucks, and buses.
- The US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs advised its citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to seek shelter.

**Why it matters:** The death of the CJNG leader marks a significant development in combating transnational organized crime, though it immediately led to severe security disruptions across western Mexico.

24-horas.mx - Embajada de EU en México emite alerta de seguridad tras caída de 'El Mencho'

elnorte.com - Suman 60 ataques y bloqueos tras caída de 'El Mencho'

france24.com - Mexican army kills drug lord 'El Mencho' during operation to capture him

clarin.com - Autos incendiados y calles bloqueadas en varios puntos de México tras la muerte del capo narco, "El Mencho"

faz.net - Mexikanischer Drogenboss „El Mencho“ bei Militäroperation getötet

Violence erupts across Mexico after Mexican army kills drug lord 'El Mencho'

**Summary:** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to forge a "hexagon" network of alliances in or around the Middle East, including India, Greece, and Cyprus, to stand against "radical axes," specifically mentioning the radical Shia axis and an emerging radical Sunni axis. This comes as US-Iran nuclear talks are confirmed to resume in Geneva, with Iran insisting on its right to enrichment and self-defense against aggression.

**Key points:**
- Netanyahu's proposed alliance aims to unite nations that 'see eye to eye' on regional challenges and goals.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed agreement on the bond between India and Israel during an upcoming visit.
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran has the right to self-defense, including striking US bases in the region, if attacked by the US.
- A new round of US-Iran nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, is set for Geneva on Thursday, aiming for a deal on sanctions relief.
- Iran is preparing a draft proposal for a nuclear agreement that Araghchi suggested could be better than the 2015 JCPOA.
- The Financial Times reported Iran agreed to a secret 500 million euro arms deal with Russia in December for advanced missiles.

**Why it matters:** The simultaneous pursuit of new regional alliances by Israel and ongoing, tense nuclear negotiations with Iran highlights escalating geopolitical maneuvering and security concerns in the Middle East.

Tribune.com.pk - Iran says it has right to self-defence if US launches attack

News18 - Latest US-Iran Talks To Be Held On February 26 In Geneva: Oman

Al Jazeera - Oman confirms US-Iran talks will take place in Geneva on Thursday

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu says Israel will forge regional alliance to rival ‘radical axes’

Netanyahu Announces Plan for Regional Alliance to Counter 'Radical Axes'

**Summary:** Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho', the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed by Mexican federal forces during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Following the news of his death, violent reactions including road blockades and vehicle burnings occurred in at least six Mexican states.

**Key points:**
- The operation was led by the Mexican Army and federal forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, a historical stronghold of the cartel leader.
- The US Department of Justice had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture of Oseguera Cervantes, who was 59 years old.
- The CJNG is designated as a terrorist organization by the US government and is involved in trafficking fentanyl, extortion, and human smuggling.
- Road blockades and burning of vehicles, pharmacies, and stores were reported in Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes.
- Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Señor de los Gallos', founded the CJNG in 2011 after separating from the Milenio Cartel.

**Why it matters:** The death of 'El Mencho', one of Mexico's most powerful and wanted drug lords, marks a significant event in the fight against organized crime, though security specialists anticipate potential internal reshuffling and increased violence as a likely scenario.

Jalisco cartel chief ‘El Mencho’ killed in Mexican Army operation

Abaten a “El Mencho”, líder del CJNG, en operativo del Ejército en Jalisco

LauT Medienberichten: Mexikanischer Drogenboss „El Mencho“ offenbar tot

PERFIL: ‘El Mencho’, líder del CJNG que inició su negocio en el narco cuando era migrante en EU

El ejército de México mata a 'El Mencho', líder del Cártel de Jalisco y uno de los narcos más buscados por EE UU

‘El Mencho’, líder del CJNG, es abatido en Jalisco: Las veces que fue encarcelado y liberado

« El Mencho », baron de la drogue mexicain, a été tué lors d’une opération militaire, annonce un responsable de l’armée mexicaine

Mexican Drug Lord 'El Mencho' Killed in Jalisco Military Operation

**Summary:** A federal operation conducted by federal authorities in the municipality of Tapalpa, located in the southern region of Jalisco, Mexico, led to armed confrontations and violent reactions, including the burning and obstruction of vehicles in various locations. Consequently, a "código rojo" (red code) was activated in the entity.

**Key points:**
- The operation was carried out by federal forces in Tapalpa, in the southern region of Jalisco.
- Violent reactions included the burning and obstruction of vehicles at different points.
- One specific blockage involved an incinerated public transport truck obstructing access to Avenida Vallarta.
- Blockades using burned trucks were also reported on Aviación and Vallarta avenues.

**Why it matters:** The security escalation, involving armed clashes and significant public disruption via roadblocks, prompted the activation of a high-alert status ('código rojo') in Jalisco.

reforma.com - Reportan operativo federal en Tapalpa y narcobloqueos

elnorte.com - Alertan sobre operativo en Tapalpa, Jalisco, y narcobloqueos

Federal Operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco Triggers Armed Clashes and Roadblocks

**Summary:** Pakistan confirmed carrying out airstrikes targeting seven "terrorist" camps on the Afghan border, stating the action was in response to recent suicide attacks on Pakistani territory. Afghan officials reported dozens of deaths and injuries, including women and children, in the bombings in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

**Key points:**
- Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed civilian casualties from the strikes.
- The strikes reportedly hit residential areas, damaging several homes and a madrasa.
- Pakistan stated the attacks were precise and targeted camps belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

**Why it matters:** The cross-border military action represents a significant escalation in tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.

France 24 - Pakistan launches border strikes on Afghanistan

El Comercio - Pakistán bombardea Afganistán y deja al menos 17 muertos, entre ellos 11 niños

ANSA.it - Raid aerei pakistani in Afghanistan, decine di morti tra cui donne e bambini

Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan Kill Dozens, Including Women and Children