Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to Washington on February 11 appears not to have achieved what many observers saw as its central purpose: to persuade Donald Trump to harden his demands on Iran to the point that negotiations between the countries fail. According to reports, Trump told Netanyahu he wanted talks with Iran to continue.
What will be concerning Netanyahu is that while he can probably rely on Trump to take a hard line on limiting Iran’s nuclear programme, it is less clear where his unpredictable ally stands on limiting Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and ending its support for regional armed groups.
Trump had previously indicated that any deal with Iran had to include missiles. But more recently, he has suggested the US may be open to dropping this demand. On February 10, when asked by a reporter if an agreement with Iran would be acceptable if it only covers nuclear issues, Trump said: “Yeah, that would be acceptable, but the one thing and right up front, no nuclear weapons.”
This, as well as positive statements by US and Iranian officials about their brief indirect talks in Oman days earlier, will have spooked Israeli officials. Both Iran and Israel understand that it is missiles, not nuclear enrichment or even Iranian regional proxies, that underpin Iran’s increasingly shaky deterrence.
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Veiled Iranian women walk next to missiles in Tehran during celebrations for the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 11. Abedin Taherkenareh / EPA
For the moment, Trump seems to think that a deal limited to the nuclear issue may be preferable to going to war to tackle everything else. Yet opponents of US military action, which include all of Washington’s Middle Eastern allies except Israel, should still be worried.
It is far from clear whether Iran will offer the kind of nuclear deal Trump would find acceptable, and Trump himself does not seem to know what else to do other than double down on military threats. That alone may scupper the talks.
Netanyahu is also a seasoned political operator who showed how adept he is at manoeuvring Trump into supporting military action in 2025, when the US joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities. And the current US military build-up in the Persian Gulf has now reached a point where that option is on the table.
Trump’s Iran policy
The uncertainty over whether Trump will strike Iran underscores how shallow his Iran policy is. He does not have a conventional, institutionalised policy apparatus of the kind the Obama administration relied upon to negotiate a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in 2015.
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Instead, Trump is pursuing indirect talks with Iran that are being overseen by two officials with no prior diplomatic experience. These two officials, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have simultaneously been tasked by Trump with ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump also seems undecided about whether any deal should focus narrowly on the nuclear issue or whether he should pursue something resembling a grand bargain. Nor has he articulated what he is prepared to offer Iran as part of a deal or how he would justify incentives such as sanctions relief for a regime that has just murdered thousands of its citizens in a brutal protest crackdown.
His approach to Iran is so ad hoc that it allows different groups with access to him, Netanyahu on one side and increasingly assertive regional states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey on the other, to influence key decisions. It was this latter group of Middle Eastern states that intervened recently to press Trump to proceed with talks when they threatened to collapse over Iran’s refusal to discuss issues beyond the nuclear file.
These states are cautioning Trump that US strikes might precipitate the collapse of the Iranian regime. However desirable that might seem, experience in Iraq, Libya and Syria suggests that state fragmentation, mass displacement, violence and regional destabilisation would be more likely than any orderly democratic transition.
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And if strikes fall short of toppling the regime, even a weakened Iran could inflict serious economic and strategic damage on Gulf oil shipping and infrastructure.
Trump has repeatedly described Obama’s Iran deal as a ‘disaster’. Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA
Trump’s ad-hoc approach to diplomacy is in stark contrast to the Obama administration’s negotiations in 2015. Then, the International Atomic Energy Agency provided compliance verification and technical expertise, and the EU chaired the joint commission that oversaw the deal’s implementation.
The UN security council formalised the agreement under international law and established a mechanism for reimposing sanctions in the event of noncompliance. There was also a clear, if largely unfulfilled, strategic rationale related to Obama’s desire to reduce the US’s regional footprint and pivot towards Asia.
Trump’s approach is radically different. He withdrew the US from the nuclear deal in 2018 without a clear plan for what would replace it beyond something he could describe as better and attach his name to. He has no interest in brokering a multilateral agreement and does not appear to have a coherent set of demands or strategic aims that could anchor one.
A thin deal without substance, institutional anchoring and clear mechanisms for handling the inevitable disputes over sanctions relief and compliance is unlikely to endure, even if Trump can push the Iranians into signing it.
It is no coincidence that the UK and its allies chose a security conference in Munich to accuse the Kremlin of killing Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny with dart frog poison.
The news that Mr Navalny, 47, had died in prison in Russia broke on the opening day of the same Munich Security Conference of global leaders almost exactly two years ago.
Naming the person or government allegedly responsible for such a political assassination – if the claim of poisoning is substantiated – is a form of information weapon.
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The intent is to make sure perpetrators cannot hide in the shadows and could face serious consequences such as sanctions or even criminal convictions.
The thinking – which might well be wildly optimistic – is that greater scrutiny could make a hostile state think twice before sanctioning plots to kill political opponents or other enemies.
Only Russia could poison Navalny – Yvette Cooper
It is doubtful that the efforts by Yvette Cooper, the British foreign secretary, and her German, Swedish and Danish counterparts, who made the poisoning announcement, along with Mr Navalny’s widow, will deter the Kremlin from such allegedly ruthless action in the future.
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However, their words are at the very least evidence of a growing resolve amongst NATO allies to stand up to what they regard as attempts by President Vladimir Putin to attack their countries and societies in the grey zone – under the threshold of conventional war. This also includes acts of sabotage, cyber hacks and disinformation spread online.
Speaking to a group of journalists about the case, Ms Cooper spelt out clearly the charges she was levying against Moscow.
“We have confirmed that a deadly toxin was found in Alexei Navalny’s body and that toxin has been identified as a toxin that is found in Ecuadorian dart frogs,” she said.
“Only the Russian government had the means, the motive and the opportunity to use that toxin against Alexei Navalny in prison and that is why we are here today to shine a spotlight on the Kremlin’s barbaric attempt to silence Alexi Navalny’s voice. To show that the Russian government has contempt for its citizens and the willingness to use this deadly toxin.”
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How could Navalny have been killed by toxin of poisonous frog?
Yulia Navalnaya, Mr Navalny’s widow, also spoke. She learnt about her husband’s death while at the Munich conference on 16 February, 2024.
“It was the most horrible day in my life,” she recalled, visibly upset.
“I came to the stage and I said my husband Alexei Navalny was poisoned. What could else happen with Putin’s number one enemy in Russian prison?
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“But – sorry, it is very difficult for me to say this – what could else happen with my husband in Russian prison? But now I understand and I know it is not just words. It is scientific proof.”
British scientists played a key role in identifying the deadly neurotoxin – called epibatidine – that was allegedly administered to Mr Navalny.
The poison is found in the skin of the South American dart frogs, although Sky News understands it is likely the version used in the alleged murder was manufactured in a laboratory.
Image: Yulia Navalnaya spoke about the death of her husband
The effects of the poison are devastating, causing paralysis, respiratory arrest and an agonising death.
If – as claimed by Britain – the Kremlin did choose to use such an exotic substance to silence a critic, it demonstrates an unusual level of ruthlessness.
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The Kremlin is already accused of trying to kill Mr Navalny in 2020 with a Novichok nerve agent – the same chemical weapon deployed against a former Russian spy on the streets of Salisbury two years earlier.
Fighting back, Moscow is well-practised and highly adept in the information space.
Its embassy in London was quick to respond to the allegations about dart frog poisonings.
“The goal of this ridiculous circus performance is transparent: to stoke waning anti-Russian sentiment in Western society. If there’s no pretext, they laboriously invent one,” it said.
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“The method chosen by Western politicians – necropropaganda – is truly shocking. This isn’t a quest for justice, but a mockery of the dead. Even after the death of a Russian citizen, London and European capitals cannot give him peace, which speaks volumes about the instigators of this campaign.”
Zelensky calls Putin ‘slave to war’ as he urges unity in Munich
Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Vladimir Putin as a “slave to war”, telling the Munich Security Conference that Russia’s leader saw himself as a tsar but was driven entirely by conflict.
“He may see himself as a tsar, but in reality he is a slave to war,” the Ukrainian president said, days before the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Zelensky said Russia’s attacks had damaged every power plant in Ukraine. “There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that has not been damaged by Russian attacks. Not one,” he said. “But we still generate electricity.”
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Kyiv has accused Moscow of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure to leave civilians without heat and power during winter. Zelensky again urged partners to speed up deliveries of air defence systems.
He also warned against pressuring Ukraine into territorial concessions ahead of fresh US-brokered talks next week. Drawing a parallel with the 1938 Munich Agreement, he said it would be “an illusion to believe that this war can now be reliably ended by dividing Ukraine”.
“With Russia, you cannot leave a single loophole Russians can use to start a war,” he said, insisting that any settlement must include firm security guarantees.
Zelensky at Munich Security Conference (AFP via Getty)
Stuti Mishra15 February 2026 05:45
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Protests, poisoning and prison: The life of Alexei Navalny and his opposition to Vladimir Putin
Stuti Mishra15 February 2026 05:30
Drone strikes kill civilians in Ukraine and Russia ahead of Geneva talks
Drone strikes killed at least one person in Ukraine and one in Russia yesterday, officials said, as the two sides prepared for another round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday aimed at ending the war.
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An elderly woman died after a Russian drone struck a residential building in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine’s state emergency service said.
In Russia, a civilian was killed when a Ukrainian drone hit a car in the Bryansk border region, governor Alexander Bogomaz said.
Russia-backed authorities in the partially occupied Luhansk region said a Ukrainian airstrike wounded 15 people in a village there.
The exchanges followed a Ukrainian missile strike on the Russian border city of Belgorod on Friday that killed two people and injured five, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
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Stuti Mishra15 February 2026 05:00
Zelensky warns of ‘big risks’ in proposed security zone
Volodymyr Zelensky has questioned how proposals for a free economic or security zone in Ukraine would work in practice, warning of serious risks if Russia were to test any foreign presence on the ground.
The Ukrainian president told the Associated Press in Munich that if foreign troops were deployed to patrol such a zone and Vladimir Putin chose to provoke them, their withdrawal could open the door to a “big occupation” and heavy losses.
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“If Putin is given any opportunity for victory we don’t know what he will do next,” Zelensky said.
He described the model as carrying “big risks” both for Ukraine and for any country that agreed to guarantee its security, though he said he was prepared to discuss it as a potential compromise in exchange for support to rebuild the country.
Zelensky also said Moscow would have to accept monitoring of any ceasefire and return about 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war in exchange for more than 4,000 Russian prisoners held by Ukraine.
Stuti Mishra15 February 2026 04:30
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Zelensky says Russia’s negotiator swap could delay Geneva talks
Russia’s decision to replace the head of its negotiating team ahead of the next round of US-brokered talks could be aimed at delaying progress, Volodymyr Zelensky said..
The Ukrainian president said he was surprised by Moscow’s move before the upcoming negotiations in Geneva.
He also said Russian opposition to any foreign troop presence in Ukraine indicated Vladimir Putin wanted to retain the option of attacking again in future.
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During negotiations, Russian officials have insisted that Ukraine give up more territory in the east to end the war. Zelensky rejected that demand, calling it “a little bit crazy” to suggest Ukraine withdraw from its own land or exchange it.
Thousands of Ukrainians have been killed defending the Donbas region, he said, noting that around 200,000 people still live there and it would not be acceptable to effectively hand them over to Russia.
Stuti Mishra15 February 2026 04:00
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What is dart frog toxin, the poison linked to Alexei Navalny’s death?
Bryony Gooch15 February 2026 03:30
The life of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny
Bryony Gooch15 February 2026 03:00
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Recap: Russia suffering ‘crazy losses’ in Ukraine says Nato boss
Russia is suffering “crazy losses” in Ukraine, tallying around 65,000 soldiers over the last two months, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference.
Separately, he told a media roundtable that the NATO alliance was strong enough that Russia would not currently try to attack it.
“We will win every fight with Russia if they attack us now, and we have to make sure in two, four, six years that same is still the case,” he said.
Bryony Gooch15 February 2026 02:00
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Watch: Navalny died after being poisoned with dart frog toxin by Russia, UK says
Navalny died after being poisoned with dart frog toxin by Russia, UK says
Bryony Gooch15 February 2026 01:00
Rubio meets with Zelensky to discuss country’s security and defence
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said he met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the country’s security and ways to deepen defence and economic partnerships.
After fighting their way back from being nine points down at half-time in the drawn game, the Abbey were the better team for the majority of the replay, winning by a more comfortable margin than the 0-12 to 0-8 scoreline suggested.
Half of their tally came from their skipper with O’Rourke turning in a Man-of-the-Match display in the Box-It Athletic Grounds.
O’Rourke, who is the son of former Armagh stalwart Aidan, also won an Ulster Minor Club title with Dromintee back in January.
“Diarmaid O’Rourke is an unbelievable footballer. An unbelievable leader as well. He’s a pleasure to work with,” stated Gordon.
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“He’s everything in his locker tactically. He’s kicking two-pointers with both feet. He’s good in the air.
“He can do anything. But even tonight, he missed a couple of frees to start, but it didn’t really stop him. He’s a great leader for the team.
“The possessions that he had and the influence he had in the game, he’s an unbelievable footballer.
“He’s going to grow into an unbelievable footballer. The leadership we showed throughout the year to the rest of the fellas, he’s an absolute star.”
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Gordon felt the pace of Friday’s replay suited his team as they controlled the game with St Pat’s only closing the gap to four points late on.
Indeed, between the second half of the drawn game and the first half of the replay, Abbey restricted Dungannon to just four points.
“I think a controlled game probably suits us better. Last week was a bit frantic, it doesn’t really suit us,” added Gordon.
“Dungannon’s fast ball was something we had to really address.
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“I thought our full-back line came under a lot of criticism last weel – probably rightly so. I thought they were absolutely outstanding today to a man.
“The supply that was needed didn’t reach those inside forwards and that was the difference between us winning the game and not winning the game today. But they were really assisted by those who rolled back and covered for them. I think we learned a lot of lessons from last week.
“We were caught on the hop last week, especially in the first half and we were lucky to get out of it with a draw. We were determined it wasn’t going to be the same result this week.”
Abbey will now set their sights on a Hogan Cup campaign 20 years on from completing the MacRory-Hogan double. They will face back-to-back Leinster champions Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar later this month.
However, it wasn’t just the acts that were impressive, it was the cars parked in the car park too, with Lamborghinis and Ferraris not out of place in the club’s heyday.
Originally built as a country residence, Tall Trees began life far from the world of dancefloors and DJ decks.
By the 1960s, it had evolved into a small hotel, and over the decades that followed, its ambition and size grew dramatically.
Yarm Tall Trees (Image: ARCHIVE)
By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, under the ownership of businessman Javed Majid, Tall Trees had been transformed into one of the largest and most iconic entertainment complexes in the North East.
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What started as a local hotel became a 120-bed leisure hub, complete with bars, lounges, event rooms, and, most famously, Club Macmillans, affectionately known as Club M.
At its peak, Club M was a 7,000-capacity dance mecca, the stuff of legend among clubbers.
It hosted the biggest DJs and events of the era, from Pete Tong and Paul Van Dyk to Eddie Halliwell, with nights curated by brands like Retro, Gatecrasher, and Goodgreef.
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Home to Club Macmillans, also known affectionately as Club M, the venue attracted many big names throughout the noughties.
This included Pete Tong, Girls Aloud, Chesney Hawkes, and many more along the way.
Who was the owner of Yarm Tall Trees?
Javed Majid owned Tall Trees in Yarm – seeing it transform from a venue to a big hotel and nightclub, where people enjoyed a great night.
Mr Majid was also behind another project on the Tall Trees site in 2013, when he sought planning permission to build a luxury living complex on the site, including a five-star hotel, apartments, houses, aparthotels, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
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He later gained permission for 330 homes on the site.
What happened to Yarm Tall Trees?
After becoming a popular place during the 90s and early 00s – in 2010, indications of the venue struggling started to come out, and it eventually closed, leading to a loss of 50 staff.
The venue was then derelict and was hit by a fire.
Girls Aloud at Tall Trees (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)
After it was levelled to the ground, several proposals were explored for the former club site, but it was decided to use the land for houses.
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The patch of land then gained planning permission for 330 homes, where Avant, Bede Homes, and Mulberry Homes are currently building.
The former Tall Trees site is now a building development.
Retro Nights, helmed by DJ Paul Taylor, became particularly iconic.
They drew crowds not just from across Teesside but from Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and even Scotland, a journey for house music lovers who wanted to be part of something bigger than a local night out.
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Hotel and nightclub Tall Trees partly demolished (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)
Outside, the car park gleamed with Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royces, while inside, the atmosphere was pure energy, strobes slicing through haze, bass reverberating through walls, and a sea of hands raised in rhythm, according to those who remember it, according to those who attended the events there.
Girls Aloud performed there during their TFM Sweet Night event, Chesney Hawkes made regular appearances, and even former Prime Minister John Major was once spotted under its lights.
By the late 2000s, the UK’s clubbing landscape was shifting.
City-centre venues in Newcastle, Manchester, and Leeds began drawing crowds away.
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Housebuilding on the former Tall Trees site (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)
The golden age of superclubs faded, replaced by smaller, boutique venues or festival culture.
In 2010, after decades as the jewel of Teesside nightlife, Tall Trees closed its doors.
Fifty jobs were lost, and an entire generation mourned the end of an era.
Soon after, tragedy struck.
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The empty building suffered a devastating fire, leaving it derelict.
A second fire in 2017 sealed its fate, and the once top nightclub was finally demolished.
Tall Trees in Yarm (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Javed Majid wasn’t content to let the site fade quietly.
In 2013, he proposed an ambitious redevelopment, a five-star hotel, apartments, restaurants, and a swimming pool, but plans evolved, and ultimately, permission was granted for a 330-home housing estate.
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Today, the site is home to developments by Avant Homes, Mulberry Homes, and Bede Homes.
The crowds in Tall Trees in Yarm (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Though Tall Trees no longer stands, its legend continues to thrive online.
Social media pages like Knights of the Turntable are filled with grainy videos, flyers, and stories of unforgettable nights.
A resurfaced MTV Dance video from 1998, featuring June Sarpong alongside DJs Kenny Carpenter and Angel Moraes, recently reignited those memories, with comments pouring in from former clubbers recalling the coaches lined up in the car park and the electric buzz of anticipation before the doors opened.
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As one fan put it: “It wasn’t just a club, it was an institution. The best in the country at the time.”
Get ready for a new week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
A really busy week cosmically with the aftermath of Valentine’s, a New Moon in Aquarius plus a solar eclipse and the start of Pisces season, which is the finale of the astrological year.
Relationship echoes and reflections, closure and final conclusions, invigoration and innovation of thought and ideas.
Your mind might be whirring and stirring, working overtime to keep up with all of this mental processing.
So… let’s use the tarot to ask what is ending and what is beginning for you in this pivotal week ahead.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
Seven of Swords represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aries for this week: Seven of Swords
Meaning: The end of the age of innocence when it comes to a person or situation that you truly hoped was going to treat you well, but deep down you’re realising it is not. Don’t panic or stress because this is a good thing.
Once you see this whole game clearly, you realise the role you’ve been designated, and you know it is simply not for you. This is something to step back from. And the even better news is that you can now divert and refocus your precious, wholesome, high-vibration energy into more aligned things that will bring you the rewards you deserve. Transfer your power consciously and deliberately.
Knight of Cups represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Knight of Cups
Meaning: One romantic or deep friendship connection withers on the vine, while another one takes root and starts to grow to the point it becomes visible. So, don’t linger where your affections aren’t wholly reciprocated. You’re ruled by Venus and too loving and precious to waste being used in a dead-end relationship.
Know your worth. Know your needs and deal breakers. If this is a flawed romantic bond, move back from it. Others are queueing to get to know you. If it’s a friendship, simply invest with a different circle for a while. See what happens when your attention is elsewhere — that’s the real acid test.
King of Wands represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Gemini for this week: King of Wands
Meaning: The end of one wild adventure and the beginning of another. You always have a million things on the boil so you’re not fazed by the decline of a project or purpose, because it only means there’s room for one more.
A goal you held is ending, maybe nearing completion or you’re realising it’s not as relevant or resonant as it once was. You adapt, you flex, you shift and pivot. A new adventure is calling, possibly linked to travel, creativity, education or lifestyle. Tune in, take charge, draft a plan and take a first step this week. One in, one out.
The Hanged Man represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Cancer for this week: The Hanged Man
Meaning: A major blockage is going to move the heck out of your way, at long last! And the key to it is not forcing things any longer, not even looking at it. Go off, do something else, be distracted… and magically not only will you care much less and think differently about this whole thing, but things will change without your glare of attention on it.
The limbo is over. The stagnation is done. So, get ready to leap into action because you’re making up for lost time and energy, it feels good to be moving again.
Eight of Cups represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Leo for this week: Eight of Cups
Meaning: You are ready to admit defeat. You are going to pull out of something that has not panned out. Your pride is dented ever so slightly, hence why you kept pretending all was well, but enough is enough. And, Leo, I applaud you because it takes guts to admit you’re wrong… and the Universe agrees.
The minute you cut off this dead wood, you will feel nothing but relief and liberation, and that renewed vibration will attract a slew of new opportunities, invitations, attentions, and attractions. You will end the week glowing and vibing on a high level! So get to it. Chop and change.
Five of Cups represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Virgo for this week: Five of Cups
Meaning: A period of mourning, grieving or regretting is coming to a close, and with it a sense of peace and ‘it is what it is and it’s okay’. You’ve changed, absorbed, processed, and accepted what has happened. This may have been something from long ago even — after all, the grief cycle is circular and eternal, right?
What starts now is a renewal of optimism, faith and self belief. You know you’ve endured a hardship, survived, and thrived. You feel stronger, wiser, more capable, and ready to flex those new muscles and test them out. Life doesn’t faze you. Get busy living.
Eight of Wands represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Libra for this week: Eight of Wands
Meaning: One social circle or connection, that has served you well and provided ample events, gossip, intrigue and opportunity, is withering on the vine. You sense things have shifted, the mood is different, the attention level is not what it was. All relationships and circles have a season… and many don’t last beyond it.
Recognise this and start to look about for a new circle or person or activity or hobby… keep your eyes peeled for where you’re being intrigued and called to next, because it’s already going to be in sight. Within two months, you will be firmly and happily embroiled in a new group, feeling wanted and rewarded, and that is just what you deserve. Accept nothing less.
The Lovers represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: The Lovers
Meaning: This card often signals a love triangle, a temptation, a distraction from the straight and narrow that is proving impossible to ignore. So, perhaps this week you will act on this impulse and find out whether the attractive new option is better, or not, than where you’re at. This might be in a relationship setting, might also be in work, family, home, or money.
Be mindful of what you’re trading or swapping, be aware of the consequences of disloyalty to any degree, act with fairness and integrity. What you do here will impact others. This is about where you fit in and serve, and maybe something is ready for refreshing or renewal, but maybe that is best done within the current parameters rather than escaping to new ones!
Page of Cups represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Page of Cups
Meaning: A fledgling friendship, flirtation, project or creative idea is moving from your imagination and fantasy realm into real life. The wondering is over… and the finding out is beginning. Will it stand up to pressure? Is it real? Can it work? Don’t stay in fantasy mode, move into action mode and answer these questions.
You are a unique character able to manifest your ideas and visions easily and with flair and style. You move effortlessly from the mental to physical realm, always armed with good fortune and optimism. Start this new ‘thing’ enthusiastically, breathe life into your imaginings…
Two of Coins represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Two of Coins
Meaning: The end of a dry spell, a fallow period, a time of lack and abstaining. Abundance is back! You can have it all. So, stop worrying and focusing on what you haven’t got (enough of) and welcome in what there is in your vicinity. Be open-hearted and expansive. Say yes.
Suddenly, the tables turn and you find all manner of new invitations, openings and opportunities are coming at you, like a green light has been switched on (spiritually, it has). This is a week to build, prosper and achieve. Say yes to life.
Queen of Coins represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Queen of Coins
Meaning: You are pivoting from apprentice to master. You are stepping up and taking responsibility and leaving behind the phase where you got to ask all the questions… now you’re the one who has to answer them!
This might manifest as a promotion, new role, change in relationship or home dynamics, shift in a family bond. It’s like moving into adult/parent mode after childhood. That’s an empowering thing, and you’re ready to use your newfound confidence and accountability to make the decisions you think are shrewd and positive. Show them what you can achieve when you’re in charge.
Two of Cups represents what is ending and beginning for you this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Two of Cups
Meaning: The end of singledom, feeling isolated or lonely, being estranged from someone or losing the thread of your most important relationship’s core. You are back in business.
The Two of Cups sees you falling in love, healing the rift, coming back together stronger than ever, and creating a lasting bond, mutually adoring, with someone dear to you. This is truly, possibly, your best ever Valentine’s aftermath. Lean in and be romantic and loving! Fall (deeper) in love and revel in Cupid’s afterglow of celebrations.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
The character will be joining the likes of Moth and Toastie, in the hopes of being crowned the next champion of the comical ITV singing show.
The trio will be performing for one last time in front of judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama.
Whoever claims victory, will be following in the footsteps of Frozen musical star Samantha Barks, who won last year’s series as Pufferfish.
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All the reasons Conkers on The Masked Singer is this ITV star
However, in the final moments leading up to The Masked Singer final 2026, viewers have been sharing all the reasons they think Conkers is none other than an ITV legend.
Taking to Reddit, many have said that the finalist could be This Morning presenter Ben Shephard.
Someone wrote in the subreddit r/themaskedsingerUK: “Conkers is probably the most divisive finalist we’ve ever had in terms of guess variety. Tom Daley, Ben Shephard, Perri Kiely, Sam Thompson, Mat Baynton, Mark Owen, someone from Corrie (and knowing this sub, Shearsmith, Farnaby and Le Bon).
“I thought I’d make a compilation – a conkilation, if you will – about why I think Conkers could be Ben Shephard.”
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Just some of the suggested clues leading to their confident guess included:
Keys – Ben was a guest on Through the Keyhole
Tripped over – he has also been the host of Tripping Point since 2012
Heart made of Lego – Ben has a cameo in The Lego Ninjago Movie
Drumsticks – hosted Phil Collins: One Night Only
Set the bar low – a link to his friendship with Gary Barlow, climbing Kilimanjaro with him and appearing in his ITV Wine Tour series
Sam’s Tavern songs – Ben has presented many music TV and radio shows, plus his son is called Sam
The profile added: “To Conclude, the biggest pointers towards Ben for me are the Tipping Point terms, and references to Friends, Jenni Falconer, Cold Feet, Bigger Breakfast, and Heat Radio. All too niche to be red herrings for someone the panel haven’t guessed yet.”
This person agreed: “I’ve been shouting “it’s Ben Shepard!” at the tv since Conkers first came on. And the panel guesses are seriously winding me up.”
Another wrote: “Ben did a Christmas Day in the sea of Cornwall in 2024, that might explain the splash clue. The Wheel of Fortune ‘getting cold feet’ also fits.”
However, many argued it could also be Tom Daley or Mark Owen from Take That.
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As one account said: “It’s Tom Daley, the stars on screen for 1 gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze are what he’s won at the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, a user commented: “I think it’s Mark Owen from Take That. I get your points though.”
Recommended reading:
Who do you think Conkers is on The Masked Singer? There’s not long to go until we find out.
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Let us know if you think the clues so far hint at the identity of Ben Shephard, Tom Daley or Mark Owen, by leaving a comment below.
The Masked Singer 2026 final airs on ITV1 and ITVX from 7pm tonight.
The winner of the competition will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize
Locals in a Cambridgeshire town say “it would be a real boost” if their town was chosen as the UK Town of Culture.
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St Neots has recently announced its campaign to become the first UK Town of Culture in 2028. The programme will be led by Neotists CIC, a local cultural organisation, who aim to work with partners across St Neots and the wider local region to develop a bid that reflects the town’s identity.
Sir Phil Redmond, the UK Town of Culture Chair will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they’ll tell their unique story, how they’ll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision. The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists with one small, one medium, one large town will be chosen and the winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will also each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid.
We spoke with some locals to find their views on the bid, and what it could mean for the town.
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Peter Alsop, who is 82-years-old lives in St Neots. He said: “I think it helps the town to progress, and also that it’s nice for the youngsters and people to be proud of their town.”
He added: “It is a nice little town, it has got most things that you want, and a lot of elderly people, and they seem to be putting more and more elderly people into this area.”
Peter said that once a new dual carriageway opens -which is currently under construction near St Neots and towards Cambridge, he thinks “people will move out of Cambridge, and they will come this way because it is cheaper for them and secondly if they can get into Cambridge, it will be as quick as if they lived in Cambridge.”
A 40-year-old lady who wished to remain anonymous has lived in St Neots for over 20 years and works at a local business. She said: “The town has loads of character. It has got lots of nice little independent shops, and I think it would be a real boost for the town.”
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She continued to say that she hopes it will make an impact on the town, and be “just another thing to make it nice.” Her favourite attribute about the town is “how friendly the people are”.
David Horry, who is 82, has lived in St Neots for over two years. He said that he believes it could make a big difference to the town, and said that “it might bring more shops in, and might bring them [people] in.” If St Neots win, he said it would make him proud to live there.
David said that the town is “lovely compared to what we were used to, because we were out in the country and when we wanted to do something, we had to get in the car, and now we don’t.”
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He continued: “It’s perfect. Everything is all here together. There’s a lovely market – it’d rather be a big market, but it’s winter.”
Mohammed Hussan, who is 39-years-old and runs a business in St Neots said that he is unsure whether they can win but if so “it would make me proud and would be good.” He continued: “The people are nice, and the customers are friendly.”
The dishwasher can be a genuine source of debate in households. From what’s suitable to put inside, to how frequently it should be run, there’s plenty to argue about.
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One of the recurring questions that arises is whether plates and dishes require rinsing beforehand, with families often divided on the matter. That’s why I approached the experts to settle the debate definitively.
Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, revealed that pre-rinsing is “one of the biggest myths” surrounding the dishwasher, reports the Express.
He explained: “In reality, this uses extra unnecessary hot water and typically won’t improve the results.
“Modern dishwashers use high temperatures designed to break down stubborn stains with little trouble so pre-rinsing plates is a bit like hand washing your car before taking it to the car wash.
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“You can save water and skip the pre-rinse; pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher can waste around 1,115 litres of water each year!”
The cleaning products and detergents used in dishwashers perform more effectively on dirty dishes because the enzymes in the detergent are formulated to latch onto grime and be washed away. Ian said: “If dishes are thoroughly rinsed, they have nothing to attach to.
“However, if you have a pan with some burnt-on food residue it can be a good idea to give it a soak beforehand. Not scraping away any food before putting items in the dishwasher can cause clogs and eventually need a dishwasher repair.”
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David Miloshev, an appliance technician at Fantastic Services, concurred that pre-rinsing is unnecessary for most modern dishwashers.
He explained: “Most current dishwashers and detergents are designed to work with food residue, using sensors that detect how dirty the water is and adjust cycle length, temperature and water usage accordingly.
“When the dishes are rinsed, the dishwasher can assume the load is lightly soiled and shorten the cycle, which can result in not fully removing the grease or dried-on residue.”
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He agreed with Ian that dishes should be scraped rather than rinsed.
He added: “Large food scraps, bones, toothpicks or fibrous leftovers should be removed to prevent clogging the filters and spray arms, which is a common service issue with dishwashers. In cases where the food is likely to harden for many hours before a wash cycle runs, a light rinse can help prevent stubborn buildup, but it should be minimal.”
A particularly divisive question is whether crockery and dishes require rinsing beforehand, with families frequently divided on the matter. To settle this once and for all, I consulted the experts.
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Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair specialist at Domestic & General, described pre-rinsing as “one of the biggest myths” surrounding dishwasher use, reports the Express.
He said: “In reality, this uses extra unnecessary hot water and typically won’t improve the results.
Modern dishwashers use high temperatures designed to break down stubborn stains with little trouble so pre-rinsing plates is a bit like hand washing your car before taking it to the car wash.
“You can save water and skip the pre-rinse; pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher can waste around 1,115 litres of water each year!”
The cleaning products and detergents utilised in dishwashers perform more effectively on soiled dishes because the enzymes in the soap are formulated to latch onto grime and be washed away. Ian explained: “If dishes are thoroughly rinsed, they have nothing to attach to.
“However, if you have a pan with some burnt-on food residue it can be a good idea to give it a soak beforehand. Not scraping away any food before putting items in the dishwasher can cause clogs and eventually need a dishwasher repair.”
David Miloshev, an appliance technician at Fantastic Services, concurred that pre-rinsing isn’t needed for most contemporary dishwashers.
He explained: “Most current dishwashers and detergents are designed to work with food residue, using sensors that detect how dirty the water is and adjust cycle length, temperature and water usage accordingly. When the dishes are rinsed, the dishwasher can assume the load is lightly soiled and shorten the cycle, which can result in not fully removing the grease or dried-on residue.”
He shared Ian’s view that dishes ought to be scraped instead of rinsed.
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He added: “Large food scraps, bones, toothpicks or fibrous leftovers should be removed to prevent clogging the filters and spray arms, which is a common service issue with dishwashers. In cases where the food is likely to harden for many hours before a wash cycle runs, a light rinse can help prevent stubborn buildup, but it should be minimal.”
At least 32 people have been killed after gunmen launched simultaneous attacks on three separate communities in northern Nigeria, police have said.
Tunga-Makeri, Konkoso, and Pissa, all located in the Borgu area of Niger state, were targeted in dawn raids on Saturday.
Six people died in the assault on Tunga-Makeri, Niger State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said, adding that it was not clear how many people had been abducted.
Image: The Borgu local government area in Niger state, Nigeria
Mr Abiodun said that Konkoso was also attacked, but gave no other details.
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He did say that security teams have been sent to the scene and a rescue operation for those who were abducted was under way.
Abdullahi Adamu, from Konkoso, said 26 people were killed in the attack there, describing how the attackers were “operating freely without the presence of any security”.
Security is deteriorating in the northern part of the West African country, where killings and kidnappings for ransom have been carried out by both Islamic militants and armed gangs.
Earlier this month, 162 people died in an attack in neighboring Kwara State.
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In recent months, the US government has accused Nigerian authorities of not protecting Christians, although attacks affect both Christians and Muslims.
The two nations have set up a security partnership which saw Washington carry out strikes on armed groups in Nigerian territories in December, and a US military force being deployed to the country.
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-400x240.jpg)
![Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads. The UK’s largest airport said the government’s travel restrictions had dealt a fresh blow to travel confidence and predicted it was likely to take several years for passenger numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels. This week ministers said passengers arriving in the UK would have to take a pre-departure Covid test, as well as a post-flight test, because of fears about the spread of the new variant. “[The] high level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of pre-departure testing shows the potential harm to the economy of travel restrictions,” the airport said in an update. Heathrow said the drop in traveller confidence owing to the new travel restrictions had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month. Eleven African countries have been added to the government’s red list, requiring travellers to quarantine before reuniting with families. “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas,” said John Holland-Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow. “It would send a strong signal that restrictions on travel will be removed as soon as safely possible to give passengers the confidence to book for 2022, opening up thousands of new jobs for local people at Heathrow. Let’s reunite families for Christmas.” Heathrow said that if the government could safely signal that restrictions would be lifted soon, then employers at Heathrow would have the confidence to hire thousands of staff in anticipation of a boost in business next summer. The airport is expecting a slow start to 2022, finishing next year with about 45 million passengers – just over half of pre-pandemic levels. This week Tui, Europe’s largest package holiday operator, said it expected bookings for next summer to bounce back to 2019 levels. However, Heathrow said on Friday not to expect the aviation industry to recover for several years. “We do not expect that international travel will recover to 2019 levels until at least all travel restrictions (including testing) are removed from all the markets that we serve, at both ends of the route, and there is no risk of new restrictions, such as quarantine, being imposed,” the airport said.](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/shutterstock_1100012546-scaled-80x80.jpg)
