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Barack Obama casually revealing that the truth is (maybe) out there hints at a big ‘twist’ to come in the search for alien life, UFO experts say.

The former US President was asked on Saturday whether he believes aliens are real.

‘They’re real, but I haven’t seen them. They are not being kept in Area 51,’ he told YouTuber and podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen.

Obama clarified in an Instagram post that his remarks weren’t to be taken too seriously, though said ‘statistically’ it’s likely extraterrestrial life exists.

He added: ‘But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!’

A 2024 report by the Pentagon found no evidence of an alien cover-up, though it said that the belief that the government is hiding aliens will persist.

Nick Pope, who investigated UFOs for the British Ministry of Defence in the 1990s, said Obama’s comments have only intensified this belief.

‘Much of the UFO community has taken this as quasi-official confirmation of an extraterrestrial reality,’ Pope told Metro.

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He added that rumours are swirling of a ‘disclosure’ event, where long-classified files around what are now called Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena will be released.

‘Obama’s comments are being seen as part of an acclimatisation campaign, readying people ahead of a definitive, formal announcement,’ Pope said.

‘Whatever the truth, Obama’s comments have reignited the debate about UFOs, extraterrestrials, and what governments might know about all this.

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‘Hang onto your hats: there are probably further twists to this tale ahead.’

UFOlogist Mark Christopher Lee is among those expecting a ‘twist’.

The filmmaker said many US presidents have seemingly had close encounters of the third kind, such as Ronald Reagan in 1974.

The then-California governor claimed he saw a zigzagging white light while aboard a plane flying over Bakersfield.  

Nevertheless, Lee stressed that the government has always been tight-lipped about what it knows, if anything, about extraterrestrial beings.

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UFOs have remained a mystery even after a former intelligence official testified in 2024 that the government was holding ‘nonhuman’ bodies.

Current US President Donald Trump has said that, as much as aliens are sometimes on his mind, he personally doesn’t believe in them.

Lee said: ‘That’s why there may be genuinely historic developments ahead from the current administration.

‘I have been informed by a reliable source close to President Trump that he has already prepared a full UFO disclosure speech and plans to deliver it on July 8.’

Yet Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist, said the search for life beyond our blue skies isn’t just what presidents and intelligence officials would know.

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Rather, it’s ‘a scientific question that can be best answered openly within the mainstream of science’, such as interstellar visitors like 3I/ATLAS.

Loeb speculated that the solar system trespasser, a comet that drifted past Earth last year, may have been sent by aliens.

Formerly known as A11pI3Z, 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar visitor to be discovered passing through our corner of the galaxy.

Studying the next one could bring humanity one step closer to finding out if we’re alone or not in the universe.

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‘Perhaps one day, the State of the Union address by the US President will include an official statement on the “State of the Universe”,’ Loeb added.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Barack Obama breaks silence over Trump’s ‘racist’ video of him and Michelle

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MORE: We’re one step closer to knowing why there’s life on Earth – and nowhere else

MORE: Donald Trump refuses to apologise for ‘incredibly racist’ video of Barack and Michelle Obama

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Wayne Rooney will be watching the FA Cup with pride as his brother John aims to continue a fairytale run with Macclesfield against Brentford

Wayne Rooney will hope brother John can continue his fairytale FA Cup run with Macclesfield FC as they take on Brentford in the fourth round. The brothers have been in football for years, with one somewhat more successful as a player.

Former Manchester United star Wayne couldn’t hide his emotions as he watched John defeat Premier League side Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup third round. National League North side Macclesfield took an unbelievable 2-0 lead against the cup holders and held on to go through to the next round despite a late Palace goal, securing a legacy as one of many ‘giant-killers’ in the cup competition.

The ex-England international had been doing punditry for the BBC and was visibly close to tears after the game. He told the BBC: “I am getting emotional to see my younger brother achieve this. He has not long been in management.

“To get through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, and to beat Crystal Palace a Premier League team? I am so proud of him.”

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney doubles down on Man Utd job claim after offer to Michael CarrickREAD MORE: Kai Rooney can make his Man Utd first-team debut but JJ Gabriel is banned

Praising John’s calm demeanour during the match, Rooney added: “He did. I don’t know how! It’s such an achievement, absolutely superb.”

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The Macclesfield boss was similarly emotional after the historic achievement. John said: “I am the same. … Late in the game we thought about slowing it down. I never thought we’d be in that situation. I can’t get my head around it.”

The Rooneys grew up in the Croxteth area of Liverpool, with Wayne the eldest brother between himself, John and Graham. The current Macclesfield boss, like Wayne, began his career at Everton, but didn’t have the same trajectory throughout his professional journey in football.

While Wayne rubbed shoulders with icons and became one himself at Manchester United, John spent his career in the MLS and lower leagues in England. He played for Orlando City, Barnsley, Stockport County and the team he now manages, Macclesfield.

Despite never reaching the same heights as his brother while playing, John has certainly enjoyed a fast introduction to life in football management. The 35-year-old retired last year and almost immediately moved into coaching, taking over at Macclesfield from Robbie Savage after hanging his boots up at the club on the same day.

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He has guided the side to 7th in the National League North table and famously led them to a 2-1 win over Palace in the FA Cup. While the pair tend to keep their personal relationship under wraps, Wayne showed a more sensitive side to his bond with John after his FA Cup upset.

The 40-year-old posted his congratulations on social media to John, writing on Facebook: “Couldn’t be any prouder of my brother John. Well done to everyone at Macclesfield. Unbelievable achievement and more than deserved.”

Wayne will be watching on with bated breath as his younger sibling takes on yet another Premier League outfit in the shape of Brentford on Monday night. A place in the fifth round of the FA Cup awaits one of them and the Rooney family will be hoping Macclesfield can further their dream run in the historic competition.

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A train has derailed in Switzerland, leaving at least five people injured.

The BLS AG train, travelling from Goppenstein to Hohtenn, derailed at around 7am on Monday morning.

An avalanche may have swept across the tracks shortly before the incident, police said.

One of the injured was taken to hospital in Sion, and four others were treated at the scene, but did not require further medical attention.

Read more from Sky News:
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Fire crews, two ambulances, a helicopter, and eight mountain rescuers, along with two fire and rescue trains, took part in the effort.

Train services remained suspended, the railway company said at the time of writing.

There were 29 passengers on board, police added. All of them were safely evacuated and a replacement bus service was put in place.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.

Many locals who went to birthday parties as children have also taken their own children to the venue.

A laser force centre where local children have enjoyed parties for 25 years is set to close. Laser Force in Brook Street, Peterborough, has provided entertainment to lots of children in the area since 2001.

A Laser Force spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we have been unable to secure a new lease of the established Laser Force operators who wanted to take over the site. So, after 25 years Laser Force Peterborough will close on March 2.”

Locals who went to Laser Force as children, and have since taken their own children there, have shared their sadness over the impending closure. Georgia Jones said she went to Laser Force “most weekends” with friends, or with her dad.

She continued: “Each time it was so fun and you always competed with your friends to get the highest score, which you would see once you were out of the game. It’s sad to see it’s closing down. As a mother myself, I was looking to take my children in the next year as they are older to understand how to play the game.

“Peterborough is slowly becoming a ghost town with only soft plays and the odd crazy golf place to take our children. Laser Force is something different and fun for children to experience.”

Matthew King, 36, said he “loved” Laser Force as a child. He added: “I remember hiding from that alien thing coming out of the wall. Good memories, I’m sad to see it close.”

Abigail Goodliffe has memories of her father taking her there during the holidays. She said: “My dad is self-employed and works a lot over the half-terms. However, he’d always try to get a day off here and there and he’d take me and my brothers to Laser Force for the day.”

Abigail associates the entertainment venue with her “dad and family time”. She added: “We’ve been going for at least the last 10 years and thoroughly enjoy the time together. Staff were always kind and fun. We will definitely miss it.”

Vicky Margaret’s favourite memory of Laser Force was going there on a school trip. She said: “I had the best time. Me and my friends were pouring with sweat by the end, but we loved it.

“Now my children enjoy it as much as we did. As a family that enjoyed this activity, which my daughters and sons loved, we will be extremely sad to see it go. But, we will always be grateful for the memories from being a child to now seeing my own children love it just as much as I did and still do.”

Shelley Bradshaw previously worked on the PTA at Winyates Primary School in Peterborough. She praised Laser Force for its involvement in fundraising events. She said: “We would host fundraising events for the kids in school, like raffles and prize bingo.

“I would write to local companies asking if they could help in a way of a donation of any kind – very few companies responded. Every single time, they [Laser Force] would provide four free entries.”

Laser Force is still accepting bookings for February, including the half-term. Final sessions will take place on March 1.

A Republican running to unseat South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham has accused his rival of lobbying to have Fox News host Trey Gowdy replace Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general.

“Lindsey Graham is reportedly pushing for Trey Gowdy to replace Pam Bondi as Attorney General if she is forced out,” Greenville businessman Mark Lynch wrote on X (Twitter) Sunday.

“This is EXACTLY the type of globalist, swamp-monster Beltway RINO who should NOT be the next AG. We need results, not press conferences. Arrests, not FOX News appearances.”

By calling Gowdy a “RINO,” Lynch was invoking a popular MAGA acronym for establishment members of their party, standing for “Republican in name only.”

In another post, citing a right-leaning account called Publius as his source, he said: “This poor advice, on top of globalist tendencies and atrocious voting record, are just a couple of the reasons I will be REPLACING Lindsey Graham.”

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Gowdy, the TV star so objected to by Lynch, was a South Carolina Republican congressman from 2011 to 2019 and served as chair of the House Oversight Committee for two years before joining Fox.

The Independent has reached out to Graham’s office, Lynch’s campaign, Fox News, and the White House for comment on the speculation promoted by the candidate.

Bondi made a fiery appearance before the House Judiciary Committee last Wednesday, at which she sparred angrily with Democrats and declined to apologize to, or even acknowledge the presence of, the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, several of whom were sitting behind her.

California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia subsequently called for Bondi to step down.

More surprisingly, so did an eclectic group of conservatives from MAGA and beyond, including Kyle Rittenhouse, Erick Erickson, Tim Pool, and Nick Fuentes.

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However, there is currently no indication she is likely to do so.

Graham, for his part, has the “complete and total endorsement” of President Donald Trump and is therefore likely to sweep Lynch and fellow challenger Paul Dans aside in the battle to retain his Senate seat this year.

“I’m his north star,” the incumbent said of Trump in an interview with NBC News last week. “We disagree, but he knows where I am coming from. He sees me helping him as much as anybody in the Senate.”

Asked how he maintains his bond with the president – whom he blasted as a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot” when they were rivals for the GOP nomination in 2015 – Graham said he had a secret formula.

“Be mildly entertaining. Play golf. And understand he’s been a great president,” the senator advised. “You know what we have in common? I like him and he likes him.”

Explaining the importance of retaining the president’s ear, he said, “Let’s put it this way: I’ve heard senators say things. Most of them are very uninformed about what actually goes on at the White House.”

Administration spokesperson Abigail Jackson, in turn, said of the veteran: “Senator Graham is a close ally to the president and plays a critical role in helping to advance the president’s America First agenda in the Senate.”

A white Mercedes AMG was spotted on the motorway after speeding off from GMP officers

A teenager has been arrested after a 150mph police chase on the M6. Officers from Greater Manchester Police first attempted to stop the vehicle at around 2am last Wednesday (February 11) before the driver sped away and was later sighted on the motorway.

A search was carried out by Cheshire Police and Staffordshire Police, when a white Mercedes AMG was spotted near to Sandbach Services on the M6. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver made off at speed, and a chase followed.

Cheshire Police said traffic officers followed the vehicle as it travelled at speeds of up to 150 mph, including through areas coned off by roadworks. A police stinger was used to slow the vehicle, and the pursuit was subsequently brought to a conclusion on Alsager Road, near to the A500.

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The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man from Telford, was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He’s since been released on bail.

Inspector Bradley Hughes of Cheshire Police’s Roads and Crime unit said: “This was a great example of teamwork between forces to stop and arrest a dangerous driver who clearly showed no regard for the safety of members of the public.

“Thanks to our officers working together, we were able to bring this dangerous behaviour to an end. Let this be a reminder – if you commit crime on Cheshire’s roads, there is nowhere you can hide.”

Jofra Archer took two wickets in the first over of Italy’s chase but Ben Menenti smashed 60 from 25 balls and Grant Stewart 45 from 22 to give Italy real hope.

With Stewart at the crease, the tournament’s lowest-ranked side needed 30 runs from the final two overs for an almighty upset.

That England came through is obviously a positive. Sam Curran, who also defended 10 from the last over against Nepal, dismissed Stewart in the penultimate over.

He admitted there have been nerves throughout the initial group stage.

“It’s actually just a tricky stage in a World Cup,” Curran told the BBC.

“You’re nervous, you’ve got all kinds of nerves and expectation.

“I had a little chat with Morgs [former England captain Eoin Morgan] before the toss and said these are the hardest games because we want to get there so badly.

“Now we’ve done it it’s [about] enjoying it. This is our first aim and now we focus on the teams that we know will be in our group.”

Doctor Tamara McNamee, 40, gave evidence on Monday at the trial of 77-year-old David Campbell.

The death of a man allegedly murdered by a former gamekeeper was not treated as suspicious until an autopsy was carried out.

Doctor Tamara McNamee, 40, gave evidence on Monday at the trial of 77-year-old David Campbell. He is accused of murdering Mr Low, 65, at the Leafy Lane near to the Pitilie Track close to Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross on February 16 2024.

Campbell denies the allegation and has lodged a special defence of alibi.

Consultant histopathologist Dr McNamee was tasked with doing a single doctor autopsy on ex-groundsman Brian Low.

Dr McNamee told the High Court in Glasgow that when she received the body, a report said it was a non suspicious death.

She told the court she escalated the matter after she opened the body bag and saw a shotgun pellet inside the bag beside his remains.

The court heard that Mr Low was pronounced dead at 9am on February 17 2024.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell asked Dr McNamee if the initial report into Mr Low’s death was a non-suspicious death.

She replied: “Yes.”

The doctor went on to explain that she was to carry out a single doctor autopsy on Mr Low’s body as a result of the report.

The witness said: “On initially opening the body bag I saw a shot in the bag beside his remains and a few injuries to his face.

“I realised it wasn’t a non-suspicious death and it was not a medical death.”

Mr Farrell: “Because of that, you escalated it?”

Dr McNamee: “Yes.”

This resulted in a two-doctor autopsy of Mr Low’s body.

Jurors heard that Mr Low suffered injuries to his chest, right upper arm, left upper arm, neck and face.

His cause of death was stated to be “shotgun wound to neck and chest.”

The witness further stated that Mr Low had shotgun pellets in his right lung which resulted in bruising.

Mr Low was also claimed to have swallowed a blood clot from his nose or mouth.

The witness further stated that Mr Low would have died within seconds and minutes from a gun shot wound to his neck and chest.

When asked about how quick the death could have occurred, Dr McNamee said: “I never like to comment about how quick a death has occurred it can vary.”

Mr Farrell: “It’s not instantaneous but death would result from this shotgun blast in seconds or minutes?”

Dr McNamee: “Yes.”

The doctor later stated that Mr Low was “face on” when he was shot.

When asked by Mr Farrell if there were several shotgun injuries, Dr McNamee replied: “That’s fair.”

In cross examination, Campbell’s KC Tony Lenehan put it to Dr McNamee that times of death are “nothing like on TV?”

The witness replied: “Yes.”

Dr McNamee stated that times of death were better determined by witnesses, social media and banking activity.

Jurors were told that at 4.52pm on February 16, Mr Low’s phone activity had stopped.

Detective constable David Budd earlier stated that Campbell was arrested for the matter while he was using the toilet.

The jury heard that police officers had cameras on them at that time.

Mr Lenehan further stated that a film crew who were following proceedings were also at the property but were not allowed entry.

DC Budd stated that “things became fraught” during the interview process.

The trial, before Lord Scott, continues.

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A woman has urged people to avoid wearing certain colours during Chinese New Year celebrations, warning that the year of the Fire Horse brings unique superstitions

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Chinese New Year commences this Tuesday (17th February), and individuals have been cautioned against wearing a particular colour to mark the occasion. The 15-day celebration, also referred to as the Lunar New Year and the Spring Festival, is observed across various Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities, and signifies the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Numerous cities throughout the UK will be staging events to mark Chinese New Year over the coming fortnight, but one woman on social media has encouraged people to pay attention to some particularly significant guidance ahead of the festivities. Rachel, who hails from Canada and Hong Kong, suggested that people should steer clear of wearing one particular colour for the remainder of 2026 once Chinese New Year arrives, as it could represent misfortune.

In a TikTok video, Rachel clarified that whilst 2026 is the year of the horse, it’s more precisely the year of the fire horse. This indicates that fire, and consequently the colour red, is already “at its peak” this year – and donning red could push the balance too far in one direction.

Red is conventionally regarded as a fortunate colour in Chinese culture, and numerous Chinese New Year decorations are typically bright shades of red because it’s thought to ward off malevolent spirits. However, 2026 actually represents an unusual year where red isn’t considered fortunate.

Numerous elements of Chinese culture also emphasise balance, so if you introduce more fiery shades to a year already characterised by the fire horse, you risk going overboard and could potentially turn your year into a catastrophe.

Rachel explained: “I know everyone’s telling you that red is THE lucky colour, especially in Asian cultures, but you need to know that 2026 is the year of the fire horse. Fire is already at its peak, so if you wear red, it’s almost like you’re adding gasoline to the fire. It could lead to burnout, bad tempers, and arguments.”

To “stay lucky” in this unpredictable year, Rachel instead suggests wearing shades that counterbalance the fire. This means it’s the year for natural hues like dark greens or browns.

She continued: “To stay lucky this year, you will need to balance out the heat. For example, this year it’s actually recommended to wear earth or wood colours. Think earth tones like beige, cream, or brown, to ground the energy. Or you can do wood tones like sage or forest green to keep the fire stable.”

For optimal fortune in 2026, Rachel revealed there are even particular shades you can wear depending on your zodiac sign. But for those simply wanting to prevent a Chinese New Year catastrophe, steering clear of red is sufficient.

Additionally, black or white garments should be avoided at any festival gatherings you’re planning to attend. These shades are associated with mourning, and since Chinese New Year is a joyous occasion, these two colours must never be worn.

Viewers of Rachel’s video expressed uncertainty about the festival and the appropriate customs to observe. Nevertheless, many emphasised that avoiding black or white attire is more crucial than steering clear of red, so if red is your only option for local festivities, that will be acceptable.

One viewer commented: “If you wanna wear red, then wear it, who cares. Follow traditions. If people say its unlucky, then it is. I trust her because my local temple also says the same thing. To avoid wearing red.”

Another contributed: “Just don’t wear black or white, people. You’ll be fine. If you’re concerned, just wear something red. Like a scarf, a woven bracelet, or shoes.”

There are numerous other activities to avoid during Chinese New Year as well, including consuming porridge for breakfast or starting a laundry cycle in the washing machine. And on the initial day of festivities on Tuesday (17th February), hair washing should be avoided – so ensure you’ve bathed this evening!

The China Highlights website clarified: “Hair must not be washed on Chinese New Year’s Day, as it is seen as not a good thing to ‘wash one’s fortune away’ at the beginning of the New Year. Avoid cutting hair on this day, as it is believed that it might bring misfortune to uncles.”