European shares opened lower and Asian shares were mostly higher Thursday after a rally on Wall Street that was led by computer chip giant Nvidia.

Oil prices rose as media reports said the likelihood was rising of U.S. conflict with Iran.

President Donald Trump has been weighing whether to take military action against Iran as his administration surges military resources to the region while holding indirect talks with Tehran over its nuclear program. That is raising concerns that any attack could spiral into a larger conflict in the Middle East.

U.S. benchmark crude oil gained 94 cents to $65.99 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, picked up 98 cents to $71.33.

Germany’s DAX lost 0.5% to 25,157.56, while the CAC 40 in Paris slipped 0.6% to 8,379.90.

Britain’s FTSE 100 gave up 0.4% to 10,647.82.

The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.1% while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average was virtually unchanged.

Markets in Greater China were closed for Lunar New Year holidays, while some others in the region reopened for trading.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 added 0.6% to 57,467.83, while in South Korea, the Kospi jumped 3.1% to 5,677.25 as markets reopened following holidays earlier in the week. Samsung Electronics, the market’s biggest heavyweight, gained 4.9%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.9% to 9,086.20.

Southeast Asian markets surged, with Thailand’s SET up 1.7%. India’s Sensex shed early gains to fall 1.1%.

On Wednesday, the S&P 500 rose 0.6% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3%. The Nasdaq composite gained 0.8%.

Nvidia helped lift the market and climbed 1.6% after Meta Platforms announced a long-term partnership where it will use millions of chips and other equipment from Nvidia for its artificial-intelligence data centers.

“No one deploys AI at Meta’s scale,” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said. Because his company is the most valuable on Wall Street, Nvidia’s stock was the single most powerful force pulling the S&P 500 higher.

That performance demonstrated the upside of AI development for the U.S. stock market. But investors have also focused on the potential downsides recently, which has led to sharp swings in share prices.

Meta’s stock fell as much as 1.7% before recovering and rising 0.6%.

Another worry is that if AI succeeds in creating tools to do complicated tasks more cheaply, it may undercut companies in industries as far flung as software, legal services and trucking logistics. Investors have suddenly and aggressively sold stocks of companies seen as under threat in what analysts have likened to a “shoot first-ask questions later” mentality.

Several profit reports from companies helped to lift stocks Wednesday. They continued what’s been a strong reporting season for the big U.S. companies in the S&P 500.

Outside of earnings reports, Moderna jumped 6.1% after saying regulators at the Food and Drug Administration will review its flu vaccine candidate after earlier refusing to consider it.

Reports on the economy were better than expected, with one saying industrial production improved last month. Another said orders for computers, fabricated metal products and other long-lasting manufactured goods rose more in December than economists had forecast, when not including airplanes and other transportation equipment. A third report said homebuilders broke ground on more new homes in December than anticipated.

Such strong data could encourage the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady.

The Fed has put its cuts to interest rates on hold, but many on Wall Street expect it to resume later this year. The widespread forecast is that will come during the summer, after a new chair is scheduled to step in atop the Fed.

Minutes released Wednesday from the Fed’s last meeting showed many officials want to see inflation fall further before they would support additional interest rate cuts this year.

Lower rates can give a boost to the economy and prices for investments, but that comes at the cost of potentially worsening inflation.

In other dealings early Thursday, the dollar bought 154.80 Japanese yen, down from 154.83 yen. The euro rose to $1.1800 from $1.1782.

The price of gold gained 0.6% while that for silver was up 2.1%.

The price of bitcoin rose 1% to $66,900.

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LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the former Prince Andrew sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor features a number of times in the documents.

The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his royal titles, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.

Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor’s home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

It comes after disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office this morning

Royal biographer and historian Andrew Lownie has warned that King Charles III could come under serious pressure to abdicate if further damaging information emerges in the investigation involving the former Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The disgraced former royal was arrested this morning (February 19) on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police has confirmed.

Speaking on TalkTV this week, Lownie told host Mark Dolan that the King must take a “very clear” and decisive approach as scrutiny surrounding the issue continues. During the live broadcast, Lownie stressed that the monarch has a responsibility to ensure full cooperation with any police inquiries.

He said: “I do think that King Charles needs to be very clear that he will cooperate and allow his staff to give statements to the police and provide all the internal correspondence, all the complaints that were made about Andrew, all the material the police need to mount a proper investigation.”

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Lownie’s comments came as Dolan pressed him on the potential consequences for the monarchy if further evidence were to surface, the Express reports. The presenter asked: “If Andrew is not prosecuted but further evidence of a royal cover-up at the palace emerged, what is the threat to the monarchy under those circumstances?”

In response Lownie suggested the situation could quickly escalate into a constitutional crisis. He replied: “Well I think it’s very serious. I think then people will be calling for a clean sweep.”

He went on to draw a distinction between senior royals, adding: “I don’t think William is in any way implicated in this scandal and I think there will be growing calls for the King to step down.”

The royal biographer’s comments suggest that while the Prince of Wales could remain insulated from the controversy, the monarch himself may face increasing pressure if the situation escalates. And now with Andrew having been arrested all eye will be on the King.

Viewers were divided in the comment section, with the debate continuing to rage in the comments section as people voice their different opinions on the issue.

One user warned that any suggestion of wrongdoing could have far-reaching consequences, writing: “A cover up will see growing calls for the abolition of monarchy. William was involved in the cover up. Are royal fans now going to demand that George is put on the throne?”

“Didn’t this happen when KC was the Prince of Wales and the monarchy was under QEII? Why should Charles take the blame?” another questioned.

While others argued that calls for abdication were unrealistic. One comment read: “There is no cover up. Leave the dutiful innocent king along. Vultures.”

While another else added: “The King will be the King until he stops breathing. William would want that and it’s not like this forever.”

The global giant will be openings the doors of the new café at 6am in the former Bay Horse in Main Street, Fulford.

The opening follows a development company Manchester-based Arborfield Estates winning a planning appeal against City of York Council in August 2024.

The pub was closed in early 2023 by its former owners, the Red Cat Company, after reporting a period of ‘poor trading.’

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Fulford Parish Council, York CAMRA and others opposed the change of use for three flats and a coffee shop.

However, the planning inspector ruled there was no realistic prospect of a pub reopening in the 200 year-old building.

The former Bay Horse is now a Starbucks (Image: NQ)

Furthermore, there were also two pubs nearby, The Plough and The Saddle Inn, which also offered dining services and outdoor seating as the Bay Horse had.

The inspector added there were no coffee shops in the immediate area and the plans would see the ground floor of the empty building put back into use for the public.

A Starbucks spokesperson told the Press: “We’re so excited to bring the Starbucks experience to Fulford and create 13 new jobs.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the local community from Friday 20th February, with the first 100 customers getting a free reusable cup which they can use to get 25p off future beverage purchases.

“The store will also be partnering with York Mind through fundraising and in-store events, including cutting the ribbon on opening day at 10am and taking donations”

The Bay Horse location in Fulford is not the only pub in the area used as a Starbucks.

The Four Halls on the A64 Malton Road at Stockton on the Forest also re-opened recently as a Starbucks.

The former Prince was arrested today, February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Police have arrived at Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate.

Pictures circulating online appear to show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm in Norfolk on Thursday, with plain-clothes officers gathered outside the property.

What is misconduct in public office?

Misconduct in public office (MiPO) is an offence in abuse or neglect of power or responsibilities by someone holding public office, according to Institure for Government.

The law applies to o people in roles across government and public services, including elected officials, civil servants, the police and the judiciary.

Thames Valley Police have opened an investigation into an offence of misconduct in public office.

A man in his sixties from Norfolk has been arrested and remains in police custody. As per national guidance we will not name the arrested man.

Read more: https://t.co/wehZDx4InV pic.twitter.com/b23l2KeOHG

Advertisement

— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) February 19, 2026

The law offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The 2020 Law Commission states that MiPO “is one of the most notoriously difficult offences to define in England and Wales”.

MiPO is committed when a public officer wilfully neglects to perform their duty and/ or wilfully misconducts themselves, to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder.

Thames Valley police in full as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest

A statement from Thames Valley police, which said: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

“The man remains in police custody at this time.

“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

The man entered a premises on Baillie Street in Whitburn on Wednesday morning at around 5.05am.

A West Lothian man entered a shop in Whitburn and threatened a staff member before making off with a three-figure sum.

The man entered a premises on Baillie Street on Wednesday morning at around 5.05am.

He threatened the worker with a bladed weapon. Police are now appealing for information.

The male staff member was not injured. The suspect is described as white, of slim build and was wearing blue joggers, a blue and orange jacket and trainers.

READ MORE: New development launched in West Lothian town

Detective Constable Chris Watson said: “This was a frightening incident for the staff member involved, and it is vital we trace the man responsible.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw a man of that description, or knows who it may be, to contact officers.

“I’d also appeal to those in the area who have dash-cam footage or private CCTV to review this to see if it has captured anything of significance.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0444 of 18 February, 2026. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

READ MORE: Labour councillor challenges colleagues on health board to demand more funding from Scottish Government

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A weekslong “snow drought” in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada helped set the stage for Tuesday’s deadly avalanche, after several feet of new snow fell on an earlier layer that had hardened, making it unstable and easily triggered, experts said.

The new snow did not have time to bond to the earlier layer before the avalanche near Lake Tahoe killed at least eight backcountry skiers, said Craig Clements, a meteorology professor at San Jose State University, who has conducted avalanche research. Six skiers survived and rescuers were still searching for another one who was still missing on Wednesday.

The group was on a three-day backcountry trek in the Sierra Nevada on Tuesday morning when they were trapped by the avalanche as a winter storm pummeled the West Coast.

The dangers generally are highest in the first 24 to 48 hours after a very large snowfall, Clements said, and authorities had issued avalanche warnings.

Here’s what to know.

What made conditions so dangerous?

When weather is dry and clear, as it had been in the Sierra Nevada since January, snow crystals change and can become angular or round over time, Clements said.

If heavy new snow falls on the crystals, the layers often can’t bond and the new snow forms what is called a storm slab over a weaker layer.

“Because it’s on a mountain, it will slide,” when it’s triggered by any change in the tension above or below, sometimes naturally but also because of people traversing the area, Clements said.

Authorities have not said what triggered Tuesday’s avalanche.

If there had been more consistent snowfall throughout the winter, different layers could have bonded more easily, Clements said. But even when a snow slab forms, the danger often only lasts a couple of days until the new snow stabilizes, he said.

Was climate change a factor?

Although climate change can lead to weather extremes that include both drought and heavier precipitation, it’s difficult to say how and whether it will affect avalanches or where they occur, scientists say.

Clements said this week’s avalanche is fairly typical for California’s Sierra Nevada and he doesn’t believe it can be linked to climate change.

Avalanches are a mechanism of how much snow falls on weak or stable layers, and this one was “a meteorological phenomenon, not a climate phenomenon,” he said.

About 3 feet to 6 feet of snow has fallen since Sunday, when the group started its trip. The area was also hit by subfreezing temperatures and gale force winds. The Sierra Avalanche Center said the threat of more avalanches remained Wednesday and left the snowpack unstable and unpredictable.

What’s happening now?

Crews found the bodies of eight backcountry skiers near California’s Lake Tahoe and were searching for one more following Tuesday’s avalanche, which authorities say was the nation’s deadliest in nearly half a century.

Six from the guided tour were rescued six hours after the avalanche.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said Wednesday that investigators would look into the decision to proceed with the trip despite the storm forecast.

The skiers traveled Sunday to remote huts at 7,600 feet (3,415 meters) in Tahoe National Forest, carrying their own food and supplies. At 6:49 that morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch for the area, indicating that large slides were likely in the next 24 to 48 hours.

___

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

British nationals Lindsay and Craig Foreman have been sentenced to 10 years
in prison over allegations of espionage in Iran.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned their sentence as “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable”.

“We will pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned to the UK and reunited with their family,” she said.

The couple were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through the country on an around-the-world motorcycle journey and detained on charges of espionage.

The Foremans, from East Sussex, who are being held in Tehran’s Evin prison, deny the allegations.

The couple’s family says the sentence places the case “in line with the most severe politically motivated detentions of UK nationals in Iran”.

Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, said that the couple has been “sentenced to 10 years following a trial that lasted just three hours and in which they were not allowed to present a defence”.

“They have consistently denied the allegations. We have seen no evidence to support the charge of espionage,” he added.

The sentence follows a court appearance on 27 October 2025 before Judge Abolghasem Salavati at Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran.

Judge Salavati has previously been sanctioned by the UK, US and EU in connection with human rights violations and the conduct of trials criticised internationally for lack of due process.

Ahead of his sentencing, Mr Foreman described being held in an “eight-foot cell with a hole in the floor and a sink” and described the effects of 57 days in solitary confinement, saying: “Emotionally and physically, it broke me to pieces”.

He said once a month meetings with his wife are what sustain him.

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Mr Bennett said the couple had “already spent more than thirteen months in detention”. “We are deeply concerned about their welfare and about the lack of transparency in the judicial process,” he added.

He called on the UK Government to “act decisively and use every available avenue to secure their release”.

The Foreign Office is currently warning people not to travel to Iran, because of “the significant risk of arrest questioning or detention”. It warns that: “The UK government will not be able to help you if you get into difficulty in Iran.”

Iran has arrested dozens of foreign visitors and dual nationals in recent years, mostly on espionage and security-related charges.

Human rights groups and some Western countries have accused Iran of trying to win concessions from other nations through arrests on trumped up charges.

British-Iranian dual nationals like Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori are among those who have spent years behind bars in Iran before diplomatic negotiations helped secure their release.

The sentencing of the Foremans comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a deadly crackdown on a wave of demonstrations in Iran.

Donald Trump last month urged Iranian protesters – thousands of whom have been killed by the regime’s forces – to keep demonstrating and promised that “help is on the way”.

A powerful US military force continues to assemble within striking distance of Iran.

The former prince, who had his titles stripped last year, has been living at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk after moving out of his Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Andrew was stripped of his remaining royal titles, including “His Royal Highness” (HRH) and “Prince,” in October.

It followed a previous announcement that he would stop using his titles, including the Duke of York, amid pressure regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to the BBC, Andrew has today been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Police have arrived Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate.

Pictures circulating online appear to show unmarked police cars attending Wood Farm in Norfolk on Thursday, with plain-clothed officers appearing to gather outside the property.

Thames Valley Police previously said the force is reviewing allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein to have a sexual encounter with Andrew, and claims he shared sensitive information with the paedophile while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

Andrew, who marks his 66th birthday today ( February 19), has denied any wrongdoing

The arrest comes after Thames Valley Police said previously that they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A statement from Thames Valley police, which said: “As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

“The man remains in police custody at this time.

“We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.”

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Who is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?

Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor, born 19 February 1960, formerly Duke of York, is the third child and second son of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and the younger brother of Charles III.

At the time of his birth, he was second in line to the British throne.

Andrew served in the Royal Navy from 1979 until 2001. During the Falklands War, he flew helicopters on active service. He later qualified as a helicopter instructor and went on to command a warship.

In 1986, he married Sarah Ferguson and was created Duke of York on his wedding day. The couple had two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, before separating in 1992 and divorcing in 1996.

From 2001 to 2011, Andrew served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.