Smiths News distributes newspapers and magazines to retailers(Image: Digital Buggu / Pexels)
Smiths News has been warned it could face a financial claim over the underfunded pension scheme of collapsed firm Tuffnells Parcels Express. The UK Pensions Regulator told the Swindon-headquartered business at the end of last week it was considering issuing a so-called financial support direction against the firm, which would give it the power to require financial backing for an underfunded pension scheme, even where there has been no wrongdoing.
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Smiths News, the UK’s largest wholesaler of newspapers and magazines, owned Tuffnells Parcels Express for nearly six years until May 2020, before Tuffnells called in administrators in June 2023, with its pension scheme left with a large deficit.
Smiths News said a number of other parties connected to Tuffnells are also identified in the warning notice as potential targets of the regulator’s powers. The regulator can seek up to £3.5m from the firms to help plug the funding hole in the Tuffnells pension scheme.
Shares in Smiths News fell three per cent in Monday morning trading.
The firm said: “The board is reviewing the warning notice with its advisers and will have an opportunity to make submissions to the Pensions Regulator in response.
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“These will be considered by the Pensions Regulator’s case team and then referred to a determinations panel before any decision is made as to whether a financial support direction should be issued against Smiths News, and if so, in what form or for what value.”
It added: “The board maintains the view that Smiths News acted reasonably throughout its time as parent of Tuffnells and that it was an overall net contributor of funding to Tuffnells during its period of ownership.”
Former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to break down rising oil prices, escalating Iran tensions and what it means for U.S. energy security.
As fears grow that a potential U.S. strike on Iran could choke off global oil supplies and send prices soaring, former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette says strong American production is keeping a lid on a $100-a-barrel price shock for now.
“What we are not seeing is a lack of supply in the marketplace. That is traditionally what would drive prices higher. That is not the case today,” Brouillette said Monday.
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Instead, he said the recent jump reflects traders factoring in the possibility that escalating tensions — including a potential Iran strike — could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly 20% of the world’s petroleum liquids.
He told FOX Business that oil is “plentiful” in the marketplace thanks to the U.S. “producing more… than we ever have.”
Oil pumpjacks stand in the Inglewood Oil Field on Nov. 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“We’re setting records, and that’s bringing stability to the marketplace,” he said, adding, “so rather than $100 a barrel oil today, we’re seeing prices in the mid-60s.”
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His comments came as crude hovered around $66.59 per barrel at the time of broadcast, following a recent jump fueled by rising tensions with the Islamic Republic.
Brouillette said he expects prices to stabilize in the coming weeks, as uncertainty, rather than actual shortages, continues to drive short-term volatility.
“This is really a risk price today. It is not a supply price,” he said. “And I think we’re going to see that for some time to come.”
Oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Dec. 21, 2018. (Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters)
Brouillette argued that with supply remaining strong, prices should eventually stabilize rather than spike.
“I think you will see them stabilize over a period of time,” he told Maria Bartiromo. “We’re looking at mid-‘60s today. It won’t surprise me that we see it go down slightly, especially if we have a situation in Iran where they return to what might be referred to as polite society.”
A shift in Iran’s posture — or a broader political change that brings more Iranian crude back onto the global market — could further ease pressure, he said.
‘The Big Money Show’ discusses the impact of a possible U.S.-Iran war on oil prices.
“If this regime goes away and that oil becomes available, we’re looking at potentially another million, million-and-a-half barrels of oil coming onto the world market,” Brouillette said.
“That’s going to significantly alter the supply situation, and it could push prices slightly lower.”
The BBC and Britain’s film academy issued apologies Monday after a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during Sunday night’s BAFTA Film Awards, an incident that drew sharp criticism from celebrities and sparked debate over disability awareness, live broadcasting and racial sensitivity.
BAFTA Awards
The outburst occurred as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, stars of the film “Sinners,” presented the award for best special visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” John Davidson, a Scottish Tourette syndrome activist whose life inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” shouted the N-word, which was audible on the live broadcast from London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Davidson, attending as a guest, had several involuntary verbal tics throughout the evening, including expletives during speeches and other moments. Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience twice, explaining that the outbursts stemmed from Davidson’s condition. “Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language,” Cumming said. “We apologise if you are offended tonight.”
The BBC, which broadcast the ceremony live in the UK, initially did not edit out the language. A spokesperson apologized Monday for “strong and offensive language” that aired, stating it arose from “involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional.” The corporation added that the offending segment would be removed from the on-demand version on BBC iPlayer. Producers later said they “didn’t hear” the slur during the live show due to working in a production truck.
BAFTA also apologized “for any offence caused,” emphasizing respect for all attendees and viewers while acknowledging the involuntary nature of the tics.
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The incident ignited backlash, particularly from Black entertainers. Actor Jamie Foxx commented on social media that the outburst was “unacceptable,” adding, “Nah he meant that shit.” Wendell Pierce, production designer on “Sinners,” criticized the apologies as “throwaway,” writing that the insult to Jordan and Lindo should take priority: “It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.” Journalist Jemele Hill echoed the sentiment, stating Black people “are just supposed to be ok with being disrespected and dehumanised so that other people don’t feel bad.”
Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition causing sudden, repetitive movements or sounds called tics, can include coprolalia — involuntary swearing or offensive language — in a minority of cases. Advocates stress that such tics are uncontrollable and not reflective of the person’s beliefs.
Davidson, a prominent campaigner, has worked to educate about the condition through “I Swear,” which was nominated in several categories. The film explores the challenges of living with severe tics and societal stigma. He was introduced to the audience early in the show, with Cumming noting his presence and the film’s inspiration.
The controversy overshadowed parts of an otherwise celebratory night. “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, dominated with six wins, including best film and best director. “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, earned three prizes — original screenplay, supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku and original score for Ludwig Göransson — marking a historic night for a film from a Black director.
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Other winners included “Sentimental Value” for film not in the English language and “My Father’s Shadow” for outstanding British debut. The ceremony highlighted diverse talent, but the outburst shifted focus to broader issues of inclusion and live event management.
Critics questioned why the BBC did not apply a delay or mute button, standard in some live broadcasts involving known risks. Others defended the handling, arguing that censoring Davidson could stigmatize disability further.
Tourette’s organizations released statements urging understanding: “Tics are not chosen, and associating them with intent harms the community,” one group said.
As discussions continued Monday, the incident highlighted tensions between disability rights and the harm of racial slurs, even when unintentional. BAFTA and the BBC pledged to review protocols for future events.
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The 2026 BAFTAs, hosted by Cumming, aimed to celebrate cinematic achievement amid a competitive awards season, but the controversy ensured the night would be remembered for more than its winners.
Jack Hughes lost two front teeth to a high stick in the third period, then delivered the golden goal 1:41 into overtime, lifting the United States to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.
Jack Hughes
The win ended a 46-year drought for U.S. men’s hockey gold, coming exactly 46 years after the legendary “Miracle on Ice” upset of the Soviet Union at Lake Placid in 1980. Hughes, the New Jersey Devils star and U.S. captain, became the face of a new golden generation, scoring the dramatic winner on a cross-ice feed from Zach Werenski and slipping the puck through Jordan Binnington’s five-hole at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Hughes took a high stick from Canada’s Sam Bennett in the third period, drawing blood and knocking out parts of two front teeth. He hit the ice briefly, looked down to see his teeth on the surface, then returned to the game almost immediately. The incident drew a four-minute power play for the U.S., though Hughes later negated part of it with his own high stick on Bo Horvat.
Despite the injury, Hughes showed grit in overtime. He won puck battles in his own end, raced up ice and buried the feed from Werenski to spark American celebration. Teammates mobbed him as the U.S. bench erupted, and Hughes smiled through a bloody, gap-toothed grin in postgame interviews.
“I looked on the ice and saw my teeth,” Hughes said afterward. “But I’m just proud that we won. So happy that this group of guys can win, and we’re the gold medalists. So I’m lucky I’m American, and they’re going to fix me right up.”
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Connor Hellebuyck was monumental in net for the U.S., stopping 41 of 42 shots, including several highlight-reel saves during Canada’s second-period dominance. Matt Boldy opened the scoring for the Americans with a first-period goal, while Cale Makar tied it for Canada late in the second.
Canada controlled much of the play, outshooting the U.S. significantly, but Hellebuyck’s performance and timely U.S. defense kept it close. Sidney Crosby missed the game for Canada due to injury, a blow to the defending champions.
The victory capped an undefeated tournament for the U.S. (4-2-0-0 record including overtime wins), marking their third Olympic men’s hockey gold (1960, 1980, 2026). It also completed a sweep for American hockey, as the U.S. women’s team had defeated Canada for gold days earlier.
Hughes, who led the team in goals during the Games, was named tournament MVP by many observers. His performance echoed the grit and clutch play that defined the 1980 Miracle team, though this squad featured NHL stars rather than amateurs.
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Teammates praised Hughes’ toughness. “He is an animal,” one U.S. player said postgame. The moment — bloodied mouth, missing teeth, overtime heroics — quickly became iconic, with videos and photos spreading across social media and broadcasts.
The game drew massive viewership worldwide, evoking memories of historic U.S.-Canada rivalries like the 2010 Vancouver final, where Crosby scored the golden goal for Canada. This time, the script flipped on the anniversary of the Miracle.
In the mixed zone, Hughes downplayed his personal role, focusing on the team effort and the honor of representing the country. He dedicated the win in part to late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, with the squad wearing patches in his memory.
Canada’s players were gracious in defeat, acknowledging the intensity of the rivalry and the quality of the U.S. performance. Makar, who scored the equalizer, called it “heartbreaking” but praised Hellebuyck’s goaltending.
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The win boosted U.S. medal standings on the final day of competition, contributing to a strong overall showing at Milano Cortina. The Closing Ceremony followed Sunday evening, extinguishing the flame after two weeks of competition.
For Hughes, the night was bittersweet — a trip to the dentist awaited, but the gold medal around his neck made any pain worthwhile. “It’s such an incredible feeling,” he said. “This is all about our country.”
The goal will be replayed for generations, a new chapter in American hockey lore etched in overtime drama and unbreakable resolve.
Smoke billows from burning vehicles amid a wave of violence, with torched vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states, following a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, February 22, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video.
Stringer | Reuters
U.S. and Canadian airlines halted flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in Mexico after violence broke out in the country in the wake of the Mexican army’s killing of a cartel leader.
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The U.S. State Department on Sunday told U.S. citizens to shelter in place, citing “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
Flights to other major airports in the country, like Mexico City and Cancun, weren’t impacted by the unrest.
Several Mexican states also canceled school on Monday after the country’s army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes. Known as “El Mencho,” he led one of fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it, The Associated Press reported.
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He was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco, AP said.
Airlines routinely suspend service due to unrest and infrastructure problems to avoid having passengers, crews and aircraft stranded.
A departure board dispays information about cancelled flights, during a winter storm at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, U.S., February 23, 2026.
Shannon Stapleton | Reuters
A powerful blizzard ground air travel to a near halt at major airports serving New York City, Boston and Philadelphia on Monday. Disruptions are set to last through at least Tuesday, again testing carriers on how quickly they can recover at the tail-end of winter break.
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Much of the East Coast from Maryland to Maine was under a blizzard warning, with heavy snow totaling nearly two feet in parts of New Jersey and on Long Island, New York, as of Monday morning. High winds are expected to last throughout the day, the National Weather Service said. The NWS warned that travel will be treacherous, with blowing snow causing low visibility.
More than 3,800 flights on Monday, or 15% of the total scheduled U.S. departures, were canceled, according to aviation-data firm Cirium. Daily cancellations usually run around 1%.
Over 1,000 departures and arrivals in and out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport, about 90% of the day’s schedule, were canceled. More than 90% of the flights at Boston Logan International Airport and more than 80% of the flights at Philadelphia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey were also scrubbed.
Flight disruptions were set to continue on Tuesday, with around 40% of the flights at LaGuardia and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport canceled, with roughly the same amount canceled in Boston, according to FlightAware.
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Airlines routinely cancel flights ahead of major storms to avoid having aircraft and crews out of place and to make it easier to restart operations after the storm passes.
A man sleeps on the ground next to his luggage in Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport in New York on February 22, 2026.
Charly Triballeau | Afp | Getty Images
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines waived fees and fare differences for passengers if they can travel as late as Feb. 26. Southwest Airlines said customers are eligible for a change without paying a difference in fare if they can rebook to fly or fly standby within two weeks.
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The winter storm that hit much of the East Coast in January and was followed by bitter cold caused mass travel disruptions across a large swath of the U.S.
American had struggled to recover, drawing harsh criticism from flight crews, some of whom were stranded and had to sleep at airports, heightening tension between frontline employees and the company’s CEO, Robert Isom.
The storm cost American between $150 million and $200 million in revenue, the carrier said last month on an earnings call.
The Transportation Security Administration said on Sunday that its PreCheck airport screening lanes are operational, an about-face hours after the Department of Homeland Security said the faster security checkpoints were paused amid the partial government shutdown.
Travel industry leaders said they received little, if any, warning of the changes to PreCheck, a program that allows its 20 million pre-screened members to pass through airport security faster than at standard lanes. Industry members spoke with DHS officials in the past few hours and expressed alarm about the sudden decision, people familiar with the matter said.
“At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public,” TSA officials said in a statement. “As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly. Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies.”
The agency said that “until funding is restored, all travelers should expect a process that does not sacrifice security. ”
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DHS early Sunday said that PreCheck and Global Entry and other program suspensions were scheduled to take effect at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday. As of 12:40 p.m. ET, its updated statement still included a suspension of Global Entry but it had removed its mention of PreCheck.
“We are glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making,” Geoff Freeman, chief executive of U.S. Travel, an industry group whose members include major airlines, hotel chains like Hyatt and Marriott International and tourism boards around the country.
The move comes as a partial U.S. government shutdown that has left thousands of DHS workers, including TSA airport screeners, working without pay since it started on Feb. 14.
“TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.
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Noem blamed Democrats for the shutdown. Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse over immigration policy.
“Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security,” she said. “The American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-N.Y.), pushed back, saying the Trump administration is “choosing to inflict pain on the public instead of adopting common sense” reforms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
DHS did not say whether it expected to reverse its suspension of Global Entry or what prompted the change. The White House referred an inquiry from CNBC to DHS.
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Travel industry experts sharply criticized the move before it was reversed, which comes just months after last year’s record federal government shutdown cost airlines millions of dollars and hurt bookings, according to executives.
The sector’s leaders have consistently complained about how air travel has ended up at the center of repeated shutdowns and have pushed lawmakers to ensure that essential government workers are paid during funding lapses.
A government shutdown in 2019 ended shortly after a shortfall of air traffic controllers disrupted flights. Air traffic controller shortages, already problematic, also spiked during the 2025 government closure, snarling air travel shortly before it ended in November.
The government shutdown in the fall, the longest ever, cost the travel industry and other sectors $6.1 billion, the group said. Those disruptions affected about 6 million travelers.
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“A4A is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended and that the traveling public will be, once again, used as a political football amid another government shutdown,” said Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu. The group represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and other major carriers.
“The announcement was issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly, which is especially troubling at this time of record air travel,” he added.