A ferocious nor’easter pounded Massachusetts on Monday, February 23, 2026, dumping heavy, wet snow and unleashing damaging winds that toppled trees, snapped power lines and plunged more than 210,000 customers into darkness across the state.

The storm, which intensified overnight and peaked during the morning hours, triggered widespread power outages, blizzard conditions in many areas and treacherous travel that officials described as nearly impossible. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported escalating outages throughout the day, with figures climbing rapidly as wind gusts exceeded 70 mph in southeastern regions and snow accumulated at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour in parts of the state.

By mid-afternoon, PowerOutage.us and utility reports showed Massachusetts leading the Northeast with around 181,000 to over 210,000 affected customers, part of a regional total exceeding 511,000 outages stretching from New Jersey to New England. Eversource Energy, the state’s largest utility, reported more than 135,000 of its customers without power at one point, while National Grid cited tens of thousands more in its service areas. Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts bore the brunt, with Barnstable County seeing over a quarter of customers impacted and towns like Plymouth reporting nearly 10,000 outages.

The nor’easter arrived Sunday night after days of forecasts warning of its potential historic impacts. A blizzard warning remained in effect for eastern, central and southern Massachusetts until 7 a.m. Tuesday, covering areas from Greater Boston to the Cape and Islands. The National Weather Service in Boston highlighted the dangerous combination of heavy, wet snow — up to 18 to 24 inches in many spots — and sustained winds that created whiteout conditions, reduced visibility to a quarter-mile or less and posed life-threatening risks for anyone venturing out.

Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency effective Sunday evening through early Tuesday, urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. “This is a high-impact storm with blizzard conditions, and power outages will be likely,” Healey said in pre-storm briefings. Officials mobilized resources early, staging hundreds of utility crews and emergency personnel, but restoration efforts faced severe constraints: bucket trucks and line workers can only operate safely when winds drop below 35 mph, delaying repairs in the hardest-hit zones.

Utility spokespeople warned that some outages could persist for days. Eversource estimated potential restoration times of three to five days in severely affected areas, while National Grid emphasized the challenges posed by fallen trees entangling lines amid ongoing snowfall and gusts. Customers were advised to report outages directly to their providers — Eversource at 1-800-592-2000 or online, National Grid at 1-800-322-3223 — and to sign up for alerts. Both companies urged residents to charge devices, prepare emergency kits and never approach downed wires.

The storm’s ferocity stemmed from its rapid intensification, with barometric pressure dropping sharply to create bomb cyclone characteristics. Wind gusts reached 70 mph or higher along the coast, contributing to coastal flooding risks in low-lying areas. Snow fell heaviest in southeastern Massachusetts, where blizzard conditions were most pronounced, while inland areas saw accumulations closer to 12 to 18 inches.

Travel ground to a halt across the region. State police and transportation officials restricted non-essential driving, with similar measures in neighboring states like Rhode Island and New Jersey. Airports faced widespread cancellations, and public transit services suspended or limited operations. Schools and non-essential businesses remained closed, with many communities activating warming centers for those without power.

The outages compounded safety concerns, as residents relied on generators — with warnings to operate them outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning — or sought shelter elsewhere. MEMA directed those without electricity to call 211 for warming center locations.

Meteorologists noted the storm’s wet, heavy snow as a key factor in the outages. Accumulating on trees and power lines already stressed by wind, it created widespread structural failures. Forecasters predicted the worst conditions through midday Monday, with winds easing and snow tapering by evening, leading to partial clearing Tuesday with temperatures near freezing.

This nor’easter follows an active winter pattern for Massachusetts, which had already seen significant snowfall earlier in the season. The state recorded 43.3 inches seasonally before this event, and totals from the storm could push many areas well above average.

As crews worked amid hazardous conditions, officials reiterated calls for patience and safety. “Our focus is public safety and stabilizing the system as conditions allow,” said Eversource spokesperson Olessa Stepanova. Restoration priorities target critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services first.

The storm’s regional scope left neighboring states similarly battered: New Jersey reported over 129,000 outages, Delaware nearly 72,000 and others in the tens of thousands. The Northeast’s power grid faced one of its most severe tests of the season, underscoring vulnerabilities to extreme winter weather amplified by heavy precipitation and wind.

Residents were urged to monitor updates from MEMA, local authorities and utilities as the storm slowly moved offshore. With sunshine forecast for Tuesday, melting could begin, but lingering outages and potential refreezing posed ongoing risks.

Fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up to the blockbuster animated musical KPop Demon Hunters will likely need patience, as co-director Maggie Kang has confirmed a “long wait” for any potential sequel due to the extended production demands of high-quality animation.

In a recent Bloomberg interview published Feb. 19, 2026, Kang addressed the future of the Netflix hit, which shattered streaming records upon its June 2025 release and became the platform’s most-watched animated film ever. While she stopped short of official confirmation, Kang acknowledged the strong demand for more stories featuring the demon-slaying K-pop girl group HUNTR/X — Rumi, Mira and Zoey.

“I can’t really say that officially, but in a world that loves sequels, I don’t think it’s a surprise that something else could be coming,” Kang told interviewer Mishal Husain. “But it’s going to be a long wait unfortunately, because animation takes a long time.”

The comment tempers earlier optimism around a quicker turnaround. Reports from late 2025 indicated Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix had agreed to develop a sequel targeting a 2029 release, roughly four years after the original’s debut. However, recent statements from Sony executives, including Animation President Kristine Belson, have downplayed that timeline as overly ambitious.

In interviews with outlets like IGN and The Hollywood Reporter, Belson emphasized the intense workload facing animation studios, including commitments to other projects and the meticulous process required for feature-length animated films. “There’s been a lot to tend to,” Belson noted, suggesting 2029 might prove unrealistic given current priorities and the labor-intensive nature of the medium.

Kang’s update arrives as KPop Demon Hunters continues its award-season momentum. The film, co-directed by Kang and Chris Appelhans, earned nominations and wins at events like the 2026 Annie Awards, where it dominated categories for character animation, music and direction. Its blend of K-pop energy, supernatural action and cultural representation resonated globally, spawning fan communities, viral edits and live performances by the voice cast portraying HUNTR/X.

The original story followed the trio balancing idol fame with secret battles against demons threatening the world, voiced by talents including Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and others, with Lee Byung-hun as the villainous Gwi-ma. Kang has previously teased untapped potential in character backstories and expanded lore, including side stories cut from the first film and possibilities for global demon-hunting adventures beyond Korea.

In a Collider interview following an FYC screening, Kang and Appelhans described their vision for a sequel as “bolder and bigger,” promising heightened stakes, deeper emotional layers and boundary-pushing elements. “We’re up for the challenge,” Kang said, hinting at darker, more ambitious storytelling while maintaining the humor, heart and musical spectacle that defined the original.

Despite the enthusiasm, the animation pipeline remains a significant hurdle. Feature animation often spans four to six years from concept to completion, involving storyboarding, voice recording, intricate character design, complex effects for demon battles and music production. The success of KPop Demon Hunters has only intensified expectations, but Kang stressed the importance of quality over speed.

“Animation just takes a long time,” she reiterated in the Bloomberg piece, echoing industry-wide realities amid staffing shortages and rising production costs. Sony Pictures Animation, which developed the film before its Netflix deal, continues negotiations for the follow-up, with Kang and Appelhans expected to return if talks progress.

Fan reactions have been mixed. Social media buzz reflects excitement tempered by disappointment over the delay, with some expressing concern that a prolonged wait could diminish momentum for the franchise. Others praised Kang’s candor and commitment to delivering a worthy successor rather than rushing production.

The film’s cultural impact extends beyond streaming metrics. It introduced broader audiences to K-pop elements while celebrating Korean heritage through storytelling, music and visuals. Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, has spoken about creating the project for her younger self, emphasizing representation and empowerment for young viewers.

As award season continues — with potential Oscar buzz lingering — attention shifts to how Sony and Netflix navigate the sequel’s development. No official greenlight or detailed timeline has been announced beyond Kang’s tempered outlook.

For now, fans can revisit the original on Netflix, stream the soundtrack topping charts or engage with fan creations. Kang expressed gratitude for the support, noting the “whirlwind” response has been overwhelming yet grounding.

While a sequel appears inevitable given the film’s unprecedented success, the road ahead underscores the patience required in animation. As Kang put it, the wait may be long, but the promise of bolder adventures could make it worthwhile.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tdLYsc-KBY

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a climate lawsuit that pits local governments in Colorado against global energy giants ExxonMobil and Suncor.

The high court on Monday officially decided to put the case on its calendar after the energy companies filed a petition to determine whether federal law prevents state-law claims for interstate emissions.

The petition was filed after a May 2025 Colorado Supreme Court decision in the case affirmed the power of local jurisdictions to seek compensatory relief for climate-related damages within state courts.

In this case, the local governments of the City of Boulder and Boulder County are seeking monetary damages for environmental harm such as wildfires and floods, alleging the defendants misled the public about the climate risks associated with fossil fuels.

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to take up a climate lawsuit that pits local governments in Colorado against global energy giants ExxonMobil and Suncor. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images, File)

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the case could proceed in state court after the energy companies argued unsuccessfully that the claims were preempted by federal law, specifically the Clean Air Act, or should be governed exclusively by federal common law.

The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen at night in this undated photo. (iStock)

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While the Colorado Supreme Court allowed most claims, including public nuisance, trespass and unjust enrichment, to move forward, it dismissed a specific consumer protection claim as time-barred.

The facade of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 3, 2024. (Valerie Plesch/picture alliance/Getty Images)

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A dissenting justice, however, warned that the ruling could create a chaotic patchwork of local regulations on an issue that is inherently international in scope.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case during its next term, which begins in the fall.

It has secured a new funding facility from HSBC and the Development Bank of Wales

Leading importer and distributor of industrial tools, nails and fasteners for the UK construction sector, Spotnails, has secured a near £3m new debt facility to supports its expansion. The Caerphilly-based company, which has operated for more than 70 years, has received a £1.7m loan from HSBC UK and a £1.2m loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

The refinance allows Spotnails to restructure existing facilities, including the buyout of earlier development bank equity, while sustaining its long-term relationship with both lenders.

This latest investment marks the continuation of a partnership with the development bank which began in 2019, when it provided £1.7m to support a management buyout enabling managing director Craig Bates to acquire the company from its previous owners. A £500,000 equity warrant followed in 2023 to help accelerate the company’s expansion plans.

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The development bank has provided patient capital and strategic support that has underpinned Spotnails’ evolution – from the management buyout through to its current growth phase.

The new capital provides Spotnails with fresh scope to grow, following a recent move to a larger warehouse, the recruitment of two additional staff, and the launch of a new e‑shop.

Managing director Mr Bates, said: “The development bank has been really good to us over the last six years. This new joint investment with HSBC UK gives us the headroom we need to continue expanding and to pursue sustainable growth.

“We needed to restructure our funding, and were keen to maintain our link with the development bank given the strength of our relationship with them to date, and the value that relationship has added to our business. It’s a win‑win all round.”

Kabitah Begum, senior portfolio executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “We’re pleased that our long-term relationship with Spotnails has helped put the business in a strong position for further growth. This joint funding package with HSBC UK enables us to continue our partnership following what would otherwise have concluded a successful cycle of investment.

“Our £1.2m loan, delivered alongside HSBC UK’s support, gives Spotnails the platform to keep expanding, and we look forward to continuing our work with them as a long-term partner, providing value over and above our investment.”

Donagh Kenny, relationship manager at HSBC UK, said: “Spotnails has spent more than seven decades building a strong heritage in the Welsh construction sector, so it’s great to be able to back a business whose longstanding history continues to shape its ambition for the future. This joint funding package gives the company the headroom to keep evolving and investing with confidence. We’re proud to work alongside the Development Bank of Wales to help drive the next chapter of Spotnails’ growth.”

Mony Group recorded its highest ever revenues of £446 million in 2025, with its home services division surging by a third thanks to increased energy switching activity among UK households

The parent company of MoneySuperMarket has revealed it capitalised on a surge of households switching their energy deals last year, helping counterbalance weaker car insurance activity amid declining prices.

Mony Group, which also operates brands including MoneySavingExpert and Quidco, posted its highest ever revenues of £446 million for 2025 – up 2% on the previous year.

The business highlighted a stronger performance within its home services division, which jumped by a third over the year, largely due to increased energy switching activity.

This reflected more energy suppliers opting to join the platform to attract customers following Ofgem’s price cap announcements.

MoneySuperMarket is a price comparison website that operates by receiving a payment from the firms that list on the platform.

It also benefited from an 8% rise in its revenues for its money arm, thanks to more customers switching credit cards and stronger demand for savings and ISA comparisons.

This helped offset weaker sales for its insurance arm – the division that generates the most revenues – which were down by 1% year-on-year.

MoneySuperMarket, which has a Manchester tech hub, was affected by fewer people searching for car insurance deals in a year that premiums fell by approximately 9% on average.

The firm had benefited from a surge in insurance revenues in 2024 when soaring premium prices drove higher levels of switching.

Deeside-basedMony Group reported a pre-tax profit of £80.7 million for 2025, roughly 1% higher than the prior year. Meanwhile, the firm said opportunities to harness artificial intelligence (AI) were “powering” it into 2026.

It recently unveiled a price comparison app on AI chatbot ChatGPT, enabling people to obtain car insurance estimates or search for other household deals.

Peter Duffy, Mony Group’s chief executive, said: “2025 was another year of great progress for the group and we’re delighted to have helped households save an estimated £2.8 billion.

“Our leading data and tech architecture, combined with the power of our brands, has positioned us exceptionally well to harness the opportunity of AI, and is powering our momentum as we head into 2026.”

General Motors is recalling more than 43,000 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac SUVs due to a transmission issue that could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

The recall affects 17,178 Chevrolet Tahoes, 7,616 Chevrolet Suburbans, 7,820 GMC Yukons, 5,270 GMC Yukon XLs, 3,609 Cadillac Escalades and 2,239 Cadillac Escalade ESVs, all from model year 2022.

All models under the recall are equipped with a 10-speed transmission with an electronic transmission range select system, GM said.

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A model year 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is seen driving. (Chevrolet )

The recall report, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said a transmission control valve in some of the vehicles could be susceptible to excess wear over time, which may lead to a gradual loss of pressure. Drivers may notice harsh shifting if their vehicle is affected by the issue.

In rare cases, the rear wheels may experience a brief lockup or may remain locked, increasing the risk of a crash, the report said.

A model year 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe seen parked outside. (Chevrolet / Fox News)

NISSAN RECALLING OVER 26,000 VEHICLES DUE TO DOOR ISSUE THAT COULD INCREASE RISK OF CRASH

Dealers will install new transmission control module software that will monitor valve performance and detect excessive wear, the automaker said. If a potential issue is found, the transmission will be limited to fifth gear to prevent the potential of a wheel lockup.

The General Motors world headquarters office is seen at Detroit’s Renaissance Center.  (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Letters to owners notifying them of an available remedy will be mailed on March 30.

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“The safety of our customers is the highest priority for the entire GM team, and we’re working to remedy this matter as quickly as possible,” a GM spokesperson told FOX Business.

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