Former Disney Channel star Dove Cameron has scored a major streaming hit with her new Prime Video thriller series *56 Days*, which claimed the No. 1 spot on the platform’s U.S. rankings shortly after its February 18, 2026, premiere, dethroning established shows like James Patterson’s *Cross* and drawing widespread attention for its twisty erotic mystery plot.

The eight-episode limited series, adapted from Catherine Ryan Howard’s bestselling novel of the same name, quickly surged to the top of Prime Video’s most-watched list in the United States within days of release, according to Amazon’s internal charts and third-party trackers like FlixPatrol and Reelgood. It displaced Amazon’s own *Fallout* adaptation and other heavy-hitters, fueled by strong word-of-mouth, Cameron’s fanbase and the appeal of its high-concept premise: a whirlwind romance that ends in a gruesome crime, reconstructed over exactly 56 days.

In *56 Days*, Cameron stars as Ciara Wyse, a working-class newcomer to Boston who meets charming, affluent Oliver Kennedy (Avan Jogia) in a supermarket. Their intense, fast-moving relationship unfolds in steamy, secretive scenes until detectives Lee Reardon (Karla Souza) and Karl Connolly (Dorian Missick) discover a decomposed body in Oliver’s luxury apartment bathtub. The narrative jumps between the lovers’ passionate early days and the police investigation, unraveling lies, secrets and dark motives on both sides.

The show premiered February 18, 2026, with all episodes dropping at once, encouraging binge-viewing. Early viewership data shows it climbing Prime Video’s U.S. charts rapidly, reaching No. 1 by late February and maintaining momentum into the weekend. Globally, it ranked in the top 10 in multiple markets, including the UK, Canada and Australia. The series earned an 86% audience Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting solid viewer approval despite mixed critical reception that noted predictable twists but praised the leads’ chemistry and tension.

Cameron, 29, known for roles in *Descendants*, *Liv and Maddie* and recent projects like *Schmigadoon!*, delivers a layered performance as Ciara, blending vulnerability with menace. Jogia, seen in *Victorious* and *Zombieland: Double Tap*, brings charisma and unease to Oliver. The cast also features strong supporting turns from Souza and Missick as the detectives piecing together the timeline.

Directed by Alethea Jones and executive produced by James Wan, *56 Days* leans into psychological thriller elements with erotic undertones, echoing shows like *You* and *Tell Me Lies*. The limited run keeps pacing tight, with flashbacks revealing red flags in the couple’s relationship while the present-day probe builds suspense toward the crime’s resolution.

The series’ success highlights Prime Video’s push into original thrillers amid stiff competition from Netflix and Hulu. Amazon has ramped up acquisitions of book adaptations, with *56 Days* benefiting from the novel’s pre-existing fanbase and timely release in a crowded winter slate. Promotional efforts included a teaser trailer emphasizing “every good love story needs a murder,” Cameron’s social media posts and cast interviews highlighting the story’s addictive quality.

Viewers and critics have noted the show’s bingeable format and strong performances, though some reviews pointed to familiar tropes in the genre. RogerEbert.com called it “short on heat” despite solid acting, while Variety praised Cameron’s “enchanting” turn in a “surprising erotic thriller.” Collider described it as “the perfect weekend binge for mystery fans,” citing its red-flag-filled romance and satisfying reveals.

The No. 1 ranking underscores Cameron’s growing draw as a leading lady beyond teen roles, with her music career and social media presence (millions of followers) boosting visibility. The series also features a soundtrack contribution from Cameron, who has hinted at new music releases tied to her acting projects.

As *56 Days* continues dominating charts, Prime Video may see sustained momentum into March. No renewal has been announced for a second season, given its limited-series format, but strong performance could spur interest in similar adaptations.

For fans of twisty thrillers and star-driven dramas, *56 Days* has emerged as February’s breakout streaming success, proving Cameron’s versatility and Prime Video’s strength in genre programming.

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has stretched into its fourth week with no major breakthroughs, as authorities comb through thousands of hours of surveillance footage and the family renews public pleas for information amid a $1 million reward offer.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen the evening of January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson following dinner at her daughter Annie Guthrie’s residence. She was reported missing February 1 when she failed to attend a virtual church service. Investigators believe she was taken from her bed against her will in the early morning hours, as her pacemaker stopped transmitting signals around 2:28 a.m. that day.

As of February 28, marking day 28 since her disappearance, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and FBI describe the investigation as active and ongoing. Officials have shifted focus to analyzing extensive video evidence, including newly surfaced Ring camera footage from neighbors showing multiple vehicles in the vicinity during overnight hours surrounding the abduction. One clip captured at least a dozen cars passing near her home between midnight and 6 a.m. on February 1, while another depicted a light-colored vehicle driving past a residence about 2.5 miles away around 2:30 a.m. Authorities have reviewed the material but stated it does not appear directly related to the case, though it continues to inform the timeline and vehicle of interest inquiries.

An FBI official reported the agency has amassed as many as 10,000 hours of video for review, describing it as a key component of the investigation. The command post, initially in Tucson, has been relocated to Phoenix for long-term operational efficiency, with most agents based there. Investigative squads, evidence recovery teams and SWAT units remain active in Tucson through the local FBI satellite office.

On February 27, Savannah Guthrie posted a new Instagram video renewing her emotional plea for her mother’s safe return. Sharing a “Today” show segment explaining the tip submission process, she wrote, “Please — be the one that brings her home. Tips can be anonymous, reward can be paid in cash.” The family-offered reward of up to $1 million is for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery, consistent with FBI criteria. The FBI also offers a separate $100,000 reward.

Savannah Guthrie has emphasized her mother’s fragile health, noting the urgency of her safe return. In earlier posts, she described the abduction as occurring “in the dark of night from her bed,” urging anyone with information to come forward. She has expressed gratitude for public support and prayers while maintaining hope for a miracle.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department indicated it is “refocusing resources” as the case approaches the one-month mark, limiting public updates to instances when new information warrants release. The Guthrie family home, which served as the primary crime scene, is expected to be returned to the family soon after exhaustive forensic processing, a law enforcement source told CBS News. Savannah Guthrie has indicated plans to return to her “Today” show duties in the near future, though the emotional toll remains evident.

No arrests have been made, and no motive has been publicly identified. Investigators continue examining DNA evidence, including from a glove found about two miles from the home, though recent reports indicate no matches in national databases. A backpack discovered by volunteer searchers earlier in the investigation was not deemed a viable lead.

Nancy Guthrie, a longtime resident of the Tucson area, is widely known beyond her daughter’s celebrity for her work as a Bible teacher, author and conference speaker. She has written numerous books on Christian theology, including studies tracing Jesus through the Old Testament and series such as “Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament.” She hosts the “Help Me Teach the Bible” podcast for The Gospel Coalition and leads workshops on biblical theology. Her website lists upcoming speaking engagements, including events planned for March 20-21, 2026, at Redeemer Lincoln Square in New York and the Katoomba Easter Convention in Australia from April 3-6, 2026. However, these appearances remain uncertain amid the ongoing search.

The case has drawn intense national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a journalist and co-anchor. She has spoken publicly about the family’s anguish, emphasizing hope amid uncertainty. Experts on missing persons cases note the prolonged absence, combined with the lack of a clear vehicle of interest or named suspects, complicates efforts. Former FBI agents have described the challenge of achieving a “clean” disappearance in an era of widespread surveillance, digital tracking and forensic tools, yet this case has so far defied quick resolution.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or local authorities. Tips can remain anonymous, and the $1 million family reward remains active for credible leads leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery.

As the investigation enters its fifth week, the family clings to hope for a positive outcome while grappling with daily uncertainty—a sentiment echoed by advocates for missing persons who stress the psychological strain on loved ones in prolonged cases.

Jim Carrey made his first public appearance with girlfriend Min Ah on February 26, 2026, attending the 51st César Awards in Paris, where the actor received an honorary award and delivered a heartfelt speech in French that included a public declaration of love for his partner.

The 64-year-old Canadian-American star walked the red carpet at L’Olympia alongside Min Ah, his daughter Jane Erin Carrey, 38, and grandson Jackson Riley Santana. Carrey, known for keeping his personal life private, used his acceptance speech for the Honorary César — recognizing his contributions to cinema — to thank his family and openly acknowledge Min Ah.

“Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah,” Carrey said in French, prompting applause from the audience. He also expressed gratitude to his daughter and grandson, saying, “Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane, and my grandson Jackson, as I love you now and forever.” The actor closed by honoring his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, calling him “the funniest man I have ever known” who taught him “the value of love, generosity and laughter.”

The moment marked the couple’s official public debut after years of private dating. Sources close to Carrey confirmed the pair have been together for several years, with earlier sightings dating back to February 2022 when they were photographed leaving a charity comedy event hosted by Judd Apatow at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles. At that time, outlets identified Min Ah — sometimes referred to as Minzi — as a Los Angeles-area actress and artist.

Details about Min Ah remain limited, as she has maintained a low public profile. Reports describe her as a creative professional in the arts, though she has not appeared in major acting credits or maintained a visible social media presence tied to the relationship. Carrey has rarely discussed his romantic life since his previous high-profile relationships, including his marriage to Melissa Womer (1987-1995) and Lauren Holly (1996-1997), as well as his engagement to Cathriona White, who died in 2015.

The César appearance comes amid Carrey’s selective return to public life. The comedian and actor, whose career spans iconic roles in films like *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*, *The Mask*, *Dumb and Dumber* and *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, has stepped back from Hollywood in recent years to focus on painting, writing and personal reflection. He last starred in the 2020 film *Sonic the Hedgehog* and its 2022 sequel, voicing Dr. Robotnik.

Fans and media reacted swiftly to the rare glimpse into Carrey’s personal life. Social media buzzed with support for the couple, with many praising Carrey’s fluent French delivery and emotional sincerity. “Jim Carrey speaking French and shouting out his love — iconic,” one user posted on X. Others noted the significance of the moment for a star who has often guarded his privacy, especially after past tragedies and public scrutiny.

The César Awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars, honored Carrey for his global impact on comedy and film. His speech reflected on his French-Canadian heritage, joking about his accent while expressing gratitude for the recognition. The event drew a star-studded crowd, with Carrey’s family presence adding a personal touch to the professional milestone.

Carrey and Min Ah’s relationship has drawn curiosity due to the actor’s relatively quiet dating history in recent years. No wedding plans or further details have been shared, and representatives for Carrey declined to comment beyond the public appearance.

As Carrey continues selective projects and artistic pursuits, the Paris outing highlights a more open chapter, blending his storied career with a private romance now shared publicly for the first time.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call Saturday from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to discuss recent regional developments, including Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on the UAE and other Gulf states, according to the UAE’s official news agency WAM.

The conversation, reported late February 28, 2026, came hours after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military assets and Gulf allies in response to joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iranian leadership and facilities earlier that day. The Saudi Crown Prince expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the Iranian attacks, affirmed full solidarity with the UAE and offered all available resources to support any measures Abu Dhabi might take.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s firm stance, fraternal solidarity and readiness to stand by the UAE. Both leaders warned of the serious consequences of continued violations of state sovereignty and international law, describing the actions as a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability. They called for restraint and emphasized pursuing diplomatic solutions to safeguard the region’s security.

The call underscored close coordination between the two Gulf powers amid heightened tensions. It marked a show of unity following Iran’s missile barrages, which UAE air defenses intercepted with high efficiency. Debris from interceptions caused one fatality in Abu Dhabi and material damage in residential areas, while explosions were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and near other U.S.-hosted sites.

Saudi Arabia separately condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, denouncing them as a flagrant violation of sovereignty against the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. The Kingdom’s foreign ministry statement urged the international community to denounce the aggression.

The dialogue highlighted Gulf states’ shared concerns over Iranian actions, especially after missiles targeted countries hosting American forces. Bahrain reported strikes near the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, with residents evacuated from nearby areas. Qatar intercepted projectiles, and similar alerts activated in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh.

The UAE Ministry of Defense described the incident as a “blatant attack” and reserved the right to respond, stressing that targeting civilian areas crossed red lines. Authorities issued emergency text alerts urging residents to shelter and avoid military sites.

The phone call reflected efforts to de-escalate while maintaining a united front. Both leaders stressed the need for dialogue to prevent broader confrontations, amid fears of prolonged conflict disrupting energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices surged more than 15% on supply disruption worries, with Brent crude climbing sharply. Global markets opened lower, and airlines suspended Middle East flights amid airspace closures.

The discussion occurred against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of “major combat operations” against Iran, urging regime change. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the initial strikes as pre-emptive to eliminate threats.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the retaliatory launches targeted U.S. assets and vowed continued operations. Tehran condemned the U.S.-Israeli aggression as violations of sovereignty.

International reactions included calls for restraint from European leaders and condemnation from Russia and China, who labeled the initial strikes “illegal.” The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting.

The UAE-Saudi exchange reinforced Gulf solidarity, signaling coordinated responses to threats while prioritizing diplomacy. As the situation evolves, the call may pave the way for further consultations among GCC states.

Israel launched attacks on Iran’s capital Tehran to remove what it called “an existential threat”. The attacks came as talks between the US and Iran over nuclear de-escalation failed to reach an understanding. The US has backed the Israel’s attacks. Iran has retaliated to the attacks.

“Uncertainty prevails, fear is pushing prices higher today,” Tamas ⁠Varga, an analyst at PVM was quoted as saying by Reuters. “It is completely driven by the outcome of the Iranian nuclear talks and possible military action the U.S. might take against Iran.”

Quoting Barclays Bank, IANS reported that Brent crude could rise to around $80 per barrel in the event of any significant supply disruption as the market is experiencing a risk premium due to geopolitical tensions, although any escalation may not necessarily lead to an immediate supply disruption.

The benchmarks Brent and the US WTI surged over 3% in the previous session and could extend their gains on Monday when trading resumes.

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The US WTI crude oil futures ended at $67.29 per barrel, gaining $2.08 or 3.19% in a single session while Brent witnessed an even sharper surge of 3.4% or $2.37 per barrel to close at $72.87.
The Brent and WTI benchmarks are currently trading at their highest levels since July and August.President Donald Trump called the strikes a “major combat operations in Iran” in a video released on social media. The strikes were launched near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The war-like situation is likely to impact operations through the Strait of Hormuz, a 21-mile-wide waterway which remains a critical passage for global supply. Approximately 13 million barrels per day pass through the Strait — roughly 31% of all seaborne crude oil on earth.

Commodity and currency expert Anuj Gupta expects a sharp spike on Monday, hinting at Brent testing the $75 per barrel mark while WTI scaling $70 levels.

Crude oil prices have been on fire rising by nearly 5% or $3.39 in February while extending the 2026 gains to a $12.21 per barrel, implying a 20.10% year-to-date increase.

The war premium is expected to grow if the crisis is not contained in time.

Also read: Iran-Israel conflict: Expect a gap-up opening in gold and silver. Here’s how to trade bullion on Monday

Strategy for oil traders

Gupta suggests buying MCX Crude oil futures at Rs 5,950-6,000 with a stop loss of Rs 5,750 and a target of Rs 6,350-6,500.

Impact on equity markets

High crude oil prices are expected to be sentimentally negative for domestic equity markets when trading resumes on Monday.

Kranthi Bathini, Director-Equity Strategy at WealthMills Securities said a level above $80 per barrel could be a strong negative. He expects a choppy trade on Monday, expecting sharp cuts that may stay over a near term.

India’s benchmark indices Nifty and the BSE Sensex, ended with deep cuts on Friday amid selling pressure across the board. Auto, financials and FMCG were major laggards while the IT sector saw selective buying action. In a volatile session, the broader Nifty edged lower by 317.90 points, or 1.25%, to close at 25,178.65, while the 30-share Sensex plunged by 961.42 points, or 1.17%, to settle at 81,287.19.

Sectors in focus

Oil marketing companies like Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Oil India Limited could be in focus and may see selling pressure, if oil prices jump sharply.

High prices impact refining margins of OMCs, hitting their bottom lines.

Moreover, tyre and paint stocks could also come under pressure. Crude oil is a key raw material source for both paint and tyre companies because many of their inputs are petroleum-based derivatives.

Also read: Iran-Israel tensions likely to trigger choppy trade on Monday. What should investors do?

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

NASA is preparing to launch a mission to the moon — and it’s making history for more reasons than one.

The space agency’s Artemis II launch marks the U.S.’s first journey back to the moon in more than 50 years. It will also carry the first Black astronaut and the first female astronaut to travel to the moon, though the mission will be a flyby without a touchdown on the surface.

The launch, originally scheduled for early February and now delayed, will carry four astronauts around the moon and back, including Victor Glover and Christina Koch, the first Black and first female astronauts, respectively, to make the flight.

The mission follows the success of the Artemis I launch in 2022, which was uncrewed, and marks NASA’s next step toward eventually sending astronauts to Mars.

“The benefits of the Artemis program are technological, but they’re also cultural,” Glover, who is a decorated U.S. Navy captain and has traveled to the International Space Station, said in a 2024 NASA video. “What really means something to me is the inspiration that will come from it, inspiring future generations to reach for the moon, literally to reach for the moon.” 

Koch began her career at NASA, starting as an engineer and going on to conduct scientific research before becoming an astronaut in 2013, also traveling to the International Space Station.

“The one thing I’m most excited about is that we are going to carry your excitement, your aspiration, your dreams with us on this mission,” Koch said at the 2023 press conference when the mission’s astronauts were announced.

Danielle Wood, a professor in the astronautics department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said this mission builds upon decades of NASA’s work, including lessons learned from its previously failed endeavors.

“NASA’s been thinking through this whole process, two decades’ worth, of what we’re going to do is prepare the government to focus on these harder, next-generation missions and be able to do things that are not already demonstrated,” Wood told CNBC.

Wood said she’s also thankful that NASA has created a commitment to sending more diverse astronauts to space who “represent society in a more broad way.” Though the space agency initially emphasized military training for astronauts, she said opening up those requirements has led to exciting developments.

“It is still the case that there are many firsts, many glass ceilings, that need to be broken by Black women and Black men and women in general — that’s still real,” Wood added.

The mission will encompass more than just an exploratory journey to the moon too, she said. NASA will be conducting scientific research on the astronauts’ health, the rocket and the science of the moon. The mission is also working in conjunction with other countries, like Saudi Arabia and Germany, as part of “goodwill” agreements to pool together resources for moon research, Wood said.

“That’s just one step for this bigger, new form of operation,” she said.

Space historian Amy Shira Teitel, who’s been studying space for more than two decades, said Artemis II is the beginning of NASA’s next chapter of research.

“It’s marking a new era of leaving low Earth orbit, which we haven’t done since 1972,” she told CNBC. “It’s still a significant step because at the end of the day, we’re still going to gain some information that can be applied to whatever the next step is.”

Still, Teitel has her doubts about whether this launch will be the first step toward a lasting presence on the moon. Between budget restraints, multiple launch delays and complicating political factors, Teitel said the rocket launching this mission is “widely regarded as a huge boondoggle.”

That comes even as the space sector — and the journey back to the moon — has become more crowded.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX announced earlier this month that it was shifting its efforts from Mars explorations to moon explorations. Texas-based rocket and spacecraft builder Firefly Aerospace and Houston-based space startup Intuitive Machines have both sent spacecraft to the moon.

And NASA plans to retire the International Space Station in favor of smaller space stations focusing on the moon and Mars, with costs adding up. The U.S. Senate has also advanced legislation to support NASA’s advancements and create thousands of aerospace jobs, especially in Alabama, where the Marshall Space Flight Center is located.

Though the Artemis II launch will mark a significant step in NASA’s history, Teitel said she is choosing to remain cautiously optimistic about the future of space exploration, despite the hurdles.

“There’s so many challenges with this program right now stemming from policy, not from the astronauts or the engineers, just stemming from the fact that space is so complicated and so rooted in politics and so expensive that it’s hard to be that thrilled about this as the next step when everything else feels so tenuous,” Teitel said.

This article was written by

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