Selena Gomez reaffirmed her affection for husband Benny Blanco with a romantic Instagram Story post on Feb. 25, 2026, captioning a kissing video “I fall more and more in love with you every day my love” — a move many interpreted as a direct response to viral backlash over his barefoot, visibly dirty feet and on-air flatulence during the debut of his podcast “Friends Keep Secrets.”

The controversy ignited after the premiere episode streamed on YouTube earlier this week. Blanco, 37, lounged casually on a couch barefoot, with close-up shots highlighting dirt and grime on his soles around the 1:09 mark. He also audibly farted into the microphone as a joke, prompting laughter from co-hosts Lil Dicky and Kristin Batalucco but sparking widespread disgust online.

Screenshots and clips spread rapidly across X, TikTok and Instagram, with fans expressing shock and some urging Gomez to end the marriage. Comments included “That is disgusting idk how Selena is dealing with this,” “Selena needs to divorce him and find someone better,” and calls to “sign those divorce papers now.” Others focused on hygiene concerns, with one viral post sharing a zoomed-in image of his blackened feet that garnered thousands of reactions.

The backlash extended to memes and resurfaced discussions about Blanco’s laid-back, unconventional habits. Some noted that both Gomez and Blanco went barefoot during portions of their November 2025 wedding reception, suggesting she’s long accepted his relaxed style.

Gomez, 33, addressed the noise indirectly through her affectionate post. The video showed the couple laughing and sharing multiple kisses in what appeared to be a casual outdoor setting, emphasizing deepening love just days before their five-month wedding anniversary on Feb. 28.

The couple, who confirmed their romance in late 2023 after years in the same industry circles, married in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends including Taylor Swift. Blanco has produced music for Gomez, and both have spoken publicly about their strong bond, with Gomez calling him her “absolute everything” and Blanco expressing hopes for a family.

“Friends Keep Secrets” positions itself as an unfiltered, authentic conversation series avoiding typical macho tropes, featuring eclectic guests from family members to innovators. The raw format — including bodily humor and casual vibes — aligns with Blanco’s vision but clearly polarized viewers in this debut.

Defenders argued the moment was harmless in a relaxed podcast setting and shouldn’t overshadow Blanco’s talent or the couple’s happiness. Critics, however, questioned how it reflected on Gomez’s polished public image.

As of Feb. 26, Gomez has made no further comments, and the Instagram Story remains up. Blanco has stayed silent on the hygiene critiques, with the podcast continuing to draw attention and views amid the viral storm.

The episode underscores the intense scrutiny on celebrity relationships, where even minor quirks can spark outsized reactions. Gomez, who has openly discussed mental health, lupus and past high-profile romances, has increasingly focused on selective sharing while prioritizing her personal life.

Supportive fans flooded her post with hearts and praise for rising above the criticism, while the discourse continues online. The incident highlights how quickly social media amplifies personal moments — from dirty feet to declarations of love — in the public eye.

For now, Gomez’s message stands clear: her love grows stronger, unfazed by the chatter.

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, stretched into its fourth week on Feb. 26, 2026, with law enforcement preparing to release her Tucson-area home back to the family after extensive forensic processing, sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News.

Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1 after she failed to appear at church, prompting a friend to alert authorities. Investigators believe she was taken against her will from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson during the early morning hours of Jan. 31 or Feb. 1. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has classified the case as a kidnapping, with evidence suggesting a targeted abduction.

A significant development came earlier this week when Savannah Guthrie announced on Instagram that the family is offering up to $1 million for information leading to her mother’s recovery. In a emotional video posted Feb. 24, Savannah Guthrie said, “Someone knows how to find our mom and bring her home,” urging tips to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or directly to her, while noting anonymity is possible. The family reward aligns with FBI criteria and supplements the bureau’s own $50,000 offer.

The announcement triggered an immediate surge in activity: More than 23,000 calls have flooded the FBI tip line since Guthrie’s disappearance, including 750 in the first 12 hours after the reward video, according to a senior official. The post also prompted renewed law enforcement presence at the home on Feb. 25, with investigators, including prosecutors from Pima County, returning for what appeared to be final walkthroughs before releasing the property.

The home has been a focal point of the probe since the outset. Authorities recovered DNA evidence, including mixed samples that required processing at a private lab in Florida. However, delays in sorting the DNA could extend up to a year, officials have indicated, tempering earlier hopes for quick breakthroughs. Blood was reportedly found near the front door and on the ground outside, and footage released by the FBI shows an armed individual in a ski mask and backpack tampering with the doorbell camera and possibly removing recording devices on the night of the disappearance. Additional video recovered later contradicted initial reports of “no video” at the scene.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has publicly cleared all family members, including Savannah Guthrie, her siblings, and spouses, of any involvement. The sheriff has described the abduction as “very targeted,” with speculation about possible surveillance of the home in advance. Investigators are coordinating with Mexican authorities amid concerns the suspect or suspects may have crossed the border, though no confirmed leads in that direction have been disclosed.

Multiple ransom notes have surfaced, according to some reports, but details remain limited as the investigation continues. The FBI’s Phoenix field office is leading the effort, with assistance from local sheriff’s deputies and other agencies. As of Feb. 25, the search marked Day 25, with no arrests and no confirmed sightings of Guthrie since she entered her home.

Nancy Guthrie, born Nancy Ellen Long on Jan. 27, 1942, in Fort Wright, Kentucky, has three children, including Savannah, Annie, and Camron. She lived independently despite mobility limitations and required regular medication. Her disappearance has drawn national attention due to her daughter’s prominence, with Savannah Guthrie repeatedly appealing for prayers and information on air and social media. The “Today” host has shared that her mother’s deep faith influenced her own, and she has described the ordeal as heartbreaking.

The case has also sparked widespread online discussion, including unverified theories and conspiracy claims on social media platforms like X, ranging from possible connections to family associates to speculation about the suspect’s identity. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumors and to focus on providing credible tips.

As the investigation progresses, the return of the home to the family signals a shift from intensive on-site forensics to broader canvassing and tip follow-up. Officials continue to express hope that the increased reward and public awareness will generate the break needed to locate Guthrie.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. The family has emphasized that the $1 million reward applies specifically to information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery, per established FBI guidelines.

The emotional toll on the Guthrie family remains evident, with Savannah Guthrie’s public pleas underscoring the urgency. As the search enters late February, the nation watches and waits for resolution in this high-profile case.

BTS is set to make a triumphant return to the global stage with the *BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’*, a massive 82-date stadium tour spanning 34 cities across 23 countries from April 2026 through March 2027. The tour, supporting the group’s fifth full-length album *Arirang* dropping March 20, 2026, marks their first large-scale live performances in nearly four years following the completion of mandatory military service.

The tour launches with landmark concerts at Goyang Stadium in South Korea on April 9, 10 and 11, 2026, followed by shows in Tokyo, Japan. These opening dates feature a 360-degree in-the-round stage production, promising an immersive experience for fans. Ticket sales for initial legs sold out rapidly, with North American and European phases snapped up within hours during presales and general onsales in January 2026.

BIGHIT MUSIC announced the tour in January 2026, revealing initial dates and venues. North American stops include multi-night runs at stadiums such as Raymond James Stadium in Tampa (April 25-26), Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (May 23-28), MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford (August 1-2), Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (August 5-6), SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (September 5-6) and more. European dates feature venues in Madrid, Brussels, London, Munich and Saint-Denis, France.

The tour extends into Latin America (Bogotá, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, São Paulo), Oceania (Melbourne, Sydney) and additional Asian cities (Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila) later in 2026 and early 2027. It sets a new record for the most dates by a K-pop act on a single world tour.

To celebrate the comeback, HYBE and Trafalgar Releasing partnered for global live cinema broadcasts of select shows. Fans unable to secure in-person tickets can experience full-length concerts from Goyang (April 11) and Tokyo (April 18) in theaters worldwide. Screenings begin in April 2026 across thousands of locations in over 80 territories. Tickets went on sale Feb. 25, 2026, via platforms like Fandango, Cinemark and the official BTS live viewing site.

A teaser trailer titled “Mic Drop” offers a first glimpse of the 360-degree stage setup and high-energy production. Additional live viewings are planned later in the year.

The tour ties into the release of *Arirang*, BTS’s first group album since their hiatus. Pre-orders opened Jan. 16, 2026, with the album dropping March 20 at 1 p.m. KST. The title track and themes reflect introspection, longing and universal emotions, defining BTS on their terms.

A free comeback concert, *BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | Arirang*, is scheduled for March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The one-hour event sold out instantly on Feb. 23, 2026, with over 100,000 fans crashing the booking system. Authorities expect around 260,000 attendees in the area, plus nearby fan events for 30,000. The concert streams live on Netflix to 190 countries, chronicling the group’s first full-team live show in years.

The album release coincides with Netflix’s *BTS the Comeback Live | Arirang* documentary, streaming March 21, 2026, at 7 a.m. ET.

All seven members — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — completed military service by mid-2025, enabling the full-group reunion. The tour represents their “fresh start” after individual projects and enlistment.

Fan excitement remains high, with ARMY praising the ambitious scale and innovative staging. Speculation on setlists includes classics like “Mic Drop,” new tracks from *Arirang* and surprises. Billboard and other outlets shared dream setlists anticipating hits and deep cuts.

As preparations intensify, BTS continues engaging fans through Weverse updates and trailers. The *ARIRANG* tour underscores their enduring global impact, blending K-pop innovation with massive production.

With sold-out stadiums, cinema events and a new era of music, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for BTS and ARMY worldwide.

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) shares traded modestly higher Thursday, closing around $126 on Feb. 26, 2026, as the retail giant stabilized following a mixed reaction to its fiscal fourth-quarter results and forward guidance.

The stock opened near $126.60, fluctuated between a low of approximately $125.40 and a high near $127.40 in recent sessions, with volume averaging 15-20 million shares. After dipping to $124.87 on Feb. 19 following earnings, shares rebounded modestly, reflecting investor digestion of strong holiday performance offset by tempered expectations for the year ahead. Walmart’s market capitalization remains above $1 trillion, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most valuable companies.

The latest momentum stems from Walmart’s Feb. 19 report for the quarter ended Jan. 31, 2026 — the holiday period. Revenue reached $190.7 billion, up 5.6% year-over-year and beating estimates of $190.4 billion to $190.43 billion. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.74, edging past the $0.73 consensus. Operating income grew 10.8%, outpacing sales, while global e-commerce surged 24%, fueled by store-fulfilled pickup, delivery and marketplace expansion.

Full-year fiscal 2026 figures showed revenue of $713.2 billion, up 4.7%, with adjusted operating income advancing faster than sales. Global advertising business grew 46% to nearly $6.4 billion, including contributions from VIZIO. Membership fee revenue rose 15.1%, and Walmart U.S. comparable sales increased 4.6% excluding fuel.

The company announced a new $30 billion share repurchase authorization in February, underscoring confidence in capital returns. It also raised its annual dividend 5% to $0.99 per share, maintaining a reliable yield around 0.8% and extending a 52-year streak of increases.

Guidance for fiscal 2027 tempered enthusiasm. Walmart projects net sales growth of 3.5% to 4.5% (constant currency), adjusted operating income up 6% to 8%, and adjusted EPS of $2.75 to $2.85. Analysts had modeled higher figures — around 4.8% sales growth and $2.96 to $2.98 EPS — leading to initial selling pressure. Shares fell about 1.4% on earnings day but recovered as some viewed the outlook as conservative or “sandbagged.”

Analysts largely maintain optimism. Consensus leans toward “Buy” or “Moderate Buy,” with recent upgrades including Tigress Financial raising its target to $150 from $135 on Feb. 25, citing strong Q4 momentum. Truist Securities lifted its target to $139 from $127, while Bernstein moved to $134 from $129, both reiterating positive ratings. Average 12-month targets cluster around $131 to $134, implying modest upside from current levels, though highs reach $150 and some conservative estimates sit lower.

Walmart’s edge over peers persists. The stock has outperformed major retailers like Costco (down year-to-date in some comparisons), Amazon and Target amid economic uncertainty. E-commerce acceleration, advertising growth and Sam’s Club strength provide diversification beyond traditional grocery and general merchandise.

Challenges include consumer caution, food inflation mitigation and pharmacy headwinds from legislation. Yet Walmart’s scale, supply chain investments and AI-driven personalization position it well. Executives highlighted digital momentum as a key driver, with e-commerce profitability improving.

The next earnings report arrives in May 2026 for the first quarter of fiscal 2027. Analysts project EPS around $0.63 to $0.65 on 3.5% to 4.5% sales growth. Focus will remain on holiday carryover, consumer spending trends and execution on automation, marketplace and advertising.

As Walmart navigates a competitive retail landscape, its defensive qualities — everyday essentials demand, dividend reliability and buyback program — appeal to investors seeking stability. While guidance disappointed some, the underlying business health and strategic investments suggest resilience ahead.

With shares near recent highs and trading at a premium valuation, Walmart continues to draw attention as a retail bellwether. Whether it sustains momentum depends on delivering on guidance and capitalizing on digital tailwinds in an evolving consumer environment.

The firm has pointed to having generated a record amount of power this year

Power giant Drax has reported a steep drop in operating profits, just days after job losses at its Yorkshire base were revealed.

New full year results for the FTSE250 firm show operating profit fell from £850m to £241m in 2025, as pre-tax profit slumped from £753m to £190m. Drax said the numbers reflected non-cash impairments of £378m, including £337m related to having paused setting up of pellet production at Longview in the US, lower expected margins, a “constrained” Canadian fibre market and future demand from the Selby power station.

There was also a £48m impairment attached to bioenergy with carbon capture (BECCS) and storage plans at the site which have not come to fruition but which Drax said it could develop in the long term. That comes after Drax paused its BECCS plans in March 2023.

Despite the fall, the firm said it had generated record levels of renewable power including about 6% of the UK’s power requirement and 11% of UK renewables overall. The Selby plant is the largest power station in the UK and the firm has talked of developing options for a 1.2GW-scale data centre there.

The results come as Drax is targeting cost savings of more than £150m per year from 2027, compared to its 2024 costs. Last month it announced a restructure which will bring 350 job cuts across its UK and US operations.

Drax Group CEO, Will Gardiner, said: “In 2025, we produced more renewable power than ever before, delivering energy security for the UK. Our colleagues and supply chain partners work around the clock to help keep the lights on for millions of the UK’s households and businesses, no matter the weather.

“The signing of the new low carbon dispatchable contract for difference is an inflection point for the group. It provides the foundation for us to keep supporting the UK with the flexible, renewable power it needs for security of supply this decade and beyond. The energy transition and growth in AI are creating opportunities for us to invest and grow our business further in line with the country’s energy needs.

“We are making good progress on this with our initial investments in battery energy storage systems (BESS), which we see as an attractive market. We will continue to explore options to invest in flexible and renewable energy, creating value for stakeholders and attractive returns for shareholders in line with our capital allocation policy.”