The inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s board of peace in Washington on February 19 caps a busy week for US diplomacy – though, not necessarily for the country’s professional diplomats. These people have been largely sidelined in the close-knit circle of the US president’s personal envoys, his former real-estate business partner Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Earlier in the week, Witkoff and Kushner attended two separate sets of negotiations in the Swiss city of Geneva. They first sat down for indirect talks with Iran before then leading negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. They then dashed back to Washington to attend the board of peace meeting.

At best, Witkoff and Kushner have a mixed track record of diplomatic success. Kushner was a key mediator in the Abraham accords during Trump’s first term in office. Designed to normalise relations between Israel and other states across the Middle East, the accords have failed to create sustainable momentum for regional peace and stability.

So far, only the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan have established full diplomatic relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia, an influential player in the Middle East, has not followed suit.

Witkoff has been credited with playing a key role in mediating the January 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the Gaza peace plan later that year. This latter plan, with endorsement from the UN security council, gave rise to Trump’s board of peace.

Both men have also been at the centre of efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Witkoff has been involved from the start of Trump’s second term, with Kushner joining more recently at the end of 2025.

Yet, neither Kushner’s addition or a greater focus on a parallel track of negotiations between Washington and Moscow focused on the mutual economic opportunities that peace between Russia and Ukraine would create have brought the warring sides closer to a deal.

Taken together, the outsized roles that Witkoff and Kushner are playing in US diplomacy despite their limited success expose a fundamental misunderstanding of peacemaking at the heart of Trump’s approach to international affairs.

Peace deals are generally complex. To get one across the line usually requires mediators and support teams that are deeply knowledgeable of the conflict in which they are mediating and have broad knowledge of how a plethora of issues can be resolved in a technical sense.

Above all, they need to understand what has driven the parties to conflict and what might induce them to cooperate. While material incentives such as the promise of economic development in exchange for peace are important, warring parties often also have symbolic and psychological needs. These also need to be addressed to ensure the parties sign on the dotted line.

Having just two people with little prior experience of diplomacy and almost no expertise on either of the two conflicts they are currently mediating simultaneously is a recipe for failure. It is likely to lead to a deal being pushed that is simply unattainable in the short term because at least one party will not sign.

And if a deal is, against the odds, agreed because of high pressure on one or both sides, it is likely to be unsustainable in the long term as at least one of the parties will probably defect and violence will resume. This is particularly likely if a deal lacks sufficient guarantees, which lowers the threshold for defection for parties who are not negotiating in good faith.

Ukraine peace negotiations

It is easy to see how such calculations apply in the context of the war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has repeatedly made it clear that the Kremlin’s demands – especially Ukrainian withdrawal from the territory in the east it has successfully defended against Russia’s aggression – are not something he will agree to.

Even if he did, such a deal would almost certainly be rejected in a referendum. It will be psychologically close to impossible for Ukraine and Ukrainians to accept the humiliation of giving up something they have not lost, to reward Putin’s aggression and to be sold down the river by Trump in his pursuit of an economic side-deal with his Russian counterpart.

Similarly, it is easy to see that Russia is not negotiating in good faith. Moscow is presenting Kyiv with an ultimatum while destroying as much as possible of the country, both to weaken Ukraine’s will to resist and to undermine its future recovery. Add to that Russian resistance to credible security guarantees and the true intent of Russia’s negotiation strategy is not to achieve sustainable peace but to prepare for the next war.

If and when negotiations on Iran or Ukraine break down or the agreements they might achieve collapse, there will also need to be supporting frameworks in place that can manage the consequences. Trump’s board of peace, which looks like a privatised version of the UN, is unsuitable for such a task.

Not only does it lack the legitimacy the UN has. There is also no indication that its members – be they the countries attending the inaugural meeting or the people serving at Trump’s pleasure in its executive structures – have the intent or capacity to take any actual peace-making role.

The board’s membership is, numerically at least, far below Trump’s aspirations. Only 24 of the 60 or so invitations sent out have been accepted, with traditional US allies in Europe and the G7 absent from the group. Among the attendees at the Washington meeting are the likes of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Egypt and even Belarus, a country sanctioned by the US and Europe for its support of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.

Trump’s board of peace may be able to establish a free economic zone here or there and generate some real-estate development. But much of that will be done to benefit its members’ wallets or egos – or both.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit slipped modestly in 2025, a year in which President Donald Trump upended global commerce by slapping double digit tariffs on imports from most countries. But the gap in the trade of goods such machinery and aircraft — the main focus of Trump’s protectionist policies — hit a record last year despite sweeping import taxes.

Overall, the gap the between the goods and services the U.S. sells other countries and what it buys from them narrowed to just over $901 billion, from $904 billion in 2024, but it was still the third-highest on record, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.

Exports rose 6% last year, and imports rose nearly 5%.

And the U.S. deficit in the trade of goods widened 2% to a record $1.24 trillion last year as American companies boosted imports of computer chips and other tech goods from Taiwan to support massive investments in artificial intelligence.

Amid continuing tensions with Bejing, the deficit in the goods trade with China plunged nearly 32% to $202 billion in 2025 on a sharp drop in both exports to and imports from the world’s second-biggest economy. But trade was diverted away from China. The goods gap with Taiwan doubled to $147 billion and shot up 44%, to $178 billion, with Vietnam.

Economist Chad Bown, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said the widening gaps with Taiwan and Vietnam might put a “bulls eye’’ on them this year if Trump focuses more on the lopsided trade numbers and less on the U.S. rivalry with China.

In 2025, U.S. goods imports from Mexico outpaced exports by nearly $197 billion, up from a 2024 gap of $172 billion. But the goods deficit with Canada shrank by 26% to $46 billion. The United States this year is negotiating a renewal of a pact Trump reached with those two countries in his first term.

The U.S. ran a bigger surplus in the trade of services such as banking and tourism last year — $339 billion, up from $312 billion in 2024.

The trade gap surged from January-March as U.S. companies tried to import foreign goods ahead of Trump’s taxes, then narrowed most of the rest of the year.

Trump’s tariffs are a tax paid by U.S. importers and often passed along to their customers as higher prices. But they haven’t had as much impact on inflation as economists originally expected. Trump argues that the tariffs will protect U.S. industries, bringing manufacturing back to America and raise money for the U.S. Treasury.

The former Wales captain was a master at dealing with referees – with the current side having frequently been on the wrong side of the officials

Wales coach Steve Tandy revealed his side have been taking advice from Sam Warburton in order to stay on the right side of referees in the Six Nations.

Discipline has been an early problem for Wales under Tandy. In his first five games in charge, Wales coughed up 65 penalties – receiving 10 yellow cards and one 20-minute red.

However, the 54-12 defeat to France last weekend, while one-sided on the scoreboard, did at least see Wales keep 15 players on the pitch for the full 80 minutes.

Last week, Tandy had suggested Wales’ lowly status in world rugby had perhaps led to a “natural bias” against his side from referees – a concern that Warren Gatland had also held in his second stint.

Having seen Wales take a step forward in terms of their discipline, conceding just nine penalties against France, Tandy again spoke about how his side are improving in that facet of the game.

“I think the referee’s interpretation has huge influence on games and again, we go back and forth, seeking clarification, a lot of things where probably on the weekend I thought the referee did really well,” said Tandy after naming his team to play Scotland. “I thought the team of five were really good really consistent.

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“I thought the manner they spoke to boys, but also we helped ourselves as well in large aspects. And again, I think there’s more that we could have been done.

“There’s interpretation, so you probably know there’s going to be four or five penalties that you’re not going to agree on, but that’s the game. You’ve got to be understanding that, but we’ve got to create clearer pictures.

“We still think there were probably three in the (France) game that we didn’t need to give away. But also it’s trusting the referees.

“Dewi (Lake) is growing as a captain. He interacted with the referee (for a French try that was disallowed), being really specific that France 14 was in front of the ball, asking ‘Can you please go and have a look at that?’

“I think the way we’re interacting is better. And I think it’s for us as coaches understanding we’ve got to control what we can do, but also the game is on the grass.

“It’s how you interact with referees and create the perception because we’re 11th of the world. We’re not refereed differently but there’s also that natural perception in games.

“Against England, there was a couple of harsh ones where you had Daf (Jenkins) going round, where you look at the next English lineout and the same thing happens.

“But that’s what we’ve got to live with too that’s we’ve got to be able to respond to those kind of things and adapt.

“That’s why we’re working heavily and it’s been really good to get teams of three referees in. We’ve been hard on the offside line but also interacting with referees or how they like to be spoken to the best.

“Because it’s not always going at referees for every moment, but rather picking and choosing (your moments) so that’s where Dewi, with all the leaders, have been working and reviewing that aspect of the performance too.”

Part of that has been leaning on Warburton for help.

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The two-time Lions captain was frequently praised for how he dealt with referees during his career, with the way he communicated with Romain Poite during the pivotal third Test against New Zealand on the 2017 Lions tour often pointed to as a perfect piece of ‘referee whispering’.

The former Wales captain said in a Times column before the tournament began that he had been in to visit Tandy’s team, with the Wales coach opening up more on what the former flanker had told his players.

“We’ve had Sam in, he was brilliant and we’ve spoken to him about his leadership,” said Tandy. “He was saying how he’d only go for the big things but he’d always speak really well.

“He could be firm but I think then you build a reputation when you only go to referees for a big moment. I thought James (Doleman, the referee for the France game) and Dewi’s relationship on the weekend (was good).

“Matt Carley, I think it’s his 50th game, which tells you everything about an international referee, he’s been in high-profile games and it’s making sure that we don’t give him pictures to come down on us, but also having that interaction and relationship that we can work a way through the game.”

Trump referenced this in his Truth Social post, saying: “Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the [RAF] Airfield location in Fairford [Gloucestershire], in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime.”

The former prince became known as simply Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and the so-called siege of Royal Lodge, where Andrew had paid just a peppercorn rent on the Crown Estate property for decades, ended with him decamping to live on the King’s private Sandringham estate, with an annual stipend provided by Charles.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Sitting in the stands at a hockey game, Michael Black heard what he thought was popping balloons before quickly realizing it was gunfire. As dozens of people rushed out of the Rhode Island arena, Black told his wife to “run, run” and then lunged toward the shooter’s handgun.

Black managed to get his left hand caught in the chamber of Robert Dorgan’s gun, jamming it and then briefly attempted to hold Dorgan down. But Dorgan, a former bodybuilder, hoisted Black into the air before at least two other bystanders rushed over to subdue the shooter. One of them could be seen on video putting Dorgan into a choke hold.

Dorgan fell to the ground, with Black on top of him. The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot after pulling out a second gun as the two locked eyes. Black never heard Dorgan say a word.

“The first thought was the safety of my wife. And the second thought was, because the bullets were coming out, was to focus in on the gun,” Black said. “Get the gun and then subdue the shooter.”

Dorgan’s ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and adult son Aidan Dorgan were killed in the shooting, and three others were injured: Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan; and a family friend, Thomas Geruso, all of whom remained in critical condition Wednesday.

Pawtucket police say the group of “courageous citizens” who rushed to intervene in the attack “undoubtedly prevented further injury and increased the chances of survival for the injured.” Along with Black, Robert Rattenni, and Ryan Cordeiro are being credited as subduing the suspect. Separately, Chris Librizzi and Glenn Narodowy, both retired Rhode Island firefighters and EMTs, and nurse Maryann Rattenni provided first aid in the immediate aftermath.

“I look at it as being fortunate, saddened tremendously in the loss, but fortunate that a small group of people could make a difference,” Black said in a Zoom interview Thursday from South Carolina where he was on a college visit with his son.

Authorities have not directly said that Dorgan was transgender and have said questions around Dorgan’s gender identity are not relevant to their investigation surrounding the case.

However, court records from Dorgan’s past show that gender identity was at least one of the contributing factors to Dorgan’s wife filing for divorce in 2020 after nearly 30 years of marriage. Dorgan’s X account mentions being transgender and sharing far-right ideologies.

Black said Dorgan was walking down rows of seats determined to shoot more people. As he pinned the shooter’s head with his knee, Black said he noticed Dorgan had additional magazines holding “quite a few bullets.”

With Dorgan dead, other bystanders rushed to provide treatment for the five people who had been shot and were lying between the bleachers. Blood was everywhere. Police arrived within minutes and, Black with his injured hand, was escorted outside in the parking lot where he reunited with his wife.

“My wife saw me and she ran underneath the yellow tape, kind of grabbed me from behind, and we gave a big hug,” Black said. “She said, ‘I heard you helped with the shooter. And she says, what’s all the blood? I said, ’I got my hand caught in the gun.’ And then she said, ‘Honey, I don’t know whether I should be proud of you, but I’m pissed off at you for putting yourself in that situation.’”

As he was sitting in the hospital getting treatment on his injured hand, Black recalled a nurse calling him a hero — a label that has repeatedly been applied to all three bystanders in recent days.

“I said I don’t feel like I’m a hero right now,” Black said. “I looked up and I was feeling for the family. So I started getting some tears in my eyes. And then she got tears in her eyes, too. It was just a moment of decompression at that point.”

___

Casey reported from Boston.

A new guide has been published by the UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) to help communities set up Men’s Sheds using shipping containers as affordable, adaptable workshop and social spaces.

Men’s Sheds offer a supportive environment for men to connect, share skills, and work on practical projects together.

The organisation’s new guide, Shipping Container Set Up for Sheds, features detailed case studies and practical advice from sheds already operating in converted containers, including Amersham and Wendover.

John Latchford of Amersham Men’s Shed said: “The container didn’t just solve our space issue – it gave our members a meaningful project.

“Refitting it ourselves created purpose, teamwork and real pride. The finished workshop represents not just a building, but the confidence and skills gained along the way.”

As of December 2025, at least 27 Men’s Sheds across the UK are using shipping containers as their main workshop space.

The guide outlines every stage of setting up a shed in a container, covering planning, access, foundations, power, lighting, ventilation, health and safety, insurance, regulatory requirements, and workshop layout.

Rachel Meadows, head of development at UKMSA, said: “Shipping containers have enabled many Sheds to get up and running quickly and safely, often in places where no other option existed.

“This guide brings together the collective knowledge of Shedders who’ve already done it, helping others avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.”

The publication also showcases examples of modular expansion, renewable energy solutions, and the use of outdoor covered workspaces, demonstrating how Sheds can grow over time.

Shipping containers offer a secure, weather-resistant, and portable solution, particularly where permanent buildings are not viable.

The guide is suitable for community groups, funders, local authorities, and anyone interested in developing a Men’s Shed.

Shipping Container Set Up for Sheds is available now at menssheds.org.uk/mens-sheds-resources – and for information about starting a new shed, visit menssheds.org.uk/start-a-shed.

The Princess of Wales often champions the British high street – but there’s one homegrown label that she’s particularly fond of: Boden. From tailored coats and colourful knitwear to chocolate brown loafers or staple shirts, Kate Middleton has been spotted in the label countless times at Royal engagements.

While the rest of us are more likely to be dressing for the office or school pick-up, Boden delivers on all fronts. The label’s latest drop has us dreaming of warmer days – think linen tailoring, classic shirts, printed dresses and hardworking basics.

As always, there’s also a commitment to high-quality materials throughout the collection, from cotton frocks to silk-blend camis. Combining high street prices with luxurious fabrics, the 35-year-old label enjoys enduring appeal.

Read more: Kate Middleton just wore these high street loafers

Kate Middleton isn’t the only admirer of the brand; Boden’s notable fan base also includes Claudia Winkleman and Holly Willoughby. The label’s allure lies in its considered approach to design, favouring character over fleeting trends.

If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe for spring and beyond, here are my top picks from Boden’s new collection – better yet, you can currently save 20 per cent on everything. Simply add the code ‘GR7V’ at checkout.

An effortlessly stylish look for spring, Boden’s linen trousers and matching blazer are tailored for a smart and flattering look. The trousers are wide-leg, and the blazer has classic lapels, a single-breasted cut and a fitted silhouette.

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An elevated alternative to a cotton or linen waistcoat, this denim style looks like it’ll have a flattering fit thanks to the tailored cut. Complete with a scoop neckline and longline cut, the dark, indigo hue makes it easy to style. Wear it with neutral trousers or embrace a double denim look with similarly shaded jeans.

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Finished in an on-trend tartan-style print, these ballet flats will add instant intrigue to any outfit. Reduced by more than 50 per cent, the pumps boast a Mary Jane-style elasticated strap and comfortable, rounded toe. Wear with grey or white socks during the winter months before styling with floaty dresses in the spring.

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Tartan kilts are far more wearable than you might think. This woollen number from Boden is designed with a pink and green check colour palette, featuring a high-rise waist and knee-grazing length (it’s helpfully available in petite, regular and tall lengths too). Lean into the punk feel with biker boots or dress down with ballet flats.

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Your search for the perfect spring jacket is over. Boden’s Gloucester mac is finished in a timeless gingham print with a monochrome checkered colour palette. Characterised by its regular short cut and pointed collar, the 100 per cent cotton design features a back box pleat for movement and statement buttons.

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Suede is still everywhere this season – and this pair of chic mules offers the perfect way to lean in this spring. Whether poking out of wide-leg jeans or styled with a midi dress, the pointed toe gives them an air of elegance. Complete with exposed stitching detail and a slim sole, the loafer-style shoes are perfect for the office.

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Boden’s argyle knit is an elevated everyday staple. The neutral classic print is brightened up by pink detailing, while the oversized silhouettes make it perfect for layering. Complete with a flattering V-neckline and button-down front, the cardigan is sure to be a hard-working addition to your wardrobe.

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This pair of indigo wide-leg jeans is a staple for your winter wardrobe. The stitch detailing gives them a vintage feel, while the dark denim wash elevates them beyond your average pair of jeans. Available in petite, regular and long lengths, the jeans boast a flattering high waist.

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Boden’s quarter zip-up style is one of its most recognisable silhouettes. Offering plenty of versatility when it comes to styling, the jumper can be worn as a sleek turtleneck or with a wide spread collar. The design is classically Boden, with a red and pink striped finish that adds some joyous shades to your winter wardrobe.

Complete your winter wardrobe with one of the best cashmere jumpers

Corporation Mini Market on Corporation Road and 4 Seasons Mini Market on Gladstone Street were served with closure orders following a hearing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (February 18).

The closure orders stop any business from operating from the buildings for the next three months, though this can be extended by up to six months at the court’s discretion.

Between April 2024 and January 2026 trading standards officers visited Corporation Mini Market on several occasions seizing illegal goods with a total estimated retail value of more than £14,000.

Officers also made multiple visits to 4 Seasons Mini Market, formerly known as 3 Stop Shop, Your Shop and Greengros, between June 2024 and January this year.

4 Seasons Mini Market on Gladstone Street has also been ordered to close (Image: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL)

Officers seized more than £47,000 worth of illegal tobacco products and vapes from properties, vehicles and bins associated with the premises.

Further evidence detailing a long-standing history of criminal behaviour associated with both premises was also presented to magistrates, including intelligence received from the police and the general public about illegal and underage sales.

Cllr Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, Darlington Borough Council, said: “Delivering safer, healthier communities, ensuring local people live well for longer and building a strong, sustainable local economy are three of our main priorities.

“I am delighted with the continued progress being made to frustrate and disrupt the illegal tobacco market, which undermines honest local businesses, and places public health at risk by encouraging smoking and targeting young people with pocket money prices.”

Inspector David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, added: “This type of criminal activity helps fund organised crime groups and goes hand-in-hand with drug dealing, child exploitation and money laundering.

“We are committed to working with our partners to end these illegal operations and will continue to work tirelessly to protect our local communities from the very real dangers posed by these businesses.”

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, vapes or cigarettes in Darlington is urged to email tradingstandards@darlington.gov.uk, or report it using the online form at www.darlington.gov.uk/ts-report-it.

You can also contact the police on 101 or report online via the 101 Live Chat: www.durham.police.uk/Report-It/101-Live-Chat.

A new campaign has been launched to urge residents to treat refuse collection staff in Peterborough with respect

Refuse collection workers in part of Cambridgeshire are said to be experiencing “aggressive and threatening behaviour” while on duty. Residents in Peterborough are being told to treat these workers with respect.

During 2024-25, crews in Peterborough reported 29 threats of violence, including five with aggressive behaviour and one incident of verbal abuse. Since April last year, a further 18 threats of violence have been recorded.

A new campaign by Peterborough City Council, in conjunction with Aragon Direct Services, has been launched to urge residents to treat refuse collection staff with respect.

Councillor Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Our dedicated staff in our waste and recycling services work really hard and make such a valuable contribution to our communities. They’re a vital part our teamwork to keep our city clean and also achieve climate action targets.

“As such it is deeply concerning and saddening to hear their accounts of abuse from residents. No one deserves this when doing their job and this behaviour will not be tolerated. We are raising awareness of this important issue in the hope of cracking down on these incidents and I would urge anyone who witnesses staff abuse to report this as soon as possible.”

Anyone who witnesses incidents of refuse staff being abused is asked to contact the police on 101.