Amazon can be sued over suicides linked to sodium nitrite, court rules

Feb 19 (Reuters) - The Washington Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday ‌that Amazon.com must face ‌lawsuits brought by families with relatives who took ​their own lives by consuming sodium nitrite they bought on the online retailer's platform.

It rejected a lower ‌court's ruling ⁠that the families could not pursue negligence claims under ⁠a Washington state product liability law, because suicide was a superseding ​cause of ​their relatives' ​deaths.

Four families accused ‌Amazon of promoting the sale of sodium nitrite on its website alongside other products that could assist people in carrying out suicides.

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They said ‌the Seattle-based retailer ​has known of the ​link between ​sodium nitrite and suicide ‌for years yet continued ​to sell ​the product without restrictions.

Amazon and its lawyers did not immediately ​respond to ‌requests for comment.

(Reporting by Jonathan ​Stempel in New York; Editing ​by Joe Bavier)

byDonna Devi

in

February 19, 2026

Amazon can be sued over suicides linked to sodium nitrite, court rules

Feb 19 (Reuters) - The Washington Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday ‌that Amazon.com must face ‌lawsuits brough...

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Taliban allows men to beat wives – so long as they don’t break bones

The Taliban has passed a law that allows men to beat their wives as long as it does not cause "broken bones or open wounds".

The Telegraph obtained the 60-page penal code – signed by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban supreme leader, and distributed to courts across Afghanistan – which classifies spousal beatings as "ta'zir" – discretionary punishment – rather than a criminal act.

A husband may strike his wife and children freely, provided the violence does not leave visible bone fractures or open wounds.

Even where serious injury can be proven, the maximum sentence is 15 days in prison.

The law is written to ensure that the bar is almost never met.

To pursue a complaint, a woman must present her wounds in person to a male judge while remaining fully veiled and accompanied by a male guardian.

In the majority of domestic violence cases, that guardian is the husband who committed the beating.

There is no provision in the code prohibiting physical, psychological or sexual violenceagainst women.

For those who do attempt to flee, thelaw offers another trap.

Article 34 says that a woman who goes to her parents' home without her husband's permission – even to escape violence – faces up to three months in prison. Family members who shelter her face the same sentence.

The code dismantles the legal framework established under Afghanistan's previous government, including a 2009 law that criminalised forced marriage, rape and gender-based violence and imposed sentences of between three months and one year for domestic abuse.

Working-class Afghans at the bottom of the hierarchy face imprisonment and corporal punishment.

The code explicitly distinguishes between"free" citizensand "slaves."

The requirement to bring a male chaperone to court – where that chaperone is, in most cases, the abuser – makes justice structurally impossible.

The criminalisation of fleeing to a parent's home makes escape structurally impossible.

The Taliban has since ruled that discussing the penal code is itself a criminal offence.

Narges, a former university student in western Herat, told The Telegraph: "The world has always shown its unjust side to us. I do not feel like I am living, and this feeling is shared by everyone I know."

She added: "Our life is more like a constant resistance against everything out there. No one sees us.No one cares about us.

"This new law is not just a law – it is making our bodies their field of control.No one would see our painunless our bones are broken. They are legalising fear. We are living in fear and silence."

Article 59 criminalises dancing – performing it and watching it – without providing any legal definition of what dancing constitutes.

"Dance for boys and girls, and those who play music for them, or the people who watch (attend) the show, are all criminals. The judge shall sentence each one of them to two months' imprisonment."

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The new law also criminalises thought. Criticising any action banned by the Taliban leadership is itself a criminal offence, including criticism of the ban on girls' education, which Taliban courts now classify as a lawful restriction.

Under Article 23, insulting Taliban leaders carries 20 lashes and six months in prison.

Any Afghan who witnesses opposition activity and fails to report it to Taliban authorities faces two years in prison.

There is no right to a lawyer anywhere in the legal document.

The entire edifice of fair trial has been stripped out and replaced with the discretion of Taliban judges, operating without oversight, without appeal, and now with the force of signed, distributed, enacted law.

Religious minorities face their own specific jeopardy.

Article 2 designates followers of non-Hanafi Islamic schools – including Shia Muslims, Ismailis, Salafis and Ahl-e-Hadith, roughly 15 per cent of the population – as "innovators" or apostates.

Teachers are permitted to beat children in their care, with only the most extreme injuries – broken bones, torn skin, heavy bruising – defined as excess.

Other physical violence, all psychological violence, all sexual violence against children are not prohibited.

Article 48 explicitly permits fathers to physically punish sons from the age of 10. The code frames this as acting in the child's interest.

Article 9 divides Afghan society into four formal tiers: religious scholars, elites, middle class, lower class.

The same crime committed by a scholar earns advice. Committed by an elite, it earns a court summons. If committed by a middle-class Afghan, the punishment is prison. And if committed by a working-class Afghan, the result is prison and corporal punishment.

Article 17 criminalises "mockery" of Islamic rulings with two years in prison, with no definition of what mockery means, leaving judges to decide arbitrarily.

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has systematically curbed women's rights in Afghanistan.

The restrictionsaffect their daily lives, ranging from preventing them from showing their faces in public or driving a car, to forbidding conversations with men and restricting how they dress.

Women have already been ordered to cover their faces "to avoid temptation and tempting others" and refrain from speaking in the presence of unfamiliar men who are not husbands or close relatives.

Afghan women have also been ordered not to speak loudly inside their homes, to prevent their voices from being heard outside.

Women who defy the new rules will be arrested and sent to prison, the Taliban said.

In July 2024, a United Nations report said the ministry for promoting virtue and preventing vice was contributing to a climate of fear and intimidation among Afghans through its edicts and the methods used to enforce them.

However, in recent months, there have been increasing signs of discord from within the ranks of the Taliban as it tries to transform itself from a guerrilla force to a functioning government.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.

byDonna Devi

in

February 19, 2026

Taliban allows men to beat wives – so long as they don’t break bones

The Taliban has passed a law that allows men to beat their wives as long as it does not cause "broken bones or open ...

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At Board of Peace debut, Trump announces global commitments for Gaza reconstruction

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Simon Lewis and Steve Holland

Inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, in Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump told the first meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday that nations had contributed $7 billion to a Gaza reconstruction fund that aims to rebuild the enclave once Hamas disarms, an objective that is far from becoming a reality.

The disarmament of Hamas militants and accompanying withdrawal of Israeli ‌troops, the size of the reconstruction fund and the flow of humanitarian aid to the war-battered populace of Gaza are among the major questions likely to test the effectiveness of the board in ‌the months ahead.

The meeting in Washington came amid a broader push by Trump to build a reputation as a peacemaker in hopes of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. It also took place as the United States threatens war against Iran and has embarked on a massive military ​buildup in the region in case Tehran refuses to give up its nuclear program.

The Board's founding membership does not include some key U.S. Western allies concerned about the scope of the initiative.

In a flurry of announcements at the end of a long, meandering speech to representatives from 47 nations, Trump said the United States will contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace. He did not say where the money would come from or whether he would seek it from the U.S. Congress.

MOSTLY MIDDLE EASTERN MEMBERSHIP

Trump said contributing nations had raised $7 billion as an initial down payment for Gaza reconstruction. Contributors included Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait, he said. The membership is mostly made up ‌of Middle Eastern countries, plus leaders from outside the region who may be ⁠looking to gain favor with Trump.

Estimates for rebuilding Gaza, which was reduced to rubble after two years of war, range up to $70 billion.

Trump proposed the board in September when he announced his plan to end Israel's war in Gaza. He later made clear the board's remit would expand beyond Gaza to tackle other conflicts worldwide, a point he reiterated ⁠on Wednesday by saying it would look into "hotspots" around the world.

Trump said FIFA will raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza and that the United Nations will chip in $2 billion for humanitarian assistance.

The Board of Peace includes Israel but not Palestinian representatives. Trump's suggestion that the Board could eventually address challenges beyond Gaza has stirred anxiety that it could undermine the U.N.'s role as the main platform for global diplomacy and conflict resolution.

"We're going to strengthen the United Nations," Trump said, trying to assuage his ​critics, ​even though the United States is in arrears on making payments.

Trump said Norway would host a Board of Peace event, but ​Norway clarified it was not joining the board.

IRAN SABER-RATTLING

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Even as he talked up himself as ‌a man of peace, Trump rattled sabers against Iran.

Trump said he should know in 10 days whether a deal is possible to end a standoff with Tehran. "We have to have a meaningful deal," he said.

Trump said several nations are planning to send thousands of troops to participate in an International Stabilization Force that will help keep the peace in Gaza when it eventually deploys.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced his country would contribute up to 8,000 troops to the force.

The plan for the force is to begin working in areas Israel controls in the absence of Hamas disarmament. The force, led by a U.S. general with an Indonesian deputy, will start in the Israeli-controlled city of Rafah and train a new police force, eventually aiming to prepare 12,000 police and have 20,000 troops.

HAMAS DISARMAMENT A KEY ISSUE

Hamas, fearful of Israeli reprisals, has been reluctant to hand over weaponry as part of Trump's 20-point Gaza plan ‌that brought about a fragile ceasefire last October in the two-year Gaza war.

Trump said he hoped the use of force to ​disarm Hamas would be unnecessary. He said Hamas had promised to disarm and it "looks like they're going to be doing that, but we'll ​have to find out."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Israel that Hamas will be disarmed one ​way or the other. "Very soon, Hamas will face a dilemma - to disarm peacefully or disarmed forcefully," he said.

In Gaza, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said any international force must "monitor the ceasefire ‌and prevent the (Israeli) occupation from continuing its aggression." Disarmament could be discussed, he said, ​without directly committing to it.

The Board of Peace event had ​the feel of a Trump campaign rally, with music blaring from his eclectic playlist that included Elvis Presley and the Beach Boys. Participants received red Trump hats.

Hamas, which has resumed administration of the ruined enclave, says it is ready to hand over to a U.S.-backed committee of Palestinian technocrats led by Ali Shaath, but that Israel has not allowed the group into Gaza. Israel has yet to comment on ​those assertions.

Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian with a senior role in the Board of Peace, ‌said at the meeting that 2,000 Palestinians have applied to join a new transitional Palestinian police force.

"We have to get this right. There is no plan B for Gaza. Plan B is ​going back to war. No one here wants that," said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

(Reporting By Trevor Hunnicutt, Steve Holland, Simon Lewis, Samia Nakhoul, and Nidal al-Mughrabi; additional reporting by Steven ​Scheer and Omri Taasan in Jerusalem and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Don Durfee, Ross Colvin, Philippa Fletcher, Rod Nickel)

byDonna Devi

in

February 19, 2026

At Board of Peace debut, Trump announces global commitments for Gaza reconstruction

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Simon Lewis and Steve Holland Inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, in Washington ...

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2026 WNBA mock draft: Could Flau'jae Johnson reunite with Angel Reese?

The2026 WNBA draftis scheduled for April 13 and the biggest the question is pretty obvious:Who will the Dallas Wingspick at No. 1?

Ongoing CBA negotiationshave impacted WNBA free agency and expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. With no new CBA in place, many variables are at play in trying to predict what teams will do when the draft arrives.

There's plenty of talent to evaluate and keep tabs on, including whoseWNBA draft stock is rising. From Spain center Awa Fam toLSU's Flau'jae Johnson, let's take a look at where prospects could land.

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft*:

*The order in which the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will pick has yet to be determined due to ongoingcollective bargaining agreement negotiations. It is expected to be decided by a coin flip at a later date.

1. Dallas Wings: Awa Fam, C, Spain

During Unrivaled this offseason, Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Storm center Dominque Malonga have provided blueprint Dallas could replicate. Bueckers and Malonga's one-two punch has worked well, particularly with post-entry passing and scoring opportunities. At 6-foot-6, Fam could has the potential to duplicate that same setup. Fam is light on her feet and practically floats down the court, moving well in traffic. She also brings three-level scoring Dallas could use to compete with the league's most dynamic post players.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

Fudd has been hovering around 50-40-90 (making 50% of her field goals, 40% from 3 and 90% from the free throw line) this season. Her efficient scoring ability from all over the court could entice Minnesota. While the Lynx could use a post player, the franchise also needs shooting behind guard Kayla McBride, if she returns in free agency. Fudd is an immediate plug-and-play guard who not only brings offense, but is a willing defender that head coach Cheryl Reeve could mold.

3. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

There's no doubt Miles is the best passer in this year's draft class, but she has also become a scoring machine this season. The 5-foot-10 guard is averaging 20.2 points a game, the most in her career, on 50.5% shooting. During a Feb. 12 game against Baylor, Miles made 10 3-point shots and finished with 40 points. The Horned Frogs guard also leads the nation in triple-doubles with four.

4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

While Betts is known for her dominant scoring and prowess on the glass, it's her playmaking skills that have improved this season. Her assists have climbed to a career-high 3.1 per game, and she's seeing the floor much better out of the post. Betts often draws double or even triple teams, and she's smartly discovering ways to still get points out of possessions by quickly finding open teammates.

5. Chicago Sky: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

As the leading scorer for LSU and the team's top defender, Johnson does it all. As a two-player, her skills could be coveted by a franchise like Chicago that needs additional shooting and perimeter defenders. Johnson's energy on the court is unmatched and comes to life in late-game situations. It's possible the Sky could take a look at reuniting Johnson with her former LSU teammates, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, and seeing if their on-court chemistry can be developed further at the pro level.

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6. Toronto Tempo/Portland Fire: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

Jacquez continues to be a glue player for UCLA, and it's helped her climb up the draft board. The Bruins guard is a connector in every sense of the word, often helping UCLA's offense flow seamlessly with timely cuts, shots and passing. She improved her shot and footwork over the offseason. Jacquez is shooting a career high 55.5% from the field and 42% from the 3-point line. Portland or Toronto could thrive with Jaquez in the lineup.

7. Portland Fire/Toronto Tempo: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

Kneepkens shoots 45% from distance and Portland or Toronto could lean on that skill in early days. The Bruins guard is always ready to make a play, and her catch-and-shoot skills are some of the best in the country. Kneepkens has a quick release that often catches opposing defenders off guard, making her a prime candidate for a breakout game at any time. Additionally, her passing is very crisp when, and it's not talked about nearly enough. It's an additional skill set she could lean into at the next level.

8. Golden State Valkyries: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

The Florida State transfer has missed five games this season with various injuries, including a knee issue. Still, with Latson in the lineup, South Carolina is a different team. She has a quick burst and gets downhill fast, proving an extra spark offensively while 15.1 points a game. Her defensive pressure allows her to cause disruption, especially in transition. She's a very patient defender, who rarely gambles, and that's something Golden State, which had a top-three defensive rating (99.8) last season, should love.

9. Washington Mystics: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

Rice has elevated her stock by becoming a top scoring option for the Bruins, averaging 15.5 points a game. She's hitting shots in a variety of ways ― whether it's driving to the basket, off the dribble or in the rhythm of a catch-and shoot. The 5-foot-11 guard could fill in for Georgia Amoore or provide additional depth for a young Washington squad. Rice is shooting nearly 42% this season from 3-point range, and that can only help the Mystics, who love to punish opponents from the perimeter.

10. Indiana Fever: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

It's still unclear if Okot will actually declare for the WNBA draft this season. If she does, she could find a landing spot behind fellow South Carolina product, Fever center Aliyah Boston. The 6-foot-6 center is a walking double-double and her ability to clean up the glass could help an Indiana team that ranked ninth in the WNBA in rebounds per game (33.4). If the Fever can help Okot finish faster at the rim, she could be a gem in Indiana's system.

11. Washington Mystics: Ashlon Jackson, G, Duke

Jackson is a known 3-point specialist, but her catch-all skills put a nice bow around her game. The senior guard isn't afraid to crash the glass in crunch time, send an assist a teammate's way or unleash sweltering defense when Duke needs it most. During the Blue Devils current 16-game win streak, Jackson has scored in double-digits 10 times and had seven games with six or more assists. She could be a nice depth piece for the Mystics, who ranked 11th in points a game (77.1) last season and last in the league in made 3-pointers (5.6).

12. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

McMahon does it all for Ole Miss and has leaned into playing multiple positions this season. She is an absolute terror when going downhill, and few teams can stop her once her feet touch the paint. The 6-foot senior is excellent at quickly reading the floor and attacking weaknesses in opposing defenses, something that could help her at the next level. As a defender, she may need time to develop once she reaches the WNBA, but her offense could be what helps her get early minutes.

13. Atlanta Dream: Raven Johnson, G, South Carolina

Johnson is having a career year under head coach Dawn Staley, and it just might be enough to get first-round consideration. Staley has trusted Johnson to not only run the offense, but has leaned on her in late-game situations, signaling the guard's growth. At 10.2 points per game, she's not a prolific scorer, but she's efficient from the field (48.8%) and a solid facilitator (5.4 assists per game). Additionally, Johnson's lockdown defense, her best asset, could be what helps her earn minutes her first year as a pro.

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

Whether it's in games or practice, Suarez wants to score. This season, she's averaging career highs in points per game (16.2) and shooting percentage (48%). The Cal transfer, who has thrived off catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, is also draining a career high 36% of shots from behind the line. Suarez is a versatile player who can pass, defend and score in clutch situations.

15. Connecticut Sun: Tonie Morgan, G, Kentucky

This season, Morgan's production and leadership have helped elevate the Wildcats into the top 10. The Kentucky guard has terrific body control and sound footwork, not to mention impeccable patience and vision. She's a willing passer, whose 8.4 assists per game lead the nation. Morgan is also shooting a career high 40% from beyond the arc, which could help her stock as a WNBA draft prospect, elevating her into the first round.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 WNBA mock draft: Could Flau'jae Johnson reunite with Angel Reese?

byDonna Devi

in

February 19, 2026

2026 WNBA mock draft: Could Flau'jae Johnson reunite with Angel Reese?

The2026 WNBA draftis scheduled for April 13 and the biggest the question is pretty obvious:Who will the Dallas Wingspick ...

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11 days that blew the Premier League title race wide open

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — On Feb. 7 Arsenal players walked off the field after a convincing3-0 home win against Sunderlandwith their lead in the Premier League at nine points.

Britain Premier League Soccer

Then things started to go wrong.

By the time Arsenal takes the field in Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham, its advantage over second-placed Manchester City could be just two points.

Over a bruising 11-day period, what was beginning to look like a procession towards a first league title in 22 years was now far less certain. The momentum has shifted in the direction of City, which has very recent form for chasing down Arsenal in the final straight.

Having led the way for so long this season, Arsenal is melting again in the heat of the title race.

The turning point

If City goes on to win a seventh title in nine years, itsdramatic 2-1 victory against Liverpoolwill likely go down as the defining moment of the season.

Playing at Anfield a day after Arsenal extended its lead to nine points, Pep Guardiola's chasers simply couldn't afford not to win. Given City had won just one of its previous 23 visits to Anfield, that looked unlikely. So unlikely thatone bookmakerpaid out on Arsenal being crowned champion even before kickoff.

And when Liverpool took a 1-0 lead in the 74th minute, City's race effectively looked to be run.

What followed was a chaotic finish that included a winning penalty from Erling Haaland in stoppage time.

The gap to Arsenal was shaved back to six points but the result felt far more significant than that.

It's all about perception

The league schedule meant City played again before Arsenal's next match and had the chance to further reduce the deficit to three points.

A comfortable 3-0 home win against Fulham did just that, and despite Arsenal having not kicked a ball since its victory against Sunderland, suddenly the feeling was that the Gunners were on shaky ground.

In reality the nine-point advantage was only ever provisional, as City had a game in hand, but the perception was that the title race took a big swing. That perception became far more tangible when Arsenal, playing in the final game of the round that week, was held to1-1 at Brentfordafter being a goal up.

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Scheduling issues

If playing after everyone else seemed to work against Arsenal last week, on Wednesday it had the chance to regain the momentum from a rearranged game against last-placed Wolves. Leading 2-0 after 56 minutes at Molineux, Arsenal was cruising towards a nerve-settling win. Wolves had other ideas and teenage debutant Tom Edozie scored in the fourth minute of added time to achieve a stunning draw.

"It's time to talk on the pitch because anything that we say right now comes from anger, frustration, disappointment, and there's nothing coming through that is going to benefit and help the team going forward," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.

Arsenal is five ahead of City but played a game more.

City can cut the lead to two points again with a win against Newcastle on Saturday.

Two teams, four trophies

Arsenal and City are still chasing a clean sweep of trophies; Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and English League Cup.

They meet in the League Cup final next month, which could have a psychological impact on the title race.

City already holds an advantage in that respect given it twice chased down Arsenal to win the title in 2023 and 2024.

There are echoes of those campaigns this term; Arsenal led the standings for the majority of those seasons and is stuttering.

They play each other at City's Etihad Stadium in April and, peculiarly, the title is now in both teams' hands.

If City wins all of its remaining games it will be crowned champion. Arsenal needs to avoid defeat at City and win its remaining games to claim the title.

"(It's) time to focus on ourselves, improve our standards and improve our performances and it is in our control," Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka said.

Key matchups

The north London derby will have implications at the top and bottom of the standings. Arsenal is challenging for the titl while Tottenham — under new coach Igor Tudor — is in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

Manchester United plays Everton on Monday looking to continue its upward trajectory under coach Michael Carrick.

Players to watch

Anthony Gordon scored four times in Newcastle's Champions League win against Qarabag on Wednesday. He could be the biggest threat to City at the Etihad.Out of actionLiverpool's Watara Endō is out for "a long time" following an unspecified injury against Sunderland. Teammate Jeremie Frimpong is also out of the game against Nottingham Forest.Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz face tests before being cleared to play against Tottenham.Off the fieldUnited plays Everton in its first game since co-owner Jim Ratcliffetriggered a storm of criticismby saying Britain had been "colonized" by immigrants. United and its supporters were among those who rebuked Ratcliffe over his "offensive" comments. The fans could further let their feelings be known during Monday's game.___James Robson is athttps://x.com/jamesalanrobson___AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Anthony Gordon scored four times in Newcastle's Champions League win against Qarabag on Wednesday. He could be the biggest threat to City at the Etihad.

Out of action

Liverpool's Watara Endō is out for "a long time" following an unspecified injury against Sunderland. Teammate Jeremie Frimpong is also out of the game against Nottingham Forest.

Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz face tests before being cleared to play against Tottenham.

Off the field

United plays Everton in its first game since co-owner Jim Ratcliffetriggered a storm of criticismby saying Britain had been "colonized" by immigrants. United and its supporters were among those who rebuked Ratcliffe over his "offensive" comments. The fans could further let their feelings be known during Monday's game.

James Robson is athttps://x.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byDonna Devi

in

February 19, 2026

11 days that blew the Premier League title race wide open

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — On Feb. 7 Arsenal players walked off the field after a convincing3-0 home win against Sunderla...

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Ranking the NBA's best players: Top 25, revisited

The2026 NBA All-Star breakoffered the chance for the entire league to catch its breath, reset and look ahead to the playoffs, which – seemingly suddenly – start in two months.

The break is also giving us the chance to revisit theUSA TODAY SportsTop 25 NBA player rankingsfor the 2025-26 season, which we published in early October.

Where did we get it right? Where did we get it wrong?

Rankings and perceived value, of course, are subjective, so we welcome the debate. But for the purposes of this list, we're omitting star players who are likely to miss at least most of the remainder of the season due to injury – players like Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum,Indiana Pacersguard Tyrese Haliburton andDallas Mavericksguard Kyrie Irving.

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

More:NBA All-Star Game winners and losers: US vs World format is an upgrade

USA TODAY Sports' Top 25 NBA players, ranked

25.Paolo Banchero, forward,Orlando Magic

2025-26 stats:21.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 4.8 apg

His scoring numbers and efficiency have lagged significantly, and the Magic – before Franz Wagner got hurt – often played better when he was off the floor.

Pre-season ranking:16th

24.Jalen Duren, center,Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats:17.7 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.8 apg

With a steadily-improving mid-range jumper, his offensive game has developed. And, with his size and defensive presence down low, Duren is becoming a force for the Pistons.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

23.Lauri Markkanen, forward, Utah Jazz

2025-26 stats:26.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.1 apg

The Jazz may not want him to play fourth quarters, but Markkanen is averaging career highs in points per game and is quickly becoming a premier inside-out threat who can stretch the floor.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

22.Jalen Johnson, forward, Atlanta Hawks

2025-26 stats:23.3 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 8.2 apg

He's quickly becoming one of the more versatile players in the entire NBA and is a player who impacts the game in several ways. He also often puts up monster stat lines.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

21.Karl-Anthony Towns, forward-center, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats:19.8 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.9 apg

His defensive effort and propensity to fall into foul trouble often compromise his ability to be a consistent, game-changing force, but his shooting range and rebounding still make him a unique talent.

Pre-season ranking:18th

20.Scottie Barnes, forward,Toronto Raptors

2025-26 stats:19.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.6 apg

Now in his fifth season, Barnes is quietly becoming a consistent force on both ends. His scoring isn't eye-popping, but he's a play-making presence on a Raptors team that has been the biggest surprise in the East.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

19.Joel Embiid, center, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats:26.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.9 apg

Both Embiid and the 76ers have been calculated and cautious when it comes to the soon-to-be 32-year-old's knee issues. And while Embiid has missed his share of games, he has been very productive when on the floor. He's not quite at his MVP levels from 2022-23, but he nonetheless remains a dominant force.

Pre-season ranking:19th

18.Pascal Siakam, forward-center,Indiana Pacers

2025-26 stats:26.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.9 apg

To look at the impact Siakam has had on the Pacers, all you need to do is take a quick peek at the team's injury reports from this season. Yet, despite being the focus of opposing defenses, Siakam has been the team's lone bright spot.

Pre-season ranking:24th

17.Jamal Murray, guard, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats:25.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.6 apg

During the stretches when Nikola Jokić has had to miss time, Murray has carried the Nuggets. And, after Denver lost some of its perimeter shooting with the trade of Michael Porter Jr., Murray has filled in that void, tying his career-best 3-point shooting percentage (42.5%) on a career-high 7.4 attempts per game.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

16.LeBron James, forward, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats:22.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 7.1 apg

What James is doing at 41 years old does not have a precedent. He remains an impact player who can drive, make the right pass and rebound. He has lost a step, however, and isn't as efficient with his shot and needs to manage back-to-backs. But at his age, that's only natural.

Pre-season ranking:8th

15.Tyrese Maxey, guard, Philadelphia 76ers

2025-26 stats:28.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 6.8 apg

Perhaps the most glaring oversight of the unranked players, Maxey ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring and is proving that he's an elite shot maker. He's also showing that he can drag the Sixers to victories, even if Embiid is unavailable.

Pre-season ranking:unranked

14.Devin Booker, guard, Phoenix Suns

2025-26 stats:25.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 6.3 apg

Although the Suns were seemingly entering an apparent rebuild, Booker's play has helped Phoenix (32-23) become one of the surprises out West. His silky jumper and ability to orchestrate an offense has been on display following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

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Pre-season ranking:15th

13.Jalen Brunson, guard, New York Knicks

2025-26 stats:27.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 6.1 apg

Although the ball sometimes stagnates in his hands, it's for a good reason; Brunson is effective in the clutch, can get to the line and has excellent understanding of body positioning and leverage. He's also a tireless worker.

Pre-season ranking:11th

12.Kevin Durant, forward,Houston Rockets

2025-26 stats:25.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg

His assimilation into the Rocketshasn't been without its hiccups, but Durant remains one of the elite scorers in the game, even at 37 years old. He's more reliant than ever on his jumper, but it's still lethal.

Pre-season ranking:9th

11.Donovan Mitchell, guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

2025-26 stats:29.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.9 apg

He still needs to dispel the notion that he cannot perform well in the postseason, and the acquisition of James Harden will only intensify that pressure. But Mitchell is a strong guard who can score at all three levels, take over games and distribute when needed.

Pre-season ranking:10th

10.Jaylen Brown, guard, Boston Celtics

2025-26 stats:29.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.7 apg

This season has shown what Brown can do when he's the No. 1 threat on a team. He ranks fourth in the league in scoring, has become a nightmare matchup on defense and has willed the Celtics (35-19) all the way to the current No. 2 seed in the East, even without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.

Pre-season ranking:20th

9.Kawhi Leonard, forward, Los Angeles Clippers

2025-26 stats:27.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg

He was the main reason why the Clippers came back from the dead, after an abysmal start to the season. Yet, with James Harden and Ivica Zubac now gone, Leonard becomes even more important. His absolute clinic in the 2026 All-Star Game showed that he's among the best in the world when he's on.

Pre-season ranking:14th

8.Stephen Curry, guard, Golden State Warriors

2025-26 stats:27.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.8 apg

The greatest shooter of all-time and the player who fights hardest to get separation and space, Curry is a singular talent. He's also the Warriors' only hope to make a run, and Golden State's window to win is quickly closing.

Pre-season ranking:6th

7.Cade Cunningham, guard, Detroit Pistons

2025-26 stats:25.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 9.6 apg

Somehow, Cunningham still flies under the radar relative to other stars in the NBA. Yet he is the main reason the Pistons (40-13) have had their remarkable turnaround over the last two seasons, and his command of Detroit's offense makes him a legitimate MVP candidate.

Pre-season ranking:12th

6.Luka Dončić, guard, Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 stats:32.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 8.6 apg

He leads the league in scoring, and he's arguably the premier offensive player in the NBA, but he has become such a defensive liability, it's hard to justify him being in the Top 5. Opposing teams constantly seek him out and attack him on the other end. Still, with the game on the line, or when L.A. needs a big shot, you know who's going to take it.

Pre-season ranking:4th

5.Anthony Edwards, guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

2025-26 stats:29.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 apg

The2026 NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player, Edwards is a threat to score from anywhere. Though it may appear as though he's too reliant on his 3, he's converting those at a career-high 40.2%.

Pre-season ranking:5th

4.Victor Wembanyama, forward-center, San Antonio Spurs

2025-26 stats:24.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 2.8 apg

Arguably no player impacts the game on both ends of the floor more than Wembanyama. He leads the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game and his offensive portfolio continues to evolve. His greatest asset, however,might be his competitiveness.

Pre-season ranking:7th

3.Giannis Antetokounmpo, forward-center, Milwaukee Bucks

2025-26 stats:28.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 5.6 apg

His future in Milwaukee seems secure – for now – but Antetokounmpo needs to shake off nagging calf injuries that have robbed him of time on the court. He's the best transition scorer in the world and his size, power, length and athleticism make him a nightmare to defend. His jump shot, though, is still a weakness.

Pre-season ranking:3rd

2.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 stats:31.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 6.4 apg

Though he was banged up headed into the All-Star break, Gilgeous-Alexander is the preeminent model of consistency in the NBA. His scoring streak of at least 20 points stands at 121 games, which is just six away from Wilt Chamberlain's all-time record.

Pre-season ranking:2nd

1.Nikola Jokić, center, Denver Nuggets

2025-26 stats:28.7 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 10.7 apg

The only player this season to average a triple-double, Jokić is the most dominant presence in the entire NBA. His vision is unparalleled. His footwork and finesse under the basket is flawless. His knowledge and expertise of the game gives Denver such a massive advantage. For a lot of fans, the most frustrating part about Jokić is his apparent apathy when it comes to things like the All-Star Game. Don't fall into that trap; he's one of the all-time great players in history.

Pre-season ranking:1st

Players who were ranked in the preseason Top 25, but fell off the list: Ja Morant, Grizzlies (25th); James Harden, Cavaliers (23rd); Jimmy Butler, Warriors (22nd); Evan Mobley, Cavaliers (21st); Jalen Williams, Thunder (17th); Anthony Davis, Wizards (13th).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ranking NBA's best players, new top 25 after All-Star break

byDonna Devi

in

February 19, 2026

Ranking the NBA's best players: Top 25, revisited

The2026 NBA All-Star breakoffered the chance for the entire league to catch its breath, reset and look ahead to the playo...

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Arizona authorities turn to genetic genealogy in ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie

Federal and local authorities will use genetic genealogy to analyze DNA found at Nancy Guthrie's home as the ongoing investigation into her possible abduction stretches into its third week.

The 84-year-old mother of "TODAY" co-host Savannah Guthrie was reported missing around noon on Feb. 1 after she did not show up to a friend's house to watch virtual church services. Guthrie was last seen the previous night around 9:45, after dinner at her daughter, Annie's, house.

Authorities believe that Guthrie was possibly taken from her home. They have not publicly identified a suspect or person of interest. All members of the Guthrie family have been cleared as potential suspects in the case that involves local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

In an update this week, authorities said DNA recovered from a glove found about 2 miles from Guthrie's home did not match any samples in the FBI's DNA database, called CODIS, nor did it match DNA found at Guthrie's property, authorities said on Tuesday. The Combined DNA Index System has 19 million offender DNA profiles and more than 1 million forensic profiles,according to the FBI. But a match would not necessarily break the case.

The glove appeared to match the gloves worn by a person seen in security video from outside Guthrie's home, authorities have said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos on Tuesday told NBC News that investigators are analyzing some partial DNA that was found at Guthrie's home. Investigators are also exploring "investigative genetic genealogy options" to identify possible DNA matches, the department said.

"We believe that we may have some DNA there that may be our suspect, but we won't know that until that DNA is separated, sorted out, maybe admitted to CODIS, maybe through genetic genealogy," Nanos said.

Investigators are now turning to genetic genealogy, which has previously successfully identified other high-profile criminals like the Golden State Killer and University of Idaho murderer Brian Kohberger.

"If I was the kidnapper, I would be extremely concerned right now, because using investigative genetic genealogy, he will be identified," DNA expert CeCe Moore told "TODAY" Thursday.

Authorities, however, are not allowed to use well-known genealogy sites such as Ancestry.com or 23andMe, and will have to rely on publicly available DNA databases to test the DNA. Moore noted that the process may take a while.

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"If they have deep roots in the United States, it could be minutes, it could be a few hours," Moore said. "But if it's somebody who doesn't have connections to the U.S. in their tree in more recent generations, then it could take much longer."

Last week, the FBI released security camera images and videos of an armed and masked man outside Guthrie's home on the morning of her disappearance. The FBI has since described that suspect as a 5'9" to 5'10" tall male carrying a unique gun holster and an Ozark Trail backpack from Walmart. He also may have been wearing a ring.

Nanos noted that identifying the suspect's backpack could be a critical clue in the investigation.

"We're working with our Walmart managers all across the state to try to find out how many sales there were of that backpack in the last 20, 30 days, the last 60 days," Nanos said. "And can we do something with that? Can we break it — maybe we'll find a credit card or a bank card? Maybe we'll find a video of the guy walking in"

The FBI currently has a $100,000 reward for information leading to the location of Guthrie or an arrest for anyone involved in her disappearance. An additional $102,500 reward is being offered through Tucson Crime Stoppers, known locally as 88-CRIME.

There's no evidence that Guthrie was taken over the U.S.-Mexico border, two officials briefed on the case said.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department and, later, the FBI have been in touch with officials on both sides of the border to share information in the case, officials said, noting that such outreach is standard in missing-person cases like this one.

A Tucson attorneyconfirmed to NBC affiliate News12that his client, 37-year-old Luke Daley, was briefly detained on Friday night during a search of his home but was not arrested. "Both Mr. Daley and his mother are hopeful that Nancy will be returned to her family unharmed," attorney Chris Scileppi said.

Scileppi did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment.

As authorities continue to comb through thousands of tips and leads, Nanos stressed that the case is far from cold.

"As long as we have the ability to chase a lead, it's not cold," Nanos said. "We're not going to give up. We're going to find Nancy, and we're going to find out who did this."

byDonna Devi

in

February 19, 2026

Arizona authorities turn to genetic genealogy in ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie

Federal and local authorities will use genetic genealogy to analyze DNA found at Nancy Guthrie's home as the ongoing ...

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