Twitter/X Trends in New Zealand - Real-Time Analytics & Trending Hashtags

Full Summary

Teachers and activists in Iran started a social media campaign with hashtags #EmptyDesks and #ClassesWithoutTeachers, mourning over 230 schoolchildren allegedly killed by security forces during nationwide protests that escalated on January 8-9 over economic and political issues. Groups like the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Associations released lists of nearly 200 verified young victims, while UNICEF urged the immediate release of hundreds of detained children, warning of lifelong harm from their imprisonment. Iran's government denies the high death tolls and child targeting, as families grieve without public funerals and teachers demand UN investigations into school raids, torture, and secret burials.

Key Takeaway

Empty desks in classrooms, splashed with red to symbolize blood, honor teens like 16-year-old Melika Shahmoradi and Amirhossein Ghardashi amid grief over January's deadly clashes.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

In a Sunday post, former Ethereum Foundation co-executive director Tomasz K. Stańczak outlined five steps to make Ethereum the first 'LLM-driven' blockchain, where validators delegate to AI, large language models draft and review Ethereum Improvement Proposals, and core developers use AI for meetings and votes. His proposal, timed days after his February 13 departure announcement following two years in strategy and operations, drew mixed reactions—critics highlighted risks like prompt injection vulnerabilities on a network securing trillions, while supporters pointed to AI's potential and Ethereum's rich training data from public calls and EIP histories. Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has discussed AI agents on the network but not LLM-led governance, and neither he nor the Foundation has responded.

Key Takeaway

Tomasz K. Stańczak shared a striking vision: let AI agents handle Ethereum's upgrades, from drafting proposals to coding changes. It came right after he announced his exit from the Ethereum Foundation.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (7)

+ 1 more posts

Full Summary

U2 surprised fans with 'Days of Ash,' an EP led by 'American Obituary,' dedicated to 37-year-old Renee Good, killed on January 7 when ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired at her SUV during raids targeting undocumented immigrants. ICE claims self-defense after Good accelerated toward him, but her family autopsy revealed a head wound, videos show her calm, and probes continue amid conflicting accounts labeling her a protester or terrorist. The release follows suspicious arson at her memorial and draws parallels to ignored vandalism of Charlie Kirk memorials after his 2025 assassination, highlighting divides over immigration enforcement and media coverage.

Key Takeaway

Bono's voice cracks with fury and grief in U2's new track, honoring Renee Good, the Minneapolis mother shot dead by an ICE agent during immigration raids.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

Holosoma unifies simulators like IsaacGym and MuJoCo for reinforcement learning on humanoid robots such as Unitree G1 and Booster T1. It supports tasks like walking, full-body motion tracking, and even dancing, with tools to retarget human motion data to robots. Researchers praised its efficiency and modular design, which lets them focus on algorithms. Demos show smooth real-world performance, and the team welcomes contributions on GitHub and Discord.

Key Takeaway

Amazon's robotics team just dropped an open-source tool that turns simulation training into real-world robot walks in minutes. With a single high-end GPU, they train and deploy policies on hardware in about 20 minutes.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

Kylian Mbappé claimed that Benfica player Franco Mastantuono called Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior 'mono' (monkey) five times during the Champions League match. Vinícius Júnior addressed the alleged racist abuse on Instagram. Mastantuono covered his mouth and shirt amid the incident, sparking debates over the remarks.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (10)

+ 4 more posts

Full Summary

Iran International, citing an anonymous hospital employee, reported that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders gathered inside a Tehran hospital in recent days, with staff voicing concerns over the unusual presence. A blurry photo shows uniformed officers, including a senior general, alongside a cleric and hospital workers. The claim surfaced Thursday amid U.S.-Iran tensions, including stalled nuclear talks and naval drills, though no specific hospital was named and Iranian authorities have not responded. Past incidents during 2025-2026 protests saw security forces occupy hospitals in cities like Tehran and Shiraz.

Key Takeaway

Amid rising fears of U.S. or Israeli strikes, hospital staff in Tehran spotted IRGC commanders and security teams meeting in corridors, far from any medical needs.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (5)

Full Summary

Some Black users expressed discomfort with Black people rooting for Argentina in the World Cup due to Lionel Messi's influence despite Argentina's history of racism. Defenders highlighted hypocrisy in supporting nations like Portugal, France, and England with their own problematic pasts. The discussion escalated into Messi vs. Ronaldo debates and dismissals of racism claims as excuses for hating Messi.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (10)

+ 4 more posts

Full Summary

The scandal stems from Starmer's 2024 appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US, despite his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which Mandelson downplayed even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. Starmer fired Mandelson last September and apologized to victims, but the fallout led to resignations this week from chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allan. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded Starmer step down ahead of elections, while his cabinet—including David Lammy and Rachel Reeves—rallied behind him, pointing to economic gains and falling NHS waiting lists as Starmer heads into a key 6 p.m. party meeting.

Key Takeaway

Keir Starmer spoke directly to his No 10 staff this morning, vowing to stay put amid a wave of resignations and calls for his head from within his own party.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

Oscar Bear, a Latino gay adult content creator with 278,000 followers, blends MAGA support with his NSFW brand, listing himself as an Airbnb host and Caribbean club worker. A shared screenshot prompted thousands to question how he can back MAGA, equating it to racism and anti-LGBTQ stances, while calling for cancellations. Bear responded by citing Trump's removal of a dictator from Venezuela—his home country—as his reason, insisting the movement isn't perfect but personally meaningful. The exchange highlights divides within LGBTQ communities, where some defend gay conservatives as real and varied.

Key Takeaway

A screenshot of Oscar Bear's X profile, proudly declaring him 'The MAGA Bear,' drew sharp reactions from those who see no room for conservative politics in LGBTQ circles.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (9)

+ 3 more posts

Full Summary

On Thursday morning, demonstrators targeted the upscale London bakery chain, splashing red paint and scrawling messages like 'Boycott Gails Funds Israel Tech' and 'Free Gaza.' They accuse owner Bain Capital of investing in Israeli tech firms linked to defense, tying into the BDS movement, though the company—founded by Israelis in the 1990s but now U.S.-owned—dismisses such claims as ludicrous. Critics labeled the vandalism antisemitic thuggery due to the bakery's distant Jewish roots, while supporters urged visits in solidarity and a few cheered the action amid Britain's heated debates on Gaza, free speech, and prejudice.

Key Takeaway

Red paint splattered across the windows of a new Gail's bakery in Archway, with graffiti demanding a boycott over alleged Israel ties. Protesters then rallied outside, waving signs against what they call war crimes.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (7)

+ 1 more posts

Full Summary

Bayern Munich's front three of Luis Díaz, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise scored 114 goals in 38 games this season. This total exceeds the 122 goals scored by Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar for FC Barcelona in 60 games during the 2014/15 season.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (10)

+ 4 more posts

Full Summary

Senate Republicans issued a stark warning to Iran on Thursday, stressing that President Trump is 'a man of his word' as tensions boil over Tehran's nuclear program, missiles, and proxy support. Trump gave Iran about 10 days to accept strict limits or face strikes, after indirect talks in Geneva stalled on demands like zero uranium enrichment. The crisis ties back to Iran's deadly crackdown on protests—killing thousands amid economic collapse—plus the 2025 Israel-Iran war, with U.S. forces now positioned including two carrier groups amid drone shootdowns and tanker harassment. While GOP leaders back protesters and regime change, opinions split between calls for action and warnings against war.

Key Takeaway

With U.S. carriers steaming toward the Gulf and Iranian protesters chanting for freedom, Senate Republicans reminded Tehran's leaders that Trump follows through on his threats.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

The chart, based on FactSet data through late 2024, shows Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta ramping up capital expenditures 42% to 95% year-over-year for AI infrastructure, while Apple's dipped 19% to $2.37 billion in its latest quarter. Apple spent just $12.7 billion in fiscal 2025 versus peers' $400 billion-plus, leaning instead on partnerships like licensing Google's Gemini model and its own on-device chips. Supporters call this disciplined genius that avoids debt and GPU risks, while critics warn it risks falling behind in the AI race—though Apple's strong cash flow and recent earnings beat keep it shielded for now.

Key Takeaway

A simple chart lays bare Apple's unique path in the AI era: while rivals pour billions into data centers, Apple's spending line stays remarkably steady.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (10)

+ 4 more posts

Full Summary

In a 31-second video posted late Tuesday, the couple described Ramadan as a sacred time of discipline, caring for others, and family, ending with 'Ramadan Kareem, California!' The message arrived as February 18 marked both Ramadan's likely start—confirmed by moon sightings—and Ash Wednesday for the state's 12 million Catholics. While fellow Democrats like LA Mayor Karen Bass echoed the greetings and supporters praised the inclusivity, conservative voices criticized Newsom for spotlighting Muslims over the larger Catholic population without a comparable Lent message.

Key Takeaway

Standing before American and California flags, Governor Gavin Newsom and Jennifer Siebel Newsom offered warm Ramadan wishes to over half a million Muslim Californians on the holy month's first day.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (7)

+ 1 more posts

Full Summary

A three-year starter and captain at Boston College from 1959-62, Bill averaged 14.5 points per game and ranks among the program's top scorers, later earning Hall of Fame honors. He supported Billy's career from Providence to Florida's back-to-back titles in 2006-2007, and even Bulls games, staying close to the Gators after Billy's departure. Tributes highlight his gentle presence, with coaches and broadcasters remembering his awareness and warmth; Florida will hold a moment of silence Tuesday against South Carolina.

Key Takeaway

Bill Donovan Sr. sat courtside for nearly every game his son Billy coached, offering quiet encouragement with his signature kindness.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (7)

+ 1 more posts

Full Summary

Bukayo Saka scored after four minutes and Piero Hincapie doubled the lead on 55, but Hugo Bueno pulled one back on 60 before Riccardo Calafiori's 90+3 own goal off a Tom Edozie shot salvaged a point for Wolves. The draw keeps Arsenal top with 58 points from 27 games, five ahead of Manchester City who have a game in hand, but revives Patrice Evra's 2024 quip comparing watching Arsenal to Netflix—always waiting for the next season. Rivals piled on with memes mocking the collapse against the winless bottom club, echoing Arsenal's past title fades under Mikel Arteta.

Key Takeaway

Arsenal raced to a 2-0 lead at struggling Wolves, only to watch it slip away in stoppage time with an own goal that left fans stunned.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

San Francisco signed Mac Jones last offseason as Brock Purdy's backup on a two-year, $7-8 million deal, and he impressed in limited 2025 action amid a thin 2026 quarterback draft. The Athletic's Matt Barrows predicted a strong trade market for the former Patriots first-rounder, fueling fan fantasies of blockbuster swaps despite ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting the 49ers plan to keep him as insurance. Chatter targeted QB-needy teams like the Jets, Steelers, and Colts, with bold asks like Vikings' Jefferson or Raiders' Crosby drawing laughs as over-the-top Madden trades.

Key Takeaway

Fans lit up with wild visions of Mac Jones fetching stars like Justin Jefferson or Maxx Crosby, all sparked by a reporter's trade market prediction.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

DappRadar, the platform that monitored decentralized applications across over 90 blockchains, announced its closure on Monday after launching in 2018 during the CryptoKitties surge. Founders Skirmantas Januškas and Dragos Dunica stated that revenues from RADAR token staking and advertising failed to offset infrastructure costs for indexing 18,000 dApps and serving 500,000 monthly users. The shutdown caused a 30-38% drop in the $RADAR token price to $0.00072, prompting community reactions including acquisition offers and critiques of crypto incentives.

Key Takeaway

Pioneering crypto tracker DappRadar bows out after seven years, citing unbearable costs in the endless bear market.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

Protests swept major Iranian cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad after the currency plunged to 1.42 million rials per dollar, with inflation over 42% and food prices up 70%. Bazaars shut down, crowds chanted against the dictator and for the exiled Reza Pahlavi, facing tear gas and gunfire in places like Hamadan. Israel's Mossad posted support from its Farsi X account, sparking talk of agents on the ground, while critics worry it might undermine the movement; the unrest is Iran's largest in three years amid sanctions and mismanagement.

Key Takeaway

As the Iranian rial hit a record low, Mossad made a rare public plea in Farsi: 'Let's come out to the streets together. We are with you in the field.'

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

The Filipino singer's 'Musika't Hiling' performances on March 14 and 15, 2026, at Quezon City's Viva Cafe quickly sold out after he announced them via Google Forms on Wednesday. Tickets at 800 pesos included a free drink, but the rush caused chaos for some who paid early, prompting Viva to apologize, offer refunds, and email confirmations by February 19. Ross, known for soulful hits like 'Maliwanag Mong Mundo,' shared an emotional thank-you to fans, calling the support overwhelming as his Serenes celebrate the up-close magic ahead.

Key Takeaway

Fans snapped up tickets to Wilbert Ross's intimate gigs so fast—Day 1 in five minutes, Day 2 in just one—that Viva Records had to scramble with refunds and a second show.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (6)

Full Summary

Laila associated with @policylaila referred to supporters of Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party as 'gammon.' Rupert Lowe responded by threatening legal proceedings against her for the inflammatory language.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (10)

+ 4 more posts

Full Summary

On February 18 and 19, Wizkid shared moody Instagram stories from Paris rooftops in sleek black outfits, dominating fans' feeds. Black-and-white photos surfaced of him linking up with Pharrell Williams, both in stylish gear, prompting speculation about a potential collaboration or studio session. Fans praised his superstar aura, tying it to recent releases like the acclaimed 2024 album Morayo and January 2026 EP REAL Vol. 1 with Mr Eazi, while style fans hailed his fashion game. Sightings continued with producer Lionel Talon, keeping the excitement alive without official word on new music.

Key Takeaway

Wizkid leaned against a Paris rooftop, shades on, cigarette in hand, exuding that effortless cool fans love. Then came the shots with Pharrell Williams, sparking whispers of studio magic.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (8)

+ 2 more posts

Full Summary

Two 18-year-old Palestinians from Hebron and Beit Omar rammed their vehicle into Israelis at the Gush Etzion junction south of Jerusalem on Tuesday, then stabbed victims, killing 71-year-old Aharon Cohen and wounding a man, a boy, and a woman. Israeli security forces killed both attackers on site. Cohen, a Kiryat Arba resident and father of six, was remembered by neighbors as a kind community pillar during his funeral that evening.

Key Takeaway

A vehicle slammed into a crowd at Gush Etzion junction, followed by knives flashing in a deadly ambush that claimed an innocent life.

Context & Entities

Related Posts (5)