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On January 8, 2026, ICE agents detained the 31-year-old Mexican construction worker in a St. Paul parking lot during a targeted operation; hours later at an ICE facility, he was found with devastating head injuries including multiple fractures and hemorrhages. Castañeda Mondragón claims masked agents beat him with a baton and used racist slurs, while ICE says he injured himself by fleeing while handcuffed and hitting a concrete barrier. Medical staff doubted ICE's account, citing CT scans inconsistent with a single fall, and a federal judge ordered his release after ruling the detention unlawful. The FBI and St. Paul police launched probes in mid-February, though much surveillance video was overwritten.

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Alberto Castañeda Mondragón woke up in the hospital with eight skull fractures and brain bleeds so bad he forgot his own daughter. Now, conflicting stories from him and ICE have sparked investigations by the FBI and local police.

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Unapologetic Madow Lover posted she's the first in her family to remove her hijab, escape forced marriage, and live on her own terms, quoting another woman's story of being disowned for rejecting marriage. Her update drew over 40,000 likes and warm cheers like 'You go Queen!' plus compliments on her cheekbones, while fitting into the 'First in my bloodline' trend where women highlight breaking cycles such as staying childfree or earning PhDs. Some responses pushed back against her calling the hijab an 'ugly rag,' underscoring that personal choices spark varied views in these celebrations of rewritten family paths.

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In glamorous photos from a gym locker room and a flower-decked bus tour, a Somali feminist shares her bold declaration of independence.

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Russia, Iran, and China began the 'Maritime Security Belt 2026' exercises on Thursday, focusing on countering maritime threats like piracy through coordinated special forces operations near the Strait of Hormuz. The drills come amid rising U.S.-Iran friction over Tehran's nuclear program, with President Trump issuing a short deadline for a deal and deploying carriers, drones, and bombers to the region. A Russian command plane's arrival in Tehran fueled online worries of escalation, though experts call it posturing tied to deepening Moscow-Tehran ties rather than war preparations.

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Helicopters hovered as Iranian and Russian special forces rappelled onto a mock hijacked ship, practicing rescues in the Gulf of Oman just as U.S. forces build up nearby.

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Chagossian First Minister Misley Mandarin formally grants the United States permission to use Diego Garcia on the Chagos Islands for strikes on Iran. The statement was issued from the new Chagossian settlement and shared widely on social media.

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Members of the Mexican Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) traveled to Ukraine to receive training in modern warfare tactics, including drone operation with models like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK and urban guerrilla warfare. The training occurred in the conflict zone, providing real battlefield experience in movement, cover, weapon handling, and withdrawal tactics. CJNG is now forming specialized units capable of operating explosive-laden drones in clashes with rival cartels and government forces.

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Senator Elizabeth Warren accused Donald Trump of giving billions in tax breaks to Amazon. She claimed it would take an average household 100,000 years to earn that amount.

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Host Iain Dale role-played as Putin on LBC Thursday evening, prompting Polanski to stress negotiation amid nuclear risks. Commentators mocked the remarks harshly, with Alex Massie comparing Polanski unfavorably to Jeremy Corbyn and James Cleverly calling them less sophisticated than children's views. While the Green Party backs Ukraine and sanctions, internal motions push to quit NATO, and defenders like Owen Jones cite past Western interventions as reasons for caution. The controversy underscores divides in British politics over Russia, Ukraine, and NATO amid U.S. shifts.

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During a live radio interview, England's Green Party leader Zack Polanski urged diplomacy with Vladimir Putin, warning of mutual nuclear obliteration if talks fail.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed officer cadets at the Bahad 1 base, stressing Israel's readiness for any scenario amid rising tensions. He highlighted coordination with President Trump and warned that Iran's leadership would face an unimaginable retaliation if they strike first. The statements align with U.S. military deployments near Iran and a tight deadline for nuclear talks, as Jerusalem prepares for potential prolonged missile exchanges.

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At an IDF cadets' graduation, Netanyahu stood firm, telling Iran that any attack would trigger a response beyond their wildest dreams.

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The Swedish striker, signed for £65 million from Sporting CP last summer, now leads all major striker buys with 15 goals across competitions, topping Hugo Ekitike and João Pedro on 14 each. His vicious second-half strike restored Arsenal's lead before a late clincher, marking his best debut season since Lacazette's 17 in 2017/18. Once questioned by Jamie Carragher and some fans, Gyökeres now earns praise for his Shearer-like finishing and infectious energy from teammate Eberechi Eze, boosting Arsenal's title charge atop the table.

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Viktor Gyökeres stood tall in the cauldron of the North London Derby, smashing home a brace to power Arsenal's 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham on February 22.

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The duo from Thailand's *Fourever You* series lit up The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwan in Bangkok for a Valentine's Day fan meet during the 'Joy Luck Love' Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations. Dressed sharply with Bever in glasses and Tonliew tossing hearts, they performed songs, bantered playfully, and shared cheek-to-cheek moments that echoed their on-screen chemistry as lovers Fah and Phoon. Fans filled the Lifestyle Hall, capturing every smile and pose, while posts praised their handsome and adorable looks amid dragon dances and festive rituals.

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Bever and Tonliew stepped onto the stage in matching red leather outfits, waving to screaming fans under pink cherry blossoms and glowing lanterns.

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A photo shared by @DeadlineDayLive shows Ferguson standing at what appears to be a training ground, with José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Arsène Wenger seated ahead. The caption challenges fans to pick who should stand so Ferguson can sit, sparking lively banter with many targeting Arteta for lacking a Premier League title. Others insist all six should rise in respect for Ferguson's 13 league wins and dynasty-building legacy at Manchester United, while a few defend favorites like Ancelotti or Pep but acknowledge Fergie's unmatched status.

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Picture this: Sir Alex Ferguson, 84 and sharp in his flat cap, towers behind a bench packed with managers like Pep Guardiola and Arsène Wenger. Fans can't resist asking who should give up their seat to the legend.

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Manchester United fans celebrated their team's position in the Premier League top 4, drawing mockery from Everton and Chelsea fans. Rivals highlighted similar past celebrations by Chelsea and Arsenal fans, mutual wins between Manchester United and Everton at each other's home grounds, and Everton's historical survival celebrations. The banter focused on perceptions of over-celebration for non-title achievements, including references to trophies and match incidents like corner kicks.

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On Thursday, Jackson Hinkle's X post labeling Taiwan a 'fake country' under China drew sharp rebuttals and support, spotlighting Taiwan's limited diplomatic recognition by only 12 UN members and the Holy See amid the unresolved Chinese Civil War. Taiwan governs 23 million people democratically, holds multiparty elections, maintains a 215,000-strong military, and receives U.S. arms support, including a recent $330 million package. Public opinion strongly favors the status quo or independence, with over 80% rejecting China's 'one country, two systems' model, reflecting broader geopolitical divides.

Key Takeaway

Influencer Jackson Hinkle declared Taiwan a 'fake country' that belongs to China, igniting a heated online clash viewed over 65,000 times. The post amplified longstanding tensions between China's unification claims and Taiwan's 76 years of independent self-governance.

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A convicted fraudster was appointed as CEO of Tembisa Hospital despite prior corruption revelations at the facility. The appointee lacks required qualifications such as a Master's in Public Health or medical degree.

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Barberi's Sunday photos of the Città Bassa church's ornate wooden details, yellowed walls, and heavenly ceiling quickly drew over 10,000 likes, prompting others to share their own discoveries in modest Italian parishes like those in Praiano and Genoa. These spaces, born from the Counter-Reformation's push for sensory splendor, feature work by top artists funded by local communities, with simple exteriors saving the drama for inside. Open and free today, they spark wonder about why modern buildings don't match such artistry, rooted in guilds, nobles, and Catholic inspiration.

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Photographer Raphael Barberi ducked into a random small church in Bergamo's lower town and found a Baroque interior that left him speechless—towering tabernacles, stucco angels, and swirling frescoes hiding behind a plain facade.

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Indiana men's basketball named longtime Pacers executive Ryan Carr as its new Executive Director of Basketball, reporting to coach Darian DeVries. A 1996 IU graduate, Carr began as an undergrad manager for Knight, then rose through Pacers ranks to Senior Vice President of Player Personnel, scouting hits like Paul George and Myles Turner while helping craft the 2024-25 Eastern Conference champions. The hire brings proven scouting, draft expertise, and deep Indiana roots to tackle roster building, transfers, and NIL in the modern college game. Insiders like ESPN's Pete Thamel and former coach Tom Crean praised Carr's evaluation skills and character.

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Ryan Carr, who started as a student manager under Bob Knight, returns to his alma mater after 23 years building NBA contenders with the Pacers.

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Radko Gudas of the Anaheim Ducks engaged in a controversial play against Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes during an NHL game. The incident has prompted widespread anger from Canadian fans calling for Gudas to be punished or banned due to potential injury and his history of controversial actions.

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Radko Gudas of the Anaheim Ducks engaged in a controversial play against Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes during an NHL game. The incident has prompted widespread anger from Canadian fans calling for Gudas to be punished or banned due to potential injury and his history of controversial actions.

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Oaveed Rahman, 26, from Crays Hill near Billericay, ran an unregistered 'Save A Paw' scheme, luring owners via social media with rehoming and training offers. He took fees up to £500 per dog from 11 people across 20 UK counties but starved the animals, leading police to find 41 dead dogs amid maggots and rats, plus 21 emaciated survivors in filthy conditions on May 13, 2025. Sentenced February 20, 2026, to five years in prison plus a lifetime animal ban, Judge Richard Conley called it 'an act of betrayal of epic proportions.' Owners wept in court, charities rehomed survivors, but advocates push for more digs fearing up to 180 missing pets.

Key Takeaway

Pet owners handed over their beloved dogs, trusting a promise of care, only to discover a nightmare of neglect and death at a backyard operation.

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