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Rihanna Breaks Silence on Her Most Anticipated Comeback Yet

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Rihanna has shared important new details about her upcoming ninth studio album, widely known by fans as “R9.” The project comes nearly 10 years after her last album, Anti, which was released on January 28, 2016.

In recent interviews, Rihanna made it clear that the new album will not follow one specific genre. She said she waited years because she wanted the music to match her personal growth. She explained that she refused to release anything that did not feel true to who she is today.

Rihanna also said she has finally “cracked the code” creatively and feels confident about the album’s direction. She added that the music will not be made to please radio trends or commercial expectations. Instead, the focus is on authenticity and artistic freedom.

Sources close to the singer confirmed that she is actively working on the album and has restarted the project several times. Reports say she has been writing new material and spending more time in the studio. Insiders also said she misses performing and connecting with fans.

Rihanna + Rocky

While there is no official release date yet, many expect the album to arrive in 2026. Some rumors suggest it could release in the first half of the year, possibly linked to Anti’s anniversary momentum. However, Rihanna and her team have not confirmed any timeline.

If released, R9 will be Rihanna’s first full studio album in a decade. Since Anti, she has released only a few songs, including “Lift Me Up” in 2022. Despite the long break, her influence remains strong, and Anti continues to perform well on streaming charts.

Fans, known as the Navy, remain highly excited and continue to speculate about the album online. Rihanna’s message is clear: she values quality over speed. With creative progress now confirmed, many believe her long-awaited comeback could finally happen this year.

For now, R9 remains one of the most anticipated albums in modern music, and fans around the world are watching closely for an official announcement.

J. Cole Confirms He Is Not Retiring After The Fall-Off

Rapper J. Cole has shut down retirement rumors, confirming that while his latest album The Fall-Off marks the end of his personal story arc, he is not leaving music entirely.

In an interview clip shared widely on social media, Cole explained that The Fall-Off represents the conclusion of the “J. Cole story” he has been telling through his albums and mixtapes for over a decade. He described his earlier projects—from The Come Up and Friday Night Lights to 2014 Forest Hills Drive—as chapters building toward this final moment.

Cole clarified that ending this storyline does not mean he will stop making music. He said future work, including collaborations, features, or even another album, is still possible if he feels inspired. However, he added that he does not plan to continue the same narrative that defined his career until now.

Released on February 6, 2026, The Fall-Off debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and received strong praise from critics and fans. The double album features collaborations with artists such as Burna Boy, Erykah Badu, Future, and Tems, and focuses heavily on reflection, growth, and legacy.

Fans have reacted with excitement, seeing Cole’s comments as confirmation that he remains active in hip-hop. Many noted that artists often step away from specific eras of their careers without fully retiring from music.

Cole has also announced The Fall-Off Tour, a global tour scheduled for 2026, with major stops planned in cities including London, Montreal, Miami, and Baltimore. Ticket demand has been high, showing his continued popularity worldwide.

While The Fall-Off closes an important chapter, Cole made it clear that his creative journey is not over. For fans, the message is simple: the story may be ending, but the music is not.

Meta Patented AI That Could Keep Your Account Posting After Death

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Meta Platforms once explored using AI to keep accounts active after someone dies. A 2023 patent described training a large language model on a user’s posts to simulate their style, generating posts, comments, likes, and even messages.

The idea, led by CTO Andrew Bosworth, was striking—and for many, unsettling. Meta has said it has no plans to implement the system. Still, the patent shows how far tech companies have pushed the boundaries of generative AI.

The concept isn’t purely theoretical. A growing “grief tech” sector uses AI to recreate voices or personalities of the deceased from photos, recordings, and messages. Proponents say it offers comfort. Critics worry it could complicate grieving.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg has noted AI companions could help address loneliness and allow people to interact with digital representations of loved ones. He also acknowledged psychological risks and the need for more research.

The business case is clear. Social media platforms hold millions of dormant accounts. AI-generated activity could increase engagement and data collection. University of Birmingham law professor Edina Harbinja notes the commercial incentive, even if the ethics are murky.

Experts urge caution. University of Virginia sociologist Joseph Davis says grieving involves confronting loss, not replacing it with simulations.

While Meta has distanced itself from the patent’s more provocative ideas, its existence highlights how technology is forcing new ethical questions about death, memory, and identity.

Tight Credit Spreads Could Face Shock If Stocks and Bonds Move Together

Credit spreads—the extra yield investors demand for corporate bonds over Treasuries—are at historically tight levels. Experts warn that rising stock-bond correlations could strip away traditional diversification benefits and create sudden losses.

U.S. high-yield spreads hover around 300-310 basis points, the tightest in decades, while investment-grade spreads remain compressed despite heavy issuance forecasts.

Normally, bonds hedge equities because they move differently. But in uncertain environments like 2026, stocks and bonds can move together, reducing that protection. A spike in correlation could make tight credit spreads much riskier.

Analysts point to key triggers: thin spreads leave little cushion for losses, $1 trillion in new corporate bond supply could push spreads wider, and fading macro tailwinds—like Fed support or post-tariff boosts—may increase stress.

High-yield and leveraged credit are especially vulnerable. Historical patterns show widening spreads often precede equity drops, so a double hit is possible if bonds and stocks move together.

Despite this, some strategists remain cautiously positive, focusing on security selection and selective exposure rather than broad bets. Diversification and flexibility are essential in a market where low volatility may not last.

Investors are being advised to monitor dispersion, prepare for bouts of volatility, and avoid assuming credit spreads will stay tight indefinitely.

Goldman Says RAM Prices Will Keep Rising Amid Tight Supply

A severe shortage of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) is pushing up prices for electronics and disrupting product launches, according to a new readout from Goldman Sachs.

Goldman analysts, led by Giuni Lee, met with SK Hynix, a major memory chip supplier, to discuss the tight market. Their take: memory prices are likely to rise throughout 2026.

The crunch is already affecting consumers. Valve’s handheld gaming PC is reportedly out of stock in some regions as HBM shortages filter into retail. TVs, computers, and other electronics are also facing price pressure.

SK Hynix said strong AI demand is a key driver. AI companies continue to invest heavily, keeping memory demand high. Limited clean room space and slow supply growth are further tightening the market.

Long-term contracts and supplier leverage are increasing as companies try to secure memory. Conventional DRAM may see new production ramps in 2026, but HBM expansion is mainly expected in 2027.

Goldman notes that despite potential dips from PC and mobile customers, overall pricing is expected to trend upward. Limited memory availability and cautious ordering practices mean double-booking won’t increase supply but will push prices higher.

Investments in DRAM and HBM are in line with expectations, and Goldman reiterates a Buy rating on SK Hynix.

The memory shortage highlights growing pressure on consumer electronics margins and signals higher costs for products across the tech industry this year.

Lacoste’s Djokovic “GOAT” Polo Sparks Streetwear Memes

Lacoste’s new limited-edition polo for Novak Djokovic, featuring a green goat emblem instead of the classic crocodile, has sold out fast at $140 and sparked a wave of streetwear jokes online.

The polo is part of the “From a Crocodile to the GOAT” capsule collection, which includes a T-shirt, tracksuit jacket, cap, and trousers. Each item has the goat logo on the chest while the crocodile remains on the back. The design celebrates Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles and his long-standing Lacoste partnership.

The swap has quickly become meme material. Social media users joke about “authenticity checks,” imagining being called out for wearing a “fake” Lacoste—even though it’s a limited edition. Posts advise: “Buy the normal one to skip the hassle.”

The collection debuted at Lacoste’s Fifth Avenue store with Djokovic himself, combining a sports tribute with high-fashion flair. Made with classic cotton piqué, ribbed details, and mother-of-pearl buttons, the polo keeps Lacoste’s signature style.

Resale markets have seen the items appear at higher prices. Djokovic has embraced the fun, wearing pieces during the 2025 US Open, while fans turn the quirky goat logo into viral streetwear jokes.

The buzz highlights the crossover between sports branding and street culture: a tennis legend celebrated in high-fashion, now remixed for meme culture.

Goldman Sachs: Central Bank Gold Buying Dip Won’t Last

Goldman Sachs says the recent slowdown in central bank gold purchases is temporary, driven by price volatility rather than falling demand. The comments come after Russia’s central bank sold gold reserves in January for the first time in months.

Analysts Lina Thomas and Daan Struyven said some reserve managers are pausing purchases until prices stabilize after gold’s sharp rally earlier this year. They added that central banks remain committed to gold as a hedge against financial and geopolitical risks.

Russia sold about 300,000 ounces (9.3 tonnes) of gold in January, its first reduction since October 2025. Despite the sale, the value of its reserves rose 23% to $402.7 billion, helped by high gold prices averaging $4,700 per ounce.

Other major buyers continue to accumulate. The People’s Bank of China added gold for the 15th consecutive month, with official holdings exceeding 2,300 tonnes. Emerging-market banks in Poland, Turkey, and India are also boosting reserves.

Gold prices hit nearly $5,600 per ounce in late January but have since fallen to the $4,900–$5,000 range. Goldman Sachs maintains a bullish outlook, forecasting $5,400 per ounce by year-end 2026. The firm expects central banks to buy 60–70 tonnes monthly this year.

Analysts say central banks provide a “sticky” foundation for gold, supported by private investors and ETFs, which reached a record $669 billion in January.

Investors are watching for renewed official buying, which could support further gains amid global uncertainty, de-dollarization trends, and ongoing market volatility.

Nestlé Faces Sales Drop Amid Global Boycott Over Israel Ties

Swiss food giant Nestlé is facing ongoing economic pressure in 2026. The company is struggling with declining sales, restructuring efforts, and a global boycott over its business ties to Israel.

Nestlé owns Osem Investments, an Israeli food manufacturer acquired in 2016. Critics, including pro-Palestinian groups and the BDS movement, say this supports Israel’s economy. Boycotts have spread worldwide, causing sales to fall, particularly in regions affected by the campaigns.

Overall, Nestlé’s sales dropped 1.8% last year. Social media users have encouraged alternatives, favoring local brands or competitors like Lindt and Meiji.

In October 2025, Nestlé announced it would cut 16,000 jobs over the next two years, about 5% of its global workforce. Most of the roles affected are white-collar positions in marketing, administration, and supply chain, with 12,000 set for automation or outsourcing.

Nestlé says the restructuring responds to rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and a push for efficiency through AI and digital technology. However, boycott advocates argue the timing shows the campaigns’ financial impact.

The company defends its operations, noting it employs thousands in the Middle East and North Africa and contributes to local economies without taking political sides. Despite this, activists continue to pressure Nestlé globally, particularly during cultural periods like Ramadan.

Analysts warn that while Nestlé’s stock jumped 8% after the restructuring announcement, long-term reputational damage could slow growth in emerging markets.

The situation highlights the growing intersection of geopolitics and corporate accountability in the global food industry.

BLACKPINK Becomes First Artist to Hit 100 Million YouTube Subscribers

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BLACKPINK has become the first music artist or group to reach 100 million subscribers on YouTube.

The K-pop superstars shared the news Friday with photos of their elite award, celebrating the milestone with fans.

The group’s YouTube channel, started in 2015, grew rapidly thanks to hits like DDU-DU DDU-DU and Kill This Love. Their videos have racked up billions of views.

BLACKPINK now tops all other performing artists on the platform, even surpassing some of the biggest non-music creators like MrBeast.

Fans around the world celebrated the achievement, with MTV UK calling it a huge milestone for the group.

BLACKPINK also teased their upcoming world tour, sharing behind-the-scenes footage from their shows in Hong Kong.

The group’s blend of music, visuals, and fan interaction has helped them dominate YouTube and set a new record for artists globally.

Cristiano Ronaldo Turns Sponsor Into Investment With $7.5M Buy

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has invested $7.5 million into Herbalife.

The move gives Ronaldo a 10% stake in HBL Pro2col Software LLC, a health tech platform owned by the nutrition company. The software collects users’ health data and creates personalized wellness plans.

Herbalife announced the investment during its fourth-quarter earnings call. The stock jumped more than 15% when markets opened Thursday.

Ronaldo has worked with Herbalife as a paid partner since 2013. This is his first publicly known investment in the company. He called it a “natural evolution” of their partnership.

The company reported a 6.3% rise in fourth-quarter sales and a 1% increase in full-year 2025 revenue. Ronaldo’s backing is seen as a big boost for Herbalife, which has struggled with stock performance over the past five years.

At 41, Ronaldo is preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Portugal. Off the field, his ventures include hotels, fitness centers, watches, and his YouTube channel with 77 million subscribers.

Herbalife has featured Ronaldo in ads and products for years, including the CR7-branded sports drink. This investment strengthens the link between Ronaldo’s personal brand and the company.

Experts say Ronaldo’s massive social media reach—over a billion followers across platforms—makes him a powerful asset for Herbalife’s growth.

US Figure Skater Amber Glenn Loses Olympic Medal Chance Because of ‘Cruel’ Rule

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US figure skater Amber Glenn was a favourite for gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics – until a harsh rule ended her chances.

Glenn performed well in her short program, hitting a triple Axel and a triple-triple combination. But her final jump, a triple loop, didn’t go as planned.

She mistimed the takeoff and completed only two revolutions. This meant she did a double loop instead of the required triple.

In figure skating, this triggers the “zero-point rule.” The jump is marked as “Not According to Requirements,” giving her no points for that element. Even a perfect double is worth nothing.

The zero-point rule has existed for over 50 years and was designed to push skaters to take risks and maintain high technical standards. It has ended many medal hopes in the past.

Glenn isn’t the only one affected. Canadian skater Madeline Schizas also doubled her triple loop and failed to qualify for the free skate by just 0.15 points.

Glenn will return for the free skate on Thursday. While her medal chances are slim, anything can happen in figure skating.

Currently, Glenn sits 13th after the short program. American teammates Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito are in third and seventh, while Japan’s Ami Nakai leads ahead of Kaori Sakamoto.

Olympic Gold Medallist Jutta Leerdam Hits Back at Critics Over Appearance

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Jutta Leerdam has hit back at critics after winning gold in the 1,000-metre speed skating race at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

The Dutch star set a new Olympic record on 9 February, and was overcome with emotion as she crossed the finish line.

After her win, Leerdam faced criticism over unzipping her skating suit to reveal a Nike sports bra. Some accused her of ambush marketing, claiming she could earn up to $1 million from the move.

Olympic officials dismissed the claims, saying it is normal for speed skaters to unzip their tight suits after a race. Anne-Sophie Voumard, Olympic Committee TMS Managing Director, said, “It is normal practice and not a case of ambush marketing.”

Leerdam revealing her Nike sports bra after her win could bag her a huge payday
Leerdam revealing her Nike sports bra.

Leerdam shared a heartfelt post on Instagram reflecting on her journey and the criticism she’s faced over her appearance. She posted a photo of herself crying, with black eyeliner running down her face.

“This moment proves you don’t have to become less of yourself to achieve something great,” she wrote. “Your looks don’t define you as a person or athlete. If you work hard and stay determined, it will all come together.”

Leerdam added, “It’s ironic because my eyeliner and make-up have been judged during my whole career. All it ever did was give me confidence and make me feel feminine and powerful. I never felt the need to prove anything. I did this for me, my younger self, my family, and for all women who want to be their authentic selves.”

She concluded, “A reminder that you can be soft and strong, disciplined and feminine, all at once. Never let anyone dim your light.”

Grey’s Anatomy Costar Shares Heartbreaking Details of Eric Dane’s Final Days

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Eric Dane, the actor known for Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53. His family confirmed he passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, almost a year after revealing his ALS diagnosis.

Patrick Dempsey, Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy costar, shared heartwarming and heartbreaking details about Dane’s last days. He said Dane spent his final moments surrounded by close friends, his wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

Dempsey told The Chris Evans Breakfast Show that he had spoken to Dane just a week before his death. He revealed that Dane was losing his ability to speak and struggling with basic daily tasks, but wanted to focus on the joy he brought to people.

“He was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow, so his quality of life was deteriorating rapidly,” Dempsey said. “He was the funniest man—such a joy to work with. I want to remember him for that spirit.”

Other Grey’s Anatomy stars, including Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver, and Sarah Drew, shared tributes on social media. Raver wrote, “Eric was a light. You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on set as well as with Rebecca and the girls… You will be missed.”

Former showrunner Krista Vernoff recalled Dane’s warmth and kindness, saying, “The thing I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”

Dane was a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research. After his diagnosis, he pushed for treatment access and vowed to fight the disease so he could see his daughters grow up.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14. His friends, colleagues, and fans continue to celebrate his life and career.

Mass-Market Car COE Prices Overtake Premium Cars for First Time in Years

Singapore’s car market has seen a surprising shift after mainstream car COE premiums became higher than luxury car premiums for the first time in nearly six years. The latest bidding exercise showed Category A COEs rising to S$106,501, while Category B COEs dropped to S$105,001.

Category A covers smaller and lower-powered cars, which are usually cheaper. Category B applies to larger and more powerful cars, which normally have higher premiums. This sudden reversal shocked industry observers because premium car certificates almost always cost more.

Experts say the change is mainly due to new rules on deregistration rebates. The government reduced the Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate and capped it at S$30,000 instead of S$60,000. This made expensive cars less attractive to buyers.

As a result, demand for larger and luxury cars slowed slightly, causing Category B premiums to fall by more than 5 percent. At the same time, Category A prices stayed high due to strong demand for smaller cars and electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles played a major role in keeping Category A premiums elevated. Many EV buyers are less affected by rebate changes because EV incentives already reduce their overall costs.

Dealers also stepped in to protect sales by offering discounts and bidding more cautiously. This prevented Category B premiums from dropping too sharply despite weaker demand.

Industry experts say the market remains unpredictable. Some believe buyers are still adjusting to the new rules, while others expect more people to choose electric vehicles in the future.

Officials warned buyers to be careful when bidding, as COE prices could change again. The unusual results show the car market is entering a new and uncertain phase.

Alysa Liu Wins Olympic Gold After Quitting Skating for Two Years

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Alysa Liu has won Olympic gold in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in the sport. The 20-year-old delivered a stunning free skate in Milan, finishing with 226.79 points to secure first place.

Liu performed with confidence and joy, smiling and waving to her family during the routine. She later said she wanted to put on a show for her loved ones. Her relaxed mindset helped her stay calm under pressure on the biggest stage.

Her victory is historic. She became the first American woman to win Olympic figure skating gold since Sarah Hughes in 2002, ending a 24-year drought for the United States.

What makes Liu’s win even more powerful is her journey. After finishing sixth at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she felt burned out and shockingly retired from skating at just 16 years old. She spent two years away from competition, focusing on her personal life and studying psychology.

When she returned, Liu did things differently. She trained on her own terms and focused on enjoying skating instead of chasing medals. That fresh mindset helped her rediscover her passion for the sport.

Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto won silver, while Ami Nakai took bronze. But the night belonged to Liu, whose comeback inspired fans around the world.

Liu said she hopes her story can inspire others and raise awareness about mental health. Her journey from burnout to Olympic champion has made her one of the most inspiring athletes of the Games.

McSteamy Actor Eric Dane Passes Away at 53, Fans Pay Tribute

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Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53. He passed away on Thursday after battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His representatives confirmed he was surrounded by family and close friends in his final days.

Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, less than a year before his death. ALS is a serious disease that damages nerve cells and slowly takes away the ability to move, speak, and breathe. Despite the diagnosis, Dane continued to speak publicly and raise awareness about the condition.

He became a global fan favorite after playing Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as “McSteamy,” on Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 to 2012. His character became one of the most loved figures on the show, and the hospital was later named Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in tribute to his role.

Dane later showed a darker side of his acting with his role as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria. He also starred as a Navy captain in The Last Ship, proving his range across different types of characters.

In his final months, Dane became a strong advocate for ALS awareness. He spoke at public events and encouraged support for research and patients. He was even named advocate of the year by an ALS organization in 2025 for his efforts.

Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. The couple married in 2004 and remained legally married despite past separation. His family described him as a devoted father who loved his fans deeply.

Before his death, Dane also announced a memoir titled Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments. The book, set to be released by Penguin Random House later in 2026, will share his life story, career, and his experience living with ALS.

Fans around the world are now mourning the loss of a beloved actor, remembered not just for his iconic roles, but also for his courage and strength in his final fight.

Google’s New Gemini 3.1 Pro Shows Big Gains in Reasoning and Coding

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Google has launched Gemini 3.1 Pro Preview, an upgraded version of its flagship AI model focused on advanced reasoning. The rollout started on February 19, 2026, and is available via the Gemini app, NotebookLM, Gemini API, Vertex AI, Gemini Enterprise, Android Studio, Gemini CLI, and Google Antigravity.

Gemini 3.1 Pro is designed for complex, multi-step tasks, offering refined performance, higher reliability, and improved agentic workflows. Independent benchmarks highlight its leap in intelligence: a 77.1% score on ARC-AGI-2, more than doubling Gemini 3 Pro’s 31.1%, and top scores on APEX-Agents for multi-step tasks in Google Workspace.

The model also leads on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index with a score of 57, outperforming rivals like Claude Opus 4.6. It excels in physics reasoning, scientific coding, knowledge accuracy, and agentic task handling, all while running at roughly half the inference cost of some competitors.

Early demos show Gemini 3.1 Pro’s creative strengths, including code-generated animated SVGs of whimsical animals performing stunts—sharp, scalable, and tiny in file size.

Some users experienced launch-day issues, like missing CLI access, bugs in Google Antigravity, and occasional hallucinations. Google has quickly addressed many of these, and community feedback remains positive.

Pricing remains consistent with Gemini 3 Pro: $2 per million input tokens and $12 per million output tokens under 200,000 tokens, with higher rates for longer contexts.

Gemini 3.1 Pro targets reasoning-heavy domains like coding, scientific research, enterprise automation, and creative prototyping, giving developers and knowledge workers new ways to tackle complex problems in 2026.

Access is expanding, with full stabilization expected soon.

Claude AI Now Builds PowerPoint Slides Automatically Inside Microsoft PowerPoint

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Anthropic has launched Claude in PowerPoint, an AI-powered add-in that lets users create and edit slides directly inside Microsoft PowerPoint.

The add-in, available as a research preview in February 2026 for Claude Max, Team, and Enterprise subscribers, integrates Claude’s AI reasoning into a sidebar. Users can now generate entire decks, refine slides, or make targeted edits using natural language prompts.

Claude preserves corporate templates, slide masters, fonts, colors, layouts, and branding. Key features include building slide structures from descriptions, converting bullet points into charts or visuals, and editing specific slides without regenerating the entire deck.

The add-in connects with other tools for more relevant content, allowing context-aware presentations. Users install it from PowerPoint’s add-in store and select Claude Opus 4.6 for optimal performance.

Early adopters in consulting, finance, product management, and design say Claude reduces hours of formatting work to minutes, eliminating late-night “deck panic.”

While Microsoft 365 Copilot has offered slide creation tools since 2023, many users note Claude provides better template fidelity, professional visuals, and precise edits. Microsoft has already integrated Claude models into select Copilot features for Excel and research tasks.

Analysts say Anthropic’s approach focuses on enhancing specific productivity tools rather than building a full suite. With Claude now in Excel and new workflow features coming, Anthropic is positioning itself as a major player in AI-powered productivity.

For professionals who spend hours tweaking slides, Claude in PowerPoint promises to automate tedious tasks while keeping brand standards intact.

Olympics Respond to Leerdam’s ‘Flashing’ Moment After Gold Win

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Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam has been cleared of ambush marketing after revealing her Nike sports bra following her 1000m win at the Winter Olympics.

The 27-year-old, engaged to influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, was overcome with emotion after crossing the finish line and winning Gold on February 9. She also won Silver in the Women’s 500m on February 15.

After her 1000m victory, Leerdam unzipped her tight skating suit, showing a white Nike sports bra. Experts said this could have been worth a $1 million payday thanks to her sponsorship.

Some critics claimed it was ambush marketing because her suit is sponsored by FILA. However, the IOC disagreed. Anne-Sophie Voumard, IOC TMS Managing Director, said, “It is normal practice for speed skaters to unzip their suits after a race. This is not a case of ambush marketing.”

Ambush marketing is when companies promote products at events without paying official sponsorship fees. The IOC takes it seriously to protect official partners and the Olympic brand.

Nike celebrated the moment on Instagram, writing: “When you’re this fast, you don’t ask for permission.”

Jake Paul was visibly emotional in the stands, posting videos of Leerdam’s win and calling it “one of the most important sporting moments ever.”

Leerdam now returns home with two Olympic medals and no penalties over her celebratory reveal.

F1 Insider Confirms Lando Norris and Magui Corceiro Breakup

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Rumors about Lando Norris and Portuguese influencer Magui Corceiro ending their relationship have been confirmed by a prominent Formula 1 insider.

Respected F1 photographer Kym Illman shared a social media video saying, “You’ll read about this in The Sun tomorrow, he has broken up with his girlfriend [Magui Corceiro]. You might’ve already heard rumors, but it is definitely true.”

The announcement quickly spread across motorsport social media, fueling speculation about the McLaren driver and Corceiro’s split.

Fans reacted with a mix of shock, skepticism, and calls for respect. Some expressed surprise at how casually the news was shared, while others urged caution, noting that the breakup had not been officially confirmed by either party.

Many social media users defended both Norris and Corceiro, emphasizing their right to privacy. “Can we all please just be respectful towards Lando and Magui… they’re still human beings with feelings,” one fan wrote.

Others suggested that their demanding schedules during the Formula 1 season and Corceiro’s professional commitments might explain any distance between them.

The couple had mostly kept their relationship private, occasionally appearing together at events and sharing glimpses of their personal lives.

As of now, neither Norris nor Corceiro has publicly commented, leaving the situation officially unconfirmed and based solely on insider reporting.

Taylor Swift’s “Opalite” Gets Ely Oaks Remix Ahead of His 2026 North American Tour

Austrian-born DJ and producer Ely Oaks has kicked off 2026 in style with the official remix of Taylor Swift’s latest single “Opalite”, released via Republic Records/Universal Music Group on February 20.

The remix lands just a week before Ely begins his North American tour on February 27, a perfectly timed launch for the Berlin-based artist. Tour dates include Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, Vancouver, Calgary, and Miami Music Week, with shows already selling out in major cities.

Ely Oaks said about the remix: “The moment you get the task to remix a Taylor Swift single is very special. It’s a huge honor, and I wanted it to be perfect. It took a few tries to find the spark that felt right. I’m extremely happy the final version made it to the official EP.”

Following a breakout 2025, Ely cemented his status with hits like “Running Around” (nearing 150 million Spotify streams) and “Borderline” (over 130 million streams). He also remixed James Hype’s “Waterfalls” and collaborated with Elle King on “Ex’s & Oh’s”, carrying momentum into his international tour.

Born in Kitzbühel, Austria, Ely built a diverse musical background, from indie and metalcore to EDM. He launched his solo career in 2021, with viral remixes like Florence + The Machine’s “Spectrum (Say My Name)” marking his rise.

Ely has performed at top festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Australia, Ushuaïa Ibiza, and EDC Orlando, building a global fanbase of nearly 10 million monthly Spotify listeners and over 1 million social media followers.

His sound blends underground energy with commercial dance appeal, making him a standout in today’s EDM scene. The official remix of “Opalite” highlights his ability to create high-impact productions for both streaming platforms and live audiences.

The North American tour runs from February 27 through March 28, with Ely set to deliver high-energy performances alongside his latest releases. This year marks his most ambitious run yet, combining chart-topping remixes with sold-out live shows.

Baby Keem Drops New Album ‘CA$INO’ Featuring Kendrick Lamar and More

Baby Keem has officially released his long-awaited second album, CA$INO, on February 20, 2026. The project arrives after a five-year gap since his debut, The Melodic Blue, which helped establish him as one of hip-hop’s most exciting new voices.

The 12-track album runs for just under 37 minutes and was released through pgLang and Columbia Records. The focused runtime delivers a tight, energetic listening experience that fans have been waiting years to hear.

The album includes major guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Too $hort, Che Ecru, and Momo Boyd of Infinity Song. One standout track, “Good Flirts,” featuring Kendrick Lamar and Momo Boyd, is already gaining attention for its smooth production and sharp lyricism.

Fans have flooded social media with praise, calling the album “no-skip” and “classic material.” Early listeners say the project shows clear growth, with stronger melodies, confident delivery, and polished production.

The rollout also included the ‘Booman III’ documentary series on YouTube, where Kendrick Lamar praised Keem’s talent and creative evolution. The videos gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the recording process and their close creative partnership.

Several tracks are already emerging as fan favorites, including “No Security,” “Ca$ino,” “House Money,” and “$ex Appeal.” The album blends melodic rap, experimental sounds, and Keem’s signature energetic style.

Streaming numbers surged within hours of release, showing strong demand for Keem’s return. Industry watchers say CA$INO could become one of the most important hip-hop releases of 2026.

With CA$INO, Baby Keem has delivered a confident follow-up that builds on his debut success. After years of anticipation, fans finally have new music—and early reactions suggest the wait paid off.

F1 to Stream Live in IMAX Theaters Across the United States

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Formula 1 fans in the United States will soon be able to watch races live in IMAX theaters for the first time. The new experience comes through a partnership between Apple TV+ and IMAX.

The deal will allow fans to watch select races from the 2026 Formula One World Championship on giant IMAX screens. The move aims to bring the speed, sound, and atmosphere of Formula 1 to a cinema setting.

Five major Grands Prix will be shown live: Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, and Austin. These races are among the most famous on the F1 calendar and attract millions of viewers worldwide.

At least 50 IMAX locations across the United States will participate in the program. Fans will experience the races with enhanced visuals and powerful sound, creating a more immersive viewing environment than traditional TV broadcasts.

The partnership reflects Formula 1’s growing popularity in the US. The sport has gained new fans in recent years due to expanded media coverage, streaming access, and major events like the Miami and Austin races.

Officials say the goal is to make Formula 1 more accessible and exciting for fans. If successful, the IMAX broadcasts could expand to more races and locations in the future.

New Hip-Hop This Week ― February 20: Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keem & More

💿 Albums / EPs:

  • Baby Keem — CA$INO (ft. Kendrick Lamar, Che Ecru, Momo Boyd & Too $hort)
  • Larry June, Curren$y & The Alchemist — Spiral Staircases
  • Choker — Heaven Ain’t Sold
  • Babyfxce E — Da Realest
  • Mozzy & EST Gee — Not A Chance In Hell
  • Lil Tjay — They Just Ain’t You
  • millkzy — Final Act: Freedom (EP)

🎵 Singles:

  • Ray Vaughn — Hit and Run (feat. AZ Chike)
  • REASON — Don’t Play With My Heart
  • BLP Kosher & Riff Raff — TiP TOE iN MY FORCES
  • Bruiser Wolf & BabyTron — Why They Play Me?
  • Myles Lloyd — DMC (ft. GEMINI, karencici, JUNNY)
  • Rocket Rese — TRAPSTYLE
  • Saam Sultan — Jump Shot
  • Real Boston Richey — Fine Sht*

💥 Hip-Hop heads, which track are you bumping first this weekend?

New EDM This Week ― February 20, 2026 Edition

Here’s a roundup of the standout tracks hitting the scene this week:

  • 220KID – Give Me Hell (ft. Jake Clark)
  • 347aidan – self sabotage (feat. Grizzly Bear)
  • 1991, TW3LVE – Icarus
  • Abstract Vision, Hydro Poison – Rewinded
  • Act of Rage – Endless Voyage
  • Adam Reece – Redemption
  • After Elsewhere – Last Light
  • Airborn – AirBURN (Somnia Remix)
  • Airnova – The Void
  • Alex Shov – Just Be
  • ALIGEE, Gareden – Carolija
  • Ambedoverse – Chasing Grays (Roger Shah’s Uplifting Mix)
  • Amine K – TBW
  • Amy Moon, XLYV – Lost & Found
  • Andrea Marino – Vampiria
  • Andreas Kraemer, Daniela Hensel – Feuer und Benzin
  • Andre Visior, Fragma, Aquagen – Time & Time
  • Andrew Rayel & Alan Morris – Never Be The Same
  • Angels&Tilove – You Are
  • Anton By, DaWTone – Future Techno
  • AOA, EGGSTA – Out Of Place
  • Aressa, TLUXX – Rise of the Fallen
  • Ariel Music – Without You
  • Atmos, AC13 – Bend It Back It Up
  • Autodepth, eeyrith. – The One
  • Axel Cooper – All Right (All Night)
  • Axel Johansson – All I Know (ft. Anarae)
  • Ayda – Eternity
  • Azteck x MEZIAH – Harder Better Faster Stronger
  • BARELY ALIVE – SPEED DEMON (already released)
  • BARTY B – Fusion
  • Bass Banditz – Come On Babe
  • BassWar & CaoX – Escape
  • Belters Only & Seamus D – My Love
  • Benny Benassi x Fideles – Just Like That
  • BETH (UK) – Keep It Movin’
  • Bhaskar, Mojjo – Discoteka
  • blaqkongo, Skai Lounge – Day One
  • Bob & Shag – Look Back
  • Boogie Hill Faders – Lies
  • Bound to Divide, Coulson – All I See Is You
  • BOVSKI – Do It Again
  • Braaheim – Lambada
  • Brooks x Justin Mylo x Philip Strand – Distant Love
  • C-Systems, Hanna Finsen – Feel Alive
  • Caleb Laurenson – Beautiful Thing
  • Camoufly x Oppidan – Hold Tight
  • Camrinwatsin feat Kirbs – Follow Your Lead
  • Cheat Codes x ALTÉGO x Hannah Boleyn – Miss Me
  • Chef Boyarbeatz – The Wobbler (already released)
  • Chris Metcalfe – Supernature (already released)
  • Christian Burns – Darker Days (Avenue One Remix)
  • Christophe Quinlivan-Hunt – Modern Diplomacy
  • Ciro Visone, Anthya – Cage Of Love
  • Claas Inc. – Let’s Lose Control
  • Claptone & Hannah Boleyn – Black & Gold (A-Trak Remix)
  • Curious Mind – Drown In It
  • D-Block & S-te-Fan & Rebelion – Save The Day
  • D-Block& S-te-fan – Save the Day
  • D-Fence & Alee – Tides of Tiranny (Official Masters of Hardcore 2026 Anthem)
  • Dan Harrison – Distruction
  • Dano – Pulse
  • Dan Thompson – Release
  • Darrell Martin, Liam Wilson, 4Motion, Tai Woffinden – Over 4 Me
  • David Forbes – Harbour 43
  • David Guetta, Kiko & Olivier Giacomotto – Prayer
  • David McQuiston – Cosmo
  • Dawty, Joshua Robbie, Preston Harris – Eyes All Over Mine
  • Daxson – Manifesto
  • deadmau5 ft. Stevie Appleton – Science
  • Deep Dish, Nicole Moudaber, Skunk Anansie – Love Someone Else
  • Definite Grooves – Good Stuff
  • Demi Kanon – Faster
  • Den Eyes – I Still Burn For You
  • derderwandert – Diego Armando (EP)
  • Devin Wild & Creeds – Dangerous (Hard Version)
  • DINO DZ, THE DISCO GODFATHERS, HAWD HITTA – BOUNCE
  • Dirty Rush & Gregor Es – Watcher
  • Dirty Signal & KROMI – Voltage
  • DJ Fudge – Carry Us Away
  • DJ Hybrid – How You Feel
  • DJ Jordan – Bass Shot
  • DJ Susan, Dave Summer – Serve Bass
  • DJ T.H., Michele C, Reborn Sound System – Happily Never After (DJ Dean Remix)
  • DREYA V – Money
  • Dr Phunk & Kevin D’Angello – Danger Zone
  • DS84, Casper Nederhoff – Khronos
  • Dual Damage – Rave Mode
  • EBEN, Nu-La – Your Love
  • Elderbrook, Adriatique- Lost in the Woods
  • Eran Hersh, Tekkman, Antho Decks – Yoruba
  • Eryon Stocker – Eureka
  • Faceless, MC Activate – Face Your Demon 3.0
  • Fahlberg – Nordic Melodic Vol 2
  • Featuring Grizzly Bear??!!
  • Fedele – Gentle Dance (EP)
  • Feel, Aelyn – If You Feel Love (FEEL Up Mix)
  • Felix Da Housecat, Vanfave – Night Machine
  • Felix Reichelt – Eternal Circle
  • Fezzo, Zaark, InntRaw – Sky
  • Froidy – Dark Forces
  • Furkan Senol – Alive
  • G-Spott, DJ B-Side – No Comment
  • G1SM0 – GO DOWN
  • Gabriel Paris, Bohm (ofc), Fēlēs, ThereWereTwo, Elyonn – Underneath It All
  • Genetics, Bish, A Little Sound – I Just Can’t Get Enough
  • Gennady Blinkov – Desert
  • GREG 99 – Waist Move
  • Greg Dela – Gravity
  • Guy Didden – Let Me Down / Only You (already released)
  • Haylee Wood – Naughty
  • Hearts2Hearts – RUDE!
  • Hidden Empire – No Rules
  • HILLS (US), WELKER (BR) – Swagger
  • Horyzon – Past=Future (already released)
  • Hugo Cantarra – Electric Feel
  • Ian G, Alexis Knox – What’s It Gonna Be
  • I haven’t seen any confirmation for Beautiful Places this week
  • IOA – Night After Night EP
  • Ivan Pogrebniak – Crystalline Sky
  • Jackob Rocksonn – Who You Are
  • Jai Jetpack, Axidom – Feel Like This
  • James Poole – Lease Of Life
  • JAN DE VICE, SAMDMA – Surrender To Madness
  • Jared Cutler – Brighter Days
  • JARR Head – Choose Trance Not War
  • Jay Lumen – My Bassline
  • Jody Wisternoff, James Grant – Anjunadeep 16
  • John Newman – Love Me Again (Third Party & DubVision Remix)
  • John Summit – LIGHTS GO OUT (Remixes) (from DENNETT, G-POL & Silvertone (US))
  • Jonas Saalbach, Lexer – Data Romance
  • Jordano Roosevelt – Healing (EP)
  • Joris Voorn x Ferry Corsten x Moonman – Don’t Be Afraid
  • Josh Butler – House Rules (EP)
  • JUNO (DE) – Que Rico
  • Just Ben, Freak E Beatz, RT (SG) – Echoes
  • Justė, Jaxstyle, Jon – Turn The Lights Off (HEDEGAARD Remix)
  • Jørg Alexson – The Pilgrim
  • Kenan Teke – One Last Thing
  • Kevin McKay – That’s The Way Love Goes
  • Kiholm, Anriu, GAALIA – Waterfall
  • Knolldoll – Kill The Vibe
  • Kota, Moksi, Merow – Different Dimension
  • Kruelty & SLVL – GOD_MODE
  • Kygo x Gryffin ft. Khalid – Save My Love
  • Layton Giordani x Camden Cox – Destiny
  • Leon Bolier, Mostly Cloudy – Charge
  • Leon Lour – No Matter (feat. Camden Cox)
  • Leon Lour feat Camden Cox – No Matter
  • Licia, Exception – Freak Of Nature
  • Life on Planets, Errol Bangz – Make You Mine
  • LIZOT x FABLO x Brave Culture – No Kiss
  • Lorjs – Fake or Real
  • Lucho Salari – Problems / of the Future / 1948
  • LUCØ, Georgia Ku – Difficult
  • Luxpop – Juicy
  • M-22 – Asking 4
  • Maneki – NIGHT*TIME
  • Manufactured Superstars – Some Of Our Friends Are DJ’s (EP)
  • Mariano San Pedro – Mortis
  • Mark Reeve – Desire
  • Matroda – Body & Soul / Winning Prize
  • MATTN x UUFO x Shogun – Late Night
  • Maxim Tonic, Michael Roman – Let Me Speak
  • MC4D x KENLEY – Mama Said
  • Melle Jutte – Behave
  • Melodicr – Would You Wait / What I Need
  • Melsen – What I Feel
  • Merchant – Holding Me (feat. Meghan McLeod)
  • Merseh, Macca Grills – Afraid To Feel
  • Mha Iri – Freak (EP)
  • Michael Milov – Dreamer
  • Mike Candys – Up All Night
  • Mike Williams & Oaks – Better Now (VIP Mix)
  • Moby – Future Quiet (album)
  • MOGUAI – RAGE
  • Moksi x Merow x Kota – Different Dimension
  • Mona Vale – Asha (EP)
  • Monte, Ruback, Kiko Franco – PIECE OF ME
  • Moone, Cloudcage – Ocean Divide (already released)
  • Moullinex, GPU Panic, MXGPU, Malou – Sudden Light (Remixes pt II)
  • Mumford & Sons x Gracie Abrams – Badlands
  • MVRDA – Cessation EP
  • N-Vitral & Furyan – Murder on the Dancefloor
  • Naeleck x Tony Richard – Navras
  • Natty Rico, TWOPILOTS – Where Is My Mind?
  • Neon Cassettes – Closer
  • Nick The Kid, Name Is Critical – Blinded
  • Nico Falla, bradeazy – Accelerate
  • Ninajirachi & daine – It’s You (underscores’ “It’s U” Remix) (already released)
  • Nitrous Oxide – Vanta
  • NOME. – Don’t Give Up
  • NO STATIC, Dansyn – Pressure (already released)
  • NOTION x Redlight – Get Out My Head
  • Novacode – Broken Soul
  • nümind – Closed Spaces
  • Odd Mob, Lizzy Land – Never Alone
  • OLIEFOUR – Gozalu
  • Oliver Lieb, Torsten Stenzel, Paragliders – Lithium (EP) (Remastered)
  • On Deck, Bob & Shag, Aaron Colbert – Look Back
  • Onlynumbers, KLOFAMA – ONLYFAMA
  • Oooh fuck yeah love Andrew rayel
  • Oskah – We’ll Be Okay
  • Osman Mousa – Spectrum
  • Ozwald – Obedience / Hammer & Steel
  • Panteros666, Tim Rausch, DJ Dings – Move Fast
  • Patric Arcee – Survive Mind
  • Peppe Salerno, Gianni Caiaffa, Luis Rodriguez, Marlie Chunes – On Faya
  • Perfect Pitch, Sinatic, MNFLD – It’s Alright
  • Peter Schumann, Coss – Ocean Grown
  • Phase 303 – Mind Control / Break Dance Drop
  • Pizza Hotline – VR MISSIONS (Tim Reaper Remix)
  • Planet Peace – I Want To Feel Real Again (Bart B More Rework)
  • PNAU x Meduza – Rollin’
  • Polarspell – Extravagant
  • Polux, Liam Jay, JP Ventura – Little Too Late
  • Quoone, YASUKI – Walls
  • QWERTY – Day I Die
  • Ragie Ban, AYYBO – I Don’t Want To
  • Raz Nitzan, Jo Cartwright – A Quiet Heartache
  • Reform (IT) – Balance
  • Rem-X – End of Era
  • Rene Ablaze, Daniel Cesana – Crucifixus
  • Reny – House Beat (EP)
  • ReOrder – Behind The Curtain (ReOrder & AlexSo Remix)
  • Resolve – Echoes
  • REX.W – Solar Flare
  • Ritmo, Pettra – Asana
  • Robert Junior (PE), Baiyia – Bodies On The Floor
  • Robert Owens, Alan Dixon, mOat (UK), fa bé – She Sees Only Sunshine
  • Robinito – Unconquered
  • Robin Schulz – Flames (feat. Bandit)
  • Roman Messer, Rocco – Dreams (Will Come Alive)
  • Ruback, Kiko Franco, Jan Liva – PIECE OF ME
  • Ryan K, Paipy – Soulstream
  • Sacha Robotti, Perry Farrell – Words
  • Salman Wani – Limbo
  • Samuel Moriero – RANDOM NOSTALGIA
  • Sarah Etheridge, Deme3us, H4lo – Don’t Look Back
  • Scott Cameron – Juxtaposition
  • SCRIPT – Headshake
  • Serpoosh – Age of Violence
  • Shadow Assembly – Elarion
  • Shoby, Exed, ABBY M., Domafro – Cool Kids
  • Showtek/Showtekno alias – Toda la Noche EP
  • Sickick x Pink Sweat$ – you want my time
  • Signum, Scott Mac, LUSU – Coming On Strong
  • Silver Panda, Segev Yehonatan – Feel It Now
  • Simon Riemann, Cozy Sky, SYMONO – Wicked Game
  • Smalltown DJs, Joanna Magik – Energy (feat. Techno Tupac) [Remixes]
  • SOLOWEI, Aerial Beat – Across the Universe (Aerial Beat Remix)
  • Sommer Ray – Pulse
  • Son of Son, Jaycov – Into
  • Sound Quelle, Liz Cass, Tailor – Our Own Island
  • SP.XO – Ready For The After Party
  • Space Wizard – Wizard’s Wasteland EP
  • St.Ego – Fever Dream
  • StanV – The Lights
  • Steve Brian, Epilogus – De Magia Vitae
  • Stoneface & Terminal – Sun & You
  • Storm, Juliet Fox – Time To Burn
  • Stu B – Ghost Notes
  • Summer Wynn – Deeper Closer
  • SuperLarx – Anger
  • Teddy Killerz – Could I Be / What U Done
  • TESSERACTS – Mission
  • TH;EN – Ice Veins (EP)
  • That Girl, BiXX – Walk on Water
  • The Space Brothers, MDDLTN – Forgiven
  • Thysma – Resolved
  • Tian, Purple Velvet Curtains – Motivated
  • Tiesto x Brieanna Grace – Beautiful Places
  • Tinlicker – Melancholia
  • Tone – Spread Your Wings
  • Toneshifterz, Project Zeitgeist – POP IT
  • Triple M, Blanee – 4 YOU
  • Tristan, Acid Punks – Tongue Twister
  • Tycoos, Victor Tayne, NyTiGen – Afterglow
  • U-G – Colors of Izumo
  • VALTTERI – Losing Control
  • Veritas (UK) – All I Need
  • Victor Ruiz, HNGT – A New Day
  • Waleed, XETEX – Wieso
  • Weska, Kyra Mastro – Nowhere To Hide
  • WHIPPED CREAM – stranger
  • Will Rees, Paul Denton, Parallel Worlds – Get High
  • Wow love me again remix by third party and dubvision !!!!!
  • Xavier (ID) – Izanagi (EP)
  • York, Talla 2XLC, DJ Sakin & Friends – Whispers In The Wind
  • Z3N, Marnage, Dualities – Calabria

Bad Bunny Lands First Lead Movie Role After Super Bowl Success

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Bad Bunny is taking his career to the next level after landing his first leading role in a major film. The global music star is moving deeper into acting following a huge start to 2026.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, recently performed at the Super Bowl halftime show and won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards for his album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Now, he is set to star in the upcoming historical drama Porto Rico.

The film will be directed by René Pérez Joglar, also known as Residente, in his directorial debut. The movie will explore the history of Puerto Rico and is inspired by real events connected to the island’s past.

Bad Bunny will star alongside major Hollywood actors, including Javier Bardem, Edward Norton, and Viggo Mortensen. The project will also be produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu.

Although this is his first lead role, Bad Bunny already has acting experience. He previously appeared in films such as Bullet Train and F9, and has also hosted Saturday Night Live.

Director René Pérez Joglar said the film is a personal project about Puerto Rico’s identity and history. He said he has dreamed of telling this story since childhood and wants the film to show the truth about his country.

Actor Edward Norton also praised the project, saying the film will combine powerful storytelling with real historical themes. He said working with Bad Bunny and Joglar will bring something unique to the screen.

Bad Bunny’s move into a lead film role marks a major step in his career, showing he is becoming a force not just in music, but also in Hollywood.

Google Pixel 10a Arrives With Satellite SOS and Faster Charging

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Google has officially launched the Pixel 10a, its latest budget-friendly smartphone. The new device keeps the same $499 starting price in the US and is available for pre-order now, with full retail sales beginning March 5.

The Google Pixel 10a comes with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. There is no microSD slot. In Canada, pricing starts at CAD $679.

One of the biggest design changes is the new flat camera setup. Unlike most modern phones, the Pixel 10a has no noticeable camera bump. Google has made the rear cameras sit flush against the back of the phone.

The phone runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip and launches with Android 16. It also comes with a promise of seven years of OS and security updates, matching Google’s long-term software support strategy.

The Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Google says this is its brightest Pixel A-series screen yet, offering an 11% boost in brightness compared to last year’s model.

Camera hardware includes a 48MP main lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. The phone also gets AI features like Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, which were previously limited to higher-end Pixel models.

Battery capacity stays at 5,100mAh, but charging speeds improve. The Pixel 10a supports 30W wired charging and 10W wireless charging. It also adds Satellite SOS support and carries an IP68 water resistance rating.

Overall, the Pixel 10a does not reinvent the lineup, but it offers small upgrades in design, brightness, and charging while keeping the same affordable price point.

Over 7 Million Telegram Channels Gone as Russia Tightens Control

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Telegram has blocked more than 7.46 million channels and groups since January 1, as Russia considers a possible nationwide ban from April 1.

According to state news agency TASS, Telegram removed 238,800 channels on February 15 and another 187,300 on February 16. The total number of blocked groups and channels this year now stands at over 7.463 million worldwide.

Andrey Svintsov, deputy chairman of the Information Policy Committee at the State Duma, said Telegram has started complying with Russian laws. He said the company is now working more actively with regulators and blocking content that violates national legislation.

Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, recently slowed Telegram’s traffic, citing non-compliance. Media reports claim authorities could fully block the platform on April 1. Officials have not confirmed the date but have warned about “sequential restrictions.”

Svintsov said Telegram could meet the requirements within one to two months. These include opening a local legal entity, storing user data inside Russia, paying taxes, and removing banned content. He added that a full block before April 1 is unlikely.

Meanwhile, Russia has already fully blocked WhatsApp by removing its domains from national DNS servers. Before the block, WhatsApp had 94.5 million monthly users in Russia, slightly ahead of Telegram’s 93.6 million users.

As restrictions increase, many Russians are turning to VPNs and alternative apps such as imo. At the same time, authorities are promoting the state-backed Max messenger as part of broader efforts to tighten control over social media platforms.

NASCAR Driver Reveals Husband Told Her to ‘Call Me When You’re 18’

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NASCAR driver Natalie Decker has shared a personal story about how her relationship with her husband Derek Lemke began—revealing he first messaged her when she was just 14.

Speaking on the Speedway Sessions podcast, Decker said she first met Lemke at a Wisconsin racetrack. She was 14 at the time, and he was 18. She recalled being “obsessed” with him, even though he was older and already in a relationship.

Decker said that about six months after meeting at Oktoberfest, Lemke sent her a message on Instagram saying: “Call me when you’re 18.” She responded, agreeing to do so.

The NASCAR driver explained that after she turned 18, Lemke reached out on Valentine’s Day. They have been together ever since, and the couple now has one child.

Podcast host Matt Tifft asked Decker whether the situation could be considered grooming. Decker noted that they never discussed it at the time, but she emphasized that their relationship officially began only after she was legally an adult.

Decker also shared anecdotes about first noticing Lemke at the track, saying she thought he was “the coolest guy,” and that she admired him from afar while he viewed her as “just this little girl.”

The story has drawn attention online due to the unusual timeline of their early interactions and has sparked discussion about boundaries and social media interactions between minors and adults in sports communities.

NASA Reveals 15,000 Undetected Asteroids That Could Wipe Out Cities

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Scientists have issued a stark warning after NASA admitted it does not know where thousands of potentially dangerous asteroids are located.

The space agency says there could be around 15,000 “city killer” asteroids still unaccounted for. These space rocks are at least 140 metres wide and are large enough to cause serious regional damage if they hit Earth.

NASA has been tracking near-Earth objects for years. While experts say they know the location of most large, planet-destroying asteroids, it is the mid-sized ones that worry them most.

Dr Kelly Fast, who leads planetary defence efforts at NASA, said these are the objects that keep her up at night. Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Phoenix, she said smaller rocks hit Earth often and the very large ones are mostly tracked. But the “in-between” asteroids remain a major concern.

She explained that scientists estimate there are about 25,000 of these mid-sized asteroids, yet only around 40 percent have been identified so far. Finding the rest will take time, even with advanced telescopes.

Another expert, Nancy Chabot from Johns Hopkins University, warned that Earth currently has no ready defence system if one of these objects were heading our way.

In 2022, NASA carried out the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which successfully changed the path of an asteroid by crashing a spacecraft into it. The test proved that deflection is possible in theory.

However, Chabot admitted there is no similar mission prepared to launch quickly if a real threat appeared tomorrow. She said more investment is needed to prepare for this kind of danger before it becomes a real emergency.