live U.S., Iran closer to deal, timing remains unclear
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Death toll from US winter storms grows to 14
The death toll from powerful winter storms in the central and eastern United States has risen to at least 14, officials said Monday, after floods, gale-force winds and bitterly cold temperatures swept the region.
The National Weather Service warned on Monday of a winter storm system carrying arctic air that would cause "record cold," with wind chill expected to hit as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit in Montana and North Dakota.
2. Delta plane flips upside down on landing at Toronto airport, injuring 18
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Canada's Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday amid windy weather following a snowstorm, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board, officials said.
Three people on flight DL4819 from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport suffered critical injuries, among them a child, a Canadian air ambulance official said, with 15 others also immediately taken to hospitals.
3. ‘Serious concerns’ as new video emerges of Australian captured by Russia
The Australian government has said it has “serious concerns” about an Australian citizen captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine after new footage emerged of him looking emaciated and complaining of a broken arm.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told public broadcaster ABC on Tuesday that he had seen the video posted on YouTube of Oscar Jenkins.
4. Argentina’s Javier Milei faces fraud allegations over cryptocurrency post
A judge in Argentina has been tasked with leading an investigation into President Javier Milei’s relationship with the cryptocurrency $LIBRA, amid allegations of fraud.
On Monday, Federal Judge Maria Servini was randomly chosen to helm the probe, which will look into whether Milei acted illegally.
5. Mexico awaits new response from Google on dispute over Gulf of Mexico name before filing lawsuit
Mexico said Monday it’s awaiting a new response from Google to its request that the tech company fully restore the name Gulf of Mexico to its Google Maps service before filing a lawsuit.
President Claudia Sheinbaum shared a letter addressed to her government from Cris Turner, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy. It says that Google will not change the policy it outlined after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the body of water the Gulf of America.
“We will wait for Google’s response and if not, we will proceed to court,” Sheinbaum said Monday during a morning press briefing.
6. Grok 3 now available for X Premium+ users
Elon Musk's AI startup xAI launched its Grok 3 chatbot today at 9.30 am, with Musk calling it the “smartest AI on Earth.”
Grok3 represents a substantial leap forward from Grok2, not just in computational power but in its ability to engage with human-like comprehension and creativity. The demonstration included real-time solutions to complex physics problems, such as plotting an interplanetary trajectory, showcasing Grok3's capacity to think and act beyond traditional AI limitations.
7. Azerbaijan and Iran discuss crucial East Zangazur-Nakhchivan transport project
During a working visit to Tehran, Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref to discuss the current state of Azerbaijan-Iran relations and prospects for cooperation in various spheres, including economy, trade, investment, transport, transit, oil and gas, energy, and humanitarian affairs.
Citing the Cabinet of Ministers' press service, that the meeting focused on the progress of joint projects aimed at establishing road and rail communications, constructing the East Zangazur-Nakhchivan transport infrastructure through Iranian territory, and developing the North-South Transport Corridor.
8. Türkiye names timeline for first Turkmen gas deliveries
Turkmenistan will begin supplying natural gas to Türkiye on March 1, 2025, under a barter arrangement facilitated through Iran, Turkish Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmet Demirok announced at a press conference.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in energy cooperation between the two nations. According to Ambassador Demirok, the contract between Türkiye's state-owned energy company BOTAŞ and Turkmenistan’s Turkmengaz was signed on Monday, formalizing the terms of the gas supply.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celebrations across New York City.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment