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Exclusive-Increased Orinoco Belt output boosts Venezuela's oil production to 1 million bpd, sources say

Exclusive-Increased Orinoco Belt output boosts Venezuela's oil production to 1 million bpd, sources say

By Marianna Parraga Feb 9 (Reuters) - Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA has reversed most of the output cuts it had ordered at its own oilfields and joint ventures in the country's main crude region, the Orinoco Belt, boosting the nation's total production close to 1 million barrels per day (bpd),

Libyan Migrant Boat Capsizes, Resulting in 53 Dead or Missing

Libyan Migrant Boat Capsizes, Resulting in 53 Dead or Missing

A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Libya where a rubber boat carrying 55 migrants capsized, resulting in 53 individuals being reported dead or missing. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the boat had departed from Zawiya and overturned near Zuwara. Only two Nigerian women survived the ordeal, with one losing her husband and the other her two babies. This incident is part of a larger crisis in the Central Mediterranean, where over 1,300 migrants went missing in 2025. The region has seen numerous 'invisible' shipwrecks, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. In January alone, at least 375 migrants were reported dead or missing. Libya remains a critical transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, often facing perilous journeys across the desert and Mediterranean Sea.

Factbox-Mega IPOs loom as Wall Street anticipates breakout year for listings

Factbox-Mega IPOs loom as Wall Street anticipates breakout year for listings

Feb 9 (Reuters) - Pent-up demand for new listings and a strong pipeline of high-profile private companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX is setting the stage for what could be a breakout year for the U.S. initial public offering market. Goldman Sachs predicted last week that proceeds from U.S.

ECB's Nagel says rates are right despite inflation dip

ECB's Nagel says rates are right despite inflation dip

FRANKFURT, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The European Central Bank's policy rate is at the right level as inflation is likely to settle at its 2% goal after a short-lived dip, ECB policymaker Joachim Nagel said on Monday.

U.K. Manufacturing Sector Faces Skills Shortage Amid Digital Transformation

U.K. Manufacturing Sector Faces Skills Shortage Amid Digital Transformation

The United Kingdom's manufacturing sector is grappling with a significant skills shortage, with approximately 49,000 jobs remaining unfilled as of April 2025. A survey conducted in mid-2024 revealed that 97.5% of U.K. manufacturers identified the recruitment and retention of skilled workers as a major business challenge. The sector's struggle is exacerbated by the need to compete with other industries perceived as more technologically advanced. Despite investments in robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics, manufacturers are unable to fully leverage these technologies due to a lack of specialized skills. Ironically, digital technology, which has contributed to the skills crisis, is also seen as a potential solution. Manufacturers are encouraged to adopt AI-powered learning platforms and digital twins to enhance training and knowledge retention, while automating routine tasks to free up employee time for more value-added activities.

Radar data reveals cavernous underground lava tube on Venus

Radar data reveals cavernous underground lava tube on Venus

By Will Dunham WASHINGTON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - A fresh examination of radar data for Venus obtained by NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s indicates the presence of a large underground cavity created by a lava flow, the first subsurface feature ever detected on Earth's planetary neighbor.

Linda A. Griffin's Passing: A Legacy in Funeral Services and Community Impact

Linda A. Griffin's Passing: A Legacy in Funeral Services and Community Impact

Linda A. Griffin, a respected figure in the funeral services industry, passed away on February 5, 2026. Her funeral services are scheduled for February 10, 2026, at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, with interment at Poplar Spring Baptist Church Cemetery. Ms. Griffin was a 1971 graduate of W. E. Parker High School and served as a Licensed Funeral Director and General Manager at G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary for over 40 years. She was also a member of Carey Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughter, Kadena Simpkins, and other family members, including her sister, brothers, and grandsons.

Federal Court Rules Louisiana's Veteran Aid Law Unconstitutional, Citing Supremacy Clause

Federal Court Rules Louisiana's Veteran Aid Law Unconstitutional, Citing Supremacy Clause

A federal court has declared a Louisiana law unconstitutional, which required organizations assisting veterans with benefits claims to disclose certain information and limited their compensation. The ruling was made by Judge Brian A. Jackson of the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The court found that the law, known as the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act, violated the US Constitution’s supremacy clause. This clause ensures that federal law takes precedence over state laws, and the court determined that the Louisiana law impeded Congress's objective of providing veterans with access to qualified representatives for VA benefits claims. Additionally, the law was found to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of the nonprofit Military-Veterans Advocacy group.

Nets vs. Bulls preview: Monday night hoops

Nets vs. Bulls preview: Monday night hoops

We’re getting closer to the All Star break as the Nets host the new look Chicago Bulls.

SUNY Schools Collaborate with Local Universities to Enhance AI Research and Education

SUNY Schools Collaborate with Local Universities to Enhance AI Research and Education

SUNY schools across New York have formed partnerships with local universities to advance artificial intelligence (AI) research and education. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, this initiative involves SUNY's four university centers—University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo, and Stony Brook University—collaborating with other SUNY institutions. The partnership, supported by Empire AI with a $500 million investment, aims to provide students and faculty with opportunities in AI research and programming. The University at Albany is working with SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech, and Hudson Valley Community College to develop AI-related research opportunities, including microcredentials and courses. Binghamton University is partnering with several SUNY colleges to launch the Advancing AI for the Public Good initiative, which includes an online microcredential program focusing on AI principles, ethics, and professional applications.

Electric Air-Taxis to Revolutionize NYC Airport Commutes by 2028

Electric Air-Taxis to Revolutionize NYC Airport Commutes by 2028

Vertical Aerospace is set to introduce electric air-taxis in New York City, promising to cut travel time to major airports to just seven minutes. The company, in partnership with Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure, plans to launch the Valo aircraft, which offers zero-emission flights and low noise levels. The initiative aims to transform urban mobility by providing rapid, low-emission air travel between Manhattan and key airports like JFK, Newark, and Teterboro. The Valo aircraft, showcased in New York City, is expected to receive regulatory approval by 2028, marking a significant step towards commercial electric aviation.

ADNOC Gas Reports Record Earnings Amid UAE Gas Expansion Efforts

ADNOC Gas Reports Record Earnings Amid UAE Gas Expansion Efforts

ADNOC Gas, based in Abu Dhabi, reported a record net income of $5.2 billion for 2025, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by stronger domestic gas demand and continued infrastructure investments, despite a 14% decline in average Brent crude prices. The company's EBITDA rose by 10% due to a 4% increase in sales volumes and improved commercial terms. ADNOC Gas is advancing its Rich Gas Development (RGD) project, with final investment decisions for phases two and three expected in early 2026. The expansion aims to increase processing capacity and support production growth, with an overall capacity increase of about 30% anticipated by 2029. Additionally, the ADNOC Estidama gas pipeline project is underway to expand gas access across the Northern Emirates.

Arctic Shipping Increases Black Carbon Emissions, Accelerating Ice Melt

Arctic Shipping Increases Black Carbon Emissions, Accelerating Ice Melt

The Arctic region is experiencing a significant rise in black carbon emissions due to increased shipping activity. Black carbon, a byproduct of ship emissions, accelerates the melting of Arctic ice by absorbing sunlight rather than reflecting it. This phenomenon contributes to the Arctic being the fastest warming area on Earth, with global weather patterns potentially affected by the melting ice. The Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of nonprofits, is advocating for stricter regulations on black carbon emissions, which remain largely unregulated in the Arctic. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is considering a proposal to mandate the use of cleaner 'polar fuels' for ships operating in Arctic waters. Despite a 2024 ban on heavy fuel oil, loopholes have limited its effectiveness, and black carbon emissions have continued to rise, with fishing boats identified as the largest contributors.

Japanese Prime Minister's Election Victory Signals Stronger U.S.-Japan Alliance Against China

Japanese Prime Minister's Election Victory Signals Stronger U.S.-Japan Alliance Against China

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a significant electoral victory, granting her a mandate to pursue ambitious reforms, including a major military buildup. This victory is seen as beneficial for the United States, as it aligns with American interests in countering China's influence in the region. Takaichi's agenda includes increasing Japan's defense spending to at least two percent of its GDP, expanding offensive military capabilities, and potentially lifting a ban on lethal weapon exports. Her success reflects a growing recognition in Japan of the existential threat posed by China, particularly in light of tensions over Taiwan. Despite economic pressures and military threats from China, Takaichi has maintained a firm stance, which has resonated with the Japanese electorate.

Black Rosie Media to Cover Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Focusing on Diversity

Black Rosie Media to Cover Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Focusing on Diversity

Black Rosie Media, led by Erica L. Ayala and Jordan Dabney, is set to cover the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The platform, which empowers Black women and women of color in sports media, will focus on women's and men's hockey, as well as athletes of color in other sports. Ayala, who founded Black Rosie Media in 2022, aims to provide a voice for Black women and melanated people in sports media. The coverage will include podcasts, newsletters, and social media posts, reaching over 22,000 followers.

Duchy of Cornwall and Forest School Collaborate on Woodland Restoration

Duchy of Cornwall and Forest School Collaborate on Woodland Restoration

The Duchy of Cornwall has partnered with Madley Primary School to restore storm-damaged woodlands at Brampton Hill Wood. This initiative is part of a broader program that has seen 17,000 trees restocked across the county. The project involves replanting with Douglas fir to enhance resilience, while retaining surviving oak trees and creating a wind-firm woodland edge. The collaboration includes educational activities for students, integrating the Forest School curriculum to teach them about tree planting and woodland management. The Duchy aims to support biodiversity, carbon capture, and its net zero ambitions through this restoration effort.

Study Highlights $165 Billion Annual Cost of America's 'Annoyance Economy'

Study Highlights $165 Billion Annual Cost of America's 'Annoyance Economy'

A recent study by Chad Maisel of Groundwork Collaborative and Neale Mahoney, an economist at Stanford, has highlighted the significant financial burden imposed by what they term the 'annoyance economy' in the United States. This term refers to the cumulative cost of bureaucratic inefficiencies and minor hassles that consumers face, such as robocalls, phone scams, and complex insurance interactions. The study estimates that these issues cost American families approximately $165 billion annually. The report underscores the pervasive nature of these inconveniences, which extend beyond healthcare to various sectors, embedding friction into everyday consumer experiences. The study suggests that these bureaucratic hurdles are not only time-consuming but also financially draining, as they often lead to overcharges and hidden fees that consumers struggle to contest.

Governor Josh Green Announces Statewide Closures Amid Severe Weather Threat in Hawaii

Governor Josh Green Announces Statewide Closures Amid Severe Weather Threat in Hawaii

Governor Josh Green of Hawaii has announced the closure of all state offices, Department of Education schools, University of Hawaii campuses, and state courthouses on Monday, February 9, 2026, due to an impending severe weather system. The National Weather Service forecasts heavy rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds across all Hawaiian islands, prompting the issuance of an Emergency Proclamation to mobilize state resources. The proclamation is effective through February 11, 2026, and may be extended if necessary. Residents are urged to prepare for potential flooding and power outages, secure their homes, and avoid unnecessary travel. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) provides guidance on severe weather preparations and encourages residents to sign up for local alerts.

Softball position previews: Infield

Softball position previews: Infield

Kaylie Avvisato’s move to center field brings some questions for this experienced group.

Eddie Bauer Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Declining Sales and Industry Challenges

Eddie Bauer Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Declining Sales and Industry Challenges

Eddie Bauer Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Declining Sales and Industry Challenges