17 February 2026

Investing in Employee Health: A Strategic Approach to Workplace Wellness

Today's workplaces are characterized by their fast pace, increased demands, and responsibilities that often leave individuals overwhelmed, both physically and mentally. Denisa Talic, a specialist in general medicine and co-founder of B2B Care, emphasizes that while companies aspire to support their employees' health, their efforts often come too late – typically when sick leave becomes unavoidable, which escalates suffering and

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Tension Escalates: Ongoing War in Ukraine and the Challenges of Peace Negotiations

In the ongoing conflict stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, recent developments underscore the mounting tensions as efforts for peace negotiations continue amidst relentless violence. Major updates indicate that both Ukrainian and Russian authorities have reported high casualty figures due to the conflict, but independent verification of these numbers remains elusive. Notably, as peace talks resume in Geneva, expectations are

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The Struggles of Visually Impaired Individuals in Sweden: A Call for Better Support Systems

Living with a visual impairment in Sweden today increasingly involves facing obstacles that did not previously exist. Niklas Mattsson, chairman of the interest organization Swedish National Association of the Visually Impaired, believes this is not due to changes in needs but rather because important support systems have weakened over time. For many visually impaired individuals, it is not the visual

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France Releases Suspected Sanctions-Busting Tanker After Fine

France released an oil tanker, named Grinch, on February 17 after its owner paid a hefty fine of several million euros amidst accusations of being part of Russia's sanctions-dodging shadow fleet. French forces, along with allied partners, boarded the vessel last month as it traveled between Spain and Morocco, having commenced its journey from Russia. After the boarding, the tanker

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Escalating Violence as Peace Talks Loom: Russian Strikes Rock Ukraine Ahead of Geneva Negotiations

In a devastating late-night assault on February 17, Russia unleashed a barrage of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, resulting in one death and injuring at least 25 individuals. This violent escalation came just hours before Ukrainian and Russian representatives were set to engage in a new round of peace talks facilitated by the United States in Geneva. Ukrainian air force

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EU Launches Investigation into Shein Over Illegal Products and Addictive Design Concerns

The European Commission has officially opened an investigation into the Chinese online retailer Shein, focusing on multiple suspected breaches of European laws. The inquiry commenced following the company’s failure to provide adequate information as requested last year, particularly concerning the sale of childlike sex dolls and weapons. A senior official from the EU pointed out alarming reports regarding a range

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Remembering Jesse Jackson: A Legacy of Civil Rights Advocacy

Jesse Jackson, a prominent US civil rights activist, Baptist pastor, and Democratic politician, has passed away at the age of 84. His family reports that he died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Jackson rose to national prominence during the 1960s as a formidable leader in the civil rights movement, following the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Former Móstoles Councilor Files Lawsuit Against Mayor Manuel Bautista for Alleged Harassment

In a significant legal development, the former councilor of Móstoles, who previously filed an internal complaint against Mayor Manuel Bautista of the Popular Party (PP), has officially lodged a lawsuit citing alleged sexual and labor harassment, along with accusations of moral integrity injuries, coercion, and disclosure of secrets. Attorney Antonio Suárez-Valdés confirmed to EFE that the suit was submitted Monday

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Spain Takes Action Against Tech Giants Over Child Safety on Social Media

On Tuesday, Spain's Council of Ministers announced a significant move against potential child exploitation on social media platforms, invoking Article 8 of the Organic Statute of the Prosecutor’s Office to initiate an investigation regarding X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. This decision, as stated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, comes in light of alarming claims that these platforms might be facilitating

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Continued Tensions and Talks: Ukraine Negotiates amid Ongoing Conflict

In the midst of an ongoing war marked by escalating violence and humanitarian crises, the stakes remain high for Ukraine as it enters a new round of negotiations with Russia in Geneva. These discussions take place under the looming cloud of a possible massive Russian airstrike, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of a targeted attack on energy infrastructures just

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USA and Iran Resume Negotiations Amid Heightened Tensions

The United States and Iran have embarked on a second round of negotiations, despite a backdrop of deep-seated mutual distrust. The discussions, set to take place in Geneva on Tuesday, will focus primarily on Iran’s contentious nuclear program, among other pressing issues. Mediated by the Gulf state of Oman, the indirect talks feature Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi and US

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Ukraine's Strategic Gains and Political Challenges Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has recently recaptured 201 square kilometers from Russian control, capitalizing on a temporary disruption of Starlink communications utilized by Russian forces. According to an analysis by Agence France-Presse referencing data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), this territory regained between Wednesday and Sunday last week equates to roughly

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Spain's Burka and Niqab Ban Sparks Controversy in Congress

The proposed ban on the burka and niqab in Spain is set to ignite a heated debate in the Congress of Deputies this Tuesday. The right-wing party Vox is advocating for the ban, through their initiative titled the "Organic Law Proposal for the Protection of Women's Dignity and Citizen Security in Public Spaces." This legislative proposal seeks to regulate the

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