The Vigilant Outpost Beacon
February 17, 2026
U.S. and Iran set to hold second round of nuclear talks in Geneva
WORLD — BY COUNTRY
United States:
US and Iran to hold more nuclear talks as US sends world's largest aircraft carrier to Mideast
Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US
US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84
China:
China vs Japan tensions intensify under Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi
Russia:
Kremlin agrees with Fico’s assertion oil has become subject of blackmail — spokesman
Ukraine receives $690 million from Japan, Canada
Kremlin agrees with Fico’s assertion oil has become subject of blackmail
United Kingdom:
UK considering significant increase to defence spending
India:
Bhupen Borah withdrew resignation after Congress high command’s intervention: AICC Assam in-charge
Ahead of Budget session, doctors urge T.N. government to double staff strength in hospitals
France:
Germany:
Train derails in Switzerland, injuring five amid avalanches in the Alps
Japan:
Japan's economy grows less than expected in fourth quarter and just avoids recession
Mizuho Securities reportedly faces probe for insider trading
Spain:
Italy:
South Korea:
Canada:
Quebec Liberals welcome Charles Milliard as new leader
Australia:
Australia prepares for next batch of ‘Ghost Bat’ warplane buddy drones
Australia won't repatriate new IS-linked group from Syria
Breaking: Australian women and children with links to ISIS forced to head back to camp in Syria
Venezuela:
US forces board tanker in Indian Ocean that fled US Venezuela blockade
UNITED STATES — GOVERNMENT
White House:
Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance - President Trump Announces Colossal Navy Buildout
State Department:
US Sec of State Rubio meets Hungary PM Orban ahead of Hungary elections
Dept of War (DoW):
USS Gerald Ford the second aircraft carrier sent to Middle East: Report
Pentagon accelerating counter-drone sensors to protect US infrastructure
War, Energy Departments Team up to Advance Future of Nuclear Power, Military Base Energy Security
Justice (DOJ):
DHS:
No clear path to ending the partial government shutdown
US President directs FEMA to play ‘key role’ in coordinating response to Potomac sewage spill
Treasury:
HHS:
DOT:
Energy:
Commerce:
Interior:
Senate:
House:
Supreme Court:
Supreme Court announces cases it will hear at term’s end
Republicans urge Supreme Court to restore New York congressional map
ECONOMY & MARKETS
European markets edge higher as investors assess Munich Security Conference
Markets quiet as US closed for President's Day and China away for New Year
Walmart earnings, spending data, and more AI disruptions: What to watch this week
SCIENCE
Space Station returns to a full crew complement after a month
Ancient Mars was warm and wet, not cold and icy
Lab grown human spinal cord heals after injury in major breakthrough
Scientists found a way to plant ideas in dreams to boost creativity
TECH & SECURITY
Altman and Pichai among tech CEOs heading to India for major AI summit in a key market
As AI data centers hit power limits, Peak XV backs Indian startup C2i to fix the bottleneck
Blackstone backs Neysa in up to $1.2B financing as India pushes to build domestic AI infrastructure
ODDS & ENDS