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Trump hammers AOC Munich stumbles as ‘not a good look for the United States’

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President Donald Trump said the way Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez answered questions at the Munich Security Conference ‘was not a good look for the United States.’ 

The Democrat lawmaker from New York and potential 2028 presidential candidate has been facing criticism for making foreign policy gaffes at the event. In one instance, Ocasio-Cortez appeared to stall for nearly 20 seconds when asked if the U.S. should send troops to defend Taiwan from a possible invasion by China, and in another, claimed Venezuela is below the equator. 

‘By the way, I watched AOC answering questions in Munich. This was not a good look for the United States. I watched Gavin Newscum answering questions in Munich, and this was a bad look for our country,’ Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One on Monday night. 

‘This was a bad – these two people are incompetent, and at least Hillary is competent. She’s just Trump deranged. She was so deranged and she is an angry woman. But I watched the other two speaking and answering basic questions. Look, Gavin has destroyed California, and AOC I never really got her, I never heard her speak very much and they started answering questions. She had no idea what was happening,’ Trump continued, referencing Newsom’s and Clinton’s attendance at the Munich Security Conference.

‘She had no idea how to answer, you know, very important questions concerning the world. But she can’t answer questions concerning New York City either, because New York City [has] got some problems,’ Trump also said about Ocasio-Cortez. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to Ocasio-Cortez’s and Newsom’s offices for reaction.

Ocasio-Cortez was asked on Friday, ‘Would and should the U.S. actually commit U.S. troops to defend Taiwan if China were to move?’ 

The four-term lawmaker appeared to stall for nearly 20 seconds before offering that the U.S. should try to avoid reaching a clash with China over Taiwan.

‘This is, of course, a, a very long-standing, policy of the United States, and I think what we are hoping for is that we want to make sure that we never get to that point, and we want to make sure that we are moving in all of our economic research and our global positions to avoid any such confrontation and for that question to even arise,’ Ocasio-Cortez said. 

Ocasio-Cortez also claimed that Venezuela was ‘below the equator’ while criticizing the Trump administration for arresting the nation’s dictator Nicolás Maduro. 

‘It is not a remark on who Maduro was as a leader. He canceled elections. He was an anti-democratic leader. That doesn’t mean that we can kidnap a head of state and engage in acts of war just because the nation is below the equator,’ Ocasio-Cortez said.

In a post on Truth Social Monday night, Trump said, ‘AOC and Newscum were an embarrassment to our Nation.’ 

Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser, Lindsay Kornick and Peter Pinedo contributed to this report. 

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Corcel Exploration Appoints New Director

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Corcel Exploration Inc. (CSE: CRCL,OTC:CRLEF) (OTCQB: CRLEF) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Corcel’) today announced the appointment of Thy Truong to the Board of Directors, replacing Oliver Friesen effective immediately.

Corcel would like to thank Mr. Friesen for his guidance and meaningful contributions during his tenure on the Board and wishes him every success in his future endeavors.

Thy Truong is a Chartered Professional Accountant with more than ten years of experience in public accounting and the mining industry. Ms. Truong. currently serves as Director of FP&A, Tax, and Internal Controls at Vizsla Silver Corp. and CFO of Tarachi Gold Corp., where she supports financial planning, governance, and day-to-day decision-making across the organizations. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver and was a part of the Global Scholar Program (Academic Honours).

‘On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Thy to Corcel,’ commented Jon Ward, CEO and Director of Corcel Exploration Inc. ‘Thy brings a technical accounting background with a proven track record in financial planning, governance, and internal controls. Her experience in public accounting and supporting resource companies will be invaluable as we continue to advance the Yuma King copper-gold asset in Arizona.’

The Company also announces that it has granted 200,000 incentive stock options exercisable at $0.22 for a period of 5 years, in accordance with its stock option plan.

About Corcel Exploration Inc.

Corcel is a mineral resource company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of precious and base metals properties throughout North America. The Company has entered a long-term lease agreement to acquire the Yuma King Copper-Gold project in Arizona, which spans a district-scale land position of 3,200 hectares comprising 515 unpatented federal mining claims in the Ellsworth Mining District, including the past-producing Yuma Mine which saw underground production of copper, lead, gold and silver between 1940 and 1963. The Company also holds an option to acquire a 100% undivided right, title, and interest in and to the Peak gold exploration project and holds a 100% interest in the Willow copper project. For more information, please visit our website at https://corcelexploration.com/.

For further information contact:

Jon Ward, CEO
Email: info@corcelexploration.com
Tel: (604) 355-0303

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward‐looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, ‘forward‐looking statements’). These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as ‘seek’, ‘anticipate’, ‘plan’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘predict’, ‘forecast’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘intend’, ‘could’, ‘might’, ‘should’, ‘believe’ and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be ‘forward‐looking statements’.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward‐looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward‐looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284116

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Brixton Metals Corporation Announces Share Consolidation

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Brixton Metals Corporation (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Brixton’) announces that further to its news release dated February 6, 2026, the Company has received the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘TSXV’) for, and is proceeding with, a consolidation (the ‘Consolidation’) of its issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation common share (‘Post-Consolidation Shares’) for every ten pre-consolidation common shares (‘Pre-Consolidation Shares’).

The Consolidation was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company held on February 4, 2026.

The Post-Consolidation Shares will commence trading on the TSXV at the market open on February 20, 2026 (the ‘Effective Date‘), under the existing symbol ‘BBB‘.

The new CUSIP will be 11120Q708 and the new ISIN number will be CA11120Q7084. There will be no name change in association with the Consolidation.

Following the share consolidation, Brixton will have approximately 71,323,542 common shares issued and outstanding.

No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Any fractional interest in shares resulting from the Consolidation that is less than 0.5 of a common share will be rounded down to the nearest whole share and any fractional interest in common shares resulting from the Consolidation that is 0.5, or greater, of a common share will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

The Company’s transfer agent, TSX Trust Company (‘TSX Trust‘), will mail a letter of transmittal to registered shareholders of the Company providing instructions on exchanging Pre-Consolidation Share certificates for Post-Consolidation Share certificates or Direct Registration System (DRS) advices. Shareholders are encouraged to send their share certificates, together with their letter of transmittal, to TSX Trust in accordance with the instructions in the letter of transmittal.

About Brixton Metals Corporation

Brixton Metals is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its mining projects. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects: Brixton’s flagship Thorn copper-gold-silver-molybdenum Project, the Hog Heaven copper-silver-gold Project in NW Montana, USA, which is optioned to Ivanhoe Electric Inc., the Langis and HudBay silver Projects in Ontario and the Atlin Goldfields Project located in northwest BC, which is optioned to Eldorado Gold Corporation. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton, please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO
info@brixtonmetals.com

For Investor Relations inquiries please contact: Mr. Michael Rapsch, Vice President Investor Relations. email: michael.rapsch@brixtonmetals.com or call Tel: 604-630-9707

Follow us on:
LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Facebook | Instagram

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, and ‘intend’, statements that an action or event ‘may’, ‘might’, ‘could’, ‘should’, or ‘will’ be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. 

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LAURION Strengthens Team with Appointment of Capital Markets and Mining Specialist Sean Ghosal as Strategic Advisor

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(TheNewswire)

Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc.

Toronto, Ontario February 17, 2026 TheNewswire Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: LME | OTCQB: LMEFF | FSE: 5YD) (‘LAURION’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sankarsan (‘Sean’) Ghosal as a strategic advisor. His addition further strengthens the Company’s governance, capital markets expertise, and strategic capabilities as LAURION advances its Ishkōday Gold-Polymetallic Project in Ontario.  

 

Mr. Ghosal brings a highly complementary blend of mining engineering, capital markets research, and structured mining finance experience. He is currently an Associate on the Streaming & Royalties team at Sprott, where he supports deal origination, technical and financial due diligence, structuring, and portfolio monitoring for large-scale private resource investment strategies. Prior to joining Sprott, Mr. Ghosal worked in mining equity research at Stifel Financial, covering base and precious metals companies. He previously held engineering and project development roles supporting mining projects from study stage through execution. His cross-functional background across operations, engineering, research, and investment analysis is expected to provide LAURION with a disciplined, investor-focused perspective as the Company works towards key technical and value-definition milestones for the Ishkōday Project.

 

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin, President and CEO of LAURION, stated: ‘Sean brings exactly the skillset and perspective we are seeking to support the Board as the Ishkōday Project enters its next stage of development. He combines a hands-on understanding of mining operations with a rigorous, capital markets-driven approach to decision-making. His ability to bridge technical decisions with financial outcomes directly aligns with LAURION’s strategic vision. We remain focused on advancing the Ishkōday Project in a manner that is consistent with best practices and on delivering real, durable value for shareholders. Sean’s addition strengthens our governance capabilities and supports our long-term strategy.’

 

Strategic Addition Aligned with Value Creation

 

Mr. Ghosal’s appointment reflects the Company’s focus on capital discipline, technical rigor, and alignment with sophisticated investor expectations. His experience evaluating mining assets, from both an engineering and capital allocation perspective, is expected to enhance LAURION’s ability to:

 

  • Strengthen governance as the Company advances toward a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE‘) and subsequent technical milestones. 

 

  • Align technical decision-making with capital market expectations, including with respect to the Company’s ongoing evaluation of strategic alternatives. 

 

About LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc.

LAURION is a mid-stage junior mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ‘LME’. The Company currently has 278,716,413 common shares outstanding. LAURION’s President and CEO, Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin, is the Company’s largest shareholder, directly or indirectly holding an aggregate of 17,221,306 common shares. Together with long-term ‘Friends and Family’ investors, this reflects alignment between management, the Board, and shareholders, which is reflected in management’s long-term commitment to disciplined execution, technical value definition, and responsible project advancement at Ishkōday. LAURION’s primary focus is the 100%-owned, district-scale Ishkōday Project, a 57 km² land package hosting gold-rich polymetallic mineralization.

 

LAURION’s strategy is centered on deliberate value creation. The Company is prioritizing systematic technical advancement, integrated geological and structural modeling, and the evaluation of optional, non-dilutive pathways, including historical surface stockpile processing, that may support flexibility in LAURION’s exploration plans without diverting the Company’s focus from its core exploration objectives.

 

The Company’s overarching objective is to build project value before monetization, ensuring that any future strategic outcomes are supported by technical clarity, reduced execution risk, and demonstrated scale. While the Board remains attentive to strategic interest that may arise, LAURION is not driven by transaction timing. Instead, the Company is focused on advancing the Ishkōday Project in a manner that strengthens long-term shareholder value.

 

LAURION will continue to communicate updates through timely disclosure and will issue press releases in accordance with applicable securities laws should any material information arise.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc.

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin – President and CEO

Tel: 1-705-788-9186 Fax: 1-705-805-9256

 

Douglas Vass – Investor Relations Consultant

Email: dvass@laurion.ca

Website: http://www.LAURION.ca

Follow us on: X (@LAURION_LME), Instagram (laurionmineral) and LinkedIn ()

 

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events including with respect to LAURION’s business, operations and condition, management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, the Company’s ability to advance the Ishkōday Project, the nature, focus, timing and potential results of the Company’s exploration, drilling and prospecting activities, including the Company’s plans to complete an MRE, diamond drill program, and other planned activities and technical milestones for the Ishkōday Project, and the statements regarding the Company’s exploration or consideration of any possible strategic alternatives and transactional opportunities, as well as the potential outcome(s) of this process, the possible impact of any potential transactions referenced herein on the Company or any of its stakeholders, and the ability of the Company to identify and complete any potential acquisitions, mergers, financings or other transactions referenced herein, and the timing of any such transactions, as well as the anticipated benefits of the Company’s new strategic advisor. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of LAURION, the TSX Venture Exchange or any other applicable regulator not providing its approval for any strategic alternatives or transactional opportunities, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company’s publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Company’s ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Company’s public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. All sample values are from grab samples and channel samples, which by their nature, are not necessarily representative of overall grades of mineralized areas. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on the assay values reported in this press release.

 

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

 

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

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Rev Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and Rainbow PUSH founder, dies at 84

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights leader, two-time Democratic presidential candidate and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, died Tuesday morning at the age of 84, his family said in a statement.

‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family,’ the statement said.

‘Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,’ the Jackson family said. ‘We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions.’

A cause of death was not mentioned, but Jackson had suffered from multiple health problems in recent years. In 2017, Jackson revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He was also treated for progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare degenerative neurological disorder. Despite health setbacks that weakened his voice and mobility, he continued advocating for civil rights and was arrested twice in 2021 while protesting the Senate filibuster rule.

Born Oct. 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson grew up in a segregated community. As a teenager, he excelled academically and earned a football scholarship to the University of Illinois before transferring to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, where he graduated in 1964.

He became involved in civil rights activism as a teenager and was arrested at 18 for participating in a sit-in at a segregated public library. The protest marked the beginning of his rise in the student-led movement challenging segregation across the South.

After graduation, Jackson left his studies at Chicago Theological Seminary to join the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama, and later became a key figure in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. With King’s support, he led Operation Breadbasket in Chicago, a campaign aimed at expanding economic opportunities for Black Americans.

Jackson was in Memphis in 1968 when King was assassinated. In the years that followed, Jackson founded what became the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, an organization focused on civil rights, voter registration and economic empowerment. Over decades of activism, he received dozens of honorary degrees and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 by President Bill Clinton.

Jackson ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. In 1984, he won 18% of the primary vote. His campaign faced controversy over an antisemitic remark he made about New York’s Jewish community.

In 1988, Jackson won nearly 7 million votes — about 29% of the total — and finished first or second in multiple Super Tuesday contests. Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis ultimately secured the nomination.

Though he never held elected office, Jackson remained an influential political figure, advocating for expanded voter registration, lobbying for Washington, D.C., statehood, and at times serving as a diplomatic envoy, including efforts to secure the release of Americans held overseas.

In 2001, Jackson publicly acknowledged that he had fathered a daughter, Ashley, with a woman affiliated with his advocacy organization. He later apologized.

Jackson is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Jacqueline; their children — Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef and Jacqueline — daughter Ashley Jackson; and grandchildren.

Public observances will be held in Chicago with final funeral arrangements yet to be announced. 

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LIZ PEEK: At Munich showdown AOC serves word salad as Rubio channels strength

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio and New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are both hopeful about becoming their party’s presidential nominee in 2028. They both have a shot. Odds-makers place the New York congresswoman second only to California Gov. Gavin Newsom in the race to be the Democratic nominee, while President Trump, asked whether Vice President JD Vance is his chosen successor, has more than once suggested that Rubio is also in the running.

Recently, both spoke at the Munich Security Conference. While Secretary of State Rubio earned well-deserved applause from policymakers at home and abroad for his speech, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez showed she was not ready for prime time — not even close.

In what may prove a preview of the presidential race two years from now, Rubio and Ocasio-Cortez squared off on geopolitics. For Rubio, the occasion was another opportunity to articulate President Trump’s foreign policy vision — one that embraces American leadership powered by a strong military, a forceful trade agenda, energy independence and a robust economy. And, as we have seen, the Trump White House is not shy about using that military.

Trump has also declined to surrender national sovereignty to global treaties such as the Paris Climate Accord or institutions such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization — bodies he has deemed anti-American. In the case of the United Nations, the recent elevation of Abbas Tajik, Iran’s representative to the United Nations, to serve as vice chair of the 65th Session of the Commission for Social Development — a group purportedly ‘tasked with promoting democracy, gender equality, tolerance and non-violence,’ as one critic described it — proves once again the debasement of the institution’s integrity. Iran, which only recently crushed protests and slaughtered tens of thousands of its own innocent, unarmed citizens, should be thrown out of the U.N., not rewarded. And certainly not congratulated by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution — which he did even as his own Human Rights Council passed a resolution condemning the mass murders.

Rubio’s speech was challenging, calling out European allies for succumbing to climate zealotry, encouraging mass migration, exporting industrial self-sufficiency and investing ‘in massive welfare states at the cost of maintaining the ability to defend themselves.’ But it was also conciliatory, emphasizing that ‘we are connected spiritually and we are connected culturally,’ and reviewing the many bonds that link the United States and Europe. It was an inspiring call for unity and progress, assuring the appreciative audience that ‘our destiny is and will always be intertwined with yours.’

AOC ripped over

The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board described Rubio’s speech as drawn from Ronald Reagan’s playbook, arguing that Trump’s ‘greatest failure as president is that he won’t, or can’t, articulate his larger principles.’ I would argue that Trump is putting those principles into action, coherently and consistently, and that Rubio brilliantly summarized the Trump doctrine.

Meanwhile, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez delivered remarks at a forum on the sidelines of the Munich conference and reminded us why she should not be allowed anywhere near the Oval Office. Former Vice President Kamala Harris introduced Americans to the magic of word salads — the endless spewing of language that says nothing while helpfully obscuring vast pits of ignorace — but AOC has perfected the art.

Ocasio-Cortez is known as a fierce critic of Israel but otherwise is not known for her geopolitical views, having largely spent her career railing against corporations and the evil rich. But if she wants to run for president, it is important for her to demonstrate some basic foreign policy chops. Hence, the trip to Munich. Unhappily for her, the foray into the world of diplomacy did not go well. Even The New York Times had to admit that she had some ‘shaky moments.’

Democrats criticize Trump at Munich conference

Asked whether the United States should come to Taiwan’s aid if China attempted to seize the island, Ocasio-Cortez hesitated for several uncomfortable minutes. Even the  description from anti-Trump left-wing Bloomberg, whose reporter had posed the question, said the response was ‘flubbed,’  and wrote: ‘Normally quick to respond, Ocasio-Cortez was at a loss for words, saying, ‘this is such a, a, you know, I think that, this is a, um, this is of course, a, ah, a very longstanding, um, policy of the United States.’’ Hilariously, the piece added that AOC regrouped with what it called a ‘cogent response,’ saying the United States should ‘avoid any such confrontation and for that question to even arise.’ That’s cogent?

The Times, too, admitted the Munich outing ‘demonstrated the relative foreign policy inexperience of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’, and that she ‘struggled at times to formulate succinct answers’. But the Times excused her incapacity, describing the questions posed as ‘probing and specific.’ Asking her policy vis-à-vis Taiwan is hardly ‘probing’; this issue is, along with our relationship with Israel, fundamental.

Ocasio-Cortez also mixed up the trans-Atlantic partnership, referring to it as the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership,’ and scoffed at Rubio’s claim that American cowboy culture came from Spain. (It did.) But the corker was another response she gave, enthusiastically endorsed by the Times, about President Trump’s foreign policy, ‘They are looking to withdraw the United States from the entire world so that we can turn into an age of authoritarians that can carve out a world where Donald Trump can command the Western Hemisphere and Latin America as his personal sandbox, where Putin can saber-rattle around Europe.’

Yes, AOC, Trump is withdrawing the U.S. from the ‘entire world’ by trying to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, deliver the people of Iran, Venezuela and Cuba from authoritarian regimes, confront China, protect Christians in Nigeria, strengthen Western defense capabilities and pursue peace in the Middle East. Former President Joe Biden declared that ‘America is back,’ but did nothing to protect our interests around the globe.

Under President Trump, the U.S. is not only ‘back,’ it is also in the lead and moving persuasively forward.

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US nuclear testing debate reignites after State Dept alleges China nuclear test

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The State Department’s allegation that China conducted a yield-producing nuclear test in 2020 is reigniting debate in Washington over whether the United States can continue its decades-long moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. 

U.S. officials warned that Beijing may be preparing tests in the ‘hundreds of tons’ range — a scale that underscores China’s accelerating nuclear modernization and complicates efforts to draw Beijing into arms control talks.

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno said recently that the United States has evidence China conducted an explosive nuclear test at its Lop Nur site.

‘I can reveal that the U.S. government is aware that China has conducted nuclear explosive tests, including preparing for tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tons,’ DiNanno said during remarks at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament.

He added that ‘China conducted one such yield-producing nuclear test on June 22 of 2020.’

DiNanno also accused Beijing of using ‘decoupling’ — detonating devices in ways that dampen seismic signals — to ‘hide its activities from the world.’

China’s foreign ministry has denied the allegations, accusing Washington of politicizing nuclear issues and reiterating that Beijing maintains a voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing.

But the accusation has sharpened questions about verification, deterrence and whether the U.S. stockpile stewardship program — which relies on advanced simulations rather than live detonations — remains sufficient in an era of renewed great-power nuclear competition.

Why small nuclear tests are hard to detect

Detecting small underground nuclear tests has long been one of the thorniest problems in arms control.

Unlike the massive atmospheric detonations of the Cold War, modern nuclear tests are conducted deep underground. If a country uses so-called ‘decoupling’ techniques — detonating a device inside a large underground cavity to muffle the seismic shock — the resulting signal can be significantly reduced, making it harder to distinguish from natural seismic activity.

That vulnerability has been debated for decades in discussions over the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which China signed but never ratified. Even a relatively small underground detonation can provide valuable weapons data while remaining difficult to detect.

‘If you detonate a device inside a large underground cavity, you can significantly attenuate the seismic signature,’ said Chuck DeVore, chief national initiatives officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a former Pentagon official. ‘That makes it much harder to detect with confidence.’

Are simulations enough?

China signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996 but has not ratified it, and the treaty has never entered into force. It has maintained a voluntary testing moratorium — a commitment that a yield-producing detonation would contradict.

As China expands its nuclear arsenal and major arms control frameworks falter, the Cold War principle of ‘trust but verify’ is under growing strain.

‘The arms control community should feel thoroughly discredited at this point,’ DeVore said, arguing that policymakers should not assume Western restraint will be reciprocated by Beijing.

For decades, the U.S. has relied on the Stockpile Stewardship Program — advanced computer modeling and simulations — to ensure its weapons remain reliable without explosive testing. DeVore warned that this approach may no longer be sufficient if competitors are conducting live detonations.

‘The question presupposes that we only live in a technical world,’ he told Fox News, arguing that relying solely on simulations while rivals ‘cheat at every treaty they’ve ever signed’ risks leaving the United States behind.

DeVore also pointed to what he described as a growing institutional challenge.

‘Virtually everyone who had direct experience with live testing is now retired,’ he said. ‘Rebuilding that expertise would take years.’

But not all nuclear experts agree that resuming testing is the answer.

Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, cautioned that a return to live detonations would be far more complex and costly than critics of the current system suggest.

‘Yield testing isn’t a magic switch,’ Sokolski said. ‘If you want meaningful reliability data, you don’t do one test — you do many.’

He noted that the United States conducted more than 1,000 nuclear tests during the Cold War, building a deep database that now underpins the program. Restarting that process, he argued, would likely require years of preparation and significant funding before yielding strategic benefits.

‘The debate isn’t pro-nuclear weapon versus anti-nuclear weapon,’ Sokolski said. ‘It’s about what’s technically necessary and what’s economical.’

A debate inside the weapons complex

Sokolski said the disagreement extends even within the U.S. nuclear weapons complex.

‘Certainly at one of our major labs that likes using calculations — that’s Livermore — they would say you’re home,’ he said, referring to confidence in advanced simulations and hydrodynamic modeling.

Others place greater weight on empirical validation and preserving the option of live testing.

The dispute, he said, is not ideological but technical — centered on confidence levels, cost and long-term strategic planning.

Allies and the credibility question

The implications extend beyond Washington and Beijing. 

Sokolski warned that the credibility of ‘extended deterrence’ — the U.S. commitment to defend allies under its nuclear umbrella — could come under strain if doubts grow about American resolve or capability.

‘Do they think you’re going to come to their defense?’ Sokolski said. ‘If they don’t, it doesn’t matter how reliable your weapons are, extended deterrence isn’t going to work very well.’

Allies such as Japan and South Korea long have relied on U.S. nuclear guarantees rather than pursuing independent arsenals. Any perception that the balance is shifting could complicate regional stability and long-standing nonproliferation efforts.

The policy crossroads

For now, U.S. lab directors continue to certify that the American arsenal remains safe, secure and reliable without explosive testing. But Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said sustained testing by competitors — particularly absent transparency — could alter that calculus.

‘If Russia and China continue their nuclear testing activities without providing some sort of transparency, then the technical community might make a different assessment,’ she said.

The debate confronting U.S. policymakers is not simply whether to test, but under what conditions testing would meaningfully strengthen deterrence rather than accelerate competition.

Trump previously has suggested the U.S. should ensure testing ‘on an equal basis’ with competitors, though his administration has not formally announced a policy shift.

Trump in October 2025 suggested the U.S. should consider resuming nuclear weapons testing ‘on an equal basis’ with other powers, and at one point said that if others were testing, ‘I guess we have to test.’ 

The president did not clarify whether he meant full nuclear explosive detonations, which the U.S. has not conducted since 1992,  or other forms of testing such as delivery system evaluations that do not involve nuclear explosions. Any return to explosive testing would represent a significant shift in U.S. policy.

The White House did not immediately return a request for comment. 

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DHS shutdown drags into 4th day as Senate Democrats block funding over ICE reforms

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The Senate inched closer to striking a compromise on a Homeland Security (DHS) funding deal as the partial government shutdown entered its fourth day Tuesday.

Whether Senate Democrats and the White House can reach a deal this week while lawmakers are out of town remains an open question.

Negotiations between the Trump administration and Senate Democrats were seemingly at an impasse through much of Monday after little activity over the weekend. The White House provided a counteroffer to Democrats’ list of demands midway through last week, which they summarily rejected and, in turn, blocked attempts to fund DHS.

But that changed when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s, D-N.Y., office announced that Senate Democrats had sent their counterproposal to the White House late Monday night. 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., was wary of whether Schumer and his caucus would actually put forth a response, but remained hopeful that negotiations would continue. 

‘We’ll see if they are at all serious about actually getting a solution to this, or whether they just want to play political games with these really important agencies,’ Thune told Fox News Digital. 

He also noted that lawmakers went through the same exercise last year when Senate Democrats slow-walked negotiations during the 43-day shutdown.  

‘It’s wrong, in my view, for Democrats to use these folks as collateral in yet another harmful government shutdown,’ Thune said.

The administration wants to keep the dialogue going, a White House official told Fox News Digital.

‘The Trump administration remains interested in having good-faith conversations with Democrats,’ the White House official said.

The official noted that Senate Democrats’ refusal to extend DHS funding is affecting several key functions under the agency’s umbrella, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Secret Service.

‘President Trump has been clear — he wants the government open,’ the official said.

The partial government shutdown, which went into effect over the weekend, stems from Schumer and Senate Democrats’ demands for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

ICE operations are unlikely to be significantly affected by the lapse in DHS funding, as legislation backed by President Donald Trump allocates billions of dollars to immigration enforcement.

Both sides remain at odds over how far those changes should go. Senate Republicans have signaled willingness to cede some ground but have drawn a red line on certain demands, such as requiring ICE agents to obtain judicial warrants or prohibiting them from wearing face coverings during enforcement actions.

Senate Democrats, however, describe their 10 demands as straightforward reforms designed to ensure federal immigration agents adhere to standards similar to those governing local and state police.

‘There’s not much we need to figure out,’ Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told Fox News Digital. ‘Either you think ICE agents are special, and they get to own our streets with no accountability, or that ICE agents should follow the same rules as everyone else — that’s all Democrats are asking for.’

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Silver Institute: Market Heading for Sixth Straight Deficit in 2026

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Silver surged past US$100 per ounce for the first time in January before retreating below the US$80 level, marking a volatile start to 2026 as the precious metal faces renewed investor appeal.

In its latest annual outlook, published on February 10, the Silver Institute notes that the rally comes after a year when silver saw its strongest annual performance since 1979. Investor interest accelerated into early 2026 and pushed the price to multiple record highs, driving the gold-silver ratio below 50 for the first time since 2012.

Looking forward, global silver investment is expected to remain strong this year as the market posts its sixth consecutive annual deficit. The Institute’s forecast, based on analysis by London-based consultancy Metals Focus, points to a 67 million ounce shortfall in 2026, with total demand once again outstripping total supply.

Silver supply in 2026

On the supply side, total global silver output is forecast to increase by 1.5 percent in 2026 to 1.05 billion ounces, the highest level in a decade. Mine production is expected to edge up 1 percent to 820 million ounces, supported by stronger output from existing operations and newly commissioned projects.

Mexico is forecast to deliver much of the growth from primary silver mines. In China, higher output is expected from China Gold International Resources’ (TSX:CGG,OTCPL:JINFF) Jiama polymetallic mine as expansion continues.

Canada is projected to see gains from projects such as Hecla Mining’s (NYSE:HL) Keno Hill and New Gold’s (TSX:NGD,NYSEAMERICAN:NGD) New Afton, which is being acquired by Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE). Morocco’s Zgounder mine is also ramping up production, while Peru is expected to record declines at certain operations.

By-product silver from primary gold mines is forecast to increase. Contributions are expected from Barrick Mining’s (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic, Gold Fields’ (NYSE:GFI) Salares Norte in Chile and the Nezhda project in Russia, owned by SolidCore (formerly Polymetal International).

Output from primary silver mines is expected to remain largely flat, accounting for 28 percent of total mine supply.

Silver recycling supply is projected to rise 7 percent, exceeding 200 million ounces for the first time since 2012, as elevated price levels encourage scrap flows, particularly from silverware.

Although the silver price has cooled since this year’s highs, the Institute notes that it’s established technical support and remains underpinned by tight physical supply and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

Many forces that drove silver in 2025 remain in place. Constrained physical availability in London, geopolitical tensions, US policy uncertainty and concerns about the US Federal Reserve’s independence continue to provide support.

Silver demand in 2026

On the demand side, total global silver consumption is forecast to remain broadly flat in 2026. Gains in physical investment are expected to offset weakness in jewelry, silverware and some industrial segments.

Meanwhile, industrial fabrication, the largest component of silver demand, is projected to decline by 2 percent to around 650 million ounces, marking a four year low.

As in 2025, the drag is seen coming primarily from the photovoltaic (PV) sector.

Although solar installations worldwide are expected to continue expanding, manufacturers are reducing silver use per panel through thrifting and substitution, resulting in lower silver demand from PV applications.

Other industrial uses offer partial relief. Growth in data centers, artificial intelligence technologies and automotive electronics is expected to sustain silver consumption across several end uses, mitigating some of the PV losses.

Consumer demand, however, remains under pressure from record-high prices. Jewelry demand is forecast to fall more than 9 percent to 178 million ounces, marking the lowest level since 2020.

In contrast, physical investment demand is set to strengthen considerably.

The Institute projects a 20 percent rise to a three year high in physical investment to 227 million ounces.

After three consecutive annual declines, western retail demand is expected to rebound as investors respond to silver’s price momentum and persistent macroeconomic risks.

Exchange-traded product holdings currently stand at an estimated 1.31 billion ounces, and coin and bar demand has firmed in recent months. As of February 9, the silver price was up 11 percent year-to-date.

Silver deficit to persist

Even with higher supply and recycling, the silver deficit is set to persist. The Institute notes that the global silver market will continue to rely on the drawdown of aboveground bullion inventories to bridge the gap.

While volatility is likely to continue, the Institute forecasts that strength in gold and sustained physical tightness may help cushion risks for silver as it navigates another year defined by deficit and demand.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Syntholene Energy Corp Appoints International Geothermal Leader Eirikur Bragason as Lead Project Manager

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Bragason has held senior leadership roles in 650 mW+ of Geothermal Energy Infrastructure Deployment Totalling ~$3.3b, Including the World’s Largest Geothermal Power Plant, Hellisheidi in Iceland.

Syntholene Energy CORP (TSXV: ESAF,OTC:SYNTF) (FSE: 3DD0) (OTCQB: SYNTF) (‘Syntholene’), announces the appointment of Eirikur Bragason as Lead Project Manager for Syntholene’s planned synthetic fuel demonstration facility and future commercial scale-up at its cornerstone production footprint in Iceland. Mr. Bragason will support Syntholene’s infrastructure development strategy, project governance, technical risk management, and expansion efforts.

Mr. Bragason brings more than 25 years of experience in geothermal energy development, large-scale power infrastructure, and complex project execution across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, strengthening the Company’s depth in geothermal energy, power plant construction, and large-scale energy infrastructure delivery.

Mr. Bragason has acted as Chief Project Manager or Senior Technical Lead on some of the world’s most significant geothermal and renewable energy projects. These include the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant in Iceland, a combined 300 megawatt electric and 400 megawatt thermal facility recognized as the largest geothermal power plant on Earth. He also served as the Deputy General Manager of Sinopec Green Energy, overseeing a total of 4.2 gigawatts of thermal energy in operation encompassing a total investment of approximately $6 billion. Mr. Bragarson has further overseen major geothermal project development across Indonesia, the Philippines, Hungary, China, and Central Europe.

‘Syntholene is pursuing a technically rigorous and commercially disciplined approach to synthetic fuel production, differentiated by its unique integration of geothermal energy,’ commented Mr. Bragason. ‘I look forward to supporting the company as it transitions from demonstration facility to commercial scale, showcasing its potential to materially improve the economics of clean fuels.’

‘Eirikur is one of the most experienced geothermal project leaders in the world,’ said Dan Sutton, CEO of Syntholene. ‘His direct experience delivering utility-scale geothermal infrastructure, managing multinational development teams, and executing complex energy projects is aligned with Syntholene’s commercial scale-up strategy. As we advance our thermal hybrid power-to-liquids platform and deploy geothermal-anchored synthetic fuel production, his insight and operational discipline will be invaluable.’

Mr. Bragason is a globally recognized expert in geothermal power plant project management. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Arctic Green Energy, where he oversaw international geothermal platform development and operational execution. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer and Chief Project Manager of KS Orka Renewables and Orka Energy in Singapore, leading the development and delivery of geothermal assets across multiple jurisdictions.

About Geothermal Energy in Iceland

Iceland’s unique geological position atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge provides exceptional access to high-temperature geothermal energy, which today serves as a cornerstone of its 100% renewable electricity grid, as well as providing over 90% of the nation’s district heating. This baseload power is characterized by its high capacity factors, often exceeding 90%, providing a level of grid stability that distinguishes it from intermittent renewables like wind and solar.

According to data from the Low-Carbon Power 2025 Report, Iceland’s geothermal infrastructure currently boasts an installed capacity of approximately 799 megawatts electrical equivalent (e), contributing nearly 28% of the country’s total electricity generation. The existing infrastructure, managed by leaders such as Landsvirkjun and ON Power, includes world-class facilities like the Hellisheidi and Reykjanes plants, which are increasingly integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to move toward carbon-negative operations.

The National Energy Authority of Iceland (Orkustofnun) identifies a massive ‘understood potential’ for future development through the Master Plan for Nature Protection and Energy Utilization. Current estimates suggest that Iceland’s total geothermal energy potential for electricity generation is approximately 20 terawatt hours per year of high-enthalpy energy available for industrial scaling.

This stable political and geological environment has positioned Iceland as a hub for long-term industrial expandability, particularly for high-energy users in the eFuel and Digital Infrastructure sectors. Reports from atNorth and Country Reports note that the ‘predictable, low-cost nature of Icelandic geothermal power’ is attracting a new wave of industrial tenants, including eFuel producers and AI-ready data centers, who require scalable, 24/7 renewable energy to meet global ESG mandates.

Iceland continues to leverage its ‘geothermal-first’ policy to foster strategic collaborations between energy producers and prospective industrial customers. This synergy bolsters confidence that industrial users can secure long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) that are insulated from the volatility of global fossil fuel markets, solidifying Iceland’s role as an energy powerhouse of the North Atlantic.

About Syntholene

Syntholene is actively commercializing its novel Hybrid Thermal Production System for low-cost clean fuel synthesis. The target output is ultrapure synthetic jet fuel, manufactured at 70% lower cost than the nearest competing technology today. The company’s mission is to deliver the world’s first truly high-performance, low-cost, and carbon-neutral synthetic fuel at an industrial scale, unlocking the potential to produce clean synthetic fuel at lower cost than fossil fuels, for the first time.

Syntholene’s power-to-liquid strategy harnesses thermal energy to power proprietary integrations of hydrogen production and fuel synthesis. Syntholene has secured 20MW of dedicated energy to support the Company’s upcoming demonstration facility and commercial scale-up.

Founded by experienced operators across advanced energy infrastructure, nuclear technology, low-emissions steel refining, process engineering, and capital markets, Syntholene aims to be the first team to deliver a scalable modular production platform for cost-competitive synthetic fuel, thus accelerating the commercialization of carbon-neutral eFuels across global markets.

For further information, please contact:
Dan Sutton, CEO
comms@syntholene.com 
www.syntholene.com
+1 608-305-4835

X: @Syntholene
Linkedin: Syntholene Energy
Youtube: Syntholene Energy

Investor Relations
KIN Communications Inc.
604-684-6730
ESAF@kincommunications.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘expect’, ‘anticipate’, ‘aims’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘objective’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘should’, ‘believe’, ‘plans’, ‘intends’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including but not limited to statements regarding the completion of the demonstration facility, commencement commercialization efforts, potential to materially improve the economics of clean fuel, the successful implementation of the test facility, commercial scalability, technical and economic viability, anticipated geothermal power availability, anticipated benefit of eFuel, and future commercial opportunities, are forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to execute its business plan, that the eFuel will have its expected benefits, that there will be market adoption, and that the Company will be able to access financing as needed to fund its business plan. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, without limitation, Syntholene’s ability to meet production targets, realize projected economic benefits, overcome technical challenges, secure financing, maintain regulatory compliance, manage geopolitical risks, and successfully negotiate definitive terms. Syntholene does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Readers are advised to exercise caution and not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284115

News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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