In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has established itself as a leading technology. It holds the promise of total immersion and radical transformation of the way we interact. From mental health to education, from video games to vocational training, it opens up fascinating and sometimes revolutionary prospects. However, not all VR applications are as successful as expected. Some struggle to convince, held back by technical problems, lack of ergonomics or poorly targeted use. The latter point to the limits of a technology still in search of maturity. In this contrasting panorama, come and discover the seven game-changing uses of VR. At the same time, you’ll see the seven others that, despite their promise, haven’t found their audience.
The European Union said Thursday that it still sees no concrete indication that Moscow is genuinely committed to ending the war in Ukraine, despite five days of diplomatic efforts in Geneva. Speaking in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni told reporters: «Nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Europe at the negotiating table.» He added a stark assessment of Moscow’s posture, stating: «We still do not see tangible signs that Russia is engaging seriously on peace.» His remarks underscored mounting frustration within the bloc, particularly after EU institutions were not formally included in the latest round of US-brokered discussions.
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The five-day diplomatic push in Geneva marked the third round of trilateral peace talks between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the United States. The meetings followed earlier rounds held in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24 and Feb. 4-5, the latter resulting in the first prisoner swap between Moscow and Kyiv since last October. This week’s discussions were facilitated by US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The Russian delegation was led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, while Ukraine’s team was headed by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. Talks reportedly concluded after nearly two hours on Wednesday without a breakthrough announcement.
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European officials emphasized that while they support US-led efforts to secure what they call a just and lasting peace, Europe must not be sidelined. El Anouni stressed that the EU remains in constant coordination with Kyiv and Washington and reiterated key principles underpinning the bloc’s stance. «International borders must not be changed by force,» he said, highlighting that Ukraine had agreed to an unconditional ceasefire nearly a year ago. He contrasted that with what he described as Russia’s ongoing «relentless attacks» targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, citing Ukrainian authorities. The EU maintains that any eventual settlement must guarantee Europe’s security and continental stability.
«We still do not see tangible signs that Russia is engaging seriously on peace.»
-European Commission spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly insisted that peace cannot come at the cost of sovereignty or territorial integrity. In recent statements, he reiterated that Ukraine is prepared for a «just peace» but will not accept terms that reward aggression. Zelensky has also urged partners to maintain military and financial support, arguing that pressure on Moscow is essential to force meaningful concessions. Ukrainian officials described the Geneva talks as constructive but cautious, noting that while humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges may see progress, core political and territorial disputes remain unresolved.
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The White House has framed the Geneva discussions as part of a broader effort to test Moscow’s willingness to negotiate. US officials said the objective was to explore potential confidence-building measures and gauge Russia’s readiness for compromise ahead of the war’s fourth anniversary. Russian representatives, meanwhile, maintained that their country remains open to dialogue but insisted that any agreement must reflect what Moscow calls the «new realities on the ground,» a reference to territories currently under Russian control. The Kremlin has repeatedly argued that security guarantees for Russia must be central to any final arrangement, a position Kyiv firmly rejects.
«International borders must not be changed by force.»
-European Commission spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni
Despite diplomatic engagement and incremental steps such as prisoner swaps, the tone from Brussels reflects a sense of impasse. By repeating that the bloc sees no «tangible signs» of serious Russian engagement, EU officials signaled skepticism that the current format alone can deliver a comprehensive settlement. The insistence that «Nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Europe at the negotiating table» underscores concern that any deal struck without broader European involvement may lack legitimacy or durability. As the conflict approaches another anniversary, the Geneva talks have highlighted both ongoing dialogue and the deep divisions that continue to block a decisive breakthrough.
Bill Gates abruptly cancelled his planned keynote speech at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, withdrawing just hours before he was scheduled to appear as renewed controversy over Jeffrey Epstein’s network intensified. Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and major global philanthropist, had been listed as one of the summit’s most high-profile speakers, with the event focused on how artificial intelligence can be used in developing economies. His withdrawal comes as the release of millions of documents tied to Epstein has triggered global embarrassment for a number of prominent men, particularly after the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the United Kingdom. A statement from the Gates Foundation said:
«After careful consideration and to ensure the focus remains on the AI summit’s key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address.»
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The expanding Epstein files controversy has reshaped public attention far beyond American politics, placing international pressure on governments, institutions, and individuals who once had any contact with Epstein. The latest document release has reignited outrage by exposing communications, names, and references tied to Epstein’s relationships with wealthy and influential figures. While being mentioned in the documents does not prove wrongdoing, the scale of the disclosure has triggered new scrutiny and renewed calls for transparency. Gates’s decision to cancel his appearance reflects the reputational risk now attached to the scandal as it spreads across multiple countries. The fallout has intensified further after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, which reinforced public perception that Epstein’s influence reached into the highest levels of society and that legal consequences may now be expanding.
«After careful consideration and to ensure the focus remains on the AI summit’s key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address.»
-The Gates Foundation
Gates has been pulled into the spotlight due to the publication of documents and draft emails linked to Epstein that directly reference him. Among the released materials were draft messages reportedly dated July 2013, written by Epstein to himself, that made explicit allegations about Gates and claimed he had engaged in sexual encounters that resulted in a sexually transmitted disease. The draft alleged Gates sought antibiotics to give to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, as part of an effort to conceal the situation. The allegations have drawn intense media coverage and renewed debate over Gates’s past meetings with Epstein, particularly because Gates continued to see Epstein after his 2008 conviction. The revelations have fueled questions about whether Epstein collected compromising information as leverage over powerful people.
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Gates’s association with Epstein has been documented for years, but the renewed attention has brought back his earlier attempts to distance himself from the financier. In past comments, Gates admitted the meetings were a mistake and insisted the relationship was not personal. He said: «I met him. I didn’t have any business relationship or friendship with him.» Gates also acknowledged the reputational impact of being seen with Epstein, stating: «It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there.» Those remarks have resurfaced as the files release fuels fresh speculation about the extent of Epstein’s influence. The renewed scrutiny has also raised questions about why Gates continued to engage with Epstein at all, despite his conviction and long-standing reputation.
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The scandal has also drawn rare public remarks from Gates’s ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, who spoke about the emotional damage caused by the resurfacing of Epstein-related allegations. In a recent interview, she said the controversy revived «memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage.» She added that she would not attempt to speak for others, saying:
«Whatever questions remain there — I can’t even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me.» Her comments were widely interpreted as a reminder that Epstein-related issues played a role in the personal strain surrounding the collapse of their marriage, even as she avoided making direct accusations.
«Whatever questions remain there — I can’t even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me.»
-Melinda French Gates
Gates and his representatives have denied any wrongdoing and rejected the claims circulating from the newly released files. A spokesperson for Gates dismissed the allegations contained in Epstein’s draft emails, calling them «absolutely absurd and completely false.» The Gates Foundation also framed his withdrawal from the summit as an attempt to avoid distracting from the event’s goals, rather than an admission of guilt. Still, the controversy highlights how the Epstein files have become a political and cultural crisis, especially as public figures accuse governments of protecting powerful friends. In the United States, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed Trump is trying to shield men linked to Epstein by limiting full disclosure. As Gates faces renewed scrutiny, the fallout shows that Epstein’s shadow continues to reach into global politics, business, and public life.
King Charles III reacted publicly after his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday in a case tied to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, a development that has reignited one of the most damaging controversies to hit the British monarchy in decades. The former prince, long associated with Epstein through repeated public reports and allegations, was detained as investigators examined whether any criminal misconduct may have taken place during his years holding official responsibilities. The arrest immediately triggered political and media shockwaves in the United Kingdom and abroad, reopening questions about privilege and accountability. It also forced the royal family to respond directly, as the case escalated from years of suspicion and scandal into a major legal moment.
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In an unusually detailed statement, King Charles made clear the palace would not attempt to interfere with the investigation and emphasized respect for legal institutions. The monarch said:
«I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.» The statement was widely interpreted as an attempt to contain the fallout while reinforcing that Andrew’s legal troubles are his own.
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The arrest comes amid renewed outrage following the release of millions of pages of documents linked to Epstein, often described as the “Epstein files.” The new material has intensified global scrutiny of Epstein’s network and revived public anger over how many influential men remained connected to him despite his criminal record. While being named in a document does not automatically prove wrongdoing, the scale of the release has sparked renewed calls for transparency and for law enforcement to investigate any potential abuse of power. Andrew’s past ties to Epstein have repeatedly been cited as one of the most high-profile examples of elite connections that survived public scandal, and the document dump has brought those relationships back into the headlines with fresh intensity.
«I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.»
-King Charles III
Prince Andrew has been under suspicion for years, especially after allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with the royal when she was 17. Andrew has consistently denied any criminal conduct and has rejected her account. The controversy reached a major turning point after his 2019 BBC interview, in which he attempted to explain his relationship with Epstein and the accusations against him. During the interview, he said he had «no recollection of ever meeting» Giuffre, a comment that drew heavy criticism and damaged his credibility. The scandal forced Andrew to withdraw from royal duties and deepened pressure on Buckingham Palace to distance the monarchy from his personal conduct and associations.
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Authorities have not released every detail surrounding the arrest, but the investigation reportedly centers on possible misconduct connected to Andrew’s former official position as a UK trade envoy and whether he may have improperly shared sensitive information or engaged in actions considered an abuse of office. His detention on his birthday has added to the humiliation and symbolic weight of the moment, reinforcing the idea that the case has moved beyond reputation damage into direct legal jeopardy. Reports say police operations involved searches and evidence collection linked to Andrew’s residences, while investigators determine whether charges will be filed. The arrest is rare in the modern royal era and has amplified public debate about whether the monarchy can maintain legitimacy while such scandals continue to surface.
«In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.»
-King Charles III
The upheaval surrounding Andrew’s arrest has also gained traction in the United States, where Epstein-related controversies have become a political flashpoint. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed that Donald Trump and his allies have tried to keep parts of the Epstein disclosures hidden to protect powerful friends, an accusation that has fueled anger among some MAGA supporters demanding full transparency. Greene’s criticism has added pressure on Trump, particularly as he insists he has been cleared of wrongdoing. Against that backdrop, Andrew’s arrest has become part of a broader narrative about whether elite networks are shielded from consequences. As the legal process unfolds, King Charles’s statement signals that the monarchy will attempt to protect the institution by drawing a sharp line between royal duty and Andrew’s personal accountability.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA - APRIL 7: In this handout provided by the U.S. Navy,The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter fires a Tomahawk land attack missile on April 7, 2017 in the Mediterranean Sea. The USS Porter was one of two destroyers that fired a total of 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield in retaliation for a chemical attack that killed scores of civilians this week. The attack was the first direct U.S. assault on Syria and the government of President Bashar al-Assad in the six-year war there. (Photo by Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via Getty Images)
After a month of sitting back, the United States has conducted another air strike on an alleged cartel vessel in the Pacific Ocean. After killing more than 120 people in 2025, Donald Trump has been sitting on his hands for the better part of 2026. The US had only conducted two air strikes on naval vessels before the strike on February 9, 2026. Two people were killed in the strike, and another survivor escaped with injuries. Shockingly, it appears as though the US’s kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro did not halt the Latin-American drug trade. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has moved on, refusing to speak on nearly anything other than his ‘impressive’ economy.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA – APRIL 7: In this handout provided by the U.S. Navy,The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter fires a Tomahawk land attack missile on April 7, 2017 in the Mediterranean Sea. The USS Porter was one of two destroyers that fired a total of 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield in retaliation for a chemical attack that killed scores of civilians this week. The attack was the first direct U.S. assault on Syria and the government of President Bashar al-Assad in the six-year war there. (Photo by Ford Williams/U.S. Navy via Getty Images)Infographic with a map of the Americas showing the areas where the United States has carried out attacks against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean since September 2, 2025, as well as the number of people killed in these attacks, as of December 16 (Graphic by AFP via Getty Images)YEMEN – MARCH 15: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces carry out precision airstrikes kicking off a series of operations against Iranian-backed Houthi targets across Yemen, according to CENTCOM, on March 15, 2025. (Photo by CENTCOM / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base on February 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 3: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy.) A screenshot of a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows who he says is President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima, which is currently patrolling in the Caribbean Sea. (Handout from Truth Social via Getty Images)
KYIV, UKRAINE - JANUARY 24: Upper floor of the 'Roshen' confectionery factory in Holosiivskyi District is partially destroyed by a Russian drone strike, killing a factory worker on January 24, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine. During the night, the Russian army carried out a massive combined strike on Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, using missiles of various types and combat drones. The attack resulted in the death of one person in Kyiv and the injury of at least four others. Damage was reported in several districts of the city. There are power, heat, and water outages in the capital and the entire Oblast, in particular due to strikes on energy facilities. (Photo by Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
On February 11, Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at multiple Ukrainian cities in overnight attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow was “hesitating” about another round of U.S.-brokered talks on stopping the fighting, after both he and Putin voiced their displeasure with Donald Trump’s conflict mediation skills. Trump has managed to tick off both world leaders by spurning Ukraine’s independence, while patronizing Russia’s bloodlust and military prowess. Now, both countries seem willing to play Trump’s game.
KYIV, UKRAINE – JANUARY 24: Upper floor of the ‘Roshen’ confectionery factory in Holosiivskyi District is partially destroyed by a Russian drone strike, killing a factory worker on January 24, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine. During the night, the Russian army carried out a massive combined strike on Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, using missiles of various types and combat drones. The attack resulted in the death of one person in Kyiv and the injury of at least four others. Damage was reported in several districts of the city. There are power, heat, and water outages in the capital and the entire Oblast, in particular due to strikes on energy facilities. (Photo by Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)UNITED STATES – FEBRUARY 18: President Donald Trump speaks during a Black History Month reception in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)A man works among wasted produce at a market destroyed by a Russian drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine, on February 12, 2026. As a result of the UAV attack, a nine-storey residential building is affected, and a fire breaks out, which rescuers extinguish on the upper floors. Energy infrastructure is also damaged, while fires erupt in shopping pavilions at a market and in a supermarket. Windows in nearby buildings are shattered, cars are damaged, and preliminary reports indicate one person is injured. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)KYIV, UKRAINE – JANUARY 24: Lorries burn at a garage compound in the Darnytskyi district after falling fragments from downed Russian aerial targets, while rescuers extinguish the fire on January 24, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine. During the night, the Russian army carried out a massive combined strike on Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, using missiles of various types and combat drones. The attack resulted in the death of one person in Kyiv and the injury of at least four others. Damage was reported in several districts of the city. There are power, heat, and water outages in the capital and the entire Oblast, in particular due to strikes on energy facilities. (Photo by Oleksandr Magula/Suspilne Ukraine/JSC « UA:PBC »/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)People stand outside a shop that burns down in an overnight Russian drone attack in Odesa, Ukraine, on February 17, 2026. Russian forces launch attack drones against the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa and the surrounding area, injuring two people. Energy and civilian infrastructure facilities are also damaged. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NO USE RUSSIA. NO USE BELARUS. (Photo by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)A balcony in an apartment block is damaged by an overnight Russian drone attack in Odesa, Ukraine, on February 17, 2026. Russian forces launch attack drones against the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa and the surrounding area, injuring two people. Energy and civilian infrastructure facilities are also damaged. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NO USE RUSSIA. NO USE BELARUS. (Photo by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)TOPSHOT – Pedestrians walk past a residential building heavily damaged after an air attack, in Odesa on February 17, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Oleksandr GIMANOV / AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Flowers are left outside of Tumbler Ridge secondary school building where a shooting took place, leaving at least nine people dead in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 11, 2026. Canada was in mourning Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said, after a lone shooter killed at least nine people, including seven at a school, and injured dozens more in a remote western town. (Photo by Eagle Vision Agency / AFP via Getty Images)
At 1:20 PM on February 10 2026, RCMP officers in Northern British Columbia were informed of a tragedy in progress. Mounties got reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Tumbler Ridge, BC, a school with just 160 students. An emergency alert was circulated to the town, warning of a female shooter in a dress. Four hours later, at 5:45 PM, the RCMP confirmed that the shooter had killed eight people and injured another 27 before taking her own life. Six of the eight victims were children, including the shooter’s 11-year-old step-brother. While the small community of Tumbler Ridge is in shock, the rest of the world has responded to the tragedy.
TOPSHOT – Flowers are left outside of Tumbler Ridge secondary school building where a shooting took place, leaving at least nine people dead in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 11, 2026. Canada was in mourning Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said, after a lone shooter killed at least nine people, including seven at a school, and injured dozens more in a remote western town. (Photo by Eagle Vision Agency / AFP via Getty Images)Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to the media about the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on Parliament Hill February 11, 2026 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Dave Chan / AFP via Getty Images)Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (R) and the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Pierre Poilievre (L) observe a moment of silence to honor the victims of one of Canada’s deadliest shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, on February 13, 2026. An 18-year-old carried out a mass shooting in a remote mining town, killing six people at a local school, after slaying her mother and stepbrother. Canadian Police commander Dwayne McDonald said authorities still don’t know the motive in the February 10 mass shooting, but the shooter, who took her own life, was known to have mental health issues. (Photo by Paige Taylor White / AFP via Getty Images)TOPSHOT – Community members mourn during a candlelight vigil for the victims of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where a mass shooting took place a day earlier in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 11, 2026. Canadian police said February 11 an 18-year-old carried out a mass shooting in a remote mining town, killing six people at a local school, after slaying her mother and stepbrother. Police commander Dwayne McDonald said authorities still don’t know the motive in Tuesday’s mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, but the shooter, who took her own life, was known to have mental health issues. (Photo by Paige Taylor White / AFP via Getty Images)FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base on February 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to community members during a vigil for victims of one of Canada’s deadliest shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, February 13, 2026. (Photo by Paige Taylor White / AFP via Getty Images)
This photo illustration shows redacted documents from the Epstein Library files released by the US Department of Justice in Washington, DC, on February 18, 2026. The Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), passed overwhelmingly by Congress in November 2025, compelled the Justice Department to release all of the documents in its possession related to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --
On January 30, 2026, the DOJ finally released what it calls ‘the complete Epstein files’. According to the DOJ, the latest batch of files completes the mandate given by Congress in November. The mandate, which was ultimately signed by Donald Trump, instructed the DOJ to release all evidence pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal enterprise. While the FBI pumps its own tires, spouting claims of transparency, the truth is far from it.
In reality, not only has the FBI failed to complete the Epstein Transparency Act, it has only released half of the files at its disposal. While the FBI had no problem releasing incriminating evidence regarding ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Elon Musk, and a litany of other celebrity business moguls, the files released on January 30 did not include a single piece of admissible evidence against Donald Trump.
This photo illustration shows redacted documents from the Epstein Library files released by the US Department of Justice in Washington, DC, on February 18, 2026. The Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), passed overwhelmingly by Congress in November 2025, compelled the Justice Department to release all of the documents in its possession related to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —TOPSHOT – A photo of US President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein is displayed as US Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on « Oversight of the Department of Justice » on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on February 11, 2026. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 30: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the ceremonial swearing in of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia in the Oval Office at the White House September 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. Eugene Scalia was nominated by Trump to lead the Labor Department after Alex Acosta resigned under criticism over a plea deal he reached with Jeffrey Epstein. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)From left, American real estate developer Donald Trump and his girlfriend (and future wife), former model Melania Knauss, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000. (Photo by Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 27: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media on the South Lawn as he departs the White House on January 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump is en route to Clive, Iowa for a rally with supporters where he is expected to talk about energy and the economy in his speech. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Fort Bragg U.S. Army base on February 13, 2026 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump visited the base to honor special forces involved in the military operation in Venezuela in early 2026. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)From left, American real estate developer Donald Trump and his girlfriend (and future wife), former model Melania Knauss, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000. (Photo by Davidoff Studios/Getty Images)
A brief remark from former President Barack Obama about aliens being «real» ignited a wave of viral speculation this week, prompting him to quickly clarify what he meant. The comment, made during a podcast appearance, was clipped and widely shared across social media platforms, where it was interpreted by some as confirmation of extraterrestrial life. Within hours, headlines and online debates multiplied, fueled by curiosity and conspiracy theories. Obama later emphasized that he had seen no evidence of alien contact during his presidency, underscoring how a single offhand line can snowball into global buzz in the digital age.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 5: Rapper Lil Poppa performs during Rod Wave - Last Lap Tour at State Farm Arena on December 5, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
The year 2026 was marked by the passing of many personalities who left a lasting mark on our society. Artists, creators, public figures, thinkers, and athletes—each and every one contributed in their own way to shaping our era and our collective imagination. This In Memoriam project pays tribute to those who left us during the year. Through these memories, we take a moment to remember their influence, celebrate their contributions, and honor lives that will continue to resonate long after their passing.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 5: Rapper Lil Poppa performs during Rod Wave – Last Lap Tour at State Farm Arena on December 5, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)Le révérend Jesse Jackson en campagne électorale à Winterset dans l’Iowa, le 3 février 1988.(Photo by jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma via Getty Images)PALM SPRINGS, CA – JANUARY 03: Actor Robert Duvall attends the 26th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala at Parker Palm Springs on January 3, 2015 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)American actor Bud Cort, wearing a black suit with a white shirt, and American actress Patti D’Arbanville, who wears a black off-shoulder outfit, attend the 2nd Annual American Cinematheque Award Salute, held at the Hollywood Palladium in the Hollywood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California, 21st February 1987. The ceremony honoured American actress and singer Bette Midler. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: James Van Der Beek attends 2024 FOX Winter Press Day at Fox Studio Lot on November 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 26: Singer Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down performs at 2023 FOX & Friends’ Summer Concert Series on May 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 14: Musician Chuck Negron, former singer of the classic rock band Three Dog Night, performs onstage during the Happy Together tour at Saban Theatre on July 14, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)Catherine O’Hara of « The Wild Robot » at the Deadline Studio held at the Bisha Hotel during the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 on September 9, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by KC Armstrong/Deadline via Getty Images)
