World News

• US thwarted near-catastrophic prison break of 6,000 ISIS fighters in Syria

  U.S. officials prevented catastrophic ISIS prison break in Syria by secretly moving nearly 6,000 "worst of the worst" detainees to Iraq in major operation.

• Terror sponsor Iran gets UN leadership overseeing Charter principles

  Iran's election as vice-chair of U.N. Charter Committee sparks outrage from Israel, which calls it a "moral absurdity" amid ongoing human rights concerns.

• UN Security Council moves up session on Gaza, West Bank ahead of Trump’s inaugural Board of Peace meeting

  The U.N. Security Council will hold a meeting on Gaza’s fragile ceasefire and expanding Israeli operations in the West Bank earlier to avoid clashing with President Trump’s meeting.

• Ukraine makes fastest gains in years as Russia talks stall, exploiting cracks in Kremlin command

  Ukrainian forces exploit Russian communication disruptions to mount successful counteroffensive east of Zaporizhzhia, pushing back enemy advances.

• Trump convenes first ‘Board of Peace’ meeting as Gaza rebuild hinges on Hamas disarmament

  International coalition commits billions for Gaza rebuilding as Trump chairs inaugural Board of Peace meeting, with funding tied to security conditions.

• Vatican declines to join Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ calls for UN leadership

  Vatican declines to join Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza recovery, citing concerns about the initiative's nature and preferring U.N. leadership instead.

• Peru sinks deeper into chaos as seventh president in ten years ousted in ‘Chifagate’ scandal

  Peru president José Jerí ousted by lawmakers in censure vote, marking latest twist in political crisis that has seen seven presidents since 2016 amid ongoing corruption scandals.

• Russia sentences American to 4 years for allegedly trying to take Kalashnikov rifle stocks: report

  American sentenced to four years in Russian jail for allegedly trying to smuggle Kalashnikov rifle stocks through Moscow airport security checkpoint.

• Italy cheers faith and flag in Milan after Paris’ ‘woke’ Olympic spectacle sparked culture clash, experts say

  Paris 2024's controversial Olympic ceremony sparked culture wars with its modern reinterpretation, while Milan-Cortina embraced tradition and unity, expert say.

• Iran fires live missiles into Strait of Hormuz as Trump envoys arrive for nuclear talks

  Iran fired live missiles into the Strait of Hormuz during IRGC naval drills and said it is prepared to shut the key oil transit route if ordered.

• Pastor accused of 'inciting religious hatred' with UK street sermon, legal advocacy group says

  A pastor awaits potential charges after an arrest for allegedly "inciting religious hatred" during a street sermon, raising religious freedom concerns.

• Iconic 'Lovers' Arch' on Italian coast collapses on Valentine's Day

  Italy's famous "Lovers' Arch" rock formation collapsed on Valentine's Day after severe weather battered the coast, devastating a beloved tourist landmark.

• 100 US troops land in Nigeria as Islamic militants threaten West Africa regional security

  Nigeria counterterrorism efforts receive U.S. military support as American advisers arrive to help combat Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province attacks.

• Iran operating secret ‘black box’ sites holding thousands in detention: reports

  Iranian authorities allegedly use unofficial detention facilities for interrogation during protests, leaving families unable to locate loved ones as executions escalate.

• Iran launches war drills in Hormuz Strait as US carrier is flying missions 24/7 before Geneva talks

  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva for nuclear talks as Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted military exercises Monday.

• Tourist arrested after destroying multiple check-in kiosks in Hong Kong airport rampage

  Tourist arrested after smashing Hong Kong airport check-in kiosks with metal stanchion. Police reportedly detained the 35-year-old man Monday.

• Medical NGO that slammed Israel’s anti-terror raid now quits Gaza hospital over armed operatives

  Commentator says Israeli forces vindicated as MSF admits finding armed fighters at Gaza hospital. The medical charity's revelation contradicts previous condemnation against Jewish state.

• Ukraine's Zelenskyy says he met with Democratic senators, thanked US for support

  Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he thanked America for its support while meeting with U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse.

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Events

• 
  St Teresa Fish Fries

  St Teresa Renowned Lenten Fish Fries will run from February 20th through March 27th From 4:30-7:30

  Feb 20, 2026 at St Teresa Parish Community Center
• 
  Al-Anon Meeting

  Help for Friends and Family of a problem drinker. You know what it is doing to them, do you know what it is doing to you?

  Feb 22, 2026 at Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church
• 
  St. John Lutheran School OPEN HOUSE

  We are holding our school's open house on 2/22/26. Come tour our school and visit with our teachers. We would love to meet you.

  Feb 22, 2026 at St. John Lutheran School

Crossroads Utilities Sewer Rate Case Public Comments Invited

IURC Hearing March 2 in Lawrenceburg.

Cross Plains Outdoor Warning Sirens Currently Not Functional

Repairs are in progress, but the system is not expected to be operational for the next weather event.

Short-term Closure Planned on State Road 56 in Ohio County

This closure was previously scheduled to take place in mid-January.

Local Sports Report - February 17, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Micah Norman Becomes Milan's All-Time Leading Scorer

Norman passed Ryan Hixson on Tuesday night.

Freshman Phenom is First Lawrenceburg Swimmer to Score Points at State

Erin Burgess competed in the 100 Yard Breaststroke.