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Today in History: February 13, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia found dead

Fri, 02/13/2026 - 02:00

Today is Friday, Feb. 13, the 44th day of 2026. There are 321 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Feb. 13, 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia, the influential conservative member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was found dead at a private residence in the Big Bend area of West Texas; he was 79.

Also on this date:

In 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey, found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh. (Hauptmann was executed the following year.)

In 1945, Allied forces in World War II began a three-day bombing raid on Dresden, Germany, killing as many as 25,000 people and triggering a firestorm that swept through the city center.

In 1965, during the Vietnam War, President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder, an extended bombing campaign against the North Vietnamese.

In 1980, the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, New York.

In 1996, the rock musical “Rent,” by Jonathan Larson, premiered off-Broadway less than three weeks after Larson’s death.

In 2002, John Walker Lindh, who was captured by U.S. forces as an enemy combatant in 2001, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, to conspiring to kill Americans and supporting the Taliban and terrorist organizations. (Lindh later pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.)

In 2017, President Donald Trump’s embattled national security adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned following reports he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about his contacts with Russia.

In 2018, President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen, said he had paid $130,000 out of his own pocket to Stephanie Clifford (aka Stormy Daniels), a porn actor who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Trump.

In 2021, Donald Trump was acquitted by the Senate at his second impeachment trial -– the first to involve a former president -– in which he was accused of inciting the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Seven Republicans joined all 50 Democrats in voting to convict, less than the two-thirds threshold required.

Today’s birthdays:

Actor Kim Novak is 93.
Actor Stockard Channing is 82.
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut is 80.
Basketball Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski is 79.
Musician Peter Gabriel is 76. Musician Peter Hook is 70.
Singer-writer Henry Rollins is 65.
Hockey Hall of Famer Mats Sundin is 55.
Singer Robbie Williams is 52.
Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss is 49.
Actor Mena Suvari (MEE’-nuh soo-VAHR’-ee) is 47.
Actor Sophia Lillis is 24.

Matthew Kress rises to No. 1 as Florida hosts elite field at Gators Invitational

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 19:31

GAINESVILLE — Florida golfer Matthew Kress arrived as an unsung teenager lacking the pedigree, résumé and confidence of many fellow Gators.

Coach JC Deacon’s 2021 squad featured accomplished amateurs, blue-chip recruits and seasoned collegians brimming with potential. Behind the scenes, Kress quietly wondered whether he belonged.

Day by day, he became indispensable to Florida’s surge of success, including 17 tournament victories with Kress in the lineup.

If Deacon’s team extends its streak of six straight Gators Invitational titles this weekend, the fifth-year senior will lead the charge. After moving up, down and even out of the five-man lineup during three previous appearances in the program’s home event, Kress will occupy the No. 1 spot for the first time.

In a position he once never imagined, Kress is ready for whatever comes next.

“If you would have asked me what my goals were when I first started here, it’d be to make sure I had a spot on the team the next year,” Kress recalled. “But that’s changed quite a lot. I’m making stuff up on the fly, which is how life goes sometimes.”

Kress’ ascent has been anything but accidental.

“He’s one of the hardest workers on this team,” junior Jack Turner said. “In anything you do, if you’re persistent and work hard every single day, eventually the outcome is going to be good. It’s been huge for us.”

Before Turner arrived, Kress had already established himself as a grinder — and a winner.

Florida golfer Matthew Kress plays a tee shot during the 2023 NCAA Championships, won by the Gators at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images).

Following a redshirt season in 2021-22, Kress cracked the starting lineup prior to the 2023 Gator Invitational. Florida’s victory launched a historic run that culminated in SEC and NCAA championships — a double last achieved by the 2001 Gators.

Kress has proven at his best in the cauldron, going 5-1 in match play during Florida’s 2023 and 2025 SEC title runs. Low-key and reserved on and off the course, the 23-year-old rarely betrays emotion.

“There’s ups and downs to that,” he said. “There’s not a lot that will get me over the moon, but there’s also not a lot that’s going to drag me to the dumps. I try to stay pretty even-keeled.”

His ability to stay immersed in the process and ignore distractions was on full display during the Sea Best Invitational, the spring opener Feb. 2-3 in Jacksonville. In blustery, demanding conditions at Atlantic Beach Country Club, Kress birdied four of his final five holes to post a bogey-free 6-under 66 as Florida edged UNC Wilmington by a stroke.

The self-effacing Kress downplayed the moment.

“I can’t claim it was a super-clutch performance,” he said. “I wasn’t exactly aware of what the situation was coming down the stretch. My coaches knew. They didn’t fill me in, which probably helped.”

He won’t be able to avoid the high stakes this weekend at UF’s Mark Bostick Golf Course.

No. 5 Auburn and No. 11 Oklahoma State — the defending national champions — along with No. 20 Charlotte and No. 22 Notre Dame headline a field widely considered the tournament’s strongest in years.

“Our guys have definitely taken notice, and we know we’re going to be challenged,” Deacon said. “We’re going to have to play our best to win this tournament. They want to compete against the best teams and players. It’s a great opportunity to do it on our home course, in front of our home fans.

“Hopefully we can keep the streak alive.”

UF coach JC Deacon (right) shares a moment with golfer Matthew after the Gators SEC Championship win April 27, 2025, at Seaside Golf Course in St. Simon's Island, Georgia. (UAA Communications/Bella Rosa)

From the top spot, Kress will square off with Auburn phenom Jackson Koivun, the world’s No. 1 amateur, and Oklahoma State’s Ethan Fang, ranked No. 6.

“He’s the real deal,” Kress said of Koivun, who also hails from Northern California. “It’s always interesting to see how other people’s games stack up on your home course that you play every day. I have my own strategy. I’ve played thousands of rounds out here.”

Kress, ranked No. 53, is one of three Gators inside the top 60. Turner (No. 15) will man the No. 2 position ahead of sophomore Zack Swanwick (No. 57). Parker Sands slots in at No. 4, while highly touted Iowa transfer Noah Kent rounds out the lineup in his Florida debut after redshirting last spring and fall.

Even with No. 20 Luke Poulter sidelined by back tightness, the Gators remain loaded. Senior Parker Bell, ranked No. 86, sank the winning putt at last November’s East Lake Cup but will compete as an individual, as will sophomore Joshua Bai and freshman Trevor Gutschewski, who tied for 12th at Sea Best and shot 65 during qualifying on the par-70 UF course.

Deacon has options each week. Competition for lineup spots is fierce.

Kress once felt like the odd man out.

This weekend, he’ll stand at the front — with only fairways and greens ahead.

“He’s poured his heart and soul into this program, and to play No. 1 is an incredible honor,” Deacon said. “He worked his way up from being 13th out of 13 when he arrived to No. 1 out of 10 in his fifth year.

“I’m so proud to have him in that spot. I’m going to enjoy watching him this weekend.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

How turmeric water fights inflammation

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 18:33

Turmeric water is an anti-inflammatory drink that can relieve pain and swelling

Turmeric is a plant within the ginger family derived from Southeast Asia. It is often used as a cooking spice and in traditional medicine. This orange-colored spice tastes like a mixture of ginger and pepper. Turmeric powder is commonly found in curry and is used as a dietary supplement. One way to use this powder is to mix it with water to relieve inflammation from certain health conditions. We’ll discuss turmeric water benefits in more detail and the best turmeric powder options available.

In this article: Organic Spice Resource Organic Turmeric Root Powder, Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Turmeric Powder and Hqo High-Quality Organics Express Organic Turmeric Ground

Benefits of turmeric water for inflammation

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant by sending out cells to fight bacteria or heal an injury. Consuming turmeric can relieve swollen and painful joints for people with chronic conditions. Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory chemical that may reduce inflammation and swelling. It has been shown to assist with inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndromes and pain.

Other turmeric water benefits

There are other health benefits of turmeric worth noting, including:

Improves memory among older adults with dementia.
Reduces pain for people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions.
Protects the body from free radicals or unstable molecules that increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Lowers the risk of heart disease.
Helps fight depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. These neurotransmitters are considered “happy hormones” as they help regulate mood.
Helps prevent cancer growth and development.

Turmeric powder can be consumed as supplements, smoothies, golden milk, water or meals.

How to make turmeric water

Use a saucepan to bring water to a boil on a stove.
Turn the heat off and pour the water into a glass or mug.
Add turmeric powder, black pepper and honey and stir well.

You should drink warm water with turmeric in the morning on an empty stomach. A daily dose of turmeric powder should not exceed 8 grams. Be aware that the side effects of turmeric powder misuse can include gastrointestinal or liver problems.

Features to look for when purchasing turmeric powder

Organic. Ensure that the powder is made organically and is labeled non-GMO.
Color. Turmeric powder should have an orange, golden or yellow hue to it.
Smell. This spice has an earthy smell with hints of ginger and orange scents.
No preservatives. Rub some turmeric powder in your hand. Then, turn your hand over. If a lot of powder falls off your hand, it may include ingredients such as chalk.
Curcumin potency. The high potency of curcumin can increase the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric powders.

Best turmeric powder picks

Organic Spice Resource Organic Turmeric Root Powder

This turmeric powder is certified organic by the Department of Agriculture, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. It is lab tested for heavy metals and purity and is grown in India. It comes in a reusable bag to maintain freshness. It has no colors, additives, preservatives or ethylene oxide treatment.

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Turmeric Powder

This 16-ounce pack of turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic, raw, Kosher-certified, vegan and non-GMO. It contains nutrients such as dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. It comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.

Hqo High-Quality Organics Express Organic Turmeric Ground

This organic turmeric powder is USDA- and Kosher-certified and non-GMO. It is not grown with herbicides or pesticides to ensure quality and safety. It is sustainably farmed across more than 40 countries and is grown in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Dwarka Organic Turmeric Powder

The turmeric powder is organic, USDA-certified, non-GMO and chemical-free. It is derived from crushed, dried and organic turmeric roots. It contains curcumin to aid with inflammation.

Simply Organic Ground Turmeric Root

This powder comes from a turmeric root that contains a minimum of 4% of curcumin. It is non-GMO, certified organic by the Quality Assurance Institute, USDA- and Kosher-certified and does not contain ETOs. It has a golden-yellow hue with a strong, distinctive aroma.

Spice Train Certified-Organic Turmeric Powder

This 14-ounce bag of turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic, vegan and gluten-free. It contains turmeric created naturally and sourced from Indian harvest gardens. It does not have artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It contains 3% curcumin.

McCormick Organic Ground Turmeric

It is a USDA- and Kosher-certified organic and non-GMO Project-verified turmeric powder. It has a yellow, orange color with a subtle, earthy flavor. The powder is vegan -and vegetarian-friendly. It contains the ingredient curcuma. It has an easy-to-handle bottle to refill spice jars.

Jiva Organics Organic Turmeric Powder

The turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic and is 100% imported from India. It is batch-tested and has a 3% curcumin content. The powder comes from pure turmeric rhizomes and contains curcumin. It has no artificial colors, additives, preservatives or ethylene oxide (ETO) treatment. It comes in a resealable bag to maintain freshness.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Best NAC supplement

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 18:33

Which NAC supplements are best?

Taking NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine, as a supplement is growing in popularity. The supplement form of the amino acid cysteine, NAC is not found in food and not naturally produced by the body — but it’s still useful. It’s one of the few supplements proven to help mitigate kidney and liver damage. It can also be found in prescription drug format, but its supplement format is popular for home use.

A top NAC supplement is the Thorne NAC Capsules, a super high quality 500 milligram NAC supplement from a trusted brand that’s odorless and doesn’t oxidize quickly.

What to know before you buy NAC supplements Uses

NAC is a highly potent amino acid with a number of uses. It increases glutathione levels, assisting with liver detoxification; supports respiratory health; and can protect the kidney. It’s often used in conjunction with acetaminophen or other drugs that can damage the liver and is often prescribed by doctors for these uses.

As an amino acid supplement, it also has a large number of uses, from treating serious health conditions and addictions to being a post-workout supplement and general health protectant. As with many similar supplements, not all of its potential benefits are well researched or verified. It’s always best to be skeptical of outlandish health claims. If a supplement sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Brand

Because the regulation of supplements is minimal, the brand you purchase from can mean a great deal more than it does for prescription drugs. Look for a highly reviewed brand with a verifiable history and source. Ingredients should be clearly labeled on the packaging, and it should be easy to verify if the product includes common allergens. NAC is a popular supplement, so many brands have a version. Look for one you know and trust when purchasing.

What to look for in a quality NAC supplement Form

Capsule: Most NAC supplements come in capsule form. These are cheap to produce and easy to swallow due to their smooth texture. Most capsules are made of gelatin, though vegetable cellulose options are becoming more popular. Capsules often contain a lower supplement dose than tablets.
Tablet: Tablets are pressed into shape, rather than being contained. They’re cheap to produce, too, but they’re less popular as they can be difficult to swallow due to their shape and texture. They also often have a taste, because they’re not encased in a neutral material.

Dosage

Most NAC supplements offer a 500- or 600-milligram concentration. NAC is generally safe for adults to take up to 2,000 milligrams per day, though this is an unusually high dosage. Talk to a medical professional about the correct dosage.

Additives

Most supplements contain some additives for texture and taste, to prevent odor, or as preservatives. Look carefully at the additives used, their source, and how they might affect you, especially if you have health issues that might be exacerbated by unknown ingredients.

How much you can expect to spend on NAC supplements

Most NAC supplements cost between 10-30 cents per pill, depending on concentration, derivation and brand. As supplements go, these are affordable.

NAC supplement FAQ Do NAC supplements help prevent or treat COVID-19?

A. NAC supplements are occasionally used to help treat lung conditions, and there are some studies backing up NAC’s use to treat COPD and chronic bronchitis. But there is little to no medical evidence as to its efficacy in treating COVID-19. There are no miracle cures for COVID-19, including dietary supplements.

Are NAC supplements safe?

A. Generally speaking, though, as with all medical treatments and dietary supplements, it’s best to check with a medical professional before use. Many recommend that those who use NAC drink extra water while taking it. It can interact with some medications and can cause some mild side effects, such as an upset stomach or fatigue. Stop use of any supplements if serious side effects occur.

What’s the best NAC supplement to buy? Top NAC supplement

Thorne NAC Capsules

What you need to know: This is a 500-milligram NAC capsule with great reviews from a brand trusted for purity and effectiveness.

What you’ll love: Reviewers loved that it had no smell, as many capsules do. It doesn’t contain common allergens or gelatin, making it vegan-friendly.

What you should consider: It’s on the more expensive end of a generally affordable supplement. Thorne products, in general, are usually very expensive.

Top NAC supplement for the money

Now 600 Milligram NAC Capsules

What you need to know: These 600-milligram capsules come in bottles of either 100 or 250 capsules.

What you’ll love: They’re highly affordable, vegan and free of common allergens. Reviewers raved about the value for the price.

What you should consider: Some found that the capsules oxidized quickly and complained of dark spots in the capsules.

Worth checking out

Life Extension 600 Milligram NAC Capsules

What you need to know: This is a small bottle of high-quality 600-milligram NAC capsules.

What you’ll love: They’re free of many additives and vegan. They’re also relatively affordable.

What you should consider: They only come in bottles of 60 pills, meaning they’re a bit more of a pain to purchase in bulk.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Orlando judge suspects foul play by ICE agents, orders 2 Venezuelans freed

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:46

A federal judge in Orlando ordered two more Venezuelan migrants released from ICE custody on Thursday and said he suspected foul play by the agents involved in their detentions.

In one case, U.S. District Judge John Antoon, who released another detainee earlier this month, said the warrant ordering Junier Silva-Parucho’s arrest on Jan. 29 arrest was signed three hours after he was taken into custody. The warrant for Silva-Parucho, a construction worker with a pending asylum application and valid employment authorization, was therefore invalid, the judge ruled.

“If the court considers it an invalid warrant, I can concede that … we would no longer defend it,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor said.

“I find that the detention was illegal based on the sequence of events,” replied Antoon, appointed by President Bill Clinton.

Following that hearing, Antoon ordered Fadya Contreras de Rondon, who was arrested Jan. 9 along with her husband, released because while her arrest warrant and her notice to appear in court bear the name of the same agent they have different signatures.

“You represent the United States, this is a serious matter,” Antoon told Bloor. “I can’t find that any of these are signed validly because these have been signed differently. I don’t know what’s going on with immigration personnel. There are only two explanations for this — and neither of them are good.”

The records Antoon cited are not publicly accessible in online court databases. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment on Antoon’s accusations.

The release of the two immigrants — and a third set free earlier Thursday in the same courthouse by another judge — is part of a national trend. Federal judges across the country, including in Orlando, have rejected the Trump administration’s efforts to detain everyone facing deportation. The judges have argued that the administration’s position violates longstanding legal practice as it would mean holding indefinitely migrants who are not charged with crimes.

Politico reported last month that more than 300 federal judges, appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, have been releasing people from ICE custody in recent months.

The two people released by Antoon reacted with emotion as they were unshackled, released and reunited with their loved ones. Silva-Parucho, whose handcuffs were ordered to be removed before his hearing began, broke into elated sobs as the judge read the order releasing him.

Contreras de Rondon flashed a smile and blew a kiss at her husband, Johnny Rondon-Rodriguez, who was released from ICE custody last week, as he observed anxiously from the gallery. The couple had not seen each other since they were arrested last month by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol while driving on Interstate-75.

Outside the courthouse, the two were inseparable as they spoke with reporters while celebrating their reunion. Her hand stroked his as he wrapped his arm around her.

“We told them we are Venezuelan, and that was enough for them to detain us even though we had valid documents,” said Contreras de Rondon. The two work in real estate and were on their way to show a house in Ocala when they were taken into custody. “What we suffered is very easy to say but very difficult to have lived,” she said.

In open court, she described being mocked by ICE and jail officials while in custody.

“They treated us badly,” she told reporters later, speaking of herself and fellow detainees to reporters. “They made us feel like we were garbage.”

Both of the people released Thursday were represented by Phillip Arroyo, a local attorney who has gotten 17 clients freed by filing habeas corpus petitions in federal court. These petitions require the government to explain their detentions.

He said he had not realized the paperwork and signature issue the judge flagged but it did not shock him.

“We don’t know if this is a scheme that was just discovered by the judge,” Arroyo said, “but it would not be surprising for us as attorneys to discover that ICE is incurring in these illegal practices when they violated court orders across the country.”

Miguel Rincon-Hernandez, another Arroyo client, was released Thursday after the government confirmed that he posted bond at a hearing, despite concerns that the payment had not been processed in time

Generally, the judges who’ve released detainees say the federal government is wrongly arguing that a statute that historically applied to migrants caught at the border applies to anyone seeking to gain legal status to remain in the United States.

The vast majority of judges, including five in the Middle District of Florida that partly covers Central Florida, have argued that detained migrants are entitled to bond hearings ahead of removal proceedings.

But last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-1 decision ruled in the government’s favor. Although it doesn’t impact migrants released in Florida, a similar case is being heard in the 11th Circuit, which would cover Florida and most of the southeast.

Arguments in that case are scheduled to be heard later this year.

Get the love part right: It’s about knowing each other, sacrifice and sticking around on bad days

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:37

By LAURIE KELLMAN and ALMAZ ABEDJE

LONDON (AP) — Love and bacon hovered in the air of the Smalley house one sunny morning when Annie, 7, came to breakfast.

A “baconaholic,” according to her father, Annie spied the last remaining strips of the intoxicating salty meat on a plate. She could easily have inhaled them all. But incoming was Annie’s sister, Murphy, 16, another bacon devotee. Annie paused and decided to offer one strip of crispy goodness to her sister. “Dad,” she declared, ““I just laid down my life for Murphy.”

Perhaps, Greg Smalley reminded his daughter, the pig had sacrificed more. But what struck him was the choice. The sisters had a history of generosity toward each other, but Annie had given up something important — a massive understatement for any bacon lover — for Murphy’s delight. “Love,” Smalley said by email, “is built on small, daily sacrifices that quietly say, ‘You matter.’”

In doing so, Annie arguably had gotten the love part right — a universal goal that’s been sought and debated across borders, politics and religions for as long as people have been writing things down.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026, with the card and chocolate industries eager to help, loving someone well — a romantic partner, a parent, a child, a pet and especially yourself — can seem as perplexing as ever. It depends on what you want, and don’t, as well as what others want from you — now and in five minutes, relentlessly.

Love stinks, love bites, love hurts: What history says about loving well

Across traditions and philosophies, love is generally defined as an ongoing moral choice that requires truthfulness and accountability. What it’s not, those texts widely say: controlling, unconditional or abusive.

Valentine’s day Plush bears are displayed at a retail store in Lincolnshire, Ill., Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Aristotle wrote that to love, a person “wishes and does what is good, or seems to, for the sake of his friend.” St. Thomas Aquinas taught that, “to love is to will the good of the other.” The Old Testament includes a famous directive, translated roughly: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Love,” wrote the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, “can be defined as a wish that others be happy.”

It’s all pretty lofty-sounding, so The Associated Press asked people around the world how they got love part right in real, contemporary life. Here’s what they said.

Las Vegas: Knowing each other well enough to give the right gifts

“Personally, I love gift-giving,” said Ally Fernandez of Las Vegas, a seamstress. “I make a lot of my items, and I love making something special and like custom to my person, and I do that for pretty much everybody.”

For her husband, Fernandez said she did “some really cool, patchwork…It’s just so unexpected when you get something that’s handmade like that.”

Her husband, meanwhile, has paid close enough attention to know she loves surprises. One recent date night, he took her to Area15, an immersive entertainment experience in Las Vegas.

“You walk through it…and you can interact with all the things around you,” she recalled. “I love things like that, like just things that are different and artsy.”

Budapest, Hungary: Suffering through Sephora with your makeup-loving lover A Valentine heart cushion is seen at a grocery store in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Back home in Budapest, Hungary, there are no Sephora stores. But there are multiples in Paris. So on a recent visit to the French capital, Lili Henzel, 25, couldn’t stay away from the cosmetics giant — and her husband, Bulcsu Alkay, 23, went along for the ride. Again. And again.

“Yesterday, we went to Sephora for five times,” Henzel said in an interview. “It’s not fun for him, obviously, so I appreciate that a lot.”

Alkay took it with good humor. “I guess it’s my second home, I would say,” he said. Turning to his wife, he empathized. “Because you have so much at Sephora and we don’t have it at home.”

They displayed admirable honesty, appreciation and clear communication.

“I love makeup, so we had to buy a lot of it,” Henzel explained.

“I’m not really interested in that kind of shopping,” Alkay said.

Replied Henzel: “Thanks again for that.”

Los Angeles: Spending enough time together to know when your person, or pet, feels down

Luis Mitre of Los Angeles says that “love is the most wonderful thing.” He tries to express how he feels to people, but his dogs seem to know automatically.

That might be because he takes them wherever he goes, even on travel. “They sense when you’re sad, when you’re happy, even when people don’t,” said Mitre, who also lives in Las Vegas, where he spoke to the AP. “I think they show their love in unexpected ways every single day.”

Colmar, France: Rooting for each other every day

Claudia Verdun and Francarlos Betancourt, French visitors to Rome’s romantic Trevi Fountain, took a quick selfie and kissed — then talked about love.

“For me, it is a daily test,” Verdun said. “Little attentions, respect, care for the other, to believe in the other pushing, for the best for him. I think that is important.”

Added Betancourt, love is “to help each other with some things, to always be together, starting with your differences — you have to love each other.

Colombia’s Ambassador in the United States Daniel García-Peña, right, hands out flowers from Colombia to pedestrians outside the Longworth House Office Building ahead of Valentine’s Day, as a symbol of the close partnership between Colombia and the United States, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Beijing: Accepting yourself

Yi Yi, a Beijing resident, thinks “no relationship is closer than that with oneself.”

“I think for many people, the most important is that you should really love yourself, fully accept yourself and accept your own vulnerability and shortcomings,” Yi said. “I think these are the most important aspects of love for oneself.”

Brussels: Choosing to keep talking

“What we do,” said Joel Stimpfig, 18, who visited Paris from Madrid, “is that we always have good communication and when we’re having a bad day, we always have a little moment to talk and discuss the relationship.”

Anke Verbeek, 40, and Jari Jacobs, 39, from Brussels, Belgium, “have difficult jobs.”

“She works late. I work early,” said Verbeek. “So communication is key for being together, for doing things together and keep the relationship alive.”

Brazil: Fighting to stand up a healthy family FILE – A man walks holding flowers and balloons on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)

Rafael Almeida thinks love has to do with solid planning for the future.

“We have already married, and to have children was our big dream together, and we are planning to expand our family,” he said in Rome, on a visit from his home in Brazil.. “We are planning and fighting for that.”

But love is also the daily practice of showing “the respect and admiration we have for each other every day.”

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Making the bed just because it’s that important to her

Erin Smalley wanted the bed made. Her husband, Greg Smalley (Annie’s dad), didn’t see why when he’d just have to climb back under the covers in a few hours. Decades of marriage, several children and co-hosting a podcast did little to resolve this ongoing dispute. Until, that is, Greg watched Erin hobble around with a recent foot injury as she made the bed herself.

“I know it doesn’t make sense to you,” Erin explained, “But I really like our bed made. It makes me feel good.”

“I finally got it,” Greg Smalley, a vice president at Focus on the Family, a Colorado-based Christian nonprofit, wrote in his email. “I realized that this was an opportunity to sacrifice a little bit of my time in the morning for my wife.”

These days, he says, he makes the bed every day.

Contributing to this story were AP journalists Zheng Liu and Wayne Zhang in Beijing, Trisha Thomas and Silvia Stellacci in Rome, Alex Turnbull in Paris and Rio Yamat in Las Vegas.

Reddit sleuths are allies for Congress on Epstein files

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:28

When the U.S. Department of Justice late last month released more than 3 million new files from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, its redactions — widely criticized for being haphazard and sloppy — left many questions.

This week, members of Congress were able to visit the Department of Justice in Washington to review the unredacted documents in person, but had to make an appointment.

Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost of Orlando snagged a 2-hour slot Wednesday.

Frost’s staff knew they needed a targeted approach if they wanted to find something new.

So they asked Reddit for help.

“What specific files have you all seen that I should review unredacted?” Frost posted to the R/Epstein thread on Tuesday, putting the word “specific” in bold.

Within hours, he had hundreds of replies.

“It’s overwhelming the response that we got,” said Ariana Orne, Frost’s communications director.

The post went viral on the site, making it to the r/popular thread and becoming one of the top posts Tuesday. It generated more than 30,000 upvotes— a sign of approval from other Reddit users — and 2,700 comments, with many linking to specific files that the Department of Justice redacted.

“This entire file is completely blacked out, it’s ridiculous,” posted one user with a link.

“A law firm report with photographic evidence that is about a 5 year old girl being abused at Epstein’s NY house during a party,” another wrote.

“This is terrific. I was hoping a member of congress would approach this in such a collaborative way. Thank you in advance for this. I have a few,” another offered, linking to documents with dialogue “between redacted individuals saying things about children that I don’t want to repeat.”

Frost’s staff was glued to the thread for hours, Orne said, collecting document numbers for his visit.

“We kept hearing about the same documents, so we were interested in hearing from folks who were tracking ones that were different than what we’d been seeing,” she said.

They compiled 11 pages of file numbers for Frost to review at the Department of Justice. He was only able to get through the first two.

“I definitely just scratched the tip of the iceberg,” Frost said in an Instagram post Wednesday night about his visit. He said many documents remained redacted even when he clicked to unredact them.

He said the documents he was able to see left him confused as to why they were redacted in the first place.

“A lot of these did relate to Donald Trump,” he said.

He said he plans to return to review more and lay out what he saw on the House floor in the coming days.

Until then, he is waiting for the Department of Justice to approve his next appointment request, he said.

“The public has such a strong interest in this, obviously because it’s so egregious. If anything, that was the thought process behind the Reddit, just crowdsourcing,” Orne said. “We had no expectation it was going to land how it did.”

Puerto Rico governor signs law to recognize fetus as human being as critics warn of consequences

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:20

By DÁNICA COTO

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s governor on Thursday signed a bill that amends a law to recognize a fetus as a human being, a move doctors and legal experts warn will have deep ramifications for the U.S. Caribbean territory.

The amendment was approved without public hearings and amid concerns from opponents who warned it would unleash confusion and affect how doctors and pregnant or potentially pregnant women are treated.

The new law will lead to “defensive health care,” warned Dr. Carlos Díaz Vélez, president of Puerto Rico’s College of Medical Surgeons.

“This will bring complex clinical decisions into the realm of criminal law,” he said in a phone interview.

He said that women with complicated pregnancies will likely be turned away by private doctors and will end up giving birth in the U.S. mainland or at Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital, noting that the island’s crumbling health system isn’t prepared.

“This will bring disastrous consequences,” he said.

Díaz noted that the amended law also allows a third person to intervene between a doctor and a pregnant woman, so privacy laws will be violated, adding that new protocols and regulations will have to be implemented.

“The system is not prepared for this,” he said.

Gov. Jenniffer González, a Republican and supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, said in a brief statement that “the legislation aims to maintain consistency between civil and criminal provisions by recognizing the unborn child as a human being.”

The amendment, in Senate Bill 923, was made to an article within Puerto Rico’s Penal Code that defines murder.

The government noted that the amendment complements a law that among other things, classifies as first-degree murder when a pregnant woman is killed intentionally and knowingly, resulting in the death of the conceived child at any stage of gestation. The law was named after Keishla Rodríguez, who was pregnant when she was killed in April 2021. Her lover, former Puerto Rican boxer Félix Verdejo, received two life sentences after he was found guilty in the killing.

Some cheered the amendment signed into law Thursday, while opponents warned that it opens the door to eventually criminalizing abortions in Puerto Rico, which remain legal.

“A zygote was given legal personality,” said Rosa Seguí Cordero, an attorney and spokesperson for the National Campaign for Free, Safe and Accessible Abortion in Puerto Rico. “We women were stripped of our rights.”

Seguí rattled off potential scenarios, including whether a zygote, or fertilized egg, would have the right to health insurance and whether a woman who loses a fetus would become a murder suspect.

Díaz said doctors could even be considered murder suspects and condemned how public hearings were never held and the medical sector never consulted.

“The problem is that no medical recommendations were followed here,” he said. “This is a serious blow … It puts us in a difficult situation.”

Among those condemning the measure was Annette Martínez Orabona, executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union in Puerto Rico.

She noted that no broad discussion of the bill was allowed, which she said is critical because the penal code carries the most severe penalties.

“There is no doubt that the measure did not undergo adequate analysis before its approval and leaves an unacceptable space for ambiguity regarding civil rights,” she said.

“The legislative leadership failed to fulfill its responsibility to the people, and so did the governor.”

House renames press gallery after Frederick Douglass in bipartisan recognition of Black history

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:02

By MATT BROWN

WASHINGTON (AP) — The press gallery overlooking the U.S. House chamber has been renamed after the abolitionist, writer and presidential adviser Frederick Douglass in a bipartisan move brokered by Black lawmakers.

The renaming of the press gallery, spearheaded by Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., was conceived over the last year after the congressman said he brainstormed with his staff on ways to commemorate the history of prominent Americans, including Black Americans, across the Capitol.

“When we talk about Frederick Douglass, we are talking about a man who possessed a profound and unshakable faith in Americans, in America’s family,” Donalds said in remarks celebrating the dedication.

Douglass wrote about congressional proceedings from the chamber during the Civil War. His public speeches and letters to President Abraham Lincoln and northern Republican congressmen helped galvanize support among lawmakers and the public for the abolition of slavery.

“It’s an important thing for us to give honor where honor is due. That’s a biblical admonition,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said during the unveiling of a plaque that now overlooks the entrance to the gallery. “Frederick Douglass is certainly deserving of that honor.”

A bipartisan celebration in a divided Washington

Prominent Black conservatives, including activists, faith leaders and senior Trump administration officials, mingled with lawmakers at a ceremony inside the U.S. Capitol. Staffers from the Library of Congress displayed artifacts from Douglass’ life.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., speaks during a formal dedication of the House Press Gallery in honor of Frederick Douglass on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Feb., 12, 2026, in Washington. Frederick Douglass was the first African American reporter admitted into the Capitol press galleries. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

The celebration, which came during Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of the earliest national observance of Black history, coincided with intense debate over how race, history and democracy are understood in the U.S.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last year targeting the teaching of history in the Smithsonian Institution, which the order claimed had “come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology” that “promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.”

Another order signed by the president claimed that in U.S. K-12 schools, “innocent children are compelled to adopt identities as either victims or oppressors.” Trump ordered federal agencies to develop a comprehensive strategy to end “indoctrination” by teachers who may promote “anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies on our nation’s children.”

Critics argued that the orders, with the removal of some public displays by the National Park Service related to race and identity, and the White House’s ongoing efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs, represented a whitewashing of history that could ultimately fuel discrimination against minority communities.

But the administration’s allies argue that the policies are a corrective to an overly critical narrative about America’s past. Black conservatives, in particular, have defended the moves and argued that more positive stories of individual triumph, like Douglass’ life story, need to be more widely told.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., left, shakes hands with Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, right, prior to a formal dedication of the House Press Gallery in honor of Frederick Douglass on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Feb., 12, 2026, in Washington. Frederick Douglass was the first African American reporter admitted into the Capitol press galleries. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

“This is what we did when I was growing up. We knew about our Black heroes,” said Rep. Burgess Owens, a Utah Republican who is Black and attended the dedication. “When we stop telling the good, then people start thinking that we’re not the country that is the promise that we gave. So we need to talk about our history, our success.”

Rep. Steve Horsford, a Nevada Democrat who worked with Donalds on the renaming, said it was important to find bipartisan agreement where possible.

“I wouldn’t be here if it were not for the desire to want to work across the aisle, to not just recognize our history and culture, but to solve our problems that people face today,” Horsford said.

The life and legacy of Frederick Douglass

Born in Maryland, Douglass escaped slavery by fleeing to New York as a young man. He become one of the most influential activists for abolition and later moved to Capitol Hill in Washington, where he advocated for civil rights.

An estate he bought after emancipation in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington is now a national park.

A plaque is seen for the dedication of the House Press Gallery to honor Frederick Douglass, during on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Feb., 12, 2026, in Washington. Frederick Douglass was the first African American reporter admitted into the Capitol press galleries. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Douglass, who taught himself to read and write, fiercely condemned the dehumanization of people of African descent and delivered numerous influential speeches throughout his life. His 1852 speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” denounced the contradictions of the country’s founding ideals with its embrace of slavery.

In an 1867 essay, Douglass urged Congress to allow Black men to vote and called for more aggressive Reconstruction efforts in the South to guarantee multiracial democracy.

“What, then, is the work before Congress? It is to save the people of the South from themselves,” Douglass wrote. “It must enfranchise the negro, and by means of the loyal negroes and the loyal white men of the South build till a national party there, and in time bridge the chasm between North and South, so that our country may have a common liberty and a common civilization.”

Douglass, who did not know the day he was born because records were rarely kept about enslaved people’s lives, celebrated his birthday on Valentine’s Day because his mother called him her “little Valentine” before he was separated from her as a child.

Donalds praised Douglass for his ability to “love this country enough to tell the truth about it.”

“His life story, from the field, from the slavery fields to the world stage, is one of the greatest narratives of perseverance in U.S. history,” Donalds said.

Daily Horoscope for February 13, 2026

Thu, 02/12/2026 - 17:00

General Daily Insight for February 13, 2026

Making a fresh start might require some thought now. With structured Saturn entering impulsive Aries at 7:11 pm EST, it’ll be necessary to carefully define the goals and projects that we want to pursue. As the emotional Moon stimulates expansive Jupiter, we’ll probably be drawn to a variety of possibilities. However, choosing fewer priorities and building momentum through small, consistent actions that actually stick is likely to have a better outcome than getting spread too thin. Keeping manageable promises can build our confidence!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Clear edges can help your courage aim true. As disciplined Saturn enters your sign, you may be ready to set firmer boundaries around your time and even your tone, channeling your brave drive into steady progress. Perhaps not everything that others ask you to do truly needs to be done by you. Being honest about your limits protects quality and momentum. Start a simple routine that strengthens your body and brand, like posting a helpful tip each morning, and let repetition shape a reliable impression.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Pausing long enough to hear your inner voice could be illuminating now. Karmic Saturn moves into your 12th House of Secrets and Solitude, asking you to close unfinished chapters with gentle honesty and real rest. If old worries surface while scrolling at night, write them down and name something you’ll do about them the next day, because limits protect your peace. You may also feel drawn to declutter emails or donate items. Clearing on any level frees your bandwidth for dreams that need your care!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Flaky friends could really grate on you at this time. As serious Saturn enters your 11th House of Friendship and Community, you may want to pin down where you stand with your pals. Perhaps you’ll also grow more conscious of the value of your time. If a group chat keeps spiraling, try setting topics specific enough to require thought and commitment. That might sound a little uptight, but you risk checking out entirely if your clever mind doesn’t get the structure it needs to deliver!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Being respected could earn you trust and real options going forward. Your 10th House of Career and Status gains focus as authoritative Saturn arrives there. Perhaps people will finally notice that your caring nature consistently leads through reliability. Still, if a supervisor or elder raises the bar, ask for written priorities and set fair deadlines, because a clearly defined scope protects your reputation and home rhythm. Embrace the opportunity to update a resume or solidify a portfolio. Steady choices open doors you truly want.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Your horizon may look wide at the moment, but the intention you contribute is still crucial. As ambitious Saturn enters your 9th House of Travel and Learning, steady growth is possible if you’re clear about your priorities. Any administrative tasks associated with a course of study or big trip, like applications or visas, could become overwhelming. The push to get organized might ultimately benefit you, though. Feel free to share the insights you accumulate with a friend, because teaching what you learn strengthens your mastery.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Bringing order to an intimidating realm is possible at this time. Although subjects like shared finances might seem confusing, they ultimately just need the same sort of clear, simple plans you’d use in any other area of your life. As responsible Saturn enters your 8th House of Shared Resources and Intimacy, you’ll have to deal directly with any other people in the equation and make room for their perspectives. If you can stay calm, chances are they’ll follow your lead!

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Seeing eye-to-eye with the significant people in your life is likely at this time. Your 7th House of Partnership steadies as boundary-setting Saturn arrives, encouraging clear agreements across your closest bonds so your diplomatic style can bring fairness without overgiving. In some cases, you might also have to get real about the bigger picture. If a friend cancels plans repeatedly, maybe they’re telling you something. Relationship endings are possible under this influence — don’t insist on forcing a connection that’s trying to fade.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Mindful structure could upgrade your schedule at present. Obligation-focused Saturn enters your 6th House of Daily Routine and Wellness, urging you to streamline tasks and conserve your energy for work that truly matters. Sometimes this might require you to set limits with others, but the bigger part is probably an inside job. Commit to small wellness anchors like stretching before emails or prepping lunch, allowing your intense focus to stay sharp without crashing later. Protect your energy so excellence feels sustainable.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Focused play might sound like a contradiction, but perhaps it’s just what you need these days. As restrictive Saturn enters your 5th House of Creativity and Play, pleasure is a priority, but you’ll have to put it on the calendar to make it happen. Choose a skill you want to cultivate, like playing guitar scales or writing pages, and track your progress each week so your adventurous spirit sees growth clearly. Give structure to fun, and joy can grow sturdy roots!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Cultivating a calm home environment could be a high priority now. Your 4th House of Home and Family firms up as crystallizing Saturn arrives, potentially turning your attention to needed repairs and nagging relationship frustrations. If relatives regularly expect you to drop everything and help them, you might need to be honest about whether that’s really working for you. Saturn has a reputation for saying no, but that doesn’t necessarily make its energy cruel. Boundaries keep love warm rather than stretched thin.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Seeing how you set the tone for conversations could currently be surprising. As frustrating Saturn arrives in your 3rd House of Communication, you might be annoyed that others seem to misread you. Although there may sometimes be issues on their end that are beyond your control, be realistic about whether you’re the common denominator in multiple situations with similar problems. Identifying what you’re doing that isn’t working doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Once you name it, you can start fixing it!

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Making sure your purchases reflect what matters most could be a useful exercise now. Limiting Saturn enters your 2nd House of Resources and Self-Worth, encouraging careful budgets and sturdy values. The goal isn’t to feel unnecessarily deprived — rather, it’s to clarify priorities so your generous heart can give without draining reserves. If a sale tempts you, compare prices and sleep on it to determine whether it serves your life or just your mood. Your money can stretch further while your self-respect stays strong and steady.

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