The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Photograph: EPAThe EU has opened a formal investigation into China-founded fast-fashion retailer Shein for breaching the bloc’s rules on digital platforms, including the sale of illegal products such as childlike sex dolls. The move comes amid intensified application of the EU’s landmark digital rules, particularly focusing on US and Chinese platforms. Henna Virkkunen, the bloc’s executive vice-president, said illegal products were prohibited in the EU “whether they are on a store shelf or on an online marketplace”. UK ministers have been trying to convince Shein to choose the London Stock Exchange for its listing.

February 17, 2026 16:14 UTC

Bruno Fernandes handed Man Utd transfer verdict in damning reality checkBruno Fernandes' future at Manchester United remains uncertain after club bosses previously made it clear they didn't mind if he leftView 2 Images Bruno Fernandes is believed to be pondering his future (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)Louis Saha has encouraged Bruno Fernandes to prioritise his own needs and consider a move away from Manchester United. The future of captain and talisman Fernandes at the club remains uncertain beyond the end of this season. United are also yet to reach a decision on Fernandes' potential sale as they are still to appoint a permanent manager. Those people at the top think about the club, and they think about their own position. It's not only about trophies because we know 100%, I have no doubt about that, that Bruno wants to win a major trophy with Manchester United.

February 17, 2026 16:14 UTC

LeBron James has drawn fierce criticism online after claiming he's heard 'great things' about Israel and outlining his desire to one day visit. Like I said, I’ve never been over there, but I heard great things. American academic and author Marc Lamont Hill also posted: 'LeBron James just said he’s “heard nothing but good things” about Israel. Another user commented: '“Heard nothing but great things” come on bron…''This just absolutely shows you how much athletes do not keep up with politics...' said a fourth. While a third claimed: 'His answer was great until he said heard nothing but great things'.

February 17, 2026 16:09 UTC

First look at new Edinburgh Royal Mile pub The Parliament Arms as opening date nearsThe new pub is set to open on Canongate in city centre. New images of Parliament Arms on Canongate (Image: Edinburgh Council planning portal)New images have been released of the anticipated new pub coming to Edinburgh's Royal Mile. As part of the £170,000 refurbishment it will also have its name changed to The Parliament Arms to reflect its location, reports the Daily Record. ‌Work on the Kilderkin began on February 9, with The Parliament Arms set to open its doors around a month later by the middle of March. Scottish gins and whiskies will reportedly be a major focus of The Parliament Arms' drinks selection, with regular tastings and events with local producers.

February 17, 2026 16:08 UTC

Antarctica is home to many mysteries, but one of the strangest is an enormous 'gravity hole' deep beneath the ice. The vast gravity hole, known as the Antarctic Geoid Low (AGL), is the product of incredibly slow rock movements, according to the experts. Scientists have known for years that there is a mysterious 'gravity hole' in Antarctica where the sea level is 420 feet (130 m) below the surrounding water. Once their predictions matched the best current data from gravity–sensing satellites, they wound back the clock and watched as the gravity hole formed over aeons. The Antarctic Geoid Low is not the only massive gravity hole on Earth.

February 17, 2026 16:05 UTC





Ireland's Jamie Osborne on his way to scoring his side's first try during the Six Nations victory over Italy at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: Brendan Moran/SportsfileQuietly, Jamie Osborne has been one of Ireland’s Six Nations success stories. The full-back returned from a three-month lay-off in Paris and grew to his task against Italy on Saturday, scoring an excellent try off a Stuart McCloskey offload and generally making good decisions while looking secure under the high ball.

February 17, 2026 16:02 UTC

An American Catholic university has announced plans to establish a campus in Ireland at the site of a recently closed monastery. Ave Maria University said it will open a campus at Mount Melleray Abbey in County Waterford, bringing undergraduate study programmes to the former Cistercian house near Cappoquin. In a video message published on its website, the Florida-based university described the development as “a fully integrated Ave Maria University experience now embedded in the rich Catholic and cultural heritage of Europe”. He added that, “in partnership with the local bishop and the Cistercian Order, Ave Maria University now continues this legacy of faith and learning. In a statement, the Department said, “The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has not received any communications to date regarding the establishment of Ave Maria University in Ireland.

February 17, 2026 16:01 UTC

Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty ImagesA group of climate and legal experts have expressed “extreme concern” over a delay in publishing the updated national Climate Action Plan. The climate action plan sets out the State’s long-term emission cutting goals and the measures needed to achieve them. This plan provided “a strong framework for delivery of climate action”, the spokesperson said. “The delay in the carbon budgets also means that the next update to the Climate Action Plan is also delayed,” they said. “The primary focus of CAP26 (Climate Action Plan 2026) has to be on bringing forward new, additional and accelerated actions to deal with overruns in the current carbon budget.

February 17, 2026 16:01 UTC

Jason Orange kept a low profile on Monday as he was seen for the first time since the release of Take That's Netflx documentary. But he left the successful band for a quieter life out of the spotlight back in 2014 and was said to have become reclusive in the years since. While archive footage of him is shown in the documentary, he didn't take part in any new interviews. Jason prefers to live a quiet life out of the spotlight but has got a real flair for property.' Gary also admitted that Jason 'didn't want any creative involvement' and 'wanted to leave'.

February 17, 2026 16:00 UTC

Plans for six-storey Edinburgh block of student flats inbetween homesPlans are yet to be approved. A digital drawing of the plans (Image: Kenneth Reid Architects)Plans for new student housing in Edinburgh have been submitted to the council. The proposal includes 60 bedrooms, and would be constructed on the corner of Robertson Avenue and Robertson Gait. ‌The site is understood to have previously been industrial, though has been a 'gap site' for decades. Plans have previously been submitted to Edinburgh Council to construct flats on the site, which were approved, however the proposals were not continued.

February 17, 2026 15:58 UTC

Accountancy and financial advisory Ifac has acquired practices in Cork, Cavan, and Westmeath as it continues its growth strategy. Ifac is one of Ireland’s top ten accountancy and advisory firms, with specialist professional services for farming, food, agribusiness, and SMEs. It has acquired Michael G Murphy Accountants in Charleville in Co Cork, along with Con Dolan Accountants in Cavan, and Peter Moore & Co in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

February 17, 2026 15:57 UTC

Horizon Academy Trust, based at Biggin Hill Primary School in Bransholme, has announced changes in its school meals provision, with rising costs prompting the move. ‌The Trust operates a chain of schools in the region including Biggin Hill Primary Academy, Cleeve Primary School, Spring Cottage Primary School, Thanet Primary School, East Park Primary School, Hedon Primary School, Bilton Primary School, Martongate Primary School and Bay Primary School. From September, Biggin Hill Primary School will also cook meals for Hedon, Cleeve and Bilton pupils, while other schools will remain as they are are. We think our kitchen staff are amazing and we thank them for their hard work. This has helped influence Government thinking on school food over the past couple of decades and informs what the current Government is doing with the roll-out of school breakfast clubs.

February 17, 2026 15:56 UTC

Eva OsborneIrishman Seamus Culleton will not be deported to Ireland on Tuesday, after a court in the United States issued a temporary order halting his removal. “Culleton has resided in the United States for nearly two decades and is married to a US citizen. “He has no criminal entries since living in the United States. “Culleton is married to a US citizen, presents no public safety concerns, and has strong familial and community ties in the United States. “We are committed to advocating for Culleton’s right to remain in the United States based on legal merits of his case.

February 17, 2026 15:55 UTC

Fiona Fairbrother (left) and Niamh Healion of Soup Dragon on Capel Street which will close after 25 years in business. Photograph: Bryan O’BrienIt was Bloomsday in 2000 when best friends Fiona Fairbrother and Niamh Healion set up a hole-in-the-wall lunch spot, Soup Dragon on Capel Street in Dublin. “But we were determined.”More than 25 years later, the popular Dublin cafe is due to close, with a new landlady taking over the lease. Fiona Fairbrother and Niamh Healion opened Soup Dragon in 2000Niamh Healion (left) and Fiona Fairbrother of Soup Dragon on Capel Street. Soup and sandwich at Soup Dragon on Capel Street.

February 17, 2026 15:55 UTC

An ITV game show has reportedly been 'axed' in a devastating blow to its celebrity host - leaving fans gutted in the process. launched in January 2024, presented by Sir Stephen Fry. According to TVZone, ITV has axed the programme after two series with no plans to bring it back. made him 'dizzy with delight'Actor and comedian Sir Stephen was first announced as the host back in February 2023. In April 2025, contestant Ben Jones made history as he won the biggest jackpot ever seen on the show'You thought it was John Hughes, and you were right did direct it yes,' Stephen commented.

February 17, 2026 15:54 UTC