Jack and the Beanstalk returns to St Helens Theatre Royal
Jack and the Beanstalk opens at St Helens Theatre Royal on February 14 and runs until February 22, promising "giant fun" throughout the February half term. Chantelle Joseph, St Helens theatre manager and panto director, said: "Jack and the Beanstalk is one of the tallest tales in panto and it’s always a real favourite at St Helens, so I can’t wait to bring it back to the Theatre Royal stage from this weekend. Mr Heath is no stranger to the St Helens stage and previously played Jack in 2023. Mr Aucott returns as Dame Dolly Trott, adding to his long list of Dame comedy roles at the Theatre Royal. Jack and the Beanstalk is directed by Ms Joseph, with choreography by Nazene Langfield and music direction from Callum Clarke.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 18:37 UTC
Laughable! I don’t debate Ruto’s employees on TV, Gachagua tells Duale after dare
Gachagua said he would only face President William Ruto in a presidential contest. “I have heard an employee of William Ruto was inviting me to some debate,” Gachagua said. “Laughable!”“I don’t debate or engage employees of William Ruto. The event was presided over by President William Ruto, who oversaw the disbursement of NYOTA funds. President Ruto, however, appeared to distance himself from the debate proposal and cautioned against escalating the confrontation.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 16:09 UTC
In the shadow of the Clairton Coke Works, the community's next generation learns
Johnstown, PA (15901)TodayCloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 30F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..TonightPartly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 16:03 UTC
I remain the validly elected ODM Secretary-General, Sifuna says after removal
Sifuna reflected on his tenure in the party, noting his length of service as Secretary-General. He linked his leadership journey to the late party leader, Raila Odinga. “He understood my reasons and accommodated them.”Turning to the current leadership dynamics within ODM, Sifuna raised concerns about what he described as procedural breaches. Sifuna appealed to party members to assess the direction the party is taking. “I remain a loyal member and the SG of the ODM Party,” he said.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 15:50 UTC
Edwin Sifuna Removal: Ruth Odinga Shares Cryptic Photo of Herself Deep in Thought During ODM Meeting
Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga is among four ODM NEC members who reportedly tried to save Edwin Sifuna from being removed as secretary general. Photos: Ruth Odinga, Edwin Sifuna. After the heated deliberations, Ruth Odinga shared a photo of herself appearing deep in thought during the Mombasa meeting. ODM leader Oburu Oginga chaired the party's NEC meeting that saw Edwin Sifuna fired as secretary general. During the same meeting, ODM signalled its intention to formally exit the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 15:30 UTC
Key agencies to be merged in education sector shake-up
Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyangala and HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari before the Senate's Education Committee at Bunge Towers, Parliament,Nairobi. [File, Standard]Major changes are in the offing that could see the merger of key student financing and placement bodies. Proposals fronted by the Cabinet are seeking to have the Higher Education Loans Board, the Universities Fund Board, the TVET Funding Board and the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service consolidated into a single agency.
Source:Standard Digital
February 12, 2026 15:03 UTC
Mbadi: We can't gauge drought's economic toll yet
An 80 year old woman adds water on Oleifera leaves or Moringa for lunch to be eaten with Ugali at a village in Marsabit County. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard]Despite the worsening drought that has exposed more than 3 million Kenyans to vulnerabilities, the government says it is yet to determine the projected economic impact clearly. As Kenya grapples with the drought, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has outlined the government's robust response, committing billions in emergency funds while warning of potential economic disruptions if rains fail to materialize as hoped.
Source:Standard Digital
February 12, 2026 15:03 UTC
Capital FM: Powering Kenya’s Sporting Pride Through HSBC SVNS 2
Capital FM is proud to serve as the Official Media and Entertainment Partner to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) for this landmark event. The HSBC SVNS platform is recognised worldwide as a gateway to the elite tier of global rugby. It affirms that we are not merely participants in global sport — we are contributors to its growth and co-authors of its future. Capital Group Managing Director Symon Bargurei (Right) with Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo (Left) during the unveiling of HSBC SVNS 2 sponsors at the Nyayo National Stadium. This HSBC SVNS 2 weekend is Kenya’s moment.
Source:Daily Nation
February 12, 2026 14:57 UTC
Takeaways from AP and Public Source's report on pollution and safety issues at Pittsburgh coke plant
Some current and former workers at Clairton Coke Works say poor management and underinvestment have exacerbated air pollution and undermined workplace safety at the plant. It shut down pollution control equipment and led to repeated releases of air pollution, according to a lawsuit filed by environmental groups after the incident. In 2023, the Allegheny County Health Department fined U.S. Steel more than $2 million for violations at Clairton Coke Works. Just 11 facilities, including Clairton Coke Works, have faced $10 million in penalties or more in the last five years. “The Clairton Coke Plant is an important part of our North American Flat-Rolled integrated operations,” the company said in November.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 14:44 UTC
Takeaways from AP and Public Source’s report on pollution and safety issues at Pittsburgh coke plant
Some current and former workers at Clairton Coke Works say poor management and underinvestment have exacerbated air pollution and undermined workplace safety at the plant. It shut down pollution control equipment and led to repeated releases of air pollution, according to a lawsuit filed by environmental groups after the incident. In 2023, the Allegheny County Health Department fined U.S. Steel more than $2 million for violations at Clairton Coke Works. Just 11 facilities, including Clairton Coke Works, have faced $10 million in penalties or more in the last five years. “The Clairton Coke Plant is an important part of our North American Flat-Rolled integrated operations,” the company said in November.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 14:43 UTC
Fade to Black: Dawson’s Creek Icon James Van Der Beek Dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, the actor who immortalized adolescent angst in "Dawson’s Creek," has died at the age of 48 after a grueling and private war with colorectal cancer. Despite his fame, Van Der Beek’s final chapter was marred by a silent financial struggle. The Legacy: Beyond "Dawson’s Creek," Van Der Beek was a versatile actor with over 60 credits, reinventing himself in comedies and dramas alike. Beyond "Dawson’s Creek," Van Der Beek was a versatile actor with over 60 credits, reinventing himself in comedies and dramas alike. James Van Der Beek will be remembered for the tears he cried as Dawson Leery, which became a meme, a memory, and a cultural touchstone.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 14:16 UTC
Video: President’s Security Foils Attempt by Man to Reach Ruto on Podium in Wajir
President William Ruto was left startled after a man made a desperate attempt to get close to the Head of State on Thursday, February 12. Ruto, who was in Wajir for the second day of his Northern Kenya tour, oversaw the disbursement of funds under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project. During his speech, unsavoury scenes unfolded when a local man tempted fate by attempting to get close to the President. In a video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the president's security immediately sprang into action and tackled the lad mere seconds before he could get to the president. Despite the mild security lapse, Ruto appeared graceful and was heard urging security to take it easy on the invader.
Source:Daily Nation
February 12, 2026 14:08 UTC
This man Edwin Sifuna – hero or villain?
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, accompanied by ODM party members, addresses journalists at the Savora Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, on February 12, 2026./DOUGLAS OKIDDYAfter months of speculation and rising internal strife within the Orange Democratic Movement, the hammer finally fell on firebrand Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, with the party ousting him as secretary general and appointing Busia Woman Rep Catherine Omanyo to serve in an acting capacity. The decision was reached during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at PrideInn Hotel in Mombasa, chaired by party leader Oburu Oginga.
Source:The Star
February 12, 2026 12:15 UTC
After Nations is all about a world falling apart — and it is ours
But the essence of his argument is this: the world system as we know it at this moment is unsustainable, and needs to change. While Capital was packed with multiple human narratives and felt almost personal in many places, in After Nations, Dasgupta takes a step back, is more erudite, and almost seems academic. The book is divided into four broad categories revolving around the states or empires of four major nations. Ironically, we are heading towards the same state of affairs, with a few nations and organisations largely setting the agenda for the rest of the world. After Nations: The Making and Unmaking of a World OrderRana Dasgupta496 ppPenguin IndiaRs 999
Source:Daily Nation
February 12, 2026 11:36 UTC
Mahashivratri 2026: Avoid these 6 items while worshipping Lord Shiva
On this day, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, devotees observe fasts, perform abhishekam, and offer sacred items like leaves, milk, dhatura, etc, to the shivling. Here's a list of 6 offerings that are generally not offered to Lord Shiva. While it holds spiritual importance in rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is not offered to Lord Shiva during worship of Shiva. Vermilion is closely associated with Goddess Parvati and is generally avoided during Lord Shiva's worship. However, it is generally avoided during Lord Shiva's worship.
Source:News 24
February 12, 2026 10:57 UTC