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How to avoid tax refund delays due to new IRS policy changes? That’s everything you need to know

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February 17, 2026

How to avoid tax refund delays due to new IRS policy changes? That’s everything you need to know

Tax refunds for millions of Americans may slow in 2026 due to recent changes in regulations and policies related to the annual tax filing process.

Tax refunds for millions of people could be slower in 2026 due to changes in IRS policy. The IRS shares ways to avoid delays. (Pexel)

U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s planned phase-out of paper checks is one major development that could halt refunds and delay them for weeks.

What has changed?

Refunds are now processed via direct deposit by default. This is the IRS and the U.S. Ministry of Finance Modernizing federal payments.

As the IRS phases out paper checks, taxpayers who fail to provide bank account and routing information when filing will no longer automatically receive refunds.

Instead, the IRS will hold refunds until bank details are provided. In previous years, the agency would automatically issue paper checks in such cases. This change will affect personal income tax return Applications submitted for the 2025 tax year will be processed in 2026.

According to the official IRS website, when a refund is blocked, the IRS issues a CP53E notice explaining the situation and allowing taxpayers 30 days to submit accurate bank information online through their IRS account.

If the filer does not respond within the 30-day period, the IRS will only issue a paper check approximately six weeks after the notification date.

How to avoid this delay?

To help prevent refund freezes, the IRS recommends taxpayers follow these steps:

Activate direct deposit to your bank account by providing your bank account and routing number before submitting your application.
File electronically as early as possible to speed up processing and reduce errors.
After filing your tax return for a CP53E notice, keep a close eye on your IRS account.
If you receive a CP53E notification, respond immediately to avoid further delays that could drag on for weeks.

SC to examine whether data protection law weakens RTI law | India News

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SC to examine whether data protection law weakens RTI law | India News

SC to examine whether data protection law weakens RTI law

New Delhi: Supreme Court It on Monday agreed to rule on three petitions alleging that amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act through the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill provide authorities with a way to deny processing of information on “personal” grounds, thereby rendering the previous legislation ineffective, but rejected a plea to retain provisions in the DPDP Act that prioritize the right to privacy over the right to information.Senior advocates A M Singhvi, Vrinda Grover and advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the three PIL petitioners, told the CJI bench of Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi that while the RTI Act initially exempted personal information that had no connection with a person’s public activities, the current amendment to the RTI Act through the DPDP Act bars all “information relating to personal matters”.The bench said the petitioners’ concerns would be examined keeping in mind the need to balance the right to privacy and information.“To some extent, this is a complex, sensitive but interesting issue that requires balance,” the bench said while firmly rejecting Bhushan’s plea for stay on Section 8(1)(j) of the amended RTI Act.One NGO petitioner stated: “Unamended Section 8(1)(j) is not just a statutory exception; it embodies the proportionality mechanism mandated by the legislation. It exempts personal information only where the disclosure is irrelevant to any public activity or interest or would result in an unjustified invasion of privacy, requiring disclosure even where the larger public interest justifies it.”

Producer of Israeli spy thriller ‘Tehran’ dies in Greece, cause unknown

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February 17, 2026

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Producer of Israeli spy thriller ‘Tehran’ dies in Greece, cause unknown

‘Tehran’ Producer Dana Eden Dies While Filming Season 4 in Greece, Investigation Underway

Israeli producer Dana Eden, best known for co-creating the Emmy Award-winning TV series “Tehran,” died suddenly in Greece, Israeli public broadcaster KAN said on Monday. Eden, 52, was found dead in a hotel in the Greek capital of Athens, a Greek police official said, adding that initial signs suggested she committed suicide and foul play was not suspected. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because Greek police do not comment publicly on such cases.Jane said Eden was filming the show’s fourth season in Greece.“Dana was one of the leading figures in the Israeli television industry and played a central role in the creation and leadership of some of the company’s most famous and influential productions,” KAN said in a statement. It did not give a cause of death.In a statement, Eden’s production company, Donna and Shula Productions, sought to dispel rumors that the producer had been killed. “The production company wishes to clarify that rumors of a crime or state-motivated death are false and baseless,” the statement said.“Tehran,” which premiered in 2020, tells the story of Tamar Rabinyan, a young Mossad agent who is tasked with hacking and destroying an Iranian nuclear reactor so that the Israeli military can conduct airstrikes.

Who is Roberta Esposito? Pawtucket, Rhode Island shooting suspect identified

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February 17, 2026

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Who is Roberta Esposito? Pawtucket, Rhode Island shooting suspect identified

Roberta Esposito has been identified as the suspect who opened fire Monday at Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, killing two people and injuring three others. Authorities said Esposito later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect’s real name was Robert Dorgan, but his nickname was Roberta Esposito.

Police officers stand outside their cordon following a shooting near Dennis M. Lynch Stadium on February 16, 2026 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. (AFP)

What we know about the shooting

The shooting occurred at a hockey game between Coventry School and Blackstone Valley School around 2:30 p.m.

pawtucket Times reporter Brandon Melo reported that the shooting occurred in the stands behind the benches at Blackstone Valley School.

Initial reports indicated the shooter was a father, and authorities said the incident may have involved a domestic dispute.

according to new york postThree people, including the gunman, died and three others were in critical condition.

A young girl was found dead in the arena near the gunman, and another victim later died in hospital.

The three surviving victims remain in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital. The hospital confirmed that four patients were sent there, one of whom later died.

“Rhode Island Hospital remains fully operational and there are no ongoing threats, safety concerns, or impacts to patient care,” a spokesperson said. “We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”

The hospital added: “Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected by this tragic incident.”

Also read: Did the Pawtucket shooter have mental health issues? Gunman’s daughter claims her father is ‘very sick’

Governor Dan McKee responds

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said he was “praying for the state of Rhode Island” in the wake of the tragedy.

“Our state is once again grieving,” McKee said in a statement. “As a governor, parent and former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students and everyone affected by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

He thanked first responders and support staff for their quick action.

“I am deeply grateful to the first responders, hospital staff, mental health workers, RIPTA drivers and everyone who responded quickly and bravely,” McKee said.

The Premier urged anyone in need of emotional support to call 988.

Also read: Pawtucket shooting: Horrifying video shows shooting at school hockey game; watch

FBI response

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau’s Boston division was responding to the shooting.

In a post on

“In the meantime, please keep the victims and their families in your prayers,” Patel added.

‘In the arms of the gods’: How Australia can reach Super 8s at T20 World Cup despite Sri Lanka heartbreak | Cricket News

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February 17, 2026

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‘In the arms of the gods’: How Australia can reach Super 8s at T20 World Cup despite Sri Lanka heartbreak | Cricket News

'In the arms of the gods': How Australia can reach Super 8s at T20 World Cup despite Sri Lanka heartbreak

Australia’s Steve Smith shakes hands with Sri Lanka’s Pawan Ratnayake after the match. (Getty Images)

New Delhi: Fragmented Mitchell Marsh He did not hide his emotions after Australia’s eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in a must-win match at the Palleke International Cricket Stadium on Monday, admitting that his team’s fortunes in the tournament were now out of their control.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Australia scored 181 after a blistering start but were denied by Pathum NissankaHis unbeaten century secured Sri Lanka’s place in the Super Eights and left the former champions facing an early exit.“This is a group that’s been devastated. I think the way it was formed, we’re in the arms of the gods right now,” Marsh said in a brutally honest assessment. “There’s a lot of emotion in the room right now. We’re not at our best yet… We’re a disappointed bunch at the moment. “

T20 World Cup: India humiliates Pakistan again

A fiery beginning, a bitter endMidway through the game, Australia looked firmly in control. Marsh (54) and Travis Head (56) pushed their team to 110/2, setting the stage for a huge total. But what followed was a sharp collapse in momentum as Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws.“Well, I thought it was a competitive total. There’s no doubt that we probably fell a little bit behind once the game started. So that’s disappointing,” Marsh admitted. “We knew that, in the best-case scenario, we could score a high score. But we just lost our way a little bit at the back end. Couldn’t build partnerships and Sri Lanka played very well.”He added reluctantly: “After the game, we knew we had some shortcomings… There is nothing to say except that Sri Lanka were better than us tonight.”Sri Lanka made Australia pay dearly. Nissanka’s stunning 100 off just 52 balls turned the chase into a statement as Australia’s bowlers had no answers on a night when everything seemed lost.Qualification hopes hang in the balanceThe defeat marked Australia’s second consecutive defeat and leaves their Group B status in jeopardy. With just one win from three games, their Super Eight hopes now depend on other results – particularly the crucial game between Zimbabwe and Ireland.Marsh admitted the team can only wait and hope.“We watched the Zimbabwe-Ireland game and we were hoping… but, yes, we are a disappointed bunch now,” he said.

Australian captains Mitchell Marsh (right) and Nathan Ellis. (AP Photo)

T20 World Cup: How Australia can still qualify for Super 8s

The qualification equation is intense and unforgiving.Australia will be knocked out of the tournament if Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday. However, victory for Ireland will keep Australia’s hopes alive and set up a three-way battle for the remaining Super Eight spots.In this case, Zimbabwe’s final group match against Sri Lanka on February 19 will be decisive. If Zimbabwe beat their co-hosts, they will join Sri Lanka in the Super Eights, denying Australia the chance regardless of the other results.But if Zimbabwe lose to Sri Lanka – and Ireland have beaten Zimbabwe – then both Zimbabwe and Ireland will take four points, bringing the net run rate into play in deciding the group’s second qualifier.Australia will face Oman in their final match on February 20 and will enter the match with a clear net run rate equation. They need a convincing win and a favorable numerical change to stay alive and secure a dramatic late-game qualification spot.

Move HC over Assam CM’s ‘hate speech’: SC | India News

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February 17, 2026

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Move HC over Assam CM’s ‘hate speech’: SC | India News

New Delhi: Supreme Court The Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and “prominent personalities” on Monday dissuaded Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from registering an FIR and SIT over alleged hate speech and “target shooting” videos against Muslims, but were refused. “What stops you from seeking the same relief from the High Court (Guwahati), which has wider powers under Article 226 as compared to the powers of the SC under Article 32? We cannot dilute the HC,” the SC said.CJI Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi said: “Hastily referring issues to the Supreme Court which the high courts can effectively deal with will not only marginalize the Constitutional Court but also hamper the functioning of the Supreme Court.”The CJI-led bench said: “Unfortunately, whenever an election comes, there is a trend of flocking to the SC, effectively making it a platform for political battles. Is it because political litigation before the SC elections gets all-India attention? Why should the SC become a playground for political litigation for propaganda purposes?”The bench disposed of the petition against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and asked the apex committee to grant a speedy hearing if they choose to file the petition there. All political parties and their staff are called upon to respect each other and maintain restraint, decency and constitutional morality in their speeches.Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, went to great lengths to say that this was an appropriate case to be heard by the Supreme Court as it reflected abuse of constitutional position, oath of office and hatred towards the community by the holders of constitutional posts and the Gauhati Supreme Commission may not be the right forum to seek redressal of constitutional grievances against the CM.The CJI said, “The SC has become a convenient forum as eminent advocates are in Delhi. There are eminent advocates in the HC as well. The entire effort seems aimed at bypassing the HC. Why can’t the HC adjudicate the petitions and pass appropriate orders? We cannot make the HC redundant. I will not allow this.”Singhvi said the situation would be better if the SC asked the petitioners to transfer the HC to a state outside Assam. The CJI objected to the plea and said: “This is yet another attempt to sabotage the Gauhati HC… You can seek help from Gauhati HC and if you are still unhappy with its decision, then you can approach SC.”

‘I have nothing to hide’: Trump responds to Epstein-related allegations; dig at Hillary Clinton

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February 17, 2026

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‘I have nothing to hide’: Trump responds to Epstein-related allegations; dig at Hillary Clinton

Trump and Epstein (file photo)

President of the United States Donald Trump has once again denied any ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying he has been “completely exonerated” and has “nothing to hide.”Trump told reporters that the investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. “I have nothing to hide. I have been exonerated. I had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” he said, adding that Democrats “hoped to find it, but it’s been the opposite.”“

Trump’s most shocking new Epstein secrets revealed; disturbing revelations about underage girls DOJ kills link

Trump also claimed Epstein was opposed to his political ambitions. “Jeffrey Epstein has been objecting to my inability to be elected with a certain writer, a rogue writer,” he claimed.During the interaction, Trump further suggested that other political figures, including former President Bill Clinton, had also come under scrutiny related to Epstein. In attacking Democrats, he added, “It’s really interesting because they’ve been roped in. Think about it. They’ve been roped in. Clinton and a lot of other Democrats have been roped in.”He also refuted Hillary Clinton’s claims that “she and her husband were involved in the Epstein affair to divert attention.” [Trump]and that his “administration has something to hide.” In response to a reporter’s question about the allegations, Trump said: “No, no.” They were pulled away and that was their problem. I have no idea. They have to see what happens. But I saw her in Munich and she had severe Trump Derangement Syndrome.“Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His ties to prominent figures in politics, business and entertainment remain the subject of public attention and ongoing scrutiny.It comes after a trove of documents released by the Justice Department cited past contacts between Donald Trump and investigators investigating Jeffrey Epstein. According to excerpts from a 2019 FBI interview, former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter claimed that Trump made calls during the investigation in the mid-2000s and expressed relief that authorities were taking action, saying people had long known about Epstein’s behavior. The document also documents Trump saying he banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club and left the party after noticing teenagers were present. Trump has previously said he severed ties with Epstein more than 20 years ago.The release of the Epstein documents led investigators to review allegations and tips involving several high-profile figures including Trump, but officials said they found no credible information that would require further investigation into sexual misconduct claims against him. Records also confirm prosecutors issued subpoenas to Mar-a-Lago in 2021 cases against Epstein associates Ghislaine MaxwellHe was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking and is currently serving his sentence.

Did the Pawtucket shooter have mental health issues? Gunman’s daughter claims her father is ‘very sick’

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February 17, 2026

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Did the Pawtucket shooter have mental health issues? Gunman’s daughter claims her father is ‘very sick’

Daughter of gunman who shot five people and killed two in a suspected ‘domestic dispute’ rhode island High School Hockey Championship said her father had various “mental health issues.” The woman, who did not give her name, told NewsCenter 5 as she left the Pawtucket Police Department, “My father was the shooter.”

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, February 16, 2026 - Police officers stand outside the cordon they set up around Dennis M. Lynch Stadium where a shooting occurred earlier today. (Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP) (AFP) — Pawtucket, Rhode Island, February 16, 2026 – Police officers stand outside the cordon they set up around Dennis M. Lynch Stadium where a shooting occurred earlier today. (Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP) (AFP)

“He shot my family and now he’s dead,” she said.

“He had mental health issues,” she further said, adding that her father was “very ill.”

Learn more | Pawtucket Lynch Arena shooting: Video captures chaos amid gunfire at boys hockey game and police response

The woman said she wasn’t sure who was dead and who was injured, but was heading to the hospital to get checked out.

What we know about the shooting

The incident occurred during a youth hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said at a news conference that the shooting was being investigated as a “domestic dispute.” While she did not reveal the shooter’s specific relationship to the victims, local reports said the shooter was a father who shot his wife and three children.

The gunman was found dead inside Lynch Arena with another victim. Police said another person died at the hospital and three others were in critical condition, the New York Post reported.

A little girl may have been among the dead, according to the Pawtucket mayor’s office.

Learn more | ‘Gunman in the stands’: First details emerge about Pawtucket rink shooting suspect

Shocking live broadcast footage exposed The man reportedly opened fire after moving from the back to the front of the stands. When about 11 shots were fired, players and spectators fell to the ground. Athletes on the ice rushed to the edge, seemingly trying to hide behind the guardrail, and rushed toward the locker room.

Others trapped on the benches hurried toward the exits, some of them throwing their skates into the box. From there, some students ran to a nearby Walgreens, where staff cordoned off the building and called authorities.

According to eyewitnesses, the father of one of the players Disarmed the gunman. However, he allegedly got hold of another weapon and fired again.

The arena included students from Coventry, Johnston, North Providence and North Smithfield high schools, as well as others from St. Raphael Academy and Providence Country Day School.

Rafale, AI, trade on the table: French President Emmanuel Macron to meet PM Modi in Mumbai – what’s the agenda? |India News

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February 17, 2026

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Rafale, AI, trade on the table: French President Emmanuel Macron to meet PM Modi in Mumbai – what’s the agenda? |India News

Rafale, AI, trade on the table: French President Emmanuel Macron to meet PM Modi in Mumbai – what’s the agenda?

french president Emmanuel Macron First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India till February 19.Macron plans to meet Prime Minister Modi On Tuesday afternoon, there will be bilateral talks and participation in the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar welcomed the French leader and his delegation at the airport.Fadnavis posted onBefore setting off, Macron wrote on theThis is Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first visit to Mumbai, reflecting the continued development momentum of the India-France strategic partnership.Prime Minister Modi and Macron will hold bilateral talks at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon to review cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, climate, education and emerging technologies under the Horizon 2047 roadmap. Nearly a dozen agreements are expected to be reached in defence, trade, skills, health and supply chains.The two leaders will jointly launch the “Indo-France Year of Innovation 2026”, an initiative announced by Macron during his earlier meetings with Prime Minister Modi, including the meeting in Paris in 2025 and his previous visit to the G20 Summit in 2023 and Republic Day celebrations in 2024. Later in the evening, they will attend the Indo-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemorations at the Gateway of India and interact with business leaders, start-ups, researchers and innovators from both countries.The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues such as the Indo-Pacific, the Russia-Ukraine war and Gaza, as well as air and maritime cooperation in line with the agreed defense industry roadmap to 2024.The visit comes as the two sides plan to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. After the event in Mumbai, Macron will travel to New Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, the first global AI summit to be held in the southern hemisphere. The summit, which is centered around the three pillars of people, planet and progress, follows the AI Action Summit co-hosted by Prime Minister Modi and Macron in Paris in February 2025.India and France will also advance defense cooperation during the visit, including discussions on India’s plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under an intergovernmental framework, as well as the sixth annual defense dialogue in Bengaluru, where the defense cooperation agreement is expected to be extended for another 10 years.The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the Indo-French Artificial Intelligence Roadmap launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France.

Documents reveal Naomi Campbell’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

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February 17, 2026

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Documents reveal Naomi Campbell’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

Naomi Campbell (file photo)

Among the millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, one of the most recognizable names in fashion appears time and time again: Naomi Campbell. Email exchanges show Campbell, 55, asked to be flown on his private jet and said she would meet with Epstein at his New York mansion. He was invited to attend lavish events around the world on her behalf. The schemes were largely coordinated through Epstein’s longtime associate Lesley Groff. In interviews with federal investigators, the unnamed victims said Epstein introduced them to the British supermodel at social events and saw the model at his mansion. Documents show Campbell remained in Epstein’s orbit long after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution in Florida in 2008. Their interactions provide another example of how Epstein used and influenced a large and powerful social network to attract girls and young women into his life. Campbell’s relationship with Epstein has been made public through legal proceedings involving his long-term partner Ghislaine MaxwellPeople serving time in federal prison on sex trafficking charges, among others. Campbell’s attorney, Martin Singer, said in a lengthy emailed statement that his client “did not learn of Epstein’s heinous criminal behavior until after his arrest in 2019” and had no contact with him since. “If my client encountered any young woman she believed to be a victim of Epstein, she would personally take immediate action to help her.” Campbell has not been accused of any wrongdoing. FBI interviews with victims did not contain any corroborating evidence linking Campbell. When recruiting young women, Epstein appeared to flaunt his relationship with Campbell to convince them a modeling career was within their reach, according to FBI interview transcripts. In 2020, an unnamed victim who met Epstein when she was 15 said he promised to get her a job at Victoria’s Secret and told her he knew Campbell. After Epstein was released from prison in 2009 and became a registered sex offender, he maintained contact with Campbell and appeared to provide her with access to his network. In 2010, Epstein was invited to Campbell’s birthday party in Cannes, which was described in an email as a “private event.” Campbell was not on the guest list and Epstein did not attend the party, according to her attorney.