Israeli police detain local officials suspected of pocketing aid sent after Oct 7 attack

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli authorities on Monday detained a group of local officials and businesspeople that investigators suspect siphoned off millions in wartime aid, announcing a fraud inquiry involving donations that poured in after theHamas-led attackon southern Israel in 2023.

Israeli police said in a statement that in the months leading up to Monday's arrest, investigators had tracked unnamed local leaders on the suspicion that they had diverted and pocketed an equivalent of millions of dollars sent in the context of theIsrael-Hamas war.

The arrests come afterdonations surgedfollowing the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians and took 251 people hostage. Synagogues, corporations and Jewish organizations around the world sent aid to Israeli charities and municipalities in need.

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Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry said in a March 2024 report that at least $1.4 billion had been donated by that time, as local councils worked alongside nonprofits worldwide to strengthen social services to support evacuees. The ministry report said that local authorities and associated municipal businesses "received a substantial amount" of the funds, particularly the councils near the Gaza border.

More than 120,000 Israeliswere displaced from communities near Gaza and along the northern border with Lebanon early in the war, according to the office of Israel's prime minister. It sent municipalities scrambling to provide services to constituents who were displaced from homes that were either destroyed in the attack or endangered by rockets that Hezbollah was launching toward Israel from Lebanon.

Corruption scandals aren't uncommon in Israel and are regularly investigated by the state comptroller, ranging from local officials and mayors to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces charges in multiple corruption cases involving allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust that predate and aren't connected to the Israel-Hamas war.

byNeo

in Celebrity, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sport

February 02, 2026

Israeli police detain local officials suspected of pocketing aid sent after Oct 7 attack

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli authorities on Monday detained a group of local officials and businesspeople that investigators ...

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Measles cases prompt quarantine, other steps at ICE facility in Texas, report says

WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - U.S. immigration officials have quarantined some migrants and halted "all movement" after two measles cases were ​confirmed among detainees at its facility in south Texas, ‌the Department of Homeland Security said on Monday.

The cases at Dilley Immigration Processing Center ‌were confirmed by the state's health department on Saturday, DHS said in a statement, adding that "all detainees are being provided with proper medical care."

"ICE Health Services Corps immediately took steps to quarantine and control ⁠further spread and infection, ‌ceasing all movement within the facility and quarantining all individuals suspected of making contact with the infected," ‍the department added.

"Medical staff is continuing to monitor the detainees' conditions and will take appropriate and active steps to prevent further infection."

The two Texas ​cases come amid rising measles cases across the country, including ‌elsewhere in the state and in South Carolina, which has seen the biggest state-level outbreak so far with 789 infections.

Texas led a surge in measles cases nationally in 2025 with 762 infections mostly in the west, with the United States recording its largest outbreak ⁠since the disease was declared eliminated ​from the country in 2000. The state's ​outbreak was declared over in August.

ICE's Dilley facility, operated by the private company CoreCivic, was opened in 2014 ‍to house migrant ⁠families caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. It had been due to close under the Biden administration but was since ⁠recontracted under ICE last year under U.S. President Donald Trump as part of ‌his immigration crackdown.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; additional reporting by ‌Ted Hesson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )

byNeo

in Celebrity, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sport

February 02, 2026

Measles cases prompt quarantine, other steps at ICE facility in Texas, report says

WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - U.S. immigration officials have quarantined some migrants and halted "all movement...

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Iran's leader threatens regional war if US attacks, Trump responds

Iran's supreme leader warned a regional conflict could unfold if the United States attacks, as frantic diplomatic talks continue in the region to try to lower the temperature between Tehran and Washington, DC.

PresidentDonald Trumpbeen ratcheting up his threats against the Middle Eastern nation over the past several weeks, floating U.S. military action in response to Iran's violent crackdown on protesters last month. He has stopped short of intervening, but has since demanded Iran make several nuclear concessions anddeployed an increased U.S. military presencenear the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

"We are not the initiators and do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian nation will strike a strong blow against anyone who attacks and harasses them," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday, Feb. 1, according to state-run media.

The Iranian leader was quoted as saying that if the U.S. starts a war, "this time it will be a regional war."

Trump, Netanyahu meet at Mar-a-Lago to talk Iran, Gaza

Tensions have escalated between the two nations as Trump and Iranian leaders trade barbs, prompting diplomatic talks in the region involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other regional and Gulf nations. Trump appeared to pivot from threatening to use U.S. military might against the country over itscrackdown on anti-government protestorslate-January, afterhe said Tehran assured himit would halt protestor executions.

Human Rights Activists News Agency, a human rights group tracking the Iranian protest death toll, says it has verified over 6,800 deaths since protests began in December.

Then, on Jan. 28,Trump unleashed new threats, warning in a social media post that Iran will face an "armada" of U.S. warships if it doesn't make a deal on nuclear weapons. The U.S. Navy currently has six destroyers, one aircraft carrier and three littoral combat ships in the region, according toReuters.

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More:Trump threatens Iran with 'massive armada,' urging nuclear deal

In brief remarks to reporters outside Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, Feb. 1, Trump responded to the Iranian supreme leader's remarks. He referred to the naval buildup in the region, saying the U.S. has "the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there."

"Hopefully, we'll make a deal," Trump said. "If we don't make a deal, then we'll find out whether or not he was right."

Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said on social media on Jan. 31 that "structural arrangements" for negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were moving forward.

Last year, the U.S. struck several Iranian nuclear targets on the heels of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign against Iran. Since then, Tehran has said it has halted its uranium enrichment. Iran has long said its nuclear program is peaceful and has denied aiming to develop nuclear weapons. A Pentagon assessment found that the June strike set the program back a few months, according to a reportby USA TODAY.

Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal with Tehran during his first term in 2018, calling the 2015 deal"horrible, one-sided,"while arguing that it did not block Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

In the agreement, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to dismantle much of its nuclear program and open its facilities to more international oversight, in exchange for sanctions relief. Former President Barack Obama's administration negotiated the deal, which was unpopular among many Republicans.

Kathryn Palmer is a politics reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@usatoday.comand on X @KathrynPlmr. Sign up for her daily politics newsletterhere.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Iran warns of war amid Trump nuclear deal threats

byNeo

in Celebrity, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sport

February 02, 2026

Iran's leader threatens regional war if US attacks, Trump responds

Iran's supreme leader warned a regional conflict could unfold if the United States attacks, as frantic diplomatic tal...

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Russell Wilson responds to mention in Epstein files: 'Not TODAY satan!'

Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterbackRussell Wilsonturned to social media on Sunday, Feb. 1, to refute any connection with notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his name was referenced the Justice Department's latest release of Epstein files.

Several emails from Epstein and his personal pilot, Larry Visoski, were among themillions of pages of documentspublished by the DOJ on Friday, Jan. 30. In them, the two discussed Wilson's interest in buying Epstein's Gulfstream G-IV private jet in 2019.

"NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not TODAY satan!" Wilson wrote In his Feb. 1 post on X, acknowledging he did discuss a potential purchase with "some random plane broker," but saying he "had no idea whose plane" it was.

NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!Not TODAY satan!Some Random plane broker tried to sell me a plane. I had no idea whose plane and never bought the plane. Never talked nor Never met the man.Thank God!!! 🙌🏾https://t.co/ixPptB1X3A

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson)February 2, 2026

According to the Justice Department emails, Epstein had given Visoski permission to show Wilson the plane on Jan. 25, 2019, and that during the flight Wilson "took many photos and video" with his wife, Ciara.

Visoski's email to Epstein two days later said, "Russell Wilson (Seattle SeaHawks quarterback) is calling Gary non-Stop since his viewing yesterday. He wants your GIV."

Visoski also discusses a possible timeline for a sale, noting that Wilson "wants to sign his new contract with Seattle SeaHawks before letting the media and his team know that he is Purchasing a Plane."

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels greets New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson after the game at Northwest Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 21, 2025.

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Russell Wilson: Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl champion, New York Giants QB

Later that spring, Wilson did end up signinga four-year, $140 million contract extensionwith Seattle that made him the NFL's highest-paid player at the time.

Wilsoneventually did purchase a different Gulfstream G-IV. TheSeattle Times reportsthat FAA records show the aircraft was registered to Seattle-based West2East 330 LLC in December 2020.

Publicist Stephanie Jones, whose firm represents Wilson, told the Times in an email Sunday afternoon that the Super Bowl 48 champion "never purchased the aircraft, nor was he aware that any aircraft discussed by third parties had any connection to Epstein."

Wilson, 37, is a 14-year NFL veteran who began last year as theNew York Giants' starting quarterback but was later benched for rookieJaxson Dart. He is set to become a free agent this offseason.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Russell Wilson had 'no idea' plane broker worked for Jeffrey Epstein

byNeo

in Celebrity, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sport

February 02, 2026

Russell Wilson responds to mention in Epstein files: 'Not TODAY satan!'

Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterbackRussell Wilsonturned to social media on Sunday, Feb. 1, to refute any connection with notori...

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Are these the 6 most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows?

Rain pouring down while Prince ripped an iconic guitar solo. Lady Gaga dropping in from the roof at NRG Stadium. Bruce Springsteen sliding across the stage.

Are these the 6 most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows?

These are some of the moments that have made Super Bowl halftime shows much more than just a break in the game. With world-class performers taking the stage every year, the Super Bowl halftime show has created lasting cultural memories.

As Super Bowl 60 approaches, fans are already speculating about what comes next:Bad Bunny's opening song, potential surprise guests, and the visual moments that could define the night.

In recent years, that anticipation has become part of the Super Bowl experience, with fans engaging long before halftime — from predicting the songs that will be played to guessing cameos. Before the 2026 halftime show is added to the list,PrizePickshighlights six great Super Bowl halftime shows to commemorate Super Bowl 60.

These iconic Super Bowl halftime shows were chosen based on live execution, cultural impact, replay value, stage presence, and cameos.

Paul McCartney

Super Bowl XXXIX, Feb. 6, 2005

Halftime Score: Patriots 14, Eagles 7

• "Drive My Car" – The Beatles

• "Get Back" – The Beatles

• "Live and Let Die" – Wings

• "Hey Jude" – The Beatles

Cameos: None

Final Score: Patriots 24, Eagles 21

Paul McCartney's halftime performance stood out for its simplicity and flawless execution — a needed reset one year after the infamous Janet Jackson incident. McCartney was the perfect performer as the NFL intentionally shifted toward a stripped-down approach to the show.

McCartney is one of the most consistent live performers in rock history and has the uncanny ability to connect with listeners of all generations. All generations love singing along with "Hey Jude."

The image of tens of thousands of fans singing along in unison was one of the earliest — and clearest — examples of how shared can create a lasting halftime show memory.

Dr. Dre's Hip-Hop Extravaganza

Super Bowl LVI, Feb. 13, 2022

Halftime Score: Rams 13, Bengals 10

• "The Next Episode" – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg

• "California Love" – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg

• "In Da Club" – 50 Cent

• "Family Affair" – Mary J. Blige

• "No More Drama" – Mary J. Blige

• "M.A.A.D City" – Kendrick Lamar

• "Alright" – Kendrick Lamar ft. Pharrell

• "Forgot About Dre" – Eminem (with Kendrick Lamar)

• "Lose Yourself" – Eminem (with Anderson .Paak on drums)

• "Still D.R.E." – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar

Cameos: Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Anderson .Paak

Final Score: Rams 23, Bengals 20

The Super Bowl LVI halftime show from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, headlined by Dr. Dre, marked the first time that hip-hop fully took the stage — and it didn't disappoint. Alongside Dre — the legendary producer — there were plenty of surprise cameos from his collaborators: Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and an unforgettable 50 Cent scene.

Who better than Dr. Dre to bring together the era-defining tracks like "Lose Yourself" — with its unforgettable guitar riff — the driving bassline of "California Love" and "Alright," the timely anthem from Los Angeles' own?

There wasn't a dull moment in this performance, signaling hip-hop's long-overdue recognition within American pop culture, on the nation's biggest stage.

The sheer number of collaborators and surprise appearances from this performance helped normalize cameo speculation as part of the Super Bowl experience.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Super Bowl XLIII, Feb. 1, 2009

Halftime Score:Steelers 17, Cardinals 7

• "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"

• "Born to Run"

• "Working on a Dream"

• "Glory Days"

Cameos:None

Final Score:Steelers 27, Cardinals 23

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band took the halftime stage during what would become one of the greatest Super Bowls of all-time, sandwiched between James Harrison's 100-yard interception touchdown and an unforgettable photo finish.

Springsteen set the tone in the opening seconds with The Slide — a full-speed, knees-first dive across the stage that instantly matched the energy of the game unfolding.

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This was the kind of halftime show that amplified the moment, with hits like "Born to Run" and "Glory Days" cementing the legacy of this halftime performance.

Rolling Stones

Super Bowl XL, Feb. 5, 2006

Halftime Score:Steelers 14, Seahawks 3

• "Start Me Up"

• "Rough Justice"

• "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

Cameos:None

Final Score:Steelers 21, Seahawks 10

If you think McCartney knows how to hold a crowd, meet the Glimmer Twins. Once Mick Jagger and Keith Richards opened with "Start Me Up" and got the crowd going, they had already salvaged what was a relatively boring Super Bowl.

Jagger's nonstop movements and Richards' guitar work sparked a fiery outing, with rock-and-roll energy oozing through America's televisions.

The moment that stuck was the slow build into "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," as the band's impressive catalog alone carried the show. Rather than feeling like a legacy act cameo, the performance rocked because it leaned fully into the Stones' legendary ability to command a stadium.

Lady Gaga

Super Bowl LI, Feb. 5, 2017

Halftime Score:Falcons 21, Patriots 3

• "God Bless America / This Land Is Your Land" (pre-recorded)

• "Poker Face"

• "Born This Way"

• "Telephone"

• "Just Dance"

• "Million Reasons"

• "Bad Romance"

Cameos:None

Final Score:Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT)

For Springsteen, it was The Slide. For Lady Gaga, it was The Jump.

While crooning a sincere homage to this country of mine to start, Gaga kicked off her outing by diving off the NRG Stadium roof, setting the tone for a visually striking masterpiece.

That was followed by a rapid-fire through the pop icon's biggest hits; Gaga blew through six of her classics in a well-rehearsed, well-choreographed show.

The combination of scale, execution, hits, and sheer replay value made this halftime performance feel instantly iconic — just like the 25-point second-half comeback that accompanied it.

Prince

Super Bowl XLI, Feb. 4, 2007

Halftime Score:Colts 16, Bears 14

• "Let's Go Crazy"

• "Baby I'm a Star"

• "Proud Mary"

• "All Along the Watchtower"

• "Best of You" (Foo Fighters Cover)

• "Purple Rain"

Cameos:The New Power Generation (band), The Twinz (dancers), Florida A&M Marching 100 Band

Final Score:Colts 29, Bears 17

Prince's Super Bowl halftime show has become the standard by which every performance has been measured since. Fans got career-defining originals, unexpected covers, and a build toward an iconic closing stretch, featuring a guitar solo during "Purple Rain" — performed as rain poured down.

The combination of live musicianship, visual timing, and stage command — as is expected by The Purple One — is why this performance is often cited as the greatest Super Bowl halftime show of all-time.

Even if Prince's halftime show isn't at the top of your list, one thing is for sure: That is the stuff that Super Bowl halftime legend is made of.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show Starts Before Kickoff

From sing-alongs in Super Bowl parties across America, to surprise cameo appearances, to rain-soaked guitar solos, the greatest Super Bowl halftime shows share one common thread: They create moments that people remember long after the game ends.

As Super Bowl LX approaches, Bad Bunny will look to write his own halftime chapter. And as history has shown, fans won't just be watching — they'll be debating first songs, surprise guests, and defining moments ahead of kickoff.

This storywas produced byPrizePicksand reviewed and distributed byStacker.

byNeo

in Celebrity, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sport

February 02, 2026

Are these the 6 most iconic Super Bowl halftime shows?

Rain pouring down while Prince ripped an iconic guitar solo. Lady Gaga dropping in from the roof at NRG Stadium. Bruce Sp...

Read More