Roundups
Global 14 Feb 04:08
Jill Scott releases sixth studio album after nearly a decade.
Jill Scott has released her sixth studio album, To Whom This May Concern, on February 13, 2026, marking her first full-length project in nearly a decade since her January announcement. The 19-track album features live musicianship, including bass on every song, and collaborations with artists such as JID, Too $hort, and Tierra Whack. It draws inspiration from her experiences as a mother to her 16-year-old son. Separately, Sturgill Simpson, performing as Johnny Blue Skies with his band the Dark Clouds, revealed details for their second album, Mutiny After Midnight, scheduled for March 13 via Atlantic Outpost in physical formats only. Recorded spontaneously at Easy Eye Sound in Nashville, the groove-centered dance album addresses themes of global darkness and personal love. This follows their 2024 debut Passage Du Desir and Simpson's last release under his own name, 2021's The Ballad of Dood & Juanita.
- Jill Scott releases comeback album To Whom This May Concern
- Johnny Blue Skies announces dance album Mutiny After Midnight
The Gilded Age promotes actors to series regulars for season four.
HBO's period drama The Gilded Age has elevated Jordan Donica and Ashlie Atkinson to series regulars for its fourth season. The series also casts six new actors in recurring roles, including Dennis Haysbert and Neal Huff, as production gears up to begin filming next month. In related TV news, the BBC released a first-look clip and artwork for Mint, an eight-part romantic crime drama marking writer-director Charlotte Regan's television debut. Starring Emma Laird and musician Loyle Carner as Ben Coyle-Larner, the series delves into themes of first love, heartbreak, and isolation. The Valentine's Day-timed clip showcases the initial meeting between leads Shannon and Arran.
- The Gilded Age promotes two actors to series regulars for season 4
- BBC releases first-look clip for romantic crime drama Mint
Sweden's women defeat Czech Republic in Olympic hockey quarterfinal.
Sweden's women's hockey team ended a 12-year quarterfinal drought with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the Olympic quarterfinal in Milan. Goals came from Hanna Olsson and Hilda Svensson, with goalkeeper Ebba Svensson Träff earning a shutout. The team now faces the USA in the semifinal on Monday. In contrast, Sweden's men's curling team fell 6-8 to Canada in Cortina amid cheating allegations. Swedish players accused Canadians of illegally touching stones, sparking on-ice confrontations. Tensions rose with profanities from Canadian player Marc Kennedy.
- Sweden reaches semifinal after 2–0 win over Czech Republic
- Clash after Sweden's curling loss to Canada in Olympics
Prosecutors demand 18 years for Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza in Pertamina corruption case.
Prosecutors are seeking an 18-year prison sentence for Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, son of businessman Riza Chalid, in an alleged corruption case related to the management of crude oil and refinery products at PT Pertamina. The demands also include a fine of Rp1 billion and restitution amounting to Rp13.4 trillion. Kerry denies any involvement and has appealed for justice directly to President Prabowo Subianto. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of corruption in Indonesia's energy sector, with significant financial penalties proposed alongside the imprisonment term.
Council of State suspends Colombia's 2026 minimum wage decree.
Colombia's Council of State has provisionally suspended Decree 1469 of 2025, which established the 2026 minimum wage at $1,750,905, reflecting a 23.7% increase. The government is required to issue a new transitory decree within eight days, while the original decree stays in effect until formally published. Reactions vary across sectors: guilds have voiced support for the suspension, while the executive branch defends the policy. This decision introduces uncertainty into labor cost planning for 2026, affecting businesses and workers nationwide as stakeholders monitor further developments.