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UK posts record January budget surplus as Seoul stocks hit new high; football fixture squeeze questioned; Firaxis alum’s Midsummer Studios to close; North Korea readies 12,000-troop parade; France debates LFI “cordon sanitaire”; Philly braced for rain; China marks Spring Festival at the Great Wall; Hodgkinson calls record-breaking on her birthday “weird”

Death of French activist raises concerns about a political cordon sanitaire around LFI

The death of an identitarian activist after a violent incident is intensifying scrutiny of La France Insoumise (LFI), as two party staffers and MP Raphaël Arnault are among those suspected of involvement. The case is contributing to LFI’s growing political isolation and renewed debate over whether other parties will seek to exclude it through a so-called “cordon sanitaire.”

UK government finances improved more than expected in January

UK government finances were stronger than expected in January, with official data indicating tax receipts came in higher than forecast.

Why more matches in less time may harm football

“Bigger does not mean better” is the warning as former Premier League manager Tony Pulis argues that cramming more fixtures into shorter schedules is likely to increase injuries and fatigue, while expanding tournaments offers little benefit to players or fans and risks weakening the overall quality of the game.

Seoul stocks close at a new record above 5,800 despite global uncertainty

Seoul shares finished above the 5,800-point level for the first time on Friday, setting a fresh record high. Gains came as investors bet that upcoming market-friendly measures will support higher valuations even amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Former Firaxis creative director says Midsummer Studios will close

Midsummer Studios, co-founded by former XCOM designer and ex-Firaxis creative director Jake Solomon, has announced it is shutting down.

Keely Hodgkinson says it felt “weird” to break the world record set on her birth date

British Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson broke the indoor 800m (short-track) world record in Liévin, France, running 1:54.88 to beat Jolanda Ceplak’s 1:55.82 by 0.88 seconds. Hodgkinson said it felt “a bit weird” to break a record that had been set on 3 March 2002, the day she was born, adding that she believes she can still improve. The performance followed a difficult injury-hit year, and she now turns her focus to next month’s world indoor championships in Torun, Poland.

China marks Spring Festival with lion dances at the Great Wall

China celebrated the Spring Festival on 19 February 2026 with lion and dragon dance performances at the Badaling section of the Great Wall, as part of New Year festivities associated with the Year of the Fire Horse.

UK posts largest ever monthly budget surplus as capital gains tax receipts exceed expectations

The UK recorded a record £30.4 billion budget surplus in January, the strongest monthly result since records began in 1993 and £6.3 billion above Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts. The Office for National Statistics said a £17 billion surge in capital gains tax receipts and extra revenue from frozen income tax thresholds helped drive the outturn, alongside lower debt interest costs. Despite the strong month, borrowing over the ten months to January was £112.1 billion, still among the highest on record for that period. Separate data showed retail sales rose 1.8% in January, beating expectations, though economists warned the jump may not last amid softer wage growth and higher unemployment.

AccuWeather forecasts steady rain early Friday in the Philadelphia region

AccuWeather says a period of steady rain will move through the Philadelphia area early Friday, so commuters should plan for slower travel and allow extra time in the morning.

North Korea Reportedly Preparing Military Parade With 12,000 Personnel, Lawmaker Says

North Korea is reportedly preparing a large-scale military parade involving around 12,000 personnel to coincide with a major ruling party congress, according to an opposition lawmaker who cited satellite imagery.

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