The Appleton Times - Independent News

Claire-Louise Bennett's new novel Big Kiss, Bye-Bye explores a young writer's breakup with an eccentric elderly partner, dissecting the illusions that sustain their flawed relationship through modernist introspection. Drawing on themes of reality versus fantasy, the book builds on Bennett's prior works and has been praised for its intelligent, irreverent prose.

Thomas Andersonabout 8 hours ago

Heartbreaking vigil for Lake Tahoe avalanche victims — as friends break down in tears

A vigil in Truckee, California, mourned the nine victims of a deadly Lake Tahoe avalanche, featuring memorial hearts and comfort dogs from Lutheran Church Charities. Friends and volunteers shared stories of loss, highlighting the community's grief and the organization's role in providing support during crises.

Rachel Martinezabout 8 hours ago

Entertainment

FBI Director Kash Patel Pops Up In USA Hockey Team’s Locker Room After Gold Medal Win

FBI Director Kash Patel surprised the Team USA Men's Hockey team in their locker room after their Olympic gold medal win over Canada on February 22, 2026, prompting both praise for national unity and criticism over potential misuse of taxpayer funds. Officials defended the visit as part of a pre-planned security and diplomatic trip to Italy, amid ongoing scrutiny of Patel's travel habits.

James Rodriguezabout 8 hours ago

Shotgun-wielding man killed by Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago lost sister in head-on car crash

A 21-year-old man from North Carolina was shot dead by Secret Service agents after breaching Mar-a-Lago with a shotgun and gas canister, amid a family history of tragedy including his sister's fatal car crash. The incident, occurring while Trump was away, has prompted a public appeal for surveillance footage and renewed focus on presidential security.

Lisa Johnsonabout 9 hours ago

Cigarette burns and ‘deformities’ found on CA woman, ex-boyfriend claims she slipped in the shower

Brandon Grimaldi, 29, was arrested in Bakersfield, California, for the death of his girlfriend Crystal Marie Falcon, 23, whom he claimed slipped in the shower, but evidence suggests severe abuse including cigarette burns and broken bones. The case involves child endangerment charges due to blood splatter near the victims' children's crib, highlighting domestic violence issues in the community.

David Kimabout 9 hours ago

Canada

What to know about the killing of a powerful cartel leader in Mexico

Mexican forces killed cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes in a Jalisco state raid, prompting widespread violence from his followers. The operation, aided by U.S. intelligence, highlights bilateral efforts against cartels but raises concerns about a resulting power vacuum and potential escalation.

James Rodriguezabout 9 hours ago

Canada

Businesses in Little Jamaica hope Eglinton LRT will bring foot traffic

Businesses in Toronto's Little Jamaica neighborhood are struggling despite the recent opening of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, with one juice bar closing amid years of construction delays that shuttered over 140 stores. Local leaders demand direct government compensation and inquiries, while transit officials highlight existing support programs, as the community holds town halls to plan revival.

Thomas Andersonabout 9 hours ago

The Peace Corps gets AI-revamp: Trump launches ‘Tech Corps’ to boost U.S. influence

The Trump administration has launched the Tech Corps within the Peace Corps to deploy U.S. tech volunteers abroad, promoting American AI solutions in partner countries like India to counter Chinese influence. The initiative, announced at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, includes financing support and investments aimed at enhancing global AI sovereignty and U.S. soft power.

Lisa Johnsonabout 9 hours ago

Canada

Partial U.S. government shutdown blamed for NEXUS closure at Canadian airports

A partial U.S. government shutdown starting February 14, 2026, has suspended NEXUS and Global Entry programs at major Canadian airports, causing delays for U.S.-bound travelers. Airports like Vancouver have linked the closures directly to the funding lapse, while officials urge extra time for security checks amid ongoing budget negotiations.

Robert Taylorabout 9 hours ago

Californians hit the bars before breakfast to cheer on US Olympic hockey team: ‘Freaking out’

Early-morning crowds at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Santa Monica erupted in joy as Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold in the men's ice hockey final at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fans across the U.S., from California to New York, shared in the historic victory, marking the nation's 12th gold and 33 total medals at the Milan-Cortina Games.

Sarah Mitchellabout 9 hours ago

BBC says racial slur shouted at 'Sinners' actors during BAFTAs was result of Tourette syndrome

A racial slur was shouted at actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the BAFTAs, attributed by the BBC to an attendee's Tourette syndrome, leading to apologies and discussions on disability. The ceremony also celebrated historic wins for Ryan Coogler's Sinners and the documentary I Swear, which addresses Tourette syndrome.

Rachel Martinezabout 9 hours ago

Business

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, XRP Tumble After Trump Imposes Fresh Global Tariffs: Analyst Says BTC Approaching 'Final Leg Down' Of This Cycle

Major cryptocurrencies tumbled following President Trump's announcement of 15% global tariffs on U.S. imports, triggering over $300 million in liquidations and extreme fear in the market. Analysts warn of a potential further 30% drop in Bitcoin to $40,000 amid technical bearish signals, while stocks slid and gold rose as a safe haven.

Michael Thompsonabout 9 hours ago

Mexican league matches postponed after cartel leader killed

Four Mexican soccer matches were postponed after the army killed cartel leader El Mencho, sparking roadblocks and violence in multiple states. The incident raises security concerns for the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara, while a tennis tournament in Acapulco proceeds as planned.

Sarah Mitchellabout 9 hours ago

Nick Reiner’s finally back in court over parents’ murders – here’s what to expect

Nick Reiner is scheduled for arraignment in Los Angeles on Monday in the murder case of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, with his defense potentially introducing an insanity strategy early. Legal experts suggest witness accounts from a pre-murder party could be crucial, amid delays from prior attorney changes.

Emily Chenabout 10 hours ago

Newsom says 'fate' will decide if he faces off against Harris in 2028 presidential primary

California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested 'fate' will decide if he challenges former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2028 Democratic primary during a CNN interview promoting his memoir. A recent poll shows Newsom polling higher than Harris among potential contenders, amid ongoing speculation about the party's post-2024 field.

Sarah Mitchellabout 10 hours ago

Cartels outgun police: Rocket launchers seized in El Mencho raid spotlight CJNG firepower

Mexican special forces killed CJNG leader El Mencho in a Jalisco raid on Sunday, seizing rocket launchers and armored vehicles that underscore the cartel's paramilitary strength. The operation highlights ongoing challenges in Mexico's drug war, prompting U.S. travel warnings amid fears of retaliatory violence.

David Kimabout 10 hours ago

Bitcoin falls below $65,000, dropping over 5%, after Trump raises global tariffs to 15%

Bitcoin dropped over 5% below $65,000 on Monday following President Trump's announcement of 15% global tariffs, amid concerns over trade disruptions and U.S. military buildup near Iran. Experts attribute the decline to market cycles, low liquidity, and geopolitical risks, contrasting with gains in gold and Asian stocks.

Michael Thompsonabout 10 hours ago

Alan Cumming Addresses Tourette's Outbursts at 2026 BAFTA Awards

At the 2026 BAFTA Awards, host Alan Cumming addressed audience outbursts from Tourette's activist John Davidson, explaining them as involuntary tics tied to the nominated film I Swear. The incident highlighted efforts toward inclusivity while sparking discussions on disability representation in media.

Rachel Martinezabout 10 hours ago

Politics

Historic blizzard to bring heavy snow, dangerous conditions across the Northeast

A historic blizzard threatens the Northeast with up to two feet of snow, prompting emergency measures across states like Massachusetts and New York. Officials and meteorologists warn of dangerous conditions, drawing on past storms for context as preparations intensify.

David Kimabout 10 hours ago

Entertainment

Paddington Bear Steals the Show at BAFTAs 2026 With Paw-sitively Historic Moment

Paddington Bear made history at the 2026 BAFTAs by presenting the Children's & Family Film award, the first bear to do so, while charming audiences with his humor and marmalade mishaps. The award went to the Indian film Boong, sparking widespread fan admiration for the wholesome moment.

Rachel Martinezabout 10 hours ago

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Latest News

Desperate, intelligent, irreverent: in Big Kiss, Bye-Bye, Claire-Louise Bennett breaks up with illusions

Heartbreaking vigil for Lake Tahoe avalanche victims — as friends break down in tears

FBI Director Kash Patel Pops Up In USA Hockey Team’s Locker Room After Gold Medal Win

Shotgun-wielding man killed by Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago lost sister in head-on car crash

Cigarette burns and ‘deformities’ found on CA woman, ex-boyfriend claims she slipped in the shower

What to know about the killing of a powerful cartel leader in Mexico

Businesses in Little Jamaica hope Eglinton LRT will bring foot traffic

The Peace Corps gets AI-revamp: Trump launches ‘Tech Corps’ to boost U.S. influence

Partial U.S. government shutdown blamed for NEXUS closure at Canadian airports

Californians hit the bars before breakfast to cheer on US Olympic hockey team: ‘Freaking out’

BBC says racial slur shouted at 'Sinners' actors during BAFTAs was result of Tourette syndrome

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, XRP Tumble After Trump Imposes Fresh Global Tariffs: Analyst Says BTC Approaching 'Final Leg Down' Of This Cycle

Mexican league matches postponed after cartel leader killed

Nick Reiner’s finally back in court over parents’ murders – here’s what to expect

Newsom says 'fate' will decide if he faces off against Harris in 2028 presidential primary

Cartels outgun police: Rocket launchers seized in El Mencho raid spotlight CJNG firepower

Bitcoin falls below $65,000, dropping over 5%, after Trump raises global tariffs to 15%

Alan Cumming Addresses Tourette's Outbursts at 2026 BAFTA Awards

Historic blizzard to bring heavy snow, dangerous conditions across the Northeast

Paddington Bear Steals the Show at BAFTAs 2026 With Paw-sitively Historic Moment

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