An arms control treaty between the United States and Russia limiting deployed strategic nuclear warheads expired Thursday, marking the first time since 1972 that either country is no longer bound by formal caps on its nuclear forces.  The New START Treaty, negotiated under former President Barack Obama and taking effect on February 5, 2011, expired on February 4 with no announced replacement. The expiration comes as President Donald Trump has directed the Departments of War and Energy to prepare for potential changes to nuclear weapons policy.  “If it expires, it expires,” Trump told The New York Times in an interview last month. “We’ll do a better agreement.” “You probably want to get a couple of other players involved also,” Trump added.  New START capped Russia and the United States at 700 deployed strategic delivery systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), along with a limit of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 800 deployed and non-deployed launchers. “New START limits all Russian deployed intercontinental-range nuclear weapons, including every Russian nuclear warhead that is loaded onto an intercontinental-range ballistic missile that can reach the United States in approximately 30 minutes,” the State Department said.  Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that “Russian interests” would drive the next stage of relations with the United States.  “What happens next depends on how events unfold,” he said. “In any case, the Russian Federation will maintain its responsible and attentive approach to the issue of strategic stability in the field of nuclear weapons and, of course, as always, will be guided first and foremost by its national interests.” Trump said in October that the United States would begin testing its nuclear weapons, arguing the move was necessary because Russia and China were conducting secret nuclear tests. China, meanwhile, is rapidly expanding its nuclear weapons stash and is projected to have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. “Russia’s testing, and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it. You know, we’re an open society. We’re different. We talk about it. We have to talk about it, because otherwise you people are going to report,” Trump said. “We’re going to test, because they test and others test.” Trump administration officials later clarified that the planned tests would be “systems tests” and would not involve nuclear detonations. The United States has not detonated a nuclear weapon since 1992. Russia suspended participation in the New START Treaty in 2023 amid its war with Ukraine, but claimed it would continue to comply with the treaty’s limits. Since coming into office, Trump has pushed strongly for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. On Thursday, special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that the United States, Russia, and Ukraine had agreed to a 314-person prisoner swap. “This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine,” Witkoff said. “Discussions will continue, with additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks.”

We will commemorate World Cancer Day on February 4. This is a time when cancer patients, survivors, family, and friends share prayers and well-wishes. Many also pay tribute to those they’ve lost to the terrible disease. As we all know, cancer does not discriminate. Instead, it can happen to anyone, at any time, and at any age; even a king and a princess. Ahead of World Cancer Day, Kate Middleton shared a beautiful tribute on Instagram, opening up about fear and survival. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales) World Cancer Day is Very Personal to Kate Middleton Although she’s never publicly disclosed what type of cancer she had, World Cancer Day is quite personal to Kate Middleton. As she’s done several times before, Kate narrated a video delivering her own words and perspective on cancer. “On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment, or finding their way through recovery. Cancer touches so many lives — not only patients, but the families and friends and caregivers who walk beside them,” she said. Kate added words that only someone who has had cancer can understand. They were vulnerable and so very real. “As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness, and profound connection,” Kate said. “Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding, and hope. Please know you are not alone,” she added. “Princess Catherine, what a beautiful, heartfelt message that resonates with so many of us,” someone commented. “Such a beautiful message,” another person agreed. Many championed Kate Middleton for her message on World Cancer Day and for always being a voice for those who need it. “She’s a lovely person inside and out! What she went through privately, and people were so cruel. I’m so glad she’s healthy,” a follower wrote. This story’s featured image is by  Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images.

'People who have done very, very bad things'

'This is an incalculable loss'

'one-stop basic reference'

'This is not a promotion'

In the decades-long history of Super Bowl national anthem performances, Billy Joel holds a distinction that no other artist can claim. He is the only solo performer to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” twice at America’s biggest sporting event. While other artists have performed multiple anthems, Joel remains the only performer to deliver two complete solo renditions, a testament to his exceptional talent, broad appeal, and the NFL’s trust in him. Billy Joel first sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XXIII on January 22, 1989, at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, where the San Francisco 49ers faced the Cincinnati Bengals. The post The Only Two Artists Who Have Sung the National Anthem Twice at the Super Bowl appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

“The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States, was written by Francis Scott Key in September 1814 during the War of 1812. Key, a lawyer and amateur poet, penned the lyrics after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. After a night of intense shelling, Key was moved to see the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn, inspiring him to write the poem originally titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The poem was later set to the tune of the popular British song “To Anacreon in Heaven” and gradually became associated with American The post Complete List Of All Super Bowl National Anthem Performers Since 1967 appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Yesterday, Sotheby’s oversaw the record $18 million sale of a drawing by Rembrandt: one of 6 drafts he made of lions, and the only one to have resided in private hands. Those hands belong to Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan and his wife, who along with standing foremost among the world’s private Rembrandt collectors, ride in […] The post Billionaire Tom Kaplan Auctions Rare Rembrandt Lion Drawing for $18M to Help Save the Animal it Depicts appeared first on Good News Network.