NATO to shift 2 commands from U.S. to European leadership

As President Trump continues to press Europe to contribute more to its own defense, NATO announced two Joint Force Commands would transition from U.S. leadership to European in the coming years.

The move "is part of a shift to more fairly sharing responsibility within NATO, with European allies taking on greater leadership roles in NATO's command structure," NATO said in a statement ahead of a meeting of defense ministers this week. The statement also noted that the U.S. would continue to maintain the role of supreme allied commander Europe, or SACEUR, as part of "making clear the U.S. commitment to NATO command and control."

Last month, the Trump administration released its National Defense Strategy, which emphasized that NATO allies should take the primary responsibility for Europe's defense as the U.S. focuses more on defending the homeland anddeterring China.

Thelead author of that strategy,Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, is expected to attend the NATO Defense Ministerial this week, instead of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This is the first NATO defense ministerial Hegseth has skipped since taking office.

The transition in leadership of the two commands is expected to take place gradually over the next few years.

A Pentagon official said the decision to transfer commands was "made jointly among all allies."

"The decision strengthens the alliance by showing European leadership in European defense and enhancing European defense capabilities," the official said in a statement.

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The command in Norfolk, Virginia, has facilities on a larger installation that will remain under the control of the U.S. Navy when a U.K. officer assumes command. According to its website, it is NATO's newest operational command and focuses on protecting the Atlantic and the Arctic.

Italy will take over Joint Force Command Naples, while Germany and Poland will on a rotational basis share command of Joint Force Command Brunssum, currently led by Germany. Once the changes are made, all three Joint Force Commands that lead operations in crisis will be under European leadership.

The U.S. will take leadership of the Allied Maritime Command, which is currently led by a U.K. vice admiral. This means the U.S. will lead the three functional commands, Allied Maritime Command, Allied Land Command and Allied Air Command.

The SACEUR, commander of all NATO forces, is a position that has always been held by an American officer. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, who leads the 80,000 U.S. service members currently in U.S. European Command, is the current supreme allied commander.

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byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

NATO to shift 2 commands from U.S. to European leadership

As President Trump continues to press Europe to contribute more to its own defense, NATO announced two Joint Force C...

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Epstein was planning a major renovation to his private islands. Here's what he wanted it to look like.

One year before he was charged with sex trafficking, Jeffrey Epstein was planning a major renovation of his private islands,Little St. Jamesand Great St. James, documents newly released by theDepartment of Justicereveal.

• Jeffrey Epstein had planned an extensive renovation to his two private islands before his 2019 arrest.

• Designs in the newly released Epstein files include plans for a "ladies' residence" and an "isolated" master suite.

• Epstein fired the architect after seven months, and seemingly never began construction.

Hundreds of pages of emails, contracts, and renderings in the Epstein files give insight into his plans for the islands, one of which has become notorious for the sexual abuse that prosecutors allege occurred there, as well as an inside look into his exacting nature.

Over the course of eight months, Epstein paid at least $150,000 to Florida-based design firm Radyca for architectural and interior plans.

The remit: "My employer owns 2 islands in the Caribbean off of St. Thomas that he would like completely redone," one of Epstein's assistants wrote the firm in November 2017.

The work was supposed to begin in January 2019 and take two years, according to a December 2017 agreement. Epstein fired the firm in June 2018, emails show.

Ramon Alonso, the president of Radyca and Epstein's main point of contact for the work, declined to comment on the project or the island. He visited the island at least twice, according to emails and travel information included in the files.

A 'ladies' residence' and 'isolated' master bedroom

Various schematics, proposals, and designs — as well as the correspondence about them — reveal how Epstein imagined the properties.

The plans for the two islands included a "ladies' residence" and master retreat in proximity, as well as a cinema, a "funhouse point," and various other guest pavilions and outbuildings.

The ladies' residence was of particular interest to Epstein and the subject of dozens of emails between Epstein and Alonso, who discussed the appropriate structure for "the girls."

Epstein also gave several notes on the 7,700-square-foot master retreat. In one email, Alonso wrote that "we completely isolated the bedroom from any noise or daylight as requested." In another, Epstein said he didn't want guests above his bedroom and that his bedroom windows didn't need to open any more than to "air out the place."

The designs were inspired by luxury hotels, including the Soori Hotel in Bali and theAmanera in the Dominican Republic.

Throughout the process, tensions arose between the disgraced financier and his design team.

"i might add that the cost incurred to date. are mine. with virutally nothing to show for it," Epstein wrote in a May 2018 email, with his usual idiosyncratic punctuation.

In other emails, he called the designs "silly," said he was "shocked and disappointed," and told Alonso that the firm had created "nothing at all . of any use. ZERO."

By June 2018, relations appeared to reach a tipping point.

"Please understand that I don't mind changing direction as many times as it's needed to your full satisfaction and I also really like you and working with you but I don't appreciate when you diminish our work," Alonso wrote in an email to Epstein.

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Two weeks later, Alonso was fired.

"this is silly sorry i have no more time for this," Epstein wrote on June 30, 2018. "I wish you well."

It was the last correspondence between the pair in the files. About one year later, Epstein was arrested, and the FBI raided the island. Photos taken at the time show the redesign never occurred.

Little St. Jeff's: A notorious island

Little St. James was central to the disgraced financier'ssex-trafficking operation, according to witness testimony included in the US's 2019 case accusing Epstein of sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls. Epstein pleaded not guilty and died by suicide in jail that year while awaiting trial.

The US Virgin Islands, where the properties are located, suedEpstein's estatefollowing his death, accusing him of sex trafficking and abusing underage girls on the islands. They reached a settlement in 2022, with the estate agreeing to pay the government of the Virgin Islands $105 million in cash, half the proceeds of a planned sale of Little St. James, and other damages. The settlement did not include any admission of guilt.

Epstein purchased the 72-acre Little St. James in 1998 for $7.95 million. In 2016, he added the 162-acre Great St. James to his portfolio for $22.5 million, according to deeds included in the Epstein files.Epstein's islandssold in 2023 for $60 million — less than half of the initial $125 million asking price. The buyer, billionaire Stephen Deckoff, has said he plans to transform them into a luxury resort.

Throughout his decades on the Little St. James — often referred to as Little St. Jeff's —Epstein hosted famousand powerful figures.

LinkedIn cofounderReid Hoffman, Google cofounder Sergey Brin, and Howard Lutnick had plans to visit Little St. James, according to emails in the latest batch of Epstein files.

The island had a reputation for parties and, in Epstein's words, "a ratio" of men to women that could make women "uncomfortable."

"What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?"Musk asked Epsteinin 2012 about the possibility of a visit that Musk said never occurred.

Over the years, Epstein embarked on several redesign projects, documents and emails included in the Epstein files show, hiring architects, surveyors, and decorators.

The renovations and redecoration of the islands were also a subject of the 2021 testimony of Ghislaine Maxwell's former executive assistant, Cimberly Espinosa, with one detail so unexpected that the judge had to follow up

"We even shipped in sand and palm trees and all kinds of things to get the island to what he wanted it to be," she said, answering the judge's questions about the scope of her work on the island.

"To be clear," the judge said, "you shipped in sand to a tropical island, why was that?"

"He wanted more sand on the beach," the former assistant said.

Jacob Shamsian contributed reporting to this story.

Read the original article onBusiness Insider

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

Epstein was planning a major renovation to his private islands. Here's what he wanted it to look like.

One year before he was charged with sex trafficking, Jeffrey Epstein was planning a major renovation of his private isla...

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Russia says it will stick to New START's nuclear arms limits as long as US does

MOSCOW (AP) — Moscow will observe the limits of the lastnuclear arms pactwith the United States that expired last week as long as it sees that Washington is doing the same, Russia's top diplomat said Wednesday.

Russia US Nuclear Treaty

The New START treaty expired Feb. 5, leaving no restrictions on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century and fueling fears of anunconstrained nuclear arms race.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last year declared his readiness to stick to thetreaty's limits for another yearif Washington followed suit, but U.S. President Donald Trump has argued that he wants China to be a part of a new pact — something Beijing has rejected.

Remarks to Russian lawmakers

Speaking Wednesday to the parliament's lower house, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that even though the U.S. hasn't responded to Putin's offer, Russia will respect New START's caps for as long as it sees that the U.S. observes them too.

"The moratorium declared by the president will remain as long as the U.S. doesn't exceed these limits," Lavrov told lawmakers. "We will act in a responsible and balanced way on the basis of analysis of the U.S. military policies."

He added that "we have reason to believe that the United States is in no hurry to abandon these limits and that they will be observed for the foreseeable future."

"We will closely monitor how things are actually unfolding," Lavrov said. "If our American colleagues' intention to maintain some kind of cooperation on this is confirmed, we will work actively on a new agreement and consider the issues that have remained outside strategic stability agreements."

US-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi

Lavrov's statement followed a report by Axios claiming Russian and U.S. negotiators discussed a possible informal deal to observe the pact's limits for at least six months during talks last week in Abu Dhabi. Asked to comment on the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that any such extension could only be formal, adding that "it's hard to imagine any informal extension in this sphere."

At the same time, Peskov confirmed that Russian and U.S. negotiators discussed future nuclear arms control in Abu Dhabi where delegations from Moscow, Kyiv and Washington held two days of talks on a peace settlement in Ukraine.

"There is an understanding, and they talked about it in Abu Dhabi, that both parties will take responsible positions and both parties realize the need to start talks on the issue as soon as possible," Peskov said.

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The limits of the New START treaty

New START, signed in 2010 by then-President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, was the last of a long series of agreements between Moscow and Washington to limit their nuclear arsenals, starting with SALT I in 1972.

New START restricted each side to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads on no more than 700 missiles and bombers deployed and ready for use. It was originally set to expire in 2021 but was extended for five years.

The pact envisioned sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance, although they stopped in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed.

In February 2023, Putin suspended Moscow's participation, saying Russia couldn't allow U.S. inspections of its nuclear sites at a time when Washington and its NATO allies openly declared they wanted Moscow's defeat in Ukraine. But the Kremlin also emphasized it wasn't withdrawing from the pact altogether, pledging to respect its caps on nuclear weapons.

In September, Putin offered to keep the New START's limits for another year to buy time for both sides to negotiate a successor agreement.

Even as New START expired, the U.S. and Russiaagreed on Feb. 5to reestablish high-level, military-to-military dialogue following a meeting between senior officials from both sides in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. military command in Europe said. The link was suspended in 2021 as relations grew increasingly strained before Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Additional AP coverage:https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

Russia says it will stick to New START's nuclear arms limits as long as US does

MOSCOW (AP) — Moscow will observe the limits of the lastnuclear arms pactwith the United States that expired last week a...

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“Heated Rivalry”, “Bridgerton” and 8 More Shows You Might Have to Watch Behind Closed Doors

Sabrina Lantos/Crave/HBO Max; Netflix; Josh Stringer/Hulu

These shows are turning up the heat, but they might need you to turn down your volume.

It's the dead of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but you'd never know it to see all the windows fogging up as people stream these heartwarming yet raunchy romances. Whether it's the riveting rivalry-turned-relationship between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov inHeated Rivalryor the toxic situation you can't look away from inTell Me Lies,these series will hook you and never let go.

PEOPLE staffers shared their favorite steamy romantic comedy and drama shows, and for your easy browsing, rated them based on spiciness, from "okay to watch with your parents" to "maybe don't put it on in your family living room."

'Heated Rivalry'

Courtesy Bell Media

Will you come to my cottage? Ever since the first season ofBridgerton, it feels like there hasn't been a show that's reached the same level of hushed-buzziness asHeated Rivalry.The show proves why enemies-to-lovers might be the steamiest trope, with two super star hockey players, Canada's Shane Hollander and Russia's Ilya Rozanov, going face-to-face on and off the ice.

But it's more than just an exploration of each other. The show grapples with what it means to be closeted gay athletes in a historically highly masculine sport, and why that tension leads to some of the best musical cues and high-"skates" drama.

Viewer beware: When your sports-loving family asks you if you've heard about that "new hockey show" on HBO, you have to be prepared to feign ignorance. There isn't enough actual hockey for plausible deniability if anyone walks past the screen. Listen: The ice may be cold, but the show is hot, hot, hot.—Meredith Wilshere,Writer-Reporter

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

'Bridgerton'

Dear Gentle Reader … I do believe that there's one fact that every member of the virtual ton can agree on: All of the Bridgerton siblings are experts in the act ofyearning.The popular Netflix series follows Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and her eight children as they navigate society duringEngland's Regency era. Starring an ensemble cast that includes PEOPLE's 2025 Sexiest Man AliveJonathan Bailey,Phoebe Dynevor,Luke Newton,Nicola Coughlan,Luke Thompsonand more, each season spotlights a different Bridgerton sibling's journey to finding true love.With some of the storylines structured around well-known fairy tales or popular romance tropes, there's no shortage of passionate moments and declarations of love within the series that are certain to fill anyone's stomach with butterflies. But, let's be completely honest: AvidBridgertonwatchers aren't simply there for the love, especially with all the of the intense moments of passion displayed on-screen. The period drama offers the perfect mix of romance and spice, and trust me, every episode will leave you wanting more.—Kayla Grant,Writer-Reporter

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

'The Hunting Wives'

Steve Dietl/Netflix

While the main plot revolves around a murder mystery (R.I.P. Abby, you seemed nice, albeit kind of dim), as many others have said, that's not why we're here. We're here for the sex. There's so much of it between as many duos (and trios!) and scenes likethatone with Callie and her husband will have you wondering if you really just saw what you think you saw (you did).

The sex is so graphic and raunchy that I had to laugh when I readan interview with Akermanwhere she said that the show is "reminiscent ofDynastyorDallas," two soapy '80s drama about rich people behaving badly. Even the most scandalous moments on those shows — which my parents would occasionally let me watch with them because that's how parents were in the '80s — would be too tame for the opening credits ofThe Hunting Wives.

Trust me, the last thing you want is your kids to wander into the room while you're watching Margot and Sophie "hang out" and ask why the ladies on the television are wrestling in bed without any clothes on.—Andrea Lavinthal,Executive Director of Special Integrated Projects

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

'Euphoria'

Courtesy of HBO

If you are looking for bold and oftentimes shocking depictions of sex, drugs and nudity,Euphoriais the show to watch. The HBO drama revolves aroundZendaya's Rue Bennett as she grapples with being a recovering addict in the midst of her life, which I can only describe as chaotic.Euphoriapushes the boundaries of a typical high school drama. The popular series, which sees Zendaya acting alongside an all-star cast that includesJacob Elordi,Sydney SweeneyandHunter Schafer, portrays the dark, unfiltered reality of toxic relationships, drug abuse and emotional trauma. While there are remnants of love and hope intertwined with the show, it tends to get overshadowed by all of the raw, shocking and intense moments in Rue and her friends' lives.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️.5

'Forever'

Elizabeth Morris/Netflix

Mara Brock Akil'sForeverbrings viewers back to one of their earliest and sweetest memories: their first love. FollowingLovie Simone's Keisha Clark andMichael Cooper Jr.'s Justin Edwards, the series spotlights all of the twists and turns typically associated with the growing pains of young love and being a teenager.The show, based on Judy Blume's popularyoung adult novel, is sure to make you reminisce on your own experiences, transporting you back to the sweeping, all-consuming feeling of a first love. Simone and Cooper Jr.'s chemistry radiates through the screen, highlighting all of the vulnerability, passion and heightened emotions laced within each moment. Every episode is a breath of fresh air that will have you kicking your feet up in the air and reminiscing about that special time in your life.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

Amazon Prime

Although it may rank low on the spice scale,The Summer I Turned Prettyhas enough swoonworthy romance to keep you constantly kicking your feet and giggling. The series centers the complex love triangle betweenLola Tung's Isabel "Belly" Conklin and the Fisher brothers (Christopher Brineyas Conrad andGavin Casalegnoas Jeremiah) as they navigate the ups and downs of life, trauma and, of course, love.The young adult series is filled with everyone's favorite thing in romance: endless amounts of yearning! Between the longing looks to Belly from both Fisher brothers to the back-and-forth drama surrounding their love stories, the show highlighted all of the glorious ebbs and flows of teenage love. After three seasons, the seemingly endless summers based in the fictional town of Cousins came to a temporary end withthe series finale.A moment that was supposed to mark the end of an era for devoted fans became a new beginning as it was announced a few hours after the finale that the saga will return for a film with Tung and Briney reprising their roles. If the upcoming film is anything like the series, then we are certainly in for a wild ride filled with passionate moments.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

'I Love LA'

From the first scene,I Love LAmakes it clear that sex plays an important role in its story.

For a show set in Los Angeles, a city where transplants are often infamous for their superficiality,Rachel Sennott'sI Love LAuses sexual dynamics between its characters in a rather thought-provoking way. When Maia (Sennott) sleeps with her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hutcherson), it's clear that there's a disconnect in chemistry between the two — compared to when she fantasizes about her former boss Ben (Colin Woodell). Meanwhile, Jordan Firstman's Charlie attempts to overcome his aversion to emotional intimacy in order to declare his love for a friend with benefits.

Although it's not the sexiest show on the streaming service, the HBO series — renewed for season 2 — will surprise you with its choices, connect you to its eclectic cast and certainly make you laugh.—Brendan Le,Writer-Reporter

Spice Level: 🌶️.5

'Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire'

Larry Horricks/AMC

Is there truly anything better than watching two people continuously find their way back to each other for eternity? InAnne Rice's Interview with the Vampire,Jacob Anderson's Louis de Pointe du Lac sits down with journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) to tell the epic story of his immortal life. Etched into every part, from the moments before he became a vampire to nearly two centuries later, is the dominating presence of his creator-turned-lover Lestat de Lioncourt, portrayed by Sam Reid.Despite their love for each other being mostly toxic and complicated, their bond and deep connection is everlasting and passionate. No matter where they are, how long they've been apart or how much they've hurt each other, they always seem to find a way back into each other's arms. The more Louis tells his story, the more viewers are pulled deeper into their messy, chaotic love, waiting with bated breath to discover what happens next.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

'Tell Me Lies'

It makes sense thathalf the main cast began dating in real lifeafter season 1, becauseTell Me Liesis undeniably steamy. I wasn't surprised to learn that there were designated "sex days" on set — in some episodes, you quite literally watch the lead move from one explicit sex scene straight into another.Following a group of messy, toxic college students in the mid-2000s over the span of several years, the show is fueled by bad decisions, lies, emotional chaos anda lotof sex. It's entertaining — if you can stomach the cheating — but don't expect a sweet, romantic candle-lit dinner orBridgerton-esque love declaration to go along with it. The intimacy is often dark, uncomfortable and hard to watch (even the lead has described it as "tragic"). Maybe watch it with your college friends if you're brave, but under no circumstances is this a family TV night pick.—Jordana Comiter,Associate Editor

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

'The Hitwoman'

AnythingReelShortmakes starring Seth Edeen, I'm pretty much game for, and this series is no different. It's very much like all their other content — short, dramatic andverysteamy — but this version ups the ante because we have a case of ex-lovers reuniting and the stakes are so high. Nicole Mattox stars as Madeline Archer, a hitwoman who's on a mission to find her lost sister. She's then contracted to kill Hayden Kent and that presents a conundrum because he's not only the District Attorney, but also her ex!—Stephanie Sengwe,Features Editor

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Read the original article onPeople

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

“Heated Rivalry”, “Bridgerton” and 8 More Shows You Might Have to Watch Behind Closed Doors

Sabrina Lantos/Crave/HBO Max; Netflix; Josh Stringer/Hulu These shows are turning up the heat, but they might need you to turn down your ...

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Noel Clarke arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, reports say

Actor Noel Clarke has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, exposure and sexual assault by touching, according to reports.

The Doctor Who and Kidulthood star was questioned by detectives on Tuesday and bailed pending further inquiries.

The Metropolitan Police said the arrest related to a sexual offence which is alleged to have taken place in 2007 in London against a woman in her 20s.

According to the Sun newspaper, Clarke, 50, arrived at Islington police station in north London shortly after midday by appointment, accompanied by his wife and lawyer.

BBC News has approached Clarke's representatives for a response.

The Sun said the actor was arrested and questioned by detectives from the Met's Central Specialist Crime Command.

A Met spokesperson said: "A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, exposure and sexual assault by touching on Tuesday, 10 February. He was interviewed by detectives.

"This arrest relates to a sexual offence, which is alleged to have taken place in 2007 in London against a woman in her 20s.

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"The man was also interviewed in relation to a voyeurism allegation, for which he was previously arrested in September 2025. This relates to an offence allegedly committed in 2013 at an address in London against a woman in her 20s.

"The man was bailed pending further enquiries and the Met's investigation continues."

Career collapse

Clarke found fame playing Mickey Smith in Doctor Who between 2005 and 2010, and went on to become a successful actor, writer, producer and director.

But his screen career collapsed in 2021 after the Guardian published accounts from several women who had worked with him, alleging sexual misconduct, which he denied.

In August, Clarke lost his libel case against the Guardian, after he sued the newspaper's publisher.

In September, a High Court judge ruled that Clarke must pay at least £3m of the Guardian publisher's legal costs.

Clarke, who represented himself at the hearing, told the court he thought the Guardian's legal costs were excessive and should be reduced.

But he is likely to have to pay even more in total after the Guardian told the court that a conservative estimate of its total costs was £6m.

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

Noel Clarke arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, reports say

Actor Noel Clarke has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, exposure and sexual assault by touching, according t...

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John Travolta's 15-Year-Old Son Is Already Taller Than Him in "Belated Christmas Card" Reveal

Getty Images

The Gist

• John Travolta uploaded a rare photo of himself with his children, Benjamin and Ella.

• "My beautiful babies in my belated Christmas card 2025. Hope all is going well," the actor captioned a new Instagram post shared this week.

• Travolta shared his son and daughter with his late wife, Kelly Preston.
  

John Travolta's son clearly got the tall gene from his dad. This week, the actor uploaded a "belated Christmas card" on Instagram,sharinga rare photo of himself with his two children, 15-year-old Benjamin and25-year-old Ella.

In the new portrait, Benjamin appears slightly taller than his dad, who wraps his arms around his two children and leans his head on his son's shoulder.

View this post on Instagram

"My beautiful babies in my belated Christmas card 2025. Hope all is going well," Travolta wrote in the caption.

"❤️❤️❤️," Ella replied in the comments.

Travolta shared his son and daughter with his late wife, Kelly Preston. They also had an older son named Jett, who died at the age of 16 in 2009. Preston passed away after a battle with breast cancer in 2020.

Ella has previously referred to herself as her dad's "biggest fan."

"I say he's my biggest fan, and I'm his biggest fan," she toldParadein 2023. "So there's a lot of support going on, which is—it's amazing. I learned so much from him."

Aissaoui Nacer / SplashNews.com

Ella, who has followed in her parents' footsteps as an actor and singer, lost her mother at just 20 years old.

"I grew up very much so in the public eye," she later explained toPeoplewhile promoting her single "Little Bird," which served as an ode to her late mother. "And with that comes a lot of attention, especially when you lose someone."

"She is her own person," Travolta once toldPeopleof his only daughter. "She is gracious, generous, poised, graceful, and gorgeous. I don't know how she came to be, and I don't take any credit other than just adoring her. And maybe that's a valid contribution."

Getty Images

Read the original article onInStyle

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

John Travolta's 15-Year-Old Son Is Already Taller Than Him in "Belated Christmas Card" Reveal

Getty Images The Gist John Travolta uploaded a rare photo of himself with his children, Benjamin and Ella. "My beautiful babies in ...

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Irishman with American wife lands in ICE detention. He immigrated in 2009.

EL PASO, Texas – An Irishman married to a U.S. citizen has been held in an immigration detention camp for five months, despite a pending green card application, according to court records.

Seamus Culleton's detention is part of a pattern in the Trump administration's increasingly tough enforcement effort, which has swept up not only people who crossed the border illegally but also thosewho overstayed their visaor legal entrance documents.

Culleton is being held inCamp East Montana, a detention facility erected on the Fort Bliss Army base with a projected capacity of 5,000 people.

After the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal immigration agents (ICE), communities across the U.S. are protesting against Trump's surge of immigration enforcement actions.

Pictured here, Demonstrators gather for a protest calling for the removal of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 30, 2026 in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Protests were held across the United States in response to ICE enforcement activity.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hundreds of people gather to protest ICE at the corner of Palafox and Garden Streets in downtown Pensacola, Florida, on Jan. 30, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

'ICE Out' protests spark marches, confrontations across US

After the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal immigration agents (ICE), communities across the U.S. areprotestingagainst Trump's surge of immigration enforcement actions.Pictured here, Demonstrators gather for a protest calling for the removal of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 30, 2026 in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Protests were held across the United States in response to ICE enforcement activity.

While in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Culleton has missed at least two scheduled interviews with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to confirm his green card, his attorney, Ogor Okoye, told USA TODAY.

USCIS and ICE are sister agencies under the Department of Homeland Security.

"ICE, you have the power to allow him to attend the interview," Okoye said. "The interview that will confirm the status you say he doesn't have."

In an emailed response to questions, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Culleton "received full due process" and has been ordered removed by a judge.

"A pending green card application and work authorization does not give someone legal status to be in our country," she said.

Irish citizens don't require a visa to travel to the United States. Culleton, who arrived in 2009, stayed beyond the 90 days allowed and has lived here for 15 years, his attorney said. He started a plastering business and met his wife, Tiffany Smyth; they married in 2025.

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Anyone who comes to the United States on the Visa Waiver Program, as Culleton did, legally gives up their right to contest their removal if they violate the terms of the agreement.

Buta longstanding policy, dating to 2013, made an exception for the "immediate relatives" of a U.S. citizen. As long as applicants don't have a deportation order or a criminal record, they can apply for an immigration benefit, like legal permanent residency.

Culleton applied. He has no criminal record, his attorney says, not even a traffic ticket. In court documents, Culleton refutes the government's claim that he has received a final order of removal. He said he's never received or signed the order.

Immigration authorities picked up Culleton in September after running his license plate in a Home Depot parking lot in Massachusetts, court records show. He was briefly held in New York, then moved to the Texas facility.

The Trump administration has been flying detainees from Democrat-friendly jurisdictions such as Massachusetts to ICE detention centers that fall within the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals – including Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi – where it is harder for immigrants to win bond or release.

Culleton's wife, Smythe, paid a $4,000 bond to secure his release, Okoye said, but ICE appealed the judge's decision and it was overturned.

A federal judge rejected his "habeas corpus" petition to be released due to his prolonged detention, ruling the petition was premature. Immigrant detainees can petition for their release after being held in detention for six months beyond a judge's order for removal or release.

Detainees and immigrant advocateshave raised alarms over the conditionsin Camp East Montana. Three detainees in custody there have died since December; onewas ruled a homicide.

Lauren Villagran covers immigration for USA TODAY and can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Irishman detained by ICE despite American wife, pending green card

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

Irishman with American wife lands in ICE detention. He immigrated in 2009.

EL PASO, Texas – An Irishman married to a U.S. citizen has been held in an immigration detention camp for five months, d...

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