Entertainment

As February unfolds, many turn to astrology for guidance and a glimpse into what the day may hold. According to the latest forecasts from Ji Yoon Philosophy, February 18th, 2026, promises varied fortunes depending on your zodiac sign. The day, falling on the lunar calendar as January 2nd and governed by the ‘Gye Hae’ (癸亥) day, presents a unique astrological landscape. From potential new connections for those born in the Year of the Rat to challenges for the Tiger, here’s a breakdown of what the stars suggest for each sign.

These daily horoscopes, rooted in traditional Korean astrology, offer insights into career, relationships, and overall well-being. While not definitive, they provide a framework for navigating the day’s opportunities and potential obstacles. Understanding these influences can empower individuals to make informed decisions and approach the day with a more positive outlook. The forecasts emphasize the importance of self-awareness and adaptability, encouraging individuals to embrace the energies of the day and respond accordingly.

Zodiac Forecasts for February 18, 2026

Here’s a detailed look at the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign, as provided by Ji Yoon Philosophy:

Rat (子) – Those Born in 1984, 1996, and Other Rat Years

For those born in the Year of the Rat, today suggests a potential for warm connections. The forecast indicates that someone may approach you with kindness, and it encourages openness to receiving their advances. Individuals born in 1972 are expected to experience a surge in motivation and diligence, while those born in 1960 are advised that today is a favorable day for making decisions that will lead to positive outcomes. Those born in 1948 and 1936 are poised to receive recognition for past patience and perseverance. The Rat’s fortune index is a strong 88%, with scores of 85% for finances, 90% for health, and 85% for love.

Ox (丑) – Those Born in 1985, 1997, and Other Ox Years

The Ox is encouraged to consider new avenues for self-improvement. The forecast suggests that even seemingly insignificant interactions can contribute to personal growth. For those born in 1973, today’s conversations are highlighted as particularly important. Individuals born in 1961 are reminded that helping others ultimately benefits themselves. Those born in 1949 and 1937 are expected to see previously stalled matters begin to resolve. The Ox’s fortune index is 87%, with 90% for finances, 85% for health, and 90% for love.

Tiger (寅) – Those Born in 1986, 1998, and Other Tiger Years

The Tiger faces a more challenging day, with the forecast warning against fear of failure. Individuals born in 1974 are cautioned that a seemingly secure situation may fall through, urging continued vigilance. Those born in 1962 are advised to let go of past losses and avoid hesitation when opportunities arise. Individuals born in 1950 and 1938 are cautioned against revealing too much of their inner thoughts. The Tiger’s fortune index is significantly lower at 46%, with 45% for finances, 40% for health, and 50% for love.

Rabbit (卯) – Those Born in 1987, 1999, and Other Rabbit Years

Good news for the Rabbit! The forecast predicts that long-held hopes may finally materialize. Those born in 1975 are expected to overcome obstacles and find relief from difficult circumstances. Individuals born in 1963 and 1951 are anticipated to experience increased income and vitality. Those born in 1939 are encouraged to establish and adhere to principles that will lead to positive results. The Rabbit boasts a high fortune index of 92%, with 95% for finances, 90% for health, and 95% for love.

Dragon (辰) – Those Born in 1988, 2000, and Other Dragon Years

The Dragon is advised to consider a change in image or approach. Those born in 1976 are encouraged to resolve lingering misunderstandings. Individuals born in 1964 and 1952 are advised to focus on managing existing assets rather than pursuing new gains. Those born in 1940 are expected to encounter someone who brings a smile to their face. The Dragon’s fortune index is 43%, with 40% for finances, 40% for health, and 45% for love.

Snake (巳) – Those Born in 1989, 2001, and Other Snake Years

The Snake faces a day of uncertainty. The forecast suggests that while ambition is present, clarity is lacking, and patience is required. Those born in 1977 are warned of potential fatigue and advised to prioritize their well-being. Individuals born in 1965 are urged to exercise caution and carefully observe collaborators or partners. Those born in 1953 and 1941 are advised to disregard unhelpful or malicious gossip. The Snake’s fortune index is 37%, with 35% for finances, 35% for health, and 40% for love.

Horse (午) – Those Born in 1990, 2002, and Other Horse Years

The Horse is encouraged to self-reflect and examine their own feelings. Those born in 1978 are predicted to find joy in their function through a positive new connection. Individuals born in 1966 and 1954 are advised against rushing into things and to approach situations with calm deliberation. Those born in 1942 are expected to experience emotional sensitivity. The Horse’s fortune index is 58%, with 60% for finances, 55% for health, and 60% for love.

Goat (未) – Those Born in 1991, 2003, and Other Goat Years

For the Goat, today is a day for embracing love and intuition. The forecast encourages introspection and understanding of one’s own feelings. Those born in 1967 are expected to receive assistance that accelerates their progress. Individuals born in 1955 and 1943 are advised to heed the advice of trusted friends. The Goat enjoys a extremely high fortune index of 94%, with 90% for finances, 95% for health, and 95% for love.

Monkey (申) – Those Born in 1992, 2004, and Other Monkey Years

The Monkey is urged to practice understanding and compassion. Those born in 1980 are cautioned against becoming overly absorbed in their work. Individuals born in 1968 and 1956 are advised to avoid making critical decisions if feeling conflicted. Those born in 1944 are warned that their demeanor may be off-putting to others. The Monkey’s fortune index is 42%, with 45% for finances, 45% for health, and 40% for love.

Rooster (酉) – Those Born in 1993, 2005, and Other Rooster Years

The Rooster may face limited options and unavoidable decisions. Those born in 1969 are encouraged to remain steadfast in their efforts, regardless of external validation. Individuals born in 1957 are cautioned against seeking unrealistic outcomes. Those born in 1945 and 1933 are warned against squandering good fortune. The Rooster’s fortune index is 68%, with 70% for finances, 65% for health, and 70% for love.

Dog (戌) – Those Born in 1994, 2006, and Other Dog Years

The Dog is poised to reap the rewards of their hard work. The forecast suggests a day of well-deserved recognition. Those born in 1970 are advised to remain patient and avoid being swayed by small gains. Individuals born in 1958 are expected to experience a sense of profound happiness. Those born in 1946 and 1934 are likely to reconnect with old friends. The Dog’s fortune index is 73%, with 75% for finances, 70% for health, and 70% for love.

Pig (亥) – Those Born in 1995, 2007, and Other Pig Years

The Pig is advised to prioritize organization and focus. The forecast warns of potential gossip and trouble in the workplace, urging caution. Those born in 1971 are cautioned against workplace conflicts. Individuals born in 1959 and 1947 are warned of intrusive thoughts. Those born in 1935 are cautioned against the negativity of others. The Pig’s fortune index is 52%, with 50% for finances, 50% for health, and 60% for love.

As February 18th progresses, remember that these forecasts offer a guiding perspective. The interplay of celestial energies provides a framework for understanding potential influences, but individual choices and actions shape the day’s outcome. Whether facing challenges or embracing opportunities, approaching the day with awareness and intention is key.

What resonates most with you from today’s forecast? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with friends and family who may find it insightful.

A significant consolidation is underway in the European cryptocurrency landscape. Boerse Stuttgart Digital, the crypto arm of Germany’s second-largest stock exchange, and Tradias, a BaFin-licensed trading and market-making platform, announced on February 13, 2026, their intention to merge. The resulting entity, slated to employ around 300 people across Frankfurt and Stuttgart, aims to become the largest regulated crypto infrastructure provider in Europe, with a closing expected in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

This merger isn’t simply about size; it’s about establishing a fully compliant and comprehensive ecosystem for digital assets. As the regulatory environment surrounding crypto matures – particularly with the full implementation of MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) – the ability to offer a regulated, end-to-end solution is becoming a critical competitive advantage. The combined entity is positioning itself to capitalize on this shift, offering a one-stop shop for institutional investors navigating the complexities of the European crypto market.

The union brings together complementary strengths. Boerse Stuttgart Digital operates a regulated crypto broker, the BSDEX exchange, a MiCA-licensed custodian, and the consumer app BISON, which surpassed one million users in January 2026. Its client roster already includes major financial institutions like Intesa Sanpaolo, DZ Bank, and DekaBank. Tradias, regulated as a securities trading bank by Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), specializes in market making and institutional liquidity across over 150 cryptocurrencies and 1,000 trading pairs. This combination merges Boerse Stuttgart Digital’s retail and institutional distribution network with Tradias’s deep market liquidity.

While financial details remain largely undisclosed, Bloomberg reported that Tradias is valued around €200 million, with the combined entity exceeding a valuation of €500 million (approximately $593 million) according to Cointelegraph. This valuation underscores the growing confidence in the European crypto market and the strategic importance of regulatory compliance.

A One-Stop Shop for Digital Asset Services

The new entity intends to cover the entire digital asset value chain, providing a single access point for banks, brokers, and asset managers across Europe. Integrated services will include brokerage (order execution for institutions), a proprietary exchange (matching engine), MiCA-licensed regulated custody, staking, and the tokenization of traditional assets. This comprehensive approach aims to streamline the process for institutional investors looking to enter the crypto space.

Key Figures at a Glance

Matthias Voelkel, CEO of Boerse Stuttgart Group, described the operation as a decisive step to consolidate the European crypto market and strengthen the group’s position as a reference infrastructure partner for financial institutions on the continent as stated in a press release.

The Competitive Landscape: Winners and Losers

The merger arrives at a pivotal moment for the European digital asset market. MiCA has been fully operational since December 2024, with a transitional period for existing CASPs (Crypto Asset Service Providers) expiring on June 30, 2026. National authorities are already applying sanctions and supervisory contributions. A group already possessing MiCA licenses, a consolidated institutional client base, and deep market-making capabilities holds a structural advantage over several competitor categories.

Global exchanges not MiCA-compliant risk losing ground in Europe if they don’t secure authorizations by the deadline. Independent custodians face a competitor offering a bundled custody, trading, and brokerage package, reducing the demand for banks to manage multiple providers. European fintechs and neobanks offering crypto services via white-label solutions may uncover the new group a more comprehensive and regulated partner than current options.

What This Means for Italian Investors

Italy is directly impacted by this merger. Intesa Sanpaolo is already a client of Boerse Stuttgart Digital, and the new group’s white-label model could be replicated by other Italian banks and SIMs (Società di Intermediazione Mobiliare). This could translate into several concrete benefits for Italian investors.

More crypto offerings through banking channels. If banks like Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, or the BCCs (Banche di Credito Cooperativo) adopt the new German group’s model, Italian savers could buy and custody cryptocurrencies directly through their online banking, eliminating the need to open accounts on external exchanges. Increased regulatory protection is another key benefit. A MiCA-licensed provider operating as infrastructure for banks means segregated custody, capital requirements, and transparency obligations, offering protections similar to those already in place for traditional securities deposits. Potential cost compression through the integration of brokerage, exchange, and custody services into a single provider could lower fees for end investors as competition increases.

Finally, the merger will put pressure on unregulated operators. Exchanges operating in Italy without MiCA authorization face a shrinking window of opportunity; after June 30, 2026, they will no longer be able to serve European clients. Those with funds on non-compliant platforms should consider transferring them to authorized operators.

The consolidation of Boerse Stuttgart Digital and Tradias signals a maturing European crypto market, one increasingly focused on regulatory compliance and institutional adoption. The coming months will be crucial as the merger progresses and the new entity begins to shape the future of digital asset infrastructure in Europe.

What are your thoughts on this merger? Share your opinions in the comments below and let us know how you think this will impact the European crypto landscape.

Bebe Rexha’s upcoming album, Dirty Blonde, is already generating buzz, and it seems a spontaneous encounter in Tokyo played a surprising role in its creation. The “Meant to Be” singer recently shared a captivating story about a night out that directly inspired one of the album’s tracks, offering a glimpse into the personal experiences fueling her new music.

Rexha detailed the unexpected evening during a February 13 appearance on Page Six Radio’s Virtual Reali-tea show. While enjoying a night of dancing with friends and strangers at a Tokyo nightclub, she found herself in an unexpected connection. “There was another table with all these guys and these hot girls, and this one Japanese girl came up, and we were dancing, grinding on each other. And then she just starts making out with me,” Rexha recounted. The experience, she said, was unforgettable.

The 36-year-vintage artist described the night as “the best ever,” immediately sparking the idea for a song. That song, titled “Tokyo,” will feature the lyric, “I kissed a girl in Tokyo,” directly referencing the memorable encounter. Dirty Blonde: The Visual Album is set for release on June 12, 2026, through Empire Distribution, and will be accompanied by music videos for each track, treating them as individual singles. More information about the album can be found on Wikipedia.

From Tour Life to New Music

Rexha’s journey to Dirty Blonde hasn’t been without its challenges. The album follows her 2023 release, Bebe, and its accompanying Best F*n Night of My Life Tour. During a performance on the tour in August 2023, Rexha was assaulted on stage when a fan threw a cell phone at her face, resulting in a black eye and requiring stitches. The assailant was arrested and received a restraining order from Rexha.

The following year, Rexha released “I’m the Drama” (2024) and publicly voiced her frustrations with Warner Records, alleging a lack of budgetary resources. She later signed with Timeline Management on December 16, 2025, according to Billboard, signaling a new chapter in her career.

Dirty Blonde: The Visual Album Tracklist

The upcoming album is being marketed as a visual album, with each track accompanied by its own music video. Here’s a glimpse of the tracklist, as shared on Genius:

• $hit
• Tokyo
• Hysteria
• New Religion
• Time
• I Like You Better Than Me

“I Like You Better than Me” was released on February 13, 2026, serving as the lead single for Dirty Blonde. Fans on Reddit are already expressing excitement about the new era, with discussions focusing on the tracklist and the album’s overall vibe. See the discussion on Reddit here.

Rexha recently teased the album on Instagram, promising “bold new music and vibes.” View the Instagram post here.

What’s Next for Bebe Rexha?

With the release of “I Like You Better than Me” and the upcoming launch of Dirty Blonde: The Visual Album, Bebe Rexha is poised to deliver a fresh and personal collection of music to her fans. The album’s unique visual component and the intriguing story behind “Tokyo” suggest a compelling and immersive experience for listeners. The June 12, 2026 release date marks the next key milestone in Rexha’s evolving career, and fans eagerly await the full unveiling of Dirty Blonde.

What are your thoughts on Bebe Rexha’s new album announcement? Share your excitement in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow music lovers!

A wave of concern is circulating online as some Muslims report the cancellation of Taraweeh prayers at their local mosques. The issue, first brought to light on Threads by user Naïma ꨄ (@naimasmne), has sparked a broader conversation about the reasons behind these decisions and the impact on the community during the holy month of Ramadan. The initial post, questioning “hoezo was er geen taraweeh in onze moskee” (roughly translated as “why was there no Taraweeh in our mosque?”), quickly gained traction, prompting numerous responses and raising questions about consistency in religious observances.

Taraweeh, a series of voluntary nighttime prayers performed during Ramadan, holds significant spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide. The prayers typically involve reciting lengthy portions of the Quran and are often performed in congregation. According to Islamic Relief Worldwide, Taraweeh prayers can range in length, commonly consisting of 8 or 20 rak’ahs (cycles of prostration) [1]. The cancellation of these prayers at certain mosques has understandably caused distress and confusion among worshippers.

While the specific reasons for the cancellations vary, initial reports suggest logistical challenges and differing interpretations regarding the optimal length and format of Taraweeh prayers may be contributing factors. Some mosques are reportedly opting for a streamlined approach, as seen at Masjid An Nabawi in Saudi Arabia, which has adopted a schedule of 10 rak’ahs of Taraweeh followed by 3 rak’ahs of Witr prayer [4]. This decision, made by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, aims to balance spiritual focus with the comfort of the congregation.

Historical Context and Variations in Practice

The practice of Taraweeh has evolved over time. As detailed in a Wikipedia entry on the subject, the number of rak’ahs traditionally varies among different Sunni Islamic schools of thought [3]. While some adhere to 20 rak’ahs, based on historical accounts from the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, others follow a shorter format. The key feature of Taraweeh remains the completion of the Quran during the month of Ramadan, with many mosques aiming to recite at least one juz’ (part) of the Quran each night.

Impact on the Community and Ongoing Discussions

The cancellations have prompted discussions about the importance of maintaining religious traditions while adapting to modern circumstances. For many Muslims, attending Taraweeh prayers in congregation is a cherished part of the Ramadan experience. The absence of these prayers can be particularly felt by those who rely on the mosque as a central hub for community and spiritual connection. The situation highlights the diverse approaches to religious practice within the Muslim community and the ongoing need for open dialogue and understanding.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ramadan dates are based on the lunar calendar, meaning they shift each year. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to commence around March 11th, according to preliminary calculations, and will continue for approximately 30 days [5]. This timing may influence logistical considerations for mosques as they plan their Ramadan schedules.

Experiencing Taraweeh: A Global Perspective

For those interested in experiencing Taraweeh prayers, a full prayer from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, filmed on the 15th night of Ramadan 1446 (approximately March 2026), is available on YouTube, featuring imams Bandar Balila and Badr Al-Turki [2]. This provides a glimpse into the spiritual atmosphere and traditional practices associated with Taraweeh in one of Islam’s holiest sites.

As Ramadan approaches, it remains to be seen how many mosques will ultimately decide to proceed with Taraweeh prayers and what format they will adopt. The ongoing conversations and adjustments reflect the dynamic nature of religious practice and the commitment of the Muslim community to finding ways to observe their faith in a meaningful and accessible way.

The situation surrounding Taraweeh prayers serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and open communication between mosques and their congregations. As the month of Ramadan draws nearer, continued dialogue and understanding will be crucial in ensuring that all Muslims have the opportunity to experience the spiritual blessings of this sacred time.

What are your thoughts on the evolving practices surrounding Taraweeh prayers? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.