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Villars Mountain Film Festival: 12 Films to Watch This Weekend

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief
written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Villars, Switzerland – The International Alpine Film Festival (FIFAD) is bringing a selection of award-winning films to Villars this weekend, offering moviegoers a cinematic exploration of mountain life, challenges, and beauty. The festival, a smaller-scale presentation of the larger annual event held in the Diablerets, will showcase twelve films beginning Friday, February 27th, 2026, at the Villars Palace Theatre.

This marks the third time FIFAD has held an event in Villars, providing a curated program of films that delve into the complexities of mountain environments and the human experiences within them. Organizers describe the selection as featuring “stories from the four corners of the world, where the mountain becomes the theatre of intimate struggles, sporting challenges and essential questioning about our relationship with the environment.” The festival aims to be more than just screenings, fostering discussion and reflection on critical issues.

The screenings, open to the public, will run for three days, followed by a dedicated day for school groups. Beyond the films themselves, attendees can enjoy a festival bar and a pop-up mountain bookstore, designed to encourage interaction between audiences, filmmakers, and guests. The event is intended as “a space for reflection and dialogue,” aligning with the values of the Fondation Villars Institute, particularly concerning climate change, sustainability, and intergenerational understanding.

A Focus on Mountain Stories

The films selected for this year’s Villars showcase represent a diverse range of perspectives on mountain life. According to organizers, the program includes stories of intense personal battles, daring athletic feats, and critical examinations of humanity’s connection to the natural world. The festival provides a platform for these narratives to reach a wider audience, promoting awareness and inspiring conversation.

FIFAD’s Broader Schedule

Even as the Villars event offers a preview of the festival’s spirit, the main FIFAD event will return to the Diablerets this summer, running from July 25th to August 2nd, 2026. This 57th edition promises an even more extensive program of films, competitions, and events. Currently, submissions are open for the 2026 competition, according to the festival’s website. More information about the main festival can be found on the official FIFAD website.

The festival’s presence in Villars is a testament to its growing reach and its commitment to bringing alpine cinema to different audiences. Alpesvaudoises.ch notes that this is the third edition of FIFAD in Villars, highlighting the event’s increasing popularity in the region.

Beyond the Screen

The organizers emphasize that the festival is not solely about watching films. It’s about creating a community and fostering dialogue around important themes. The inclusion of a festival bar and bookstore underscores this commitment, providing spaces for attendees to connect and share their thoughts. La Télé reports that the festival aims to resonate with the Fondation Villars Institute’s focus on climate issues and sustainable practices.

The FIFAD event in Villars offers a unique opportunity to experience the power of cinema to illuminate the beauty and challenges of mountain life. As the festival prepares for its summer return to the Diablerets, this weekend’s event serves as a compelling preview of what’s to reach.

What are your thoughts on the importance of film festivals in promoting environmental awareness? Share your comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

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Utah Mom on Trial for Murdering Husband After Writing Grief Book

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother, has found herself at the center of a high-profile murder trial following the tragic death of her husband, Eric Richins. Just a year after his passing, Kouri published a children’s book aimed at helping her three sons navigate their grief. In a promotional interview in April 2023, she expressed, “Just because he’s not present here with us physically, that doesn’t mean his presence isn’t here with us. Dad is still here, it’s just in a different way.” Although, mere weeks after this heartfelt endeavor, Kouri was arrested, accused of fatally poisoning her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

The trial commenced on February 23, 2026, with opening statements from the prosecution and defense. Prosecutors allege that Kouri Richins, 35, murdered her husband for financial gain and to pursue a new life with a man with whom she was having an affair. They also contend that she attempted to poison Eric on Valentine’s Day, just weeks before his death. Kouri has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, insurance fraud, and forgery. If convicted of the most serious charge, she faces the possibility of life in prison.

The Death of Eric Richins

Eric Richins, aged 39, was discovered dead in the couple’s bedroom early on March 4, 2022. The night before, Kouri had brought cocktails to their room to celebrate a success in her real estate business. According to her account to investigators, Kouri went to sleep in one of their sons’ rooms around 9:30 p.m. When she returned approximately six hours later, she found Eric unresponsive in their bed. She recalled, “I turned over, like to put my arm around Eric and he was just cold,” describing the chilling moment as akin to “putting your arm over a cement brick.”

After calling 911 at 3:21 a.m., first responders noted that Eric seemed to have been dead for some time. An autopsy later revealed he died from a fentanyl overdose, with about five times the lethal dose in his bloodstream. Kouri initially told investigators that her husband occasionally took THC gummies before bed, speculating that they could have been contaminated with fentanyl. However, medical examination did not find THC in Eric’s system, nor did the gummies in their home test positive for fentanyl.

Allegations of Murder and Financial Motives

According to prosecutors, Kouri Richins had been seeking fentanyl in early 2022. A woman who cleaned her houses testified that Kouri asked her for fentanyl, and later purchased over 15 pills she believed contained the substance. On Valentine’s Day, Kouri allegedly left Eric a sandwich and a note before leaving to meet her “paramour.” After eating the sandwich, Eric texted Kouri, expressing that he would lay down and consider going to the hospital if he didn’t start to feel better. He later confided to friends that he felt as if he might die and suspected Kouri had attempted to poison him.

In the days leading up to Eric’s death, Kouri reportedly asked the housecleaner for more fentanyl, claiming the previous batch was not potent enough. She allegedly referred to it as “some of the Michael Jackson stuff,” a term that referenced the pop star’s fatal overdose. Prosecutors also noted that Kouri deleted over 800 messages with the woman from her phone shortly after Eric’s death, raising further suspicions about her intentions.

Financial Implications and Legal Proceedings

Prosecutors assert that Kouri Richins murdered her husband to gain access to his lucrative business and life insurance policies, which she could use to support her struggling real estate ventures. They argue that Kouri felt trapped in her marriage and believed it would be more advantageous for her if Eric were no longer alive. At the time of his death, Eric’s estate was valued at approximately $5 million, and he had over $2 million in life insurance policies, some of which Kouri allegedly applied for without his knowledge.

Further complicating the case, Eric had taken steps to protect his assets from Kouri. He met with a lawyer in 2020 to implement estate planning strategies that excluded her from managing his property after his death. This included appointing his sister as the trustee and removing Kouri as the beneficiary of a $500,000 life insurance policy.

As the trial progresses, Kouri Richins remains adamant about her innocence. Her attorneys emphasize that she is eager to present her side of the story in court, stating, “Kouri has waited nearly three years for this moment: the opportunity to have the facts of this case heard by a jury, free from the prosecution’s narrative that has dominated headlines since her arrest.” They assert that the burden of proof lies with the state to demonstrate her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as the jury hears from both sides in this emotionally charged case. The outcome will not only determine Kouri Richins’ fate but also shed light on the tragic circumstances surrounding Eric Richins’ death.

As the trial continues, viewers and legal analysts alike will be closely watching to see how the evidence unfolds and what implications this case may hold for similar future cases involving financial motives and domestic strife.

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Albany Snow: Flight Delays & Cancellations at Airport

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Albany, NY – Flights in and out of Albany International Airport (ALB) are experiencing delays and cancellations Monday as a winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Capital Region. Although Albany itself received only a dusting of snow overnight, the impact of a larger storm system is being felt by travelers, particularly those connecting through other affected airports.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Albany County until 7:00 PM EST today, February 23, 2026, citing likely snow and patchy blowing snow. Current conditions at the airport, as of 10:51 am EST, include light snow, a temperature of 28°F (-2°C), and a wind chill of 17°F (-8°C). Visibility is currently limited to one mile, with north winds at 13 mph gusting to 23 mph, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Significant Delays Reported at Albany International Airport

Albany International Airport is reporting “significant and decreasing” delays, according to flightstats.com. The airport is bracing for continued disruptions as the storm progresses. Travelers are strongly advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status before heading to the airport. The airport’s snow team is fully mobilized, with equipment staged and staffing coordinated to manage winter operations, as reported by the Albany County Airport Authority in a press release issued January 23, 2026.

The airport anticipates up to 3 inches of snow accumulation today, with patchy blowing snow before 1:00 PM. Tonight, mostly cloudy conditions are expected with a low around 13°F. Northwest winds will continue, gusting up to 30 mph.

Regional Impact and Forecast

The broader forecast for the region indicates continued cold temperatures throughout the week. Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 23°F, but wind chill values could drop as low as -1°F. A chance of snow is predicted for Tuesday night. Wednesday will bring snow in the morning, transitioning to rain or snow in the afternoon, with highs reaching 38°F.

The Times Union is providing live updates on the storm’s impact, noting that airports throughout the region are experiencing similar disruptions. The airport maintains a robust fleet of snow-fighting equipment, including snowblowers, plows, and airfield brooms, and has deicing operations fully prepared with propylene glycol tanks filled to capacity.

Travelers should anticipate potential delays and cancellations not only at Albany International Airport but too at connecting airports. Airlines are expecting a significant number of disruptions, particularly for flights originating from other areas impacted by winter weather.

What to Expect Next

As the Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect, conditions at Albany International Airport will continue to be monitored closely. The focus remains on maintaining safe operations and minimizing disruption to travel. The situation is fluid, and travelers should stay informed by checking with their airlines and monitoring updates from the airport and the National Weather Service. The coming days will see a gradual warming trend, but the potential for additional snow remains in the forecast.

Please share this information with anyone traveling through Albany International Airport and leave your travel updates or questions in the comments below.

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Brazil-Korea Strengthen Ties: Strategic Partnership Forged During Presidential Summit

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea and Brazil have formally elevated their relationship to a “strategic partnership,” signaling a deepening of ties across multiple sectors, following a state visit by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his delegation. The move, announced by officials on Monday, February 23, 2026, underscores a shared commitment to mutual growth and collaboration between the two nations.

The upgrade in relations comes after a series of meetings and cultural exchanges during the visit, highlighting the strong personal rapport between President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Lula da Silva. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung and Brazil’s First Lady Janja Lula da Silva also engaged in a series of events designed to foster cultural understanding and strengthen people-to-people connections. This strategic partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, technology, and sustainable development.

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Hosts Brazilian First Lady Janja Lula da Silva

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung hosted First Lady Janja Lula da Silva for a private meeting following the official welcoming ceremony on February 23rd. According to a written briefing released by the presidential office, Kim Hye-kyung expressed her belief that the two presidents’ paths were similar, creating a natural understanding between the two countries. “I hope that the Republic of Korea and Brazil will become partners who move forward together in mutual prosperity,” she stated. The two First Ladies also discussed the importance of social activities and creating a more equitable world, with Kim Hye-kyung praising Janja Lula da Silva’s dedication to these causes, as reported by Newsis.

Prior to the meeting, Kim Hye-kyung presented Janja Lula da Silva with a custom-made hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, commissioned from a tailor in Gwangjang Market. Kim Hye-kyung reportedly expressed her satisfaction with the finished garment, stating it was “more gorgeous than expected,” and remarked that it would be “even more beautiful when [Janja Lula da Silva] wears it.” Janja Lula da Silva responded with a “thank you” in Korean, demonstrating a keen interest in Korean culture. News reports detail the exchange as a symbol of the growing cultural ties between the two nations.

Kim Hye-kyung and Janja Lula da Silva visit the Seoul Craft Museum on February 23, 2026. (Photo provided by the Presidential Office)

Cultural Exchange Highlights Growing Ties

The visit wasn’t solely focused on diplomatic discussions. Janja Lula da Silva arrived in South Korea a day before President Lula, on February 21, 2026, demonstrating a particular enthusiasm for Korean culture, according to the Korea Methodist Weekly. She and Kim Hye-kyung visited the National Folk Museum of Korea in Paju, exploring exhibits on traditional Korean crafts and the vibrant “Brazil Rio Carnival: The Soul of Africa, the Rhythm of Samba” exhibition. They also toured a storage facility at the museum, further immersing themselves in Korean heritage. Earlier, the two First Ladies visited Gwangjang Market, where Janja Lula da Silva experienced the tradition of wearing a hanbok. Asia Economy reported on the cultural exchange.

During a conversation at the National Folk Museum, Janja Lula da Silva inquired whether Kim Hye-kyung still played the piano, while Kim Hye-kyung noted her husband’s political journey hadn’t allowed her the opportunity to pursue that passion. This exchange, while personal, underscored the warmth and openness of the discussions between the two First Ladies.

The visit also included a viewing of a special exhibition by fashion artist Geum Ki-suk at the Seoul Craft Museum. MBC News provided video coverage of the event, showcasing the First Ladies’ engagement with Korean art, and design.

The elevation to a strategic partnership signifies a commitment to expanding cooperation beyond existing frameworks. While specific details of the new partnership agreements have not been fully disclosed, officials indicate a focus on strengthening economic ties, promoting technological innovation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health. The partnership is expected to facilitate increased investment and trade between the two countries, as well as collaborative research and development initiatives.

Looking ahead, the success of this strategic partnership will depend on sustained dialogue and concrete action. The coming months will be crucial in translating the commitments made during President Lula’s visit into tangible benefits for both South Korea and Brazil. Further details regarding specific collaborative projects and initiatives are expected to be announced in the near future.

What are your thoughts on the new strategic partnership between South Korea and Brazil? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this collaboration will impact the future.

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