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A fundraising event, dubbed ‘Two Hearts One Night’ and locally known as the Tinny Shed, will be held at St Columba’s Hall in Douglas, Cork, on Saturday, March 7, to benefit The Down Syndrome Centre Cork and Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.

The event, which runs from 7:30 PM until late, will feature music from The Molly Maguire Band, followed by a DJ set from Matthew. Organisers Aidan and Diane Dalton have secured a range of auction items, including a flag signed by the winning European Ryder Cup team and a fourball from Douglas Golf Club, to raise funds for the two charities.

Additional auction items include signed jerseys from Celtic’s Liam Scales, David Harrington (Bolton), Mason Mount, Ryan Giggs, and a Cork hurling jersey, as well as jerseys from clubs in England and Scotland. Raffle tickets will also be on sale outside Tesco at Douglas Village Shopping Centre on Saturday, February 21.

Tickets for ‘Two Hearts One Night’ cost €15 and are available for purchase at Eventbrite. Organisers are encouraging people to purchase tickets in advance as availability is limited. Finger food will be served at the event.

The Down Syndrome Centre Cork, founded in 2017, provides diagnosis support, early intervention services – including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy – and support networks for families across Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford. The centre operates without government funding, relying entirely on fundraising and community support.

Marymount University Hospital and Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support to patients and their families.

A spokesperson for The Down Syndrome Centre Cork stated that the event is particularly special as it coincides with the lead-up to World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2026, with this year’s theme being #togetheragainstlonliness. The organisation highlighted the importance of addressing loneliness among people with Down syndrome and their families, noting that studies show they experience loneliness at a higher rate than the general population.

Further information can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

Residents of Vilnius were met with an unusual sight and sound Friday evening as armed officers, sirens, and specialized equipment were deployed near the Business Garden complex. The activity, which prompted questions from concerned citizens, was part of planned civil defense exercises designed to prepare Lithuanian authorities for a range of potential emergencies.

The exercises, which took place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on February 20th along Laisvės Avenue, involved a coordinated response from various agencies, including municipal services, fire and rescue teams, and anti-terrorism units. Authorities proactively informed the public that they might witness unusual activity during the drills, aiming to minimize alarm while maximizing the training opportunity. These exercises underscore a growing emphasis on national preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges.

The most intensive phase of the exercise involved a simulated building assault scenario, according to reports from Delfi and Made in Vilnius. The drills aimed to test the coordination and responsiveness of different services in a high-pressure situation, ensuring a seamless collaborative effort in the event of a real incident. The focus on building assault scenarios reflects a broader trend in civil defense planning, incorporating responses to potential terrorist threats.

These types of exercises are conducted periodically in Vilnius to assess the readiness of emergency services and to refine procedures. Officials emphasized that the goal is not to instill fear, but to enhance public safety by preparing for unforeseen events. The Lithuanian government has been increasingly focused on bolstering its civil defense capabilities in recent years, recognizing the importance of proactive preparation in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

Purpose of the Drills

The civil defense exercises are designed to evaluate the preparedness of Vilnius for a variety of emergency situations, ranging from natural disasters to man-made incidents. As outlined by the Fire and Rescue Department under the Ministry of the Interior, these drills cover critical areas such as civil defense signaling, procedures in the event of a nuclear accident, and support for individuals with disabilities during emergencies. The exercises also incorporate scenarios related to potential cyberattacks on city infrastructure and the possibility of terrorist acts in public spaces, as noted in reporting by LT Life.

The drills are not limited to testing response times, and coordination. They also serve as a platform for identifying weaknesses in existing protocols and implementing improvements. This iterative process of assessment and refinement is crucial for ensuring that Vilnius is well-equipped to handle a wide range of crises effectively. The involvement of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Civil Defense Forces in evacuation scenarios demonstrates a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness.

Public Awareness and Communication

A key component of the civil defense exercises is public awareness. Authorities made a concerted effort to inform residents about the planned drills in advance, minimizing potential confusion or panic. This proactive communication strategy is essential for building trust and ensuring public cooperation during emergencies. The emphasis on transparency underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to civil defense, where citizens are informed and engaged in the process.

The exercises also provide an opportunity to test communication channels and protocols, ensuring that critical information reaches the public quickly and accurately during a real crisis. This includes utilizing various media platforms and communication networks to disseminate alerts and instructions. Effective communication is paramount in mitigating the impact of emergencies and protecting lives.

Looking ahead, Vilnius will likely continue to prioritize civil defense preparedness, adapting its strategies to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. The ongoing commitment to training, collaboration, and public awareness will be essential for ensuring the safety and security of the city and its residents. The next scheduled large-scale drills are currently unconfirmed, but officials have indicated a commitment to regular exercises to maintain a high level of readiness.

Share your thoughts on the importance of civil defense preparedness in the comments below. Let’s discuss how communities can best prepare for unforeseen events.

This weekend offers a diverse range of streaming options, from the thrilling return of a sci-fi action franchise to a heartwarming story about connection and finding purpose. Both “Predator: Badlands” and “Rental Family” are now available, alongside new seasons of established series and a musical biopic. Here’s a guide to what’s new and worth watching.

Leading the charge is “Rental Family,” a Searchlight Pictures film starring Brendan Fraser, now streaming on both Disney+ and Hulu. The film has garnered praise for its touching narrative and Fraser’s performance, while “Predator: Badlands” continues director Dan Trachtenberg’s revitalization of the iconic “Predator” series, also available on Disney+ and Hulu. Beyond these new releases, returning favorites like “The Night Agent” and “The Last Thing He Told Me” provide additional viewing options.

‘Rental Family’: A Heartwarming Tale of Connection

“Rental Family” centers on Phillip Vanderploeg, an American actor living in Tokyo, who discovers an unconventional career path. He begins working for a “rental family” agency, where actors are hired to fill in for family members for clients needing companionship or a temporary support system. The film explores themes of loneliness, the human demand for connection, and the unexpected bonds that can form in modern life. According to reviews, the movie isn’t afraid to deal with the repercussions of this unusual service, doing so “with humor and intelligence.”

Brendan Fraser’s performance has been a focal point of attention, with critics highlighting his ability to portray vulnerability and warmth. The film is set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo, beautifully capturing the city’s energy and providing a unique cultural context for the story.

“Rental Family” premiered theatrically on November 21, 2025, and became available for streaming on February 18, 2026, for Disney+ and Hulu bundle subscribers, according to Disney+.

‘Predator: Badlands’: Expanding the ‘Predator’ Universe

Director Dan Trachtenberg continues to expand the “Predator” universe with “Badlands,” now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The film focuses on Dek, a young Yautja, attempting to prove his worth by taking on a seemingly impossible hunt on a dangerous planet. He’s aided by Thia, a synthetic played by Elle Fanning, whose performance has been described as “an absolute, hilarious joy.”

The story delves into the origins of the Predator species, offering a fresh perspective on their culture and motivations. “Predator: Badlands” builds upon the foundation laid by Trachtenberg’s previous entries, offering a blend of action, suspense, and world-building.

Also Streaming This Weekend

Beyond “Rental Family” and “Predator: Badlands,” several other options are available for streaming this weekend:

• “Song Sung Blue” (Peacock): A biopic starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a couple who form a Neil Diamond tribute band. Kate Hudson received an Oscar nomination for her performance.
• “The Last Thing He Told Me” (Apple TV+): Season 2 of the mystery series starring Jennifer Garner, based on the novel by Laura Dave, continues Friday.
• “The Night Agent” (Netflix): The third season of the espionage thriller released all new episodes earlier this week.

The streaming landscape continues to evolve, offering a wealth of choices for viewers. With a mix of heartwarming dramas, action-packed adventures, and compelling mysteries, this weekend’s new releases provide something for everyone. As streaming services continue to add new content, staying informed about the latest offerings is key to maximizing your entertainment options.

What are you planning to stream this weekend? Share your picks in the comments below!