News

The French government has initiated an accelerated process to recognize the state of natural disaster in the Gironde department following major flooding that began on February 11, 2026. This decision aims to expedite compensation for individuals, businesses, and municipalities affected by the disaster through the “natural disaster” (Cat. Nat.) insurance guarantee. Procedures for recognition are now underway for impacted communities.

The flooding in Gironde has caused significant damage, prompting the government to streamline the process for affected parties to receive financial assistance. The accelerated procedure focuses on providing timely support to those who have suffered losses due to the recent severe weather events. This move underscores the government’s commitment to assisting communities in recovering from the widespread damage.

Communes in the Gironde department have two options for submitting their requests for recognition as a natural disaster zone. They can directly submit their application online via the iCatNat application before Sunday evening, or they can request the Gironde prefecture to submit a formal request on their behalf through the same platform before the same deadline. This streamlined approach is designed to expedite the process and ensure that aid reaches those who need it quickly.

The accelerated procedure will initially focus on claims related to flooding caused by overflowing rivers, runoff, and associated mudslides. Other phenomena observed, such as rising groundwater levels and landslides, will be addressed in a subsequent, standard procedure. Damage caused by wind is not covered under the natural disaster guarantee but falls under separate insurance policies for “storm,” “snow,” or “hail,” according to government guidelines.

Expedited National Review Process

The initial applications will be reviewed by an interministerial commission next week, based on technical assessments provided by the prefecture. Following the commission’s review, an interministerial decree will be published in the official journal and sent directly to the communes, formally recognizing them as disaster zones and initiating the insurance claims process. This coordinated effort aims to ensure a swift and efficient response to the widespread damage.

Communes seeking further information regarding the natural disaster procedure or requiring support can contact the prefecture’s services at [email protected] or by phone at 05 56 90 60 37, including on weekends. The prefecture of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Gironde department, Étienne GUYOT, has pledged full support to the affected communities, with state services fully mobilized to facilitate timely compensation.

The government’s swift action to declare a natural disaster and expedite the compensation process is a critical step in helping the communities of Gironde recover from the recent devastating floods. The focus on streamlining the application process and prioritizing claims related to the most common types of flood damage demonstrates a commitment to providing rapid assistance to those in need.

As the interministerial commission begins its review of the submitted dossiers, the focus will shift to the practical implementation of the compensation process. Communes and residents will need to work closely with their insurance providers to file claims and receive the financial assistance they are entitled to. The prefecture will continue to provide support and guidance throughout this process.

The situation remains fluid, and ongoing monitoring of water levels and potential for further flooding is crucial. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and follow any guidance issued by local authorities. The long-term recovery process will require sustained effort and collaboration between the government, insurance companies, and the affected communities.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Help us spread awareness by sharing this article with your network.

Ashton Pienaar, a former cast member on Bravo’s “Below Deck” and current “health consultant” on Instagram, injects himself twice weekly with peptides in an effort to improve his sperm quality, according to a report published by The Cut on February 20, 2026.

The 36-year-old Pienaar’s regimen extends beyond the injections, encompassing a daily intake of over 21 supplements, avoidance of household products containing endocrine disruptors, and the consumption of pineapple juice – touted online for its potential to enhance semen quality and sperm motility. He also utilizes specialized underwear equipped with a pouch for an ice pack, designed to cool his testicles during work hours.

Pienaar’s efforts reflect a growing trend among men focused on optimizing their reproductive health, a phenomenon highlighted by a viral video earlier this year in which a man asserted that prospective fathers should dedicate nine months to peak physical conditioning prior to conception. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have seen influencers suggesting that male health significantly impacts miscarriage rates and advocating for rigorous lifestyle changes for expectant fathers, according to The Cut.

This preoccupation with sperm quality is not limited to individual self-improvement. The report notes instances of women using at-home microscopes to assess their partners’ semen, and online communities where men share strategies like avoiding hot showers and exploring traditional Chinese medicine. A recent event in Los Angeles, described as “the world’s first live sperm race,” purportedly aimed to raise awareness about declining male fertility.

According to Courrier International, approximately one in eight couples experience difficulty conceiving, with male factors contributing to over half of these cases. However, the publication cautions that discussions surrounding male fertility are increasingly influenced by “masculinists” who disseminate inaccurate or potentially harmful information.

Ashton Pienaar also shares wellness tips on LinkedIn, including research on the impact of sleep disruption on hormone levels and fat loss. A 2013 study cited by Pienaar found that interrupted sleep led to reduced levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 and decreased feelings of fullness, potentially hindering weight loss efforts. He also highlights research from 1997 demonstrating that sleep deprivation elevates cortisol levels, a stress hormone.

Pienaar’s Facebook page, “Ashton Pienaar: The Sober Health Coach,” promotes online nutrition, fitness, and mindset coaching.

The U.S. Economy demonstrated surprising resilience throughout 2025, expanding despite a noticeable slowdown in the final months of the year. Fueled by robust consumer spending and a surge in business investment, particularly in artificial intelligence, the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.2% for the year, according to a report from the Commerce Department released Friday. This growth, however, came amidst a cooling labor market and concerns about affordability for many American households.

While the pace of economic expansion decelerated to a 1.4% annual rate in October, November, and December – a significant drop from the 4.4% pace seen in the previous quarter – the overall picture remains positive. Consumer spending, the primary engine of the U.S. Economy, continued to drive growth, with personal spending rising at a 2.4% annual rate in the fourth quarter. This sustained spending, however, is increasingly unevenly distributed, with wealthier Americans leading the charge.

“The consumer drives the economic train,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. He noted that spending was bolstered by those benefiting from rising home and stock values, while those in lower and middle income brackets exhibited increased caution. Businesses catering to these shoppers have observed a shift in spending habits, even as overall figures remain relatively strong. Credit card balances reflect this trend, expanding to $1.15 trillion in the fourth quarter, a $39 billion increase year-over-year, according to TransUnion.

Despite the positive GDP figures, the labor market is showing signs of strain. U.S. Employers added just 181,000 jobs in 2025, a stark contrast to the more than 1.4 million jobs added the previous year. Zandi cautioned that this slowdown in hiring “just can’t hold,” warning that continued weakness could lead to higher unemployment and a further pullback in consumer spending. January saw a slight uptick in hiring with 130,000 jobs added, but the majority were in the healthcare sector, which tends to be more stable regardless of economic conditions.

The AI Investment Boom

A significant contributor to the fourth-quarter GDP growth was business investment, particularly in artificial intelligence. Tech companies have been investing heavily in data centers and related infrastructure to support the rapidly expanding AI sector. Zandi described this as “a bright, shining star that should continue to shine brightly in 2026.” Economists at Wells Fargo, Tim Quinlan and Shannon Grein, noted early indications that this investment could broaden to other sectors, fueled by supportive tax incentives and a growing willingness to invest beyond AI.

The GOP tax bill passed last summer, designed to incentivize business investment through immediate tax deductions, is playing a role in this trend. However, economic growth was as well impacted by fluctuations in international trade. Early in the year, businesses stockpiled goods in anticipation of President Trump’s tariffs, temporarily weakening GDP. Once the tariffs were implemented, imports decreased, providing a boost to economic growth.

Other Economic Factors at Play

For all of 2025, the U.S. Trade deficit remained relatively unchanged from the previous year. Government spending declined in the final months of the year, partially due to a six-week federal shutdown, which negatively impacted fourth-quarter growth, though much of Here’s expected to be recouped in early 2026. Residential investment remained a drag on the economy throughout the year, with Zandi identifying housing affordability as a continuing problem in 2026. Mortgage rates have decreased to just over 6% from nearly 7% a year ago, but home sales and new construction remain sluggish.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of the U.S. Economy will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including the strength of consumer spending, the continued expansion of AI investment, and the health of the labor market. While the economy has demonstrated resilience, challenges related to affordability and a slowing labor market remain. Continued monitoring of these key indicators will be crucial in assessing the long-term outlook.

What are your thoughts on the current economic climate? Share your perspective in the comments below.