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CHENNAI, India (AP) — Canada won the toss Tuesday and elected to bat against Novel Zealand in a crucial T20 World Cup Group D match, with the Black Caps aiming to secure their spot in the Super 8 stage. However, New Zealand will be without their regular captain, Mitchell Santner, who is sidelined due to illness.

Stand-in captain Daryl Mitchell revealed the unexpected reason for Santner’s absence: a case of food poisoning stemming from a “dodgy burger” consumed the night before. The illness forced a late change in leadership, with Mitchell stepping in to captain the side. A win for New Zealand today would confirm their advancement to the next round of the tournament alongside South Africa, England, West Indies, India and Sri Lanka, according to the tournament structure.

This isn’t the only change to the New Zealand lineup. Pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has returned home for the birth of his first child, and will be replaced by Kyle Jamieson. New Zealand had previously secured victories against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates before suffering a loss to South Africa. The team is hoping to rebound and solidify their position in the tournament.

Cole McConchie will take Santner’s place in the playing XI, providing a like-for-like replacement, Mitchell confirmed. The Black Caps will need a strong performance against Canada, who are currently at the bottom of Group D after losses to both the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. A loss for Canada would eliminate them from contention.

Canada Looks to Spoil New Zealand’s Super 8 Bid

This marks the first time Canada and New Zealand have faced each other in a T20 International, though New Zealand holds a 3-0 record against Canada in the one-day international format. Canada, captained by Dilpreet Bajwa, will be looking to upset the odds and avoid elimination. The match is taking place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Lineups Confirmed

Here are the confirmed lineups for today’s match:

• Canada: Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (captain), Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva, Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Dilon Heyliger, Jaskaran Singh, Ansh Patel.
• New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell (captain), Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Zimbabwe will face Ireland in a match that could potentially knock the 2021 champion Australia out of the tournament for the first time since 2009. Nepal will conclude their T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland, having lost all three of their group games.

Santner Expected to Return

Mitchell expressed hope that Santner would recover quickly, stating he should be fit to return within 24 hours. The team will assess his condition before their next match, should they advance to the Super 8s. Ferguson, meanwhile, is expected to rejoin the squad during the Super 8 stage, according to Mitchell.

The unexpected circumstances highlight the challenges of tournament play, but New Zealand remains focused on securing their place in the next round. The team will need to adapt quickly to the changes and deliver a strong performance against a determined Canadian side.

What comes next for New Zealand hinges on the outcome of this match. A victory will confirm their Super 8 berth, while a loss could complicate their path forward. Fans can follow the match live and stay updated on the team’s progress as the T20 World Cup continues.

Share your thoughts on this developing story and New Zealand’s chances in the comments below!

Rolla, Missouri – A collaborative initiative aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship and community growth is gaining momentum in Rolla. The Rolla LOOP, a monthly gathering supported by Missouri S&T’s Kummer College, provides a space for entrepreneurs, innovators, and community members to connect and collaborate. Launched in October 2025, the program is already fostering connections that are leading to modern ventures and opportunities.

The idea for the Rolla LOOP stemmed from a shared vision between Dr. Rachel Kohman, assistant dean of entrepreneurship education at Missouri S&T, and Rachel Jung, an S&T alumna and director of project management at Brewer Science. Jung, who also runs the social media brand “Uncover Rolla,” recognized a demand to retain local talent and support students interested in entrepreneurship. “Jung and I knew that the best way to create an entrepreneurship ecosystem was through a casual convening of entrepreneurs, resources and innovative thinkers,” Kohman explained.

Building a Community Ecosystem

The Rolla LOOP’s monthly meetings, held at local businesses, feature guest speakers and provide a platform for networking and idea exchange. The most recent gathering, held February 2 at the Public House Brewery, featured Taisa Gordon, director of the office of entrepreneurship at the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Gordon outlined the department’s commitment to removing barriers for startups and fostering a startup-friendly environment in Missouri, stating, “Essentially, we aim for to remove barriers for startups in Missouri… this is how Missouri can take the lead in supporting entrepreneurs.”

The program’s impact is already being felt. In November 2025, Vishesh Tanwar, a postdoctoral candidate at Missouri S&T, presented his company, FarmVates, an AI-native operating platform for the specialty crop value chain. Despite the audience lacking direct experience in agriculture, connections were made that could prove vital to the company’s development. “What’s surprising is where these connections can lead,” Kohman noted. “We need to have people convening together in order for those connections to start.”

Expanding Reach and Cultivating Talent

The Rolla LOOP isn’t limited to Rolla residents; attendees are coming from surrounding cities like St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia, demonstrating a broader interest in the program’s offerings. Organizers emphasize the importance of retaining local talent, recognizing the wealth of potential within the region. “The talent is here,” Jung said. “The question was how do we keep them here?”

Kummer College Dean Jim Sterling echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of connection for growth. “People need to know how to start, then grow their companies to the next level,” Sterling said during the February meeting. He expressed optimism about the program’s future, envisioning the monthly gatherings growing from an initial group of 20 to a venue holding 200 or 300 attendees in the coming years.

Attendees like Jill Fahrenholtz, a teacher at the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center in Rolla with a background in robotics, observe the Rolla LOOP as a valuable networking opportunity. “I think this is going to be an interesting networking environment with people who might not run into one another otherwise — the serendipitous collisions,” she said.

The Rolla LOOP meets on the first Monday of each month. Those interested in participating can RSVP for the next gathering on Monday, March 2 and sign up to receive updates about future events.

As the Rolla LOOP continues to grow, it promises to be a catalyst for innovation and economic development in the region, fostering a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship. The program’s success underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in supporting local businesses and retaining valuable talent.

What will the long-term impact of the Rolla LOOP be on the Rolla economy? Only time will tell, but the initial signs point to a promising future for entrepreneurs and innovators in the area. Share your thoughts on this exciting development in the comments below.

California is facing a barrage of severe winter weather this week, with localized flooding, heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the threat of severe thunderstorms impacting millions of residents. Authorities have issued flash flood warnings across much of Los Angeles County and are preparing for significant disruptions as a powerful storm system moves through the region. The storms mark a dramatic shift from weeks of dry, warmer-than-average conditions, bringing a multitude of hazards to the Golden State.

The National Weather Service is forecasting torrential rain and feet of snow in higher elevations. The Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to receive over two meters (6.5 feet) of snow, potentially closing key mountain passes. Lower elevations are bracing for flash flooding, and there is even a risk of isolated tornadoes. The combination of heavy precipitation and gusty winds is creating dangerous conditions throughout the state. According to AccuWeather, the potent storms are returning after a prolonged period of dry weather.

Wolf’s Journey Highlights California’s Changing Ecosystem

Amidst the severe weather, another remarkable story is unfolding in California: the confirmed presence of a gray wolf in Los Angeles County. A 3-year-old female wolf, identified as BEY03F, was tracked north of Santa Clarita in the San Gabriel Mountains on February 7, 2026, marking the first documented sighting of the species in the area in over a century. This historic event underscores the slow but persistent return of wolves to California after being eradicated by 1924. BEY03F is wearing a GPS collar, allowing wildlife officials to monitor her movements.

The wolf’s journey began in Plumas County’s Beyem Seyo Pack, where she was born in 2023. She has traveled more than 370 miles, traversing the length of the Sierra Nevada in search of a mate and suitable habitat, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Her travels have been perilous, including multiple crossings of State Route 59 near Tehachapi. Axel Hunnicutt, gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, stated that BEY03F is still on the move, indicating she has not yet found a mate.

Storm Impacts and Preparedness

The immediate concern remains the severe weather. Flash flood warnings are in effect for areas recently burned by wildfires, which are particularly vulnerable to mud and debris flows. Residents are urged to heed warnings from local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is preparing for potential road closures due to snow and flooding. Power outages are also a concern, and residents are advised to have emergency supplies on hand.

The storms are expected to bring much-needed precipitation to drought-stricken areas of California, but the rapid influx of water also poses significant risks. The combination of heavy rain and snowmelt could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to widespread flooding. The CBS News reports that officials are closely monitoring river levels and preparing for potential evacuations.

The presence of BEY03F, while a positive sign for wolf recovery, also raises questions about the challenges of coexisting with large predators in a densely populated area. State wildlife officials are working to mitigate potential conflicts between wolves and livestock. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides a wolf tracker to support livestock producers monitor the location of collared wolves.

As the storms continue to impact California, residents are urged to stay informed and accept necessary precautions. The situation remains dynamic, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The long-term effects of the storms, both positive and negative, will be assessed in the coming days and weeks.

What comes next will depend on the intensity and duration of the storms. Authorities will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates to the public. The journey of BEY03F will also be closely watched, as it provides valuable insights into the potential for wolf recovery in Southern California.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And please, share this article with your friends and family to help keep everyone informed.

Pakistan and Austria agreed to deepen bilateral ties Monday, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded the first visit by a Pakistani premier to Vienna in over three decades.

The visit, which began Sunday, saw Sharif meet with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker for both restricted and delegation-level talks at the Federal Chancellery, according to a press release from Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID). Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch comprised the Pakistani delegation.

Both leaders affirmed the historical strength of their countries’ relationship and expressed a commitment to increased cooperation in areas including economic cooperation, trade, investment, tourism, education, information technology, healthcare, and workforce development. They agreed to expedite the finalization of existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) related to these sectors, the PID statement read.

Sharif and Stocker too discussed regional and global developments, emphasizing the central role of the United Nations in addressing issues of peace, security, dispute resolution, sustainable development, climate action, and human rights. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and mutual support within the UN system, according to the PID.

“The Prime Minister thanked the Chancellor for the meaningful and productive meetings, which he said would lend fresh impetus to bilateral ties,” the PID statement continued. Sharif extended an invitation to Stocker to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

A meeting of chief executive officers from leading Austrian and Pakistani companies was co-chaired by Sharif and Stocker. Participants agreed to enhance government-to-government (G2G), government-to-business (G2B), and business-to-business (B2B) engagement through existing platforms. Sharif invited Austrian businesses to participate in the EU-Pakistan Business Forum scheduled for Islamabad in April, according to the PID.

An MoU between Pakistani and Austrian companies was signed during the visit, witnessed by Sharif and Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Vice President Carmen Goby.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sharif highlighted the significance of the visit, noting it coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-Austria diplomatic relations. He described the meeting with Stocker as “most warm and productive,” reiterating the commitment to closer collaboration.

Alongside discussions on economic ties, Sharif also addressed the issue of illegal migration. Speaking at the Pakistan-Austria High-Level Business Roundtable in Vienna, he stated that Pakistan is collaborating with European partners, including Austria, France, and Germany, to combat illegal immigration. He assured Austria that Pakistan would meet its demand for skilled labor, adhering to international certification standards. A 2023 study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU) found that 24,000 Pakistanis entered EU countries illegally over the past three years.

Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s potential in agriculture, suggesting Austrian expertise and technology could enhance value-addition in areas like citrus fruit processing and export. He also noted that 60 percent of Pakistan’s population is young and requires modern training in areas like artificial intelligence and information technology.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar delivered opening remarks at the roundtable, emphasizing the need to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and innovation. He highlighted Pakistan’s economic reforms and efforts to improve the ease of doing business, noting the “natural complementarities” between Austria’s technological strengths and Pakistan’s market and workforce.

Upon arrival at the Austrian Chancellery, Sharif was welcomed by Stocker and received a guard of honour. National anthems of both countries were played, and the leaders introduced their respective delegations before proceeding with formal talks.