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Amtrak is considering a second production run of its limited-edition “Trak Suit,” a blue and white microfiber fleece poly set designed by a student at the New York School of Design, after the initial release sold out in four days.

The suit, which retailed for $279 and was available from January 29 to February 2, features a detachable sleep mask in the hood and an embroidered Amtrak logo. An Amtrak representative confirmed to Business Insider that, given the positive response, the rail line is evaluating extending the availability of the suit. Potential plans include mass production and the introduction of different versions at varying price points.

The “Trak Suit” was designed by Anastasiia Lukinskaia as part of a project connected to the launch of the NextGen Acela train in August 2025. Amtrak selected seven students from the New York School of Design to create track suits to be showcased during New York Fashion Week in the fall of 2025, according to a press release from Amtrak. “When we revealed the ‘Trak Suits’ collection during fashion week in New York, the response from our fans was incredible,” said Jessica Davidson, Amtrak Vice President, Digital & Brand Management.

February 16, 2026, is also observed as Presidents’ Day and Washington’s Birthday in the United States, and as Family Day in Canada, according to calendar listings. Other observances include National Almond Day, Innovation Day, and International Syrah Day.

As of February 16, 2026, the NBA All-Star game is underway and athletes are competing in the Winter Olympics, events President Barack Obama noted highlight the power of sports to build community, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The Cégep de Matane has once again achieved top rankings in Quebec’s college system, according to the recently published Palmarès des cégeps by Le Journal de Montréal and Le Journal de Québec. The institution particularly distinguished itself in its pre-university programs, with the Sciences de la nature program securing the number one position in the province and the Sciences humaines program ranking second.

The Palmarès assesses colleges based on their ability to graduate students beyond expectations, factoring in their high school grades. As Le Journal de Montréal explained, this metric – termed “l’effet cégep” – measures a college’s capacity to improve student success rates. The rankings highlight the Cégep de Matane’s success in bolstering student achievement.

These results, according to a statement from the Cégep de Matane, reflect the sustained efforts of the college community, particularly in student support provided by its teaching teams, student perseverance, and graduation rates within its programs of study.

The Cégep de Matane’s Sciences de la nature program underwent a significant overhaul, with an updated version offered beginning in August 2024. The revision was undertaken within the framework of new guidelines from Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education. The college used the opportunity to introduce a novel approach to the program, focusing on student orientation and a less compartmentalized approach to scientific disciplines.

Among the changes, the course grid was modified, and each discipline will receive updates. A new core course, “Programmation en sciences,” has been added, aiming to emphasize the role of technology in the pre-university program. Students will explore automating the scientific process using specialized software, algorithms, and computer programs.

The program’s culminating synthesis project will now be the subject of a dedicated course, “Projet d’intégration des acquis,” allowing students to focus on operate in mathematics, physics, or computer science, or in chemistry or biology. Previously, students in Sciences de la nature were required to choose a specific profile in their second year.

The Cégep de Matane was also recognized for its success in supporting male students, according to a report in Le Journal de Québec. The college is among those demonstrating the greatest success in helping male students succeed in both humanities and sciences.

Severe thunderstorms and powerful straight-line winds swept through parts of southeast Houston on Monday, leaving dozens of residents grappling with damage to their homes and apartments. The storms, which moved through the area rapidly, caused significant disruption and prompted emergency response efforts.

The hardest-hit areas appear to be concentrated in apartment complexes, where residents reported roof damage, fallen trees, and power outages. While a full assessment of the damage is still underway, initial reports indicate that many structures sustained damage primarily to roofing, with some instances of water intrusion. The focus now is on ensuring the safety of residents and beginning the process of repairs.

According to reports, the storms brought winds exceeding 70 mph, causing widespread damage. The National Weather Service confirmed the presence of a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The quick-moving nature of the storm system contributed to the extent of the damage, as residents had limited time to prepare.

Metal roofing, increasingly common in Houston due to its durability and energy efficiency, was a notable feature in many of the affected apartment complexes. Klein Roofing, a Houston-based roofing contractor, notes that metal roofs are growing in popularity due to their resistance to harsh weather, including high winds and intense heat (Klein Roofing). However, even metal roofs can sustain damage under extreme conditions, as evidenced by the current situation.

Storm Damage and Resident Impact

Dozens of apartment units have been impacted, with residents temporarily displaced while repairs are assessed and completed. Local authorities are working to provide assistance to those affected, including shelter and resources for temporary housing. The extent of the damage varies, with some units experiencing minor leaks and others suffering more significant structural issues.

Houston Metal Roofing Services highlights the longevity of metal roofing, stating it can last well over 35 years longer than traditional composition roofing (Houston Metal Roofing Services). Despite this durability, the force of the recent storms proved sufficient to cause damage in some instances. The company likewise emphasizes the energy-saving benefits of metal roofing, a factor driving its increased adoption in the Houston area.

Metal Roofing in Houston: Benefits and Considerations

The increasing prevalence of metal roofing in Houston is driven by several factors, including its resistance to the region’s challenging climate. LOA Construction, a Houston roofing company, points out that metal roofs are 100% recyclable and offer excellent energy efficiency (LOA Construction). They also boast a long lifespan and resistance to inclement weather. However, the recent storms demonstrate that no roofing material is entirely impervious to extreme weather events.

While metal roofing offers significant advantages, proper installation and maintenance are crucial to maximizing its performance. Interlocking metal roofing systems, as recommended by Houston Metal Roofing Services, provide enhanced protection against wind and water damage. Regular inspections and timely repairs can also help to prevent minor issues from escalating into more significant problems.

Looking Ahead

As the cleanup efforts continue, authorities are focused on assessing the full extent of the damage and providing support to affected residents. Further investigation will be needed to determine the specific causes of the damage and identify any areas where building codes or construction practices may need to be reviewed. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of severe weather events.

The coming days will be critical as residents start to recover and rebuild. Local organizations and government agencies are coordinating efforts to provide assistance and ensure that those affected have the resources they need. We encourage readers to share their experiences and offer support to their neighbors during this challenging time.