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Here Are the Cable News Ratings for February 2026

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February continued the optimistic momentum for the cable news networks, as all three noticed progress in primetime complete viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo. The frigid winter climate all through the month, certainly one of February’s huge tales, additionally saved viewers indoors, resulting in elevated viewership.

Fox News and MS NOW had good points throughout complete day in each measured classes. Fox News accounted for all the highest 100 cable news telecasts of the month.

Meanwhile, CNN skilled a month-to-month decline within the demo throughout complete day. 

Fox News

According to Nielsen huge information + panel, Fox News in February had 2.612 million complete viewers in primetime and 260,000 viewers within the adults 25-54 demo. During complete day, it had 1.718 million complete viewers and 168,000 viewers within the demo.

Compared to its January 2026 efficiency, Fox News grew by +28% in complete viewers and +32% within the A25-54 demo throughout primetime viewing hours. While in complete day, the community noticed good points of +19% in complete viewers and +18% within the demo when in comparison with the earlier month. 

Looking at Fox News’ efficiency towards the identical month in 2025, it was down by -15% in complete viewers and by -33% within the demo throughout primetime. While in complete day, it was down by -14% in complete viewers and -33% within the demo—it was the one community inside this yearly comparability to file declines throughout the board in each measured classes.

The community completed January in first place amongst complete viewers and was No. 3 within the demo throughout primetime. During complete day, it remained in first in complete viewers and dropped to 3rd from second within the demo. 

MS NOW

MS NOW remained the No. 2 cable news community in complete viewers in primetime and complete day, with 1.136 million and 708,000 viewers, respectively, in February. The community within the A25-54 demo had 131,000 viewers in primetime and 79,000 viewers throughout complete day. 

Compared to January, MS NOW was up +28% in complete viewers and +72% in A25-54 throughout primetime. During complete day it grew by +21% in complete viewers and +44% within the demo.

Looking at its efficiency in December 2024, MS NOW was up +1% in complete viewers and +18% within the demo throughout primetime. It was additionally up +11% in complete viewers and +20% within the demo throughout complete day.

MS NOW slipped to fourth from third throughout primetime and was No. 3 throughout complete day with complete viewers. It completed No. 8 tied with Comedy Central within the demo throughout primetime, and ranked seventh within the demo throughout complete day.

CNN

Hokkaido Police Probe Second Suspicious Fire Near Mosque

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HOKKAIDO, Mar 04 (News On Japan) –
A fireplace that scorched the outside wall of an organization operated by a Pakistani nationwide was found in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, on March 1st, simply sooner or later after a mosque situated about 400 meters away caught fireplace, prompting police to analyze the likelihood that the 2 incidents could also be related.

A close-by resident discovered a part of a prefabricated exterior wall burned at an auto components firm in Kakuyama, Ebetsu, at round 5:10 p.m. on March 1st and alerted police.

“The scene of the fire is here. A police cordon has been set up, and officers are currently conducting an on-site investigation,” stated reporter Yuya Kawase.

The broken part of the wall measured roughly one meter throughout, however no accidents had been reported.

Because there are usually no ignition sources within the space, police consider the fireplace could have been intentionally set and are investigating it as a suspicious incident.

The fireplace occurred simply sooner or later after one other blaze broke out about 400 meters away on February twenty eighth, when a mosque utilized by Muslims within the space caught fireplace.

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

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Brands May Actually Benefit From Advertising Next to AI Content, Per Study

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The rise of low-quality AI-generated on-line content material, colloquially often called “AI slop,” has sparked backlash amongst many shoppers. Some manufacturers are advantage signaling with advert campaigns that mock AI.

But the present state of AI-generated content material is extra nuanced. Not all of it’s perceived as slop, and a few of it might truly profit the manufacturers promoting subsequent to it, in response to a brand new research from OM Media Trials, the patron analysis arm of Omnicom Media Group, and model security vendor Zefr. 

OM Media Trials and Zefr surveyed almost 5,000 folks within the U.S. and Canada, gauging how they reacted to advertisements proven after eight kinds of AI-generated video. They discovered that folks reacted positively to advertisements proven after AI-generated satire, youth depictions, or inventive content material, perceiving the manufacturers to be “refreshing” or “innovative.” 

There are additionally actual dangers related to AI-generated content material. Many manufacturers have skilled this firsthand with their very own AI-created advertisements, together with Valentino’s “disturbing” AI advertisements for purses and a McDonald’s AI-created Christmas advert deemed “unsettling” and “creepy” by shoppers.

In the survey, contributors responded negatively to advertisements proven subsequent to AI spam or misinformation about public figures. Advertising subsequent to AI content material is especially problematic for classes like monetary providers. 

Inescapable AI

The stakes are excessive contemplating the proliferation of AI-generated content material. Gartner estimates that 90% of web content material can be created by AI by 2030. 

Adding to the complexity, many individuals can’t inform the distinction between human- and AI-created content material. According to the research, 32% of individuals suspected that human-created content material was truly generated by AI. 

Troublingly, audiences are most definitely to consider that AI-generated misinformation about public figures is actual. 

Transparency is vital

The outcomes present a roadmap of types for manufacturers wading deeper into AI-generated content material. One potential answer to mitigate any detrimental affiliation is solely to reveal when content material is made with AI. 

The survey discovered that for 41% of respondents, their model opinion improved when the content material was clearly labeled as being AI-generated. 

“AI content is only going to become more prevalent in the months and years ahead,” Kara Manatt, EVP of Intelligence Solutions at OM Media Trials, mentioned in an announcement. “The solution is not to shut off an entire category of content, but to give brands the control and intelligence to align with the right AI environments, and avoid the ones that create risk.”

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JCB and Resona Launch UWB Payment Project for Future Commerce – Japan Industry News

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JCB Co., Ltd. and Resona Holdings, Inc. have introduced a pioneering venture to commercialize ultra-wideband (UWB) funds, aiming to rework the buying expertise by means of superior UWB communication know-how. Set to start in 2026, this initiative marks the world’s first full-scale effort to use and commercialize UWB funds.

The corporations plan to collaborate with a number of know-how companions and retailers to show the know-how and develop value-added options. The venture goals to launch small-scale industrial operations in 2027, with full-scale commercialization anticipated by 2028. JCB and Resona are working throughout the FiRa Consortium to standardize UWB communication know-how and create new cost experiences.

UWB know-how gives exact machine location and high-speed knowledge communication, already in use for functions like digital keys and indoor navigation. The know-how is poised to reinforce cost methods, notably in Japan, the place smartphones with UWB capabilities are prevalent. The venture seeks to leverage Japan’s various cashless cost panorama to deal with person and service provider wants.

UWB funds promise to enhance the buying expertise by enabling hands-free transactions, even with smartphones in pockets or luggage. The know-how may additionally automate communication of buyer preferences, similar to dietary restrictions, and improve retailer operations by means of customized advertising and customer support options.

JCB and Resona initiated their strategic partnership in 2024 with the “Hands-free Payment” venture, exploring device-to-device communication for seamless transactions. The corporations have developed a UWB-enabled app for iPhones and Apple Watches, and plan to conduct proof-of-concept initiatives with companions in 2026.

The FiRa Consortium helps the event of UWB know-how by means of technical specs and certification, aiming to rework interactions with exact location consciousness. JCB and Resona’s venture aligns with these targets, in search of to redefine cost options and buyer experiences in Japan and past.

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Retail Reloaded: Sam’s Club Is Redefining Membership Experience within the AI Era

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Retail doesn’t stand nonetheless, and neither does Sam’s Club.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, recorded stay at CES in Las Vegas, Matt Britton sits down with Diana Marshall, EVP and chief expertise officer at Sam’s Club. 

Diana shares how Sam’s Club is constructing a human-led, tech-powered membership mannequin, why expertise is now the first differentiator in retail, and the way closed-loop information and AI-driven personalization are reshaping acquisition, loyalty, and retail media. 

The dialog explores the shift from frictionless to easy retail, the ability of affiliate expertise, and what the way forward for shopping for appears to be like like in an AI-enabled world.

A 21-year Walmart veteran, Diana started her profession as a replenishment trainee and has held management roles throughout merchandising, operations, and advertising and marketing earlier than becoming a member of Sam’s Club almost three years in the past.

Her background spans provide chain, normal merchandise, and enterprise innovation, giving her a uncommon end-to-end perspective on how large-scale retail operates. Today, she leads Sam’s Club’s expertise transformation, constructing a human-centered, tech-powered mannequin designed to distinguish the model in a quickly evolving membership economic system.

Key takeaways:

[00:04:56] Experience because the Differentiator — Sam’s Club lately formalized its expertise group, a primary inside the Walmart enterprise. While worth, assortment, and belief stay foundational, Diana explains that have is the place the model can actually win. The imaginative and prescient: create easy, private experiences that deliver pleasure and foster neighborhood. It’s a shift from competing on worth alone to competing on how members really feel throughout bodily golf equipment, digital channels, and human interactions.

[00:07:04] You Can’t Build Member Experience Without Associate Experience — One of Diana’s greatest early insights: member expertise can not enhance except affiliate expertise improves first. From onboarding to instruments to management tradition, Sam’s Club is investing in setting associates up for achievement. The logic is easy—empowered, supported staff create higher human moments. In a tech-heavy period, the affiliate stays a aggressive benefit.

[00:10:46] The Closed-Loop Advantage of Membership Data — Because Sam’s Club operates on a membership mannequin, it has full closed-loop attribution throughout conduct, buy, and engagement. Diana describes constructing unified information methods that energy next-best-action engines and real-time personalization. With structured, centralized member information, AI turns into actionable permitting Sam’s Club to maneuver from broad campaigns to extremely contextual experiences at scale.

[00:18:29] Retail Media as an Experience Platform — Sam’s Club’s Member Access Platform isn’t positioned as simply one other retail media community. Diana describes it as a “retail experience network,” designed not simply to serve advertisements however to enhance member expertise. With closed-loop measurement and personalization capabilities, MAP helps model companions whereas additionally driving acquisition and loyalty turning media right into a strategic development engine.

Explainer: How essential is the Strait of Hormuz

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Following the U.S.-Israeli army strikes in opposition to Iran that started on Saturday, international consideration has turned to the Strait of Hormuz, notably after Iran warned it may disrupt transit by means of this very important waterway in retaliation, sending shockwaves by means of worldwide markets.

What makes the strait so very important? Has this important passageway ever been closed earlier than? Is a whole blockade possible?

WHY THE STRAIT MATTERS?

Nestled between the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the strait serves as the one sea passage from the Gulf to the open ocean, cementing its standing as one of many world’s most strategically very important chokepoints.

In a current report by J.P. Morgan, analysts warn that oil producers within the Middle East may maintain output for “no more than 25 days” if the Strait of Hormuz have been fully shut. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside Iran itself, rely upon this slim passage to export their crude oil.

Around 20 % of world oil shipments go by means of this important strait. For liquefied pure fuel (LNG), the stakes are equally excessive: Qatar, one of many world’s high three LNG exporters, strikes almost all its provide by means of the strait, accounting for roughly 20 % of the worldwide whole.

The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have brought on a dramatic surge in worldwide oil costs. On March 1, Light Sweet Crude Oil futures for April supply jumped 12.4 % to 75.33 U.S. {dollars} per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, whereas Brent Crude futures for May supply surged 13 % to 82.37 {dollars} on London’s ICE Futures Exchange. Analysts warn that if the battle persists, oil costs may skyrocket to 150 {dollars} per barrel.

The ripple results lengthen past crude. Freight and insurance coverage prices are climbing as transport giants, together with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Maersk, CMA CGM, and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd AG, divert vessels to hunt secure harbors, droop new bookings, and reroute schedules.

An evaluation by The Economist cautions that tensions within the Strait of Hormuz may considerably inflate international power transportation prices, with hovering insurance coverage premiums in addition to tankers pressured to take the great distance across the Cape of Good Hope.

HAS IT BEEN CLOSED BEFORE?

While the Strait of Hormuz has by no means been totally or completely closed, each strategic tremor within the area has registered on international worth charts.

During the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Iran repeatedly threatened to shut the strait and laid mines in 1987, concentrating on oil tankers. These operations pushed oil costs from over 30 {dollars} per barrel to greater than 45 {dollars}, whereas tanker freight charges doubled.

More just lately, in July 2018, Iran detained a British oil tanker within the strait, sending oil costs barely upward. The transfer got here simply two months after the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.

In June 2025, after the U.S. strike in opposition to Iran’s nuclear amenities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, Tehran’s parliamentary consensus to shut the strait triggered a 6 % leap in Brent Crude Oil costs.

IS A COMPLETE BLOCKADE FEASIBLE?

While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would pose an insufferable burden on the worldwide economic system, army specialists doubt {that a} full blockade is possible.

This picture taken on March 1, 2026 exhibits thick smoke in Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati)

The geography itself presents challenges: the strait spans simply 21 nautical miles at its narrowest level, with transport lanes solely two miles extensive in every course. Keeping the waters repeatedly mined could be extremely onerous to maintain and would nearly definitely provoke army retaliation from different stakeholders.

There’s one other constraint: Iran’s personal oil exports transit the identical waters. Blocking the strait would successfully sever an important supply of nationwide income, a self-inflicted wound Tehran has traditionally prevented.

As an important artery for international power, the Strait of Hormuz stays below intense worldwide consideration. Iran should additionally weigh the dangers of confrontation with the numerous nations that depend on this passage for his or her power safety.

Take Japan as an illustration. According to its public broadcaster NHK, the nation’s economic system would endure a “fatal blow” if the strait have been ever completely closed, because it imports 90 % of its crude from the Middle East. Such a disruption may probably scale back Japan’s GDP by 3 %.

For now, a complete and long-term shutdown seems unlikely. But the uncertainty alone casts a shadow over international power transportation and financial stability. In the slim waters of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s financial pulse beats, and each risk causes it to skip a beat.

Xinhua

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PayPay Valuation May Exceed 2 Trillion Yen Ahead of Nasdaq Listing

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TOKYO, Mar 04 (News On Japan) –
PayPay’s market capitalization is predicted to exceed 2 trillion yen as the corporate prepares for an inventory on the U.S. Nasdaq alternate.

PayPay, the smartphone fee big backed by SoftBank Group, introduced detailed circumstances for its deliberate itemizing on March third. The firm plans to supply shares at between 17 {dollars} and 20 {dollars} every, which might give it a most market capitalization of roughly 2.1 trillion yen.

If accomplished, the itemizing would signify the most important U.S. public providing by a Japanese firm up to now. Of the roughly 55 million shares scheduled to be bought, round 8.6 million will likely be allotted for buyers in Japan.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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Four nabbed over Saitama theft – TokyoReporter

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SAITAMA (TR) – Saitama Prefectural Police have arrested 4 suspect in reference to the theft and assault of a married couple residing at their house in Sayama City final month, stories Nippon News Network (Mar. 2).

At round 3:50 a.m. on February 19, Tatsuya Sato, 20, Sakito Iwata, 20, Ryuji Kamata, 25, and one different suspect are suspected of breaking into the house, assaulting the aged couple, a 79-year-old man and his 78-year-old spouse.

They additionally stole roughly 130,000 yen in money, a watch and different objects.

Police officers who responded to a name on the time discovered a automotive carrying the 4 suspects close to the scene. The subsequent investigation recognized them because the perpetrators of the crime.

Some of the stolen objects and a crowbar have been additionally discovered within the automotive.

Tatsuya Sato, left, and Ryuji Kamata

Police haven’t revealed whether or not the 4 suspects admit to the allegations.

The 4 suspects are acquaintances. They are believed to have traveled to the scene by way of bike and the automotive. They broke into the house via an unlocked house.

Police are investigating the chance that the 4 dedicated the crime after studying that there was worthwhile property in the home, as Iwata lives close to the crime scene and was acquainted with the couple.

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The Mystery of Osaka’s Loop Line

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OSAKA, Mar 04 (News On Japan) –
The Osaka Loop Line, which circles central Osaka, has 19 stations and runs for about 21 kilometers. Despite its round design, surprisingly few trains truly function in a full loop. During daytime hours, solely about one in three trains runs the entire circuit, whereas vacation spot boards usually show areas corresponding to Nara or Wakayama—names that appear misplaced on a round city railway.

For many Osaka residents, the road is a well-known a part of each day life, linking main districts corresponding to Osaka Station, Kyobashi, and Tennoji. Yet standing on the platform at Osaka Station reveals a curious element: many trains are sure for locations far outdoors the loop.

Railway fanatics say the state of affairs may even confuse guests. While Tokyo’s Yamanote Line operates nearly solely with trains circulating across the loop, the Osaka Loop Line behaves fairly in a different way.

The line opened in 1961, and on the time most trains operated in full round service. According to railway journalist Nakajima, loop operation was the norm throughout the early years, particularly throughout peak commuting hours within the morning and night.

However, the state of affairs started to vary within the early Nineteen Seventies. Between 1968 and 1973, loop trains remained the primary service, however a serious shift occurred when by way of companies started connecting the Osaka Loop Line with different routes.

The greatest turning level got here in 1973, when direct companies with the Yamatoji Line have been launched. Trains departing Tennoji started operating across the loop earlier than persevering with immediately towards Nara, permitting passengers to journey with out transferring. As by way of companies expanded, the variety of trains working purely on the loop step by step declined.

The change often led to uncommon conditions for passengers unfamiliar with the system. Some riders who believed they have been staying on a loop prepare found that they had traveled far past Osaka and arrived in Nara after falling asleep throughout the experience.

Further adjustments got here in 1994 with the opening of Kansai International Airport. The introduction of the Kansai Airport Rapid Service added direct trains linking the airport with the Osaka Loop Line. Later, these companies have been mixed with the Kishuji Rapid sure for Wakayama, additional growing the variety of by way of trains operating past the loop.

Another improvement occurred in 2001 with the opening of Universal Studios Japan. Direct trains from Nishikujo started operating onto the Yumesaki Line to serve the theme park, creating one more route related to the loop line.

As a outcome, the Osaka Loop Line step by step developed right into a community hub linking suburban areas immediately with central Osaka. Instead of merely circling town, many trains now join outlying areas to main stations corresponding to Osaka and Tennoji.

According to railway analysts, the technique is basically pushed by comfort. Osaka Station features because the area’s important terminal, and thru companies enable passengers touring from suburban areas like Nara or Wakayama to achieve central Osaka with out altering trains.

Competition has additionally performed a job. Kansai is usually described as a “private railway kingdom,” and JR West faces sturdy competitors from non-public operators corresponding to Kintetsu Railway. By providing direct companies from Nara to Osaka Station with out transfers, JR goals to draw passengers who may in any other case use Kintetsu routes.

A comparability of journey occasions between JR and Kintetsu illustrates the technique. Kintetsu passengers usually journey from Nara to Tsuruhashi and switch to achieve Osaka Station. JR trains, whereas taking an extended route by way of Tennoji and the loop line, enable passengers to stay on the identical prepare. Despite the roughly 10-kilometer distinction in distance, the whole journey time differs by just a few minutes.

The growth of by way of companies has made the Osaka Loop Line extra handy but in addition extra complicated. To forestall passengers from boarding the fallacious prepare, JR has launched visible cues corresponding to orange line markings for trains that run the complete loop. At Osaka Station, ground markings on platforms additionally information passengers towards the right locations.

In the tip, the rationale many trains on the Osaka Loop Line don’t run in circles is straightforward: direct companies connecting suburban areas with central Osaka have confirmed extra helpful for passengers. The line has developed from a purely round route right into a key hyperlink between town middle and surrounding areas.

Still, passengers driving the snug by way of trains are suggested to keep watch over the station bulletins—in any other case they could get up far past Osaka.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS

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Japanese Doctor in U.S. to Be Arrested Over Naritasan Vandalism

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TOKYO, Mar 04 (News On Japan) –
Police plan to arrest a Japanese physician in his 60s who lives within the United States and is suspected of spraying an oil-like liquid at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture in 2015, with the suspect anticipated to reach in Japan as early as March 4th, investigators mentioned.

The case dates again to 2015, when an oil-like substance was sprayed on constructions designated as necessary cultural properties at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture in addition to Katori Shrine. Police obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect, a Japanese physician residing within the United States, on suspicion of damaging buildings.

According to investigators, the suspect is predicted to be handed over to Japanese authorities quickly and will arrive in Japan as early as March 4th, the place police plan to position him beneath arrest.

The Chiba Prefectural Police have already dispatched investigators abroad and are making ready to take custody of the suspect earlier than transporting him to Japan for additional investigation.

Source: TBS

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