In a bid to reassure European leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the enduring nature of the transatlantic alliance, stating that the US and Europe's destinies are inextricably linked.

Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Rubio expressed his desire to revitalize the historic friendship between the US and Europe, framing it as an opportunity to reaffirm the values that have defined Western civilization.

While Rubio did voice criticisms of European policies on immigration, trade, and climate change, his overall tone was notably more conciliatory than that of Vice-President JD Vance, who had spoken at the same conference the previous year.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Rubio's remarks, stating that she felt "very much reassured" by his commitment to the transatlantic partnership.

Rubio, the highest-ranking diplomat in the Trump administration, underscored the US's desire to maintain its relationship with Europe, saying that while the US is geographically located in the Western Hemisphere, it remains deeply connected to its European heritage.

He emphasized the US's intention to forge a new path towards prosperity in the 21st century, one that would be undertaken in collaboration with its European allies and friends.

However, Rubio also reiterated several criticisms that the Trump administration has previously leveled against Europe, including concerns about immigration policies and the impact of climate change initiatives on economic growth.

On the topic of trade, Rubio observed that both the US and Europe had made mistakes by adopting an overly rigid approach to free trade, suggesting that a more nuanced approach might be warranted.

Rubio reiterated the US's long-standing call for Europe to increase its defense spending, arguing that stronger, more self-sufficient allies would be better equipped to deter potential adversaries.

In response to Rubio's remarks, Von der Leyen described him as "a good friend and a strong ally," and expressed her relief at his reassuring words.

She went on to emphasize the importance of a strong and resilient Europe, suggesting that this was a key takeaway from Rubio's speech.

In a separate portion of his address, Rubio argued that the international system of cooperation is in need of reform, and criticized the UN for its ineffectiveness in resolving conflicts such as those in Gaza and Ukraine.

Rubio also expressed skepticism about Russia's intentions in Ukraine, stating that the US is unsure whether Russia is genuinely committed to ending the war, but would continue to test their resolve.

Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the conference, expressing his doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to withdraw from Ukraine, and characterizing Putin as being driven by a desire for war.

Zelensky has faced pressure from the White House to hold presidential elections, despite the fact that they have been suspended due to the ongoing state of martial law in Ukraine.

When asked about a report suggesting that his administration is planning to hold elections as early as May, Zelensky claimed to have been unaware of the report, and reiterated that elections cannot be held while the country is still at war.

Zelensky emphasized that a minimum of two months of ceasefire and the establishment of adequate security infrastructure would be necessary before Ukraine could safely conduct elections.

A 20-year-old rape case has been solved with the conviction of a man who attacked a teenage girl, thanks to newly uncovered DNA evidence.

In October 2006, a 25-year-old Kennedy Jimmy encountered the victim and her friend in a supermarket car park in Shefford, Bedfordshire, setting the stage for a violent crime.

Bedfordshire Police have confirmed that a DNA breakthrough led to the arrest and conviction of Kennedy Jimmy, now a resident of Staffordshire, for the rape of a teenage girl that occurred two decades ago.

Luton Crown Court handed down a six-year prison sentence to Kennedy on Friday, marking the culmination of a lengthy investigation.

According to the police, the assault took place when the victim's friend briefly left her side to enter a store, and Kennedy Jimmy seized the opportunity to drag the girl into a car and commit the crime.

At the time of the incident, the perpetrator, known to the victim as 'Kenny', remained unidentified despite an exhaustive inquiry.

A review of cold cases by the major crime unit yielded a crucial DNA match in November 2022, ultimately leading to Kennedy Jimmy's arrest.

Following a five-day trial at Luton Crown Court in October, 44-year-old Jimmy, of Wessex Court, Sunny Bank, Stoke-on-Trent, was found guilty of rape and received a six-year prison term, accompanied by a lifelong restraining order.

Detective Constable Rhian Batterham-Jones emphasized that the successful conviction highlights the fact that the passage of time does not preclude the pursuit of justice.

The detective noted that Kennedy Jimmy mistakenly believed he had evaded accountability, but the combined efforts of the police team and advances in forensic science ultimately led to his downfall.

Det Con Batterham-Jones expressed admiration for the victim's bravery in revisiting the traumatic experience 20 years later, praising her courage in the face of adversity.

With a total of eight career titles to her name, Charley Hull has established herself as a formidable force in golf, having secured three victories on the LPGA tour.

The final leaderboard for the PIF Saudi Ladies International has been released.

The top of the leaderboard features Charley Hull at -19, followed closely by Casandra Alexander and Akie Iwai, both at -18, while Carlota Ciganda and Hye-Jin Choi are tied at -17.

Other notable finishers include Mimi Rhodes, Inbee Yoon, and Nasa Hataoka, all at -16, as well as Rachel Takeda at -12 and Emma Hamilton and Lauren Walsh at -10.

Charley Hull of England has emerged victorious at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, claiming her fifth title on the Ladies European Tour by a single stroke.

In the final round, the 29-year-old golfer, ranked fifth in the world, made a significant surge, carding six birdies in the last eight holes, including an eagle on the 12th hole and a birdie on the final hole, to finish with a 65.

After setting the pace in the clubhouse, Hull anxiously awaited the outcome, initially tied with Casandra Alexander at 19 under, but Alexander's three-putt on the 17th hole and missed birdie putt on the last sealed her fate.

Alexander, who shot a 68, ultimately tied for second place with Japan's Akie Iwai, while Carlota Ciganda of Spain and Hye-Jin Choi of South Korea finished in a tie for fourth at 17 under.

Mimi Rhodes of England, who had taken the lead after the first round with a 64, finished in a tie for sixth place at 16 under, following a strong final round of 67 at the Riyadh Golf Club.

Hull's victory earned her a prize of $750,000, equivalent to £549,000, marking a triumphant start to the 2026 season, having also won her last LET title on the same course in 2024.

Upon being informed of her win while practicing, Hull responded with relief, stating, "Hooray, at least I can pay my house off now."

Hull reflected on her hard work during the off-season, saying, "It's great to get a result so early on, especially in one of the bigger events on the LET, which feels like a home tournament for me."

Starting the day three strokes behind the leader, Hull made a two-under turn and continued to make her move.

Although she dropped a shot on the 10th hole, Hull quickly regained momentum, picking up four strokes in the next three holes, including a notable 60-foot eagle putt on the par-five 12th.

With additional birdies on the 15th and 18th holes, Hull put pressure on her competitors to match her score.

Akie Iwai, who had briefly shared the lead, suffered a setback with a three-putt bogey on the 17th, leaving her two strokes off the pace.

After Casandra Alexander also bogeyed the 17th, Hull was finally able to celebrate her victory, despite Iwai's birdie on the final hole, which resulted in a 67.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Mimi Rhodes commenced her bid to secure a spot on the Solheim Cup team in September with an impressive final round, featuring six birdies and only one dropped shot.