On February 6, the United States and the Government of the Burundi signed a five-year bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that advances the America First Global Health Strategy while protecting Americans from infectious disease threats.

Through the MOU, working with Congress, the Department of State intends to provide more than $129 million over the next five years to support Burundi’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria, while bolstering disease surveillance and outbreak response. The Government of Burundi commits to increasing its own domestic health expenditures by $26 million over the course of the five-year MOU assuming greater self-reliance in its own health system.

Building on the United States’ decades of fighting HIV/AIDS and malaria in Burundi, this MOU safeguards Americans by strengthening Burundi’s capacity to detect and contain infectious disease outbreaks before they spread internationally. The five-year MOU will help the government of Burundi continue to treat 97 percent of those living with HIV while cutting the rate of malaria deaths in children under five in Burundi in half. Overall, the MOU strengthens Burundi’s management of infectious diseases through an enhanced integrated service delivery model designed to improve cost efficiency, quality, and retention in health care, saving lives and helping Burundi become more self-reliant in responding to infectious disease outbreaks before they reach American shores.

America First Global Health Strategy Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed so far represent more than $18.3 billion in new health funding including more than $11.18 billion in U.S. assistance alongside $7.12 billion in co-investment from recipient countries, building on decades of progress fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases around the world. As of February 6, the State Department has signed 16 bilateral global health MOUs.

Dense fog covered several portions of central and southeastern Saskatchewan on Saturday, meaning low to near-zero visibility on the roads.

This led to Environment Canada to issue a yellow advisory earlier Saturday morning. In Saskatoon, the fog wasn’t as severe, but it still covered the skyline of the city.

“When we have warm air moving over a cold surface, we start to see condensation forming in the form of fog and so that fog hangs around close to the ground and it lingers for a little bit, sometimes we see that fog dissipate when the sun gets high up in the sky,” explains weather specialist Noor Ra’fat.

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When travelling during a fog advisory, planning your route ahead of time and preparing to go slow is key.

According to the National Weather Service, it is also important to avoid using your high beams during a fog event and to leave plenty of distance between the car in front of you. In cases of extreme fog, it is best to turn on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location until the fog starts to dissipate.

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“Always remember that if you can see someone, sometimes they can’t see you and so this is especially important during low visibility times.” shares Ra’fat.

Meanwhile, a light drizzle in Saskatoon Saturday lasted until early afternoon. The rain was a surprise from the sky, as February is the driest month of the year in Saskatchewan.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of moisture pushing in from the pacific the past little while, frontal systems moving from B.C., as those systems move from across B.C. into Alberta and then further into Saskatchewan low pressure remains and sometimes it falls in the way of rain.” says Ra’fat.

As for the spring-like weather, sunny conditions are expected for the rest of the weekend and into next week.

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Former Trans Mountain CEO and president Ian Anderson says there could be a role for China to play when it comes to investing in the promise of a new bitumen pipeline — at least, on some level. 

Anderson told CBC’s West of Centre podcast host Kathleen Petty that “all investor options should be on the table”, including a Chinese backer, though he says it would most likely be a minority stake. 

“What the Chinese would bring is a trading partner. They would bring a commitment to moving barrels, supply commitments,” Anderson said. 

He said Chinese investment would spur confidence that there is a market for the product, and diversify the slate of investors to help reduce any one party’s risk.

“I think Canada is always going to be careful about our relationship like that, and quite rightly so. But it’s investor capital,” he said.

But former Alberta energy minister Sonya Savage told West of Centre she wasn’t as willing to endorse Chinese ownership at any level.

She says among other concerns, it could upset the trading relationship with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened 100 per cent tariffs on Canada if a deal is made with China, but did not elaborate what kind of deal would qualify.

“We always are cautious right now about poking the bear,” Savage said, adding that selling off a substantial equity stake to China would “not only be poking the bear, [but] punching the bear in the head.”

She says there is a difference between China as a client for receiving Canadian oil, and as an equity owner, and worries about the national security risk if they become the latter.

The discussion of more Chinese ownership in Canada’s oil sector came into the conversation in recent weeks, after Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing and reached an agreement with China on increased cooperation on energy. 

In a statement to CBC News last month, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson’s office said the government will welcome foreign investment to support major projects and strengthen Canada’s economy.

“However, any new investments must also support Canada’s national economic and security interests, and we have important and rigorous tools to ensure that, including the Investment Canada Act,” the statement reads. 

The Investment Canada Act, first legislated in 1985 and updated in 2022, reviews foreign investments to ensure Canada’s national security is not threatened, and that Canada’s economy is benefitted by the investment. 

The separation factor

One lingering question in the pipeline progress is whether the threat of Alberta separating from Canada could be enough to drive away investors.

Savage does not think that will be the case. She says while she’s heard some curiosity from investors about the whole process, it’s not a deterrent. 

“I’m not hearing investors saying they don’t want to invest in Alberta because this is creating an uncertain investment climate,” Savage said. She says she thinks ultimately that’s because investors believe the chances of separation are low.

Anderson feels confident the pipeline will make it from proposal to reality.

“I think the public at large can see the geopolitical importance of it, the trade importance of it. I think that the political winds are in its favor. I think that you’ve got an industry that knows how to do this,” he said.

The memorandum of understanding signed last year by Ottawa and Alberta sets a July 1 deadline to submit a proposal for the bitumen pipeline to the Major Projects Office. In a letter to Carney last month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she plans to have that proposal submitted by June, and would like to see major projects approved within six months.

Be wary of the salad dressing bottle.

That’s among the advice given to the Canadian women’s hockey team to avoid the norovirus that has made news in their sport early in Milano Cortina 2026.

Canada’s opening game Thursday against Finland was postponed to Feb. 12 because of a norovirus outbreak among the Finns.

One Swiss player also isolated with the stomach virus, but Canada’s game Saturday night against Switzerland was expected to be played.

“The biggest thing was just being super-diligent in the common spaces in the village,” said Canadian women’s team forward Blayre Turnbull on Saturday afternoon.

“In the dining hall specifically, there’s some items that are shared with all in the nations. Normally, you take your tray and the staff there serve your food, but there’s condiments like salad dressings and stuff like that that are communal.

“We’ve been washing our hands with soap and water like mad. More handwashing than I’ve ever done in my life for sure.

“People can wear masks if they choose to, medical gloves to touch the dressing bottles and whatnot. Otherwise, we’re just trying to stick with our group and making sure that we’re keeping our distance from other teams.”

The 2022 Winter Games in Beijing were held in a “closed loop” because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Masking, constant testing and limited interaction was part of the athlete experience.

While there are no such restrictions in the Milano-Cortina Games, the spectre of illness throwing a wrench into an athlete’s plans still exists when thousands of people congregate in one place.

“There’s thousands of athletes, staff, volunteers that are being brought into one space and sharing many common areas,” said Canadian forward Jenn Gardiner.

“Even when we first got here, our team prepped us and warned us that things like this could happen just with the amount of travel that people had to do.”

Canada’s short-track speedskaters were also on their guard about a stomach bug that could derail what is predicted to be a medal haul in that sport.

“It’s more in public spaces, to keep our masks on, in the shuttles or transit,” Kim Boutin said.

“It was planned like that at first, but I think we have to be more vigilant now.”

Whether you’re a staunch athletics enthusiast, or you’ve been paying more attention to hockey following the Heated Rivalry movie, there’s something for everyone at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, which kicked off officially on Friday.

A number of Hamilton area Olympians are donning helmets and lacing up skates to represent Canada in Italy. 

And if you’re wondering where you can watch the games and cheer on Team Canada, we’ve put together this guide to help you.

Hamilton Public Library

Hamilton Public Library is making big screen viewing available — for a mix of sports, but especially hockey — at the following branches from Feb. 6 to 22.

• Central Library.
• Red Hill.
• Saltfleet.
• Waterdown.

On campus

Some campuses are hosting watch parties as well. Mohawk Students Association says people can stop by The Arnie at the Fennell Campus to check out some upcoming men’s and women’s hockey games.

The following events will be streamed on the big screen in The Arnie:

• Canada vs. Czechia (Women’s Hockey): Monday, Feb. 9 at 3:10 p.m.
• Canada vs. USA (Women’s Hockey): Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 2:10 p.m.
• Canada vs. Finland (Women’s Hockey): Thursday, Feb. 12 at 8:30 a.m.
• Canada vs. Czechia (Men’s): Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10:40 a.m.
• Canada vs. Switzerland: Friday, Feb. 13 at 3:10 p.m.

Local sports bars

Several local restaurants and bars will be streaming the Olympics.

The EndZone Bar & Grill says people can drop by throughout the games to catch the live action on their big screens, at 1305 Main St. E. They open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill at 1183 Upper James St. is another spot where you can watch the games. Thomas DeSimone, one of the owners, told CBC Hamilton, “We open at 11 a.m. every day but for Team Canada hockey we will open earlier.”

If you’re in Stoney Creek, The Powerhouse at 21 Jones St. will be streaming games on its television screens throughout the bar. Manager Bruce Cale said they will be streaming from CBC and other networks, and will be “primarily following Canadian” teams at the games.

It’s all Olympics all the time at Tin Cup Sports Grill at 103 Portia Drive in Ancaster. The manager said their 20 large screens will all be streaming the games and people are welcome to come by and cheer on Team Canada.

CBC digital platforms

Along with TV broadcasts on CBC and its partner networks Sportsnet and TSN, you can stream all of the action from the Milano-Cortina Games live and on demand exclusively at CBC Gem.

The app is free to download and watch, but you’ll need to create an account. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to take care of that right away. You can also access Gem on your desktop web browser at gem.cbc.ca. 

For a full listing of what’s on each day, see the full CBC Olympic streaming schedule.

Also, be sure to visit CBC’s Milano-Cortina Olympics website for news, in-depth features, event schedules, athlete bios and on-demand highlights of the biggest moments and events. You can personalize your Olympics feed to feature your favourite sports, and get daily emails with news and schedules related to your choices.

Venus in Aquarius angles towards Uranus, making risk-taking come naturally. A surprising twist will likely crop up through the day ahead.

Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius, it’s all about freedom today. Loving others, and expressing yourself, will go hand in hand, so enjoy this liberation.

Authenticity is emboldened by the cosmos today. Don’t be anything but yourself, and make brave decisions. It will serve you.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday February 8, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Today, love and money matters may take a surprising twist. You might feel the urge to rebel against routines or crave a change of scene. A friendship could suddenly sparkle with chemistry, or an unexpected expense might push you to rethink your budget creatively. Innovation is your ally, especially when it comes to relationships and resources. Stay open, be curious and don’t be afraid to twist when others stick.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

The winds of change are blowing through your career and reputation zone, and they smell like freedom. A sudden opportunity could have you rethinking your path or embracing a new direction. Your usual love of stability might feel challenged, but trust that these shifts are here to liberate, not destabilise. Let your originality shine and enjoy leaving your comfort zone, as it could be your ticket to success.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Prepare for sparks of brilliance from the most unexpected corners of your mind. A random insight, dream or conversation could shake up your perspective and lead to a breakthrough. Romance or creative inspiration might arrive via a roundabout development or delay, but don’t dismiss the strange or serendipitous. Say yes to unusual happenings, as magic happens when you loosen your grip and allow your curiosity to guide you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Expect a jolt of excitement in your social or financial world, as an unexpected invitation or encounter could spark intrigue or collaboration in ways you didn’t see coming. Friends may surprise you, or you may surprise them with a quirky idea that works. Love and money may be slightly unpredictable, so keep an open mind. A group project or shared vision could shift gears delightfully.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

With Venus squaring off with Uranus, relationships and career matters may flex, but it might be the twist you didn’t know you needed. An unexpected proposal, a flirtation in an unusual place or a chance to collaborate with someone totally different could shake things up. You’re often a natural performer but could still benefit from changes that open doors to dazzling new adventures.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Your carefully curated schedule might need to bend a little to make space for something exciting and possibly life-enhancing. An encounter or unusual opportunity related to work, wellness or travel could encourage a fresh perspective. You’re often the planner, but being spontaneous could delight you. Say yes to something that sounds a bit “out there”. A novel idea could gain traction, or a conversation may take a romantic turn.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Love, creativity or money matters could take a surprising turn that shakes up your routine but leaves you smiling. A spark of attraction, a flash of artistic inspiration or quirky financial idea may prove irresistible. You’re offbeat and magnetic now, so follow your instincts, even if they lead off the beaten track. A conversation or connection could open a door to deeper intimacy or delightful opportunities, so embrace the unusual.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

With Venus clashing with the unpredictable Uranus, home and relationships could take a different turn. A surprise guest, a flash of insight about a partner or a radical idea for redecorating might suddenly seem like the perfect next move if you’re craving comfort and freedom. Relationships benefit from space to breathe and to be yourselves. Embrace the change, as it may just lead to an authentic connection or cosy revolution.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

A casual conversation could spark a fresh idea, or a lively suggestion might revolutionise your schedule. Love and creativity thrive in unconventional settings now, so think spontaneous detours, impromptu meet-ups or swapping the usual for something delightfully different. You’re itching to break free from the ordinary, so let openness guide your steps. Be flexible and the universe will reward you with delight.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

You may surprise yourself by craving more freedom in love or by spending on something wildly outside your usual budget range. Creative ideas could strike like lightning, especially around hobbies or personal projects. Romance may take a different turn too, which isn’t a bad thing. Stay open to unconventional pleasures and spontaneous joy. A friend’s offbeat suggestion might turn into your next big obsession.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

With Venus in your sign and angling towards Uranus, your freedom loving or flirty energies are highlighted. You’re often the cosmic wild card, and today a surprise encounter, delightful romances or even a sudden urge to redecorate with neon flair. Home and heart matters may take an unexpected twist, but trust that changes are good. A brilliant idea could strike, inspiring you to turn your living space into a creative hub.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

A spontaneous comment could spark a brilliant idea or a soulful connection. Don’t be surprised if a dream, coincidence or flash of inspiration nudges you towards something refreshingly different. And yet in love, something which has been unspoken could suddenly come into the open. This could be unsettling, but if the messenger is someone you suspect of having an agenda, don’t buy too easily into what they say.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.

MORE: Daily horoscope February 7, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

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Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem has been a lightning rod for criticism amid anti-ICE riots that have rocked the country, sparked a government shutdown and left many wondering whether the nation’s 8th DHS secretary would keep her job.

Despite the mounting pressure, Noem appeared calm, collected, and confident during a trip this week that included a stop in Mississippi to assess winter storm damage recovery efforts, visits to the southern border in Texas and Arizona as well as the northern border in North Dakota, and a BBQ dinner hosted and served by Noem herself to Border Patrol agents in Arizona.

During the first half of the four-day stint, Congress was still dealing with a partial government shutdown largely over how to fund DHS. The House ultimately reached an agreement, funding the agency through Feb. 13, but Noem’s focus remained the same before and after the bill passed, and her schedule was left unchanged.

During an exclusive interview along the border wall in Nogales, Ariz., Noem told Fox News Digital that the national security functions of the agency are too vital to be sidelined by a spending fight.

BORDER CROSSINGS HIT 55-YEAR LOW — AFTER DEMOCRATS SAID REFORM WAS THE ONLY FIX

“Every day [DHS is] finding terrorists and removing them from our country, protecting our cybersecurity systems, our critical infrastructure,” Noem told Fox. “Only 11% of the DHS budget is ICE. The rest of it is FEMA, TSA, that runs our security checkpoints at our airports.” 

“It is also the Coast Guard, which is absolutely critical to our maritime protection and also partnering with the Department of War,” Noem added. “We have weapons of mass destruction, science and technology, our national labs.”

“We have a lot of responsibilities that we absolutely need to fund in order to do them properly. So I’m hopeful that Congress will recognize that and pass this bill quickly,” Noem said.

KRISTI NOEM TO TESTIFY BEFORE HOUSE COMMITTEE NEXT MONTH

But the debate around government spending wasn’t about the Coast Guard, FEMA or TSA. It was almost entirely based on one of the 23 agencies which Noem oversees – Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Specifically, it centered around ICE’s actions in Minneapolis, a so-called sanctuary city in which the local authorities provide only minimal support to federal officers enforcing immigration laws.

Since the beginning of the year, DHS estimates that Operation Metro Surge has resulted in the apprehension of 4,000 criminal illegal migrants in Minneapolis. The operation was launched mainly due to a fraud scheme that involved members of the Somali community in Minnesota.

The mission then evolved into a heated clash between agitators and federal officers that ultimately left two U.S. citizens dead, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by federal immigration agents.

NOEM VOWS CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AFTER CATCHING ALLEGED DHS ‘PROLIFIC LEAKER’

Noem quickly labeled both Good and Pretti as “domestic terrorists” and said their deaths were due to impeding “law enforcement operations,” sparking outrage from Democrats and some Republicans who began to call for her resignation. 

Rumors swirled whether Noem would actually resign or if President Donald Trump would fire fire her, but the president told reporters shortly after the death of Pretti that he had no intention of relieving her from her position as head of DHS.

When Fox News Digital asked Noem what she believed the American people want when it comes to ICE enforcing the law using the same tactics that led to riots, deaths and assaults on both agitators and agents, Noem said “I think people would want less conflict.”

LEAVITT SAYS TRUMP WILL NOT ‘WAVER’ ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN DESPITE DEMOCRATIC BACKLASH

“[The American people] want to know that we’re enforcing our laws and that we are going after dangerous criminals, and they don’t want them to be released on the streets to perpetuate more crimes,” Noem explained. 

At some stops along Noem’s trip, agitators appeared. At a dinner she hosted inside a hotel in Tucson, Arizona, for CBP officers, protesters with drums, megaphones and seemingly pre-made signs gathered at the entrance of the hotel. Every other car driving by the demonstration honked, though it’s unclear whether they were honking in support or in disagreement with the protesters. 

A Quinnipiac University survey taken from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 showed 58% of those questioned saying that Noem shouldn’t have the job.

DHS SECRETARY NOEM STANDS BY BODY CAMERA REQUIREMENT FOR FEDERAL AGENTS FOLLOWING TRUMP COMMENTS

Fox News Digital spoke with a GOP insider who pointed to Noem’s inexperience on the national stage, saying her time as governor of South Dakota didn’t prepare her for one of the most challenging roles in the presidential cabinet.

Despite the critics, Noem’s record on securing the border has proven successful, according to figures provided by the department and the Trump administration. Trump’s goal to deter illegal migrants from crossing the border, which was Noem’s mandate, has been a priority for the White House. 

More illegal migrants crossed the southern border in one average month under former President Biden’s watch than have crossed under Noem’s entire watch, according to DHS.

NOEM DEPLOYS TO BOTH BORDERS, SAYS ICE WON’T BE DETERRED BY SANCTUARY OFFICIALS WHO ‘WANT TO CREATE CONFLICT’

“We have over three million people that have deported, and that includes probably about 700,000 that we have detained and removed,” Noem told Fox News Digital on Wednesday. “Beyond that, over 2.3 million have self-deported.”

“You know, you send the message around the world that America is now going to be enforcing its laws and making sure that if you’re in this country illegally, that you should go home, and we’ve been incentivizing that through a $2,600 payment and a flight,” Noem added. “Millions of people have taken us up on that.”

Trump defended Noem for a second time during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday when discussing if he would relinquish her command at DHS.

HOUSE DEMOCRATS HOLD ‘SHADOW HEARINGS’ AS THEY BUILD CASE TO IMPEACH KRISTI NOEM

“Why would I do that? We have the strongest border in the history of our country,” Trump said. “We have the best crime numbers we’ve ever had going back to the year 1900. That’s 125 years. We have the lowest crime numbers.”

Trump also appointed Tom Homan, the former ICE director during Trump’s first term and the executive associate director of Enforcement and Removal Operations under President Barack Obama, to serve as border czar, a role previously held by Kamala Harris. 

Some reports painted a picture of an unspoken rivalry between Homan and Noem following Trump’s decision to put Homan in command of the situation in Minneapolis.

NOEM SLAMS DEMS, BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR LACKING ‘COMPASSION’ AMID ANTI-ICE TENSIONS

But Noem told Fox News Digital she credited Homan for working to get local leaders in Minneapolis to come to the table and negotiate order in what has been a chaotic scene in the Twin Cities.

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“What people need to remember is that Democrat policies were destroying our country,” Noem said. “And President Trump came in and said, I’m going to protect the American people. It’s not going to happen anymore. “

“Since [the Biden administration], thousands of people’s lives have been saved just here, just right here on the border, because those migrants are not victimized anymore,” Noem added.

Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and on X @MizellPreston