Access Denied: Regional news pages interrupted by edge security checks

On Feb. 15, 2026 ET, readers in multiple regions encountered blocking screens when trying to open local news pages. Visitors saw abrupt "Access Denied" notices and brief "Just a moment... " bot‑challenge pages that prevented usual browsing. The interruptions carried technical reference codes and left some users unable to read or share stories for minutes to hours.

What readers saw

Users reported two common behaviors: a hard block that displayed an "Access Denied" message along with an alphanumeric reference string, and a softer interruption where a "Just a moment... " page ran what appeared to be an automated check before allowing access. The hard-block pages often included a long reference number visible on the screen. The softer checks sometimes completed after a short wait, but not always.

The effect was inconsistent: some devices and connections passed the checks and loaded pages normally, while others remained blocked. Attempts to reload, switch browsers or restart devices produced mixed results; in a number of cases the block persisted until users changed networks or disabled network proxies.

Likely causes and practical steps readers can try

These kinds of interruptions typically arise from defensive systems that guard websites against automated traffic and attacks. Common triggers include geoblocking rules, firewall and content-delivery edge protections, rate limits, suspicious or missing browser cookies, shared or flagged IP addresses, and the use of virtual private networks or proxy services.

If you encounter an "Access Denied" or bot‑check page, try the following in this order:

• Refresh the page after a brief wait. Temporary edge or routing issues can clear quickly.
• Open the site in an incognito/private window to rule out problematic extensions or cached cookies.
• Clear cookies and site data for the affected domain within your browser, then reload.
• Disable any VPN or proxy and try again on your normal network. If the site loads, a shared or flagged exit IP was likely the problem.
• Switch from Wi‑Fi to mobile data (or vice versa) to test whether the issue is tied to a specific network.
• Try a different browser or device to see if the block is platform specific.
• If available, note any reference number shown on the error screen; that code can help site operators diagnose the block.

For persistent blocks, contact the website’s support channels from a working account or network and provide the reference string and time of the incident in Eastern Time to help them trace the event.

Impact and what to expect next

Short‑lived access interruptions are usually resolved once operators adjust firewall rules or the underlying content‑delivery network clears transient errors. If blocks continue across many readers, site administrators may need to refine their traffic‑filtering settings to avoid false positives, especially for legitimate readers using privacy tools or shared networks.

For readers, the best short‑term plan is to use the troubleshooting steps above and to save critical stories for offline reading when possible. If a site is critical to your daily updates, consider registering or subscribing where offered; authenticated sessions are less likely to be blocked than anonymous connections in many configurations.

Filmogaz will monitor follow‑up developments and advise when major interruptions are confirmed resolved. In the meantime, keep note of any reference codes and timestamps (ET) for faster support responses from site operators.