In other news

Actress Debra Messing criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani's handling of the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, which hit New York City on January 25. Messing shared her frustrating experience of being stuck in traffic while trying to get to an appointment, blaming Mamdani for the gridlock and slow snow clearance. Many social media users agreed with her assessment, referencing Mamdani's socialist policies and previous assurances that city employees would work 'around the clock' to keep the city moving. The storm resulted in at least 14 deaths, and trash piling up on sidewalks as snow remained uncleared.

Florida's recent cold snap has caused a large number of iguanas to fall from trees, becoming temporarily paralyzed due to the cold temperatures. Residents are collecting the iguanas by the armload, with some individuals collecting 'hundreds of pounds worth.' The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has set up temporary collection sites across the panhandle to handle the situation. While Floridians are not required to surrender the reptiles, the Commission will either transfer them to a licensed out-of-state seller or euthanize them. The iguanas, considered an invasive species, are often used in various cultural delicacies.

Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson, former teammates on the Dallas Mavericks, had a notable encounter during the Knicks-Lakers game on February 1. After the Knicks' 112-100 victory, Doncic flashed his middle finger at Brunson as they parted ways on the court. Brunson appeared to react with a smile, suggesting the gesture was likely joking. The two players have a shared history, having been drafted in 2018 and playing together for four seasons before Brunson left for the Knicks in free agency. Doncic was later traded to the Lakers, a move that has not been successful for the Mavericks. During the game, Doncic scored 30 points for the Lakers, while Brunson had a tough shooting night but managed 13 assists for the Knicks. The encounter and the game highlighted the complex dynamics between former teammates now playing for different teams.

A viral video captured an Amazon delivery driver in Redford Township, Michigan, ranting about customers and their reliance on online shopping. The driver, who remains unidentified, criticized customers for not shopping in physical stores and jokingly said they would buy slaves if Amazon sold them. The incident has sparked a backlash on social media, with many calling out the driver's hypocrisy. Amazon has launched an investigation into the matter and stated that the driver's behavior does not reflect the company's standards.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is confident that the partial government shutdown will end by Tuesday despite procedural issues and Democratic demands. The shutdown began on Saturday after Senate Democrats rejected a bipartisan funding deal, citing reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a condition. Johnson rejected several Democratic demands, including requiring masks off and agents to wear some form of ID, stating they would create further danger. Democrats are unwilling to assist in fast-tracking the passage of the funding deal, making it challenging for Republicans to pass it through the House Rules Committee.

The article discusses Melania Trump's documentary 'Melania', which defied critics and raked in $7 million on its opening weekend. The documentary showcases Melania's life as the First Lady and presents her in a positive light, countering the negative media portrayal. The article argues that the documentary is a 'dainty middle finger' to Melania's media tormenters who were wrong about her. The film received a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and was well-received by viewers, who praised Melania's class and dignity. The article suggests that the documentary is a successful attempt by Melania to take control of her image and present herself to the American public in a positive way.

The mother of 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been reported missing in Arizona under concerning circumstances. She was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, north of Tucson, at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Pima County Sheriff's Office is leading a search and rescue mission, with homicide detectives also investigating her home. Nancy Guthrie is described as being in not good physical health and a vulnerable adult. The sheriff expressed grave concern for her wellbeing due to her physical ailments and the cold weather. Savannah Guthrie has not publicly commented on her mother's disappearance.

The article discusses the prevalence and sophistication of scams in the United States, highlighting how even intelligent and capable individuals can fall victim to these schemes. It explores the emotional impact of being scammed, the role of technology in facilitating scams, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in prosecuting scammers. The article also features experts who specialize in exposing and combating scams, including 'scam baiters' who use YouTube to educate the public and bring scammers to justice.

Actor Timothy Busfield has been accused of sexual harassment and child sex abuse. In 1994, Julia Roberts' sister-in-law, Eliza Roberts, claimed in a deposition that Busfield sexually harassed her. Recently, Busfield was charged with child sex abuse related to his alleged behavior with two twin child actors on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady' in 2024. He faces two counts of criminal misconduct against a minor and one count of child abuse. Busfield has denied wrongdoing.

The article discusses the ongoing legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, co-founder and current CEO of OpenAI, respectively. The dispute reveals the true nature of OpenAI, which Musk claims has abandoned its non-profit structure and defrauded him. The article argues that AI bosses, like their human counterparts, are driven by capitalist interests. The leaked documents from the court case provide insight into the inner workings of OpenAI and the personalities involved, including Musk's criticism of Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos and Altman's emotional response to his public feud with Musk.

The article discusses the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on entry-level jobs and the future shape of company hierarchies. It suggests that AI could lead to firms needing fewer people, potentially changing the traditional pyramid structure to more minimalist forms like an obelisk or even a single entrepreneur (a dot). The article invites readers to consider what companies should do in response to these changes.

IBM has made a significant turnaround by shifting its focus to AI, becoming a leader in the field. The company has a history of reinvention, having previously transformed itself in the 1990s by focusing on IT services and later selling its PC division to Lenovo. IBM's ability to adapt has allowed it to stay relevant in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

The article discusses how porn stars can survive in the age of AI, set against the backdrop of the annual AVN Expo, a premier adult-entertainment conference. The event, described as the porn industry's Oscars, highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry with the rise of AI. The article explores the changing landscape and potential strategies for porn stars to adapt.

The article discusses how Coupang, a South Korean e-commerce firm often referred to as the 'Amazon of South Korea', has become embroiled in a diplomatic dispute between Silicon Valley and the South Korean government. Coupang's data breach has sparked a row that has drawn in Silicon Valley moguls and allies in the Trump administration, illustrating the politicization of global trade and the entanglement of corporations within it. With over $35 billion in sales and a workforce of 100,000, Coupang's listing in the US in 2021 has made it a player in the international trade arena, and its current predicament highlights the complex interplay between corporate interests and geopolitical tensions.

The article discusses the current state of South Africa's economy and presents a case for optimism. Despite experiencing a 'lost decade' with stagnant economic growth, the country's prospects may be brightening. The article highlights that South Africa's GDP per person is lower today than it was 20 years ago, and the country has fallen in the ranking of large economies. However, it suggests that there are potential positive developments on the horizon.

The article discusses the growing succession problem faced by family businesses in the Gulf region. It highlights the case of Majid al-Futtaim, an Emirati merchant who built a conglomerate but faced bitter family disputes over succession after his death in 2021. The government intervened to restructure the group, illustrating the challenges faced by family-owned businesses in the region. The article suggests that governments are nudging family businesses to address succession issues, but the process is likely to be messy.

The article discusses the recent downturn in software stocks, particularly those of companies like SAP, ServiceNow, Salesforce, and Workday. On January 29th, SAP announced a 'slight deceleration' in its cloud-based software business for 2026, causing its share price to plummet by 15%. Other software companies, including those that released no news, also suffered significant drops in their share prices. The article questions whether investors are overestimating the risk posed by AI to these companies. It highlights the impact of SAP's earnings call on the broader software sector, with many companies experiencing a decline in their share prices despite some, like ServiceNow, reporting revenue growth that exceeded analyst expectations.

An explosion occurred in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on January 31, 2026, killing at least one person, a 4-year-old girl, and injuring 14 others. The blast happened a day before Iran's planned naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz. State television attributed the explosion to a gas leak. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US, with the US military warning Iran not to threaten its warships or commercial traffic in the strait. US President Trump had recently threatened to launch a military strike on Iran over its handling of protests and potential executions. Meanwhile, efforts to de-escalate tensions were underway, with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi calling for negotiations and Qatar's Prime Minister meeting with Iranian officials.

At least 145 people, identified as 'Indian-backed terrorists,' were killed by Pakistani security forces in counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan, Pakistan, following coordinated suicide and gun attacks that killed 33 people, mostly civilians. The attacks were claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group seeking greater autonomy or independence from Pakistan. The Pakistani government accused India and Afghanistan of backing the assailants, which both countries deny. The BLA has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US State Department and has carried out numerous attacks on security forces, Chinese interests, and infrastructure projects in the region.

Hundreds of Danish veterans protested outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen over the Trump administration's threats to take over Greenland and belittling their combat contributions. The veterans, many of whom fought alongside U.S. troops in the Middle East, felt let down and ridiculed by the Trump Administration's comments. They staged a silent protest march, observing five minutes of silence to honor Denmark's military branches. The veterans expressed their anger and betrayal over the White House's rhetoric, which disregards Greenland's right to self-determination and Denmark's contributions to the fight for democracy and peace.

Gary Cohn, IBM vice chairman and former director of the U.S. National Economic Council, appeared on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' to discuss the current state of the economy. Cohn assessed the president's argument that the economic success is due to his tariff policies, stating that while the economy is strong, there are issues with affordability for many Americans. He explained that companies are downsizing due to over-hiring during COVID and rising input costs. Cohn also discussed the White House's consumer-focused plans, including a proposed cap on credit card rates, and expressed concerns that such measures may not be effective. Additionally, he praised Kevin Warsh, the president's nominee for Federal Reserve chairman, for his experience and qualifications.

A bipartisan panel of mayors, including Eileen Higgins of Miami, David Holt of Oklahoma City, Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, and Mark Freeman of Mesa, Arizona, discussed the issue of affordable housing on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.' The mayors agreed that housing costs are a major contributor to the cost of living and that their cities are struggling to provide affordable housing. They discussed various approaches to addressing the issue, including making government land available for development, streamlining permitting processes, and seeking federal funding and partnership. The mayors emphasized that housing is a national issue that requires a collaborative effort from local, state, and federal governments, as well as the private sector.

The article is a transcript of an interview between Margaret Brennan and Rep. Michael McCaul on 'Face the Nation' where they discuss the ongoing government shutdown, the recent events in Minneapolis involving ICE operations, and the policies of the Trump administration regarding immigration and law enforcement. McCaul expresses his support for the shutdown ending soon and discusses the controversy surrounding ICE operations, particularly the incident involving Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. He criticizes the tactics used by Greg Bovino, who was leading the operations, and praises Tom Homan, who has taken over. The conversation also touches on the detention of a five-year-old boy and his father by ICE, with McCaul acknowledging the need for reform in the process.

China's property sector started 2026 on a bleak note as new-home sales plummeted, with the top 100 developers reporting a 27% year-on-year decline in combined contracted sales. The decline was even steeper among major developers with outstanding US-dollar bonds, raising concerns over their debt repayment capacity. Weak demand, fading policy support, and delayed key developments contributed to the downturn.

Chinese scientists have developed a hydrogel cooling coating for solar panels that can boost power output by 13% and reduce the temperature of overheated areas by 16°C. The innovation is particularly useful for hot regions near the equator and has garnered interest from companies looking to commercialize the technology. The researchers aim to launch large-scale deployments and collaborate with industry partners to bring the technology to mainland China and other countries.

Hong Kong is set to formulate its first five-year plan to align with China's 15th five-year plan, signaling greater government involvement in the city's development. The task force, led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, will devise a blueprint to guide Hong Kong's development from 2026 to 2030. The national plan aims to support Hong Kong in becoming a high-end talent hub and consolidating its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade hub. Lee also emphasized the need to diversify Hong Kong's economy and explore new markets in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to mitigate risks amid geopolitical tensions.

The South China Morning Post article summarizes five key news stories from the weekend of February 2, 2026. The stories include a surge in Korean tourism to China due to visa-free access, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) tightening fuel rules amid US investigations into recent air crashes, and Hong Kong's reversal of its seat belt law for bus passengers. The article provides an overview of these stories, highlighting their significance and impact.

The article discusses how the US-China trade war and global instability have accelerated the debate on de-dollarisation in Chinese academic and policy circles. The number of research papers on the topic has more than doubled from 2023 to 2025 compared to the previous three years. Chinese scholars are calling for reduced reliance on US dollar assets due to the US' potential to weaponise its currency, as seen in the freezing of Russian foreign exchange reserves in 2022. China has taken steps to reduce its vulnerability by cutting US Treasuries holdings, strengthening cooperation with emerging markets, and promoting yuan internationalisation.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is conducting anti-corruption investigations into top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli. According to a commentary by the PLA Daily, the investigation will eliminate the 'watered down' parts of combat capability building and give new momentum to the military's development. The PLA Daily editorial called on the PLA to firmly grasp the overall trend that 'the more thorough the anti-corruption efforts, the more solid the foundation to overcome difficulties and the stronger the military'. The investigation and 'in-depth political rectification' are expected to bring in a 'new atmosphere and positive spirit', urging the PLA to pledge loyalty to the ruling Communist Party and devote 'all its energy' to building a first-class military.

A 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota but have since been released and returned home after a US District Judge granted an emergency request from their lawyer. The detention sparked national outcry and protests, with many criticizing the government's actions as inhumane. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the pair entered the US illegally, while the family's lawyer argued they followed proper protocols to seek asylum. The judge condemned the detention, stating it was driven by a 'perfidious lust for unbridled power' and that deportations should occur in a more orderly and humane manner.

The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony has begun, with the fictional K-Pop song 'Golden' from the movie 'KPop Demon Hunters' making history as the first K-Pop song to win a Grammy Award. The song won best song for visual media and is also nominated for song of the year. Other early winners include British stars Yungblud, The Cure, and FKA Twigs. The ceremony saw several notable moments, including a performance by Rosé and Bruno Mars, and a win for Kendrick Lamar. The event is being streamed live on YouTube.

BBC Russia editor Steve Rosenberg discusses the challenges of reporting from Russia during the ongoing Ukraine war. He reflects on his 30-year career in Moscow, noting the shift from a welcoming atmosphere to a hostile one, with the Kremlin tightening its grip on media and dissent. Rosenberg describes the difficulties of navigating Russia's increasingly repressive laws and the scrutiny he faces as a foreign correspondent. Despite these challenges, he continues to report from Moscow, seeking to provide insight into President Putin's thinking and the Kremlin's motivations.

The article profiles Hind Kabawat, Syria's only female minister in the transitional government, who is working to rebuild the country after years of civil war. Kabawat, a lawyer and negotiator, is minister for social affairs and labour and is tasked with navigating the country's complex transition from war to peace. She faces challenges in addressing the needs of Syria's most vulnerable populations, including orphans, widows, and those displaced by the conflict. Despite the government's mistakes, Kabawat emphasizes the importance of dialogue and trust-building in the transition process. She is also working to promote women's empowerment and representation in decision-making roles.

The catastrophe bond market experienced a record-breaking year in 2025, with issuance reaching $25.6 billion, a 45% increase from 2024. Experts expect another strong year in 2026, driven by growing investor interest and increasing demand for catastrophe risk transfer. CAT bonds offer attractive returns, low volatility, and diversification benefits, making them an increasingly mainstream financial instrument. However, some analysts warn of rising capital pressure and potential impact on returns.

Deutsche Bank's head of European equity and cross-asset strategy, Maximilian Uleer, has reiterated his bullish stance on German equities, despite being a 'lonely bull' in the past. The DAX index has outperformed expectations for three consecutive years, rising 18.8% in 2023, 20.3% in 2024, and 23% in 2025. Uleer attributes the index's success to significant fiscal stimulus in Germany and a resilient global economy. He forecasts an 18% upside for the DAX this year, citing strong earnings growth and improving sentiment. The index is currently flat year-to-date, trailing major Wall Street averages. Deutsche Bank's optimism is driven by historic debt reforms in Germany, which have paved the way for major spending on defense and infrastructure, fueling bullish investor sentiment toward Europe's largest economy.

The Walt Disney Company is set to report its fiscal first quarter earnings before the bell on Monday. Analysts expect earnings per share of $1.57 and revenue of $25.74 billion. The earnings report comes as the company is nearing a CEO succession decision, with Bob Iger set to retire. Investors will be looking for updates on Disney's streaming business, including Disney+ and ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming platform, as well as the company's experiences unit, which includes theme parks and resorts. Disney's streaming business has been profitable in recent quarters, but the decline in traditional TV bundle subscribers has weighed on the company's overall performance. The company's experiences unit is a profit driver, but may show signs of pressure on consumer spending. Disney is also developing a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi and has committed to investing $60 billion in its theme parks over the next decade.

European stocks began the trading week in negative territory due to concerns over artificial intelligence and volatility in precious metals. The pan-European Stoxx 600 was 0.7% lower, with mining and oil stocks leading the losses. Global markets were also affected, with Asia-Pacific markets falling overnight and U.S. stock futures declining on Sunday night. The sharp declines were triggered by a sell-off in precious metals, with silver plunging 30% on Friday, its worst one-day performance since 1980. Bitcoin also dropped below $80,000 for the first time since April. Nvidia's plans to invest in OpenAI have stalled, adding to concerns over the artificial intelligence boom.

American boxer Jarrell Miller won a heavyweight bout at Madison Square Garden but faced embarrassment when his toupee fell off during the fight. Miller blamed his mother's shampoo for his hair loss, claiming it was like ammonium bleach. He got an emergency toupee and jokingly referred to himself as a comedian for making fun of the situation. The bout was on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson's WBO super-lightweight title fight.

The family of seven-year-old British girl Inaayah Makda, who went missing in Morocco after being swept out to sea, is experiencing 'unbearable pain' as search efforts are hindered by severe weather conditions. The family is calling for more practical support from the UK government to aid in the search and rescue operations, expressing concern over the limited assistance received so far. Inaayah's family is urging the UK authorities to advocate with Moroccan authorities for expanded efforts and additional resources to locate their daughter.

Four British tourists died within four months after falling ill during their holidays in Cape Verde, a West African island country. The law firm Irwin Mitchell is representing over 1,500 people who fell ill after visiting Cape Verde, including six who died. The victims' families are making personal injury claims against tour operator Tui, alleging poor hygiene standards in Cape Verde. Tui is investigating the claims and has stated that it ensures customers who fall ill have access to care and assistance.

A fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on New Year's Day resulted in 41 deaths and over 100 injuries. An 18-year-old Swiss national died from injuries, bringing the total death toll to 41. Investigators believe the fire started when candles ignited soundproofing material on the ceiling. The bar's co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under investigation for negligent homicide and other charges. Jacques Moretti was arrested and released on bail, while Jessica Moretti is under house arrest. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining safety issues and renovations at the bar.

An Australian snowboarder, aged 22, died after her backpack became caught in a ski lift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Japan's Hakuba Valley. The incident occurred on Friday, and she suffered cardiac arrest after being suspended in midair. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. The ski lift operator, Tsugaike Gondola Lift Co., explained that the waist buckle of her backpack got entangled in the lift chair, and a staff member immediately pressed the emergency stop button. The company has expressed condolences to the family and vowed to strengthen safety measures. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death and is providing consular support to the family.

A UAE-linked firm acquired a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company co-founded by the Trump family, just before President Donald Trump's second inauguration. The deal raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and has sparked criticism from Democratic officials and former administration members. The White House has downplayed the concerns, stating that President Trump's assets are in a trust managed by his children and that there are no conflicts of interest.

The article discusses the extreme cold temperatures that have frozen Poland's Vistula river and its estuary with the Baltic Sea. The freezing of the river is attributed to weeks of extreme cold temperatures. The article is accompanied by a video showing the frozen river. Other news stories mentioned on the page include a mine collapse in Congo, Iranian-US deal talks, pollution in India's Yamuna River, and diplomatic efforts between Japan and South Korea.

The article discusses the Primary 1 registration process in Singapore, including recent developments and issues surrounding it. The Ministry of Education is reviewing the P1 registration system to promote social mixing in primary schools. Some parents are going to great lengths to secure spots for their children in popular schools, with some cases involving dishonesty about their addresses. The authorities have taken action against such practices, with one woman jailed for lying about her address to enroll her daughter in a primary school. The article also touches on the topic of preparation for Primary 1 without relying on preparatory classes or assessment books.

The US immigration fight has become a technological battleground, with authorities and migrants/supporters using innovative tools to gain an upper hand. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has spent millions on surveillance technology, while activists and businesses have developed tools to protect migrants. One such tool is TurnSignl, an app that connects users to immigration lawyers and records encounters with ICE. The app has gained popularity, with 285,000 users, and is offered by major corporations as an employee benefit. Meanwhile, ICE has used facial recognition software, mobile device data extraction tools, and location tracking software to target migrants and protesters. Activists have responded by creating a database of ICE vehicles and using encrypted messaging apps to track and protest ICE activities.

The article explores the complexities of identity and politics in Kelantan, Malaysia, where a small Chinese minority navigates life under the Islamist rule of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). The state's Chinese community, which has deep historical roots dating back to the 17th century, has generally coexisted with the Malay majority. However, recent policies, such as the requirement for non-Muslim businesses to obtain halal certification if they serve Muslim customers, have raised concerns among the Chinese community about their future in the state. Despite these challenges, the Chinese in Kelantan have developed a unique cultural identity that blends Chinese and Malay traditions, with many speaking the local Kelantanese dialect fluently. The article highlights the tension between the state's Islamic policies and the cultural tolerance that has historically characterized Kelantan's Chinese community.

A New York Times article exposes the thriving underground industry of secretly filming and sharing intimate photos and videos of women and girls in China, facilitated by Telegram's anonymity and Chinese online payment apps. Despite the global condemnation of nonconsensual sharing of content, Chinese authorities have not taken action against these groups, instead silencing activists and censoring discussions. The practice, known as 'toupai chumai' or 'secret filming betrayal,' involves sharing and trading explicit footage of girlfriends, wives, relatives, and acquaintances. The lack of enforcement is striking, given China's expansive online surveillance capabilities. Activists and citizens are calling for action, but the government's inaction has allowed this industry to flourish.

India is seeking to strengthen its global trade ties and mitigate the effects of the US-China trade tensions under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recent trade agreements with the European Union, Britain, Oman, and New Zealand demonstrate India's shift towards deeper economic engagement with other countries. The US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods last summer, prompting India to diversify its trade relationships and explore new markets. India's economy has been impacted by the tariffs, with exports to the US shrinking drastically, but it has managed to compensate by increasing electronics exports and expanding its market share in other countries.

A recent study by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights found that international law meant to limit the effects of war is at a breaking point. The study, which surveyed 23 armed conflicts over the last 18 months, concluded that more than 100,000 civilians have been killed, while torture and rape are committed with near impunity. The report highlights the deaths of 18,592 children in Gaza, growing civilian casualties in Ukraine, and an 'epidemic' of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The authors argue that the lack of consistent international efforts to prevent war crimes has led to a widening gap between treaty obligations and reality, and propose a series of safeguards to reduce the number of war crimes.

The article discusses the devastating wildfires in the Pantanal region of Brazil, as captured by photographer Lalo de Almeida. The fires, which occurred in 2020 and again in 2024, have had a catastrophic impact on the region's ecosystem, killing and injuring countless animals and destroying large areas of vegetation. De Almeida recounts his experiences photographing the fires and the heroic efforts of firefighters, highlighting the severity of the situation and the need for greater awareness and action to protect the Pantanal.

Hundreds of Danish protesters, many of whom are military veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside US forces, demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Copenhagen to protest President Donald Trump's comments that NATO forces 'stayed a little back' during those conflicts. The protesters felt betrayed and insulted by Trump's remarks, which they believed disregarded Denmark's contributions and sacrifices in the fight for democracy, peace, and freedom. The protest included laying 52 flags with the names of Danish soldiers who died in combat. The controversy comes as Trump has also pushed for the US to acquire Greenland from Denmark, a move that has been met with resistance from Danish leaders and has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for NATO and European security.

On Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil's forecast for winter's length takes center stage. According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, while no shadow means an early spring. Tens of thousands gather at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, for the annual event, which has grown in popularity since the 1993 movie 'Groundhog Day.' Phil's handlers interpret his 'groundhogese' to determine the forecast, and while he's not the only animal consulted for weather predictions, he's the most famous. The event has ties to ancient European farming traditions and coincides with the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox.