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At least 145 people, mostly militants, were killed in counter-terrorism operations in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan following coordinated suicide and gun attacks that killed 33 people, mostly civilians. The government accused India and Afghanistan of backing the attackers, who were affiliated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The BLA has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, targeting security forces, Chinese interests, and infrastructure projects. The Pakistani government has been seeking to attract foreign investment in the resource-rich region.

The aunt and cousin of Mexico's Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, were brutally murdered in their home in Colima, Mexico. Authorities tracked down and killed three suspects in a gunfight on Saturday. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown. Colima is one of Mexico's most violent states, with the highest homicide rate in 2023 and 2024. Delgado expressed deep shock, outrage, and sorrow over the event on social media, sharing fond memories of his aunt. The incident comes amid a backdrop of violence and cartel activity in Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum having recently stated that efforts to crack down on cartels were showing results.

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22 years and 272 days, became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam by defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. Alcaraz rallied from a set down to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, securing his first Australian Open title and seventh major overall. This achievement broke the record set by Don Budge in 1938. Djokovic, seeking a record 25th major title, was stopped by Alcaraz after beating Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

A 65-year-old Thai tourist was killed by a wild bull elephant named Oyewan while on a morning walk with his wife at Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand. This is the third fatality linked to the same elephant. The incident has raised concerns about human-elephant conflict in Thailand, where the wild elephant population has risen significantly in recent years. Authorities are planning to meet to decide on the course of action for Oyewan, with possible relocation or behavior modification. The incident is part of a larger trend of deadly elephant attacks in Thailand and other parts of the world.

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 the COVID-19 pandemic and rising input costs. Cohn also discussed the White House's consumer-focused plans, including a proposed cap on credit card rates, and expressed skepticism about their viability. 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 housing affordability on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on February 1, 2026. The mayors agreed that housing costs are a major burden for their constituents and that addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal governments. They discussed various strategies, including making government land available for development, streamlining permitting processes, and seeking federal funding and partnership.

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, recent events in Minneapolis involving law enforcement and immigration, and the policies of the Trump administration regarding ICE operations. McCaul expresses support for the new leadership at ICE under Tom Homan, criticizes the previous actions under Greg Bovino, and discusses the need for reforms in DHS policies, particularly concerning the treatment of children and the use of warrantless arrests. The conversation touches on the complexities of immigration enforcement, the role of the courts, and the political dynamics surrounding these issues.

The U.K. government is proposing new legislation to give military personnel the power to shoot down unidentified drones near British bases, citing a doubling of reported drone incidents around defense installations last year. The British Ministry of Defense reported 266 incidents in 2025, up from 126 in 2024. The new law aims to address the increasing threat posed by drones, which have become a vital tool in Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. European NATO nations have reported unidentified drones flying close to military bases and civilian infrastructure, forcing airport closures on several occasions. The U.K. has also taken an active role in helping other NATO nations respond to the incidents, including sending anti-drone equipment to Belgium. The British government has quadrupled its spending on counter-drone technology since taking office, allocating over £200 million this year.

Peter Attia, a newly named CBS News contributor, made plans to meet with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein while his infant son was in the hospital fighting for his life. Attia's own book and newly released emails reveal that he prioritized his meeting with Epstein over his family's crisis, leading to widespread criticism. Attia has since apologized for his actions and interactions with Epstein, claiming they were not related to Epstein's criminal activities.

Former CNN host Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles for his involvement in an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church. Lemon claims that the Trump DOJ wanted to 'embarrass' him and that his attorney had reached out to discuss turning himself in before the arrest. Lemon was charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and violation of the FACE Act. He maintains that he was acting as a journalist, not a protester, and that the arrest was an attempt to intimidate him. Lemon appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's show to share his account of the arrest and reaffirm his commitment to journalism.

Gavin Newsom's ex-girlfriend Sofia Milos has responded to claims made in his upcoming memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry', where he alleges that he ended their relationship in 2006 due to pressure from oil magnate Gordon Getty. Milos took the high road, stating she has fond memories of their time together and wished Newsom and his family well. The memoir also discusses Newsom's other past relationships, including his failed marriage to Kimberly Guilfoyle and an affair with Rippey-Tourk. However, Newsom omitted his relationship with 19-year-old model Brittanie Mountz, claiming they 'only went on a few dates'.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expects Bad Bunny to use his Super Bowl 2026 halftime show performance to unite the crowd rather than take a political turn. Despite Bad Bunny's recent criticism of ICE during his Grammy speech, Goodell believes the artist understands the platform and will use it to bring people together. The choice of Bad Bunny as the halftime show performer has been controversial, with some conservatives expressing anger and others, including some NFL players, supporting the decision.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are likely to part ways soon, with the split expected to happen in June. James has been with the Lakers since 2018 and has had a successful stint, leading the team to the 2020 NBA Championship. However, his relationship with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss has reportedly soured due to James' 'outsized ego' and his perceived status as the franchise's 'savior.' The Lakers are expected to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after James' departure. James is currently in the final year of his contract and has downplayed the significance of reports about his relationship with the Lakers.

The article criticizes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his handling of the city's response to a major snowstorm, citing the accumulation of trash, power outages, and 16 deaths on the streets, including 13 from hypothermia. The author argues that Mamdani's priorities are misplaced, focusing on socialist ideology rather than ensuring the basic functioning of the city. The article highlights the mayor's failure to clear snow and garbage, leading to damaged Con Edison equipment and outages, and notes that his neighbors were upset that his residence was kept clean while their streets were not. The author concludes that Mamdani has 1,428 days to improve his performance, but warns that New Yorkers are impatient and demand better governance.

The article compares the current situation in Minnesota to the events leading up to the American Civil War, specifically the Battle of Fort Sumter. It argues that Minnesota's defiance of federal immigration law and its protection of illegal aliens is similar to the secessionist movement of the Confederate states in 1861. The author suggests that the state's actions are driven by a desire to create a dependent constituency and to undermine the Trump administration. The article notes that there are divisions within the North, with some people believing that Minnesota should be allowed to follow its own path, while others argue that the federal government has a duty to enforce its laws and protect its property. The author warns that the situation in Minnesota is escalating and that the Trump administration will soon have to decide how to respond.

Chuck Negron, co-founder of the rock band Three Dog Night, has died at 83 after battling health issues including heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Negron was a key figure in the band's success, which included 11 top 10 hits on the Billboard 100 chart. He struggled with drug abuse and health problems throughout his life, eventually limiting his ability to perform live. Despite these challenges, Negron continued to release solo music and speak publicly about his experiences.

A major bridge construction site in China's eastern Jiangsu province experienced a catastrophic collapse, resulting in the deaths of five workers. The Yuegang Bridge in Yancheng City's Xiangshui County collapsed on Monday at 5:46 pm when the main span suddenly gave way. Two people were pulled from the wreckage and later died in hospital, while three others were missing. A multi-agency emergency operation was launched, and on Tuesday morning, the bodies of the three missing people were recovered. The collapsed bridge was part of the Lianyungang-Shanghai Line, a provincial initiative aimed at creating a high-capacity north-south water transport corridor.

The Australian government's potential decision to regain control of Darwin Port, leased to China's Landbridge Group for 99 years in 2015, is a complex issue due to legal constraints, stronger Beijing-Canberra relations, and fears of Chinese retaliation. Analysts compare it to Panama's recent move to nullify a contract with a Hong Kong-based company operating ports on the Panama Canal, but note that Australia's situation is more complicated due to its different judicial system and the Albanese administration's limited options. The issue is symbolic and politically charged in Australia, with bipartisan election pledges highlighting it as a security concern, while Beijing views forced reclamation as hostile interference in legitimate commercial rights.

China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation (Comac) is showcasing its C919 narrowbody jet and C909 regional jet at the Singapore Airshow to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. The C919 is expected to perform a fly-by demonstration, potentially being the only single-aisle jet to do so, as Airbus and Boeing focus on widebody aircraft and ground displays. Comac is also debuting a medical variant of the C909, dubbed the 'flying eye hospital', equipped with ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment equipment.

Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data reported a 21% increase in data leaks in 2025, with 246 data breach notices received, primarily due to hacking. However, doxxing cases have dropped significantly since the legislation criminalising the act was passed in 2021. The commissioner emphasized the need for organizations to prioritize safeguarding personal data.

The Sultan of Pahang in Malaysia has made a statement regarding royal pardons amid controversy surrounding former Prime Minister Najib Razak's claim that he will serve his reduced prison sentence under house arrest due to a supplementary royal decree. The Sultan emphasized that the royal prerogative of mercy is a constitutional process and not a political gift, aiming to calm the public's emotional response to such decisions. Najib's case has polarized Malaysian opinion, testing the rule of law, elite privilege, and public trust in institutions. The Sultan clarified that clemency is not exclusive to individuals or political parties and is a check and balance in the justice system.

Leading brain development and gene regulation researcher Gao Zhonghua has left the US after more than two decades to join the newly established Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT) in China. Gao was previously a tenured associate professor at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine, where he led a multimillion-dollar NIH-funded project studying cell identity and its relation to brain development and diseases like autism and cancer. His influential 2012 study on gene-silencing proteins has been cited over 1,000 times. SUAT, officially approved in 2024, is a research-focused institution aimed at training talent for cutting-edge industries such as biomedicine and artificial intelligence.

Shanghai is launching a pilot program to buy second-hand homes for use as public rental housing to support the property market. The program will start in three downtown districts: Pudong, Jing'an, and Xuhui. The initiative aims to meet rental demand from young residents, including college students and new urban arrivals. The move is backed by China Construction Bank and is intended to encourage housing affordability, stimulate market liquidity, and shorten wait times for public rental housing. Analysts believe that such city-level tactics can help stabilize the property market in the absence of broader stimulus measures.

The article highlights seven key stories from South China Morning Post's (SCMP) recent coverage of Asia. The stories include Singapore's ban on 'undesirable' visitors, a Malaysian minister's controversial claim linking work stress to being gay, and Japan's welcome of a decline in Chinese tourists due to overcrowding concerns. Other stories touch on US-Iran tensions and the impact of government interventions on LGBTQ communities. The selected stories shed light on topical issues in the region and have resonated with SCMP readers.

Europe is at risk of a rare-earths crunch due to its reliance on Chinese rare earths, which are crucial for various industries, including electric cars, wind turbines, and fighter jets. The European Union's rule-bound approach is being challenged by America's more muscular one in the global ores race. As America hosts a critical-minerals summit on February 4th, Europe must play to its strengths as a large market with stable rules to mitigate this risk.

The article discusses how to identify when a financial bubble is about to burst. It suggests that instead of relying on valuations, one should look out for indicators such as search-engine hits and fund managers getting fired. The article references several well-known investors, including Ray Dalio, Peter Lynch, Howard Marks, George Soros, and Warren Buffett, who have previously identified and responded to bubbles in the market. The author argues that certain behaviors, such as widespread enthusiasm for stocks and funds among the general public, can be indicative of a bubble approaching its bursting point.

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The article reports on the growing war fatigue among Russians living near the front line in the Belgorod region, close to the Ukrainian border. The village of Kozinka, less than a kilometer from the border, was evacuated last year, with fewer than ten residents remaining. The evacuees were promised compensation for their houses but are still waiting. The article highlights the human impact of the ongoing conflict and the disillusionment among Russians who are not necessarily anti-Ukrainian.

The article discusses the ongoing situation in Kyiv, Ukraine, where residents are struggling with a lack of central heating and electricity due to the ongoing conflict. The electricians in the Troyeshina district are working to repair the damaged infrastructure, but the situation is dire, with at least two electricians dying on the job. Meanwhile, peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are taking place in Abu Dhabi, offering a glimmer of hope for a compromise. The article highlights the humanitarian crisis in Kyiv and the resilience of its residents.

The Paris Metro is being extended with a new station, Villejuif—Gustave Roussy, designed by architect Dominique Perrault. The station features a shimmering lattice of escalators beneath a circular glass skylight, creating an 'inverted skyscraper' effect that invites passengers to descend underground without feeling disconnected from the city. The station has won the Prix Versailles for the world's 'most beautiful' station. The article highlights the architectural innovation and beauty of the new station, reflecting the city's commitment to creating a pleasant and modern transportation system.

A 65-year-old tourist from Thailand was trampled and killed by a wild bull elephant named Oyewan at Khao Yai National Park. The incident occurred while the tourist was on a morning walk with his wife. Park rangers intervened, scaring the elephant away and allowing the wife to escape. Oyewan has been responsible for three human fatalities, and authorities are set to decide on how to handle the elephant. The elephant population in Thailand has been growing, with numbers increasing from 334 in 2015 to nearly 800 last year, leading to conflicts between humans and elephants.

A traditionalist Catholic group, the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), has threatened to consecrate bishops without Vatican approval, potentially leading to a schism. The SSPX, known for celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass, has been at odds with the Vatican over reforms introduced in the Second Vatican Council. Despite previous attempts at reconciliation, including Pope Benedict XVI remitting excommunications in 2009, the group's superior general, Father Davide Pagliarani, announced plans to proceed with consecrations on July 1 after the Vatican failed to address their request for new bishops.

Costa Rica has elected conservative populist Laura Fernández as its next president with 48.3% of the vote, according to preliminary results. Fernández, 39, is the chosen successor of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves and promises to continue his populist agenda, which includes tougher action on crime. The election was dominated by concerns over rising crime, including a 50% increase in homicides over the last six years. Fernández has pledged a hard-line security strategy, including cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and measures inspired by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, such as building a special prison for gang leaders. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Fernández, expressing confidence that Costa Rica will continue to advance shared priorities, including combating narco-trafficking and promoting cybersecurity.

Violent clashes broke out in Turin, Italy, as anarchist and leftist groups attacked police after authorities evicted squatters from a building. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the unrest, vowing a firm response. Over 100 security personnel were injured as protesters hurled bottles, stones, and incendiary devices. Experts say the violence was not unprecedented and is linked to a broader coalition of leftist and anarchist groups across Europe.

The US is increasing its military presence in Somalia to combat the growing threat of ISIS and al-Qaeda terrorists. Lt. Gen. John Brennan, the second-highest-ranking officer at US Africa Command, stated that the terrorists pose a significant threat to the US homeland and Europe. The US has carried out 124 airstrikes in Somalia in 2025, 12 times the number of missions flown under the Biden administration in 2024. The focus of Islamist terror has shifted from the Middle East to Africa, specifically Somalia, where the global ISIS leader, Abdulqadir Mumin, is hiding. The US is hunting Mumin and has warned that it will find and kill him.

A 22-year-old Australian woman died after becoming trapped in a ski lift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in central Japan. Her backpack got caught in the lift mechanism, causing her to be suspended in midair, and she subsequently suffered a heart attack. The incident occurred on Friday at around 09:00 local time, and an investigation has been launched into the accident. The resort's chief executive apologized and promised to strengthen safety measures.

The Dalai Lama has won a Grammy award in the audiobook category for his meditation recording, 'Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama'. China has criticized the award, calling it 'anti-China political manipulation'. The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile from Tibet since 1959, accepted the award with 'gratitude and humility', seeing it as a recognition of 'universal responsibility'. The award has sparked tension between China and the Dalai Lama, who Beijing views as a separatist. The Dalai Lama's plans to name a successor have also caused friction, with China insisting that any succession must follow Chinese laws and be approved by the government in Beijing.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is acquiring his artificial intelligence start-up, xAI, in a deal valued at $125 billion. The acquisition will combine AI, rockets, space-based internet, and media under one roof, forming an 'innovation engine'. SpaceX confirmed the deal on its website, posting a memo from Musk about the merger. The acquisition is seen as a step towards preparing SpaceX for a potential public listing, with analyst Emily Zheng stating that consolidating companies ahead of an IPO allows for a 'differentiated, capital-efficient growth narrative'. xAI's main product is Grok, a chatbot that has faced scrutiny over its AI image generation feature. Musk envisions xAI functioning as an 'orchestra conductor' for Tesla factories employing autonomous robots, and believes that space-based AI is the key to scaling AI capabilities.

A 13-year-old boy swam 4km through rough waters to save his family, who were stranded off the coast of Western Australia while paddleboarding and kayaking. The family was swept out to sea by strong winds, and the boy paddled back to shore to raise the alarm but had to abandon his kayak due to it taking on water. He swam the remaining distance, initially with a life jacket and then without it, to reach the shore and alert authorities. A rescue operation was launched, and the boy's mother and siblings were eventually located clinging to a paddleboard 14km offshore and rescued by a volunteer marine rescue vessel. The incident highlighted the rapid change in ocean conditions and the importance of wearing life jackets.

CNN used three key terms to search through over 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents on the Justice Department's website. The search was conducted by CNN senior reporter Marshall Cohen, who shared the terms used. The article discusses the search process and provides context about the Epstein documents.

The article analyzes the impact of US President Donald Trump's foreign policy on the relationships between the US and its allies, particularly in Europe, and how China is benefiting from the resulting tensions. As Trump shakes up longstanding alliances with his unpredictable and often divisive policies, Western leaders are increasingly turning to China as a reliable partner. Recent visits by European leaders to China, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, demonstrate a shift towards strengthening ties with Beijing. Chinese analysts see this as a sign that the era of economic separation from China is waning, and Western leaders are acknowledging that the US-backed post-1945 order is being eclipsed. While there are still concerns about China's human rights record, trade practices, and security issues, European leaders are prioritizing economic cooperation and stability. China's growing influence is seen as a challenge to the US-led international order, and Beijing is framing its warming relations with Western countries as a natural result of its growing economic power and global appeal.

The article reports on 17-year-old Tallulah Proulx, a ski racer who has become the first woman from the Philippines to qualify for the Winter Olympics. She will be competing in the Giant Slalom and Slalom events in Milan's games. The article highlights Proulx's achievement and her representation of the Philippines in the Winter Olympics.

The article discusses Texas State Senator-Elect Taylor Rehmet, a Democrat who won a seat in a district that President Trump won by 17 points in 2024. CNN's Erin Burnett spoke with Rehmet about the implications of this upset for Democrats in the midterms. The article also includes links to other CNN videos on various topics, including Trump's threat to sue Trevor Noah over an Epstein joke, Trump's tariff changes, and protests against ICE presence at the Winter Olympics.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologized for a joke about British football fans, stating that his comments were meant to be light-hearted and aimed at highlighting the peaceful nature of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Infantino also defended his decision to award a peace prize to US President Donald Trump, citing Trump's efforts to resolve conflicts and bring people together. The FIFA boss also expressed his opposition to banning countries from playing football, including Russia and Israel, and advocated for engagement and diplomacy instead. Infantino discussed his efforts to promote women's football in repressive regimes and his work with FIFA to help Afghan women escape the Taliban.

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy with Al Nassr, his Saudi Arabian football club, and has gone on strike due to his dissatisfaction with the club's management, particularly in the transfer market. Ronaldo, who earns £500,000 a day, was absent from Al Nassr's match against Al Riyadh on Monday. The 40-year-old feels that other PIF-owned clubs are getting preferential treatment, and Al Nassr has not brought in sufficient reinforcements during the transfer window. Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News' chief correspondent, stated that Ronaldo's absence was due to his unhappiness with the club's management.

A Russian ship captain, Vladimir Motin, has been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence after his container vessel, the Solong, collided with a US oil tanker, the Stena Immaculate, in the North Sea last March, resulting in the death of a Filipino crew member, Mark Angelo Pernia. The prosecution argued that Motin was solely responsible for the collision, having disabled the Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System and failed to take evasive action despite having over 30 minutes' warning. Motin claimed that he had pressed the wrong button and experienced rudder failure, but the prosecution dismissed these claims as baseless. The incident occurred near the Humber Estuary, with both vessels carrying flammable goods and resulting in a significant blaze. Pernia's death was deemed 'entirely avoidable' and a result of Motin's 'truly, exceptionally bad negligence'. Motin has been remanded into custody and is to be sentenced on Thursday.

China is set to attend India's upcoming AI Impact Summit, signaling improving relations between the two countries after a few turbulent years. A vice minister from China's Ministry of Science and Technology will lead a delegation to the summit, scheduled for February 16-20. The visit comes as China and India work to mend their ties following a border skirmish in 2020 and subsequent bans on Chinese mobile apps. The summit will also feature several U.S. business leaders, including Bill Gates and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.

Gold and silver prices rebounded on Tuesday after a historic sell-off, with analysts suggesting that the recent corrections were more a positioning reset than a sustained downturn. Strategists at Deutsche Bank said that while signs of elevated speculative activity have been building for months, they are insufficient on their own to explain the magnitude of last week's move. The bank believes that investor intentions in precious metals have not likely changed for the worse. Barclays and eToro's market analyst Zavier Wong also shared similar views, citing geopolitical and policy uncertainties, reserve-diversification themes, and genuine industrial demand for silver.

Nintendo maintained its forecast for Switch 2 sales of 19 million units in the fiscal year ending March 2026, despite concerns about rising memory prices and the strength of its games pipeline. The company's revenue rose 86% year-on-year in its fiscal third quarter, while profit rose 24%. The Switch 2 has sold 17.37 million units so far, with 7 million units sold in the December quarter alone. Nintendo's popular games, such as 'Mario Kart World' and 'Donkey Kong Bananza', have contributed to the console's success. Investors are watching the company's ability to maintain momentum and release new games, including 'Mario Tennis Fever' and 'Pokémon Pokopia', to support the Switch 2.

A California appeals court has overturned the sex abuse conviction of former UCLA gynecologist Dr. James Heaps, citing a denial of a fair trial due to the judge's failure to share a note from the jury foreman regarding a juror's limited English proficiency. The court ordered a retrial, which prosecutors plan to pursue as soon as possible. Heaps was previously convicted of sexually abusing female patients and sentenced to 11 years in prison. The case has been highly publicized due to the large number of allegations against Heaps and the significant payouts made by UCLA in related lawsuits.

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, allowing approximately 350,000 Haitians to continue living in the US. The judge ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision was likely motivated by 'hostility to nonwhite immigrants' and that she failed to consider the ongoing armed conflict in Haiti. The decision was seen as a setback for the Trump administration's immigration agenda. Haitian community leaders and faith leaders in Springfield, Ohio, had rallied in support of the Haitian migrants, who face uncertainty and fear due to the potential loss of their protected status.

The city of Rome has introduced a new fee structure for tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain, charging 2 euros per person to help manage crowds and raise money for maintenance. The fee is part of a broader effort to manage tourist flows and improve the experience for visitors. The move is expected to net the city 6.5 million euros extra per year. Tourists have generally been supportive of the fee, citing the improved access and experience. The fee is exempt for Rome residents, who will also benefit from expanded free access to city-run museums.

The article discusses the ongoing purges in China's military leadership under Xi Jinping, with nearly all top generals and admirals being expelled or disappearing. The purges, which have been ongoing for three years, have created a leadership vacuum and raised concerns about the readiness of the People's Liberation Army. Xi Jinping has been consolidating his power and removing officials deemed disloyal or corrupt. The article highlights the extent of the purges, with only one general remaining on the Central Military Commission, and notes that the dismissals have reached deep into various branches of the armed forces.

A Manhattan federal judge is set to hold a hearing on shutting down a government website containing millions of Jeffrey Epstein case files after victims' names were improperly disclosed. Lawyers for the victims argue that the failure to redact the information has turned the lives of nearly 100 survivors 'upside down.' The Justice Department acknowledges the error, blames 'technical or human error,' and has taken steps to remove and re-redact the documents. The victims' lawyers are requesting an independent monitor to oversee the process and are describing the situation as 'an unfolding emergency.'

US Attorney Jeannine Pirro has threatened jail time for lawful gun owners who travel to Washington D.C. with firearms, sparking controversy and pushback from Republican lawmakers and gun rights groups. Pirro's comments on Fox News were seen as a departure from the Trump administration's typical stance on gun ownership, and were criticized by lawmakers such as Representative Greg Steube and Representative Thomas Massie. Democrats, on the other hand, seized on Pirro's comments as evidence that the Trump administration is not supportive of gun rights.

China is rapidly expanding its coal-fired power plants despite record investments in renewable energy, raising concerns about the country's ability to meet its climate targets. A new study reveals that new coal projects reached 161GW in 2025, with 291GW in the pipeline, potentially leading to underused plants and stranded assets. Experts warn that without a clear plan to cap coal use or phase out ageing plants, China's climate goals may be undermined.

The article explores the complex dynamics between the ethnic Chinese minority and the Malay majority in Kelantan, Malaysia, a state governed by the Islamist party PAS. While the Chinese community has historically been integrated into Kelantanese society, recent policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment and economic challenges. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of inter-faith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the cultural heritage and identity of the Chinese community in Kelantan, who have maintained their traditions while adapting to the local culture.