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Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose on Wednesday despite Wall Street losses, driven by a tech-led pullback. Japan's Nikkei 225 declined 0.78% due to tech stock losses, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 and South Korea's Kospi advanced. Nintendo shares dropped over 9% despite maintaining its full-year sales forecast. Gold prices rose over 1% to $5,002 per ounce. The S&P 500 pulled back 0.84% as investors dumped technology stocks, with the Nasdaq Composite shedding 1.43%.

Asian software stocks experienced a significant decline on Wednesday, following a similar downturn in US peers, driven by fears of AI-led disruption. Japanese, Indian, and Chinese software companies were among those affected, with major firms such as TIS, Tata Consultancy Services, and Kingdee International Software seeing substantial losses. Experts attribute the decline to concerns that AI will automate workflows, reduce pricing power, and lower barriers to entry for new competitors. Some analysts suggest that the sector may need to demonstrate that AI can be a growth enabler rather than just a competitive threat to regain investor confidence.

The article discusses the market performance on Tuesday, with major U.S. indexes experiencing a downturn due to a decline in software and asset management stocks. UBS reported a 56% year-on-year increase in fourth-quarter profit, beating expectations, while Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk disappointed investors with its sales and profit growth forecast. Other news includes Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang denying rumors of a rift with OpenAI, the xAI and SpaceX merger being valued at $1.25 trillion, and Stephen Miran resigning from his White House post. The article also touches on the performance of Asian markets, the impact of artificial intelligence on software stocks, and the outlook for European oil and gas majors.

The article discusses how Chinese businesses are approaching AI differently than their US counterparts. While the US is focused on developing the most advanced AI technology, Chinese companies are more concerned with finding AI solutions that are cost-effective and can help them survive in a tough economy. Chinese AI models are being developed with a focus on affordability and are gaining popularity both domestically and internationally. The article highlights how Chinese companies are using AI to improve productivity and efficiency, and how this approach is attracting global interest.

Royal Dutch Shell is set to report its fourth-quarter and full-year results, with analysts expecting a decline in earnings due to a weaker oil price. Despite this, the company has consistently beaten expectations in recent quarters, with CEO Wael Sawan credited for sharpening the company's operational performance. Concerns remain over Shell's ability to maintain its capital returns program, but the company's cost reduction targets and potential asset sales could support continued buybacks. The article also touches on Shell's investments in Nigeria and speculation around a potential move of its main stock listing to New York.

European stocks are expected to open in flat-to-higher territory on Wednesday as investors await earnings reports from major companies like Novartis, UBS, and Novo Nordisk. UBS reported its fourth quarter results ahead of the open, beating analysts' forecasts. Novo Nordisk's share price will be watched carefully after the company warned of declining sales and profit growth due to lower prices in the U.S. and the end of exclusivity for its weight loss drugs in several countries. Asia-Pacific markets mostly fell overnight, tracking Wall Street losses, while gold extended gains for a second day.

Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran has resigned from his position as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) to focus on his role at the Fed. Miran joined the CEA in January 2025 but took a leave of absence in September 2025 to fill the unexpired term of former Fed Governor Adriana Kugler. During his time at the Fed, Miran advocated for aggressive interest rate cuts, voting against the Fed's decisions to cut rates by smaller amounts or hold them steady. Miran's term at the Fed expired on January 31, and he had previously stated that if his time at the Fed extended beyond that date, he would resign from the CEA. The White House has not yet nominated a successor, with President Donald Trump considering former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for the role.

Nintendo's shares plummeted 10% after the company missed quarterly revenue estimates despite an 86% surge in revenue from the previous year. The gaming giant faces headwinds due to a memory shortage affecting its console production, with DRAM prices expected to rise 90-95% in the first quarter. Analysts are concerned about the impact on Nintendo's margins and the performance of its latest console, Switch 2. The company's ability to replicate the success of its previous console will depend on upcoming game releases.

Novo Nordisk's stock plummeted 18% after the company pre-released its 2026 forecast, citing significantly lower U.S. pricing on its best-selling weight loss drug Wegovy. CEO Mike Doustdar told CNBC that the company expects further decline before recovery, due to headwinds from competition and pricing challenges. Despite a successful launch of the Wegovy pill in the U.S., the company's guidance for 2026 sales and operating profit was worse than expected, leading to a significant stock drop.

The stock market experienced a downturn on Tuesday as investors rotated out of tech names and into cyclical stocks. The S&P 500 lost 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.4%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed nearly 167 points. Chipotle shares fell 6% after reporting falling traffic for the fourth straight quarter, while Advanced Micro Devices dropped 8% after its first-quarter forecast underwhelmed analysts. In contrast, Match Group shares jumped 7% after beating earnings expectations. A busy earnings week is underway with Alphabet and Amazon set to report results. Analysts attribute the market decline to stretched valuations and a rotation out of riskier growth names.

UBS reported a net profit of $1.2 billion in the fourth quarter, exceeding analysts' estimates of $919 million. The Swiss bank's group revenues were $12.1 billion, in line with forecasts. UBS announced plans for a $3 billion buyback in 2026 and reported a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 14.4%. CEO Sergio Ermotti stated that the bank's group invested assets now exceed $7 trillion for the first time. Analyst Johann Scholtz praised the bank's execution on the Credit Suisse integration but noted that Switzerland's capital requirements rules remain a concern.

The article discusses Moltbook, a social network exclusively for AI agents, where they engage in discussions on various topics, from engineering to philosophy. The platform allows AI bots to post, comment, and upvote content, raising questions about the implications and potential threats of such a network.

The article discusses the state of American democracy through the lens of local politics and a recent experience of the author, John Prideaux, at a town hall meeting in rural Michigan. Prideaux reflects on his decade-long focus on Donald Trump and his recent shift to reporting on American democracy at the local level for a podcast series. At the town hall meeting, residents were protesting a planned Stargate data centre, demonstrating informed and passionate engagement in local decision-making. The author contrasts this with the national political scene, criticizing the actions of government agents and referencing recent killings of American citizens. The article concludes that local democracy is vibrant and a positive force for American renewal.

IBM has achieved another significant turnaround in its 115-year history by becoming a leader in AI. The company has a history of reinvention, having previously shifted its focus to IT services in the 1990s and sold its PC division to Lenovo in the early 2000s. The article discusses IBM's transformation and its current success in the AI sector.

A new research study has found that demolishing social housing and replacing it with mixed-income developments has had a positive impact on the lives of poor children. The study focused on a neighborhood in West Philadelphia, where a notorious row house was the site of a mass murder in 2000. The area has since been redeveloped, with smart terraced houses and a suburban vibe replacing the previous dilapidated housing. Community organizer Cassandra Green recalls the area's past 'turf wars and gang wars', but notes the positive change.

The article discusses how Republican states in the United States are implementing laws that restrict what professors can teach in universities, thereby censoring academic freedom. A specific example is given of Texas A&M University, where administrators told a professor to remove Plato's 'Symposium' from his syllabus because it touched on banned topics such as gender and race ideology. The article highlights the tension between academic freedom and state censorship, referencing historical context with Plato's views on censorship.

The article discusses how SpaceX is emerging as NASA's biggest rival in lunar exploration, with its successful Starship test flights showcasing its capabilities. The return of the booster stage of SpaceX's fifth Starship test flight on October 13th is highlighted as a significant achievement, demonstrating the company's precision and technological advancements. The article suggests that SpaceX's successes are also highlighting NASA's failings and that the space agency is facing increased competition in its lunar ambitions.

The article from The Economist's archive discusses the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. On April 14th, 1865, John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate supporter and actor, shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC. The assassination occurred just days after Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender, marking the effective end of the Civil War. The Economist's original report, published on April 29th, 1865, expressed shock and lamentation at Lincoln's death, highlighting his crucial role in guiding the nation through its greatest crisis. The article notes that Lincoln's leadership was essential in healing the wounds of the Civil War and that his death threatened to undermine the progress made towards unity and the abolition of slavery. The Economist was skeptical about Lincoln's successor, Andrew Johnson, and questioned whether the country could ratify the constitutional amendment prohibiting slavery without Lincoln's leadership.

The article discusses The Economist's coverage of the American Civil War in 1861, including their predictions and analysis of the conflict. The magazine blamed the South for the war, citing their desire to extend slavery, and predicted that the North would ultimately prevail due to its superior industrial and manpower resources. However, they also foresaw a grim outcome, with the North and South potentially governing themselves separately and coexisting in a state of mutual suspicion. The article also highlights The Economist's hopes for the future of the North, believing that the war would unify the region and lead to a stronger central government. Ultimately, the war ended with the states reunited under one government, but the country remained divided.

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 after his death in 2021. The government intervened to restructure the group, indicating a growing trend of government involvement in resolving succession issues in family businesses. The article suggests that this trend will continue and may lead to messy outcomes.

The article discusses the growing trend of 'right to die' laws in the United States, with a personal anecdote about Patricia Ann Courtney, who died of ALS. The story highlights the emotional toll of watching a loved one suffer and the increasing acceptance of assisted dying. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Courtney's daughter, shares her experience and supports the right to die movement. The article suggests that several states, home to a third of Americans, may soon legalize assisted dying.

The article discusses China's increasing use of 'authoritarian AI' surveillance, including robotic police and AI-powered monitoring systems. CNN's Will Ripley breaks down the advancements in China's surveillance technology, while Beijing accuses the US of deploying AI-powered surveillance technology in the name of national security. The article also touches on other news stories, including Israel's reaction to the Palestinian Authority's logo change, a rare jellyfish discovery, a raid on Musk's X offices in Paris, Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities, and other global news.

The article discusses how Draco Malfoy, a villain from the Harry Potter series, has become an unlikely mascot for the Lunar New Year in China. The character's name, 'Malfoy', when transliterated into Mandarin as 'Ma Er Fu', sounds similar to a phrase that means 'horses bringing good luck', making it a fitting symbol for the Year of the Horse. As a result, people in China are using images of Malfoy in their New Year's decorations, and some are even selling Malfoy-themed posters online. The Harry Potter franchise has been popular in China, with millions of books sold and significant box office success. The article highlights how this unexpected crossover has been well-received, with many embracing the character's association with good fortune.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has moved out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor and is now residing in Norfolk, England. The move comes after his brother, King Charles III, stripped him of his royal titles and evicted him from the royal estate due to his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to live in a house on the King's private estate in Sandringham and will receive an income from Charles. The decision to evict Andrew was made after a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre alleged that Andrew had sexually assaulted her as a teenager, sparking public outrage.

The article discusses how abandoned US weapons in Afghanistan are fueling an insurgency that may impede Pakistan's growth and compromise the Trump administration's plans to access valuable rare earths in Pakistan. CNN's Ivan Watson investigates this issue. The article also briefly mentions other unrelated news stories, including a logo change in Gaza that upset Israel, a rare jellyfish discovery off Argentina's coast, a raid on Musk's X offices in Paris, Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities, a jewelry store robbery in London, and Trump's decision to slash tariffs on India.

China is attempting to challenge the US dollar's dominance in global finance by promoting the renminbi as a viable alternative. Geopolitical uncertainty driven by President Donald Trump's economic policy has led to a decline in the dollar's value, creating an opportunity for China. President Xi Jinping has outlined plans to turn the renminbi into a global reserve currency, and China has taken measures to make the renminbi more attractive to foreign investors. However, experts believe that a global financial system relying primarily on the renminbi is still a long way from reality due to tight controls on moving money in and out of the country.

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC's 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie, has gone missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The serene community of Catalina Foothills, where Nancy lived alone, has been shocked by the disappearance. Nancy's family, including Savannah, are deeply concerned and are working with local authorities to find her. Savannah has put her upcoming trip to cover the 2026 Winter Olympics on hold to be with her family. The community is rallying around the family, with neighbors checking their ring cameras and scouring the desert terrain for any sign of Nancy.

The article reports on African men being duped into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. They were promised civilian jobs but were instead forced into military service with little training and faced harsh conditions on the front lines. The men were recruited through agents who made false promises of high salaries and benefits. Many have died or been injured, and some have reported being subjected to racism and abuse. The article highlights the stories of several individuals, including Francis Ndung'u Ndarua, a Kenyan man who was forced into fighting and appeared in a disturbing video with a land mine strapped to his chest.

The Malaysian government reported that Chinese nationals are the largest group of foreign property buyers under the country's 'My Second Home' (MM2H) golden visa scheme. Between 2023 and 2025, 744 MM2H participants purchased homes in Malaysia, with 304 of those buyers coming from mainland China. The MM2H program has also attracted interest from other countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Bangladesh. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing stated that buyers from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong made up nearly 60% of total MM2H-linked property acquisitions.

The article discusses the possible integration of China's GJ-21 stealth attack drone with the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, Sichuan, as it undergoes sea trials. Photos on social media show the Sichuan leaving its home port in Shanghai with a covered aircraft on its deck, speculated to be the GJ-21 drone. The Type 076 is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, enabling faster and more frequent launches of aircraft. The development is significant as the Type 076 is expected to play a key role in the Taiwan Strait.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied claims that his government agreed to hand over 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia, calling the allegations 'a lie'. The controversy arose after Indonesian officials stated that parts of three villages in Nunukan regency, North Kalimantan, had been designated Malaysian territory and that Jakarta would receive land 'in compensation' to develop new border posts and a free-trade zone. Anwar explained that the border demarcation on the island of Borneo was determined by historical agreements and technical work, not through any 'compensation, reciprocity or profit-and-loss' logic.

China is taking on a leadership role as the chair and host of Apec 2026, positioning itself as a defender of multilateralism and promoting people-centred policies, infrastructure funding, and predictability. Analysts see this as an opportunity for China to elevate its economic governance initiatives to a global level. The two-day Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting in Shanghai provided a preview of Beijing's thinking on safeguarding the global economy amid existing challenges.

Lockheed Martin expects to have around 300 of its fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets operating in the Asia-Pacific region by 2035. The prediction was made by Steve Sheehy, aeronautics vice-president of international business development, at the Singapore Airshow. The F-35 deliveries are seen as a way to muscle up American allies in the region against the backdrop of China's rapid expansion of its own fifth-generation fighter force. Japan is projected to become the second-largest operator of the F-35 after the US, while Australia and South Korea are also significant operators.

A recent government survey suggests that Tibet's exploitable renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydropower, could theoretically meet all of China's energy needs. Researchers from the China Society for Hydropower Engineering and the Power Construction Corporation of China found that Tibet's technically exploitable hydropower capacity could reach 178 gigawatts, wind power over 100GW, and solar power up to 10,000GW. However, the region's fragile ecosystem and extreme conditions require careful expansion of green power projects. China faces challenges in transmitting and storing the renewable energy generated in its western regions to meet the demand in urban areas. Despite significant progress in green energy transition, China still needs to achieve its dual carbon goals by 2030 and 2060.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on track for a landslide victory in the upcoming general election, thanks in part to her unexpected popularity among voters under 30. Polls suggest her ruling coalition could capture up to 300 seats in the 465-seat lower house. Takaichi's personal popularity has sparked a youth-led craze, with her handbag, pink pen, and favorite snacks becoming highly sought after. Her overall popularity stands at around 60%, with over 90% support among voters under 30.

A bus carrying approximately 60 pilgrims overturned in Alagoas, northeastern Brazil, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people, including three children. The passengers were returning from a pilgrimage to Juazeiro do Norte in Ceará state. The cause of the accident is under investigation, with authorities suggesting the driver may have lost control on a curved stretch of highway. The incident has prompted three days of mourning in Alagoas state.

A 60-year-old female art teacher at a secondary school in Sanary-sur-Mer, south-eastern France, was critically injured after being stabbed by a 14-year-old pupil on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but the prosecutor stated that there had been tensions between the teacher and the pupil recently. The incident has shocked the educational community, and France's Education Minister has expressed his concern and support for the victim and her family. This attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving students in French schools in recent years.

Rights groups and activists are raising concerns about the detention of two Chinese investigative journalists, Liu Hu and Wu Yingjiao, who were taken by police after exposing corruption by a senior official in Sichuan province. The journalists had published an investigation into the alleged corruption, which led to their detention on suspicion of 'making false accusations' and 'illegal business operations'. Liu, a prominent investigative reporter, has a history of being targeted by authorities, having been previously arrested in 2013 on suspicion of defamation. The detention has sparked calls from rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders, for the international community to pressure China to release the journalists.

An investigation has been launched in Italy after a restored fresco in a Rome church was found to bear a resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The artist, Bruno Valentinetti, denied modeling the angel after Meloni, stating that he simply restored the original work. The Diocese of Rome expressed disappointment and promised to investigate, while opposition parties criticized the restoration, calling it 'unacceptable' and a potential tool for propaganda.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been reportedly shot dead. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, with conflicting reports from his lawyer and sister. His lawyer stated that a 'four-man commando' unit carried out an assassination at his home in Zintan, while his sister claimed he died near the Libya-Algeria border. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was a key figure in Libya after his father's rule and was accused of playing a role in the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011. He was jailed for almost six years by a rival militia in Zintan and was wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. In 2015, he was sentenced to death in absentia, but was released under an amnesty law two years later. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi had announced his intention to run for presidency in 2021, but the elections were postponed indefinitely.

A global report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 37% of cancers, approximately seven million cases annually, can be prevented through avoiding infections, lifestyle choices, and environmental pollutants. The report analyzed 30 preventable factors and nine cancer-causing infections across 185 countries. The main contributors to preventable cancers were smoking, infections, and alcohol use. However, the report highlights a nuanced picture of cancer risk globally, with varying causes and preventability rates across different regions and sexes. The study's findings emphasize the need for tailored measures to tackle preventable cancers and suggest that addressing these causes can significantly reduce the global cancer burden.

Three junior hockey players, including 17-year-old American Caden Fine from Birmingham, Alabama, died in a vehicle crash on February 2, 2026, while traveling to practice with their teammates on the Southern Alberta Mustangs in Canada. The crash occurred when a semi-truck pulling gravel collided with a small passenger vehicle at an intersection. The driver of the semi-truck sustained minor injuries, while the three occupants of the passenger vehicle were declared deceased at the scene. The incident has sparked condolences from the hockey community, the Birmingham Jr. Bulls Hockey team, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. A GoFundMe page set up for Fine's family had garnered over $10,000 in donations.

The aunt and cousin of Mexico's Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, were brutally murdered in their home in Colima, Mexico. Authorities killed three suspects in a gunfight after tracking their vehicle to a home in Colima. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown. Delgado expressed deep shock, outrage, and sorrow over the event on social media, sharing fond memories of his aunt. The incident occurred in Colima, one of Mexico's most violent states, which has recorded the highest homicide rate in the country in 2023 and 2024. The event has drawn attention to the ongoing violence in Mexico and the efforts of the government to crack down on cartels.

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 been growing. Authorities are planning to meet to decide on the elephant's fate, possibly relocating or changing its behavior. The incident is part of a larger trend of deadly elephant attacks in Thailand and other parts of the world.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened on a limited basis as part of the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire agreement. Initially, 50 Palestinians will be allowed to cross in each direction daily, with no goods permitted to enter. The crossing is crucial for Palestinians seeking medical care or hoping to return home. Israel and Egypt will vet travelers, with European Union border patrol agents and a small Palestinian presence supervising. The reopening is a key step in implementing the ceasefire, which aims to halt the war between Israel and Hamas that began in October 2023.

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 skepticism about their viability. Additionally, he praised Kevin Warsh, the president's nominee for Federal Reserve chairman, for his experience and qualifications.

The U.K. government is proposing new legislation to give military personnel the power to shoot down unidentified drones near British bases due to 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 move is seen as a response to the increasing threat posed by drones, particularly in the context of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and alleged 'hybrid warfare' against NATO nations. The U.K. has also been helping other NATO countries respond to similar incidents, including sending anti-drone equipment to Belgium.

Australian activist Drew Pavlou launched a crowdfunding campaign to fly to the US and move into Billie Eilish's LA mansion after Eilish's 'no one is illegal on stolen land' rant at the Grammy Awards. Pavlou called out Eilish's alleged virtue signaling in her anti-ICE remarks, and after his initial GoFundMe campaign was deleted, he started a new fundraiser on GiveSendGo. However, the Malibu mansion he targeted was actually destroyed in a fire and had been sold in 2022. Pavlou then stated he would use the funds to visit Eilish's Glendale property instead. The Tongva tribe, whose ancestral land Eilish's LA property sits on, commented on Eilish's remarks, valuing the visibility given to the true history of the country but hoping for more explicit references to the tribe in the future.

A complaint filed against Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, alleges she withheld access to classified information for political reasons. The complaint, filed in May, was deemed not credible by the inspector general's office. Gabbard's office denied the allegations, citing an extensive legal review due to the complaint's classified details. The complaint was recently hand-delivered to the 'Gang of Eight' lawmakers, who are concerned about Gabbard's actions, including her presence at an FBI search warrant execution in Georgia. Senators, including Mark Warner, question Gabbard's role in domestic law enforcement and her commitment to protecting whistleblowers.

A San Diego elementary school teacher, Bailey Hill Ringer, has been under investigation by the San Diego Unified School District after posting a video on social media showing her flipping an American flag upside down and displaying an 'Abolish ICE' sign in her classroom. The 22-second video sparked outrage online, with many demanding she be fired and criticizing her actions as 'unacceptable' and 'disgraceful.' The district is reviewing the incident according to its policies and procedures, prioritizing student safety and learning.

A Georgia teenager, Kaomarion Kendrick, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering a 14-year-old boy, Emmanuel Dorsey, outside a high school football game in September 2023. The killing occurred during a brawl between rival groups, and Kendrick, who was 17 at the time, was found guilty of felony murder and RICO counts. Kendrick was arrested after an eight-day manhunt and was found with a modified Glock. The victim's mother, Charlotte Williams, expressed a mix of relief and sympathy for Kendrick, stating that while the sentencing was fair, she felt sorry for the young killer who had ruined his own life.

Team USA has announced that speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca will serve as flag bearers for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Jackson, who became the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics in 2022, expressed her pride in representing the United States. Del Duca, a sergeant in the US Army, was surprised by the honor and is excited to participate in his second Olympics. The announcement comes ahead of the opening ceremony, which is set to take place on Friday.

Zac Gallen, a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher and 2023 All-Star, expressed his enthusiasm for re-signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks, stating it would be 'awesome' to return to the team. Despite a disappointing 2025 season, Gallen developed a strong connection with the Phoenix community, having called it his 'home base' after his wife moved there. The Diamondbacks have shown interest in retaining him, and other teams like the Cubs, Padres, and Angels have also expressed interest. Gallen's market has been affected by his decision to decline the Diamondbacks' $22.025 million qualifying offer.

Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, appeared at a sold-out event in New York City after being arrested in Minnesota for covering a protest at a church. Lemon defended his actions as an exercise of free speech and criticized the Trump administration for pursuing his arrest. He invoked a freedom song from the civil rights movement to condemn the administration's actions, stating that they were trying to suppress the truth. Lemon's arrest was related to a January 18 protest that interrupted services at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was accused of helping to organize the protest and threatening churchgoers. Lemon faces up to a year in prison if convicted. The event in New York was part of a series titled 'DL + DL Anything Goes' alongside comedian D.L. Hughley. Attendees at the event expressed support for Lemon, with one attendee stating that his arrest was disturbing and made her question the safety of reporting the news. Lemon has been critical of the Trump administration and has vowed not to be intimidated by the arrest.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, are set to begin with a grand opening ceremony, but security concerns are high due to the presence of dignitaries and a large audience. Authorities are taking extensive measures to ensure safety, including deploying 6,000 police and security personnel, surveillance drones, and robots. The event is also vulnerable to cyberattacks, with Russia being a major concern due to its history of hacking and disinformation campaigns. Meanwhile, a controversy has erupted over the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Games, sparking protests and diplomatic tensions.

The article discusses the culture of cram schools (hagwons) in South Korea, where students attend extracurricular classes to prepare for the highly competitive college admissions exam. Many parents feel pressured to enroll their children in these schools, starting from a young age, to ensure their academic success and future happiness. However, this has led to concerns about childhood stress, mental health, and the impact on young children's well-being. The article explores the experiences of several parents and the challenges of navigating this system, as well as efforts to reform it.

President Trump reiterated his call for the Republican Party to 'nationalize' voting in the United States, despite the White House attempting to walk back his comments. Trump claimed that the federal government should 'get involved' in elections that are 'riddled with corruption.' The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, attempted to clarify Trump's comments, stating that he was referring to the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. However, Trump never mentioned the SAVE Act in his comments. The article highlights the ongoing debate around voting laws and the potential for the Trump administration to sow distrust in American elections ahead of the midterm balloting.

Iran's state-imposed internet blackout, which began on January 8, 2026, amid widespread protests, is estimated to have cost the country $1.56 million per hour, according to an internet privacy analyst. The blackout, although partially lifted, continues to disrupt life for over 90 million people, with the population largely unable to freely access the internet due to heavy state filtering. The economic losses are significant, with an estimated $37.4 million lost per day and over $780 million lost during the full internet blackout. The restrictions have led to a 579% surge in VPN demand, indicating a scramble for digital survival among Iranians.

US lawmakers are questioning whether the current administration is moving quickly enough to capitalize on Hezbollah's weakened state following the November 2024 Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. The House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee hearing highlighted the 'historic' but 'narrowing' opportunity to weaken Hezbollah and restore Lebanese state sovereignty. Witnesses testified that while Hezbollah has been militarily weakened, the group's political and economic influence remains a significant obstacle to disarmament.

Two Swedish men, aged 18 and 21, have been convicted of terrorism and attempted murder for detonating hand grenades near the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen on October 2, 2024. The attack occurred during Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, which started after Hamas' massacre on October 7, 2023. The men admitted to throwing the grenades but claimed they were motivated by money, not ideology. The court was split, with two judges and four jurors concluding they were guilty of terrorism, while one judge and two jurors disagreed. The 18-year-old was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and the 21-year-old received a 14-year sentence.

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight from Heathrow to Bengaluru was grounded after a pilot reported a 'possible defect' with a fuel control switch, echoing concerns related to the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad last June that killed 260 people. The incident has raised urgent questions about the safety of the aircraft's fuel control switches, with experts noting that the issue mirrors a known risk previously identified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Air India has grounded the aircraft and is working with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to address the pilot's concerns.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has apologized for a joke about British football fans, stating it was meant to be light-hearted and highlighting the peaceful nature of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Infantino also defended his decision to award a peace prize to Donald Trump, citing Trump's efforts to bring people together and resolve conflicts. The FIFA president expressed his opposition to banning countries from playing football, including Russia and Israel, and advocated for engagement over sanctions in promoting women's football in repressive regimes like Iran and North Korea.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a £500,000-a-day star, was absent from Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh on Monday, sparking reports that he is unhappy with the way his Saudi Arabian club is being run. Ronaldo reportedly feels that other PIF-owned clubs are getting preferential treatment, especially in the transfer market. The 40-year-old forward is said to have gone on strike due to his dissatisfaction with the club's management, particularly with regards to not bringing in reinforcements during the transfer window. Al Nassr won the match 1-0 without Ronaldo, thanks to a goal from Sadio Mane.

Thousands of Venezuelans marched in Caracas to demand the release of former leader Nicolas Maduro, who was ousted in a US-led military operation. The march, called by the government, was attended by Maduro's supporters, who chanted slogans and waved Venezuelan flags. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has walked a tightrope between supporting Maduro and appeasing Washington. The US has re-established diplomatic relations with Venezuela and has proposed a three-phase plan for the country's transition to democracy.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Chinese minority in Kelantan, Malaysia, under the Islamist government of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). The state's policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment on non-Muslim spaces, causing concerns among the Chinese community about their future. Despite their deep historical roots and cultural integration, the Chinese in Kelantan are facing economic exodus and cultural erosion. 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 efforts of Chinese Kelantanese content creators to preserve their culture and language.

The article discusses the rise of prediction markets, platforms that allow users to bet on various events, including world events and political outcomes. The Atlantic's senior editor, Saahil Desai, explains how these markets work and why their increasing popularity and partnership with media organizations is a worrying trend. The article highlights an instance where someone predicted a hypothetical attack on Venezuela by Donald Trump and made nearly $500,000 on a prediction market platform.

A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that the world is in a 'democratic recession' with 72% of the global population living under autocratic rule, a level not seen since the 1980s. The report blames the Trump administration, along with Russia and China, for undermining the global rules-based order and threatening human rights. The HRW executive director, Philippe Bolopion, calls for an alliance of democracies to counter this trend and preserve the international order. The report highlights abuses in the US, including attacks on election integrity, judicial independence, and free speech, as well as the UK's punitive approach to immigration and authoritarian crackdown on protests.

The article discusses the impact of President Donald Trump's decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) a year ago, resulting in significant cuts to foreign aid. The move had far-reaching consequences, including the closure of food kitchens in war-ravaged Sudan and the failure to deliver lifesaving medicines to patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The article suggests that hundreds of people may have died as a result of these cuts, and that other major donor countries also scaled back their contributions.