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The Chinese government is considering intervening in Meta's acquisition of Manus, an AI developer with Chinese roots, amid concerns that the deal may breach technology export controls and encourage more Chinese AI start-ups to relocate abroad. The deal, worth $2.5 billion, has raised eyebrows in Beijing, where officials see a potential precedent for other Chinese AI companies to follow by moving their operations offshore. Manus, known for developing the world's first general AI agent, relocated from China to Singapore last summer, laying off some China-based staff and shutting down its Chinese social media accounts. Chinese authorities are reviewing the transaction, and the chances of intervention are considered high.

Beijing has added two Taiwanese cabinet ministers, Liu Shyh-fang and Cheng Ying-yao, to its sanctions list for promoting Taiwan independence and undermining cross-strait relations. The sanctions ban the individuals and their families from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and prohibit companies associated with them from engaging in profit-making activities in mainland China. The move is seen as a response to the Taiwanese government's independence-leaning stance.

Chinese researchers have developed a revolutionary form of hybrid rice that can replicate itself through seeds that are clones, preserving high-yield traits generation after generation. This breakthrough could transform global agriculture by eliminating the need for farmers to buy expensive new hybrid seeds every season. The new hybrid variant has the potential to double the world's rice production, addressing acute food insecurity faced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The team, led by Wang Kejian at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences' China National Rice Research Institute, achieved this through apomixis, a process where seeds develop without fertilization.

China and South Korea have signed US$44 million in trade deals and dozens of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) after a high-level summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The agreements mark a significant improvement in bilateral ties, which had been strained since Seoul's 2017 deployment of the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile system. The event, which drew around 300 participants, including business leaders and investors from both countries, featured one-on-one export consultations, investment briefings, and showcases of Korean consumer goods. The move is seen as a turning point in long-term efforts to mend bilateral ties and strengthen regional relationships amid a protracted diplomatic dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.

China has developed a new high-power microwave system called the Hurricane 3000, designed to counter drones and drone swarms. The system, showcased during a military parade in September, has an effective interception range of over 3km against light and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms. According to its developer, Norinco, the Hurricane 3000 has a longer range than its US military equivalent and can operate on its own or network with laser weapons and traditional artillery to form an 'iron triangle' against drones. The system represents a significant advancement in China's air defence capabilities, shifting from point defence to broader area denial.

Chinese researchers have developed a powerful aerospace simulation tool called PADJ-X, which has potentially exposed vulnerabilities in the design of the US' most advanced stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider. The software uses an algorithmic approach to test for vulnerabilities in classified aircraft and found that the B-21 might fall short in aerodynamics and stability. The research team used PADJ-X to analyze the B-21's configuration and suggested improvements that could increase the aircraft's lift-to-drag ratio by 15%.

Shanghai has announced a US$10 billion investment in hi-tech industries, including chips, artificial intelligence, and aviation, as part of China's efforts to boost local innovation and self-sufficiency in core technologies amid an intensifying US-China tech race. The investment is part of a larger trend of Chinese cities unveiling ambitious plans to drive innovation and reduce reliance on foreign technology. Shanghai's Pudong district has unveiled 50 big-ticket projects worth over 70 billion yuan, with goals to develop industries such as microchips, AI, and aircraft manufacturing. The city's party chief has pledged support for local AI start-ups, and the city is expected to play a key role in China's plans to confront the US in the tech race.

Hong Kong councillors are considering a public housing site in Tai Po as a viable option to resettle residents displaced by a deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court. The site, originally earmarked for a public housing project, is about 1.5km from the fire-ravaged area and has already been levelled and has basic infrastructure. Lo Hiu-fung, chairman of the Tai Po district council's working group on building management, suggested the site as a potential solution to help victims resettle as soon as possible. The government is considering the proposal as rebuilding a community there would be faster than elsewhere.

Hong Kong has brought its largest-ever delegation to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, but US visa denials and the last-minute cancellation of the city's technology chief's attendance have cast a shadow over its efforts to become a global technology hub. Some employees of exhibiting Hong Kong firms were denied visas, particularly those with experience working at Chinese tech companies blacklisted by the US government. Despite this, Hong Kong's presence at CES was larger than in previous years, with 61 companies participating. The city's technology chief, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong, had planned to attend but cancelled at the last minute.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, after Israel recognized Somaliland's sovereignty last month. The visit was met with controversy as Somalia condemned it as 'unacceptable interference.' Saar held talks with Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, discussing advancing their relations. Israel's recognition of Somaliland has sparked international condemnation, with the UN Security Council holding an emergency meeting. The US defended Israel's decision, while China, Turkey, and the African Union criticized it. Somaliland hopes Israel's move will prompt other countries to recognize its independence.

Lego has unveiled its new Smart Bricks, tech-filled versions of its classic building blocks, which are designed to bring sets to life with sound, light, and reaction to movement. The new product range has received a mixed reaction from play experts, who are concerned that it may undermine the imaginative play that Lego is known for. While some experts welcome Lego's efforts to integrate physical and digital play, others believe that the new technology may detract from the creative freedom that Lego provides. The Smart Bricks contain sensors, lights, and a sound synthesiser, and can be used with Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags tiles to create interactive models. Lego plans to launch the new products in March with a new Star Wars set.

Intense snowfall and icy weather conditions have caused widespread travel disruption across Europe, resulting in six deaths and hundreds of flight cancellations. France and Bosnia were among the countries most affected, with treacherous driving conditions and heavy snowfall causing accidents and fatalities. The disruption is expected to continue into Wednesday, with many airports and train services cancelled or delayed. Amsterdam's Schiphol airport was particularly affected, with over 400 flights cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded. The Dutch airline KLM warned it had nearly run out of de-icing fluid for its aircraft, exacerbating the situation.

At least 13 people, including eight children from the same family, were killed in a drone strike on a house in el-Obeid, Sudan. The Sudan Doctors' Network blames the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attack, which occurred in an army-controlled area that the RSF has been trying to penetrate for months. The civil war between Sudan's army and RSF rebels is approaching its third year, with the UN describing it as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, having displaced over 11 million people and killed hundreds of thousands. Both sides are accused of atrocities, including widespread sexual violence.

US Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California, has died unexpectedly at the age of 65. LaMalfa was known for his work on water and agriculture issues and was a strong advocate for his constituents in northern California. His death reduces the Republican majority in the US House of Representatives to a narrow margin of 218-213. President Donald Trump paid tribute to LaMalfa, describing him as a 'great member' and a 'defender of everybody'. LaMalfa's death, combined with the recent resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene, leaves the Republicans with a fragile hold on the House. A special election will be called to fill LaMalfa's seat in California.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced the head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), Vasyl Malyuk, with Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara as acting head. Malyuk had overseen successful operations against Russia and purged the SBU of alleged Russian double agents. The reshuffle comes amid Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia, with Zelensky seeking to boost asymmetric operations against Russian forces. The decision has been met with criticism, with some arguing that Malyuk's dismissal was short-sighted. Others have praised Khmara's appointment, citing his experience and successes in heading an elite SBU division.

A 911 call was made in April reporting a domestic dispute at the home of Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique, months before they were found shot dead in December. The caller, a woman, hung up after reporting a dispute with her 'man' but assured the dispatcher she was 'OK' and 'just emotional.' The Columbus Police Department is investigating the double homicide and has released a video of a 'person of interest.' The couple's two children, aged 4 and 1, were found unharmed at the scene and have been taken into the care of family members.

Austin Peay State University has reinstated theater professor Darren Michael and will pay him $500,000 as part of a settlement agreement after firing him over a social media post related to conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination. Michael was terminated for posting 'insensitive' content on Facebook, which included sharing an article titled 'Charlie Kirk says gun deaths are unfortunately worth it to keep 2nd Amendment.' The university acknowledged regret for not following the tenure termination process and will distribute a statement to faculty, staff, and students. Michael will also receive reimbursement for 'therapeutic counseling services.'

The article criticizes Cea Weaver, appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to head the Office to Protect Tenants, for her radical-left views and past social media posts. Weaver has been accused of being a communist, hating white people, and advocating for the seizure of private property. The article argues that her views are disqualifying for a role in city government and that Mamdani's decision to stick with her despite mounting pressure is a sign that he agrees with her radical ideology. The article also accuses the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) of wanting to infiltrate every aspect of society and erode the American way of life.

A mysterious Georgia lottery player has claimed the historic $983 million Mega Millions jackpot, the largest in the state's history. The player, who remains anonymous, chose the $453.6 million cash option before taxes and plans to use their new fortune to benefit 'good causes.' The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix Super Market in Newnan, Georgia, and the player regularly buys lottery tickets because they support Pre-K in the state and the Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE scholarship. The Georgia Lottery Corp. President and CEO Gretchen Corbin congratulated the winner, highlighting the jackpot's significance for Georgia's students, families, and communities.

Former NFL player Matt Kalil is suing his ex-wife, model Haley Kalil, for invasion of privacy after she made comments about his private parts during a livestream in November. Matt claims that Haley's comments were 'invasive' and destroyed his chance to stay out of the public eye after retiring from the NFL. The lawsuit alleges that Haley's comments gave Matt 'unwanted attention and invasive commentary from the public' and that his current wife has been subjected to disturbing messages. Matt is seeking damages exceeding $75,000 and a jury trial. Haley had previously stated that she cared 'deeply' about Matt's privacy, but her comments during the livestream suggested that his private parts were a significant factor in their marital issues.

Aimee Bock, the founder of a Minnesota-based nonprofit, has been ordered to forfeit her luxury goods and millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains after being convicted of masterminding a $250 million welfare fraud scheme. Bock was found guilty in March on federal charges of wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy related to the Feeding our Future scandal. The scheme involved pilfering pandemic relief funds meant to feed hungry children, with defendants allegedly sending millions of taxpayer dollars overseas. The Justice Department has convicted 57 people and charged 78 defendants, with the ultimate price tag expected to be as high as $400 million.

The article discusses Mike Duggan, the outgoing mayor of Detroit, who is credited with fixing the city. Duggan is now looking to address partisanship. The Economist visited Detroit to interview Duggan and observed the city's progress. The article highlights Duggan's achievements and his future plans.

The article discusses how Donald Trump is opposed to Brutalist architecture, specifically highlighting the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building in Washington, DC, designed by Marcel Breuer. The building, while historically significant, is disliked by its occupants due to its poor condition and design flaws. The article suggests that Trump's stance on Brutalism aligns with the views of developers and possibly the general public.

A year after wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, the recovery process is underway, with Altadena and Pacific Palisades being rebuilt. The disaster killed 31 people and destroyed over 16,000 buildings, with many more affected by smoke exposure. Residents are struggling with insurance claims, rebuilding costs, and bureaucratic red tape. The disaster has highlighted issues with California's home insurance system and the role of investor-owned utilities in wildfire risk. Local officials are grappling with the aftermath, including the potential for incorporation and the impact of state and federal politics on recovery efforts.

The article discusses the economics of megachurches in the United States, focusing on their growth, financial management, and their decision to avoid politics. It highlights the Lakewood Church in Houston as an example, describing its massive congregation and elaborate services. The article suggests that these megachurches are successful because they focus on spiritual needs rather than political agendas, attracting a diverse crowd. It also touches upon the broader context of religious and political landscapes in America.

Cuba's communist government announced that 32 of its military personnel were killed during a US operation to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Cuban government released a statement confirming the deaths, identifying the victims by name, rank, and age. The operation was carried out at the request of Venezuela's government, according to Cuba. The US Trump administration has said that Cuban officials were part of Maduro's security detail, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Venezuela's spy agency was 'basically full of Cubans.' Cuba has declared two days of mourning for the deceased, who ranged in age from 26 to 60 and included colonels, lieutenants, majors, and captains. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the US action as 'state terrorism' and vowed that Cubans would defend their nation against any imperialist aggression.

The United States, Israel, and Syria have announced that senior officials from Israel and Syria met in Paris under U.S. auspices, marking a renewed diplomatic push. The talks focused on respect for Syria's sovereignty and stability, Israel's security, and prosperity for both countries. The discussions led to plans for closer security coordination and potential economic engagement, including a joint fusion mechanism for intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement, and commercial opportunities. The U.S. has proposed an American plan for expanded Israel-Syria economic cooperation, potentially creating a joint economic zone along the demilitarized strip.

Pope Leo XIV closed the Catholic Church's Holy Year, urging Christians to help those in need and treat foreigners with kindness. The Holy Year, which drew a record 33.5 million pilgrims to Rome from 185 countries, is a time of peace, forgiveness, and pardon. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of caring for immigrants and criticized the global economic system for turning human yearnings into a business. The next Holy Year is not expected until 2033, marking 2,000 years since Jesus' death.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, deploying around 2,000 federal agents and officers to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The operation is focused on allegations of fraud involving Somali residents and includes agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The move has been met with criticism from local officials and immigrant rights groups, who have expressed concerns about the impact on the community. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has denounced the operation as 'a war that's being waged against Minnesota.' The operation includes investigators focused on fraud allegations, as well as deportation officers conducting arrests of immigrants accused of violating immigration law.

The NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest movies, TV shows, music, books, and video games. Recent episodes have covered topics such as the new movie 'No Other Choice', the finale of 'Stranger Things', and the best video games of 2025. The podcast is hosted by arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris, and features a rotating cast of guest pop culture aficionados. The team discusses a wide range of pop culture topics, from lowbrow to highbrow, and shares their opinions and reactions.

The Trump Organization's Trump Mobile launched a mobile phone service last year and promised a new smartphone, the T1, with a gold finish and a $500 price tag. However, the phone's release date has been delayed multiple times, and it remains unclear when it will be available. Analysts have expressed skepticism about the phone's existence, citing the challenges of manufacturing a smartphone in the US. Trump Mobile continues to accept deposits for the device and sells refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models instead.

The article discusses the looming 'patent cliff' facing major pharmaceutical companies, with an estimated $173.9 billion in annual sales at risk by 2032 due to the loss of exclusivity on best-selling drugs. To mitigate this, Big Pharma is racing to acquire biotech assets, driving a surge in M&A activity in the sector. The biotech industry is experiencing a resurgence after years of depressed valuations, with companies like Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and GSK actively seeking deals. The competition is intense, with bidding wars and high-stakes acquisitions becoming more common. Key areas of focus include weight loss drugs, neurology, oncology, immunology, and inflammation.

The article discusses the current state of U.S.-China relations and the potential for a turning point in 2026. James Zimmerman, the new chair of AmCham China, is hopeful about the future despite the challenges of the past decade. Zimmerman believes that the past decade of 'experimenting with competition' has not been effective and that it's time for renewed dialogue and engagement between the two countries. He expects U.S. President Trump to visit China in April, which could lead to agreements and a memorandum of understanding. Zimmerman emphasizes the importance of people-to-people exchanges, education, and the arts in improving relations. The article also touches on the current state of U.S. businesses in China, the rise of Chinese companies, and the potential for tech co-dependence between the two countries.

Béla Fleck, an 18-time Grammy Award-winning banjo player, has withdrawn from three concerts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts due to the center's decision to add President Trump's name to its board. Fleck cited the increasingly politicized environment at the institution, stating that it conflicted with his artistic motivations. The Kennedy Center's president responded by accusing Fleck of caving to a 'woke mob.' Fleck was replaced by the orchestra's principal clarinetist, Lin Ma. Several other artists have also withdrawn from Kennedy Center events in recent weeks.

China is promoting Hainan Island as a duty-free tourist destination and a 'free trade port' to showcase its commitment to globalization, despite having a $1 trillion trade surplus and imposing protectionist trade policies. The island has scrapped tariffs on most imports, slashed corporate and individual taxes, and declared itself the world's largest 'free trade port.' However, experts are skeptical about the island's potential to become a significant trade hub, citing restrictions on the movement of goods to the rest of China and the island's history of corruption and failed economic plans.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on Bangladesh, particularly in the low-lying coastal regions, where recurring disasters have crippled livelihoods, forcing thousands of young climate migrants, like 24-year-old Md Emran Hosain, to leave their homes and families to work in countries like Singapore. The article highlights the devastating effects of cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels on the region's agriculture and fishing industries, leading to displacement and migration. Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, with a projected 30cm sea-level rise by 2050 potentially displacing millions more.

The article discusses the impact of the Trump administration's tariffs on the US toy industry, particularly on small businesses. The tariffs, which were imposed on Chinese imports, have led to increased costs for toy retailers, forcing some to close their doors. The article profiles Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids, a beloved Manhattan toy store that was forced to shut down due to the tariffs. The tariffs have disproportionately affected small businesses, which make up 96% of the toy industry, while big-box retailers like Walmart and Target have been able to absorb the costs. The article highlights the growing divide between big-box chains and independent retailers, and the potential long-term consequences for the US economy and small businesses.

A tourist boat sank in eastern Indonesia on December 26, resulting in the deaths of four members of a Spanish family, including a soccer coach and three of his children. Indonesian rescuers found the sunken boat and recovered the body of one of the missing Spanish victims on Tuesday. The search for the last missing victim, a boy, continues. The family was on holiday in Indonesia's Komodo National Park area. The incident highlights the risks associated with boat travel in Indonesia, where safety standards are often lax and overcrowding is a problem.

A severe cold snap is causing widespread travel disruptions across Europe, with heavy snowfall, flight cancellations, and road closures reported in several countries, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. The disruptions are expected to worsen in the coming days, with authorities warning of further flight cancellations, train delays, and roadblocks. At least five people have died in France due to severe accidents caused by the snow, and a woman died in Sarajevo, Bosnia, after a tree fell on her. Airlines, train operators, and transportation authorities are working to mitigate the disruptions, but many travelers are facing significant delays and cancellations.