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California Democrats are divided over a proposed ballot initiative that would introduce a 5% wealth tax on billionaires. The tax has rattled the state's ultra-rich, with some, including tech moguls Peter Thiel, Larry Page, and Sergey Brin, relocating their businesses to low-tax states like Florida and Nevada. Opponents argue that the tax is punitive and vicious, and are lavishing millions on a new political outfit to potentially oppose the measure or fund competing initiatives.

The article discusses the growing influence of Spanish language in the United States, with Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican singer, becoming the first musician to win an album-of-the-year Grammy for one entirely in Spanish and the first Latin star singing primarily in Spanish to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. The article suggests that this may mark a peak for the language's influence in American culture.

The article discusses how democratic governments are increasingly using tactics typically associated with autocratic regimes to suppress journalism and muzzle independent media. It highlights the case of a Serbian railway station canopy collapse in November 2024, which was likely caused by corruption and was followed by huge protests and reporting by independent journalists. The article suggests that as scrutiny of government withers, corruption thrives, and that democratic governments are adopting autocratic tools to stifle journalistic scrutiny.

The article discusses how to avoid common pitfalls when implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, drawing on insights from The Economist's 'Boss Class' series. It uses the example of a Pizza Hut restaurant in Plano, Texas, which serves as a laboratory for testing new ideas, including AI integration. The article aims to provide guidance on navigating the challenges associated with AI adoption in professional settings.

The article discusses the growing controversy surrounding the use of transgender medicine for minors in the United States. Thousands of American minors have undergone gender-transition surgeries, including mastectomies and genital surgeries. While advocates argue that these procedures can relieve distress and prevent suicide, critics claim that the evidence is shoddy and predict a surge in medical-malpractice lawsuits. The article highlights a recent case where a detransitioner was awarded $2m and suggests that more lawsuits may follow as guidelines change.

The article 'Stop panicking about AI. Start preparing' published in The Economist on January 29th, 2026, discusses the growing anxiety surrounding the social consequences of generative AI. While leaders like Kristalina Georgieva, Sir Demis Hassabis, and Jamie Dimon express concerns about job displacement and societal upheaval, the article advocates for a measured approach, urging society to adapt and prepare for the changes brought about by AI rather than panicking.

The article 'Thank God for Melania Trump' published in The Economist compares Melania Trump to Eva Perón, highlighting the potential harm that Donald Trump could cause if he had a partner like Evita who enabled his authoritarian tendencies and populist politics. The article reflects on Eva Perón's role in supporting her husband Juan Perón's regime in Argentina, her connection with the common people, and how her legacy is remembered. It implies that Melania Trump's relatively low-key presence is a mitigating factor against Donald Trump's more extreme tendencies.

The article discusses the potential risks associated with the US dollar's decline under President Donald Trump's administration. Despite Trump's unconventional policies, including tariffs and pressure on the Federal Reserve, asset markets have remained relatively stable. The S&P 500 index has risen by 14% in the past year, driven by investments in artificial intelligence. The article suggests that holders of American assets will need to adapt to a potentially treacherous economic environment.

The article discusses the upcoming general election in Bangladesh, marking the return of democracy after a revolution brought down the despotic Sheikh Hasina Wajed and her Awami League government 18 months ago. The election is considered a seminal moment as it is the first competitive vote since 2008. Despite concerns about potential violence, the campaign has been relatively peaceful so far. The article highlights that whoever wins the election has a lot to do to fully build the 'new Bangladesh'.

The article discusses the ongoing issues with voting rights in America, particularly the practice of gerrymandering by state legislatures, which allows politicians to influence the outcome of elections. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed to end racial discrimination in elections, but its enforcement is often left to the courts. The article highlights the conflicting interests of politicians, who want to maximize their chances of re-election, and the need for fair representation. The issue is complex, with multiple stakeholders involved, including politicians, courts, and voters.

The co-owner of a Colorado funeral home, Jon Hallford, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for abusing nearly 200 corpses. Hallford and his ex-wife, Carie Hallford, ran the Return to Nature funeral home in Penrose, Colorado, where they improperly stored bodies, gave fake ashes to grieving relatives, and were driven by greed. Family members of the victims described their trauma and called Hallford a 'monster.' The case led to calls for tougher legislation, which has since been passed in Colorado.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened, allowing some Palestinians to return to Gaza. However, the process has been marred by delays and security checks by Palestinian militia linked to Israel. Two Gazan women who passed through the crossing described being searched and questioned by the Abu Shabab militia, an anti-Hamas group supported by Israel. The women alleged mistreatment, including being beaten and strip-searched. The European Union has expressed concerns over the treatment of returnees and is considering escorting new arrivals to the Israeli checkpoint. The reopening of the crossing is part of a new phase of the US-backed plan to resolve the Gaza conflict, which hinges on the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a new administration.

The Royal Australian Mint has released two commemorative coins featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to mark the centenary of her birth. However, the coins have been criticized for their lack of resemblance to the late monarch, with some people comparing the portrait to TV characters like Mrs. Doubtfire. Despite the criticism, some people have defended the design, and collectors reported that the coins were fully subscribed. The coins feature various designs symbolizing Queen Elizabeth II's life and legacy, including motifs of a horse and corgi, and references to art and theatre.

Two Chinese nationals, aged 27 and 29, were arrested in the French town of Camblanes-et-Meynac for suspected espionage. They had rented a house and installed a large parabolic antenna, prompting locals to report their suspicions. The men were found to have computer equipment and were charged with delivering information to a foreign power. Experts believe the region is a target for Chinese espionage due to its proximity to defence and aerospace sites. The incident is part of a larger pattern of suspected Chinese spying in south-western France.

The European Union has told TikTok to change its 'addictive design' or face heavy fines for breaching online safety rules. The EU's investigation found that TikTok did not adequately assess the impact of features like autoplay on users' wellbeing, particularly children. The platform has been invited to respond to the findings and could be fined up to 6% of its global annual turnover if it doesn't comply. TikTok has denied the allegations, calling them 'categorically false and entirely meritless.' The EU has suggested changes, including implementing screen time breaks and disabling 'infinite scroll.' Experts say this marks a significant shift in how regulators view social media platforms, focusing on 'toxic design' rather than just toxic content.

The article discusses the views of Iranians inside and outside the country on the possibility of US intervention in Iran following the recent protests. The protests, which began in early January, were sparked by economic hardship and a collapsing currency, but quickly escalated into calls for an end to the Islamic Republic. The US has voiced support for the protesters, but Iranians are divided on whether US intervention would be helpful or harmful. Some believe that the US could help bring about regime change, while others worry that intervention could hurt their loved ones still living under the regime. The article highlights the complexity of the issue and the different perspectives on the potential consequences of US action.

A 52-year-old Zambian fisherman, Dean Nyirenda, was killed by a crocodile while fleeing a herd of elephants in eastern Zambia. The incident occurred when Nyirenda and his friends were returning from a fishing trip and encountered the elephants near the Luangwa River. Nyirenda dove into a nearby stream to escape, where he was attacked by a crocodile. Despite managing to escape the crocodile and receiving help from his friends, Nyirenda died from severe bleeding caused by the crocodile's bite. This incident highlights the frequent human-wildlife conflicts in Zambia, particularly in areas with high concentrations of wildlife such as the Luangwa River, which is known for having one of the highest concentrations of Nile crocodiles in Africa. In 2023, 26 wildlife-related deaths were recorded, with 15 attributed to crocodile attacks, mostly along the Luangwa River. Zambian authorities have been considering measures to mitigate these conflicts, including the construction of protective fences near wildlife areas.

A factory error in China resulted in a batch of horse plush toys being produced with their mouths sewn on incorrectly, creating a 'crying horse' effect. The toys went viral on Chinese social media platforms, resonating with users who related to the toy's sad expression as a symbol of discontent with the relentless work culture. The 'crying horse' became a mascot for the Lunar New Year, with the hashtag being used over 200 million times on Douyin and garnering over 100 million views on Weibo. The toy is available for purchase, with many buying both the 'crying horse' and the original smiling version. The unexpected demand has led to increased production, with the store owner adding over 10 production lines and producing around 20,000 units a day.

American skier Lindsey Vonn participated in an official Olympic training event for Women's downhill skiing on Friday, just a week after rupturing her left ACL in a World Cup race. Despite the injury, Vonn completed the run without apparent issues and is scheduled to compete in her first Olympic event, the women's downhill, on Sunday. Her teammates expressed confidence in her ability to compete, citing her toughness and experience.

Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate obtained last-minute approval to perform his Minions-themed short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics after resolving copyright issues with Universal Pictures and Pharrell Williams. Sabate had been performing the program all season but faced uncertainty when Universal Studios requested more details on the music and costume. With the help of ClickClear and the Royal Spanish Ice Sports Federation, Sabate secured the necessary licenses, allowing him to skate to his fan-favorite program. The issue highlights the growing problem of copyright concerns in figure skating, where modern music is increasingly used in competitions. Sabate, not considered a medal contender, is expected to receive support from fans for his Minions program.

A suspect linked to the 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star Andres Escobar has been killed in Mexico. Santiago Gallon Henao, a drug trafficker, was investigated in the death of Escobar, who was gunned down in Medellin after scoring an own goal in a match against the United States at the 1994 World Cup. Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that Gallon was responsible for Escobar's killing and was killed Thursday in Mexico. The murder of Escobar shocked the soccer world and Colombia, which was plagued by violence at the time. Gallon and his brother were accused of confronting Escobar at a nightclub, and their driver, Humberto Munoz Castro, admitted to shooting Escobar.

Seven Toronto police officers and one retired officer have been arrested and charged in an organized crime investigation involving bribery, conspiracy to commit murder, and drug trafficking. The officers allegedly collected personal and private information unlawfully and distributed it to organized crime figures, who then carried out violent crimes. The investigation began in June when police uncovered a murder plot involving a corrections management employee who was being targeted by mobsters. The accused officers include Timothy Barnhardt, Derek McCormick, Elias Mouawad, John Madeley Jr., John Madeley Sr., Robert Black, Saurabjit Bedi, and Carl Grellette. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the incident was a 'painful and unsettling moment' and that the officers suspected of wrongdoing have been suspended.

The Ukrainian armed forces have developed a first-person drone training program called 'Ukrainian Fight Drone Simulator' (UFDS), which has been adapted into a video game available for purchase online. The game aims to train young Ukrainians to fly drones and potentially join the military, while also providing a realistic experience of modern warfare. The game's developers have taken steps to ensure that sensitive information is not shared with potential adversaries, such as Russia. The game has sparked ethical concerns about the potential glorification of warfare, but its creators argue that it is not unique in this regard. The game's release is seen as a notable example of how military technology can be adapted for civilian use.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will feature athletes from Russia and Belarus competing under the acronym AIN, or 'Individual Neutral Athletes,' due to ongoing doping scandals and Russia's war in Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended Russia's Olympic Committee (ROC) in October 2023 after it included Ukrainian regional sports organizations under its authority. Russian athletes previously competed under ROC after being sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2019. The AIN designation allows athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports to compete neutrally, with their own flag and anthem. Other countries, such as North Korea and Kuwait, have also faced IOC suspensions in the past.

The Chinese government has tightened its crackdown on cryptocurrencies by banning the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) onshore and expanding regulations on virtual currency trading. The new rules, issued by eight government agencies led by the People's Bank of China, prohibit domestic entities and offshore entities under their control from issuing virtual currencies overseas without approval. The regulations also target offshore activities, requiring Chinese entities conducting RWA tokenization or quasi-asset securitization overseas to obtain approvals from relevant authorities. The move is part of Beijing's ongoing efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency market and prevent financial risks.

The article features an exclusive interview with Hashim Djojohadikusumo, brother of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, discussing the current state of Indonesia's capital markets and the government's response to recent turmoil. Hashim shares his insights into the administration's successes and setbacks, and addresses the tense relations between the government and the media. The conversation also touches on the government's reaction to MSCI's warning about market manipulation, which led to a significant market downturn and subsequent reforms.

Hong Kong authorities are implementing stricter measures at popular nature spots ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday to prevent overcrowding and environmental damage. The government expects 1.43 million mainland Chinese tourists to visit the city during the nine-day holiday, a 6% increase in average daily arrivals compared to last year. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui stated that the government is taking a proactive approach to managing visitor flows at nature sites, including introducing crowd control measures if necessary.

Nepal's tourism sector has welcomed the arrest of executives accused of orchestrating fake rescue operations on the country's Himalayan trekking trails and swindling millions of dollars from insurers. The arrests follow a nearly three-month investigation by Nepal Police's Central Investigation Bureau into a long-running insurance fraud scheme. Many tourism entrepreneurs in Nepal have supported the arrests, stating that the scam poses a reputational risk to the country's adventure tourism industry. The Central Investigation Bureau arrested six Nepali nationals in late January, accusing them of creating forged documents to file fraudulent insurance claims. The suspects served as directors and senior managers at three local travel and rescue companies.

Taiwan is revamping its military training to create a more effective reserve force by integrating one-year conscripts into frontline combined-arms operations with live-fire drills. However, experts warn that inexperienced recruits may become a burden on the battlefield, and the military faces challenges such as inadequate training facilities and eroding public will to defend the island. The new policy involves organizing conscripts into full battalion-level units and attaching them to combined-arms brigades for high-intensity exercises that simulate realistic battlefield conditions.

The article discusses how Western brands, particularly Starbucks, are adapting to China's changing consumer landscape. Starbucks is selling a majority stake in its China business to Boyu Capital, a Chinese private equity firm, amid rising competition and evolving consumer tastes. The deal is expected to be approved soon, leaving Boyu Capital with a 60% share of Starbucks' over 8,000 stores on the mainland. Chinese consumers have become wealthier and more discerning, making it harder for brands to win their loyalty. Starbucks is trying to stay competitive by pushing into China's live streaming shopping market and offering discounts. However, some consumers have stopped going to Starbucks due to high prices, opting for more affordable local chains like Luckin and Mixue instead.

A Nigerian court has ordered the UK to pay £420m to the families of 21 striking miners killed by security forces during British colonial rule in 1949. The incident, which occurred at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu state, is seen as one of the events that led to Nigeria's agitation for independence. The judge ruled that the UK should formally apologise and that a £20m payment to each family would be an 'effective remedy and compensation for the violations of the right to life'. The UK was not represented in court and has declined to comment.

Amnesty International has revealed that North Koreans, including schoolchildren, are being executed for watching South Korean media, such as the popular show 'Squid Game', and listening to K-pop. The organization conducted 25 in-depth interviews with escapees who described a climate of fear and harsh punishments for consuming foreign media. Wealthier North Koreans can pay corrupt officials to avoid prosecution, while the less well-off face the harshest punishments. The testimonies also described public executions as part of 'ideological education', where people, including schoolchildren, were forced to attend. The North Korean government has enforced laws that criminalize access to information, effectively placing the population in an 'ideological cage'.

Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has apologized for her ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, stating that she should have realized sooner what kind of person he was. The apology comes after the release of new files revealing her extensive email contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for child sex crimes. Mette-Marit also admitted to using one of Epstein's properties in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2013. The princess had previously regretted her contact with Epstein in 2019. The apology is seen as an attempt to mitigate damage to the Norwegian royal family, which is already under scrutiny due to the trial of Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Hoiby, for rape and domestic violence offenses.

Storm Leonardo has caused widespread flooding in Spain and Portugal, forcing over 11,000 people to evacuate their homes. At least two deaths have been reported, one in Portugal's Alentejo region and another in Malaga, Spain. The storm has brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, with more rain expected on Saturday. The situation is dire, with many areas near rivers evacuated due to rising water levels. The regional leader of Andalusia, Juan Manuel Moreno, warned that the soil is unable to drain and rivers are full, making even moderate rainfall a significant threat. The Portuguese government has extended a state of calamity in 69 municipalities until mid-February.

Conservation efforts have successfully saved the greater Bermuda snail from extinction. After being rediscovered in 2014, a decade-long international collaboration between conservation scientists, the government of Bermuda, and Chester zoo bred and released over 100,000 snails. The species is now thriving in six areas, and its recovery has been hailed as a success on the IUCN's 'reverse the red day'. The snails play a vital role in their ecosystem, functioning as both prey and consumers of vegetation. The Chester zoo team is now focusing on breeding another rare species of snail, the lesser Bermuda land snail.

China has overturned the death sentence of Canadian citizen Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was detained on drug charges in 2014. The decision is seen as a sign of a diplomatic thaw between China and Canada, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to boost trade ties with Beijing. Schellenberg's lawyer confirmed that China's highest court announced the decision, and he will be retried by the Liaoning high people's court. The case was widely criticized, with Amnesty International calling the initial death sentence 'a flagrant violation of international law'. The move comes as Canada seeks to reduce its trade reliance on the US due to Trump's tariffs.

Cyclone Mitchell is intensifying and expected to become a category-three system before hitting the Pilbara coast in northern Western Australia on Sunday. Authorities have warned of destructive wind gusts, flash flooding, and abnormally high tides, with residents in affected areas advised to prepare for shelter and potential evacuations. The cyclone is predicted to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region, with several ports closed and an evacuation centre opened in Karratha.

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to increase imports of beef from Argentina by 80,000 metric tons, despite opposition from US cattle ranchers who fear it will negatively impact their businesses. Economists say the move will likely have little effect on US beef prices, which have reached record highs due to strong demand and low cattle supplies. The decision is part of a broader trade agreement between the US and Argentina, which will give preferential market access to US goods in Argentina. Critics, including Republican Senator Deb Fischer, argue that the move sidelines American ranchers and that the focus should be on reducing production costs and supporting the US cattle industry.

Four people have died and three others required liver transplants after eating death cap mushrooms in California, which have proliferated due to a rainy winter. The California Department of Public Health is warning people to avoid mushroom foraging as the death cap is easily confused with edible varieties. Since November 18, there have been over three dozen cases of death cap poisonings reported, with patients ranging in age from 19 months to 67 years old. Experts warn that eating even a small amount can be fatal, and that the mushroom's color is not a reliable indicator of its toxicity. The public health department has expanded its warnings to include different languages, as many of those poisoned were Spanish, Mixteco, and Mandarin Chinese speakers.

Nvidia became the first company to briefly surpass a $5 trillion valuation in October due to its dominant role in the AI boom, driven by insatiable demand for its AI chips. The company's stock has surged 12-fold since the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT AI chatbot in November 2022. Nvidia's sales and profits were up more than 60% in the October quarter, and it expects total sales to hit new records in 2026, projecting around $500 billion in revenue. However, the company faces challenges from intensifying competition, concerns of an AI bubble, and pressure to demonstrate growth. Nvidia is expanding its offerings beyond GPUs to full server racks and software, and is positioning itself at the center of emerging technologies like robots, quantum computers, and self-driving cars.

South Korea is experiencing a rare increase in birth rates after years of decline, with the fertility rate rising for the first time in nine years in 2024. While the government has implemented various initiatives to encourage people to have children, including subsidies and support programs, experts caution that the trend may not last due to deep-seated structural and societal issues such as rising costs of living, grueling work culture, and ingrained gender norms. The country's fertility rate remains the lowest among advanced economies, and concerns about the population crisis persist.

The article discusses how Ukrainians are coping with the ongoing war with Russia, particularly in the city of Kharkiv. Despite the dire circumstances, some residents are still seeking beauty treatments like Botox and lip fillers as a way to maintain a sense of normalcy and confidence. The article follows the story of a couple, Irina and Vlad, who own a beauty parlor in the Saltivka district of Kharkiv, and highlights the challenges they and their family face, including the threat of Russian drones and airstrikes, as well as the trauma experienced by their children. The article suggests that even in the midst of war, people are finding ways to cope and maintain a sense of dignity and beauty.

The owners of Olive Dell Ranch, a California nudist resort, have cut off power to residents who refused to wear clothes in public areas, sparking a feud between the two parties. The owners enacted a 'textile' policy months ago, forcing residents to clothe themselves, but the residents sued, alleging civil rights violations. The power outage has left many residents, including seniors and disabled individuals, without essential services like hot water and medical equipment. The health department recently visited the property and deemed it a danger, prompting the owners to potentially restore power within 30 days. The residents are suing the owners for breach of contract, negligence, and civil rights violations, among other claims.

The Straits Times' property market sector news includes several key updates: Frasers Property has reported $1.4 billion in pre-sold residential revenue, largely due to sales in China. Over 100 agents are leaving KW Singapore following the PropertyLimBrothers controversy. CDL and Woh Hup have won the Tanjong Rhu site tender with a $709.25 million bid. Despite a slow market, Little India remains a popular area for shophouse buyers. Hongkong Land has launched an $8.2 billion private real estate fund in Singapore. Additionally, there have been developments in the PropertyLimBrothers saga, with Melvin Lim and Grayce Tan stepping down from leadership roles at a second firm. China has reportedly dropped the 'three red lines' policy that contributed to its property crisis, leading to a surge in developer shares.

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 interfaith 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.

CNBC's Jim Cramer outlines key events for the upcoming week on Wall Street, including the Labor Department's nonfarm payroll report and earnings reports from major companies like McDonald's, Robinhood, DuPont, CVS Health, and Cisco Systems. Cramer believes a soft jobs report could lead to further rate cuts by the Fed, boosting the stock market. He also shares his views on the upcoming earnings reports, highlighting the potential for positive news from companies like CVS Health and DuPont, while expressing concern about Robinhood's correlation with cryptocurrency markets.

Former US President Donald Trump has warned that the US could use military force to secure the Diego Garcia air base in the Chagos Islands if any future deal threatens access to the joint US-UK installation. Trump made the comments on Truth Social, signaling a willingness to move past tensions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after 'very productive discussions' over the Indian Ocean base. The base is strategically important for US national security, hosting around 2,500 US military personnel and used for long-range bombers, logistics, and intelligence collection. The UK has agreed to lease Diego Garcia back from Mauritius for at least 99 years, with Britain paying roughly £35 billion over the next century. The deal has drawn criticism from Britain's Conservative Party, arguing it weakens the UK's strategic position and risks undermining long-standing security ties with the US.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering lifting sanctions on Russia in international sports, despite its ongoing invasion of Ukraine and previous doping scandals. The IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, emphasized the organization's focus on sport as a neutral ground. Some sports governing bodies, like judo and taekwondo, have already lifted bans on Russian athletes. However, Ukrainian officials and some sports leaders remain opposed to Russia's return to international competitions. The process of lifting sanctions would be complex, requiring the IOC and individual sports federations to vote on allowing Russian athletes to compete under their own flag.