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Pakistani security forces arrested four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, behind a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 people and wounded 169. The Islamic State in Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack, which was allegedly planned and financed in Afghanistan with backing from India. The incident drew international condemnation, and Pakistan's interior minister urged the global community to take notice of militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to travel in both directions. The crossing was closed for two days due to confusion about reopening operations. Egyptian state media reported that Palestinians began crossing around noon on Sunday. The crossing's reopening is a key step in the current ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. However, traffic is limited, with only 50 people allowed to return to Gaza and 50 medical patients allowed to leave each day. Palestinian officials say nearly 20,000 people in Gaza are seeking to leave for medical care not available in the war-shattered territory. Those who have succeeded in crossing described delays and allegations of mistreatment by Israeli forces and other groups involved in the crossing.

Vice President JD Vance attended a U.S. women's ice hockey match against Finland at the Winter Olympics, where the U.S. team won 5-0. Vance was accompanied by his family, including his wife Usha and their youngest child, Mirabel. Influencer and boxer Jake Paul also joined them, as did 2010 Olympic figure skating gold medalist Evan Lysacek and hockey's twin sisters, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando. The Vance family was seen cheering and clapping for the U.S. team throughout the game. This was Vance's second time watching the U.S. women's team at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, having also attended their opening game against Czechia on Thursday.

Italian speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida won the gold medal in the women's 3000 meters event at the Milano Cortina Olympics, setting a new Olympic record on her 35th birthday. The victory was considered an upset as it pushed the dominant Netherlands out of the podium for the first time since 2010. Lollobrigida finished with a time of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, more than two seconds ahead of the runner-up, Ragne Wiklund of Norway. Canada's Valerie Maltais took the bronze medal. This was Lollobrigida's first gold medal at the Olympics, although she had won two medals at the Beijing Olympics four years prior. The win was significant for Italy as it was their first gold medal at the Milano Cortina Games.

The article is a transcript of an interview between Margaret Brennan and David Becker on 'Face the Nation' discussing concerns about the upcoming election and President Trump's statements undermining confidence in the electoral process. Becker, the Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, expresses concerns about the President's actions, including signing an executive order dictating election policy to states and seeking sensitive voter data. Becker emphasizes that the Constitution grants states the authority to run elections and that the courts have been firm in holding the limits of executive power. The conversation also touches on the spread of disinformation about election security and the fact-checking of claims made by the President and his supporters.

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) discusses immigration and homeland security on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Gonzales expresses concerns about the standoff in the Senate over homeland security funding and Democrats' demands for reforms, including requiring judicial warrants for ICE agents to enter private property. He is open to some reforms, such as body cameras for federal law enforcement agents, but is opposed to others, like requiring judicial warrants. Gonzales also discusses the upcoming hearing with the heads of ICE, CBP, and another agency, and emphasizes the need for collaboration between local, state, and federal authorities.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, discusses the measles outbreak on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.' He warns that the outbreak will worsen before it resolves, citing declining vaccination rates among toddlers and a broader anti-vaccine movement. Gottlieb notes that the US is below herd immunity, with vaccination rates as low as 81% in some states. He attributes the anti-vaccine movement to the COVID-19 pandemic and the current administration's policies. Gottlieb emphasizes the importance of educating people about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) expressed concerns about the involvement of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in domestic election matters, citing her presence at the Fulton County, Georgia elections office and the seizure of ballots and voting records. Warner stated that Gabbard's actions were 'Nixonian' and that there was no evidence of foreign interference. He also warned about the potential for interference in the 2026 election, pointing to the president's comments about nationalizing elections and putting Republicans in charge.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the U.K. ambassador to the U.S. despite his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly published documents suggested Mandelson shared sensitive information with Epstein and received payments from him. Starmer apologized for believing Mandelson's lies about his relationship with Epstein and has promised to release documentation related to Mandelson's appointment. The controversy has led to calls for Starmer's resignation and an investigation by the Metropolitan Police into Mandelson's actions.

U.S. speedskater Greta Myers made a surprise Olympic debut in the 3,000 meters at the Milano Cortina Olympic Games, filling in for Czech skater Martina Sablikova who withdrew due to a difficult decision. Myers finished 20th with a time of 4:13.46. Despite being unprepared, Myers expressed gratitude for the opportunity and is looking forward to competing in other events.

The article discusses the booming gig economy in India, particularly in urban areas, and how it is formalizing the country's labor force. The gig economy, driven by apps such as Blinkit, BigBasket, Zepto, and Swiggy, relies on a large pool of cheap labor. The article highlights the convenience and rapid delivery times offered by these services, citing examples such as delivering party snacks, new iPhones, or single bars of soap within minutes. The gig economy is seen as a positive development, with the article noting that on New Year's Eve 2025, Swiggy's drivers collectively traveled eight times the distance from the Earth to the Moon and back.

The United States and India have reached a trade agreement, with the US agreeing to reduce tariffs on Indian goods and India agreeing to halt its purchases of Russian oil. The US 'reciprocal' tariff on Indian goods will be reduced from 25% to 18%, and an additional 25% levy imposed in August will be lifted. The agreement was announced by President Donald Trump on February 2nd.

The article discusses Hong Kong's resurgence as a financial hub, attracting large deals and listings, including a $1.3 billion secondary listing by Eastroc Beverage and a $1.4 billion listing by Muyuan, the world's top pork producer. This comes as Hong Kong adapts to Beijing's increasing influence and politics. The article highlights the city's efforts to regain its financial mojo, with a focus on its attractiveness to Chinese companies and its ability to facilitate large transactions.

The article introduces Kamiya Sohei, the 48-year-old leader of Japan's hard-right populist movement, The Do It Yourself Party (Sanseito). The party has been successful in mobilizing disaffected voters in Japan. The article provides an overview of Kamiya's campaign style and message, which emphasizes the need for change and appeals to ordinary Japanese citizens, such as rice farmers, fishermen, and office workers. It also contextualizes the rise of Sanseito within Japan's current political landscape, which is being reshaped by newborn parties with significant influence despite their small size.

The article discusses the changing landscape of Japanese politics, where new parties are emerging and challenging the traditional dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The upcoming lower-house elections on February 8th will feature ten main parties, with only three existing before 2012. The new parties are diverse and have different ideologies, making the political map more complex and multidirectional, much like the famous Shibuya crossing in Tokyo. This shift is likely to reshape Japanese politics for years to come.

The article discusses the significant influence of Admiral Sam Paparo, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, in maintaining the US strategy in Asia. It highlights his role in the region and questions whether he can keep the US strategy on track. The article references a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia that was allegedly resolved after a phone call from former US President Donald Trump, who claimed to have threatened astronomical tariffs unless the conflict ceased. The piece also touches on various other Asian political developments, including Japan's prime minister's new mandate, the rise of Japan's hard-right populist movement, and the formalization of India's labor force through the gig economy.

The article discusses the potential decline of the US dollar, citing concerns about the country's economic fundamentals and the dollar's status as a safe-haven currency. The author argues that the dollar's value is fragile and can be affected by domestic issues, referencing a 1961 warning from Federal Reserve official William Treiber about maintaining international confidence in the dollar. The article touches on various economic factors and global market trends that could impact the dollar's value.

Researchers at Westlake University in Hangzhou, China, have identified a 'super antibody' that can efficiently neutralize Dabie bandavirus, the virus causing severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a deadly tick-borne disease. This discovery could open up new avenues for tackling the growing threat posed by ticks. SFTS is a lesser-known condition compared to Lyme disease, another tick-borne illness, but is considered more dangerous. The researchers' findings suggest a potential new way to treat SFTS, which has been a growing concern.

The article 'China accused of secret nuclear tests, Eileen Gu’s big comeback: 5 weekend reads you missed' from the South China Morning Post summarizes five significant news stories from the previous weekend. The stories include the US accusing China of secret nuclear testing, China's companies continuing to support Ukraine despite Beijing and Moscow's close ties, a call for tougher animal welfare laws in Hong Kong after the discovery of an invasive turtle species, and other news across Asia and beyond. The article provides a brief overview of each story, highlighting key points and including relevant images.

China failed to meet its target of reducing soybean meal dependence in animal feed last year, with the proportion remaining at 13.4%. The country aims to lower this ratio to 10% by 2030. Despite efforts to find alternative protein sources, newly developed substitutions are too costly and have had limited impact. The US-China deal has further complicated China's efforts to reduce its reliance on soybean imports.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio plans to expand its battery swapping network by 1,000 stations this year, despite growing competition from fast-charging batteries. Nio has invested US$2.6 billion in the technology and has reached 100 million swaps. The company's CEO, William Li, believes the technology has been 'fully accepted' as a major option for charging electric cars in China. However, analysts are skeptical about the long-term viability of battery swapping as fast-charging technology improves.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned against vigilantism and communal confrontation over disputes related to 'illegal' houses of worship after police detained 19 people linked to a planned rally in Kuala Lumpur. The rally, which was denied permission on security grounds, was organized by a group opposed to 'illegal' temples. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of national unity and social cohesion, stating that economic growth alone is not enough to ensure well-being if conflict continues. The issue of temple disputes is a recurring flashpoint in Malaysia, often beginning as land or planning disputes but escalating into identity battles. Ibrahim urged civil servants and Malaysians to safeguard stability amid political friction.

China is considering a new US$21.6 billion canal project, the Xianggui Canal, to further enhance trade ties with Southeast Asia. The proposed 300km waterway would extend the recently completed Pinglu Canal, allowing inland Chinese cities to access the Gulf of Tonkin directly. The project aims to create a 3,200km network of waterways, known as the 'Han-Xiang-Gui corridor', across four provinces. Despite the high cost, experts believe the 'time is ripe' for the project due to the imminent opening of the Pinglu Canal.

Vietnamese mathematician Ngo Bao Chau, a Fields Medal winner, is joining the University of Hong Kong as a chair professor in June 2026. Ngo, currently a distinguished service professor at the University of Chicago, has made significant contributions to mathematics, including proving the Langlands Programme. He has held positions at prestigious institutions such as the French National Centre for Scientific Research and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Ngo's appointment to HKU marks his return to Asia after working in the US.

Centre-left candidate António José Seguro is poised to win the Portuguese presidency with 66% of the vote, comfortably beating far-right rival André Ventura. The victory comes after a campaign overshadowed by deadly storms that hit Portugal. Seguro, backed by politicians across the aisle, will succeed conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as president, a largely ceremonial role with some key powers. Ventura's second-place finish reflects the rise of his far-right Chega party, which became the second-largest in parliament last year.

Jihadist groups in West Africa, including al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, are increasingly using drones to carry out attacks, raising concerns about their growing capabilities. Since 2023, at least 69 drone strikes have been recorded in Burkina Faso and Mali by an al-Qaeda affiliate, while two Islamic State affiliates have carried out around 20 strikes, mostly in Nigeria. The drones are often commercially available quadcopters rigged with explosives and used for reconnaissance and surveillance. Experts warn that this shift in tactics could lower the cost of conducting attacks, allow militants to gather intelligence with minimal risk, and enable strikes on previously hard-to-reach military targets. To combat this threat, West African armies may need to acquire counter-drone technology and carry out preemptive strikes to destroy drone assembly and launch sites.

A murder trial in France is complicated by the fact that two identical twin brothers, among five defendants, are accused of a double murder and attempted killings in 2020. The twins have the same DNA, making it difficult for forensic experts to determine which one pulled the trigger in one of the later gun battles. Investigators relied on phone records, surveillance footage, and wiretaps to corroborate their whereabouts, but the question of who fired the recovered weapon remains unanswered. The trial is ongoing, with a decision expected in late February.

Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi has been handed a further prison sentence of seven-and-a-half years by an Iranian court. The human rights activist was sentenced to six years for 'gathering and collusion' and one-and-a-half years for 'propaganda activities'. Mohammadi was arrested in December for making 'provocative remarks' at a memorial ceremony and has already spent over 10 years in prison. Her lawyer and family have criticized the sentence, calling it 'cruel and very unfair'. Mohammadi has begun a hunger strike in protest.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has claimed victory in the 2026 general election, with preliminary vote counts putting his ruling Bhumjaithai party well ahead of rivals. The party is projected to win 194 seats in the 500-seat parliament, with the reformist People's Party coming in second with 116 seats. Anutin's success is attributed to his ability to win local power-brokers and his campaign on hard-line nationalist sentiments and populist giveaways. The election was marked by unpredictability, defying opinion polls that had placed the People's Party ahead. The result is a huge disappointment for the reformists, who had expected to improve on their 2023 performance. The Pheu Thai party, led by the Shinawatra family, suffered a significant drop in seats, winning 86. The election also saw a referendum on reforming the 2017 constitution, with preliminary results suggesting around 65% voted in favour of reform.

Train drivers in Spain are beginning a three-day nationwide strike on Monday in protest of the country's rail system safety following two fatal crashes in January. The crashes, which killed a total of 47 people and injured dozens, have raised concerns about the safety of Spain's rail network. The train drivers' union, Semaf, is demanding more staff, increased investment, and better maintenance, citing the 'constant deterioration of the rail network.' The Spanish government has faced criticism over the accidents, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez set to be questioned in parliament. A preliminary report into the first crash found a fracture in the track may have contributed to the derailment.

Chinese chipmaker Montage Technology debuted on the Hong Kong stock exchange with a 60% surge in its shares, despite chip export controls and rivalry. The company's initial public offering (IPO) raised $902 million, with strong investor demand driven by its focus on high-performance semiconductors for cloud computing, data centers, and artificial intelligence applications. The listing is part of a wave of Chinese AI chip firms tapping capital markets as Beijing pushes for self-sufficiency in the advanced chip space. However, the market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Chinese tech giant Huawei and its chip unit HiSilicon holding a leading share of the domestic market.

The US Justice Department's release of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has shed new light on his relationships with influential figures in the tech industry. The documents reveal that Epstein had connections with several prominent tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Sergey Brin, Peter Thiel, Steven Sinofsky, and Reid Hoffman. While these individuals have denied any wrongdoing, the documents show that Epstein had extensive interactions with them, including meetings, emails, and investments. The release of these documents has sparked scrutiny of these tech leaders and raised questions about Epstein's influence and potential wrongdoing.

European futures rose on Monday, driven by a surge in Asian markets following Japan's landslide election. Novo Nordisk shares jumped 4.5% after Hims & Hers announced it would stop selling its low-cost GLP-1 pill due to FDA pressure. UniCredit upgraded its profit outlook, while NatWest is nearing a 2.5 billion pound takeover of Evelyn Partners. A consortium led by Advent and FedEx agreed to buy InPost for $9.2 billion, and Anglo American is selling De Beers with Angola seeking a 20%-30% stake.

Machine-learning hedge funds, also known as Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs), have surged in recent months due to their ability to capitalize on the volatility in gold and silver prices. The sector notched up one of its best months since 2000 in January, with the SG CTA Index rising 5% and the SG Trend Index advancing 6.9%. Industry insiders attribute this success to the nimble and flexible nature of CTAs, which use complex statistical models and machine-learning algorithms to identify and bet on market trends. Despite the sharp reversal in gold and silver prices last week, the sector's performance has held up, with both benchmarks remaining up more than 4% year-to-date. Experts say that CTAs are well-suited to navigate different market environments and are a compelling diversifier to stocks and bonds.

The private credit industry is facing fresh uncertainty due to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on software companies, a major borrower group for private lenders. The concerns center on how deeply private credit portfolios are tied to industries most exposed to AI-driven disruption. Shares of asset managers with large private credit franchises have tumbled as investors fret about the potential impact of AI on borrowers' business models, cash flows, and default risks. Experts warn that the exposure to software companies could prove costly if AI adoption accelerates faster than borrowers can adapt, potentially leading to a significant increase in default rates.

The rollout of Anthropic's legal automation tool has reignited fears of AI-driven disruption in the software and data services sector, leading to a decline in related stocks. Fund managers are now considering shorting software stocks as a new expression of the AI trade. The S&P 500 Software & Services Index has fallen 20% year-to-date, with companies like Salesforce, Thomson Reuters, and LegalZoom experiencing significant drops. While some experts see potential for further disruption, others believe that AI will not automate entire jobs, but rather augment certain tasks.

A bipartisan congressional advisory commission has warned that China's infrastructure projects in the Pacific Islands may pose a future military threat to the US. The commission's senior members, Randall Schriver and Michael Kuiken, stated that China's investments in the region are often 'dual-use' and could be used for military purposes. They urged lawmakers to tighten oversight and increase scrutiny of China's activities in the region. The commission also criticized the US for being slow to recognize the security implications of China's expansion in the region.

The Iranian regime's execution of wrestlers and other protesters has sparked international calls to ban the country from sports competitions. Former head of Iran's national wrestling team, Sardar Parshei, and prominent dissident Masih Alinejad are urging sports organizations to take action. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) controls all aspects of Iranian society, including sports, and has been accused of massacring protesters. Iranian-American wrestler Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston has spoken out against the regime's brutality, calling for pressure to be placed on the government to end the killings.

Morgan McSweeney has resigned as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff amid controversy over his role in recommending Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US. Mandelson's appointment was criticized due to his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney accepted full responsibility for recommending Mandelson and called for a fundamental overhaul of the government's vetting process. The controversy led to Mandelson's withdrawal as ambassador.

North Korean authorities have reportedly executed teenagers for watching the South Korean television series 'Squid Game' and listening to K-pop, according to human rights researchers. Amnesty International cited testimony from escapees who said people, including schoolchildren, were executed for consuming South Korean media. The organization also documented accounts of forced labor sentences and public humiliation for similar offenses. Defectors described being required to witness public executions as a form of state-mandated indoctrination to deter exposure to foreign culture. Amnesty International condemned the government's fear of information, stating it effectively places the population in an 'ideological cage.'

Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX is shifting its priorities from establishing a human settlement on Mars to building a 'self-growing city on the Moon'. Musk stated that the Moon is a more achievable goal, citing the shorter travel time and more frequent launch windows. Despite this pivot, Musk claimed that SpaceX remains committed to building a Mars city, but will begin doing so in about five to seven years. The news comes as NASA is gearing up to launch its first crewed mission to the Moon, Artemis II, and SpaceX is working on developing its Starship system to ferry astronauts to the lunar surface.

Green Day performed at Super Bowl LX, but their set was toned down compared to their recent shows, omitting some of their most political lyrics. The band had previously been critical of the Trump administration and had encouraged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to quit their jobs at a recent event. Their Super Bowl performance included songs like 'Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)', 'Holiday', and 'American Idiot', but with some of the most controversial lyrics removed. The band's decision to tone down their performance was seen as a departure from their usual politically-charged shows.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's growing volatility and its impact on the world. Trump's behavior has become increasingly erratic, with extreme outbursts and a disregard for conventional politics. The article highlights several recent incidents, including Trump's posting of a racist cartoon video on his Truth Social account, his demands for Denmark to cede Greenland, and his fixation on renaming Dulles International Airport and New York City's Penn Station after himself. The article suggests that Trump's impulsiveness is driven by his personal whims and a desire for dominance, but is occasionally reined in by domestic and international realities. The article also notes that Trump's approval ratings have declined, with only 36% of Americans saying he has the right priorities. The upcoming midterm elections will be a test of whether voters want to rein Trump in or grant him continued leeway.

The face of a medieval 'vampire' discovered in a Croatian fortress has been reconstructed using scientific techniques. The remains, found in a grave at Racesa fortress, showed signs of post-mortem mutilation, including decapitation and burial face down, believed to be anti-vampire rituals. Archaeologists and graphics experts worked together to rebuild the man's likeness from his skull, revealing a face with a scar and other injuries. The man, who lived in the 15th or 16th century, was likely a soldier or someone accustomed to violent encounters. His burial and treatment after death suggest he may have been feared and reviled in life.

A landmark trial is underway in Los Angeles, where social media companies Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap are being sued for allegedly designing addictive platforms that harm young people's mental health. The plaintiffs claim that the companies' algorithms and features, such as 'infinite scrolling,' have 'rewired how our kids think, feel, and behave.' The trial will determine whether the companies were negligent in creating their products and whether this negligence led to significant harm to a young person. The outcome could change the way social media companies operate and potentially lead to changes in their designs.

Thailand's incumbent party, Bhumjaithai, has taken the lead in the country's general election according to preliminary results from the Electoral Commission. The party has secured around 194 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives, while the People's Party is second with 116 seats and Pheu Thai is third with 76 seats. Bhumjaithai's leader, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has thanked voters for their support and vowed to work hard for the Thai people. The People's Party has conceded that they will not form the government and will not support Bhumjaithai's candidate for prime minister. A coalition government is likely as no party has secured the 251 seats needed to elect a prime minister.

Britain's top spy chiefs have warned political parties about foreign interference, including financial donations and 'honey traps', amid growing concerns about the vulnerability of the country's democracy. The warning came in a first-of-a-kind security briefing for officials from all British political parties. The government is reviewing the role of cryptocurrencies in political finance and has set up a reporting route for universities to report suspected interference. The issue has been highlighted by the conviction of a former Welsh leader for taking bribes in exchange for making statements in favour of Russia.

US President Donald Trump announced that Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit the White House towards the end of 2026. The visit comes as the two countries look to reset ties marred by a trade war. Trump and Xi had a conversation on February 4, discussing trade, Taiwan, Russia's war in Ukraine, and the situation in Iran. Trump is expected to visit China in April before Xi's visit to the US. The two leaders expressed optimism about their relationship, with Xi warning Trump to proceed with 'caution' on selling arms to Taiwan.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Chinese minority in Kelantan, Malaysia, under the Islamist rule of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). The state's policies, such as requiring halal certification for non-Muslim businesses, have led to a decline in Chinese cultural practices and a sense of encroachment on their spaces. Despite this, the Chinese community in Kelantan has a deep history and cultural heritage, with many speaking the local Malay dialect fluently and identifying as 'Kelantanese'. The article highlights the tension between the state's Islamic policies and the cultural tolerance that has historically characterized Kelantan.

The article argues that Democrats stir up racial division to seize political power by portraying Republicans as racists and white supremacists. The author, Miranda Devine, claims that Democrats oppose voter ID laws because they want to cheat in elections and maintain their power. She cites examples of Democrats making patronizing comments about minority voters, suggesting they are too dumb or incompetent to obtain ID. Devine argues that this 'soft bigotry of low expectations' is a deliberate strategy to perpetuate racist stereotypes and avoid accountability. The article criticizes Democrats for inventing fanciful stories to portray Republicans as racists, such as the Jussie Smollett hoax and the Jan. 6 narrative.

Hundreds of Brooklyn residents, particularly in Bushwick, are without power or heat as temperatures plummeted to single digits following a devastating outage that started late Saturday evening. Roughly 1,500 Con Ed customers were still without power Sunday afternoon as technicians scrambled to patch outage hotspots amid a record-shattering cold snap. Residents were forced to seek refuge with relatives or at warming centers, with some criticizing Con Ed's response to the situation. The city has opened nearly 65 warming facilities, including warming buses, to help those affected by the cold weather. At least 18 New Yorkers have died outside during the nearly two weeks of unrelenting cold weather.

In Portugal's presidential runoff election, center-left Socialist candidate António José Seguro won a decisive victory over far-right populist André Ventura, securing 66.7% of the votes. Seguro positioned himself as a moderate, willing to cooperate with the center-right minority government, while Ventura campaigned on an anti-establishment and anti-immigrant platform. The election was seen as a test of support for Ventura's populist style, which has gained traction in Portugal. Seguro's win was backed by mainstream politicians on both the left and right who sought to halt the rising populist tide. The president in Portugal has limited executive power but is an influential voice and can veto legislation or dissolve parliament.