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Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed to cheating on his girlfriend on live television moments after winning bronze in the Winter Olympics. The 28-year-old admitted to having an affair three months ago and called it 'my biggest mistake.' Laegreid expressed remorse and hoped that his girlfriend would forgive him. His admission was met with surprise from fellow biathlete Johannes Thingnes Boe, who questioned the timing of Laegreid's confession. Laegreid's bronze medal win came after a strong performance in the 20km individual biathlon event.

Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue to Primary Wave, an independent music publisher, for around $200m. The sale includes nine studio albums and numerous hit singles. Spears, who has sold over 150 million records worldwide, had previously stated she would never return to the music industry. The deal is part of a trend among high-profile artists selling their music catalogues for significant sums.

Singer Chappell Roan has announced that she is leaving her talent agency, Wasserman, led by Casey Wasserman, following controversy surrounding Wasserman's name appearing in the Epstein files. The files revealed flirtatious emails between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls to be sexually abused by convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Roan stated that she has a duty to protect her team and that her decision reflects her belief that meaningful change in the industry requires accountability. Wasserman has faced calls to step down as chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and has apologized for his association with Maxwell and Epstein. Two other bands represented by Wasserman have also released statements distancing themselves from the agency.

A 79-year-old French man, Jacques Leveugle, has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of 89 teenagers dating back to the 1960s. Leveugle, who worked as an informal teacher or assistant at holiday camps, was arrested after his nephew discovered a USB drive containing evidence of his alleged crimes. The Grenoble prosecutor, Etienne Manteaux, revealed that Leveugle's victims were aged between 13 and 17 and that the alleged assaults took place in multiple countries, including France, Germany, Switzerland, and Morocco. Leveugle has also admitted to killing his mother and aunt. The case has sparked concerns about the statute of limitations in France, which prevents prosecutions for alleged assaults that took place before 1993.

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to assert itself on the world stage, saying it is time to start acting like a 'power'. He warned that Europe faces a 'massive challenge' in a world of disorder, with growing threats from China, Russia, and the US. Macron called for EU-wide mutualised loans to raise hundreds of billions of euros for industrial investment and advocated for a shared debt capacity to fund future expenses. He emphasized the need for Europe to protect its industries and be coherent in its policies, rather than being protectionist. Macron also cautioned against being fooled by the US's apparent backing down in the recent stand-off over Greenland, saying that Europe should not be complacent in the face of threats and intimidation.

Zimbabwe's cabinet has approved a draft law to extend presidential terms from five to seven years and allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to potentially stay in office until 2030. The move is likely to face legal challenges as constitutional experts argue that a referendum is required to change term limits and that such amendments cannot benefit a sitting president. Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 after a military coup, is due to step down in 2028. The proposal is part of his 'Agenda 2030' development programme, despite public rejection of the idea of extending his term. Critics, including late Zanu-PF member Blessed Geza, have accused Mnangagwa of nepotism and called for his removal.

A Somali passenger plane experienced a technical fault shortly after takeoff from Mogadishu's international airport and crash-landed on the shoreline next to the runway. The pilot's quick thinking and calm decision-making ensured the safety of all 55 people on board, with no serious injuries reported. The airline, Starsky Aviation, praised the pilot for his actions, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the technical issue.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, citing concerns over ownership and authority. The bridge, funded by the Canadian government, is expected to open early this year. Trump demanded that Canada 'share authority' and ownership after a call with Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating that the US should own at least half of the bridge and have shared authority over its use. Carney reminded Trump that Canada paid for the bridge and that it was built by workers from both countries. The threat has been met with pushback from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Elissa Slotkin, who argue that blocking the bridge's opening would harm the state's economy. The bridge has been a point of contention between the two countries for over a decade and is estimated to have cost $6.4bn CAD.

The UK is doubling its troop presence in Norway to counter Russian threats in the Arctic region. The number of British troops will rise from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years. Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic security since the Cold War. The move is part of a broader effort to bolster surveillance and security in the region, including the proposed Arctic Sentry initiative. The UK will also participate in Nato's Exercise Cold Response and the Joint Expeditionary Force's Lion Protector exercise to train armed forces in extreme Arctic conditions and defend critical infrastructure.

China is backing AI-driven drug developers with government-linked investments to boost its biotech ecosystem and achieve technological self-reliance. Hangzhou-based METiS TechBio, founded in 2020, has raised significant funding, including 400 million yuan in Series D financing, and is advancing an AI-designed therapy into late-stage clinical trials. The company plans to seek regulatory approval in China this year and is considering a Hong Kong initial public offering.

China's central bank has set the yuan's daily fixing rate at its strongest level since mid-2023, amid concerns over the US dollar and the Federal Reserve's independence. The yuan has been steadily appreciating, with its offshore rate trading at 6.909 per US dollar. The move is seen as part of a de-dollarisation trend, with investors rotating out of US dollar assets due to concerns over the US debt sustainability and the Donald Trump administration's policy volatility. Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has warned of a looming debt crisis in the US, stating that the country is in the 'pre-breakdown phase' of his six-stage 'big cycle' that charts the rise and fall of national and global orders.

China has appointed Ma Xueliang as its new ambassador to Libya after reopening its embassy in Tripoli in November, more than a decade after it was shuttered due to security concerns. The embassy was initially closed in 2014 and the diplomatic mission was moved to Tunisia. China's decision to reopen the embassy and appoint a new ambassador reflects its efforts to maintain its presence in Libya despite the volatility in the region. Libya was embroiled in civil war from 2014 to 2020, and China had previously evacuated thousands of its citizens following the 2011 civil war that toppled Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

China has successfully completed a crucial safety test for its crewed moon mission planned for 2030. The test involved the Mengzhou spacecraft and the Long March-10 carrier rocket. The uncrewed vessel took off from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre on Hainan island and successfully separated from the rocket before splashing down in the ocean. This test was designed to ensure that astronauts can be safely returned to Earth in case of an emergency during launch.

Fosun Health Group, a subsidiary of Fosun Pharmaceutical, plans to build its first overseas hospitals in Indonesia as part of China's 'go global' push in the healthcare sector. The company has signed term sheets with local partners but has not yet formally signed contracts. Fosun Health Group also aims to work with local distributors to sell its products in Indonesia and expand cooperation with local manufacturers. Indonesia's large population makes it an attractive destination for Chinese healthcare companies looking to expand abroad.

The Hong Kong government is reconsidering its pet-friendly policy for restaurants, potentially limiting the number of dogs per diner to two and granting licenses only to larger eateries initially. Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan stated that the government received feedback suggesting that diners must control their dogs and that too many dogs could be difficult to manage. The government will consult with experts and industry stakeholders to determine a reasonable threshold for the floor area of licensed restaurants.

The Malaysian opposition party Bersatu is experiencing a power struggle between its two top leaders, Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah Zainudin, ahead of the next general election. The succession fight has spilled into the open with disciplinary threats and rival camps trading resignation calls. Hamzah, who is also Malaysia's parliamentary opposition leader, has been issued a disciplinary summons by Bersatu's disciplinary board, alleging attempts to undermine the party leadership. The power struggle threatens to split the main opposition bloc against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, potentially denting their election hopes.

French wine and spirit exports declined significantly in 2025, with a 7.9% drop in total export value to €14.3 billion. The decline was largely due to tariffs imposed by the US and China, with exports to these two major markets falling by 21.2% and 19.5% respectively. The French Federation of Wine and Spirit Exporters (FEVS) reported that the total export value has declined for the third consecutive year, marking the lowest point since 2020. The tariffs, along with a strong euro, were cited as the main factors contributing to the decline.

The article discusses the recent performance of emerging markets (EMs) and whether their stellar run can continue. Despite outpacing advanced economies in terms of growth, EMs have historically provided lackluster returns for investors until recently. The article examines the factors that have contributed to their recent success and considers whether this trend will persist.

A recent poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov found that most Americans oppose military intervention in Greenland. The poll's results show that Americans are not in favor of intervening in Greenland, despite President Donald Trump's reported interest in doing so. The article highlights that Americans were more supportive of recent military operations in Iran and Venezuela. The poll's findings suggest that there is a lack of public support for another military intervention, even under the current administration.

The article discusses how popular music has become increasingly sadder and angstier over time. Analysis of top-charting songs reveals a rise in melancholic moods, with songs like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' 'DIE WITH a smile' becoming chart-toppers. The article explores the possible reasons behind this trend, touching on the collaboration between artists and the current cultural mood.

The article 'The world is more equal than you think' challenges the perception that the global economy is increasingly uneven. Despite billionaires' fortunes breaking records and soaring asset prices, the world economy has become more equal in the 21st century. The spending patterns of rich and poor consumers are converging, indicating a reduction in economic disparity. The article suggests that contrary to the narrative that life is getting harder and more expensive, especially in rich countries, there is a trend towards greater equality.

The article discusses Kevin Warsh, a nominee for the Federal Reserve by Donald Trump, and his economic views, dubbed 'Warshonomics.' Warsh has been consistent in his warnings about inflation and the dangers of monetary policy over-stimulation. The article aims to untangle Warsh's ideas and understand their implications for the US economy.

The article discusses the potential decline of the US dollar, citing concerns about the country's economic stability and the dollar's status as a safe-haven currency. The author argues that the dollar's value may continue to fall due to internal issues within the US, such as monetary and fiscal policy concerns. The article references historical warnings from Federal Reserve officials about maintaining international confidence in the dollar and highlights the fragility of this confidence. It also touches upon the current economic climate and the factors that could influence the dollar's future value.

The article discusses the current state of the cryptocurrency market, which has experienced a significant downturn, with the value of Bitcoin dropping from $124,000 to around $70,000 and the overall market value of cryptocurrencies decreasing by over $2 trillion. The article notes that while the crypto market has slumped before, the current downturn seems to have left investors and boosters more despondent than ever. The article is part of The Economist's Finance & Economics section and is written in a style that suggests the downturn is a significant event.

China is making significant efforts to reduce its reliance on US agricultural products, investing heavily in technology-driven agriculture and research to boost food security. The country aims to cut soybean imports used in animal feed to 10% by 2030 and has made progress in developing high-protein corn and biotech seeds. E-commerce companies and agricultural technology firms are playing a crucial role in connecting farmers to markets and improving productivity. While China's food safety standards remain a work in progress, consumers are benefiting from increased access to fresh produce. The shift towards self-sufficiency may impact American farmers, who will need to look for new customers.

Japanese stocks have been hitting record highs, driven by optimism over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's economic agenda and landslide election victory. However, experts warn that the rally is fragile and may be unsustainable due to a disconnect between the stock market and economic fundamentals. Japan's economy has contracted, and the country's high debt-to-GDP ratio raises concerns about the impact of increased fiscal spending. The yen's weakness has also contributed to the market's gains, but experts expect it to appreciate, potentially dampening equity valuations.

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI has lost its second co-founder in two days as Jimmy Ba announced his departure. Ba's exit comes after fellow co-founder Tony Wu announced his own departure, and as xAI faces regulatory probes and prepares to go public after being acquired by SpaceX in a $1.25 trillion all-stock deal. xAI was launched in 2023 with the goal of understanding the true nature of the universe, but has faced controversy over its Grok AI chatbot and image generator.

Over 1,400 Salesforce employees have signed a letter calling on CEO Marc Benioff to cancel potential business deals with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing concerns about the agency's use of their company's services. The letter is the latest example of tech workers raising concerns about the ethics of their companies' involvement with ICE. The employees are asking Benioff to issue a public statement demanding the removal of masked agents in U.S. cities and to pause or prohibit infrastructure, AI systems, or services that enable ICE operational scale-up. The letter comes at a difficult time for Salesforce, with investors concerned about the impact of AI models on the company's growth prospects. The stock is down about 27% so far in 2026. The employees' concerns are driven by recent incidents involving ICE agents, including the killing of U.S. citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. The letter credits Benioff for previously speaking out against the deployment of the National Guard to San Francisco, but urges him to take a stronger stance against ICE's actions.

The stock market saw a mixed performance on Tuesday as traders awaited the release of the January jobs report. Stock futures inched higher, with S&P 500 futures rising 0.2%, as did the Nasdaq 100 futures. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 85 points. Economists expect the jobs report to show little to no growth in January, with a gain of 55,000 jobs compared to a December increase of 50,000. A lackluster jobs report could add to negative sentiment in the market, driven by weaker-than-expected consumer data. The consumer price index, a key economic indicator, is expected to be released on Friday. In after-hours trading, shares of Robinhood and Lyft dropped due to disappointing earnings reports, while Moderna's shares fell after the FDA refused to review its experimental flu shot application.

The world's richest individuals are relocating at an unprecedented rate due to geopolitical tensions and sudden policy shifts. According to a UBS report, 36% of its 87 billionaire clients surveyed had already relocated at least once in 2025, while another 9% were considering doing so. The movement is driven by a desire for political stability, personal safety, low taxes, and high quality of life. Wealthy individuals are treating jurisdictional risk like financial risk and diversifying their residency and citizenship options. The United Arab Emirates is a leading beneficiary of this trend, with its zero personal income tax and flexible Golden Visa framework. Other attractive locations include Europe, Singapore, and new entrants like Saudi Arabia and Caribbean citizenship programs.

The article criticizes Bad Bunny's Super Bowl 2026 halftime show performance, arguing that he undermined American identity and linguistic pride by singing in Spanish and making comments that were perceived as anti-American. The author contends that the NFL made a mistake by featuring a performer who did not prioritize English or American culture. The article also discusses the history of the term 'America' and how it has been used to refer to the United States, arguing that it is too late to change this now.

The article criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani's handling of the homeless crisis in New York City during a severe cold snap, resulting in 18 deaths. The author argues that Mamdani's inaction and excuses demonstrate a lack of compassion and leadership, and that his priorities are misplaced on ideological crusades rather than addressing the city's pressing issues. The article also highlights Mamdani's inexperience and lack of urgency in addressing the crisis, as well as his failure to manage other city departments effectively.

Sam Darnold, the quarterback who won Super Bowl 2026 with the Seahawks, expressed gratitude to Jets fans who supported him during his time with the team despite his uneven performance. Darnold was traded from the Jets to the Panthers in 2021 and later had successful seasons with the Vikings and Seahawks. He threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns this season and posted a 28-6 record over the past two seasons. Darnold's message to Jets fans highlighted the importance of feeling supported as a player, and he acknowledged that he could have done more for the Jets during his time with the team.

A Texas man, Kris Harrison, fatally shot his 23-year-old daughter, Lucy Harrison, during a heated argument about President Trump at his home in Prosper, Texas. Despite initial investigation into possible manslaughter, a Collin County grand jury decided not to indict Kris Harrison. The argument escalated after Lucy questioned her father's views on a hypothetical sexual assault scenario, leading to her storming upstairs. Later, Kris Harrison took Lucy into his bedroom and shot her in the chest. He claimed the shooting was accidental, stating he was showing her his Glock 9mm handgun when it went off. Kris Harrison had been drinking and had relapsed into alcoholism. The incident has left Lucy's family and loved ones grieving, with her mother describing her as a 'real force of life.'

The article discusses President Donald Trump's impending decision to cancel the 2009 Endangerment Finding, a policy implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Barack Obama, which deemed greenhouse gases a threat to public health. The author argues that this finding was used to justify a series of regulations, including the recent Biden administration's mandate for most new cars and trucks to be electric by 2032, without clear legal justification. The withdrawal of the Endangerment Finding is expected to save nearly $2,500 per automobile and restore power to Congress. The author believes that the courts should uphold Trump's decision, citing the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling that Congress must clearly authorize administrative actions affecting vast swathes of the economy.

A US Coast Guard officer, Yohan Sanchez, and his family were found dead in their Florida home due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The bodies of Sanchez, his wife Rebeca Santos, and their two sons, Michael Melendez and Samuel Sanchez, were discovered during a welfare check on Friday night. The family had been in contact with relatives just hours before their death, with Sanchez's mother speaking to him on the phone. Authorities have not suspected foul play and are investigating the cause of the carbon monoxide leak. The family was described as devoted Christians, with the children actively involved in their church community.

Seamus Culleton, an Irish man who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, has been detained by U.S. immigration officials for almost five months despite having a valid U.S. work permit and a pending green card application as the spouse of an American citizen. Culleton is being held at the El Paso Camp East Montana, an ICE detention facility in Texas, where he has described the conditions as 'filthy' and 'a nightmare.' He has reported having barely any outside time, very small meals, and unsanitary toilets and showers. Culleton's wife, Tiffany Smith, has expressed concern for his health, saying he looks jaundiced and has lost weight. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has denied allegations about the conditions at the facility, stating that Culleton's claims are 'FALSE.' The Irish government is providing consular assistance to Culleton and his family.

17-year-old American alpine skier Tallulah Proulx has qualified to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, representing the Philippines. She is the first female from the Philippines to compete in a Winter Olympics and the country's youngest Winter Olympian. Proulx, a dual national, chose to represent the Philippines over the US due to the higher competition for a spot on Team USA. She began skiing at the age of three and has been training full-time since she was 10. Proulx is excited to show the world what the Philippines can do and hopes to inspire young Filipinos to pursue their passions.

President Trump's executive order to increase imports of beef from Argentina is unlikely to significantly ease costs for US consumers, according to experts. The order allows Argentina to export an additional 80,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings to the US tariff-free, representing only 0.6% of the overall US beef supply. Beef prices have risen due to extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and wildfires, that have reduced the nation's cattle supply. Experts say rebuilding the cattle supply will take several years and require changes in cattle ranching practices.

The Trump administration's isolation of Cuba has led to a severe jet fuel shortage, forcing airlines to adjust their operations. Cuban aviation officials have warned that nine airports, including José Martí International Airport in Havana, will not have jet fuel available until March 11. The shortage is a result of the US sanctions on Cuba, particularly the recent executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. Mexico, a key oil supplier to Cuba, has pledged to continue supporting Cuba despite US pressure. The fuel shortage is part of a broader energy crisis in Cuba, which has led to power outages, fuel shortages, and economic hardship. Airlines such as Air Canada have suspended flights, while others like Southwest Airlines are requiring aircraft to carry extra fuel to avoid refueling in Cuba. The crisis has significant implications for Cuba's tourism industry, which was once a vital economic lifeline.

U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess responded to President Trump's criticism, calling him a 'real loser' after Hess expressed 'mixed feelings' about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. Hess stated that he loves his country but believes there is room for improvement. Other American athletes, including snowboarders Bea Kim, Maddie Mastro, and Chloe Kim, also shared their thoughts on representing the U.S. despite the current divisions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson declined to comment on Trump's remark, while the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee reported an increase in harmful messages directed at athletes. Experts noted that athletes have always been political and that social media provides a platform for them to express their views.

A record number of skiers, climbers, and hikers died in Italy's mountainous terrain over the past week due to avalanches triggered by unstable snow conditions. At least a dozen people lost their lives, with the incidents occurring just as the Winter Olympics began in the region. Authorities stressed that the Olympic game sites remain safe and well-maintained. The country's Alpine Rescue Corps attributed the fatalities to weak layers of fresh snow and recent snowstorms that drew visitors to the slopes.

Kenya's Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, has stated that the country will demand answers from Russia regarding the recruitment of Kenyan citizens to fight in Ukraine. Mudavadi described the recruitment as 'unacceptable and clandestine' and said that the government has shut down illegal recruiters. Nairobi estimates that around 200 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia, with many families struggling to recover the bodies of their loved ones killed in the conflict. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, previously reported that at least 1,436 foreign nationals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia, warning that the true number may be higher. The Kenyan government has tightened recruitment regulations and is working with Ukraine to repatriate the remains of Kenyans killed in the conflict.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa was seized by heavily armed men in civilian clothing shortly after being released from jail on Sunday. María Corina Machado, a key ally, reported the incident on social media, demanding Guanipa's immediate release. Guanipa was among 35 political prisoners released on Sunday, according to the Venezuelan human rights group Foro Penal. The Public Ministry alleged that Guanipa violated the terms of his release, but provided no additional details. Guanipa's party, Primero Justicia, held Delcy Rodríguez, Jorge Rodríguez, and Diosdado Cabello responsible for any harm to Guanipa's life and called for international intervention.

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) recently advertised a nursing role focused on supporting families involved in close-relative marriages, a practice linked to higher genetic risks for children. The nurse would work with families to encourage genetic testing and awareness, and support informed reproductive decision-making. The role has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it risks normalizing a practice that can lead to serious health issues.

Nicaragua's government has blocked Cuban citizens from entering the country without a visa, eliminating a key route for Cuban migration into the US. For years, Cuban migrants would fly to Nicaragua and meet up with smugglers who would help them migrate north through Central America and Mexico to reach the US border. The move comes after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over Cuba, accusing the communist regime of aligning with hostile foreign powers and terrorist groups. Cuban migrants now primarily have to travel through Guyana, a small South American nation, and then through the perilous Darien Gap to reach the US.

An armed gang disguised as police officers attempted to rob an armoured vehicle on a motorway in Italy's Puglia region. The gang, wearing balaclavas and armed with Kalashnikov rifles, used fake emergency lights on their vehicles to stop the armoured van. They set a vehicle on fire and used an explosive to blow up the van, but the heist appears to have been unsuccessful. The gang opened fire against the Carabinieri, Italy's national law enforcement agency, as they escaped. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The French government is launching a campaign to encourage 29-year-olds to have babies while they still can, as part of a 16-point plan to boost the country's fertility rate. The plan includes providing free egg-freezing centers, improving reproductive health education, and promoting a 'My Fertility' website. France's fertility rate is currently 1.56 children per woman, below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. Experts are divided on the effectiveness of the plan, with some suggesting that better housing and maternity provision could be more effective solutions.

An Irish man, Seamus Culleton, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months in a detention center in El Paso, Texas. Culleton, who has been living in the US for nearly 20 years and is married to a US citizen, describes the conditions as 'like a modern-day concentration camp'. He claims the facility is 'horrible' and 'filthy' with inadequate sanitation, limited food, and little access to fresh air or sunlight. Culleton's family, including his wife and mother, are distressed by his situation and are seeking help from the Irish government to intervene. The Irish premier, Micheal Martin, is urged to raise Culleton's case with US President Donald Trump during their upcoming meeting.

US skier Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture in a crash during the women's downhill final at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. Despite having already ruptured her ACL last month, Vonn competed in her fifth and final Games. She expressed 'no regrets' about competing, acknowledging the risks of ski racing but valuing the experience. Vonn underwent initial surgery and will require multiple surgeries to fix her injury properly.

A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 passenger plane with 55 people on board made an emergency landing at Mogadishu's Aden Abdulle International Airport in Somalia after developing a technical problem 15 minutes into its flight. The plane overran the runway, veered off, and ended up in shallow waters near the shoreline. All 50 passengers and 5 crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported. The aircraft was damaged, with at least one wing snapped, and the cause of the incident will be investigated by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.

China's AI industry is making significant progress, with companies like Alibaba, Z.ai, and DeepSeek developing and releasing open-source AI models that have gained global traction. However, despite the fanfare, some leading Chinese AI developers have warned that China may have fallen further behind in developing frontier models due to restricted access to advanced chips and limited capital. The performance gap between Chinese and US models persists, with closed models developed by US heavyweights continuing to dominate overall performance benchmarks. China's AI industry is adopting a divergent strategy, focusing on open-source models to accelerate progress and compete with US rivals.

A masked gang attacked an armored truck in Italy using Kalashnikov rifles, robbing a student of her car and engaging in a firefight with the Italian police, known as the Carabinieri. The incident is one of several global news stories reported, including the sentencing of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong and protests during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. Other news includes King Charles being heckled about his brother's association with Jeffrey Epstein and Prince William and Kate expressing concern over new Epstein documents.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The White House has expressed support for Lutnick, despite calls for his resignation. CNN's MJ Lee reports on the issue on OutFront.

The annual meeting of the National Governors Association is unraveling due to President Donald Trump's decision to exclude Democratic governors from White House events. The NGA has canceled its formal meeting with Trump, and 18 Democratic governors have boycotted a traditional White House dinner. The move is seen as a partisan decision that undermines the bipartisan nature of the gathering.

The Indicator from Planet Money is a podcast that provides insights into the economy, business, and personal finance. Recent episodes have covered various topics such as the fluctuation of gold and silver prices, the popularity of Hamburger Helper during economic uncertainty, the concept of an economic 'doom loop', and the impact of data centers on electricity bills. Other episodes have discussed job numbers, the development of Olympic athletes through college sports, and the expiration of tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.

As the Winter Olympics unfold in Milan, a stark contrast exists between the affluent spectators and the city's homeless population. Volunteers from the City Angels nonprofit group work tirelessly to support the homeless, distributing food, clothing, and essentials. Six people have died of hypothermia in Milan's streets over the past month, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The city's homeless population includes many foreign nationals, often exploited and struggling to afford housing due to rising rents and low wages. Milan's government has invested in shelters and programming, but the national government's migration policies are seen as exacerbating the issue. The city's mayor and commissioner for health and welfare emphasize the need for more support from the national government to address the problem.

A 31-year-old New York man, Henry McGowan, is on trial in Dublin for the murder of his father, John McGowan. Henry McGowan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the crime. Prosecutors presented evidence that McGowan believed his father was an impostor and was on a 'mission from God' to kill him. The case has highlighted the complexities of mental health and the law in Ireland.

The article explores the complexities of identity and politics in Kelantan, Malaysia, where a small Chinese minority navigates life under the Islamist rule of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). The state's Chinese community, which has deep historical roots dating back to the 17th century, has generally coexisted with the Malay majority. However, recent policies, such as the requirement for non-Muslim businesses to obtain halal certification if they serve Muslim customers, have raised concerns among the Chinese community about their future in the state. Despite these challenges, the Chinese in Kelantan have maintained their cultural identity while integrating into the local culture, speaking the Kelantanese dialect fluently and participating in the state's social media scene. The article highlights the paradox of Kelantan's Islamist government, which on one hand promotes interfaith accommodation through symbols like the 'Beijing Mosque', but on the other hand, appears to be encroaching on non-Muslim spaces.

YouTube's lawyer argued in a landmark trial that the platform is not social media nor addictive, countering allegations that it was designed to be addictive to children. The trial centers on a lawsuit claiming a young woman suffered mental harm after becoming addicted to YouTube and other social media platforms as a child. YouTube's lawyer distinguished the platform from social media, comparing it to Netflix or traditional TV, and argued that users come to the platform for quality content, not to get locked into an infinite scroll. The plaintiffs' attorney accused YouTube and Meta of engineering addiction in young people's brains to gain users and profits. The case could set a legal precedent for similar litigation against social media giants.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is on course for a third consecutive term in office as voters head to the polls. Mottley, a global climate action advocate and the country's first female leader since independence in 1966, is expected to secure another victory despite concerns over the cost of living and crime. A recent nationwide poll showed nearly 80% of decided voters supporting Mottley's Barbados Labour Party (BLP), with 61.2% favouring Mottley as opposed to 18% for the opposition leader Ralph Thorne. While voter apathy is evident, with nearly half the electorate undecided or not voting, experts believe the BLP will consolidate its support due to Mottley's leadership and the opposition's lack of viability.

Climate-fuelled wildfires in Patagonia have devastated ancient forests and killed 23 people in Chile, with researchers attributing the increased likelihood of the disaster to global heating. The World Weather Attribution consortium found that human-caused carbon emissions made the hot, dry, and windy conditions that enabled the fires three times more likely. The affected regions in Chile and Argentina are experiencing drier summers, with rainfall 25% lower in Chile and 20% lower in Patagonia. The Argentine government's budget cuts to fire management services worsened the damage, particularly in the Unesco-listed Los Alerces national park, home to ancient alerce trees over 3,000 years old. Experts warn that the climate crisis will continue to supercharge extreme weather until fossil fuel burning is stopped.