In other news

The article discusses the expiration of the New START treaty between the US and Russia, and the potential for a new nuclear arms race with China. The US and Russia had managed to contain their nuclear rivalry through various arms-control agreements, but the expiration of New START and China's rapid nuclear build-up pose significant risks. The article warns that China's nuclear expansion is likely to prompt the US to expand its arsenal, leading to a new arms race.

The article discusses the growing trend of Western politicians and intellectuals envying China's achievements, such as its high-speed trains, and wondering if the West can afford to maintain its liberal values in the face of China's success. The author argues that China's impressive infrastructure is not a reason for the West to adopt authoritarian rule, and that liberal values are not a luxury the West can afford to abandon.

The article discusses how stablecoins are being adopted in Asia as a form of banking infrastructure, particularly among migrant workers and freelancers who can use them to send and receive money at low cost. Stablecoins are digital tokens pegged to the value of a traditional currency, such as the US dollar. The article highlights how this development is transforming the way people in Asia conduct financial transactions, making it faster and cheaper. It also touches on the contrast between the struggles of speculative crypto and the growing acceptance of stablecoins in the region.

The article argues that banning teenagers from social media will do more harm than good. Despite widespread agreement across different political spectrums that social media harms children and teenagers, many countries and American states are considering or have implemented bans on under-16s using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The author contends that such restrictions are not the solution, citing the potential negative consequences of such bans.

The article discusses the issue of a tenor shortage in amateur choirs and suggests that the solution lies in training and developing tenor voices rather than relying on natural talent. The author uses the example of Andrea Bocelli's performance at the Olympic torch ceremony in Milan to highlight the demands of singing a sustained high note, particularly in opera. The article argues that with proper training and practice, more people can develop their tenor voices, addressing the shortage in amateur choirs.

The article discusses how cricket has become a tool for geopolitical maneuvering among India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The latest edition of the men's cricket World Cup in the T20 format has highlighted the significance of cricket in the region, with the article suggesting that sports has become an extension of geopolitics. The matches involving India, Pakistan, and other teams have drawn significant attention, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in South Asian cricket.

The article discusses the Jeffrey Epstein case and how it highlights a broader issue of justice being denied to victims of abuse by powerful individuals. It criticizes the slow pace of prosecutors in handling such cases and the culture of elites being motivated by self-interest rather than merit. The article emphasizes the urgent need for justice for the victims trafficked and abused by Epstein and other powerful men and women.

The article discusses the current state of Bangladesh after a revolution that brought down the government of Sheikh Hasina Wajed and her Awami League party 18 months ago. The country is set to hold its first competitive general election since 2008 on February 12th. Despite concerns about potential violence, the election period has so far remained peaceful. The article highlights the significance of this moment for Bangladesh's democracy and notes that whoever wins the election has a lot of work to do to fully establish the new democratic order.

The article discusses the influence of Admiral Sam Paparo, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, in maintaining stability in the Asia region amidst various conflicts and geopolitical tensions. It highlights his role in keeping US strategy on an even keel, particularly in the context of the short border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia last July, which was attributed to President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts. The article also touches upon other regional developments, including the rise of stablecoins in Asia, the politicization of cricket in South Asia, and significant election outcomes in Thailand and Japan.

The article discusses a newsletter called 'The War Room' that focuses on special operations, specifically highlighting a successful mission related to Maduro. Richard Cockett, a senior editor, talks with an SAS officer about the best special operations in history. The article is part of The Economist's international coverage and touches upon various global issues and news.

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is considering issuing a debut panda bond in China's capital markets to reduce borrowing costs and mitigate dollar volatility risks. This move is part of Beijing's efforts to internationalize the yuan and deepens AFC's ties with Chinese capital markets following its successful triple-A Chinese rating last year. The AFC has already established relationships with major Chinese lenders and is now looking to diversify its funding sources. The potential bond issuance is seen as a 'natural evolution' of the AFC's strategy, with investor roadshows completed and a mandate in place to act quickly when market conditions are favorable.

The Chinese government has banned carmakers from selling new vehicles at a loss, citing a price war that has hurt profitability. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released 'pricing guidance' that prohibits tactics like discounts and subsidies that result in below-cost pricing. The move is seen as a response to a 7% drop in average car prices and the phase-out of a sales-tax break for electric vehicle (EV) buyers. Carmakers are now required to price upgraded models higher than lower-grade ones and avoid discounts that bring net prices below cost. Industry insiders expect the new guidelines to dampen consumer interest and potentially lead to cancelled buying plans or a shift to cheaper models.

China's housing market continues to decline, with new and existing home prices falling in January, despite a slower month-on-month decline. The annual drop in prices widened, indicating that the market has yet to find a clear floor. Analysts at S&P Global Ratings and Goldman Sachs expressed concerns that the housing market is not showing signs of stabilization, with prices continuing to drop across all city tiers.

Chinese researchers from Peking University have made a breakthrough in quantum communication by developing a prototype networking capacity that can communicate over distances of more than 3,700km. This advancement has the potential to enable ultra-secure communications across thousands of kilometers, overcoming existing barriers such as limited range and security vulnerabilities associated with 'trusted relay nodes'. The team's study, published in Nature, suggests a viable pathway to building long-distance quantum communication networks using quantum key distribution (QKD), considered the gold standard for secure communication.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has announced that the government will soon unveil long-term rehousing plans for residents displaced by the deadly Tai Po fire that claimed 168 lives. Lee visited affected residents and acknowledged the need to overcome three major challenges: handling differences in families' preferences, dealing with insurance issues related to property rights and potential legal disputes, and resolving uncertainties and complexities in compensation matters. He instructed his colleagues to formulate a proposal within a short period and announced that they would continue working during the Lunar New Year holiday to expedite the process.

Archaeologists have long been puzzled by the presence of carnelian, a prized red gemstone, in the Bronze Age archaeological site of Sanxingdui in China's Sichuan Basin. The gemstone was highly valued in ancient civilizations, from the Indus Valley to the Mediterranean. Researchers have been trying to determine how the carnelian reached the ancient Shu kingdom. The discovery of 11 crimson carnelian beads in a high-ranking sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui has shed new light on the mystery. The beads were found alongside bronze vessels, ivory tusks, and gold fragments. Previously, it was believed that the beads reached the area through either the Yangtze River or maritime trade networks from South Asia. The presence of carnelian in Sanxingdui is significant because it was not commonly found in elite burials in China until the late Western Zhou dynasty. The discovery has provided new insights into the ancient Shu kingdom and its connections with other civilizations.

India has approved a 3.6 trillion rupee (US$40 billion) purchase of defence equipment, including 114 French Rafale fighter jets, to boost its armed forces amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. The deal will see around 80% of the fleet assembled in India, with parts being progressively made in the country. Analysts say this will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently has only 29 fighter squadrons, well below the required 42. The IAF has already received 36 Rafales and ordered 26 M naval variants. The new additions are expected to be a significant boost, given the Rafale's performance in Operation Sindoor last May.

Indonesia's largest Islamic organisations are revisiting their stance on Palestine by softening their criticism of President Prabowo Subianto's decision to join US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace'. The move has sparked debate on whether major Muslim bodies are aligning with the government's reframing of the issue, potentially at odds with pro-Palestinian sentiment at the grassroots level. Prabowo is set to attend the board's inaugural meeting in Washington, with Indonesia committing to send troops to Gaza as part of the US-led International Stabilisation Force.

Sussan Ley has been ousted as the leader of Australia's Liberal Party after just nine months in the role, losing a leadership ballot to Angus Taylor. Ley was elevated to the position after the party's resounding defeat in last year's election, but struggled with poor poll numbers and infighting within the Liberal-National Coalition. Taylor, from the party's conservative faction, won the secret ballot 34 votes to 17. Ley has announced her resignation as an MP and will step away from public life, while Taylor has vowed to work with new deputy leader Jane Hume. Ley's leadership was marked by division within the coalition, poor personal ratings, and disagreements over the party's election defeat.

Iran has been fortifying an underground complex near one of its nuclear facilities, according to analysis of new satellite images. The activity comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US, with President Donald Trump threatening fresh military action against Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme. Experts say the facility may be designed to protect Iran's uranium enrichment activities or key equipment, but its exact purpose remains unclear. Satellite images show tunnel entrances being strengthened, new concrete laid, and defensive strengthening taking place at nearby nuclear sites.

A federal judge has blocked the US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, from demoting Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, over a video in which Kelly urged service members to refuse illegal orders. The judge ruled that Hegseth had unconstitutionally retaliated against Kelly, violating his First Amendment rights. The decision is a setback for the Trump administration, which has been trying to punish Kelly and five other lawmakers for their actions. The lawmakers had published a video criticizing the administration's actions and encouraging troops to disobey orders they deemed illegal. A grand jury had declined to bring charges of seditious conspiracy against them.

The US immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, known as Operation Metro Surge, is coming to an end, according to Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border tsar. The operation, which was launched to detain and deport undocumented immigrants who had committed violent crimes, resulted in over 4,000 arrests. However, it also sparked nationwide protests after two US citizens were killed by immigration officers. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed cautious optimism about the drawdown of federal agents, but also highlighted the damage and trauma caused by the surge. The operation's conclusion comes amid a broader debate over immigration policy and the funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A Hindu man named Mohammad Deepak intervened when he saw Bajrang Dal activists harassing a Muslim shopkeeper, Vakeel Ahmed, in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, India. Deepak's actions were met with both praise and backlash, with some hailing him as a hero for standing up against religious intolerance and others calling him a traitor to his faith. The incident has sparked a national conversation about communalism and the treatment of minorities in India.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced criticism for selling T-shirts featuring a design from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, which were used by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis for propaganda. The T-shirts, part of the IOC's Heritage Collection, have sparked calls in Germany for their sale to be stopped. The IOC has defended the sale, stating that it is part of its effort to celebrate styles from all editions of the Games. Critics argue that the IOC is not sufficiently reflecting on its own history and that the design is problematic without context. The 1936 Games were a central propaganda tool for the Nazi regime, but also featured notable achievements, such as Jesse Owens' four gold medals, which challenged the Nazi myth of Aryan racial supremacy.

Taylor Swift is attempting to block Cathay Home from trademarking the phrase 'Swift Home', arguing that it could mislead consumers into believing she endorsed their bedding products. Swift's legal team claims that Cathay Home's branding closely resembles her trademarked cursive signature and is using her 'goodwill and recognition' for their brand. The dispute highlights Swift's efforts to protect her brand, having filed over 300 trademarks in the US and other jurisdictions.

The United Nations Commission for Social Development has elected Iran as its vice-chair despite the country's ongoing human rights abuses and crackdowns on protesters. Human rights advocates and policy analysts have condemned the decision, citing the UN's hypocrisy in promoting democracy and human rights while empowering a regime known for its brutal suppression of dissent. Critics argue that Iran's leadership role in the commission is a mockery, given its history of violating women's rights and slaughtering civilians. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with some arguing that it emboldens the Iranian regime and sends a dangerous message to Tehran.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has condemned Iran's brutal treatment of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned since December. The committee received credible reports of Mohammadi's life-threatening mistreatment, including being beaten with wooden sticks and batons, dragged by her hair, and kicked in the genitals and pelvic region. The committee is calling on Iran to release Mohammadi and guarantee her access to medical care, stating that her imprisonment is arbitrary and unjust. Mohammadi was arrested while attending the funeral of human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi and has spent much of the last two decades in Iran's Evin prison.

Russia will temporarily suspend flights to Cuba due to difficulties refueling aircraft on the island, citing problems securing fuel. The decision comes after US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over Cuba and imposed measures to choke off the island's oil supplies. Russian aviation authorities are in contact with Cuban authorities to explore alternative options to restore two-way service.

Switzerland is set to vote on June 14 on a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, proposed by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), which aims to restrict immigration. The current population is approximately 9.1 million, with foreign-born residents making up about 27%. The SVP argues that uncontrolled immigration is causing environmental and infrastructure strain, increased crime, and rising costs. Major Swiss political parties outside the SVP have rejected the initiative, warning it could strain relations with EU neighbors. The SVP claims it doesn't intend to terminate the free movement of persons agreement with the EU but will consider it as a last resort if immigration isn't limited.

The US military has completed its withdrawal from al-Tanf Garrison in Syria as part of a broader shift in US posture in the region under Operation Inherent Resolve. The garrison was strategically important for US operations against ISIS and deterrence efforts against Iran-backed militia networks. Syrian government forces have taken control of the base, and US forces remain prepared to counter ISIS threats. The withdrawal is seen as a signal that Washington is comfortable with the current state of the counter-ISIS fight and the defeat of Iran-aligned proxy networks in the region.

The USS Gerald R. Ford has been ordered to move from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. The move will put two aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. President Donald Trump is weighing whether to take military action against Iran regarding its nuclear program. Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and insisted that negotiations with Iran must continue. Netanyahu is calling on the Trump administration to push Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and end its support for terror groups.

CNN host Kaitlan Collins praised White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt for defending her press access during a presidential trip to Saudi Arabia. Collins was stopped by Saudi authorities from entering a press event after she shouted a question to President Donald Trump, but Leavitt intervened, stating that Collins was 'coming in with the rest of the US press.' Collins noted that this incident highlighted the different media dynamics between the US and Saudi Arabia, and she credited Leavitt for standing up for her. The article also touches on Collins' previous experiences with Trump, including his criticism of her and her observations on how he has changed the media dynamic as president.

The article argues that the only sensible way to address the illegal immigration crisis is to follow the law. The author references a novel by Lionel Shriver, 'A Better Life', which explores the consequences of a hypothetical program where New Yorkers were incentivized to take in migrants. The article draws parallels between the novel's themes and real-life issues surrounding immigration, criticizing the radical left for blurring the line between legal and illegal immigration. The author contends that open borders incentivize law-breaking and that holding onto the law is the key to addressing the crisis.

The article argues that NYC builders and commercial real estate industry leaders need to use their influence to stop Mayor Zohran Mamdani's socialist agenda, particularly his proposal to increase taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals. The author believes that this tax hike would harm the city's economy, drive tenants away, and ultimately reduce tax revenue. The article criticizes the industry for being too quiet and not speaking out against Mamdani's plans, despite having spent money to defeat him in the previous election. The author calls on industry leaders to use their lobbying power and public forums to thwart Mamdani's agenda and protect the city's economy.

New York City's first 'free grocery store' was launched by Polymarket, a prediction betting platform, in the West Village. The store drew over 400 people who lined up for free produce, non-perishables, and toiletries. The move was seen as a publicity stunt by Polymarket as it faces increased scrutiny from state regulators over its betting platform. Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously proposed a government-run grocery store, which Polymarket's move was seen as a nod to. Shoppers were largely unbothered by the controversies surrounding Polymarket and were grateful for the free groceries.

A 28-year-old former Team USA skater and skating coach, Gabrielle 'Sam' Linehan, was shot and killed during an armed robbery at a Starbucks drive-thru in St. Louis' Tower Grove East neighborhood. The suspect, Keith Lamon Brown, 58, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and multiple other charges. Brown had a long rap sheet and was wanted for two similar shootings days earlier. Linehan was a beloved member of the skating community, and her death was met with shock and grief from her colleagues and athletes.

A 20-year-old Yeshiva University student was attacked by four masked individuals at the 181st Street and St. Nicholas Avenue subway station in Washington Heights, New York City, on February 12, 2026. The student was punched and kicked but was taken to Columbia University Irving Medical Center in stable condition. Yeshiva University officials and authorities believe the attack was not motivated by bias but was an attempted robbery. The incident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.

Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who testified against her ex-husband and dozens of other men in a mass rape trial, has given her first U.S. TV interview to CBS News. She shared her story, detailing the shock and horror of discovering her ex-husband had been drugging her and recruiting other men to assault her in their home over nearly a decade. Pelicot has written a memoir, 'A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,' to share her experience and inspire others. She waived her right to anonymity during the trial and insisted on public court proceedings, leading to the conviction of her ex-husband and 51 other men.

The Iranian regime is offering leniency to jailed protesters' families in exchange for public displays of loyalty, according to human rights organizations and former prisoners. The regime has contacted families of detained protesters, asking them to attend pro-regime marches and display loyalty, or risk the lives of their loved ones. This tactic is part of the regime's long history of pressuring families of anti-regime dissidents and demonstrators. The families are being asked to provide videos of themselves showing loyalty, which will be used as tools of humiliation and intimidation. The regime is also forcing prisoners to confess under torture and then making their families pretend to support the regime.

Scientists have used artificial intelligence to decode the rules of an ancient Roman board game etched onto a stone discovered in the Netherlands. The stone, dating back to the Roman era, features diagonal and straight lines that researchers believe were used to move game pieces. Using 3D imaging and AI, the team discovered the likely rules of the game, which involved hunting and trapping opponent's pieces. The researchers trained the AI, called Ludii, on 100 ancient games from the same region and used it to identify possible rule sets. While the findings are promising, the researchers caution that the true rules may never be known for certain.

The United States and Mexico have collaborated in a 'coordinated operation' to seize several tons of cocaine from a ship in the Pacific Ocean. The operation, which was carried out by the Mexican navy, resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals. The seizure is significant amidst tensions between the two countries, with President Trump threatening to impose additional tariffs on Mexico to pressure the country into increasing its efforts against drug cartels. The operation is part of a larger effort by both countries to combat drug trafficking, with Mexico having sent nearly 100 members of Mexican drug cartels to the United States in recent months. The Trump administration has also reported that Mexican cartel drones have forced a Texas airport to shut down temporarily.

American skier Breezy Johnson won a gold medal in the women's downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The original medal broke, but it has been repaired, and she plans to keep it and trade in the replacement. Johnson dedicated the gold medal to her father, who can no longer ski due to health issues. She expressed her preference to focus on her skiing rather than getting involved in the political debate surrounding the Games. Johnson also discussed her coping mechanisms for dealing with pressure and the dangers associated with competing at the highest level. She showed support for her teammate Lindsey Vonn, who was injured during the downhill race.

Chinese tech giant Baidu is integrating its popular AI tool OpenClaw into its search app, allowing 700 million users to access the AI agent directly. This move comes as Chinese tech companies compete to attract new AI users ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. OpenClaw can perform tasks such as scheduling, organizing files, and writing code. Baidu is also rolling out OpenClaw's capabilities to its e-commerce business and other services. The integration is seen as a way for Baidu to monetize its AI investments and stay competitive in the market.

The article discusses how Chinese speculators may be fueling the recent volatility in the gold market. Analysts attribute the heightened volatility to 'unruly' Chinese activity, with surging activity in gold futures and exchange-traded funds, and rising use of leverage despite repeated margin hikes. Chinese gold-backed ETF holdings have more than doubled since the start of 2025, and gold futures trading activity has picked up sharply in recent months. Some analysts warn that the recent buying implies a speculative bubble inflating. The surge in participation reflects both structural anxieties and tactical positioning, with Chinese people seeking alternative investments amid falling housing prices and low deposit rates. The government is also pushing de-dollarization to protect themselves from economic coercion from the U.S.

India has approved a $39.7 billion defense spending package that includes the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the country. The deal is part of a broader package that includes other military equipment such as Boeing P8I Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft and upgrades to Soviet-era tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The Rafale jets are expected to help address a shortfall in the Indian air force, which currently operates 29 squadrons against a minimum requirement of 42. The purchase follows another order in April for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for India's Navy, and the jets have been used by the Indian Air Force during its 2025 conflict with Pakistan.

The U.S. stock market experienced a downbeat day on Thursday, with major averages dropping due to fears around artificial intelligence disruption. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all lost significant ground. However, stock futures were roughly flat Thursday night, with S&P 500 futures advancing 0.02% and Nasdaq 100 futures gaining 0.04%. The market is now looking ahead to the release of January's consumer price index report on Friday, which is expected to show a 2.5% advance from a year earlier. In after-hours trading, some stocks saw significant movements, with Applied Materials jumping 13% on strong earnings results and Airbnb rising 4% on upbeat guidance, while Pinterest slipped 17% on disappointing results.

Waymo, a self-driving car company owned by Alphabet, is paying gig workers from companies like DoorDash and Honk to close the doors of its robotaxis when they are left ajar. This is a temporary solution until Waymo's vehicles are equipped with automated door closures. The pilot program is currently running in Atlanta and has raised questions about the limitations of autonomous technology. Waymo is valued at $126 billion and is central to Alphabet's Other Bets segment, which recorded an operating loss of $7.5 billion last year. The company plans to expand its robotaxi service to several new U.S. cities this year.

The article discusses how European nations, including the UK, are being judged not just on their defense spending but on their military credibility. A US defense official, Elbridge Colby, emphasized that it's not just about how much money is spent but what it's spent on and whether it translates to credible military output. The UK is falling short in this regard, with defense spending planned to increase gradually to 5% of GDP by 2035, which is considered too slow given the current global security landscape. The article highlights the need for European nations to prioritize war-fighting effectiveness and make hard choices about force structure and industrial capacity.

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has been banned from competing at the Winter Olympics after refusing to remove a helmet depicting images of Ukrainian athletes killed since Russia's invasion. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) argued that the helmet violated rules preventing political statements during competition. Heraskevych plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, claiming the IOC has been inconsistent in applying its rules. The IOC had suggested alternatives, such as wearing a black armband, but Heraskevych remained defiant. The Ukrainian Olympic Committee backed Heraskevych, who is also the team's flagbearer.

The New York Times is working on a massive reporting project analyzing three million pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. A team of two dozen journalists is using artificial intelligence tools to search for facts and revelations. The documents contain witness statements, emails, bank records, and other materials that provide insight into Epstein's interactions with powerful people and his alleged crimes. The team is working to verify information and identify newsworthy content, with a focus on understanding Epstein's methods and connections.

The U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its escort ships, currently deployed to the Caribbean, will be redirected to the Middle East to join the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf. This move is part of President Trump's pressure campaign against Iran's leaders. The ship's crew was informed of the decision on Thursday, and they are not expected to return to their home ports until late April or early May. The Ford strike group's deployment was originally meant to be a European cruise but was redirected to the Caribbean as part of Mr. Trump's pressure campaign on Venezuela. The new delay will further jeopardize the Ford's scheduled dry dock period in Virginia, where major upgrades and repairs have been planned.

The BBC is planning to cut costs by 10% over the next three years due to 'substantial financial pressures' caused by a decline in licence fee payments and changes in media consumption. The broadcaster expects to save up to £600 million, which may involve job losses and programming cuts. The funding shortfall has been exacerbated by fewer people paying the annual licence fee, with 3.6 million households declaring they do not need one. The BBC is also facing a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump.

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.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are ongoing, with 44 gold medals already awarded and 72 remaining. Italy is currently leading the medal count with 6 gold, 3 silver, and 8 bronze medals, totaling 17 medals. Norway and the United States are tied for second place with 14 medals each. The Olympics feature competitions in 116 events across 16 sports, with the final medals to be awarded on February 22. The article provides a day-by-day schedule of events and a breakdown of medal counts for each country, as well as a list of medal winners by event.

The US military is nearing completion of transferring thousands of suspected Islamic State fighters to the Iraqi government, paving the way for a potential withdrawal of American troops from Syria within months. Officials familiar with the issue stated that this development is in line with the Trump administration's plans to exit Syria. The transfer of ISIS suspects is a significant step towards the withdrawal of US forces, with many expecting that all or most American troops will leave Syria in the coming months.

The article discusses how Olympic curlers make the sport look easier than it is. CNN's Coy Wire talks to Team USA's curling athletes, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse, about the challenges of curling. The athletes share their experiences and insights into the sport, highlighting its complexity and difficulty. The article provides an in-depth look at the world of competitive curling and the skills required to succeed at the Olympic level.

President Donald Trump pardoned five former NFL players on Thursday, February 13, 2026, for various crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking. The pardoned individuals include Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon. The pardons were announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson, who thanked Trump for his 'continued commitment to second chances.' The players were granted clemency despite having pleaded guilty to serious crimes, with some having been involved in significant NFL careers, including multiple Pro Bowl appearances and Hall of Fame inductions.