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The article discusses the growing importance of Africa in the global economy and the need for the continent to follow Asia's path to achieve growth. The author references a new book, 'How Africa Works' by Joe Studwell, which provides an in-depth analysis of Africa's development. As the global population ages, Africa's youthful population is expected to play a significant role in the global labor market and as a source of consumers, culture, and ideas. With the continent's population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, understanding Africa's development is crucial. The article highlights the importance of thought-provoking books like 'How Africa Works' in shedding light on the continent's potential and challenges.

The article discusses how to avoid common pitfalls when implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, drawing on insights from The Economist's 'Boss Class' series. It uses the example of a Pizza Hut restaurant in Plano, Texas, which serves as a laboratory for testing new ideas, including AI integration. The article highlights the collision of traditional work environments with modern AI technologies and offers advice on navigating this integration effectively.

The article discusses the issue of a tenor shortage in amateur choirs and suggests ways to address it. The author highlights the challenges faced by amateur choirs in finding tenors and notes that the problem is not just about finding singers, but also about developing their skills. The article references Andrea Bocelli's performance at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, showcasing the impressive vocal abilities of professional tenors. The author argues that with proper training and support, amateur choirs can develop the tenors they need.

The article discusses the life of Rupert Murdoch, a media baron, and explores what made him successful. It delves into his childhood, particularly an incident where his mother, Lady Elisabeth Murdoch, threw him into a pool on a cruise ship to teach him how to swim. This event is cited as a potential turning point in his life. The article is an absorbing history of Rupert Murdoch, describing him as the 'terror of Fleet Street, scourge of the American airwaves, maker and breaker of prime ministers and presidents.' It touches upon his impact on the media industry and his influence on politics.

The article discusses Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's novel 'Wuthering Heights' and the challenges of adapting a novel for the screen. It highlights the debate between those who believe in staying loyal to the source material and those who think screenwriters should make the story their own. The article argues that Fennell's take on 'Wuthering Heights' is outlandish and highlights the adaptation conundrum.

The article discusses the Jeffrey Epstein case and how it highlights a broader issue of elites being complicit in or enabling serious crimes, with many powerful individuals accused of trafficking and abusing vulnerable women and girls. The author argues that prosecutors have moved too slowly in bringing justice to the victims, fueling a nihilistic view that the system is corrupt. The article emphasizes the urgent need for justice for Epstein's victims and criticizes the slow pace of legal proceedings.

The article warns that rich countries should be cautious of 'Brazilification', citing Brazil as a timely warning for many of the world's big economies. It compares Brazil's situation to other cautionary tales such as Argentina's inflation, Italy's stagnation, and Britain's Brexit issues. The article suggests that when governments are indebted, high interest rates can cause significant problems.

The article discusses the rise of '9-to-5 influencers' who create content around their corporate office experiences. Natalie Marshall, known as 'Corporate Natalie', is a prominent example, skewering office life absurdities on TikTok and gaining over 50 million likes. The article highlights how these influencers are finding profitable niches in ridiculing corporate culture, using humor and satire to comment on the mundane and often nonsensical aspects of office life.

The world is facing a shortage of tenor singers, a problem that affects choral singing and has been a persistent issue. The Taunton Madrigal Society's 1926 concert is cited as an example where the choir struggled to find tenor singers despite being well-attended. The article highlights the difficulty in recruiting tenor singers and its impact on choral music.

The article discusses Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's historic opportunity to transform her country after her Liberal Democratic Party's decisive victory in the February 8th snap election, where they won almost 70% of the seats in parliament's lower house. The article emphasizes the significance of this moment for Japan and urges the Prime Minister not to squander this chance to remake her country.

American snowboarder Chloe Kim won silver in the women's halfpipe event at the Winter Olympics, falling short of her bid to become the first Olympic snowboarder to win three consecutive gold medals. Choi Gaon of South Korea took gold, while Japan's Mitsuki Ono claimed bronze. Kim, who had injured her shoulder four weeks prior, competed with a brace and considered winning any medal a victory given her condition. Despite her disappointment, Kim expressed pride in Choi and passed on the torch to the 17-year-old South Korean snowboarder she had inspired throughout her career. Kim's final run ended in a fall, securing her silver medal. The event saw other two-time defending champions, like Czech Ester Ledecka and Austria's Anna Gasser, also fall short in their respective events.

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to participate in a third round of U.S.-mediated peace talks on February 17 and 18 in Geneva. The negotiations come as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fifth year. Despite some progress on issues like a temporary pause in attacks on energy infrastructure and a prisoner exchange, there is skepticism about the prospects for a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed doubts about Russia's willingness to negotiate, citing recent drone and missile attacks. The change in the composition of the Russian delegation, with Vladimir Medinsky replacing Igor Kostyukov, has also raised concerns. Zelenskyy emphasized that ending the war depends on the United States putting pressure on Russia.

Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who became a symbol of courage for testifying against her ex-husband and dozens of other men in a mass rape trial, gave her first U.S. TV interview to CBS News. She shared her story, detailing the shock and horror of discovering her ex-husband had drugged her and recruited other men to assault her in their home over nearly a decade. Pelicot waived her right to anonymity and insisted on public court proceedings during the trial, resulting in the conviction of all 51 men accused, including her ex-husband, who received a 20-year sentence. She is now releasing a memoir, 'A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,' to share her experience and inspire others.

American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates finished second to France's Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron at the 2026 Winter Olympics, sparking controversy over the judges' scores. Chock called for greater transparency and vetting of judges, citing the subjective nature of ice dance scoring. The Americans were favorites going into the free dance but were edged out by the French pair despite a strong performance.

Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid won a bronze medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics despite controversy surrounding his recent confession of infidelity to his girlfriend during a live broadcast. Laegreid had revealed that he had cheated on his girlfriend and hoped to win her back, but she broke up with him. The confession was met with criticism, with some feeling it took attention away from his teammate's gold medal win. Laegreid expressed regret for his actions and the way he handled the situation.

The UK High Court has ruled that the government's decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful, but the ban remains in place pending an appeal. Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian protest group, has been involved in various direct action protests and vandalism at military and industrial sites in the UK. The group's co-founder, Huda Ammori, hailed the court's decision as a 'monumental victory' for free speech, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to appeal. The ruling has sparked confusion among the public, with London's Metropolitan Police force stating that they will focus on gathering evidence rather than making arrests for now.

The U.S. men's hockey team won their first game of the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating Latvia 5-1. The team dominated the game, outshooting Latvia 38-18 and showcasing their depth with multiple players scoring and assisting. Brock Nelson scored twice, and four players had two assists apiece. The team's performance was praised by players and coaches, with winger Jake Guentzel stating that the team's depth was a key factor in their success. The U.S. team will next play Denmark on Saturday night before wrapping up the preliminary round against Germany.

The U.S. women's curling team achieved an Olympic first by defeating Canada 9-8 on Friday. The team, comprising sisters Tabitha and Tara Peterson, Taylor Anderson-Heide, Cory Thiesse, and alternate Aileen Geving, capitalized on Canada's weak shots to secure the win. The American women had never beaten Canada in the Olympics before, making this victory extra special. The team is known for their approachability and ambition, with members balancing curling with day jobs and motherhood. They remain focused on their upcoming matches in the round-robin before the semifinals next Friday.

The U.S. women's hockey team defeated Italy 6-0 to advance to the Winter Olympics semifinals. The Americans dominated the game, outshooting Italy 20-2 in the first period and scoring five goals in the second period. The U.S. team has now won all five games in the tournament, outscoring their opponents 26-1. Meanwhile, Sweden upset Czechia 2-0 to also advance to the semifinals. The Swedish team, led by coach Ulf Lundberg, has shown significant improvement and is now in contention for a medal.

Thousands of anti-government protesters violently faced off against riot police in Albania's capital, Tirana, demanding the resignation of the government following a massive corruption scandal involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. The protests turned violent when supporters of the opposition Democratic Party threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at government offices. The corruption allegations against Balluku and Prime Minister Edi Rama's refusal to dismiss her have sparked widespread outrage and reinforced the sentiment that the government is rife with corruption. The turmoil in Albania comes as the country seeks European Union membership, which may be complicated by the latest allegations against Rama's government.

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 women's rights while empowering a regime known for its brutal suppression of dissent. Critics argue that the UN's inaction towards Iran's violent crackdown on protesters in December and January is inconsistent with its mission to promote human rights and democracy. The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with some arguing that it sends a dangerous message to Tehran and undermines the UN's credibility.

The Iranian security forces have reportedly killed at least 19 Iranian Christians during nationwide protests against the regime, according to a report by Article 18, an organization promoting religious freedom in Iran. The victims include members of both recognized and unrecognized Christian communities in Iran. The report highlights the brutal response of the Islamic Republic to the mass demonstrations, resulting in the murder of Christians, including Nader Mohammadi and Zahra Arjomandi, who were shot dead in separate protests. The executive director of Article 18 condemned the killings as a crime against humanity and called for an end to the impunity enjoyed by the regime. The report also references a comprehensive 2025 report on the persecution of Iranian Christians, which details the regime's crackdown on Christian communities.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has informed lawmakers that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is nearing the stage of being designated as the regime's future leader. The NIS reported this information in a closed-door briefing, noting a significant shift in their assessment from 'successor training' to 'successor-designate stage.' Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13 years old, has been appearing publicly with her father, including at a test firing of a rocket launcher system. The development is significant as North Korea is a nuclear-armed nation, and the succession plan could impact regional and global security. The U.S. Intelligence Community has noted that Kim Jong Un remains committed to increasing North Korea's nuclear warheads and improving its missile capabilities.

A Jet2 flight from Turkey to the UK was diverted to Belgium due to a midair brawl between passengers. The incident occurred on flight LS896 from Antalya to Manchester, and was reportedly triggered by a passenger making racist remarks and becoming aggressive when unable to buy cigarettes. The airline described the behavior of two passengers as 'appalling' and 'disruptive', and they were offloaded by police in Brussels. The flight continued to Manchester, where it landed at around 10 p.m. Jet2 has banned the two passengers from flying with them for life and will pursue them for the costs incurred due to the diversion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked a court to revoke the Israeli citizenship of two Palestinian men convicted of terrorism offenses. The move is the first use of a law enacted three years ago allowing the revocation of citizenship and subsequent deportation of Palestinian citizens who were convicted of certain violent crimes and received financial support from the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu argues that the severity of the crimes and the payments received from the Palestinian Authority fund justify pulling their citizenship and expelling them from Israel. Critics argue that the law allows Israel's legal system to treat Jewish and Palestinian people differently and that it violates the most basic principles of the rule of law.

A man who had been released from prison in December after serving 12 years for a terrorism-related offense attempted to attack a police officer with a knife and scissors near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. He was shot by another officer and later died from his wounds. The incident occurred during a ceremony to relight the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The attacker was a French national born in 1978 and had previously been sentenced to 17 years in prison in Brussels for attempted murder of three police officers. The French counterterrorism prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the man's ties to a 'terrorist enterprise.'

The Swiss People's Party (SVP) has proposed a referendum to cap Switzerland's population at 10 million, citing concerns over immigration and its impact on the country's infrastructure and resources. The proposal, which will be put to a national vote on June 14, has been met with opposition from other major Swiss political parties. The SVP argues that the current level of immigration is unsustainable and is causing problems such as overcrowding, housing shortages, and increased crime. Critics, however, warn that the measure could strain Switzerland's relations with its European neighbors.

Ukraine has launched domestically produced FP-5 'Flamingo' cruise missiles at a Russian ammunition depot in Volgograd Oblast, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The attack targeted a facility belonging to Russia's Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, resulting in powerful explosions and secondary detonations. Ukrainian officials claim the missiles have a range of 3,000 kilometers and an accuracy of 14 meters. The strike is part of Ukraine's efforts to push deeper into Russian military infrastructure. Russian regional authorities acknowledged the incident, stating that air defenses repelled the missile attack but falling debris triggered a fire. The attack comes amid ongoing fighting along the front line and ahead of expected U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Baylor's Tyce Armstrong made history by hitting three grand slams in a single game, tying a collegiate baseball record, during a 15-2 win over New Mexico State. Armstrong, a redshirt senior who transferred to Baylor from UT Arlington, drove in 12 runs and became the second player since 1957 to achieve this feat. He described the experience as the 'coolest night of my life' and expressed his desire to continue his impressive performance.

American-born Olympian Eileen Gu received a substantial payment of $6.6 million from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau in 2025, a sum she shared with fellow US-born Olympian Zhu Yi. The payment was part of a larger $14 million payout over three years for their performances. The disclosure was made through a public budget that initially named both athletes before their names were quickly removed. Gu, who competes for China, has earned significant amounts from endorsements and competitions, totaling around $23 million and $100,000 respectively. The payment has sparked controversy among China's public due to the country's financial constraints.

The article features Dear Abby's advice column, where she responds to two letters from individuals dealing with difficult family situations. The first letter is from a friend of a disabled man, Louis, who is struggling to cope with his alcoholic sister, Gayle, after moving in with her and her husband. The second letter is from a woman whose sister-in-law and mother-in-law are going to court against each other, and she and her fiancé are caught in the middle. Dear Abby provides guidance on how to navigate these complex family dynamics.

Former ESPN personality Sarah Spain expressed discomfort and anger after sitting near Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Spain described Vance as exuding 'demon energy' and felt 'ill' when she saw him. She complained about the security detail obstructing her view and photographers focusing on the politicians instead of the game. Spain also questioned the American players' excitement upon learning Vance was watching, wondering if it was genuine.

The New York Post Editorial Board argues that 'gender-affirming care' is harmful and has turned individuals like Jesse Van Rootselaar, a Canadian school shooter, into violent individuals. They claim that providing powerful hormones to unstable teenagers and affirming their gender dysphoria without addressing underlying mental health issues is a recipe for disaster. The editorial board criticizes the medical establishment for adopting 'gender-affirming care' as the standard practice, suggesting it leads to the mutilation of confused children and ignores significant mental illnesses. They compare this approach unfavorably to how other mental health issues, like anorexia, are treated, where the goal is to align the individual's perception with reality rather than altering their body. The article concludes by calling for an end to what it describes as malpractice, citing examples of other trans school shooters.

The article warns that Mayor Zohran Mamdani may appoint a new Administration for Children's Services (ACS) chief who wants to abolish the agency, potentially putting more children in danger. The author argues that the left's push to abolish ACS is driven by a misguided notion that the agency's investigations are racist and 'overpolice' black and Hispanic New Yorkers. The article highlights recent child deaths and abuses that occurred under the current ACS leadership, suggesting that abolishing the agency would be catastrophic. The author urges Mamdani to use his 'conscience' to reject the ACS-abolitionists and prioritize child safety.

Rosie O'Donnell, an American actress, has returned to the United States after a self-imposed exile in Ireland following President Donald Trump's re-election in 2024. O'Donnell moved to Ireland with her teenage daughter in January 2025 and has been living there ever since. During an interview with Chris Cuomo on 'SiriusXM's Cuomo Mornings,' O'Donnell revealed that she had recently returned to the US to visit her family and assess the country's atmosphere. She expressed feeling that America has become a 'very different country' and that the energy she felt during her visit was 'scary.' O'Donnell has been a long-time critic of President Trump, and their feud dates back 20 years. Trump had previously threatened to revoke her American citizenship, but O'Donnell countered that the Constitution protects her citizenship. O'Donnell has applied for Irish citizenship and plans to maintain dual citizenship.

The author criticizes the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny, calling it predictable, boring, and nonsensical. The performance was entirely in Spanish, alienating the majority of the US population who do not speak the language. The author argues that the decision to have Bad Bunny perform in Spanish was an attempt to appeal to a global audience or to shock America into accepting its new multilingual identity. The performance featured raunchy and explicit lyrics, which were largely incomprehensible to the non-Spanish speaking audience. The author laments the lack of creativity and originality in modern Super Bowl halftime shows, which have become formulaic and monotonous.

A German defence company, Hensoldt, has successfully tested an uncrewed cargo glider called HADIS (High-Altitude Drop Infiltrating System) that can deliver cargo of up to 500kg over a range of 120km. The technology is being explored by Tokyo to bolster its capabilities in remote islands to the southwest of Japan. HADIS is designed to support frontline military units by delivering essential supplies, such as medical equipment and munitions, while safeguarding transport aircraft during resupply operations. The glider is autonomous, disposable, and remotely operated, making it difficult to detect due to its silent and engine-less design.

The article discusses whether Pop Mart can turn viral hits into lasting icons, using its characters Molly and Labubu as examples. The company's founder, Wang Ning, learned from his early entrepreneurial experiences that branding and emotional connection are crucial. Pop Mart's philosophy of building products around story, identity, and emotional connection is being tested as Labubu's popularity cools and the company's shares fluctuate. In contrast, Molly's enduring appeal offers a counterpoint, highlighting the challenge Pop Mart faces in turning hype into stable intellectual property.

Researchers from Hong Kong and Singapore suggest that despite intense rivalry between the US and China over AI, 'policy convergence' at the local level could pave the way for cooperation on areas like global governance, safety, and security management. The study challenges the conventional expectation of policy divergence between the two nations and highlights the possibility of future cooperation and negotiation on issues of global significance.

The article discusses the various traditions and customs associated with the Lunar New Year, a significant event in the Chinese calendar. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has a history dating back over 2,000 years and is a time when families prepare for the new year by cleaning, worshipping, and buying festive goods. The article highlights the different customs and practices observed during each day of the holiday, which vary between north and south China. It specifically mentions the tradition of decorating homes on the day before Lunar New Year's Eve and provides an overview of the preparations and festivities that take place to ensure an auspicious start to the new year.

Hongkongers are taking advantage of the 9-day Lunar New Year break to travel across Asia, with many departing on Saturday. The Immigration Department forecasts 11.38 million trips between February 14 and 23, a 16% increase from the previous Lunar New Year period. Over 117,220 residents had left Hong Kong by 10am on Saturday, with around 27,840 departing via the airport. Travelers, including families with children and elderly relatives, gathered at check-in counters at Hong Kong International Airport.

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has appealed for public support to pass a NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special military budget, which has been repeatedly blocked by opposition parties. Lai warned that the deadlock could delay key weapons deliveries and send Taiwan down the US arms supply priority list, weakening perceptions of Taiwan's defence resolve in Washington and regional capitals. The US has been pressuring Taipei to prove its commitment to its own defence amid intensifying competition with Beijing. Lai emphasized that strengthening defence spending is 'not an act of provocation' but a 'necessary step to safeguard security and maintain regional stability'.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly emerging as a major global trade hub, challenging Singapore's dominance and surpassing Hong Kong. The UAE's non-oil trade has nearly doubled between 2021 and 2025, reaching 3.8 trillion dirhams (US$1.03 trillion), driven by an ambitious post-pandemic economic diplomacy campaign. The growth is attributed to comprehensive economic partnership agreements and strategic investment in logistics. The UAE's Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, announced that 95% of the targets set for 2031 have been fulfilled. The UAE's emergence as a major trade hub is seen as a significant development, with the country positioning itself as a credible rival to Singapore.

The article discusses how elderly Chinese citizens are using a traditional matchmaking corner in Shenzhen to find love and companionship in their golden years. Despite the prevalence of dating apps, these seniors prefer a more personal approach, gathering at Lotus Mountain to post details about themselves in hopes of finding a partner. The matchmaking corner has become a popular spot for elderly singles to meet and potentially form meaningful connections.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to mourn the eight victims of a mass shooting that occurred earlier in the week. The shooting took place at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six young students and one teacher were killed, as well as two family members of the suspected shooter at a local residence. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Trudeau was joined by other federal leaders, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Canada's Governor-General Mary Simon, in a show of national unity. The community is still reeling from the attack, with many residents visibly shaken and in tears. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are investigating the shooting and have seized four firearms in relation to the incident.

A fire broke out at the Ñico López Refinery in Havana, Cuba, but was quickly brought under control without any injuries. The incident occurred as Cuba faces a deepening fuel crisis due to the US blocking Venezuelan oil shipments. The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela and confiscated its oil tankers, cutting off key fuel supplies to Cuba. The fuel shortage has led to electricity cuts, rationing, and disruptions to healthcare, education, and tourism. The UN has expressed concern over the crisis, describing the US restrictions as 'extreme unilateral economic coercion.' Two Mexican ships carrying humanitarian aid arrived in Havana Bay, but the situation remains dire.

French prosecutors have opened investigations into five baby formula manufacturers, including Nestle, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio, and La Marque en moins, over concerns their products contained a toxin called cereulide. The investigation follows mass recalls in over 60 countries, including the UK, after reports of infants suffering from suspected food poisoning. The toxin is linked to an ingredient called arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, supplied by a Chinese firm, Cabio Biotech. The UK Food Standards Agency has stated that the contaminated supplier is no longer being used. The investigation will examine whether the manufacturers are liable for distributing a tainted product and whether there is a causal link between the contaminated formula and the deaths of three babies in France.

Goldman Sachs' top lawyer, Kathryn Ruemmler, has announced her resignation after months of pressure over her friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Emails disclosed by the US justice department show Ruemmler referred to Epstein as 'Uncle Jeffrey', advised him on how to push back against media scrutiny, and accepted luxury gifts from him. Ruemmler, who previously served as White House counsel to former US President Barack Obama, stated that she had no knowledge of Epstein's ongoing criminal conduct and did not know him as the 'monster he has been revealed to be'. Her resignation will take effect from 30 June.

Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has accused his rivals, particularly those in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party, of planning to blackmail him with a secretly recorded sex tape ahead of the country's election on April 12. Magyar, who is currently leading in the polls, claims that the tape, allegedly recorded in August 2022, could be faked and made with secret service equipment. He has announced plans to file a complaint with the authorities. Fidesz leaders have denied any knowledge of the claims, with some accusing Magyar of lying. The allegations come as the election campaign is set to begin on February 21, and tensions are rising between Orban's government and Magyar's centre-right Tisza party.

US President Donald Trump has reversed the Obama-era 'endangerment finding', a key ruling that underpinned US environmental legislation, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions from the auto industry. Experts predict various environmental and economic impacts, including increased emissions, cheaper cars in the US but reduced exportability, potential nuisance lawsuits against corporate polluters, negative public health effects, and the US falling behind in the global renewable energy race. The decision is expected to be challenged in court by environmental groups.

Ukrainian skeleton slider Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet depicting athletes killed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The helmet featured over 20 athletes, including teenage weightlifter Alina Perehudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Lohinov. Heraskevych's appeal was denied, and he was barred from competing in the men's skeleton event. The article lists the athletes featured on the helmet, describing their backgrounds, achievements, and circumstances of death.

China is facing a shrinking population and is turning to robots and automation as a potential solution to mitigate the economic impact. The country's birth rate has hit a historic low, and despite policies to encourage procreation, the population continues to decline. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been promoting the use of automation and AI to transform China into a high-tech powerhouse. Experts say that if handled well, China's push into automation and AI could help maintain economic growth, but it poses a steep challenge for the government. The use of robots is not only limited to manufacturing but also being explored for caregiving to the aging population.

The article discusses the ongoing grief of 68-year-old Yip Ka Kui, whose wife was killed in a deadly high-rise fire in Hong Kong three months prior to the Lunar New Year. As Hong Kong prepares to mark the Lunar New Year, a time when families traditionally come together, Yip mourns his loss by sending daily messages and voice notes to his deceased wife. The article highlights the trauma and grief Yip is experiencing, providing a personal perspective on the impact of the fire.

The article reveals that Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to Donald Trump, collaborated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to undermine Pope Francis. Bannon saw Francis as an obstacle to his nationalist populist agenda and discussed strategies with Epstein to 'take down' the pontiff. The two men exchanged messages in 2019, with Bannon suggesting Epstein become the executive producer of a potential film adaptation of a book critical of the Vatican. The article highlights Bannon's efforts to instrumentalize faith for political ends and his opposition to Francis's advocacy for migrants and critique of nationalism.

The US military conducted a strike against an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean on February 13, 2026, killing three people. This is the fourth publicly known attack of the year as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign aimed at curtailing narcotics trafficking initiated by the Trump administration. The operation has resulted in the deaths of at least 124 people, with the administration labeling them as 'unlawful combatants.' The legality of these strikes has been questioned due to a lack of publicly presented evidence linking the killed individuals to drug cartels or confirming the presence of drugs on the vessels. Multiple current and former military lawyers have expressed concerns over the lawfulness of the strikes.

The article showcases striking pictures from around the world, highlighting a Chinese folk performance known as da shuhua, or molten iron fireworks, ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in Beijing, China. The image is part of a collection of notable photographs from the week, demonstrating the diversity and vibrancy of global events.

The Iranian regime has arrested and detained doctors who treated protesters during nationwide demonstrations. Dr. Yaser Rahmani-Rad, an internal medicine specialist, was detained after speaking out against the regime's crackdown on protesters and accusing security forces of arresting injured protesters and removing medical equipment. Despite international exposure, Dr. Rahmani-Rad was arrested, and his Instagram account was shut down. Another doctor, Dr. Golnaz Naraghi, was also arrested and transferred to a notorious women's prison. A surgeon, Alireza Golchini, was charged with 'waging war against God' but was released on bail. The regime has denied arresting doctors, but evidence suggests that medical professionals are being targeted for providing care to protesters.

Two British skiers and one French skier died in an avalanche at the Val d'Isere ski resort in the French Alps. The avalanche occurred on Friday morning when the British group, accompanied by a professional instructor, were skiing off-piste despite a 'very high avalanche risk' warning. The French national was skiing alone at a higher altitude when he was swept away. The incident is under investigation, and the Foreign Office has confirmed the deaths of the British nationals.

Brazilian actor Wagner Moura and director Kleber Mendonca Filho discuss their film 'The Secret Agent', a political thriller set during Brazil's military dictatorship. The film has received critical acclaim, including Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations. Moura and Filho were congratulated by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on their success, highlighting a shift in the country's cultural landscape after the previous far-right administration. The film's themes of sticking to one's values during polarized times resonated with Moura and Filho, who drew from their own experiences during the Bolsonaro era. The article also touches on the controversy surrounding the Critics Choice award ceremony.

Chinese tech giants Alibaba, ByteDance, and Kuaishou have released new AI models, showcasing the country's advancements in robotics and video generation. Alibaba's RynnBrain is designed for 'physical AI' like robotics, while ByteDance's Seedance 2.0 and Kuaishou's Kling 3.0 are video generation models competing with OpenAI's Sora and Nvidia's robotics models. These developments demonstrate China's rapid progress in AI, with models rivaling those in the US. The new models have shown significant improvements in controllability, speed, and production efficiency, with applications in various industries.

The average IRS tax refund has increased by 10.9% so far in the 2026 tax season, with an average refund amount of $2,290 as of February 6, compared to $2,065 at the same point in 2025. However, early data can be misleading, and the actual average refund amount may change as more returns are processed. The total amount refunded has also increased by 1.9% to over $16.9 billion. Experts caution that the size of tax refunds can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and the new tax breaks that apply to each taxpayer.

Cuba is facing its biggest test since the collapse of the Soviet Union as the US, under President Donald Trump, has cut it off from Venezuelan oil and threatened tariffs against countries that supply it. The island nation is experiencing a severe fuel shortage, leading to the cancellation of flights by Air Canada and warnings that international airlines can no longer refuel there. Cuba's government has adopted rationing measures, including restrictions on fuel sales and a shorter working week, to protect essential services. Experts warn of a possible humanitarian collapse and civil unrest, while the BRICS bloc is being tested to provide support to its member country.

Casey Wasserman, a Los Angeles entertainment executive and chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has announced that he will sell his talent agency, Wasserman Group, amid fallout from his name surfacing in the Epstein files. The agency represents thousands of musicians, performers, and athletes. Wasserman apologized to his employees for his past personal mistakes and announced that he would step back from his business interests to focus on the 2028 Olympic Games. The decision comes after dozens of clients, including Chappell Roan and Orville Peck, denounced him or sought other representation following the release of flirtatious emails he sent to Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. The emails, which were part of the Epstein files released by the Justice Department, suggest no illegality by Wasserman but have damaged his reputation. The 2028 Olympics organizing committee has affirmed its support for Wasserman as chairman, but the turmoil may continue as the sale of the agency is underway.

The article explores the complexities of the Chinese minority in Kelantan, Malaysia, under the rule of the Islamist party PAS. While the community has historically been integrated into the local culture, recent policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment and economic challenges. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of inter-faith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the community's efforts to preserve their cultural identity through social media and cultural events.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a candlelight vigil in Tumbler Ridge, a small mining town, to pay tribute to the victims of a mass shooting that occurred at the local secondary school. The shooting, which killed eight people including five students and a teacher, was carried out by an 18-year-old transgender woman who also killed her mother and stepbrother before taking her own life. Carney, holding hands with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, told the nearly 2,000 people gathered that Canada is 'with you, and we will always be with you.' The event was marked by displays of unity and grief, with leaders praising the acts of heroism and courage shown by the town's residents. The prime minister and opposition leader put aside their partisan differences to show a unified front, which was welcomed by the residents. The town is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, and leaders have promised to provide support to the victims' families and the community.