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The article discusses how anger is affecting moderate politicians and how AI-driven disruption is likely to increase resentment globally. It touches upon the debate surrounding the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on employment, with some believing it will bring about a job-creating economic boom and others warning of widespread job losses. The article suggests that the world is on the cusp of becoming a more resentful place due to these technological advancements.

The article discusses the growing trend of politicians and public intellectuals in the democratic world envying China's achievements, such as its high-speed trains, and wondering why Western countries like America and Britain struggle with public works. The author argues that this 'Chinese-train envy' is misguided and that the West should not adopt China's authoritarian methods. The article emphasizes the importance of liberal values and warns against the dangers of adopting iron-fisted rule.

The article 'Dizzyingly high CEO pay is fine. It just needs to be earned' by Alex Edmans discusses the controversy surrounding high CEO pay and argues that it is justified if earned through performance. Edmans contends that the importance of talent has increased, not the talent itself, and that CEO pay should be tied to their achievement. The article is set against the backdrop of the 2026 proxy season where companies face say-on-pay votes from shareholders.

The article argues that Donald Trump's 'America First' foreign policy is not as radical as it seems, as earlier U.S. presidents have also prioritized American interests. The recent U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) published in December 2025 sparked controversy in Europe, but the author, Kim Darroch, suggests that its principles are not new. The article compares Trump's approach to those of past U.S. presidents, implying that 'America First' is more of a tone than a revolutionary policy.

The article discusses how governments are increasingly implementing progressive tax systems to address growing income inequality in the rich world. It highlights that the top 1% of earners in America and Europe have seen significant increases in their share of pre-tax income since 1980, contributing to the stagnation of middle-class incomes and potentially fueling the rise of populism. The article suggests that tax systems are more progressive than commonly perceived, aiming to redistribute wealth.

The article discusses how to topple Iran's Islamic regime, suggesting that the son of the former Shah and an ex-prime minister should team up to break the Islamic hierarchy and write a new constitution. The author, Amir Hossein Ganjbakhsh, a dissident, argues that this alliance is necessary in the wake of a popular uprising and international pressure on Iran's nuclear program. The article highlights the need for a political confrontation with the Islamic regime and proposes a potential alternative leadership.

The article discusses the potential for India to become one of the world's most open economies, driven by new trade deals that could make it a manufacturing powerhouse. Arvind Subramanian is cited as reckoning that India might be about to make a significant leap in this direction, reversing its historical failure to exploit its vast pool of unskilled labor to build a strong manufacturing sector.

The article discusses the trend of world leaders criticizing Europe, suggesting that this 'Europe-bashing' is often driven by domestic politics in countries such as America and China rather than genuine grievances against Europe. It highlights that despite global discord, one unifying belief among world leaders is that Europeans are perceived as weak and annoying. The piece touches upon various global issues and the political climate, referencing other articles and topics covered by The Economist.

The article discusses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and his stance on vaccines and autism. Despite promising Senator Bill Cassidy not to remove a statement from a federal website claiming vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy appended an asterisk to the statement, effectively undermining his promise. The article criticizes Kennedy's actions, suggesting that his approach to health policy is misguided and potentially harmful.

The article 'Russia’s economy has entered the death zone' by Alexandra Prokopenko discusses the transformation of Russia's economy due to its ongoing war against Ukraine. As the war enters its fifth year, the Russian economy has adapted in ways that are difficult to reverse without another crisis. The economy is likened to being in the 'death zone' of mountaineering, where the body consumes itself faster than it can be repaired, indicating a state of irreversible decline rather than immediate collapse. The article suggests that while the economy won't collapse, it also won't recover, having been significantly altered by the war efforts.

The Indian Removal Act, championed by Andrew Jackson, was a controversial policy that exemplified unchecked expansionism and disregard for the rule of law in pre-Civil War America. Jackson's military campaigns against Native American tribes, such as the Seminoles in Florida, were marked by violence, destruction of property, and executions without due process. The article examines the historical context and implications of this policy, highlighting its divisive impact on America.

Cambodia is seeking to reset its economy after months of border conflict with Thailand disrupted trade and forced hundreds of thousands of migrant workers to return home. Prime Minister Hun Manet is traveling to the US and Europe to diversify markets and secure new investment, aiming to reduce reliance on Thailand. The border fighting killed at least 149 people and closed land crossings handling $5.6 billion in trade. An estimated 900,000 Cambodian migrant workers have returned home, putting pressure on the economy. Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has made the conflict a campaign issue, and the border remains closed.

As China approaches the Lunar New Year, companies are cutting back on year-end bonuses due to narrowing profit margins and slowing growth. Many employees are missing out on bonuses entirely, with some companies even banning public discussion of bonus details. Data from Randstad's 2026 market outlook and salary report shows that 26% of respondents will not receive year-end bonuses for 2025, while nearly half reported payouts equivalent to one to two months' salary. The reduction in bonuses is seen as a reflection of the broader economic slowdown and heightened external uncertainty.

Locals and tourists in Hong Kong visited the Tai Po wishing tree on the first day of the Lunar New Year to pray for good health, happiness, and prosperity. Despite wet weather, visitors enthusiastically hung wishing placards on the tree, a traditional practice where wishes are believed to be granted if the card is successfully attached to a branch. The tradition involves writing wishes on a card attached to an orange-shaped plastic ball and throwing it onto a banyan tree in the village.

The article discusses how Chinese memory firms GigaDevice Semiconductor and Montage Technology have become significant players in the domestic semiconductor industry. Founded by US-returned Chinese engineers, these companies have capitalized on the global memory supercycle, leading to substantial gains in their stock prices after dual listings in Hong Kong. GigaDevice, led by Zhu Yiming, who also co-founded ChangXin Memory Technologies, has seen its shares rise by 151% since the listing. The success of these companies reflects China's progress in tech self-sufficiency.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven significant stories from Asia, including concerns over Indonesia's tourist visa regime following a major Bali bust involving Indian nationals allegedly running an online gambling operation, the Philippines' vow to aid a Filipino woman assaulted in a Singaporean mall, and Malaysia's decision to boost its missile arsenal amid maritime tensions in the South China Sea.

Walmart's Sam's Club has successfully expanded in China by localizing its products and services, despite many foreign retailers scaling back or exiting the market. The warehouse retailer opened 10 new stores in 2025, focusing on smaller cities like Zhangjiagang and Yangzhou. Sam's Club has introduced products catering to local tastes, such as copper gourd ornaments and traditional food items, and adjusted packaging sizes to suit Chinese households. Analysts attribute its success to tapping into the rising demand for quality consumption among middle-class households and its effective localization strategy.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) secretary general, Kao Kim Hourn, has identified the growing rivalry between major powers as the main threat to maritime security in Southeast Asia. At the Munich Security Conference, Kao noted that the increasing strategic mistrust among major powers is turning smaller players into pawns in a larger geopolitical game. The tension is particularly evident in the South China Sea, where China and the United States have ramped up their naval presence, leading to persistent territorial disputes with countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei. Asean hopes to finalize a code of conduct with China this year to reduce tensions.

The article discusses the recent tensions between China and India over the Shaksgam Valley, a remote and inhospitable region in the Karakoram mountain range. The valley is a disputed territory that has been a footnote in the China-India border dispute. China's road-building program in the area has been met with protests from India, which claims the territory as its own. Beijing has responded by asserting its sovereignty over the region, leading to a verbal sparring match between the two nations. The article highlights the complexities of the territorial issues between China and India, which are rooted in the legacy of colonial empires and their geopolitical rivalries.

Two British skiers, Stuart Leslie and Shaun Overy, were among three people killed in an avalanche at the Val d'Isere ski resort in the French Alps. A red avalanche warning had been issued the day before the incident due to 'very heavy snowfall' and 'exceptional avalanche conditions'. The British victims were part of a group of five with a professional instructor who did not see the danger approaching. The incident has prompted an inquiry, and the Foreign Office has confirmed their deaths and offered consular assistance.

A bomb attached to a motorcycle exploded near a police station in Bannu, Pakistan, killing two people, including a child, and injuring a dozen others. The attack is suspected to be the work of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), who have been blamed by the government for an increase in violence in the region. The incident has raised tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Pakistan accusing the TTP of operating freely inside Afghanistan.

The family of an Iranian protester, Hooman, who was killed during recent protests in Iran, has been forced to pay for the bullet that killed him. Hooman's aunt, Nasrin, who is now living in Germany, recounts the painful details of the day he was killed and the subsequent efforts to collect his body. The family was told to bury him immediately and sign a document promising not to speak about the incident. Nasrin blames the Iranian government for Hooman's death and demands justice. She also expresses skepticism about the ability of foreign powers, including the US, to bring about change in Iran, believing that lasting change must come from within.

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, is being denied adequate medical treatment in prison, according to his spokesman Zulfi Bukhari. Khan has lost 85% of vision in his right eye and his personal doctor has not been allowed to examine him. Bukhari claims that Khan is being kept in isolation and secrecy, and that his family is being denied access to him. The Pakistani government has announced that Khan underwent a brief medical procedure, but his family was not informed. Supporters of Khan's party have staged protests demanding his release and proper medical treatment. Bukhari says that Khan's imprisonment is 'ripping the country apart' and that denying his family visas to visit him is 'inhumane'. Khan has been in jail since August 2023 and has been sentenced to multiple prison terms on various charges, which he claims are politically driven.

Dana Eden, the executive producer of the hit TV spy thriller 'Tehran', was found dead in her Athens hotel room while filming the show's fourth season. The cause of death is being treated as suicide by the police based on evidence and testimonies. The production company, Donna and Shula Productions, released a statement dismissing rumors of a criminal or nationalistic-related death and urged the media and public to refrain from publishing unverified claims. Eden, 52, was an Israeli national and the show has been a huge hit for Apple TV, starring Niv Sultan, Hugh Laurie, and Shaun Toub.

A train derailed in Switzerland on Monday morning, leaving at least five people injured. The BLS AG train was traveling from Goppenstein to Hohtenn when it came off the tracks at around 7am. An avalanche may have caused the derailment. Emergency services responded quickly, with ambulances, a helicopter, and mountain rescuers attending the scene. All 29 passengers were safely evacuated, and a replacement bus service was put in place. The Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the incident.

The article criticizes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (AOC) performance at the Munich Security Conference, where she criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio's speech on Western culture and values. The author argues that AOC's responses were ignorant and unserious, demonstrating a lack of understanding of foreign policy and Western culture. AOC's views on culture and economic interests are also criticized as being overly simplistic and influenced by Marxist ideology. The article concludes that AOC is not ready for prime time and is unfit to shape US foreign policy.

The article discusses how the Biden administration granted 'quiet amnesty' to nearly 1 million illegal immigrants by manipulating the immigration courts. The Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) terminated, dismissed, or closed cases, allowing these individuals to remain in the country indefinitely without facing immigration consequences. A report by the House Judiciary Committee revealed that over 700,000 cases were dismissed or terminated, and updated statistics show the number is now nearly 1 million. The administration used 'prosecutorial discretion' to tank pending cases, effectively giving amnesty to these individuals.

Kenny Mayne, a former ESPN anchor, has revealed that he believes he is banned from Augusta National Golf Club for life. Mayne thinks the ban was triggered by a comment he made during a golf broadcast about bringing 'four saucy ladies' to play golf, which was perceived as insensitive by the club. The Masters, held at Augusta National, is known for being protective of its image, and the club has a history of being conservative, only admitting its first female members in 2012. Mayne left ESPN in 2021 after a 27-year career and has now spoken out about his perceived ban on the podcast 'God Bless Football' with Jon 'Stugotz' Weiner.

The article urges President Trump to intervene in the FDA's decision to reject Moderna's flu vaccine, which could potentially save thousands of senior citizens' lives. Dr. Vinay Prasad, head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, blocked the vaccine's approval, citing an arbitrary new standard. The article argues that Prasad's decision is deadly, and his real motive may be related to his hostility to vaccines or paranoia against mRNA jabs. The vaccine in question is 27% more effective at preventing death and 49% better at preventing hospitalization. The article claims that Prasad's intervention will not only cost lives but also stifle future vaccine and drug development by making FDA approvals unpredictable.

A top Trump administration official, Harmeet Dhillon, is investigating a report that a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter in Maryland was referred to child protective services by a community member, Nancy Krause, who claimed the group was not allowing parents to attend meetings. The TPUSA chapter president, Luke Grover, denied any wrongdoing, stating that they banned unknown adults due to online hate. Conservatives argue that the group is being ideologically bullied.

The article discusses the upcoming meeting of President Donald Trump's Board of Peace and its role in resolving the Gaza crisis. The Board aims to direct $5 billion in funding to rebuild Gaza, with a total estimated cost of $70 billion. However, the presence of Hamas in Gaza poses a significant challenge to the Board's efforts. The article argues that Hamas must be disarmed or exiled in order for the Board's plan to succeed. The author expresses skepticism about the ability of the International Stabilization Force to take on Hamas and suggests that the Board's efforts will be hindered by the group's continued presence.

Archaeologists in southern Spain have discovered an elephant foot bone that may be evidence of Hannibal's war elephants used during the Second Punic War. The bone, dated using carbon dating techniques, is believed to be from an animal that died before reaching the Alps. While it is not one of the elephants that crossed the Alps with Hannibal, it is considered the first concrete proof of the use of war elephants in the Punic Wars. The discovery was made during an Iron Age dig near Cordoba, where other artifacts such as artillery, coins, and ceramics were also found.

Ukraine is facing a demographic crisis exacerbated by Russia's full-scale invasion, with many men dying in action and millions of people, mainly women, fleeing as refugees. To address this, the Ukrainian government has introduced a program to freeze the sperm of soldiers, allowing them to potentially have children in the future even if they are killed in action. The program, which began in 2022, has been met with some initial controversy but has since been amended to allow partners to use the frozen sperm with prior written consent. Despite some challenges in implementation, the program aims to support soldiers and their families, and to help mitigate the demographic crisis.

A specialist online investigator, Greg Squire, working for the US Department of Homeland Security Investigations, was tasked with rescuing a 12-year-old girl named Lucy who was being abused and whose images were being shared on the dark web. Despite initial difficulties in identifying Lucy's location, Squire's team eventually discovered a crucial clue in the form of an exposed brick wall in Lucy's bedroom. By identifying the type of brick used in the wall, they were able to narrow down the possible locations and ultimately rescue Lucy from her abuser, her mother's boyfriend, a convicted sex offender. The abuser was subsequently arrested and sentenced to more than 70 years in jail.

The article is a tribute to the life and career of actor Robert Duvall, who passed away. It highlights his extensive filmography, notable roles, and collaborations with renowned directors. Duvall was known for his intense and authoritative performances, earning him numerous award nominations and wins, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. The article also touches on his personal life, including his family background, friendships, and interests.

A strike by aviation industry workers in Kenya has caused significant delays to flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, one of Africa's busiest transport hubs. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) initiated the strike over pay and poor working conditions, with workers blaming the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for stalling salary negotiations and discriminatory practices. The strike has resulted in departing flights being delayed by up to four hours, with some passengers remaining seated on aircraft for extended periods. Kenya Airways and the Kenya Airports Authority have activated contingency plans and urged passengers to contact their airlines for updates. The KCAA has sought court orders to halt the strike, but a labour court judge has suspended the action pending further directions. The strike highlights long-standing labour disputes in the aviation sector, with workers demanding better working conditions and fair treatment.

Alibaba has released its latest AI model series, Qwen3.5, featuring enhanced capabilities and support for AI agents. The model comes in open-weight and hosted API versions, with improvements in performance and cost. Qwen3.5 is compatible with open-source AI agents and supports multimodal capabilities, understanding text, images, and video simultaneously. The release is part of the intensifying competition in China's AI space, with several models launched in the past week. Experts believe AI agents could upend traditional internet business models, and Chinese AI companies are preparing for this possibility.

Jim Cramer discusses the potential downturn in Nvidia's stock due to guilt by association with companies like Dassault and Siemens, which were negatively impacted by a report that Schindler dropped a 'digital twin' partner. Cramer believes that Nvidia's strong fundamentals and sold-out semiconductor capital equipment companies will ultimately prevail, despite potential short-term volatility. He advises investors to 'keep the faith' and not sell their Nvidia shares.

European stocks opened higher on Tuesday as investors focused on earnings reports from major companies like Antofagasta, BHP Group, and InterContinental Hotels Group. The FTSE 100 rose 0.3%, while the DAX and CAC 40 also saw gains. The pound fell against the dollar after the UK's earnings and employment report showed a decline in payrolled workers. German inflation rose to 2.1% in January, up from 1.8% the previous month. Asian markets were cautious due to holiday-thinned trading, with several major markets closed for Lunar New Year.

India's Adani Group has announced plans to invest $100 billion in developing hyperscale AI-ready data centers powered by renewable energy by 2035. The investment aims to establish the world's largest integrated data center platform and create a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India over the next decade. Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, stated that India will be a creator, builder, and exporter of intelligence in the AI age. The news led to a 2.5% rise in Adani Enterprises' shares and a 1.8% increase in Adani Green Energy's shares.

The stock market is experiencing a downturn, with S&P 500 futures trading lower on Tuesday following two consecutive negative weeks. Fears about artificial intelligence's disruption in various industries have contributed to the decline. The Dow and S&P 500 both recorded their fourth losing week in the last five, while the Nasdaq Composite logged its fifth straight negative week. Investors are awaiting the personal consumption expenditure report on Friday to gain insight into the inflation path. Several major companies, including Palo Alto Networks, DoorDash, Walmart, and Wayfair, are set to report earnings this week.

The Adidas 'Tang' jacket, part of the Chinese Track Top collection, has gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram due to its resemblance to the traditional Chinese Tang suit. Initially marketed in China and later in Europe, the jacket has become a highly sought-after item among Gen Z, symbolizing a growing appreciation for Chinese culture and identity. The jacket's design, featuring ornamental toggles and a standing Mandarin collar, has been praised for its refreshing take on Chinese aesthetics, moving away from stereotypical motifs. The phenomenon is linked to the 'New Chinese Style' trend, which contemporizes traditional design and reflects wearers' rising confidence in their national and cultural identity. The jacket's global popularity has coincided with the 'Chinesemaxxing' trend, where Gen Z expresses appreciation for Chinese culture, reflecting a shift in perceptions of China and its soft power.

A new report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) states that China is building submarines at a faster rate than the United States, potentially negating Washington's long-standing sea-power advantage. The report analyzed satellite imagery of Chinese shipyards and found that between 2021 and 2025, China launched 10 nuclear-powered submarines compared to the US's 7, with a total tonnage of 79,000 compared to the US's 55,500. China's submarine force includes both ballistic-missile and attack submarines, and the country is expected to continue expanding its fleet. While the US still maintains a large advantage in terms of active-duty submarines, China's growing numbers could present a challenge to the US and its allies. The report also notes that Chinese submarine designs may lag behind those of the US and Europe in terms of quality, but the sheer numbers could still give China an advantage in naval combat.

The 2026 Spring Festival Gala in Beijing featured a performance by humanoid robots and young Kung Fu artists, showcasing a thrilling martial arts display with choreographed stunts and synchronized moves. The event highlighted the integration of technology and traditional Chinese culture. The article discusses the performance and provides a video of the event.

Palmerston, a black and white cat who served as the 'Chief Mouser' of the UK's Foreign Office, has died in Bermuda at the age of several years after being rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Palmerston gained a large following on social media and was known for his gentle nature and philanthropic efforts, raising over £3,000 for his former shelter. After retiring from the Foreign Office in 2020, Palmerston joined the Governor of Bermuda in 2025, where he continued to be involved in various activities until his passing on February 12, 2026.

The article discusses the recent Thai general election, where the conservative establishment regained power, marking a significant shift away from the populist policies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin's party, Pheu Thai, performed poorly in the election, and analysts attribute this to his deal-making with the conservative establishment and his own personal interests. The new government, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, is expected to be more stable but potentially less democratic. The progressive movement, which had gained momentum in recent years, has been relegated to the opposition. The article highlights the ongoing struggle between the conservative establishment and progressive forces in Thailand, with implications for the country's future political direction.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung warns that China has become a troublemaker, disrupting the cross-strait status quo and intimidating peaceful countries. He emphasizes that Taiwan's security and democratic system are directly threatened by China's authoritarian expansionism, which also poses significant challenges to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Lin highlights Taiwan's importance to global security and prosperity, citing its production of advanced semiconductors and its strategic location. He expresses gratitude to the United States and other partners for resisting China's efforts to unilaterally alter the status quo and notes that the US places a high priority on cross-strait stability. Lin also comments on the strategic continuity between the policies of President Trump's first and second terms, indicating that Taiwan will seek ways to coordinate with the US through values-based diplomacy.

The medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has ceased operations at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, due to the presence of armed men and other security concerns. The decision comes after MSF was accused of anti-Israel rhetoric and faced criticism for not acknowledging the presence of Hamas operatives at the hospital. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that Nasser Hospital was being used as a headquarters and military post for senior Hamas commanders and operatives. The White House emphasized that Hamas must disarm, and the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation expressed concerns over MSF's previous statements and actions.

A recent report has revealed that tens of thousands of Iranians are being held in secret 'black box' detention sites without judicial oversight or official records. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has stated that these facilities are modeled on prison camps from the 1980s and are used for interrogation during protests. Human rights advocates have expressed alarm over the use of these sites, citing the risk of torture, coerced confessions, and deaths in custody. The report comes amid escalating executions in Iran and widespread protests against the clerical regime.

A 35-year-old British tourist caused a rampage at Hong Kong International Airport's Terminal 1 by pushing over and smashing around 10 check-in kiosks, metal barriers, and other airport property. The man, who was trying to buy a plane ticket before the incident, was arrested by airport security and police. The exact trigger for his outburst was unclear, but officers found he was carrying four Viagra pills without a prescription. The incident was captured on viral footage, showing stunned travelers and airport staff watching without intervening.

Around 100 U.S. troops have arrived in Nigeria to support local forces battling Islamic militants and other armed groups. The deployment is part of a broader security cooperation effort between Washington and Abuja, with 200 U.S. Africa Command personnel expected to deploy in total. The mission aims to strengthen Nigerian forces' capacity to combat Islamist extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. The move follows recent visits by senior U.S. Africa Command officials to Abuja and comes amid eased tensions between Washington and Abuja after earlier friction over religious violence and civilian protection. President Donald Trump had previously accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from what he described as a genocide, citing attacks by extremist groups and armed bandits.

Australian police are appealing for the return of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped from his home in Sydney's North Ryde suburb. The kidnappers allegedly targeted an individual linked to the Alameddine crime network, but police believe they took the wrong person. Baghsarian requires daily medical attention, and his family is distressed. The case is concerning, but police stress that elderly people are not being randomly targeted. The kidnapping comes as police and the FBI investigate a similar case in Arizona involving the abduction of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Defending Olympic champion Eileen Gu won silver in freeski big air at the Milan Cortina Games, while Canada's Megan Oldham took gold. Oldham scored 180.75 points from two jumps, edging out Gu's 179. Italy's Flora Tabanelli claimed bronze despite having torn an ACL four months prior. This was Oldham's second medal at the Games, having previously won bronze in slopestyle. Gu, competing for China despite being born in the US, has now collected five medals across two Olympic appearances and is poised to potentially win a sixth in halfpipe. The final was delayed due to a snowstorm and saw two Swiss competitors, Mathilde Gremaud and Anouk Andraska, withdraw due to injuries.

Israel's decision to register land in the occupied West Bank as 'state property' has drawn widespread condemnation from Arab nations and critics, who view it as a 'de facto beginning' of annexation. The move, approved by Israel's government, aims to clarify land ownership in Area C, which constitutes 60% of the West Bank territory under Israeli control. Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan have criticized the decision as illegal under international law, while the Palestinian Authority has called for international intervention. The European Union has also condemned the move, reiterating that annexation is illegal under international law. The decision is seen as part of a broader context of increasing tensions and Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The online activity of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old perpetrator of a deadly shooting at a Canadian high school, revealed a fascination with firearms, mass violence, and violent content. Experts analyzed Van Rootselaar's digital footprint, showing a history of consuming 'gore' content and posting about struggles with substance use and mental health. The shooter was active on the website WatchPeopleDie, which hosts graphic violence content and has been linked to other mass violence perpetrators. Analysts found that Van Rootselaar's online activity began to take a troubling turn around 2021, with posts about guns and later, drug use and mental health struggles. The shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School resulted in six deaths, mostly children under 13, and was Canada's deadliest school shooting since 1989.

The article provides a recap of Day 10 of the 2026 Winter Olympics, highlighting key events and medal winners. The US women's hockey team defeated Sweden 5-0 and will face Canada in the gold medal game. Elana Meyers Taylor won gold in women's monobob bobsled, while Eileen Gu took silver in the freeski big air final. Japan's Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won gold in pairs figure skating.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for Casey Wasserman, chairman of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, to resign due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Wasserman's name appeared in the Epstein files, and although he apologized for his past interactions with them, Bass believes he should step down. The Olympics organizing committee had previously given Wasserman a vote of confidence, but Bass's statement is the strongest rebuke from a high-ranking official so far. Wasserman had announced plans to step back from his business, but Bass's comments suggest that the controversy may not be over yet.

Families across Iran will commemorate the 40th-day mourning period for loved ones killed during a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests demanding an end to authoritarian clerical rule. The memorials will test the success of the crackdown and the ability of government opponents to defy the leadership. Dissidents are using the occasion to voice their defiance, transforming somber funeral rites into boisterous, celebratory affairs. Security forces have tried to intimidate families into avoiding public memorials, but many are determined to attend. The government has announced plans for official mourning ceremonies, but some families are holding private ceremonies or finding ways to skirt the authorities' restrictions. The protests and memorials are part of a broader shift away from traditional Islamic funerary rites and towards more celebratory and defiant expressions of dissent.

The article discusses the participation of Russian figure skater Adeliia Petrosian in the Milan Winter Olympics, amidst a doping scandal involving her coach Eteri Tutberidze and teammate Kamila Valieva. Petrosian is a contender for the gold medal, but her involvement is surrounded by skepticism due to her association with Tutberidze, who was at the center of the Valieva doping scandal. Despite no record of Petrosian testing positive, questions remain about her participation due to the Russian antidoping agency's non-compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.

Heavy rain battered New Zealand's South Island on February 17, 2026, triggering flooding and forcing the closure of roads and bridges. A powerful storm that caused widespread destruction in the capital Wellington since the weekend moved south, bringing further bursts of heavy rain. A local state of emergency was declared on the Banks Peninsula near Christchurch after flooding, fallen trees, and landslides disrupted communities and cut communication and power in some areas. The weather bureau warned of rapid rises in rivers and streams, landslips, large waves, and dangerous sea conditions.

The article provides updates on Singapore's property market, including new regulations in Australia affecting property pricing, sales data for new private homes in Singapore, and various developments in the real estate sector such as lawsuits involving property agents and significant transactions by major real estate companies.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Chinese minority in Kelantan, Malaysia, under the Islamist rule of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). The community, which has deep historical roots in the region, is experiencing regulatory encroachment and economic exodus due to the state's increasingly strict Islamic policies. Despite this, the Chinese community in Kelantan has a unique cultural identity shaped by their long history of interaction with the Malay majority, with many speaking the local Kelantanese dialect fluently. The article highlights the tension between the state's Islamic policies and the cultural tolerance that has historically characterized the region.

The Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast from NPR discusses various pop culture topics including new Netflix series 'How To Get To Heaven From Belfast', the passing of actor Robert Duvall, and reviews of several movies and TV shows. The podcast also explores themes such as book-to-film adaptations and the impact of reality TV shows on participants. Other topics include the Super Bowl halftime show performance by Bad Bunny and discussions on 'pop culture hills' that the hosts are passionate about.

South Korea awaits the verdict on insurrection charges against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law in December 2024 and was subsequently impeached. The trial has been ongoing for 14 months, and Yoon faces the death penalty if convicted. The country is divided, with some exhausted by the prolonged saga and others still supporting Yoon. The verdict is seen as a significant moment in South Korea's democratic history, with implications for the country's politics and Yoon's legacy.