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The article is not available due to a 500 Internal Server Error. However, based on the title and URL, it appears that the article was supposed to discuss the role of ethnic minorities in driving America's startup boom. The article likely explored the trends and data surrounding startup founders from diverse ethnic backgrounds and their contributions to the US entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The article discusses the effectiveness of America's war on poverty declared by President Lyndon Johnson in the mid-1960s. Despite significant investment in welfare programs such as food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid, the article questions whether the reduction in poverty is directly attributable to these initiatives. The welfare state now accounts for about 15% of GDP, with one in eight Americans receiving food stamps. The article suggests that deprivation has fallen dramatically but implies that this may not be solely due to the welfare state.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's expansionist policies, particularly his attempt to acquire Greenland, have undermined global security. Trump initially proposed the idea at the World Economic Forum, stating that the US could protect and develop Greenland. However, he later backtracked after forming a framework for a deal with NATO's secretary-general, Mark Rutte, and rescinded his threatened tariffs on eight NATO members. The article argues that Trump's actions have generated mistrust and potentially destabilized international relations.

The article discusses Donald Trump's economic policies during his presidency, specifically the tax cuts implemented during his first term. It argues that the tax cuts were not effectively communicated to the public, leading to a lack of appreciation for their impact, which may have contributed to the Republican party's poor performance in the 2018 midterms. The article suggests that Trump's administration needs to be more effective in communicating the benefits of their economic policies to the public.

The article discusses how democratic governments are increasingly using tools and tactics typically associated with autocratic regimes to suppress journalism and muzzle independent media. It highlights examples of corruption and government crackdowns on journalists in various countries, including Serbia, and notes that this trend is not limited to authoritarian states but is also observed in democracies. The article suggests that as scrutiny of government withers, corruption thrives, and independent journalism is crucial in holding those in power accountable.

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 challenges and opportunities arising from the intersection of AI and workplace operations, emphasizing the need for careful consideration to avoid potential downsides.

The article discusses the current state of the US Congress and proposes ways to improve it. Voters have low opinions of their lawmakers, with 80% disapproving of Congress's performance and only 8% rating them highly for honesty and ethics. The current Congress has ceded its powers to the president and passed fewer laws than any since the mid-19th century, often acting to stop things from working through government shutdowns. The article argues that improving the lot of American legislators is essential for democracy.

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 argues that with proper training and practice, individuals can develop the skills needed to become a good tenor singer. The article highlights the contrast between professional tenor singers, such as Andrea Bocelli, who can hit high notes with ease, and amateur singers who struggle to find their tenor voice.

The article discusses the growing trend of countries banning children from social media, but argues that the case for such bans is weak and the benefits are uncertain. The article cites the example of Ramón, a 15-year-old Spanish boy, who admits to spending excessive time on social media and being exposed to violent and disturbing content. The article questions the effectiveness of bans in addressing the negative effects of social media on children.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent peace negotiations with Russia in Abu Dhabi, which have given Kyiv a glimmer of hope. The city is struggling with the aftermath of a week-long lack of central heating in the Troyeshina district, leaving 300,000 people exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Despite the challenges, talks with Russia may point towards a compromise, and the article explores the prospects and pitfalls of ending the war in Ukraine.

The article discusses the issue of insider betting in prediction markets, citing a recent case where an individual, 'ricosuave666', won over $150,000 on Polymarket by betting on the precise timing of Israel's attacks on Iran. The article notes that Israel's government has arrested two men, one a former army reservist, for using classified information to place bets. The article argues that while insider betting is a problem, it does not necessarily mean that regulators should stamp it out.

The article 'Russia’s economy has entered the death zone' by Alexandra Prokopenko discusses the transformation of Russia's economy as it sustains its ongoing war against Ukraine. The economy has been significantly altered and is unlikely to recover without another crisis. Western observers anticipate its collapse, but instead, it has entered a state akin to the 'death zone' in mountaineering, where it consumes its own resources faster than they can be replenished. The article highlights the unsustainable nature of Russia's current economic situation and its implications for the future.

The article discusses the growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two of America's closest allies in the Gulf region. Despite their shared monarchies, wealth from oil and gas, and membership in the Gulf Co-operation Council, personal, political, and economic rivalries are driving a deepening divide between them. The article warns that the consequences of this rift could extend far beyond the Gulf, and that America's neglect is allowing the tension to fester.

The European Union (EU) is revising its economic policies in response to geopolitical threats from countries like Russia, China, and the United States. At an informal meeting in Belgium, EU leaders acknowledged the need for economic reform to address these challenges. The article discusses the EU's shift towards more robust economic policies, driven by the recognition that 'business as usual' is no longer viable. It highlights the changing geopolitical landscape and the EU's efforts to adapt its economic strategies accordingly.

The article discusses the growing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and its financialization. Five major American tech giants are expected to spend $700 billion on capital expenditure this year, primarily on data centers needed for AI. This investment surge is likened to the oil and gas industry's expenditure, with the phrase 'data is the new oil' being revisited as firms back companies to spend more on processing data. The article suggests that this trend is just beginning and will lead to a new wave of securities, hedges, and collateral.

The article discusses the growing popularity of prediction markets, such as Kalshi, where people bet on various outcomes like elections, sports, and weather. It argues that insider trading on these platforms isn't always bad, as it can bring valuable information to the market. The article highlights the increasing trading volume on Kalshi, which rose 12-fold to $24 billion last year. The author suggests that informed trading on prediction markets can be beneficial, unlike traditional insider trading in financial markets.

Twelve Malaysian police officers have been arrested for allegedly extorting approximately US$51,000 in cryptocurrency from a group of Chinese nationals during a midnight raid on a house in Selangor. The officers stormed a bungalow, seized laptops and phones, and coerced one of the victims to transfer digital assets to a specific cryptocurrency account. The arrests came after a complaint was filed by one of the alleged victims and followed a warning by Malaysia's king about corruption within the civil service and police ranks.

China has congratulated North Korea on the conclave of its ruling Workers' Party, praising the party's economic achievements under Kim Jong-un's leadership and pledging to work with Pyongyang to promote regional peace. China's Communist Party Central Committee sent a congratulatory letter, stating that China-North Korea relations have entered a 'new historical period.' The letter highlighted the Workers' Party of Korea's contributions to developing the North Korean economy and improving its people's lives. The party congress, held every five years, is expected to outline major policy goals in defense, diplomacy, and economy. China emphasized its commitment to deepening exchanges and contributing to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

China has helped Zimbabwe's tobacco industry recover from near collapse two decades ago by providing financial support, technical assistance, and investment. Zimbabwe produced a record 352.7 million kilograms of tobacco valued at US$1.2 billion in the last marketing season, with China importing US$790 million worth, accounting for 31% of its total imports from Zimbabwe. The industry's recovery is attributed to Chinese involvement, particularly by Tian Ze Tobacco Company (TZTC), which provided low-interest loans and technical assistance to contract farmers. Despite the economic benefits, health campaigners remain concerned about the crop.

China's services trade deficit, partly caused by its citizens seeking medical treatment abroad, may be mitigated by an emerging trend of foreign patients traveling to China for medical care. China's efficient and affordable medical treatment is attracting foreigners, with some patients completing their entire medical journey in just a few days. This shift is symbolically significant as China seeks to strengthen its high-value services exports. However, some bottlenecks need to be cleared to sustain this trend.

The Hong Kong Observatory detected locally felt tremors from a 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Guangdong province on Friday afternoon, confirming over 100 reports from residents. The earthquake occurred at 2:28 pm in Yangjiang, with its epicentre approximately 260 km west-southwest of Hong Kong. The tremors were detected by the Observatory's seismic network at 2:34 pm. Initial estimates indicated a local intensity of III on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale, which is typically felt indoors and described as vibrations similar to the passing of light trucks. This event is part of a history of locally felt tremors recorded by the Observatory since 1905, with a total of 176 such events registered.

Hong Kong residents made 1.4 million outbound trips during the Lunar New Year break, a 20% increase from 2019. However, the number of arrivals, particularly from mainland China, remained lower than pre-pandemic levels, with a 12.8% drop. Despite this, the local tourism industry reported modest gains, and the retail sector returned to growth after a prolonged downturn. The government's earlier estimate of 9.52 million passengers passing through Hong Kong's land control points during the period was a 29.7% increase from the previous year's projection.

A recent case in China has highlighted a bizarre scheme where fake exam-takers are registered to inflate applicant numbers for civil service exams, deterring potential candidates. The scheme involves the illegal purchase of personal information to mass-register fake candidates, making the competition appear fiercer than it actually is. This has become a national talking point as China's economy tightens and job prospects become tougher, increasing interest in civil service examinations. The case was first reported by state media in December and involved a collaboration between an individual named Li and a teacher, Zhou, from a civil service exam training institution. The scam was discovered when a genuine candidate reported that his identity had been used to register for an exam he never took.

The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the development of smart glasses, with companies like LLVision at the forefront. According to Wu Fei, CEO of LLVision, the next interaction revolution will be driven by AI agents and miniaturization of hardware, moving technology off the screen and onto the face. Wu, who was inspired by Apple's iPhone, believes that the next generation of devices must align more closely with human cognitive instincts. The article highlights the potential of smart glasses as the next frontier in consumer electronics, driven by advances in AI and hardware.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven significant news stories from the past week, including the growing presence of US MQ-9 drones near China, a top neuroscientist moving to Shenzhen, and a former South Korean president being sentenced to life in prison. The article discusses how the increasing use of MQ-9 drones by America poses a challenge to Beijing and necessitates an improvement in counter-reconnaissance by the People's Liberation Army. It also covers the move of renowned neuroscientist Arthur Konnerth to the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory and other regional news.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has proposed a nationwide initiative to replace corrugated zinc roofs with clay tiles, aiming to improve the country's image, cool homes, and revive a struggling industry. However, analysts warn that this plan, dubbed 'gentengisasi' or mass roofing, may strain the environment, require costly structural upgrades, and face resistance in regions outside Java. Prabowo cited the benefits of traditional roofing materials used by grandparents, such as thatch or palm fibre, and suggested that mixing soil with waste materials like coal waste could create a suitable material for roof tiles. Critics are concerned about the potential environmental and economic implications of the plan.

Over 300 students from Woodbridge High School in Virginia were suspended for three days after participating in a student-led anti-ICE walkout. The walkout, which was not backed by Prince William County Public Schools, involved students ditching class and storming off campus, eventually spilling onto the streets and requiring local police to manage traffic. Despite the suspensions, students across the district are planning another walkout. The school's principal, Dr. Heather Abney, emphasized the importance of student safety and adherence to district rules in a letter to parents. Students are using social media to organize and promote the next walkout, reassuring participants that they will not be in trouble for joining.

A former skating coach of Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn, Benjamin Shroats, has been arrested and charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of indecency with a child. The allegations involve two of his former students, including a minor. Shroats, a 30-year veteran in the North Texas skating community, denies the allegations. He was booked into Collins County Jail on a $200,000 bond with conditions that bar him from teaching and coaching. Amber Glenn, who trained under Shroats from the age of 9, has since moved on to be coached by Damon Allen and Tammy Gambill. Glenn has been competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she won gold in the Team Event and finished 5th in the women's free skating.

Canadian freeski athlete Cassie Sharpe was stretchered off the slope after a terrifying crash during the women's freeski halfpipe event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games. Sharpe, a two-time Olympic medalist, fell during her second qualifying run and lost consciousness. She was taken to a local clinic for further examination and is reported to be in stable condition, although unlikely to participate in the final due to precautionary measures.

The city of Split, Croatia is proposing a ban on the sale of alcohol between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. to curb noise and safety concerns caused by tourists. The ban would not apply to licensed venues such as bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar announced the plan, citing the need to preserve public order, protect the environment and cultural heritage, and promote a better way to manage tourist destinations. The new measures could take effect this summer, ahead of the peak tourist season. The proposal is part of a broader effort to address the negative impacts of tourism in popular destinations, with other cities like Prague having implemented similar measures.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing to reform the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to speed up construction projects in the state, with the support of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The proposed 'Let Them Build' agenda aims to make it faster and cheaper to build housing and public works. While Hochul's initiative is seen as a positive step, the article argues that she should go further and provide relief to all builders, not just those building affordable housing. The current regulatory red tape is estimated to add up to $82,000 per housing unit in New York City. Mamdani and other local leaders have expressed support for Hochul's push, despite initial reservations about 'deregulation'. The article concludes that a more comprehensive deregulation could boost the statewide economy and improve affordability across the city.

Legendary director Steven Spielberg has moved to Manhattan from California, joining a growing exodus of billionaires fleeing the state amid a proposed wealth tax. Spielberg's spokeswoman said the move was long-planned and driven by a desire to be closer to family. The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, which would impose a one-time 5% tax on individual fortunes exceeding $1 billion, has been met with opposition from billionaires and tech titans, including Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who is funding an effort to build opposition to the tax. Other prominent billionaires, such as Larry Page and Mark Zuckerberg, are also relocating to states like Florida.

The article argues that libertarians who oppose ICE law enforcement are being duped by the anti-American left. It claims that the anti-ICE movement is not about limited government, but rather about establishing a different kind of government through lawlessness and mob rule. The author cites examples of anti-ICE activists setting up roadblocks and checking IDs without authority, and compares this to the lawlessness seen in Seattle's CHAZ/CHOP zone. The article concludes that libertarians should be wary of aligning with the anti-American left and instead support law enforcement and the rule of law.

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, have been charged in connection with a TikTok stunt gone wrong on the Queensboro Bridge, which left a 16-year-old boy trapped 50 feet down in a shaft. The victim, identified as 'Frankie' from Lynbrook, Long Island, was rescued after a 911 call and was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. An online petition alleged that the two teens took videos of Frankie as he screamed for help and fled the scene, leaving him to die. The incident has sparked outrage and criticism towards TikTok for allowing dangerous stunts to be shared on its platform.

An Austrian climber, Thomas P, has been found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend, Kerstin G, froze to death on Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner, during a climbing trip in January 2025. Thomas P was given a five-month suspended sentence and fined €9,600. The court considered Thomas P's clean record and the loss of a person close to him as mitigating factors. The prosecution argued that Thomas P, as the more experienced climber, was responsible for guiding the tour and failed to turn back or call for help in time. Thomas P pleaded not guilty, stating he was deeply sorry and that they had planned the trip together. The case has sparked debate in mountain climbing communities about personal judgment and risk-taking becoming a matter of criminal liability.

Jeffrey Epstein considered investing in music company EMI after his associate David Stern suggested it could provide access to women. Emails released by the US Department of Justice reveal that Epstein was interested in the investment, and discussed it with Stern and Lord Mandelson. The deal did not go ahead, but the emails shed new light on Epstein's business dealings and his alleged exploitation of women. The emails also reveal that Epstein's associates, including Stern and Kevin Law, discussed other potential investments in the music and fashion industries.

The city of Osaka, Japan received a significant donation of 21kg of gold bars, worth approximately $3.6 million, from an anonymous donor to help repair its aging water system. Osaka's water infrastructure is in need of urgent repair, with over 90 cases of water pipe leaks recorded in the 2024 fiscal year. The donation is expected to help tackle the deterioration of water pipes, a problem that affects many Japanese cities. The city's mayor expressed gratitude for the generous donation, stating that tackling aging water pipes requires a huge investment.

For the first time in the world, lion DNA has been used to successfully prosecute poachers. In 2024, authorities in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, tracked a radio-collared male lion that had stopped working and found a snare with lion fur attached. They collected forensic evidence and discovered lion body parts in a nearby village, which were matched to the lion's DNA profile on Zimbabwe's lion database. Two poachers were convicted and sentenced to 24 months in prison. The breakthrough in DNA profiling was made possible by a database built by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, funded by the People's Postcode Lottery. This achievement is seen as a significant step in combating wildlife crime and sending a message to would-be poachers.

The youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former President Robert Mugabe, Bellarmine Mugabe, has been arrested in South Africa on suspicion of attempted murder after a reported shooting in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg. A 23-year-old man, believed to be a gardener, was shot and injured. Police found bullet cartridges but no firearm at the scene. Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, and another man have been arrested and are expected to appear in court soon. The victim is in hospital in a critical condition.

Mikola Statkevich, a veteran Belarus dissident and opposition politician, has been released from prison after refusing to go into exile as part of a US-brokered prisoner release deal last year. Statkevich, 69, had been jailed for over five years after receiving a 14-year sentence for organizing 'mass riots' in 2020-21. He is currently recovering at home from a stroke that affected his speech. The release comes as over 1,000 political prisoners remain in jail in Belarus, according to rights groups. Exiled Belarusian leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya welcomed Statkevich's release and called for continued efforts to free all political prisoners.

Blue Owl Capital's decision to permanently restrict withdrawals from one of its retail-focused debt funds has sparked concerns about a potential private credit bubble. The move comes after the company sold $1.4 billion of loan assets held in three of its private debt funds, with the biggest portion coming from a semi-liquid private credit fund marketed to U.S. retail investors. Market watchers warn that the private credit market, which has grown to $3 trillion globally, is increasingly vulnerable to stress due to years of ultra-low interest rates and thin yield spreads, leading lenders to make riskier moves. Experts fear that the situation could be a 'canary in the coal mine' for the private credit market, with potential defaults and systemic weaknesses looming.

Nvidia is in talks to invest up to $30 billion in OpenAI as part of a funding round that could value the AI startup at $730 billion pre-money valuation. The investment is separate from the $100 billion infrastructure agreement announced in September. The deal is not final and details are subject to change. OpenAI is also in fundraising discussions with other investors, and the total round could close at around $100 billion.

Shares of Sumitomo Pharma plummeted 15.60% despite receiving government endorsement for its iPS cell-based therapy for Parkinson's and heart disease. Analysts attribute the drop to profit-taking, citing the stock's overheated state and excessive recent gains. The therapy, which relies on induced pluripotent stem cells, has potential for widespread use and could become a blockbuster in Japan and the US. Formal approval is expected within one to two months.

Three Silicon Valley engineers, Samaneh Ghandali, Soroor Ghandali, and Mohammadjavad Khosravi, have been indicted for allegedly stealing trade secrets from Google and other tech companies and transferring sensitive data to Iran. The defendants, who are Iranian nationals, exploited their positions at leading tech firms to obtain confidential files related to processor security and cryptography. Google detected the alleged theft through routine security monitoring and alerted law enforcement. The defendants face charges of conspiracy, trade secret theft, and obstruction of justice, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000 per count.

Bill Gates has withdrawn from the Indian AI Impact Summit, a high-profile event meant to showcase India's capabilities in artificial intelligence. The summit has been marred by controversies, including alleged mismanagement, security issues, and false claims by an Indian university. Gates was scheduled to deliver a keynote address alongside other notable guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. His withdrawal comes after the US Justice Department released documents related to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran over allegations of espionage. The couple, from East Sussex, were arrested in January 2025 while on a motorcycle trip around the world. Their son, Joe Bennett, said they were left in 'panic' after the sentencing, which was condemned by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper as 'completely appalling and totally unjustifiable'. The couple deny the allegations and their family says the sentence is 'in line with the most severe politically motivated detentions of UK nationals in Iran'.

Former Manchester United player Mikael Silvestre has criticized Jose Mourinho's response to Vinicius Junior's allegations of racist abuse during a Champions League match. Silvestre stated that Mourinho 'failed us' with his comments, which appeared to apportion some blame to Vinicius. Mourinho had suggested that Vinicius had provoked the abuse with his celebration after scoring a goal. Silvestre, a member of the FIFA Player's Voice Panel, defended Vinicius and condemned Mourinho's behavior. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for stronger action against racism in football.

A toxic gas leak at a mine in Nigeria's Kampani Zurak resulted in the deaths of 37 miners and injured 26 others who were hospitalized. The miners were unaware of the sudden discharge of poisonous gases, including lead oxide, sulphur, and carbon monoxide, until they became ill. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and the Nigerian government has since closed the mining site and launched an investigation. The country's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that the miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions. Nigeria has been trying to curb illegal gold mining operations, which have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years. The cause of the leak and the legality of the mine's operations are currently unknown.

The FBI has been in touch with the Mexican government regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Authorities believe Nancy was forcibly taken from her Tucson, Arizona home. The FBI's legal attaché office in Mexico City is working with Mexican law enforcement, particularly the suboffice in Hermosillo, Sonora. Although there's no indication Nancy was taken into Mexico, investigations are ongoing in the area. A local organization, Madres Buscadoras De Sonora, has been contacted by the Guthrie family to aid in the search. A reward of $202,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved.

The US Treasury Department has sanctioned a Puerto Vallarta-area timeshare resort, Kovay Gardens, for allegedly being a cartel-run fraud engine operated by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The resort, which promises luxury and rental income, has been accused of overcharging credit cards and feeding customer data to CJNG-run call centers that launch additional investment scams. The operation is described as a vertically integrated fraud factory, with the cartel controlling the resort, call centers, and payment processing. The scheme has drained millions from American victims, many of whom are older and have lost life savings. The Treasury Department has also targeted a network of people and companies that worked with the cartel to defraud US citizens.

American speedskater Jordan Stolz won silver in the men's 1,500-meter speedskating event at the Winter Olympics, coming close to his third Olympic gold. He was initially favored to win but finished with a time of 1:42.75, about one second behind China's Ning Zhongyan, who set an Olympic record with a time of 1:41.98. Stolz had already won gold in the 1,000-meter and 500-meter speedskating events, setting Olympic records in both. The 21-year-old is the world record-holder for the 1,000-meter speed skate and the reigning two-time World Cup champion in the distance. Stolz's performance made him the first American since Eric Heiden to medal twice in speedskating. He is set to compete in his final event, the mass start, on Saturday.

A devastating truck explosion occurred in Santiago, Chile, resulting in four deaths and damaging at least 50 vehicles. The incident happened when a truck carrying liquid gas overturned and exploded. The blast injured 17 people, with five in serious condition. The Chilean President, Gabriel Boric, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with those affected. Prosecutors are investigating the cause of the accident.

The U.S. is escalating its military presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, drawing comparisons to the 2003 Iraq War buildup. However, military experts say the current deployment is fundamentally different in design and intent. Unlike the 2003 invasion, which involved over 300,000 troops and was aimed at regime removal and occupation, today's buildup focuses on maritime and air power, with two aircraft carrier battle groups and air defense systems. Experts believe this posture is meant to pressure Iran into negotiations rather than prepare for invasion. The current deployment includes visible military power to coerce Iran, with capabilities to strike various targets if ordered. Key differences from 2003 include the absence of massed ground forces, different legal authority, and a different coalition structure.

The head of the U.S. Southern Command, Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, made a surprise visit to Venezuela to meet with the country's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, and other high-ranking officials. The trip occurred just weeks after U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. During the meeting, the U.S. delegation reiterated their commitment to a free, safe, and prosperous Venezuela and discussed the security environment, the implementation of President Donald Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela, and shared security across the Western Hemisphere. The two sides agreed to coordinate on issues such as drug-trafficking, terrorism, and migration. The meeting was seen as a significant step in advancing U.S. objectives in the region and promoting diplomacy as a means of resolving differences.

Bard College has initiated an independent review of its president Leon Botstein's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the release of Department of Justice emails that revealed a closer relationship between the two than previously known. The review, conducted by outside law firm WilmerHale, will examine the full scope of their communications, financial contributions, and related matters. Dr. Botstein has apologized for his relationship with Epstein, describing him as a 'truly evil man.' The college's board of trustees, led by billionaire James Cox Chambers, has committed to sharing the results of the review and communicating how the college will move forward.

The article discusses how Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, is hosting the Winter Olympics and is reviving its reputation as a glamorous winter destination. By day, the town is an Olympic hub, but by night, it transforms into a party scene, with wealthy families and athletes frequenting exclusive clubs like the VIP Club. The town's history as a playground for the Italian upper class is highlighted, and how it has been reinvigorated by the Olympics. The article also touches on the town's efforts to maintain its exclusivity and intimacy despite the influx of fans and athletes.

The MAHA Moms, a group of health-conscious mothers who supported President Trump's 2024 campaign after Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement, are now turning against him due to his executive order increasing domestic production of glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller and possible carcinogen. The order has infuriated the activists, who feel betrayed by Trump's actions, contradicting his promises to address Americans' concerns about toxins in the environment and pesticides in food. Kennedy's statement supporting the order has also been met with anger and frustration from the movement's followers.

Los Angeles County has sued Roblox, a popular online platform, alleging that it exposes children to sexual content, exploitation, and online predators due to inadequate moderation and age-verification systems. The lawsuit claims that Roblox has failed to protect children from user-generated content, enforce age restrictions, and disclose the extent of inappropriate material and risks posed by sexual predators. Roblox has rejected the allegations, stating that the platform is built with safety at its core and has advanced safeguards to monitor harmful content and communications. The lawsuit is part of a larger effort to hold online firms accountable for alleged exploitative practices, with social media giants like Facebook also facing similar lawsuits.

The New Mexico Attorney-General has reopened a criminal investigation into alleged crimes at a ranch owned by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, based on new information released by the US Justice Department. The investigation was initially closed in 2019 but will now examine Epstein's activities in New Mexico over three decades. The probe is separate from a legislative investigation launched by New Mexico's Democratic-controlled legislature.

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 inter-faith 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.

China's latest AI model, Seedance 2.0, developed by ByteDance, has sparked controversy in Hollywood due to its ability to generate realistic videos of celebrities in absurd situations. The model has raised concerns over intellectual property infringement, deepfakes, and privacy. ByteDance has responded by implementing safeguards to protect intellectual property, but the incident has highlighted the challenges China faces in balancing the development of AI with regulatory controls. The article discusses the implications of Seedance 2.0 for China's AI industry and the global competition in AI development.

Venezuela's National Assembly has passed an amnesty law aimed at freeing hundreds of political prisoners who were prosecuted or convicted for political reasons during 27 years of authoritarian rule. The law, proposed by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez under US pressure, excludes those convicted of serious crimes like homicide, corruption, and human rights violations. While rights groups and opposition members have welcomed the law cautiously, some have questioned its scope and potential loopholes. The law's implementation and transparency will be crucial in determining its impact on Venezuela's pursuit of peace and democratic coexistence.

Four journalists, including three working for the Associated Press, were detained in Cameroon while reporting on migrants deported by the Trump administration. The journalists were held for about five hours, and their devices were confiscated. The detention is seen as part of a broader pattern of intimidation and suppression of press freedom in Cameroon. The incident has been condemned by press freedom groups, who consider Cameroon one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in Africa.

Protesters in Washington D.C. claimed they were attacked by the bodyguards of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev outside the Waldorf Astoria hotel near the White House. The protesters were demanding the release of political prisoners in Azerbaijan. The incident drew parallels to a similar event involving Turkish President Erdogan's guards in 2017, with many commenters expressing disapproval of Aliyev's bodyguards' actions.

The arrest of former Prince Andrew has highlighted the contrast between Europe's response to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the US, where only Ghislaine Maxwell has been held accountable. US lawmakers from both parties are calling for greater accountability, criticizing the Trump Justice Department for inaction. The Epstein files have damaged the reputations of several prominent Americans, including former President Bill Clinton and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, but none have faced legal consequences. A recent poll found that 53% of Americans believe the Epstein files have lowered their trust in the country's leaders.

Bolivia's former socialist leader Evo Morales reappeared in his political stronghold after a seven-week unexplained absence, endorsing candidates for regional elections and dispelling rumors that he had fled the country. Morales attributed his absence to complications from chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness. He vowed to remain in Bolivia despite an arrest warrant on human trafficking charges under the conservative government of President Rodrigo Paz. Morales criticized the US and its influence in the region, particularly President Donald Trump's efforts to revive the Monroe Doctrine and counter Chinese influence. The event marked a significant moment in Bolivian politics as Morales' Movement Toward Socialism party faces challenges from the new government, which has revived diplomatic ties with the US and sought to bring back the Drug Enforcement Administration.