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The US has seized two oil tankers, the Marinera (formerly Bella 1) and M Sophia, in a bid to enforce its oil blockade on Venezuela. The operation follows the abduction of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, on January 3rd. The US Coast Guard had previously attempted to board the Bella 1, which was smuggling oil in defiance of American sanctions. The ship was later renamed and reflagged with a Russian flag, prompting a Russian submarine to be dispatched to protect it. However, American forces intervened before the Russians arrived, seizing the ship near Iceland. The raids demonstrate the US's determination to enforce its sanctions and assert its power in the region, under the leadership of Donald Trump.

The article discusses the current state of American politics, highlighting the divisive nature of President Donald Trump's actions and policies. As the country approaches its 250th birthday, the author reflects on the challenges America has faced in the past and how it has coped with them. The article specifically mentions the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent and the subsequent handling of the incident by the federal government, suggesting that Trump is trying to provoke unrest. The author draws parallels between Trump's actions and historical events, warning of potential dangers and consequences. The article concludes by referencing other pressing issues, such as the situation in Iran and the impact of Trump's policies on the global economy.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's recent actions in Venezuela, including a military raid to capture Nicolás Maduro, may have unintended consequences and backfire. The situation in Caracas remains tense, with armed pro-regime vigilantes and soldiers on high alert. The article questions the implications of Trump's assertion of control over the western hemisphere and its potential impact on America's security and economy.

The article discusses France's ongoing political paralysis, specifically its inability to pass a budget for 2026, highlighting it as a symptom of broader collective political uselessness. It contrasts France's situation with other European countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain, which have managed to sort out their public finances. The article criticizes France's political class for failing to address its budget deficit, which has been over 5% of GDP for three years, and suggests that this failure is part of a larger issue of political dysfunction.

The Japanese government bond market is experiencing turmoil due to a clash between the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and the government, led by Takaichi Sanae, over monetary policy. The yield on 30-year bonds rose sharply, and the 40-year yield pierced 4% for the first time. Investors are worried about the government's budgetary laxity, and the central bank is preparing for more rate hikes. The tension between the BoJ and the government is expected to be a major topic of discussion at the upcoming BoJ meeting.

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The article discusses the economic implications of regime change, using Venezuela and Iran as examples. It highlights that while political change can occur suddenly, economic outcomes take longer to materialize. The article notes that many Venezuelans and Iranians hope for improved livelihoods following the ousting of their respective authoritarian regimes. However, it cautions that economic recovery is a gradual process, citing historical lessons. The article also touches on the complexities of economic adjustment, referencing various global economic trends and challenges.

The article discusses the rise of Reform UK, a right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage, which has become the top-polling party in Britain with almost 30% support despite winning only five seats in the previous election. The party's surge in popularity has taken it from the periphery to the core of British politics, with a 75% chance of winning the most seats if an election were held immediately. The article suggests that claims of the party having hit a ceiling are likely wishful thinking.

The article discusses the potential collapse of Iran's regime amidst ongoing protests and violent government crackdowns. Thousands have died, and many more have been arrested or wounded. The author considers the implications of the regime's collapse, set against the backdrop of international reactions and potential interventions. The situation is dire, with morgues overflowing and bodies stacked on pavements. The article touches upon the broader geopolitical implications and the responses of other nations, including America.

The article discusses the resilience of America's bond market despite concerns over the country's growing debt and the independence of the Federal Reserve. It highlights that two factors typically terrify bondholders - uncontrolled debt and a captured central bank - but notes that America's bond market has shrugged off these concerns. The article suggests that the country's financial markets remain dominant due to corporate America's vigor and that a decline in this vigor is needed to dent this dominance.

The article argues that Donald Trump's deal to resume Venezuelan oil production will fail without democracy. Despite the deal, Nicolás Maduro's corrupt regime remains in power, and the opposition, led by María Corina Machado, is sidelined. The article warns that ignoring the democratic opposition will be a mistake and that the earnings from oil sales will be controlled by the Americans. The author believes that Trump's actions will not bring stability to Venezuela and that the country's problems will persist without democratic reforms.

Chris Cuomo, a NewsNation host and former CNN star, criticized CNN analyst Scott Jennings for using the term 'illegal aliens' during a recent CNN panel discussion. Cuomo accused Jennings of being a 'bully' and a 'tough guy' for dismissing activist Cameron Kasky's assertion that the term is no longer acceptable. Cuomo warned Jennings that his continued use of the term could lead to him getting beaten up and suggested that he was being divisive and causing distress. Cuomo argued that the term 'undocumented' is more appropriate and that both Democrats and Republicans had previously agreed to use it instead of 'illegal'. The exchange highlights the ongoing debate over the language used to describe undocumented immigrants.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that it will step up enforcement of the 'statutory equal opportunities requirement' for broadcast networks, ensuring that political candidates on both sides receive fair and equal treatment in daytime and late-night programming. The FCC issued guidance to the three major broadcast networks regarding their compliance with the Communications Act of 1934, which requires equal access to broadcast station facilities for legally qualified candidates. The move is expected to impact shows like 'The View' and 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', which have been accused of having a liberal bias in their guest selection. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez stated that the announcement does not change the law, but rather reflects a shift in enforcement posture. The FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized that broadcasters should not feel pressured to water down or avoid critical coverage out of fear of regulatory retaliation.

Grocery stores across the US are running out of supplies as frantic customers stock up ahead of Winter Storm Fern, expected to bring subzero temperatures and significant snowfall to various parts of the country. Panic buying has led to empty shelves, particularly for essentials like bread, milk, and bottled water. The storm is forecasted to peak later in the week, with temperatures plummeting well below zero in many cities, and could dump up to two feet of snow in some areas.

The New York Giants have undergone significant changes under new head coach John Harbaugh, starting with the dismissal of executive Kevin Abrams, who had been with the team since 1999 and was a key figure in their front office. Several defensive coaches were also let go, including Andre Patterson, John Egorugwu, Marquand Manuel, and Jeff Burris. Harbaugh has begun meeting with remaining assistants, but some of those let go were not given the opportunity to make a case for their retention. The team's defensive coordinator position remains open, with potential candidates including former Ravens players and coaches. The Giants' organizational changes are ongoing, with the team's offensive staff also subject to potential changes.

Leaked crime scene photos from the Idaho college murders show blood-soaked rooms and belongings of the victims, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin, who were killed by Bryan Kohberger in November 2022. The photos were released by Idaho State Police and then quickly removed from their website. Kohberger, 31, had taken a plea deal in July and is serving four life sentences without parole.

A decorated Marine veteran, Michael Ryan Burke, was fatally shot during a Facebook Marketplace sale at his home in Columbia, Missouri. Burke, 42, managed to call 911 and describe his attackers before texting his family 'I'm dying and I love you.' Four individuals, including three 18-year-olds and a juvenile male, have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Burke's killing.

The article discusses Mayor Mamdani's proposals to address the homeless crisis in NYC, which include deploying outreach teams to help find housing for homeless New Yorkers. However, a social worker, Ariel Goldstein, who worked with the homeless for a year, shares her firsthand experience of the ineffectiveness of this approach. She recounts the stories of various individuals she helped, highlighting the complexity of their problems and the difficulties in finding them permanent housing. Goldstein expresses her concerns that the mayor's plan will fail to address the crisis, citing the limited success of similar initiatives in the past.

The New York Mets acquired All-Star right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in a blockbuster trade, sending prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat to the Brewers. Peralta, who is entering his walk year, had a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Brewers last season and finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting. The Mets also received right-hander Tobias Myers, a swingman who appeared in 22 games last season. The trade addresses the Mets' need for a top-of-the-rotation ace, a position that has been lacking since the team traded away Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer during the 2023 season. The Mets' rotation is expected to include Peralta, Nolan McLean, Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson heading into spring training.

A Texas-based grocery store chain, H-E-B, has been ranked as America's top grocery store for the fifth time in nine years, beating out major competitors such as Amazon, Costco, and Trader Joe's. According to Dunnhumby's latest annual ranking, H-E-B's superior ability to deliver a combination of better savings, quality, experience, and assortment has earned it the top spot. The study evaluated 81 major US grocery stores and combined financial performance with survey responses from over 11,000 American shoppers. The rankings come as consumers face mounting financial pressure, with overall food prices up 0.7% in December and 3.1% from a year ago.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz faced criticism for flying to California ahead of a winter storm projected to hit Texas. Cruz's office claimed the trip was pre-planned and scheduled weeks in advance. Critics compared his actions to his previous vacations during natural disasters in Texas, including a trip to Cancun during Winter Storm Uri in 2021. Cruz defended his decision, stating that his family had planned the trip before the storm was forecasted.

The article discusses Brooklyn Beckham's recent public estrangement from his family and how it reflects a larger issue of 'performative parenting' where parents prioritize documenting their children's lives over genuinely experiencing them. The author argues that this can lead to children feeling instrumentalized and resentful, and that parents should be aware of the potential consequences of their actions. The article highlights the need for parents to strike a balance between sharing their children's lives and respecting their boundaries.

Three people have died and one is hospitalized after a shooting in Lake Cargelligo, a small town in New South Wales, Australia. The gunman is still at large, and local police are investigating the incident, which is suspected to be a domestic violence attack. The town has been advised to stay inside, and heavily armed tactical police have been deployed to locate the suspect.

A former Austrian intelligence officer, Egisto Ott, is on trial in Vienna for allegedly spying for Russia and handing over sensitive information to Russian intelligence officers and Jan Marsalek, a fugitive executive from the collapsed German payments firm Wirecard. Ott denies the charges, which include abuse of authority, corruption, and espionage. The trial has revived concerns about Austria's vulnerability to Russian espionage. Marsalek, who is believed to be in Moscow, is wanted by German police for alleged fraud and is thought to be an intelligence asset for Russia's FSB security service. The case has significant implications for Austria's national security and has been described by Austria's Chancellor as 'a threat to democracy and our country's national security'.

Ghislaine Maxwell, associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has agreed to testify under oath before a congressional committee investigating the government's handling of Epstein's case. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting and trafficking teenage girls for Epstein's sexual abuse. Her legal team had previously stated she would decline to answer questions under her Fifth Amendment right unless granted legal immunity. The committee chairman, James Comer, announced that Maxwell will depose virtually on February 9. The investigation is part of a broader scrutiny of the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein case, with the Department of Justice facing criticism for redactions in released Epstein files. The House Oversight Committee has also voted to hold former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas related to the Epstein investigation.

The Israeli military has postponed the demolition of a Palestinian children's football pitch in Bethlehem, West Bank, following an international campaign to save it. The pitch, built in 2020 for children from the Aida refugee camp, was deemed illegal by Israeli authorities due to its proximity to the security barrier. A petition with over half a million signatures and interventions from football governing bodies contributed to the decision. The club remains cautious, fearing the threat may return when it is out of the spotlight.

Japan has restarted the world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The decision to restart reactor number 6 was made despite local residents' safety concerns and was delayed by a day due to an alarm malfunction. Japan is trying to revive its nuclear power ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050, but critics say the emphasis on nuclear energy has come at the cost of investing in renewables and cutting emissions. The restart is part of Japan's nuclear power reboot, but the country's nuclear power capacity is still far below its pre-Fukushima levels.

A cave painting of a red hand stencil found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has been dated to at least 67,800 years ago, making it the world's oldest known cave painting. The painting shows a hand with fingers reworked to create a claw-like motif, indicating an early leap in symbolic imagination. This discovery strengthens the argument that Homo sapiens had reached the Australia-New Guinea landmass by around 65,000 years ago. The find also challenges the Eurocentric view that human creativity originated in Ice Age Europe, instead suggesting that creativity was innate to our species and originated in Africa.

Seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, have agreed to join US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, a proposed international organization aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East. The board's charter does not mention the Palestinian territory, and its purpose appears to be at odds with the UN's role. Israel has also confirmed its participation, while Russia's President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest but said his country is still considering the invitation. The board's formation has faced criticism from Israel and Slovenia's Prime Minister, who declined the invitation, citing concerns about the body's impact on the international order.

A train driver was killed and at least 37 people injured after a commuter train derailed and crashed near Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred as heavy storms battered north-eastern Spain, with a retaining wall collapsing onto the track. This is the second deadly train crash in Spain in two days, following a high-speed train collision in Andalusia on Sunday that killed at least 43 people. The cause of the crash remains unclear, but local officials believe the heavy rain after months of drought may be to blame for the wall collapse. The incident has led to a strike by Spanish train drivers' union Semaf, and services across Catalonia's main Rodalies commuter rail network have been suspended.

Taylor Swift has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, becoming the youngest female artist to receive this honor. The 36-year-old pop superstar is among nine songwriters in the 2026 class, which includes Alanis Morissette and Walter Afanasieff. Swift has had a record-breaking year, breaking her own sales record with her latest album. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with 12 studio albums and four re-recorded 'Taylor's Versions' albums. The Songwriters Hall of Fame honors songwriters whose work represents a spectrum of the most beloved songs from the world's popular music songbook. Chairman Nile Rodgers praised the inductees, saying they have 'profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide'.

The Ugandan government shut down the internet during the country's general election, causing widespread disruptions to businesses, communication, and daily life. Many people, including mobile money agents, online business owners, and journalists, were severely affected, losing income and struggling to communicate with others. The shutdown was intended to prevent the misuse of communication platforms, but the opposition claimed it was to cover up voter fraud. The African Union election observation mission reported that the shutdown limited access to information, freedom of association, and curtailed economic activities. The internet was partially restored after the incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni, was declared the winner.

A commuter train in Spain hit a collapsed wall near Barcelona, killing at least one person and injuring 37 others. The incident occurred just days after a deadly high-speed train derailment in Andalusia, which killed at least 40 people. The collapse of the retaining wall was likely caused by heavy rainfall in the region. The crash is a second major train incident in Spain in a short span, with the country still reeling from the previous derailment.

The article reports on the detention of Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh in Iran. Valizadeh, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, was arrested in September 2024 and sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of 'collaborating with a hostile government.' His detention is seen as part of Iran's crackdown on protests and tensions with the U.S. The U.S. government has designated Valizadeh as 'wrongfully detained' and is working to secure his release.

Prince Harry testified in a London court as part of his lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail, alleging that they invaded his privacy by hiring private investigators to hack his phone, bug his car, and access his private records. Harry claimed that the tabloid's actions were 'in the public interest' to expose and that it was 'not just about me.' The trial is expected to last nine weeks, and a verdict could come months later. Harry has had a long-standing 'uneasy' relationship with the media and is on a mission to reform it, blaming it for his mother's death in 1997.

European police have dismantled a major synthetic drug ring in the largest-ever operation of its kind, seizing around 1,000 tons of chemicals and making over 85 arrests. The operation, led by Europol, involved police from several countries and targeted the production and distribution of synthetic drugs such as MDMA, amphetamine, and meth. The ring was led by two Polish nationals and used a complex network of companies and individuals to import chemicals from China and India. The operation is seen as a significant blow to organized crime and highlights the need for continued efforts to disrupt the synthetic drug trade.

The United Nations University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health has released a report warning that the world is entering an era of 'water bankruptcy' due to the overuse and depletion of global water resources. The report states that humans' water use has exceeded renewable water sources worldwide, potentially passing a point of no return. The consequences are severe, with many regions experiencing water scarcity, and the degradation of water quality due to pollution. The report highlights that 75% of the global population lives in 'water-insecure' or 'critically water-insecure' countries, with 4 billion people facing severe water scarcities for at least one month each year. The report recommends a combination of efforts to address the issue, including restoring lost water sources, staving off ongoing depletion, and adapting to the available water. The U.N. Under-Secretary-General emphasizes that managing water bankruptcy fairly is crucial to maintaining peace, stability, and social cohesion.

President Trump delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he outlined his administration's policies aimed at promoting homeownership in the United States. Trump claimed that his policies, including lower mortgage rates, restricting institutional investors from buying residential real estate, and capping credit card interest rates, would make it easier for Americans to buy homes. However, housing experts criticized the proposals, arguing that they fail to address the root causes of rising home prices, such as supply shortages and zoning constraints. Trump's plan to restrict institutional investors would not force them to sell existing properties and would require congressional approval. Experts also noted that the proposal could lead to unintended consequences, such as accelerating the development of rental communities owned by large institutional investors.

The United States has seized a seventh oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean, according to U.S. Southern Command. The tanker, Motor Vessel Sagitta, was operating in defiance of President Trump's established quarantine of sanctioned vessels. The seizure is part of a larger effort by the U.S. to enforce sanctions on Venezuela and other nations. The U.S. has been building up its military presence in the Caribbean and has recently captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are facing charges in New York. The Trump administration is seeking to convince American oil companies to invest in Venezuela's oil reserves.

The article discusses why President Trump wants the United States to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, citing national security concerns and the island's strategic location. Trump's claims of Chinese and Russian activity around Greenland are disputed by Danish politicians and experts, who argue that the U.S. can achieve its aims without a takeover. Greenland's location between the U.S., Russia, and Europe makes it strategic for economic and defense purposes, particularly as climate change opens up new shipping routes through the Arctic. The island is also rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and natural gas.

Scientists have discovered the world's oldest cave art, a red stencil of a human hand, in a cave on the Indonesian island of Muna, dating back at least 67,800 years. The discovery sheds light on how humans first migrated to Australia and provides evidence that modern humans were on Indonesian islands at that time. The cave art was created using red ochre and features a hand with fingers retouched to resemble claws, a style unique to Sulawesi. The finding is significant not only for its age but also for its implications on the migration route of early humans to Australia.

Gunfire erupted in Tehran as heavily armed militias, reportedly linked to Lebanese Hezbollah and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, were deployed across the Iranian capital. The deployment comes amid ongoing nationwide protests driven by economic grievances and opposition to clerical rule. The protests have persisted despite mass arrests, lethal force, and internet shutdowns, with reports of at least 4,519 deaths and 26,314 arrests. The Iranian regime has increasingly relied on foreign proxy forces to maintain control, with at least 5,000 foreign elements brought in from Iraq and Hezbollah. The situation remains tense, with President Trump warning Iran of overwhelming retaliation if assassination threats continue.

The article reports on allegations of human rights abuses by the Iranian government against protesters, including sexual assault, forced payments to recover bodies, and killing detainees. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US) and the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) have provided evidence of these abuses, which include forcing families to pay up to 10 billion rials to recover the bodies of their loved ones and subjecting detainees to sexual assault. The Iranian government has claimed to have crushed the protests, but reports indicate that clashes continue in multiple cities.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran will retaliate 'with everything we have' if the US launches a military attack, amid ongoing anti-government protests and a violent crackdown by the Iranian government. Araghchi accused the US of exploiting the unrest to push the region toward a wider war and blamed US rhetoric for escalating the bloodshed. The protests have resulted in thousands of deaths and arrests, with the UN Human Rights Council set to hold a special session to address the situation. The US is weighing military action against Tehran, with assets moving into the region.

An Iranian soldier, Javid Khales, has been sentenced to death for refusing to shoot at protesters during a wave of nationwide unrest in Iran. The Iran Human Rights Society reported that Khales was arrested in 2025 and has been in prison ever since. The unrest, which began in late 2025 and continued into early 2026, was marked by thousands of arrests and deaths among protesters. The Iranian government has been accused of using excessive force, including live ammunition, against protesters. The sentencing of Khales has raised concerns about unfair trials and state-sanctioned killings.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to join President Donald Trump's newly proposed 'Board of Peace', despite initial reservations about the makeup of its executive committee. The Board is part of Trump's Gaza peace plan and aims to supervise the transition of Gaza from conflict to peace and development. Netanyahu's decision comes as Trump is set to provide more details about the Board at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Dozens of countries have been invited to join, including Belarus, China, Ukraine, and India, although some like France have declined to join 'at this stage'. The Board is expected to play a crucial role in carrying out Trump's 20-point Gaza plan.

The Nigerian military has rescued 62 hostages and killed 2 militants in two separate operations in the northwestern part of the country. The operations came after more than 160 worshippers were kidnapped from two churches in Kaduna state on Sunday by gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons. The kidnappings are the latest in a series of mass attacks by armed gangs, particularly Islamist militants, who often target villages, schools, and places of worship. The rescued hostages are now in safe custody and are being reunited with their families.

Chinese researchers have identified a specific gene mutation that significantly increases the risk of developing asthma. The team created the Chinese Immune Multi-Omics Atlas, profiling over 10 million immune cells and identifying 73 types of immune cells. The study found that a genetic variation affects regulatory T cells, leading to an increased risk of asthma susceptibility. The research was published in the journal Science and has the potential to guide the development of precise treatments, including immunotherapy.

An adviser to China's central bank, Huang Yiping, has expressed concerns over the sustainability of the United States' debt, citing the country's rising debt-to-GDP ratio and lack of fiscal discipline. Huang made these comments at an academic forum organized by the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, where he was joined by Harvard professor Jason Furman. Furman agreed that the US fiscal outlook was troubling, stating that the deficit was 'clearly too large' and the debt trajectory was 'unsustainable.' The US government debt rose to $38.4 trillion by the end of 2025, a $2.23 trillion increase from the previous year. Huang and Furman's comments highlight growing concerns over the US's fiscal trajectory and its potential global implications.

China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe has discovered tiny carbon nanotubes with walls just one atom thick on the far side of the moon. The finding, published in the journal Nano Letters, provides the first confirmed evidence that single-layer carbon nanotubes can be produced naturally. The nanotubes were detected in rocks collected by the Chang'e-6 mission using high-resolution electron microscopes. The researchers believe that the structures formed under extreme conditions created by micrometeorite impacts, solar wind exposure, and ancient volcanic activity. This discovery settles a long-standing debate about whether single-layer carbon nanotubes could form naturally, as previously they were only seen in laboratory settings.

Chinese AI companies are facing a dilemma in sourcing high-performance Nvidia H200 chips due to Chinese customs officials holding the shipments at the border, despite US approval. Companies are either forced to buy from the black market at higher prices or opt for lower-performance domestic alternatives from companies like Huawei Technologies. Nvidia GPU resellers in China reported receiving inquiries for H200 chips, with a bundled server combining eight H200 GPUs selling for around 2.3 million yuan, a 50% premium to the official list price.

Chinese banks are increasingly involved in the country's commercial space ambitions, with some launching their own satellites and funding rocket firms. China Merchants Bank and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank recently launched satellites, joining Ping An Bank, which had previously launched its own satellites. The banks are using satellite data to improve risk management, track market dynamics, and offer more precise financial products and services. This development reflects Beijing's push to cultivate commercial aerospace as China searches for new growth engines amid a slowing economy and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Malaysia's former army chief, Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, and his wife, Salwani Anuar, have pleaded not guilty to money-laundering charges involving approximately US$544,000. The charges stem from a wider investigation into alleged bribery and abuse of power related to military procurement. The couple was granted bail and ordered to surrender their passports and report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission monthly. If convicted, they face up to 15 years in jail and significant fines.

South Korea's former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his role in the imposition of martial law by then President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon's martial law decree was an act of rebellion, and Han played a key role by attempting to legitimize it through a Cabinet Council meeting. Han was also convicted of falsifying the martial law proclamation, destroying it, and lying under oath. The verdict is expected to set the stage for upcoming rulings involving Yoon and his associates, who also face rebellion charges. Yoon is scheduled to be ruled on for his rebellion charges on February 19. Han, a career bureaucrat, has maintained that he opposed Yoon's martial law plan, but the court said he neglected his responsibilities as prime minister to protect the constitution.

The article discusses the rising popularity of Japan's convenience stores, particularly FamilyMart, as tourist attractions and the unexpected success of their branded socks. Tourists are taking guided tours of konbinis, exploring the various snacks and products available. FamilyMart's 'Convenience Wear' line, launched in 2021, has been a hit, with their simple, striped socks selling 1.4 million pairs in the first year. The socks have become a sought-after souvenir, with tourists and locals alike appreciating their quality and design.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's claim that a potential deal with NATO over Greenland includes rights to rare-earth minerals. Experts say extracting these minerals would be extremely difficult and expensive due to Greenland's harsh Arctic environment and lack of infrastructure. Trump's interest in Greenland is not new, and officials have courted foreign investment for years. However, the environmental challenges and stringent regulations in Greenland make it unlikely that the US will tap into the island's mineral wealth. Trump's rhetoric on the matter risks undermining the US's relationship with Greenland and Denmark.

A video has surfaced showing the chief of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Gregory Bovino, deploying a gas canister into a crowd of protesters in Minneapolis. The incident occurred on Wednesday during a clash between federal agents and protesters. According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement, agents used crowd control measures to disperse the 'hostile crowd.' The article also includes other unrelated news stories and videos.

The article discusses how AI could accelerate the energy transition by driving demand for renewables and improving energy efficiency. While fossil fuels are seen as a 'short-term crutch' to meet the growing energy needs of AI data centers, experts believe that renewables will ultimately be the key to a sustainable energy future. Europe faces challenges in integrating variable renewable supply into the grid and developing energy storage solutions. The European Commission is exploring the 'twin potential' of AI for energy and energy for AI, and investors are backing startups that use AI to improve energy systems.

OpenAI is in talks with sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East to secure investments for a new multibillion-dollar funding round, expected to total around $50 billion. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is participating in investment talks in the United Arab Emirates. The company has been growing rapidly since launching its AI chatbot ChatGPT in 2022 and has raised billions of dollars from investors. The funding round is expected to close in the first quarter of the year.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to expand the use of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) at the 2026 World Cup, allowing referees to review more incidents, including incorrect second yellow cards, wrong team punishments, and wrongly awarded corners. The move aims to increase the tempo and excitement of games, while reducing time-wasting and delays. The IFAB will also introduce an eight-second time limit for throw-ins and goal kicks, and restrict how long goalkeepers can hold onto the ball. The changes are intended to make the game more entertaining and reduce disruptions.

The article discusses the ongoing feud between Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary and Elon Musk, which started when O'Leary ruled out equipping Ryanair jets with Musk's Starlink satellite internet service. Musk responded by insulting O'Leary and suggesting he could buy Ryanair. Ryanair retaliated with a 'big idiot seat sale', promoting 100,000 one-way tickets for £16.99. The article explores the back-and-forth between the two CEOs, the reasons behind their spat, and the possibility of Musk actually buying Ryanair, which is complicated by EU regulations requiring EU-based airlines to be majority-owned by EU citizens.

A Cuban immigrant, Geraldo Lunas Campos, died in ICE custody at a detention facility in Texas after guards held him down, according to an autopsy report that ruled the death a homicide. The report found that Lunas Campos died from asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees at the facility, Camp East Montana, which has experienced multiple deaths in a short period. ICE has provided changing accounts of the incident, and there are calls for an investigation and for the facility to be shut down.

The article is about the NPR podcast 'Pop Culture Happy Hour', which discusses various pop culture topics including movies, TV shows, music, and books. The podcast is hosted by four arts journalists and features commentary and recommendations on the latest releases. Recent episodes have covered films like 'It Was Just an Accident' and 'The Rip', as well as TV shows like 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials' and 'Hijack'. The podcast also explores topics like TV crossovers and answers listener questions.

Apple plans to revamp Siri by turning it into a chatbot, code-named Campos, to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. The new chatbot will be deeply embedded into iPhone, iPad, and Mac operating systems, offering advanced conversational abilities and features like content creation, image generation, and personal data analysis. The update is part of Apple's effort to catch up in the AI market, where it has lagged behind its Silicon Valley peers. The chatbot is expected to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2026 and released in September 2026.

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the United States, particularly small businesses. Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids toy store in Manhattan, struggled to keep her store open due to increased costs from tariffs, ultimately closing it in July 2025. The tariffs, which reached as high as 145% on Chinese goods, had a disproportionate impact on small retailers, who were unable to absorb the costs like larger retailers such as Walmart and Target. The article highlights the growing divide between big-box chains and independent retailers, with the latter struggling to survive due to the tariffs.

A Cuban detainee, Geraldo Lunas Campos, died in an El Paso ICE detention center on January 3, and an autopsy report ruled his death a homicide. The report stated that Campos died from 'asphyxia due to neck and torso compression' and had injuries to his head and neck. The family claims that Campos was abused and choked to death by facility guards, while federal officials initially reported that he died from medical distress and later claimed it was a suicide attempt. The family is preparing a wrongful-death lawsuit and has petitioned to stop the deportation of two potential witnesses.

ActionAid UK is rethinking its child sponsorship program as part of a plan to 'decolonise' its work. The charity's new co-CEOs, Taahra Ghazi and Hannah Bond, aim to shift from a transactional, paternalistic model to a more collaborative approach that prioritizes community voices and long-term grassroots funding. The current model, which allows donors to choose a child to support, has been criticized for perpetuating racist attitudes and 'poverty porn.' ActionAid plans to establish a fund for women's rights groups under attack and focus on partnerships with civil society groups, encouraging collective fundraising and solidarity.