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The article warns that China's car market is expected to shrink again, following a similar trend in 2018. While local carmakers, who now dominate the market due to their electric vehicle (EV) prowess, may be hit the hardest, foreign producers will also be affected as Chinese rivals expand abroad. The resulting increase in exports will benefit consumers but pose challenges for global carmakers.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's policies are reshaping American healthcare, with potential catastrophic consequences for safety-net clinics and individuals who rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The end of pandemic-era subsidies will price many out of the market, exacerbating the issue. The article highlights the struggles of a Miami-based nonprofit clinic, Care Resource, which relies on a patchwork of grants, insurance, and pharmacy income to stay afloat. As the healthcare landscape changes, clinics like Care Resource are bracing for impact, with many patients lacking health insurance.

The article argues that targeting the rich to fix broken budgets is not an effective solution and is morally wrong. It highlights that America's top 1% already pay nearly a third of federal taxes and that various politicians are proposing new taxes on the wealthy. The article suggests that such measures will not work and are not principled.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Giorgio Armani's will, which has caused a rift at his fashion label. The will revealed a glimpse into the luxury house's glamour and dysfunction, with unusual beneficiaries and bequests. The article suggests that the choices made by the new leaders of the company could shape the future of Italian luxury.

The article discusses the current state of the US Congress and proposes ways to improve its functioning. It highlights the low public approval ratings of Congress, citing Gallup polling that shows 80% of Americans disapprove of its performance. The article argues that Congress has ceded its powers to the president and has become ineffective, passing fewer laws than in the past and often resorting to government shutdowns. The author suggests that improving the lot of American legislators is essential for democracy.

The article discusses the shortage of tenor singers in amateur choirs and suggests ways to address this issue. It highlights the challenges faced by amateur choirs in finding tenor singers and notes that the problem is not just about finding people with the right vocal range, but also about developing their singing skills. The article references Andrea Bocelli's performance at the Olympic torch ceremony in Milan, showcasing the impressive vocal abilities of professional tenor singers. It argues that with proper training and support, amateur singers can improve their skills and help alleviate the tenor shortage.

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The article 'The case for workplace inefficiency' published in The Economist argues against the relentless drive for efficiency in workplaces. Using the analogy of a gazelle spotting a predator, it suggests that sometimes, inefficiency or the ability to 'pronk' - a behavior where gazelles jump high into the air - can be beneficial. The article implies that constant optimization can be counterproductive and that allowing for some level of inefficiency can foster creativity, resilience, and better responses to unexpected challenges. While not directly stating it, the piece seems to advocate for a balanced approach to productivity and efficiency, suggesting that too much optimization can be detrimental.

The article discusses the child-vaccine battle in America, focusing on West Virginia as a key battleground. The state has one of the sickest populations in the country due to years of back-breaking labor and rural poverty. The article explores how far RFK Jr. can push state policies regarding vaccines, using West Virginia as a test case. It highlights the complexities of the issue and the challenges faced by the state in addressing its health problems.

The article discusses the remarkable turnaround of the Midwest region in the United States, specifically focusing on Rockford, Illinois. For the first time in 70 years, more Americans are moving to the Midwest than leaving it. The article highlights the city's efforts to revitalize its economy and improve its image, despite still having many abandoned factories and parking lots. The author notes that the region's turnaround is a significant shift from its previous decline.

The article warns that rich countries should be cautious of 'Brazilification', citing Brazil as a cautionary tale for large economies. It highlights the dangers of high interest rates when governments are heavily indebted, drawing parallels with other economies such as Argentina, Italy, and Britain, which have faced their own economic challenges. The article suggests that the world's major economies can learn from Brazil's experiences and those of other countries that have struggled with economic issues.

The article argues that Vladimir Putin is trapped in a situation of his own making regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite four bloody years passing, the war continues with no clear victor in sight. The blame for the war's persistence is placed squarely on Putin. The article suggests that Putin cannot win the war but simultaneously fears the prospect of peace, indicating a complex and potentially volatile situation.

The article discusses the concept of insider trading in the context of prediction markets, arguing that it isn't always bad. Prediction markets, where people bet on various outcomes such as elections, sports, and weather, have gained mainstream financial attention. The article highlights the growth of Kalshi, the largest American prediction market site, which saw a 12-fold increase in trading volume to $24 billion last year. The author makes a case for informed trading on these platforms, suggesting that it can be beneficial.

Anna Murdoch-Mann, writer, philanthropist, and former News Corp director, has died at 81. She was married to media mogul Rupert Murdoch for 31 years and played a significant role in his business decisions. The couple had three children together and she was stepmother to his daughter from a previous marriage. After their divorce in 1999, Murdoch-Mann received a $1.7 billion settlement. She later remarried twice and continued her philanthropic work, serving on the boards of children's hospitals. Her life and marriage to Murdoch were marked by significant events, including a kidnapping incident that was mistaken for her and the succession drama within the Murdoch family, which inspired the TV series Succession.

A series of avalanches in the Austrian Alps on Friday killed five people, including a 42-year-old German man and three skiers near the popular St Anton resort. The avalanches occurred as heavy snowfall hit the region, causing power outages and transport chaos. Austria has now seen at least 21 avalanche-related deaths this winter, while dozens of fatalities have been recorded across the Alps. The avalanche risk remains high in parts of Tyrol, where two fatal avalanches occurred in off-piste areas.

Divers have recovered the bodies of seven Chinese tourists and a Russian driver who died after their mini-bus plunged under the ice to the bottom of Lake Baikal in Siberia. The bus fell into a three-metre-wide ice fissure on Friday, and one Chinese tourist managed to escape. The depth at the site of the accident was 18m, and divers used underwater cameras to search for the bodies. Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake, is a popular tourist destination that often freezes during harsh winters and has seen a number of deadly accidents over the years. The incident is under investigation, and the governor has urged tourists to use only official tour operators.

The family of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old Palestinian-American man shot dead by an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank, is calling for accountability. Abu Siyam was among a group trying to stop settlers from stealing their goats when he was fatally shot. The incident has sparked criticism of the Trump administration's handling of settler violence, with rights groups accusing it of emboldening settlers by lifting sanctions. The US State Department has expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation, while the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has launched a review into the incident.

The ninth and final victim of a powerful avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe backcountry has been found dead, bringing the total number of fatalities to nine. The avalanche struck a group of skiers and guides on a trip, with two people escaping. The search efforts were hindered by harsh weather conditions, including high winds and white-out conditions. The victims have been identified, and authorities are investigating whether there could be criminal negligence relating to the avalanche. The avalanche is considered the deadliest in modern California history.

Conservationists have released 158 captive-bred juvenile giant tortoises onto the Galápagos island of Floreana, marking a significant milestone in the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project. The tortoises, bred as part of a 'back-breeding' programme, are the first to roam Floreana in over 180 years. The native species was driven to extinction in the 1840s by sailors. The reintroduction is part of a larger effort to restore the island's ecosystem, with the tortoises playing a crucial role as 'ecosystem engineers'. The project is the result of two decades of collaboration between scientists, charities, and the local community.

Katseye, a six-member girl group formed in 2023, has announced that member Manon Bannerman will be taking a temporary hiatus to focus on her health and wellbeing. The decision was made after 'open and thoughtful conversations' among the group members. Bannerman, 23, reassured fans that she is 'healthy' and 'taking care of myself.' The group will continue with scheduled performances during her absence and looks forward to being together again when the time is right. Katseye was formed during the reality competition series 'The Debut: Dream Academy' and has released several singles and EPs. The group has faced intense online scrutiny and received thousands of death threats since their formation.

The killing of nationalist student Quentin Deranque by suspected far-left militants in Lyon has put France's far-left party, La France Insoumise (LFI), in trouble ahead of local elections. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with many questioning LFI's links to the extremist group responsible. The incident has potentially shifted the 'untouchable stain' from the far-right National Rally (RN) to LFI, impacting the French political landscape. The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, may benefit from this shift, gaining respectability and potentially winning more seats in upcoming elections.

Over 1,500 Venezuelan political prisoners have applied for amnesty under a new law introduced by the Venezuelan government. The law has been criticized by opposition and human rights groups for excluding certain prisoners, including those who called for foreign armed intervention. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced that 1,557 release requests are being addressed 'immediately' and that the legislation could ultimately extend to 11,000 prisoners. The US has urged Venezuela to speed up the release of political prisoners since the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in January.

NASA's Artemis II mission to send astronauts to the moon for the first time in 50 years has been delayed due to a rocket issue. The launch date of March 6 is now 'out of consideration' after engineers observed an interruption in the flow of helium required for launch operations during routine checks. The mission, which will see four astronauts - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen - travel to the far side of the moon and back, is expected to be delayed by several weeks. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged that the delay would be disappointing but emphasized that setbacks are common in space missions.

Willie Colón, a renowned trombonist and salsa music pioneer, has died at the age of 75. Colón was a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who had a career spanning nearly 60 years. He was known for his iconic trombone playing and his contributions to the development of salsa music, particularly in the 'New York Sound'. Colón was born in the South Bronx to Puerto Rican parents and grew up in an environment marked by Latin migration and Caribbean music. He recorded his first album, 'El Malo', at 16 and went on to produce over 40 albums, collaborating with artists like Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, and Celia Cruz. Colón's music often explored the experiences of Puerto Ricans living in the US and was recognized for its cultural significance and political themes. He received numerous accolades, including 10 Grammy nominations and a lifetime achievement award from the Latin Grammys.

A 2-year-old goldendoodle was abandoned at Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport by its owner when she was told she couldn't fly with him without service dog documentation. The dog, nicknamed Jet Blue, was rescued by Las Vegas police and later adopted by Officer Skeeter Black, who had been approved by an adoption agency months earlier. The owner was arrested for animal abandonment and resisting arrest. The police department shared a heartwarming post on Facebook about the dog's adoption, highlighting the compassion and teamwork involved in giving Jet Blue a new home.

The article discusses the strained relationship between New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, both Democrats, over the city's budget and tax policies. Mamdani sent Hochul a public letter demanding she help him pass tax hikes on high-income residents and corporations to avoid raising city property taxes by 10%. Hochul is now in a difficult position, as either decision could harm her re-election chances. The article suggests that Mamdani's move has made Hochul more vulnerable to Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, who could capitalize on the tax issue to win over city voters. The article also notes that Hochul has been trying to reshape her campaign to appeal to progressive voters, but Mamdani's actions have put her in a difficult spot.

A Circle K manager in Arizona, Robert Gawlitza, is being sued by his employer for allegedly purchasing a $12.8 million winning lottery ticket that was left on the counter overnight. The ticket was part of a batch of $85 worth of tickets printed for a customer who only paid for $60 worth. Gawlitza allegedly scanned through the abandoned tickets, found the winning one, and bought it from another employee for $10. Circle K is claiming ownership of the ticket based on Arizona Administrative Code, which states that retailers hold property claims to unsold lottery tickets. The Arizona Lottery is caught in the middle, and the court will decide who owns the prize money.

The US Department of Homeland Security has suspended the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs due to the ongoing partial government shutdown that started on February 14. The suspension is expected to cause inconvenience to travelers who rely on these programs to speed through security lines. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the shutdown has serious real-world consequences and that the department is prioritizing the general traveling population. Democrats have criticized the decision, accusing the administration of intentionally disrupting travel.

Ian Maxwell, brother of Ghislaine Maxwell, has defended his sister by calling Virginia Giuffre, a key accuser, a 'monster' and claiming Ghislaine is a victim of falsehoods. Ian Maxwell stated that his sister is a 'scapegoat' for Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and that she is on the 'right side of history.' Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and conspiracy related to her involvement with Epstein. Ian Maxwell has been acting as his sister's 'de facto spokesman' and continues to support her efforts to overturn her conviction, citing recently released Epstein files as evidence that her trial was unfair.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash for requiring emergency snow shovelers to provide five forms of identification, including two original forms of ID, copies, and a social security card, while opposing voter ID laws. The requirement has been criticized as hypocritical, with social media users mocking the mayor's stance. The DSA, of which Mamdani is a member, opposes voter ID laws, deeming them racist. The controversy comes as a massive blizzard is set to hit the East Coast, with Gotham expected to see up to 24 inches of snow.

The article criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani's spending agenda, warning it will lead to NYC's decline. It highlights the city's history of fiscal mismanagement under various mayors, including David Dinkins, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Adams. The author argues that Mamdani's socialist policies, such as raising taxes on the rich and working-class homeowners, will exacerbate the city's economic woes. The article also criticizes Governor Hochul for not taking decisive action to address the issue. The author suggests that the city's economy is already struggling due to out-migration of taxpayers and businesses, and that Mamdani's plans will only accelerate this trend.

A historic blizzard, dubbed Winter Storm Hernando, is expected to hit the Northeast United States, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds. Over 3,000 flights have been canceled at major airports in the New York City area, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, as well as airports in Philadelphia and Boston. The storm is forecast to dump 18 to 24 inches of snow on New York City, with wind gusts over 60 mph and snow falling up to 3 inches per hour. A state of emergency has been declared for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. The storm is expected to cause power outages, coastal flooding, and treacherous travel conditions, affecting over 30 million people from Delaware to Boston.

A Pennsylvania high school senior, Zachariah Abraham Meyers, has been arrested and charged with over 300 felonies for allegedly operating a 'large-scale criminal network' involving sextortion and catfishing. Meyers, 18, used social media platforms to lure 21 minor victims into sending explicit images and videos of themselves. He used photos of other people to catfish the victims, including an adult film actress. Meyers was denied bail and is being held at Washington County Prison pending a preliminary hearing. The Peters Township School District has cooperated with the investigation and stated that there is no immediate safety risk to their schools.

Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore died on Saturday at the age of 25. The cause of death is under investigation, with reports suggesting a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore was a standout player at Purdue University and was drafted by the Cardinals in 2021. He played for the Cardinals and Falcons before being signed by the Vikings in March 2025. Tributes have been paid by Purdue and Moore's former coaches, including Jeff Brohm.

At least five people, including an American, were killed in a series of avalanches in western Austria. The avalanches occurred in the Tyrol and Vorarlberg regions, with intense snowfall and windy conditions contributing to the incidents. The victims included off-piste skiers and a snowboarder. The region has experienced numerous avalanche incidents, with 11 fatalities this month and eight last month. Authorities warned of continued turbulent weather and no relief in sight for Sunday.

The British government is considering removing Prince Andrew from the line of succession to the crown following his arrest over revelations in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The move would be a bold step to preserve the dignity of the royal family amidst its worst crisis in generations. Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office and released under investigation. The arrest is linked to his friendship with Epstein and emails suggesting he may have shared confidential UK government information. Removing Andrew from the line of succession would require a legislative act and the agreement of 14 Commonwealth countries.

American speedskater Jordan Stolz's bid for a third Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games ended in disappointment as he finished fourth in the men's mass start event. The gold medal was won by 40-year-old Dutch skater Jorrit Bergsma, who pulled away from the pack with several laps to go. Stolz, who had already won gold in the 500 meters and 1,000 meters and silver in the 1,500 meters, expressed surprise that no one attempted to chase down Bergsma. The Dutch dominated the mass start events, with Marijke Groenewoud also winning gold in the women's mass start. Stolz concluded that his overall performance at the Games was 'pretty successful' despite not achieving his goal of three gold medals.

American Kaillie Humphries Armbruster won her record-tying sixth Olympic bobsled medal in the two-woman bobsled event at the Milan Cortina Games, finishing third behind Germany's Laura Nolte, who won gold, and Lisa Buckwitz, who took silver. Humphries Armbruster, who has now won three Olympic medals for Canada and three for the U.S., may have competed in her final Olympics. The event saw a dominant performance by Germany, which now has six bobsled medals and 17 sliding medals overall in these Olympics.

The U.S. women's hockey team won Olympic gold at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime. Team USA's Kelly Pannek described the journey as an 'incredible ride' and celebrated with her teammates, family, and friends. The victory marks the Americans' third Olympic title in women's hockey. Pannek highlighted the team's belief and trust in each other, which was key to their success. The win is also seen as inspiring for young girls playing hockey, with participation in the U.S. having grown 65% over the past 15 seasons.

Johannes Høsflot Klaebo of Norway made history at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics by becoming the first athlete to win six gold medals in a single Winter Games. Klaebo achieved this feat by winning the 50-kilometer mass start race, surpassing Eric Heiden's nearly 50-year record of five gold medals at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Klaebo's victory was part of a Norwegian sweep, with his teammates Martin Loewstroem Nyenget and Emil Iversen taking silver and bronze, respectively. This win also extended Klaebo's record for most career Winter Olympic gold medals to eight, making him the second-most decorated gold medalist in Olympic history after Michael Phelps. The victory contributed to Norway's record 18th gold medal and a total of 40 medals in the Games.

Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu shares her journey and advice for aspiring figure skaters. Liu, who made history as the youngest U.S. women's champion at 13, discusses her comeback after retiring at 16 and her gold medal win at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for the sport, as well as being true to oneself and taking time for self-reflection. Liu advises aspiring skaters not to try to be like her, but to be their authentic selves.

Three men were arrested in Spain in January for allegedly shipping dried opium poppy capsules by mail across Spain and to the United States. The Spanish Civil Guard intercepted four postal shipments containing nearly 15.4 pounds of plant-based substances at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport, leading to the discovery of a stash of about 1,161 pounds of Papaver somniferum, also known as opium poppy. The investigation revealed that the three men, all born in India, were linked to recent thefts of opium poppy from legal plantations intended for pharmaceutical use in the province of Albacete. They were charged with crimes against public health for drug trafficking and ordered to be imprisoned.

The U.S. Olympic team won a record-breaking 11th gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, surpassing their previous record set in 2002. The team won gold medals in various events, including freeskiing, speedskating, figure skating, and bobsled. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's focus on breadth and improving Winter sports across the board contributed to their success. The team is expected to add more gold medals, with the men's hockey team set to face Team Canada on Sunday.

An avalanche in California's Castle Peak, near Lake Tahoe, killed nine skiers, including six close friends and sisters, on Tuesday. The group was experienced in off-piste skiing and carried avalanche safety equipment. The recovery operation was delayed due to intense snowfall, with the last body recovered on Saturday. The cause of the avalanche is under investigation, with authorities considering whether there was any criminal negligence. The incident is the deadliest avalanche in modern California history.

The article discusses the use of virtual reality (VR) therapy for children in Gaza who have been traumatized by the ongoing conflict. The VR sessions, run by the organization TechMed Gaza, aim to help children overcome their psychological trauma by immersing them in calming environments. The article profiles several children who have benefited from the therapy, including Razan, a 7-year-old girl who was injured in a shelling incident, and two brothers, Ahmad and Amjad, who were injured in an Israeli airstrike. Despite the challenges and limitations of the program, the VR therapy has shown positive results in helping children to cope with their experiences.

Thousands marched in Lyon, France, to protest the killing of 23-year-old far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who died after being beaten during clashes between far-right and far-left groups. The march, organized by far-right groups, was largely peaceful, but authorities reported Nazi salutes and racist insults. French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm, and Deranque's parents urged restraint. Seven people are under investigation for Deranque's murder, including a former aide to a lawmaker from the hard-left France Unbowed party, which has condemned the killing.

The US military has conducted a strike on a boat allegedly involved in narco-trafficking operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three men. The strike is part of a series of attacks on alleged drug boats, with at least 148 people killed in 43 attacks since September. Critics have questioned the legality and effectiveness of these strikes, as the primary source of fatal overdoses in the US is fentanyl smuggled from Mexico, produced with chemicals from China and India. President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as necessary to stem the flow of drugs, and previously stated that the US is in 'armed conflict' with cartels in Latin America.

Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, has urged Donald Trump to support Ukraine during peace talks with Russia, stating that US support is 'critically important' for Ukraine's war effort. Klitschko expressed some uncertainty about Trump's messaging on Ukraine, but emphasized the need for the US to be on Ukraine's side in its battle against Russia. The article also discusses ongoing US-brokered peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing dissatisfaction with the progress made so far. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia have launched overnight strikes against each other, with Ukraine hitting a Russian plant manufacturing ballistic missiles and Russia attacking Ukrainian infrastructure.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is investigating whether to ban weight loss jabs, specifically Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, from the next Summer Olympics in 2028. WADA is concerned that athletes may be misusing these drugs to enhance their performance and compromise fair play. Experts say endurance athletes could benefit most from these drugs, which can cause energy deficiency and affect muscle nutrient absorption. Welfare issues also arise as athletes face pressure to take the drugs to control their weight. WADA will need to prove that athletes are using the drugs to boost performance, risking their health or violating the spirit of fair sport, before adding them to the banned list. A decision is expected by the end of 2026 or in 2027.

At least one person was killed and dozens more wounded in explosions that hit the western Ukrainian city of Lviv early Sunday, in what authorities have labeled a 'terrorist attack.' The blasts took place as police responded to an emergency phone call about an intrusion at a store near the city center. A 23-year-old policewoman was killed in the attack, while a patrol car and a civilian vehicle were damaged. The Ukrainian National Police reported about two dozen people were wounded. Lviv's regional prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into 'a terrorist act that caused serious consequences.' Officials have not yet said who is suspected of perpetrating the attack. Homemade explosive devices were detonated, police said, citing their 'preliminarily' investigations. The attack occurred as Ukraine's capital city Kyiv was under a combined missile and drone strikes overnight into Sunday.

Matthew McConaughey and Timothée Chalamet, who played father and son in the movie 'Interstellar', had a conversation that aired on CNN where McConaughey revealed he had only watched the film once and never re-watched any of his movies. Chalamet also shared a story about finding an unusual 'souvenir' in his trailer's bathroom on the last day of filming. The conversation between the two award-winning actors was part of a CNN feature.

NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead at the age of 25. Moore played for the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, and was drafted in the second round from Purdue University. The circumstances of his death are unclear, but an autopsy is scheduled. Moore's coach at Purdue, Jeff Brohm, remembered him as an 'ultimate competitor' with a competitive edge.

The article discusses Norway's dominance at the Winter Olympics, where they have earned 40 medals as of the latest update. CNN's Don Riddell explores the reasons behind Norway's success, highlighting their strong team performance. The article is accompanied by a video that delves into the secret behind Norway's sweeping wins.

The war in Ukraine is entering its fifth year and both Russia and Ukraine are facing a growing manpower crisis, with estimated casualties approaching two million. Russia is accused of coercing foreign nationals, including recruits from Africa and Asia, into fighting in Ukraine through deceptive recruitment practices that may amount to human trafficking. The Ukrainian human rights organization Truth Hounds has documented cases of individuals being beaten, tortured, or coerced into signing military contracts. The organization estimates that over 18,000 foreigners have joined the Russian army, with many more missing or unable to be reached by their families.

A tourist captured on video the terrifying moment an avalanche slammed into a packed passenger train traveling through the Swiss Alps near the popular ski resort town of Zermatt. The incident occurred on February 17, and despite the dramatic impact, no injuries were reported among the passengers. The train was operated by Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, which confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated in coordination with emergency services. The rail company suspended operations on the affected route as a precautionary measure due to dangerous winter conditions in the region.

The article discusses how ancient Chinese astrology, specifically 'bazi', is being rebranded and adopted by young professionals in Southeast Asia as a tool for life planning and decision-making. Yik Wai Chee, a 33-year-old senior executive at a Malaysia-based AI company, is cited as an example of someone who uses bazi as a 'strategic gut check' on his life, despite not considering himself a believer in destiny. The practice is gaining popularity among young professionals in the region who are facing hectic schedules, rising living costs, and pressure to succeed. Bazi is seen as a way to gain insight and inform decisions, rather than drive them. The article highlights how this ancient practice is finding a modern second life in Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, has emphasized the need for fiscal prudence in the upcoming 2026-27 budget, balancing social needs with maintaining adequate reserves to guard against unforeseen circumstances. The budget's purple cover symbolizes Hong Kong's strengthening economic momentum amid external volatility. Chan highlighted the challenges of managing finances amidst global trade uncertainties, including the US's decision to raise tariffs on imports. He stressed the importance of prioritizing and making difficult trade-offs when drafting the budget.

Ukraine has accused Hungary and Slovakia of 'blackmail' after they threatened to cut off emergency electricity supplies unless Ukraine resumes Russian oil transit through its territory. The dispute began on January 27 when a Russian drone strike allegedly damaged pipeline equipment in Western Ukraine, halting oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungary's Viktor Orban have made the threats, with Fico stating he would stop electricity supplies within two days if oil transit is not resumed. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned the ultimatums, stating that they are 'provocative, irresponsible, and threaten the energy security of the entire region.' Ukraine has proposed alternative transit routes for the oil, including through Ukraine's oil transportation system or a maritime route. The issue has strained relations between Ukraine and its EU and NATO member neighbors, who have maintained warm ties with Moscow.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has suspended the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. The programs, designed to expedite security screening for registered travelers, will remain suspended until the shutdown is resolved. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the shutdown has serious real-world consequences and that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are prioritizing the general traveling population. The decision has been criticized by Democrats on the House Committee on Homeland Security, who argue that it will cause headaches for travelers and undermine the security and efficiency of air travel.

Norway's cross-country skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won his sixth gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, setting records for golds won by a nation and an athlete at a single Winter Olympics. Norway ended the Games with a record 40 medals, 18 of them gold. The country's success comes after being embroiled in scandals related to Jeffrey Epstein and the royal family. Norwegians are proud of their athletes, but also reflect on the country's values and the changing nature of sports. The Olympics have highlighted Norway's competitiveness, humility, and the impact of wealth on sports.

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.

The Thai government is taking steps to reduce sugar consumption in popular drinks, with major coffee chains agreeing to halve the default sweetness level. Despite a sugar tax introduced in 2017, street vendors and cafes remain outside the regulations, contributing to the country's high sugar intake. The government is now targeting these businesses with a new campaign to reset people's taste buds and improve public health. While some vendors are resistant to change, others welcome the measures, citing the difficulty of avoiding sweet drinks and the possibility of retraining taste preferences.