In other news

The article discusses Britain's position as a leader in AI safety, thanks to its AI Security Institute (AISI). While the country has made significant strides in AI research and development, it must not become complacent. The article highlights recent developments in AI, including the publication of a paper on AlphaGenome, a model that could transform understanding of DNA, and warnings from AI experts about the risks associated with AI. The author argues that Britain's leadership in AI safety is not a reason to rest on its laurels, but rather a motivation to continue pushing forward with responsible AI development.

China is becoming a leading producer of luxury food items such as caviar, foie gras, and truffles, traditionally associated with Western cuisine. The country's domestic demand for these delicacies is growing, and it is also expanding its exports. China's emergence in the luxury food market is driven by its large-scale production capabilities and growing appetite for high-end culinary products.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as a potential new hub for the global gambling industry, with Ras al-Khaimah constructing a massive 350-meter-tall casino. The UAE aims to replicate the success of Las Vegas and Macau by developing its gambling infrastructure. The new casino in Ras al-Khaimah, expected to open next year, will be one of the world's largest. This development is part of a broader strategy by the UAE to diversify its economy and attract tourism. The article discusses the potential of the UAE to become a major gambling destination, drawing parallels with established centers like Las Vegas and Macau.

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 Armani's glamorous life and featured surprising beneficiaries, including an aide granted millions in securities and access to his yacht. The article suggests that the choices made by the new leaders of the fashion label could shape the future of Italian luxury.

North London is experiencing a measles outbreak with 61 cases reported this year, sparking concern due to low MMR vaccination rates in the capital. England's vaccination rates have been declining, with London being particularly affected, having only 69% of five-year-olds fully vaccinated against measles, significantly below the national average of 84% and the recommended 95%. The outbreak highlights the need for improved vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of measles, one of the world's most contagious diseases.

Pete Hegseth, America's Secretary of War, has issued an ultimatum to Anthropic, the maker of the Claude family of AI models, to comply with the Pentagon's terms on the use of its AI for defense purposes or face severe penalties. This move is seen as part of the Trump administration's history of publicly clashing with companies that don't follow its orders. However, Anthropic has leverage in this situation. The article discusses the implications of the Pentagon's demands on AI labs and their autonomy.

The article discusses the rise of Plaid Cymru, a Welsh nationalist party, and its potential to gain power in Wales. The party's growth is attributed to a sense of identity and Labour's failures. The article provides historical context, referencing the election of Plaid Cymru's first MP, Gwynfor Evans, in 1966. It highlights the party's increasing popularity and its potential impact on Welsh politics. The article also touches on the broader context of British politics and the potential implications of Plaid Cymru's rise for the Labour Party and the UK as a whole.

The article discusses the growing trend of private equity firms acquiring small businesses in the United States, using examples such as Solidcore, a Pilates-inspired fitness chain, Maman, a French-inspired eatery, and HeyDey, a beauty salon. The author argues that private equity firms are often misunderstood and that their involvement can be beneficial for small businesses. The article highlights the increasing presence of private equity in various industries and suggests that this trend is likely to continue.

The article 'The case for workplace inefficiency' argues against the constant optimization of work processes, suggesting that some level of inefficiency can be beneficial. It uses the analogy of a gazelle spotting a predator to illustrate how instinctive, non-optimized reactions can be more effective in certain situations. The article implies that over-optimization can stifle creativity and natural responses, advocating for a balance between efficiency and the freedom to 'pronking' or react spontaneously.

The article discusses the potential impact of the AI revolution on the Portable Document Format (PDF), introduced by Adobe in 1993. Initially met with skepticism, PDFs became ubiquitous, with over 2.5 trillion in existence, particularly after being adopted by the Internal Revenue Service for digital tax forms. The article questions whether PDFs will survive the AI revolution, given their limitations and the changing landscape of document management and processing.

A Chinese dance group, Shen Yun, received bomb threats against the Australian Prime Minister's official residence if they proceeded with their upcoming performances in Australia. The threats were reported to the police, and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, was evacuated from his home. Shen Yun, founded by the religious movement Falun Gong, has faced similar threats in the US and has been banned in China. The Australian government has not commented on the incident, and Shen Yun has vowed to continue their performances.

Australian police have arrested two men, aged 24 and 29, for the alleged murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, a Sydney grandfather who was mistakenly kidnapped from his home. The kidnapping, which occurred on February 13, was believed to be a case of mistaken identity, with the intended target potentially linked to organized crime. Human remains found near a golf course on the outskirts of Sydney were confirmed to be Baghsarian's through forensic testing. Police expect to charge both men and believe others were involved, with more arrests likely. Baghsarian's family welcomed the arrests but requested media respect their privacy.

FBI Director Kash Patel is accused by Senator Dick Durbin of misusing the agency's private jet for personal travel, causing delays in investigations. Durbin cited a whistleblower report alleging that Patel's travel plans hindered the FBI's response to high-profile cases, including the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and a mass shooting at Brown University. The FBI has disputed the allegations, calling them 'false' and 'egregious'. Patel has defended his travel, stating that it was for official business and that he reimbursed the government for personal use.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Beijing for his inaugural trip to China amid concerns over a significant trade imbalance between the two countries. Germany's imports from China were more than double its exports to China last year, sparking worries about the impact on German industry. Merz is expected to press China to use its influence to help end the war in Ukraine and address issues such as 'distortions' in competition and export controls on critical rare earths. The visit comes as the EU grapples with the challenge of maintaining fair trade practices while avoiding a 'two-front trade war' with both the US and China.

The article discusses the escalating conflict in Sudan's Kordofan region, where drone strikes have led to significant civilian casualties and suffering. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been ongoing for nearly three years, with the Kordofan region becoming a pivotal new front line. The article highlights the humanitarian crisis, with the UN and humanitarian officials condemning the attacks on civilian targets. The conflict has also drawn in external actors, including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Egypt, with allegations of supplying drones and supporting one side or the other. The article notes that despite US-led peace efforts, a truce remains elusive, and the conflict risks widening into a regional conflict.

The director of the Louvre museum in Paris, Laurence des Cars, has resigned months after a high-profile theft of France's crown jewels. The theft occurred on October 19, when thieves used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the museum from a balcony near the River Seine. Eight prized pieces of jewelry worth an estimated 88m euros were stolen, including a diamond and an emerald necklace given by Emperor Napoleon to his wife. The four main suspects have been arrested, but the stolen items have not been recovered. Des Cars had admitted that the CCTV around the Louvre's perimeter was weak and 'aging', and a parliamentary inquiry into the failures is underway. The Louvre has been facing security challenges, including a suspected ticket fraud scheme and a water leak.

The family of Nancy Guthrie, mother of US news anchor Savannah Guthrie, has offered a $1m reward for information leading to her safe return on day 24 of the search. Nancy Guthrie, 84, is suspected to have been abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The family has made several public pleas for her safe return and has asked for proof that she is alive. Investigators have released images of a prime suspect captured on Nancy Guthrie's Nest doorbell camera. The search has garnered massive interest, with dozens of curious observers and amateur sleuths descending on the area, and detectives receiving close to 40,000 tips from the public.

The former CEO of NewJeans' record label, Min Hee-jin, has offered to forgo a $17.9m payout if entertainment giant Hybe drops all lawsuits against the K-pop group. The dispute began when Min was sacked as CEO in August 2024, and NewJeans announced they would leave the agency. A court ruling last October stated that they must honour their contract with Ador, a Hybe subsidiary, until 2029. Min has called for the withdrawal of all ongoing lawsuits against NewJeans members, external partners, former Ador employees, and fans. Hybe has yet to respond to her offer.

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has proposed legislation to double the maximum prison term for same-sex relations from 5 to 10 years. The bill, which has been criticized by human rights advocates, also proposes punishing those who promote or advocate for same-sex relations with prison terms of 3 to 7 years. The move comes amid a wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships in the conservative West African country, where homosexual acts are already banned. Sonko's proposal has sparked concerns about the erosion of human rights and the increasing crackdown on the LGBT community in Senegal and other African countries.

A University of Haifa student discovered a 12th-century Crusader sword while swimming off the coast of Haifa, Israel. The sword was found protruding from the seafloor after the student chased away a group of divers suspected of being antiquities thieves. The Israel Antiquities Authority granted permission to recover the sword, which was then taken to a conservation laboratory and CT-scanned at a hospital. Experts believe the sword belonged to a European Crusader warrior and provides a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of knights during the Crusades.

An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft was found to have an apparent bullet hole in its right wing after flying from Miami to Medellín, Colombia. The damage was discovered during a routine inspection after the plane landed in Medellín on Sunday evening as flight 923. The hole was located in the aileron, a critical flight control surface. Despite the damage, there were no injuries, and the plane did not experience any flight-related issues. American Airlines removed the aircraft from service for further inspection and repair. Temporary repairs were made, and the plane flew to Miami the next morning. The incident is under investigation by relevant authorities, including the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority. This incident is not isolated, as other airlines have experienced similar gunfire incidents in the past, particularly in areas with gang violence like Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Protests have erupted across several universities in Iran as the new academic year began, marking the first sustained campus unrest since the government's bloody crackdown in December and January. A protester in Tehran told CBS News that students are brave for demonstrating despite the risk of prison or death, and expressed guilt at still being alive while many others were killed. The protester called for U.S. military intervention to bring down the regime and praised President Trump's past promises to help Iranians. The protests come as the U.S. military builds up its presence in the region, with two aircraft carriers and their strike groups deployed to the Middle East.

Former U.K. ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson was arrested by London's Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows the release of emails between Mandelson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which suggested Mandelson shared confidential information with Epstein while in government. Mandelson was previously fired as U.K. ambassador in September after details of his friendship with Epstein emerged. He has denied any knowledge of or complicity in Epstein's sexual crimes and receiving payments from Epstein. The arrest comes days after former Prince Andrew was arrested for suspected misconduct in public office related to the Epstein files.

The article reports on a diplomatic row between France and the U.S. after U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner failed to attend a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The meeting was requested to discuss the U.S. embassy's reposting of comments denouncing 'terrorism' and left-wing violence in France following the killing of far-right activist Quentin Deranque. Kushner had previously been involved in a diplomatic dispute after criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron's handling of antisemitism. The French government has blocked Kushner from meeting with government ministers, and Barrot expressed disappointment in Kushner's failure to respect 'basic customs of diplomacy.' Despite the tension, Barrot stated that the incident would not affect the Franco-U.S. relationship.

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery after crashing during a downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics, suffering a complex tibia fracture, other fractures, and compartment syndrome. She credited her surgeon, Dr. Tom Hackett, with saving her leg from amputation and is now recovering in a hotel after nearly two weeks in the hospital. Vonn plans to focus on rehabilitation and expects it to take around a year for her bones to heal.

Getty Images sports staff photographer Elsa Garrison captured an iconic photo of hockey star Jack Hughes' toothless grin after Team USA's gold-medal win against Canada. Garrison was in the right place at the right time, having anticipated where the players would skate after the game. The photo, which shows Hughes with a bloodied mouth and chipped front teeth, quickly went viral online. Garrison was 'still in shock' about the photo's success, attributing it to a mix of skill and luck.

British media personality Russell Brand pleaded not guilty to two new charges of rape and sexual assault at a London court. Brand, 50, is facing sexual offense charges involving a total of six women. He has denied all charges and is due to face trial in June. Brand has rebranded himself from a left-leaning campaigner to a conservative guru with millions of social media followers. The charges against him date back to between 1999 and 2009, with the latest allegations involving two women in London in 2009. Brand's bail was renewed after a brief hearing, and he is set to face trial alongside the previous charges he faced in May.

The Supreme Court's ruling striking down President Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs has not alleviated concerns about the direction of trade policy among U.S. companies and trading partners. Despite the ruling, Trump announced new tariffs under a different legal provision, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for duties of up to 15% for 150 days. Experts say this has created 'pure tariff chaos' and uncertainty, with some countries reconsidering trade deals negotiated under previous tariff rates. The new tariffs are expected to have a modest economic impact, but raise questions about their effectiveness in achieving their intended goals, such as reviving U.S. manufacturing. The Trump administration remains committed to tariffs as an economic and foreign policy tool, and is likely to continue exploring avenues to stiffen import duties.

A portfolio manager at Julius Baer suggests three trades for investors to navigate the disruption in U.S. Big Tech, particularly in the AI sector. The strategies include diversifying within the U.S. using an equally-weighted S&P 500 tracker, diversifying away from the U.S. altogether by investing in global equities such as defensive healthcare, Swiss equities, and Asia-led emerging markets, and investing in staple stocks like Procter & Gamble and Reckitt Benckiser that historically weather uncertainty and volatility. The manager also notes that gold continues to be an attractive play due to renewed uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

The article discusses the upcoming earnings report of Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, and its potential impact on European tech stocks. Analysts expect Nvidia's earnings to be a barometer for the strength and durability of the global AI investment cycle. European tech companies, particularly those in the semiconductor and infrastructure sectors, are likely to be affected by Nvidia's results. The article highlights several European tech stocks that could be impacted, including ASML, BESI, Infineon, and STMicroelectronics.

The global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market remained strong in 2026 despite a historically tight capital squeeze. The total value of deal-making activity surged nearly 40% to a record $4.9 trillion in 2025, driven by companies reassessing their portfolios and artificial intelligence-led demand fueling large-scale transactions. While the appetite for deals remains strong, the pool of discretionary capital to fund them is thin, forcing executives to be more selective. Private capital has become central to deal-making, with private equity firms, private credit funds, and sovereign wealth funds playing key roles. The AI capital expenditure 'supercycle' is expected to continue driving M&A activity, with mega-deals valued at over $5 billion accounting for a significant portion of the increase in deal value.

Governments worldwide are engaging in a new race to secure critical minerals, driven by concerns over national security and industrial policy. The US, EU, Australia, India, Brazil, and South Korea are among the countries building strategic stockpiles of metals such as rare earths, antimony, and gallium. This shift towards 'resource nationalism' is characterized by a focus on reducing exposure to concentrated supply chains and export controls. Analysts expect government stockpiling to accelerate, particularly for energy-transition and defense-related metals.

Rolls-Royce is set to release its full-year earnings, having recovered from a difficult period during the pandemic to become one of the best-performing stocks in the FTSE 100. The company's CEO, Tufan Erginbilgiç, aims to make Rolls-Royce the largest company on the London Stock Exchange. The company's performance has been driven by growth in its civil aerospace, defense, and power systems divisions. Rolls-Royce has also made significant progress in nuclear energy, with a consortium led by the company selected to build small modular reactors in the UK. Analysts expect Rolls-Royce to beat its guidance, but some are concerned that the share price may have overshot.

The US Supreme Court's ruling that President Donald Trump did not have the authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is likely to allow India to continue buying Russian oil. India has been a significant buyer of Russian oil, and the US had previously imposed tariffs on Indian goods in an attempt to curb these purchases. However, the court's ruling has constrained Trump's ability to impose tariffs, and India is expected to maintain its relationship with Russia, including on energy imports.

The article discusses the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, focusing on his immigration policy. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic response, criticizing Trump's administration on immigration. The article also covers various other news snippets, including Rep. Ilhan Omar's reaction to Trump's comments on immigration, Rep. Al Green's protest during the State of the Union address, and concerns among Latino voters in Texas about Trump's border policies. Additionally, it touches on Rep. Tony Gonzales facing calls to step down amid allegations and Ukrainian President Zelensky's plea to Trump to continue supporting Ukraine.

Democrats held a 'People's State of the Union' counter-rally during President Trump's State of the Union address, protesting his policies. The event featured several Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Al Green, who were involved in heated exchanges with the President. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Trump to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Dozens of FBI records related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein appear to be missing from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) released files, including interviews with a woman who accused President Donald Trump of sexual assault. The missing records are part of a larger trove of documents released by the DOJ last month, which included evidence logs provided to attorneys for Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The DOJ has denied deleting any records, stating that missing documents were either duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing investigation. Democratic lawmakers have questioned the extent of the DOJ's release and whether the Trump administration followed the law mandating the agency publish its files related to Epstein.

The article discusses the reactions to President Donald Trump's record-long State of the Union address. According to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS, the speech received largely positive marks from a heavily Republican audience. The article highlights various reactions, including Rep. Ilhan Omar shouting 'you have killed Americans' as Trump slammed Democrats on immigration, and Rep. Al Green being escorted out of the House chamber for holding up a sign reading 'Black people aren't apes.' The article also touches on the potential impact of Trump's policies on Latino voters in Texas and the controversy surrounding Rep. Tony Gonzales. Additionally, it includes a statement from Ukrainian President Zelensky pleading with Trump to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Representative Al Green was escorted out of the House chamber during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address after holding up a sign that read 'Black people aren't apes.' The action was in response to a racist video shared by Trump earlier in the month, depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle. Green was protesting Trump's sharing of the video, which was widely criticized as racist.

The article summarizes key moments from Donald Trump's State of the Union address, highlighting his criticism of Democrats, defense of his tax policies, and reaction to a Supreme Court ruling. The speech was marked by controversy, with Rep. Ilhan Omar shouting 'you have killed Americans' in response to Trump's immigration policies, and Rep. Al Green being escorted out of the House chamber for holding up a sign reading 'Black people aren't apes.' The article also touches on the potential impact of Trump's policies on Latino voters and the GOP's response to allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales. Additionally, it mentions Ukrainian President Zelensky's plea to Trump to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

A suicide bombing occurred in Moscow on February 24, 2026, killing a police officer and the attacker, with two other officers injured. The attacker, a 22-year-old man from Russia's Udmurt Republic, detonated an explosive device next to a patrol vehicle near the Savyolovsky railway station. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the attacker was recruited online and was unknowingly given an explosive device that was detonated remotely. The attack coincided with the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A new report from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) raises concerns about Iran's opaque chemical weapons program, suggesting it may have used chemical weapons against protesters during recent unrest. The report calls for the US and its allies to investigate these claims. The issue comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with the US increasing its military presence in the Persian Gulf while also engaging in indirect talks with Iranian officials. The FDD report highlights Iran's history of developing chemical weapons, dating back to its war with Iraq in the 1980s, and its potential use against its own people, in defiance of the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention.

The CIA has released a Persian-language video urging Iranian dissidents to contact the agency securely amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. The video provides guidance on digital security precautions and using encryption and anonymity tools. This move comes as US negotiators meet Iranian counterparts in Geneva for nuclear talks, with Iran expressing determination to reach a fair deal. Iranian state television reported military drills by the Revolutionary Guard, involving missile launches and live-fire exercises.

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, has stated that Iran is willing to do 'whatever it takes' to reach a nuclear deal with the US. The statement comes ahead of talks between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials in Geneva. US President Donald Trump has emphasized that diplomacy is his first option, but he is willing to use military force if necessary. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also expressed determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal.

The director of the Louvre Museum in Paris, Laurence des Cars, has stepped down following a $102 million theft of crown jewels in a daring daylight robbery. The heist, which occurred in October, saw thieves make off with priceless treasures in under eight minutes. Des Cars presented her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it and praised her decision as 'an act of responsibility.' The theft has been labeled a 'stunning embarrassment' for the museum, with critics calling for des Cars' resignation. Several suspects have been arrested, but the majority of the stolen jewels remain missing.

A recent Bank of America survey of investment-grade clients revealed that the risk of an artificial intelligence bubble has become the top concern among credit investors, surpassing geopolitical worries. The survey showed that 23% of respondents cited the AI bubble as their primary concern, a significant increase from 9% in December. Credit investors expect hyperscalers like Amazon and Meta Platforms to issue $285 billion in new debt to fund AI expansions this year, a 36% increase from previous estimates. Worries over excessive AI investments and valuations have overtaken concerns about credit markets being overpriced and geopolitics.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po unveiled the 2026-27 budget, revealing an earlier-than-expected operating surplus driven by a stock market boom. The budget includes new measures to strengthen the city's global financial standing, innovation, and technology development, with a focus on AI, chips, and the Northern Metropolis. The government will also boost the IP economy and aerospace development, and invest in a new innovation hub near the border. The budget aims to consolidate Hong Kong's strategic roles outlined in the nation's 15th five-year plan while maintaining adequate reserves to safeguard against geopolitical shocks.

A South Korean court has convicted shaman Jeon Seong-bae, also known as 'Monk' Gunjin, of accepting bribes for acting as a middleman between former First Lady Kim Keon-hee and senior Unification Church figures. The verdict may impact Kim's ongoing appeal in a corruption case, as it characterized luxury gifts to her as 'grease payments.' Gunjin was sentenced to six years in prison for influence-peddling during former President Yoon Suk-yeol's tenure.

The US has dropped its nomination of Nick Adams, an Australian-born self-described 'alpha male', as ambassador to Malaysia. The decision was met with relief and cheer from Malaysians, who had protested against his appointment due to his controversial statements and behavior. Adams had boasted about eating rare steaks and reading the Bible daily, and his combative style was seen as unbefitting of a diplomat. While Adams claimed he had been 'promoted' and not rejected, US Senate records show that his nomination was returned to the president and was no longer before the Senate for confirmation.

Shenzhen has surpassed Shanghai and Beijing as China's top industrial powerhouse, with its economy growing from 2.83 trillion yuan in 2020 to 3.87 trillion yuan in 2025. The city's mayor, Qin Weizhong, revealed that Shenzhen's annualized growth rate was 5.5%, outperforming Beijing and Shanghai. Shenzhen is also leading in R&D density, AI innovation, and start-up cultivation, and is preparing to host a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members in November. The city is poised to bolster its role in China's economic and tech strategies, and is expected to use the summit to defend globalization amid intense tech and geopolitical competition.

The article reports on the closure of Jackson Family Wines' Carneros Hill facility in Sonoma's Carneros region, resulting in the layoff of over a dozen employees. This is the fourth major wine maker to shut down a site since the start of 2026, following Gallo, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, and Constellation Brands. The closures are attributed to market dynamics, evolving consumer demand, and available capacity across wineries. The wine industry in California is experiencing significant changes, with the number of wineries decreasing from 4,727 in 2025 to 4,646 in 2026. The decline is also reflected in the decreasing number of American adults who consume alcohol, which fell to 54% according to a Gallup poll in August 2025.

A 21-year-old college student from Long Island, Joseph Boutros, died from carbon monoxide poisoning after charging his phone in a running car during a historic blizzard in Newport, Rhode Island. Boutros, a sophomore and offensive lineman on Salve Regina University's football team, was found unconscious in a parking lot on Monday evening. The incident occurred during Winter Storm Hernando, which dumped roughly 34 inches of snow on Newport. The Newport Police Department stated that the incident was accidental and warned people to keep exhaust pipes clear of snow and debris when vehicles are idling.

New York City Mayor Mamdani's proposals to address food affordability, including increasing the minimum wage for restaurant workers and eliminating the tipped-wage credit system, may have unintended consequences that could harm the city's dining scene. The article argues that similar policies implemented in other cities have led to increased costs for consumers, reduced jobs, and lower earnings for workers. The City Council is also considering expanding menu-labeling mandates and requiring online tipping prompts, which could further burden restaurants and consumers.

The article criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America for allegedly hiding the true impact of their proposed tax increases in New York City. The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Demond Meeks and State Sen. Robert Jackson, would raise state tax rates for individuals earning over $450,000 and couples earning over $500,000. The article argues that this would put New York City's tax rate among the highest in the world, potentially driving away high-income earners and damaging the city's budget. The author questions the honesty of Mamdani's party, suggesting that they are lying about the true effects of their proposals.

New Zealand's right-wing coalition government plans to abolish its dedicated environment ministry, sparking widespread criticism from experts and opposition parties. The ministry is to be folded into a new 'mega-ministry' covering housing, urban development, transport, local government, and the environment. Critics argue that this move will dilute environmental protections and accountability, coming at a time when the country's species are in decline and fresh waterways are in a dire state. The government claims the change is about structure and effectiveness, not reducing environmental protections.

Caribbean leaders at the Caricom summit in St Kitts and Nevis called for 'de-escalation and dialogue' between the US and Cuba amid a US oil embargo on Cuba. The summit was dominated by debates about US interventions in the region, including military strikes against suspected drug boats. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and incoming Caricom chair Terrance Drew appealed for humanitarian support for Cubans facing severe economic hardship and energy shortages. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Caribbean leaders as part of the summit.

At least 30 people have died and 39 are still missing in south-eastern Brazil after record rainfall caused floods and landslides. The disaster occurred in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá in the state of Minas Gerais, where a river burst its banks and houses were swept away. Firefighters and search dogs are working to find the missing, while volunteers are helping with the rescue efforts. The state's president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has promised humanitarian assistance and support for reconstruction. The region has experienced extreme weather events in recent years, with experts linking them to the climate crisis.

South Korea's birthrate has risen for the second consecutive year, driven by the 'echo boomers' generation, who were born between 1991 and 1995 and are now in their early thirties. The fertility rate rose to 0.80 from 0.75 last year, with 254,500 births recorded in 2025, the largest annual increase in 15 years. Experts attribute the rebound to the temporarily enlarged generation and recovering marriage rates. However, demographers caution that this trend is likely to fade from 2027 as smaller post-1996 cohorts move into their thirties. Despite government efforts to boost birthrates through pro-natal measures, structural barriers such as high housing costs and stagnant youth employment remain.

Two British cousins, aged 19 and 21, have been arrested and charged with attempted murder in Venice, Italy, for stabbing a 22-year-old local man in the neck on Valentine's Day. The incident occurred outside a cocktail bar near the Rialto Bridge, and the victim came close to bleeding to death. Italian police believe the motive was 'trivial disagreements' between young people, which escalated into violence. The suspects were found in an apartment belonging to an Italian relative of one of the men, after a search lasting over a week, supported by wiretaps, electronic surveillance, and social media monitoring.

Thai officials have reported that 72 tigers died in two tourist parks due to a virus not known to affect humans, canine distemper virus (CDV). A veterinarian expressed concern that the origin of the infection remains unclear and may be linked to the tigers' food source. Authorities are monitoring the health of people who came into contact with the animals, but so far, no one has shown symptoms. The parks remain closed, and the operators have not responded to requests for comment.

The article discusses a recent visit by journalist Richard Engel to Gaza four months after the ceasefire. Accompanied by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Engel gained access to areas of Gaza that international journalists are typically barred from. He witnessed extensive destruction and was shown a Hamas tunnel allegedly used until recently. The article also touches on the ongoing presence of Israeli troops in Gaza, the displacement of Palestinians, and the continued operation of Hamas. Additionally, it mentions related topics such as the war in Ukraine and an upcoming interview with filmmaker Ken Burns.

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has been actively conducting anti-drug operations in Singapore, resulting in numerous arrests and seizures of drugs. Recent operations include the arrest of a Malaysian driver and passenger at Tuas Checkpoint for reckless driving and possession of drugs, as well as islandwide anti-drug raids that led to the arrest of 99 individuals and the seizure of over $38,000 worth of drugs. The CNB also reported an increase in young and female drug abusers in 2025, including a 12-year-old. Other notable cases include a Singaporean who refused an offer of drugs at a Batam nightclub and a traveller caught trying to smuggle drugs into Singapore by disguising them as pet food.

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 deep cultural roots of the Chinese community in Kelantan, their acculturation, and their efforts to preserve their identity and culture.

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