A new Pentagon strategy prioritizes defending the U.S. homeland and deterring China, signaling a shift in global security responsibilities. Allies in Europe and other regions will be expected to take on greater defense burdens with less direct U.S. military support, reflecting a recalibration of American foreign policy amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
A severe winter storm is poised to impact over 160 million people across the United States, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously low temperatures. Forecasters warn of life-threatening conditions and widespread travel disruptions as the storm moves eastward, potentially breaking low-temperature records and causing power outages from the Rockies to the East Coast.
Amidst an ongoing internet blackout, a London-based Iranian woman visiting family in Isfahan has recounted witnessing a brutal crackdown on protests, where security forces allegedly used live ammunition against demonstrators. The protests, sparked in Tehran and quickly spreading nationwide, reflect deep-seated discontent with the current theocratic regime, as evidenced by chants referencing both the Supreme Leader and the former Shah, highlighting the complex historical and political grievances within Iranian society. This account offers a rare glimpse into the severity of the government's response to dissent, raising concerns about human rights and freedom of expression in Iran.
In late 2025, the US reached a critical juncture in AI regulation as President Trump issued an executive order to preempt state laws, aiming for a unified national policy to foster innovation and global competitiveness. This action, favored by tech companies, sets the stage for legal challenges and political clashes in 2026, with states and advocacy groups vying for influence over AI governance amidst growing public concerns. The outcome of this conflict will significantly shape the US's role in the international AI landscape and its approach to balancing technological advancement with societal safeguards.
Multiple news sources, including a BBC investigation, reveal evidence of secret prisons operated by the UAE and its allies in Yemen, where detainees have allegedly suffered abuse. These revelations occur amidst a breakdown in the alliance between the UAE and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, further complicating the civil war and raising serious human rights concerns as regional powers compete for influence.
Facing increasing global pressure regarding children's access to social media, TikTok is implementing a new age-detection system in Europe, utilizing profile data and content analysis to identify underage users, reflecting a growing trend of governments worldwide seeking stricter age-based regulations on social media platforms, as seen in Australia's ban for children under 16. This move highlights the tension between platform self-regulation and government intervention in protecting children online, a debate resonating across international borders.
Despite global economic resilience amid geopolitical tensions, international financial leaders at Davos emphasize the need for increased growth to combat rising debt and inequality. While organizations like the IMF project moderate growth, policymakers stress the importance of international cooperation and strategic investment to ensure sustainable and equitable economic development worldwide.
Donald Trump has rescinded Canada's invitation to join his newly formed "board of peace," an initiative launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos aimed at resolving global conflicts, particularly in Gaza. This decision follows reluctance from numerous liberal democracies to participate in the organization, which requires a substantial financial commitment from permanent members, highlighting the challenges in forging international consensus on peace initiatives. The move underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and differing approaches to conflict resolution on the global stage.
An extreme winter storm is poised to impact a large portion of the United States, prompting widespread school closures and energy grid warnings as temperatures plummet to life-threatening levels. Forecasters are exploring the complexities of predicting these sudden cold snaps, which pose significant challenges for communities and infrastructure across the country. The event highlights the ongoing need to improve climate modeling and preparedness strategies in the face of increasingly volatile weather patterns worldwide.
A recent US Congressional Budget Office report highlights a growing global trend of income inequality, revealing that from 1979 to 2022, the wealthiest Americans significantly increased their share of the national income while the middle class experienced a notable decline. This shift reflects broader economic transformations impacting developed nations, where wealth concentration at the top is reshaping societal structures and challenging traditional notions of economic mobility.
A Canadian man is facing wire fraud charges in the United States for allegedly impersonating an airline pilot to fraudulently obtain free flights from major carriers. Capitalizing on industry-standard standby ticketing for airline staff, the accused exploited the system, drawing parallels to the film "Catch Me If You Can" and raising concerns about airline security protocols.
In late 2025, the US reached a critical juncture in AI regulation as President Trump signed an executive order to preempt state laws, aiming for a unified national policy to foster innovation and global competitiveness. This action, favored by tech companies, sets the stage for legal challenges and political clashes in 2026, with states and advocacy groups vying for influence in shaping AI governance amidst growing public concerns and international competition. The conflict highlights the tension between fostering technological advancement and addressing ethical and societal implications, a debate echoed worldwide as nations grapple with AI's transformative potential.
In late 2025, the US reached a critical juncture in AI regulation as President Trump issued an executive order to preempt state laws, aiming for a unified national policy to foster innovation and global competitiveness. This action, favored by tech companies, sets the stage for legal challenges and intense political campaigning in 2026, reflecting a broader global debate on balancing AI's potential with ethical and safety concerns amidst varying regulatory approaches worldwide. The conflict highlights the tension between centralized control and regional autonomy in navigating the complex landscape of AI governance.
CERN has received a landmark $1 billion in private donations to support the construction of the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a massive project aimed at advancing particle physics research. While this unprecedented philanthropic investment marks a significant step forward, the FCC, which has the backing of the European Strategy Group, still requires substantial funding to become a reality and contribute to global scientific understanding.
Multiple news sources report that To Lam was re-elected as General Secretary of Vietnam's Communist Party and is expected to assume the presidency, consolidating power in a way that mirrors China and Laos, while the National Party Congress set an ambitious goal of 10% annual growth to transform Vietnam into a high-income economy by 2045, requiring a shift towards productivity and technology. Lam's rise to power is attributed to his background in security services, positioning him as a dominant figure in Vietnamese politics.
Guinea-Bissau has suspended a U.S.-funded hepatitis B vaccine study, citing ethical concerns and insufficient scientific review, despite pushback from U.S. health officials. The controversial study, led by Danish researchers, has ignited debate about ethical research practices in developing nations, particularly in light of recent changes to the U.S. vaccination schedule, prompting international collaboration to review the trial's merits. This decision comes amidst political instability in Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the complexities of conducting medical research in countries with fragile governance.
A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence of secret prisons in Yemen, allegedly run by the United Arab Emirates during the country's civil war, where detainees report abuse. These revelations come amidst a fracturing of the Saudi-UAE alliance supporting the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. The findings raise concerns about human rights violations and the broader impact of foreign intervention in the protracted conflict.
Donald Trump rescinded Canada's invitation to join his "board of peace" initiative, a body aimed at resolving global conflicts and initially focused on Gaza's governance and reconstruction. This move comes amid skepticism from liberal democracies regarding the initiative, which requires substantial financial contributions from permanent members and reflects ongoing shifts in global diplomacy and international cooperation. The decision highlights diverging approaches to conflict resolution and international relations between Trump and key global players like Canada.
Amidst growing international concerns over immigration policies, approximately 100 clergy were arrested in Minneapolis for protesting increased immigration enforcement, highlighting the intersection of faith-based activism and political dissent. The demonstrations, part of a larger movement involving labor unions and progressive groups, reflect a broader global debate on immigration and human rights, as well as the role of religious institutions in advocating for social justice.
Gregg Araki's new film, "I Want Your Sex," explores intergenerational attitudes toward sex through a provocative relationship between a contemporary artist and her young assistant, played by Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman. The film, reminiscent of both classic screwball comedies and BDSM-themed workplace narratives, pushes boundaries with its frank depiction of sex and nudity.
