Atomic scientists moved the symbolic Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight for 2026, the closest it has ever been to a theoretical annihilation, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on Tuesday. This marks the third time in five years the clock has been moved closer to midnight.
Familiar risks such as nuclear weapons and climate change were cited as reasons for the change, along with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, which scientists argued is being used to spread disinformation, Time reported. "Every second counts, and we are running out of time. It is a hard truth, but this is our reality," said Alexandra Bell, President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
In other news, General Motors (GM) shares surged as much as 9% on Tuesday after the Detroit automaker reported earnings, adding over $7 billion to the company's market capitalization, according to Fortune. Despite disclosing a massive $7.6 billion write-down on its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions, GM impressed investors with strong cash generation, increased shareholder payouts, and a confident outlook for 2026. The company reported 2025 adjusted EBIT of $12.7 billion, landing at the high end of its guidance range, and $10.6 billion in adjusted automotive free cash flow, Fortune noted. GM also stated that 2025 marked its highest U.S. market share in a decade and its fourth straight year of share gains.
Meanwhile, coworking spaces and shared offices are experiencing a resurgence after a post-pandemic slump and tensions surrounding return-to-office mandates, Fortune reported. Companies are increasingly turning to coworking to secure the necessary space for in-person work without long-term commitments, particularly as artificial intelligence drives uncertainty about the future of their workforces. Amazon, which mandated a full return to the office for its nearly 350,000 corporate employees in early 2025, leased 259,000 square feet with WeWork at 1440 Broadway in Manhattan, adding to its existing 300,000 square feet in the building, Fortune stated. WeWork also operates two other Amazon offices with 702,000 square feet in Manhattan.
In international affairs, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney saw a surge in support following a heated exchange with President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Time reported. Carney, without directly naming Trump, denounced American hegemony and declared a rupture in the old world order during a speech at Davos. Trump responded by stating that "Canada lives because of the United States." Carney rejected Trump's assertion and affirmed his stance.
Finally, a German practice called "lüften," or airing out one's home daily, even in winter, is gaining traction in the U.S., according to Time. The practice, common in Germany due to well-insulated homes, is believed to reduce mold, humidity, pollutants, and odors. Some Germans practice "stoss lüften," which involves opening all windows completely for five to ten minutes. The trend is becoming popular on social media, with TikTok users nicknaming it "burping their home." Experts overwhelmingly support the health benefits of the practice, Time noted.
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