Multiple news sources report that Mexico, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, has cancelled an oil shipment to Cuba, citing it as a sovereign decision amidst concerns about potential repercussions from the U.S., especially following Donald Trump's threat to halt oil and money flow to the island nation. While Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico's opposition to the U.S. blockade of Cuba, she remained vague about whether this cancellation signals a longer-term shift in oil supply policy to the country, which is currently experiencing severe fuel shortages.

Multiple news sources report that Mexico, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, has cancelled an oil shipment to Cuba, citing it as a sovereign decision amidst concerns about potential repercussions from the U.S., especially following Donald Trump's threat to halt oil and money flow to the island nation. While Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico's opposition to the U.S. blockade of Cuba, she remained vague about whether this cancellation signals a longer-term shift in oil supply policy to the country, which is currently experiencing severe fuel shortages.

Multiple news sources report a significant surge in silver prices, exceeding a 200% increase since January 2025 to reach $112.72 per ounce by January 2026. This dramatic rise is fueled by inflationary pressures and high interest rates, positioning silver as a compelling and relatively cheaper investment option compared to gold for those aiming to diversify their portfolios and hedge against economic uncertainty.

Multiple news sources report a significant surge in silver prices, exceeding a 200% increase since January 2025 to reach $112.72 per ounce by January 2026. This dramatic rise is fueled by inflationary pressures and high interest rates, positioning silver as a compelling and relatively cheaper investment option compared to gold for those aiming to diversify their portfolios and hedge against economic uncertainty.

Multiple sources indicate that the AI boom, while potentially bigger than the internet, is likely a bubble with an inevitable period of "carnage" where some companies will fail and jobs will be eliminated, according to Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins and echoed by leaders at JPMorgan Chase and Alphabet. Despite the risks and comparisons to the dotcom bust, Robbins urges embracing AI, as Cisco continues to invest in the technology's infrastructure.

Multiple sources indicate that the AI boom, while potentially bigger than the internet, is likely a bubble with an inevitable period of "carnage" where some companies will fail and jobs will be eliminated, according to Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins and echoed by leaders at JPMorgan Chase and Alphabet. Despite the risks and comparisons to the dotcom bust, Robbins urges embracing AI, as Cisco continues to invest in the technology's infrastructure.

Multiple news sources report that Pornhub will restrict access in the UK starting February 2nd due to the Online Safety Act's age verification requirements, which the company claims have failed to protect minors and instead driven traffic to unregulated sites. While Ofcom, the UK regulator, maintains that the age checks are working and that Pornhub has a choice to comply or block access, Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, argues the law has been ineffective and has led them to limit access to existing account holders only.

Multiple news sources report that Pornhub will restrict access in the UK starting February 2nd due to the Online Safety Act's age verification requirements, which the company claims have failed to protect minors and instead driven traffic to unregulated sites. While Ofcom, the UK regulator, maintains that the age checks are working and that Pornhub has a choice to comply or block access, Pornhub's parent company, Aylo, argues the law has been ineffective and has led them to limit access to existing account holders only.

Drawing from multiple news sources, South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to 20 months in jail for accepting bribes from the Unification Church, including a diamond necklace and cash, in exchange for political favors, marking the first time a former presidential couple has been convicted simultaneously as her husband is already jailed for abuse of power. While convicted on bribery charges, Kim was cleared of stock manipulation and receiving free opinion polls, and has apologized for the concern she caused.

Drawing from multiple news sources, South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to 20 months in jail for accepting bribes from the Unification Church, including a diamond necklace and cash, in exchange for political favors, marking the first time a former presidential couple has been convicted simultaneously as her husband is already jailed for abuse of power. While convicted on bribery charges, Kim was cleared of stock manipulation and receiving free opinion polls, and has apologized for the concern she caused.

Multiple news sources report that Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall in Minneapolis, where she was sprayed with an unknown substance, prompting bipartisan condemnation from Republican representatives who denounced the act as unacceptable political violence and called for the attacker to be prosecuted, highlighting a concerning rise in threats against members of Congress.

Multiple news sources report that Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall in Minneapolis, where she was sprayed with an unknown substance, prompting bipartisan condemnation from Republican representatives who denounced the act as unacceptable political violence and called for the attacker to be prosecuted, highlighting a concerning rise in threats against members of Congress.

Multiple sources highlight ongoing debates surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with a Cornell law professor advocating for formal regulations to dismantle discriminatory programs in higher education, while a medical watchdog group challenges a study used to justify race-based DEI policies, arguing it fails to prove that Black patients have better outcomes when treated by Black doctors. These critiques suggest a growing scrutiny of the rationale and effectiveness of DEI programs across different sectors.

Multiple sources highlight ongoing debates surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with a Cornell law professor advocating for formal regulations to dismantle discriminatory programs in higher education, while a medical watchdog group challenges a study used to justify race-based DEI policies, arguing it fails to prove that Black patients have better outcomes when treated by Black doctors. These critiques suggest a growing scrutiny of the rationale and effectiveness of DEI programs across different sectors.

Multiple news sources report that Amazon plans to cut approximately 16,000 employees, following an earlier reduction of 14,000 in October, as the company aims to streamline its organization despite strong quarterly profits and a shifting business landscape influenced by artificial intelligence. These layoffs are intended to reduce layers and bureaucracy within the company.

Multiple news sources report that Amazon plans to cut approximately 16,000 employees, following an earlier reduction of 14,000 in October, as the company aims to streamline its organization despite strong quarterly profits and a shifting business landscape influenced by artificial intelligence. These layoffs are intended to reduce layers and bureaucracy within the company.

Multiple news sources indicate that while precious metals like silver are gaining popularity as investment hedges, especially given economic uncertainty, most U.S. retail banks do not directly sell physical silver bars or coins to customers due to logistical, security, and low-profit margin concerns. Investors seeking to acquire physical silver will likely need to explore alternative avenues outside of traditional banking institutions.

Multiple news sources indicate that while precious metals like silver are gaining popularity as investment hedges, especially given economic uncertainty, most U.S. retail banks do not directly sell physical silver bars or coins to customers due to logistical, security, and low-profit margin concerns. Investors seeking to acquire physical silver will likely need to explore alternative avenues outside of traditional banking institutions.

Multiple news sources confirm that Roland Steadham, chief meteorologist for KBOI in Boise and experienced pilot, died in a small plane crash near Emmett, Idaho, along with one other unidentified person. The plane, which may have clipped a power line, crashed into the Payette River, and Steadham, a respected meteorologist of 35 years and avid outdoorsman, is survived by his wife, six children, and grandchildren.

Multiple news sources confirm that Roland Steadham, chief meteorologist for KBOI in Boise and experienced pilot, died in a small plane crash near Emmett, Idaho, along with one other unidentified person. The plane, which may have clipped a power line, crashed into the Payette River, and Steadham, a respected meteorologist of 35 years and avid outdoorsman, is survived by his wife, six children, and grandchildren.

Multiple news sources report that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding U.S. policy toward Venezuela, following concerns about U.S. involvement after Nicolás Maduro's ousting. Rubio is expected to address concerns about military intervention, emphasize the U.S. expectation of cooperation from Venezuela's interim president, and warn that the U.S. is prepared to use force if necessary to achieve its objectives, including preferential access to oil for American companies.

Multiple news sources report that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee regarding U.S. policy toward Venezuela, following concerns about U.S. involvement after Nicolás Maduro's ousting. Rubio is expected to address concerns about military intervention, emphasize the U.S. expectation of cooperation from Venezuela's interim president, and warn that the U.S. is prepared to use force if necessary to achieve its objectives, including preferential access to oil for American companies.

Industry experts predict a future foldable device, potentially a hybrid of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, will bridge the gap between smartphones and computers. These existing foldables offer expansive screens for enhanced productivity and media consumption, but a future model could combine their strengths to create a more versatile and powerful pocket-sized computing experience.

Industry experts predict a future foldable device, potentially a hybrid of the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, will bridge the gap between smartphones and computers. These existing foldables offer expansive screens for enhanced productivity and media consumption, but a future model could combine their strengths to create a more versatile and powerful pocket-sized computing experience.