Multiple news sources report that Meta will begin charging developers for using AI chatbots on WhatsApp in regions where regulators mandate it, starting in Italy on February 16 with a per-message fee, after initially banning third-party chatbots due to system strain. This decision follows regulatory pressure and could set a precedent for other regions where Meta may be required to allow third-party AI integrations.

Multiple news sources report that Meta will begin charging developers for using AI chatbots on WhatsApp in regions where regulators mandate it, starting in Italy on February 16 with a per-message fee, after initially banning third-party chatbots due to system strain. This decision follows regulatory pressure and could set a precedent for other regions where Meta may be required to allow third-party AI integrations.

Multiple news sources report that Gröna Lund amusement park in Sweden was fined approximately $491,000 in connection to a fatal 2023 Jetline rollercoaster derailment that killed one and injured nine, with the Stockholm District Court citing negligence in ordering support arms and ensuring competent welding. Manufacturing company Göteborgs Mekaniska, now bankrupt, was also fined for improper welding, while Gröna Lund was ordered to pay unspecified damages to the victims.

Multiple news sources report that Gröna Lund amusement park in Sweden was fined approximately $491,000 in connection to a fatal 2023 Jetline rollercoaster derailment that killed one and injured nine, with the Stockholm District Court citing negligence in ordering support arms and ensuring competent welding. Manufacturing company Göteborgs Mekaniska, now bankrupt, was also fined for improper welding, while Gröna Lund was ordered to pay unspecified damages to the victims.

European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte both acknowledge the EU's reliance on the US nuclear umbrella for defense. However, Kubilius asserts that the EU must strive for independence in conventional defense, particularly as the US potentially reduces its military presence in Europe, requiring the EU to replace critical strategic capabilities.

European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte both acknowledge the EU's reliance on the US nuclear umbrella for defense. However, Kubilius asserts that the EU must strive for independence in conventional defense, particularly as the US potentially reduces its military presence in Europe, requiring the EU to replace critical strategic capabilities.

Multiple news sources report that the Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady at 3.6% after three cuts last year, citing a stable job market and solid economic growth, despite two officials dissenting in favor of further reductions. While policymakers anticipate future rate cuts this year, they are waiting for clearer signs that inflation is approaching the 2% target, a decision likely to draw criticism from President Trump who has been pressuring for more aggressive rate cuts.

Multiple news sources report that the Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady at 3.6% after three cuts last year, citing a stable job market and solid economic growth, despite two officials dissenting in favor of further reductions. While policymakers anticipate future rate cuts this year, they are waiting for clearer signs that inflation is approaching the 2% target, a decision likely to draw criticism from President Trump who has been pressuring for more aggressive rate cuts.

Multiple news sources confirm that Tyson Fury, 37, is ending his brief retirement and will return to boxing in the UK on April 11th against Arslanbek Makhmudov, with plans for three fights this year. This comeback follows Fury's previous announcement of retirement after defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, and a potential fight with Anthony Joshua was derailed due to a car accident involving Joshua.

Multiple news sources confirm that Tyson Fury, 37, is ending his brief retirement and will return to boxing in the UK on April 11th against Arslanbek Makhmudov, with plans for three fights this year. This comeback follows Fury's previous announcement of retirement after defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, and a potential fight with Anthony Joshua was derailed due to a car accident involving Joshua.

Multiple news sources confirm that Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state in India, and four others died in a private plane crash on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, while en route from Mumbai to Baramati for a local election campaign. The aircraft crashed in a field approximately 159 miles from Mumbai and burst into flames, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the 66-year-old politician, a key figure in state politics.

Multiple news sources confirm that Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state in India, and four others died in a private plane crash on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, while en route from Mumbai to Baramati for a local election campaign. The aircraft crashed in a field approximately 159 miles from Mumbai and burst into flames, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the 66-year-old politician, a key figure in state politics.

Multiple news sources report that President Trump intends to appoint the EPA head to oversee permitting for rebuilding efforts following the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles, a move that has sparked conflict with California Democrats who believe it's a distraction from insufficient federal aid. The fires, which occurred in early January 2025, destroyed thousands of buildings, resulted in numerous direct and indirect deaths, and marked a significant natural disaster during Trump's second term.

Multiple news sources report that President Trump intends to appoint the EPA head to oversee permitting for rebuilding efforts following the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles, a move that has sparked conflict with California Democrats who believe it's a distraction from insufficient federal aid. The fires, which occurred in early January 2025, destroyed thousands of buildings, resulted in numerous direct and indirect deaths, and marked a significant natural disaster during Trump's second term.

Multiple news sources report that Keir Starmer's delegation to China is employing heightened security measures, including burner phones and temporary email addresses, to protect against digital espionage, a standard precaution for UK officials visiting China due to concerns about surveillance. This level of security, which has been in place for at least a decade, reflects ongoing anxieties about Chinese intelligence gathering, with past instances including warnings to Theresa May about potential hidden cameras.

Multiple news sources report that Keir Starmer's delegation to China is employing heightened security measures, including burner phones and temporary email addresses, to protect against digital espionage, a standard precaution for UK officials visiting China due to concerns about surveillance. This level of security, which has been in place for at least a decade, reflects ongoing anxieties about Chinese intelligence gathering, with past instances including warnings to Theresa May about potential hidden cameras.

Multiple news sources report that Starbucks has removed the $250,000 cap on CEO Brian Niccol's personal use of the company jet due to security concerns stemming from increased media attention and credible threats, allowing him to use it for all air travel, including his commute between California and Seattle. This decision, made after a security review and approved by the board, reverses a previous policy and will be reviewed quarterly, though it initially drew criticism regarding the company's environmental stance when Niccol was hired.

Multiple news sources report that Starbucks has removed the $250,000 cap on CEO Brian Niccol's personal use of the company jet due to security concerns stemming from increased media attention and credible threats, allowing him to use it for all air travel, including his commute between California and Seattle. This decision, made after a security review and approved by the board, reverses a previous policy and will be reviewed quarterly, though it initially drew criticism regarding the company's environmental stance when Niccol was hired.

Multiple sources confirm that while internet access is gradually returning to Iran after a near three-week shutdown initiated on January 8th amid government crackdowns on protesters, access remains tightly controlled and inconsistent, with reports suggesting selective access potentially granted to government-approved individuals. Experts speculate that authorities may be testing new internet censorship methods, as major platforms are being inconsistently blocked and allowed.

Multiple sources confirm that while internet access is gradually returning to Iran after a near three-week shutdown initiated on January 8th amid government crackdowns on protesters, access remains tightly controlled and inconsistent, with reports suggesting selective access potentially granted to government-approved individuals. Experts speculate that authorities may be testing new internet censorship methods, as major platforms are being inconsistently blocked and allowed.

Multiple news sources report that Deutsche Bank's offices in Frankfurt and Berlin were raided as part of a money laundering investigation into "unknown individuals and employees" and their past business relationships with foreign companies. German media suggests potential links to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who denies any wrongdoing and knowledge of the investigation, further complicating Deutsche Bank's upcoming full-year results announcement.

Multiple news sources report that Deutsche Bank's offices in Frankfurt and Berlin were raided as part of a money laundering investigation into "unknown individuals and employees" and their past business relationships with foreign companies. German media suggests potential links to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who denies any wrongdoing and knowledge of the investigation, further complicating Deutsche Bank's upcoming full-year results announcement.

Amidst a growing US military presence in the Gulf, President Trump has warned Iran that time is running out to negotiate a nuclear deal, while Iran asserts its readiness to respond to any aggression. These developments, reported across multiple news sources, come as human rights organizations estimate thousands have been killed in recent protests within Iran, with concerns that the death toll could be significantly higher due to internet shutdowns and reporting challenges.

Amidst a growing US military presence in the Gulf, President Trump has warned Iran that time is running out to negotiate a nuclear deal, while Iran asserts its readiness to respond to any aggression. These developments, reported across multiple news sources, come as human rights organizations estimate thousands have been killed in recent protests within Iran, with concerns that the death toll could be significantly higher due to internet shutdowns and reporting challenges.