Microsoft's stock experienced a significant plunge on Thursday, wiping out approximately $400 billion in valuation, amid a broader software industry sell-off that sparked concerns about the return on investment in artificial intelligence, according to Al Jazeera. The stock was set to finish the day down 12 percent from the market open, marking its biggest intraday drop since March 2020.
In other news, a small passenger plane crashed in northern Colombia, killing all 15 people on board, Sky News reported. The crash occurred in the mountainous rural area of Norte de Santander, near the Venezuelan border. Colombia's transportation ministry confirmed that there were no survivors. Among the victims were Diogenes Quintero, 36, a member of the House of Representatives for Catatumbo, and Carlos Salcedo, who was running for Congress, according to Sky News.
Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump is set to release a documentary film titled "Melania," detailing her life in the 20 days leading up to her husband's inauguration in January 2025, Al Jazeera reported. The film promises an intimate view of the first lady, who is known for maintaining a low profile. Melania Trump appeared at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on January 28, 2026, where she rang the opening bell, according to Getty Images.
Sky News also reported on disturbing accounts from doctors in Iran regarding the regime's crackdown on protesters. According to Sky News, painting an accurate picture of the crackdown remains difficult due to sporadic internet access. The news organization spoke to medical professionals who shared accounts of alleged brutality. "In Iran, the climate of fear has been restored after the clerics who run this country successfully crushed a nationwide revolt," Sky News reported.
Adding to the global stage, Sir Keir Starmer's trip to China provided "exquisite optics" for Beijing, which aims to shift the world away from the United States, according to an analysis by Sky News. Helen-Ann Smith, Asia correspondent for Sky News, noted that the UK is not seen as a particularly big or important player in China, but one that has some advantages to offer, particularly in the service and knowledge economies.
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