Multiple news sources report that Israel will partially reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Monday, allowing pedestrian movement in both directions after nearly two years of closure since being seized by Israeli forces in May 2024; this pilot phase, coordinated with Egypt and the EU, aims to facilitate urgent medical care abroad for thousands of sick and wounded Palestinians, though concerns remain about the ability to return to Gaza.

Multiple news sources report that Israel will partially reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Monday, allowing pedestrian movement in both directions after nearly two years of closure since being seized by Israeli forces in May 2024; this pilot phase, coordinated with Egypt and the EU, aims to facilitate urgent medical care abroad for thousands of sick and wounded Palestinians, though concerns remain about the ability to return to Gaza.

Multiple news sources report that approximately 20 countries, including G7 members and allies like Australia, are meeting in Washington to discuss a strategic alliance focused on securing critical mineral supplies and reducing reliance on China, with Australia establishing a significant mineral reserve. Discussions include the possibility of the US guaranteeing a minimum price for these minerals, a move intended to bolster alternative suppliers.

Multiple news sources report that approximately 20 countries, including G7 members and allies like Australia, are meeting in Washington to discuss a strategic alliance focused on securing critical mineral supplies and reducing reliance on China, with Australia establishing a significant mineral reserve. Discussions include the possibility of the US guaranteeing a minimum price for these minerals, a move intended to bolster alternative suppliers.

Multiple news sources indicate that Asda, the UK's third-largest supermarket, is struggling to regain its footing after a significant slump in sales, particularly during the Christmas season, despite efforts to cut prices and implement a turnaround plan. Analysts describe Asda's situation as a "mess," questioning the 60-year-old retailer's ability to recover its reputation as Britain's cheapest grocer amid increasing competition.

Multiple news sources indicate that Asda, the UK's third-largest supermarket, is struggling to regain its footing after a significant slump in sales, particularly during the Christmas season, despite efforts to cut prices and implement a turnaround plan. Analysts describe Asda's situation as a "mess," questioning the 60-year-old retailer's ability to recover its reputation as Britain's cheapest grocer amid increasing competition.

Multiple news sources report that five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Ecuadorian asylum seekers, were released from ICE detention in Texas after a judge questioned their initial detention in Minnesota. This case, which sparked public outcry, occurred as Bad Bunny used his Grammy acceptance speech to advocate for immigrants, declaring "ICE out" and emphasizing the humanity and Americanness of immigrants.

Multiple news sources report that five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Ecuadorian asylum seekers, were released from ICE detention in Texas after a judge questioned their initial detention in Minnesota. This case, which sparked public outcry, occurred as Bad Bunny used his Grammy acceptance speech to advocate for immigrants, declaring "ICE out" and emphasizing the humanity and Americanness of immigrants.

Multiple news sources report that the death toll from the New Year's Day fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has risen to 41 after an 18-year-old Swiss national died from their injuries; investigators believe the fire was ignited by sparkling candles on wine bottles, and are examining potential safety regulation violations, leading to a criminal investigation of the bar owners on suspicion of negligent homicide.

Multiple news sources report that the death toll from the New Year's Day fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has risen to 41 after an 18-year-old Swiss national died from their injuries; investigators believe the fire was ignited by sparkling candles on wine bottles, and are examining potential safety regulation violations, leading to a criminal investigation of the bar owners on suspicion of negligent homicide.

Multiple news sources suggest a "golden age" for affordable watches (under $350), driven by brands combining reliable mechanics with luxury-inspired designs suitable for diverse settings. This period offers a wide range of options, from dress watches to collaborations, and even accessories like storage cases, demonstrating excellence in fundamental watchmaking at accessible prices.

Multiple news sources suggest a "golden age" for affordable watches (under $350), driven by brands combining reliable mechanics with luxury-inspired designs suitable for diverse settings. This period offers a wide range of options, from dress watches to collaborations, and even accessories like storage cases, demonstrating excellence in fundamental watchmaking at accessible prices.

Multiple news sources report that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has quarantined a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, after two detainees were diagnosed with measles, halting all movement within the facility to prevent further spread. This incident follows a year where the U.S. experienced a significant surge in measles cases, raising concerns among immigration lawyers about the health and well-being of families detained at the center.

Multiple news sources report that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has quarantined a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, after two detainees were diagnosed with measles, halting all movement within the facility to prevent further spread. This incident follows a year where the U.S. experienced a significant surge in measles cases, raising concerns among immigration lawyers about the health and well-being of families detained at the center.

Multiple news sources report that Caracas is experiencing an "uneasy normal" a month after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro, while a bomb cyclone is bringing record-breaking cold and snow to the Southeast, including temperatures in Florida not seen since 1989, leaving residents unprepared.

Multiple news sources report that Caracas is experiencing an "uneasy normal" a month after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro, while a bomb cyclone is bringing record-breaking cold and snow to the Southeast, including temperatures in Florida not seen since 1989, leaving residents unprepared.

Multiple news sources highlight Boom Chicago, an Amsterdam-based improv theater, as an unlikely launchpad for major American comedy stars like Jordan Peele, Ike Barinholtz, and Seth Meyers, who credits the theater with providing a "road map" to his success at "Saturday Night Live." Meyers and actress Jill Benjamin, who met at Boom Chicago, reunited to perform their popular "Bar Pickup" sketch, showcasing the unique chemistry and improvisational skills they honed at the theater.

Multiple news sources highlight Boom Chicago, an Amsterdam-based improv theater, as an unlikely launchpad for major American comedy stars like Jordan Peele, Ike Barinholtz, and Seth Meyers, who credits the theater with providing a "road map" to his success at "Saturday Night Live." Meyers and actress Jill Benjamin, who met at Boom Chicago, reunited to perform their popular "Bar Pickup" sketch, showcasing the unique chemistry and improvisational skills they honed at the theater.

Multiple news sources report that despite expectations and a significant U.S. naval presence, a major U.S. strike against Iran did not occur, though suspicious explosions were reported in Iranian cities, including Bandar Abbas, prompting denials from Iranian officials and denials of involvement from Israel. Amid these tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway, including rumored uranium transfers to Turkey and mediation by neighboring countries, potentially delaying a final decision by the U.S. president.

Multiple news sources report that despite expectations and a significant U.S. naval presence, a major U.S. strike against Iran did not occur, though suspicious explosions were reported in Iranian cities, including Bandar Abbas, prompting denials from Iranian officials and denials of involvement from Israel. Amid these tensions, diplomatic efforts are underway, including rumored uranium transfers to Turkey and mediation by neighboring countries, potentially delaying a final decision by the U.S. president.

According to multiple sources, M83's album "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" is a post-rock record reminiscent of Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, showcasing a French twist on the genre with its use of drum machines, analog synths, and compressed guitar to create a liminal and uncanny atmosphere. Before M83 embraced 80s-inspired pop, this album represented a more instrumental and experimental phase for the band.

According to multiple sources, M83's album "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" is a post-rock record reminiscent of Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, showcasing a French twist on the genre with its use of drum machines, analog synths, and compressed guitar to create a liminal and uncanny atmosphere. Before M83 embraced 80s-inspired pop, this album represented a more instrumental and experimental phase for the band.

Multiple news sources highlight the increasing presence of automation, exemplified by robot baristas like Artly's "Jarvis" in Seattle, sparking debate about the role of human interaction in service industries. Simultaneously, advancements in technology, such as smartphone camera technology and AI assistants, are accompanied by concerns regarding usability, security vulnerabilities, and digital sovereignty.

Multiple news sources highlight the increasing presence of automation, exemplified by robot baristas like Artly's "Jarvis" in Seattle, sparking debate about the role of human interaction in service industries. Simultaneously, advancements in technology, such as smartphone camera technology and AI assistants, are accompanied by concerns regarding usability, security vulnerabilities, and digital sovereignty.