Five new economic papers presented at the American Economic Association's annual meeting offer insights into pressing issues like economic opportunity, the reliability of government statistics, and the pandemic's impact on inflation. These pre-peer review drafts provide a glimpse into emerging economic ideas and potential future news in the field.

Five new economic papers presented at the American Economic Association's annual meeting offer insights into pressing issues like economic opportunity, the reliability of government statistics, and the pandemic's impact on inflation. These pre-peer review drafts provide a glimpse into emerging economic ideas and potential future news in the field.

Multiple news sources paint a picture of a world grappling with geopolitical complexities, technological advancements, and social inequalities, evidenced by events like a US-India trade deal, escalating US-Venezuela tensions, and ongoing debates about emotional labor. Simultaneously, Costa Rica elected right-wing populist Laura Fernández, a US government shutdown continues due to ICE concerns, and journalist Don Lemon was arrested on civil rights charges related to his reporting on immigration protests.

Multiple news sources paint a picture of a world grappling with geopolitical complexities, technological advancements, and social inequalities, evidenced by events like a US-India trade deal, escalating US-Venezuela tensions, and ongoing debates about emotional labor. Simultaneously, Costa Rica elected right-wing populist Laura Fernández, a US government shutdown continues due to ICE concerns, and journalist Don Lemon was arrested on civil rights charges related to his reporting on immigration protests.

Multiple news sources from early February 2026 paint a picture of a world grappling with geopolitical tensions, including developments in Gaza and Iran, alongside technological advancements like Waymo's expansion and cultural milestones such as Spielberg's EGOT. These advancements are juxtaposed with anxieties surrounding international conflicts, immigration debates, ethical AI dilemmas, economic uncertainties, and events like a mass blackout in Ukraine, creating a complex narrative of both progress and significant global challenges.

Multiple news sources from early February 2026 paint a picture of a world grappling with geopolitical tensions, including developments in Gaza and Iran, alongside technological advancements like Waymo's expansion and cultural milestones such as Spielberg's EGOT. These advancements are juxtaposed with anxieties surrounding international conflicts, immigration debates, ethical AI dilemmas, economic uncertainties, and events like a mass blackout in Ukraine, creating a complex narrative of both progress and significant global challenges.

Amidst escalating tensions, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faced public backlash after deploying tear gas at a Portland protest where families and children were present, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the agency's crowd control tactics. The incident, captured in videos and eyewitness accounts, has ignited debate over the appropriateness of using such measures in situations involving vulnerable populations and the potential long-term societal impacts of these policies.

Amidst escalating tensions, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faced public backlash after deploying tear gas at a Portland protest where families and children were present, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the agency's crowd control tactics. The incident, captured in videos and eyewitness accounts, has ignited debate over the appropriateness of using such measures in situations involving vulnerable populations and the potential long-term societal impacts of these policies.

Avalanche Energy is pursuing a compact, iterative approach to fusion power, contrasting with larger, more traditional methods like tokamaks and laser compression. Their desktop-sized device uses high-voltage electric currents and smaller magnets to heat and compress plasma, aiming for faster experimentation and development in the challenging fusion energy sector. This innovative strategy could potentially accelerate the realization of clean and abundant fusion energy.

Avalanche Energy is pursuing a compact, iterative approach to fusion power, contrasting with larger, more traditional methods like tokamaks and laser compression. Their desktop-sized device uses high-voltage electric currents and smaller magnets to heat and compress plasma, aiming for faster experimentation and development in the challenging fusion energy sector. This innovative strategy could potentially accelerate the realization of clean and abundant fusion energy.

Multiple news sources report on a diverse range of current events, from scientific advancements like fungal biocontrol and the evolution of algae to plants, to political and economic issues such as potential NIH interference and company financial struggles. These sources also cover complex social issues like transgender rights debates and global events, reflecting a multifaceted and interconnected news landscape.

Multiple news sources report on a diverse range of current events, from scientific advancements like fungal biocontrol and the evolution of algae to plants, to political and economic issues such as potential NIH interference and company financial struggles. These sources also cover complex social issues like transgender rights debates and global events, reflecting a multifaceted and interconnected news landscape.

Multiple news sources report that Jon Stewart addressed the appearance of his name in the Epstein files on The Daily Show, explaining it was related to a 2015 email exchange between Epstein and producer Barry Josephson discussing a potential stand-up routine for Woody Allen. Separately, Savannah Guthrie is absent from Today as authorities investigate the disappearance of her mother as a potential crime.

Multiple news sources report that Jon Stewart addressed the appearance of his name in the Epstein files on The Daily Show, explaining it was related to a 2015 email exchange between Epstein and producer Barry Josephson discussing a potential stand-up routine for Woody Allen. Separately, Savannah Guthrie is absent from Today as authorities investigate the disappearance of her mother as a potential crime.

Multiple news sources cover a diverse range of topics, from scientific advancements and economic challenges to complex social issues and global events. These sources report on subjects like fungal biocontrol, transgender rights debates, potential NIH interference, company financial struggles, and historical discoveries, reflecting a multifaceted news landscape.

Multiple news sources cover a diverse range of topics, from scientific advancements and economic challenges to complex social issues and global events. These sources report on subjects like fungal biocontrol, transgender rights debates, potential NIH interference, company financial struggles, and historical discoveries, reflecting a multifaceted news landscape.

Multiple news sources indicate a complex and evolving relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, marked by past confrontations over drug policy and a recent shift towards cautious engagement ahead of a pivotal White House meeting where drug trafficking will be a central topic of discussion. Despite Colombia's historical alliance with the U.S., disagreements persist regarding drug policy, security cooperation, and migration, testing the strength of their partnership.

Multiple news sources indicate a complex and evolving relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, marked by past confrontations over drug policy and a recent shift towards cautious engagement ahead of a pivotal White House meeting where drug trafficking will be a central topic of discussion. Despite Colombia's historical alliance with the U.S., disagreements persist regarding drug policy, security cooperation, and migration, testing the strength of their partnership.

Multiple news sources confirm that right-wing populist Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People party won Costa Rica's presidential election in a landslide victory, exceeding the 40% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Fernández, the political heir of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, promised to crack down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade and vowed to continue the country's path of economic growth.

Multiple news sources confirm that right-wing populist Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People party won Costa Rica's presidential election in a landslide victory, exceeding the 40% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Fernández, the political heir of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, promised to crack down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade and vowed to continue the country's path of economic growth.

Multiple news sources report that Karim Benzema, the former Ballon d'Or winner, has moved from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal, the most successful club in the Saudi Pro League, while Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr's game amid reports of unhappiness with the club's transfer situation. These developments involving the two football superstars have caused a stir in Saudi football.

Multiple news sources report that Karim Benzema, the former Ballon d'Or winner, has moved from Al-Ittihad to Al Hilal, the most successful club in the Saudi Pro League, while Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr's game amid reports of unhappiness with the club's transfer situation. These developments involving the two football superstars have caused a stir in Saudi football.

Multiple news sources report that the partial government shutdown will continue until at least Tuesday due to House Democrats rejecting a Senate-passed spending plan over concerns about ICE, despite some Senate Democrats supporting it. House Democrats felt excluded from the deal and are demanding reforms to ICE, creating uncertainty about reopening the government this week, though House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries claims alignment with Senate Democrats.

Multiple news sources report that the partial government shutdown will continue until at least Tuesday due to House Democrats rejecting a Senate-passed spending plan over concerns about ICE, despite some Senate Democrats supporting it. House Democrats felt excluded from the deal and are demanding reforms to ICE, creating uncertainty about reopening the government this week, though House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries claims alignment with Senate Democrats.