YouTube is now enforcing its Premium subscription requirement for background playback on mobile devices, closing a loophole previously exploited by users of browsers like Brave and Edge. This change, intended to ensure consistent functionality across platforms, impacts users who previously enjoyed background audio without a Premium subscription and may drive more users to subscribe. The move has sparked user frustration and workarounds are being explored.

YouTube is now enforcing its Premium subscription requirement for background playback on mobile devices, closing a loophole previously exploited by users of browsers like Brave and Edge. This change, intended to ensure consistent functionality across platforms, impacts users who previously enjoyed background audio without a Premium subscription and may drive more users to subscribe. The move has sparked user frustration and workarounds are being explored.

Google's upcoming Aluminium OS, a unified Android and ChromeOS, faces controversy as leaked court documents suggest a delayed launch until 2028, despite earlier promises of a 2026 release alongside potential devices like the Intel Panther Lake "Ruby" laptop. This discrepancy raises questions about the readiness of the new OS and its impact on the PC market, potentially affecting Google's competitive position against Windows and Mac.

Google's upcoming Aluminium OS, a unified Android and ChromeOS, faces controversy as leaked court documents suggest a delayed launch until 2028, despite earlier promises of a 2026 release alongside potential devices like the Intel Panther Lake "Ruby" laptop. This discrepancy raises questions about the readiness of the new OS and its impact on the PC market, potentially affecting Google's competitive position against Windows and Mac.

The Tesla Model S, ending its 14-year production run, revolutionized the auto industry by establishing Tesla as a major player in the EV market. Launched in 2012, the Model S demonstrated the viability of luxury electric vehicles and pushed technological boundaries, influencing subsequent EV development across the industry. Its impact extended beyond transportation, shaping perceptions of sustainable technology and inspiring innovation.

The Tesla Model S, ending its 14-year production run, revolutionized the auto industry by establishing Tesla as a major player in the EV market. Launched in 2012, the Model S demonstrated the viability of luxury electric vehicles and pushed technological boundaries, influencing subsequent EV development across the industry. Its impact extended beyond transportation, shaping perceptions of sustainable technology and inspiring innovation.

Vema Hydrogen is pioneering a cost-effective method of extracting hydrogen from underground rock formations, potentially revolutionizing energy supply for data centers and industrial applications. Their pilot project in Quebec demonstrates the viability of producing hydrogen for under $1 per kilogram, offering a cleaner and cheaper alternative to traditional steam methane reformation and paving the way for wider adoption of hydrogen power.

Vema Hydrogen is pioneering a cost-effective method of extracting hydrogen from underground rock formations, potentially revolutionizing energy supply for data centers and industrial applications. Their pilot project in Quebec demonstrates the viability of producing hydrogen for under $1 per kilogram, offering a cleaner and cheaper alternative to traditional steam methane reformation and paving the way for wider adoption of hydrogen power.

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 report on significant AI developments, including Asana's launch of AI Teammates with shared memory and human oversight, and Elon Musk's plan to merge SpaceX and xAI to leverage space for AI computing and resources. Additionally, LNAI is introduced as a tool to streamline AI coding tool configurations by using a single source of truth for project rules and permissions.

Multiple news sources report on significant AI developments, including Asana's launch of AI Teammates with shared memory and human oversight, and Elon Musk's plan to merge SpaceX and xAI to leverage space for AI computing and resources. Additionally, LNAI is introduced as a tool to streamline AI coding tool configurations by using a single source of truth for project rules and permissions.

Several sports, including bandy, ski ballet, and equestrian skijoring, have appeared in past Winter Olympics but will not be included in the 2026 games. These sports, ranging from a mix of field hockey and soccer to dancing on skis while being judged on artistry, had brief appearances in the Olympic program, with some like ski ballet influencing modern freestyle events.

Several sports, including bandy, ski ballet, and equestrian skijoring, have appeared in past Winter Olympics but will not be included in the 2026 games. These sports, ranging from a mix of field hockey and soccer to dancing on skis while being judged on artistry, had brief appearances in the Olympic program, with some like ski ballet influencing modern freestyle events.

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.

Multiple news sources report that Israel has permitted a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing a small number of sick and wounded Palestinians to exit for medical treatment, though the numbers permitted are far lower than expected due to Israeli security checks. The crossing, seized by Israeli troops in May 2024 to prevent weapons smuggling, represents a crucial lifeline for thousands of Palestinians needing medical care and those seeking to return home.

Multiple news sources report that Israel has permitted a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing a small number of sick and wounded Palestinians to exit for medical treatment, though the numbers permitted are far lower than expected due to Israeli security checks. The crossing, seized by Israeli troops in May 2024 to prevent weapons smuggling, represents a crucial lifeline for thousands of Palestinians needing medical care and those seeking to return home.

Multiple news sources report that Target's new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, is facing immediate pressure to address immigration raid concerns and protests, despite outlining priorities focused on improving the customer experience and strengthening communities; meanwhile, Elon Musk is merging xAI and SpaceX to pursue data centers in space, and global stocks are rebounding after recent volatility.

Multiple news sources report that Target's new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, is facing immediate pressure to address immigration raid concerns and protests, despite outlining priorities focused on improving the customer experience and strengthening communities; meanwhile, Elon Musk is merging xAI and SpaceX to pursue data centers in space, and global stocks are rebounding after recent volatility.

Multiple news sources report on diverse issues, including failures in school safety protocols leading to a fatal stabbing, the deployment of body-worn cameras to federal agents following pressure after fatal shootings, and ongoing frustrations among women in heterosexual relationships regarding unequal emotional labor. These reports also cover topics ranging from scientific advancements and political developments like a new US-India trade deal to complex social issues and historical discoveries, reflecting a multifaceted news landscape.

Multiple news sources report on diverse issues, including failures in school safety protocols leading to a fatal stabbing, the deployment of body-worn cameras to federal agents following pressure after fatal shootings, and ongoing frustrations among women in heterosexual relationships regarding unequal emotional labor. These reports also cover topics ranging from scientific advancements and political developments like a new US-India trade deal to complex social issues and historical discoveries, reflecting a multifaceted news landscape.

Multiple news sources report that a peaceful, family-friendly protest in Portland, Oregon, held in solidarity with Minneapolis labor unions and against ICE policies, was dispersed with tear gas by authorities, causing outrage among participants and city officials due to the presence of children and elderly individuals. Witnesses described the unprovoked use of tear gas, despite the protests' calm nature and the visible presence of families.

Multiple news sources report that a peaceful, family-friendly protest in Portland, Oregon, held in solidarity with Minneapolis labor unions and against ICE policies, was dispersed with tear gas by authorities, causing outrage among participants and city officials due to the presence of children and elderly individuals. Witnesses described the unprovoked use of tear gas, despite the protests' calm nature and the visible presence of families.