As demand for metals like nickel increases for green technologies, a Michigan mine is testing a biotechnology solution developed by Allonnia to extract more nickel from lower-quality ore, while other companies like Endolith are exploring ways to optimize microbial growth in bioleaching processes for copper extraction, representing innovative approaches to maximize metal recovery from existing mines and resources. This draws from multiple news sources to synthesize information on the evolving landscape of metal extraction.

As demand for metals like nickel increases for green technologies, a Michigan mine is testing a biotechnology solution developed by Allonnia to extract more nickel from lower-quality ore, while other companies like Endolith are exploring ways to optimize microbial growth in bioleaching processes for copper extraction, representing innovative approaches to maximize metal recovery from existing mines and resources. This draws from multiple news sources to synthesize information on the evolving landscape of metal extraction.

Apple's Xcode 26.3 introduces a significant advancement in AI-assisted software development by integrating Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex, enabling these AI systems to autonomously write code, build projects, run tests, and visually verify their work with minimal human intervention. This update, drawing from multiple news sources, marks Apple's aggressive entry into "agentic coding," allowing developers to build apps faster than ever through deeper integration between AI agents and Apple's development tools.

Apple's Xcode 26.3 introduces a significant advancement in AI-assisted software development by integrating Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex, enabling these AI systems to autonomously write code, build projects, run tests, and visually verify their work with minimal human intervention. This update, drawing from multiple news sources, marks Apple's aggressive entry into "agentic coding," allowing developers to build apps faster than ever through deeper integration between AI agents and Apple's development tools.

Multiple retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are offering discounts on Roku streaming devices, including the popular Streaming Stick 4K and the higher-end Roku Ultra, ahead of the final football game of the season. The Streaming Stick 4K, praised for its compact design and 4K/Dolby Vision support, is significantly reduced in price, while the Roku Ultra, offering enhanced connectivity, also sees a discount.

Multiple retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are offering discounts on Roku streaming devices, including the popular Streaming Stick 4K and the higher-end Roku Ultra, ahead of the final football game of the season. The Streaming Stick 4K, praised for its compact design and 4K/Dolby Vision support, is significantly reduced in price, while the Roku Ultra, offering enhanced connectivity, also sees a discount.

A newborn in New Mexico has died from a likely Listeria infection linked to the mother's consumption of raw milk during pregnancy, prompting health officials to warn against unpasteurized dairy. Experts emphasize that raw milk can harbor dangerous pathogens like Listeria, posing significant risks, including miscarriage and fatal infections, particularly for pregnant women, infants, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Expectant mothers are strongly advised to avoid raw milk and unpasteurized products to protect themselves and their babies.

A newborn in New Mexico has died from a likely Listeria infection linked to the mother's consumption of raw milk during pregnancy, prompting health officials to warn against unpasteurized dairy. Experts emphasize that raw milk can harbor dangerous pathogens like Listeria, posing significant risks, including miscarriage and fatal infections, particularly for pregnant women, infants, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Expectant mothers are strongly advised to avoid raw milk and unpasteurized products to protect themselves and their babies.

The Department of Justice is appealing the recent ruling in its antitrust case against Google, signaling the fight over Google's search monopoly is far from over. This cross-appeal follows Google's own appeal last month, as both parties seek to challenge specific aspects of the remedies ordered, which include data sharing and restrictions on exclusive distribution deals for search and AI products. The outcome of these appeals will significantly impact competition and innovation in the search and AI landscape.

The Department of Justice is appealing the recent ruling in its antitrust case against Google, signaling the fight over Google's search monopoly is far from over. This cross-appeal follows Google's own appeal last month, as both parties seek to challenge specific aspects of the remedies ordered, which include data sharing and restrictions on exclusive distribution deals for search and AI products. The outcome of these appeals will significantly impact competition and innovation in the search and AI landscape.

Drawing from multiple news sources, approximately one million people missed the January 31st deadline to file their UK tax returns with HMRC and now face penalties, including an initial £100 fine. While a significant number, over 11 million people did file on time, with nearly half a million submitting their returns on the final day, prompting HMRC to urge late filers to submit as soon as possible to minimize further charges.

Drawing from multiple news sources, approximately one million people missed the January 31st deadline to file their UK tax returns with HMRC and now face penalties, including an initial £100 fine. While a significant number, over 11 million people did file on time, with nearly half a million submitting their returns on the final day, prompting HMRC to urge late filers to submit as soon as possible to minimize further charges.

Multiple news sources highlight a dire situation: a comprehensive study reveals that international humanitarian law is failing to protect civilians in armed conflicts globally, with over 100,000 deaths reported across 23 conflicts between July 2024 and the end of 2025, while in Sudan, displaced families from El Fasher are desperately seeking food aid. The study emphasizes the urgent need for action to prevent the complete erosion of international humanitarian law in the face of widespread war crimes and impunity.

Multiple news sources highlight a dire situation: a comprehensive study reveals that international humanitarian law is failing to protect civilians in armed conflicts globally, with over 100,000 deaths reported across 23 conflicts between July 2024 and the end of 2025, while in Sudan, displaced families from El Fasher are desperately seeking food aid. The study emphasizes the urgent need for action to prevent the complete erosion of international humanitarian law in the face of widespread war crimes and impunity.

Industry analysts, as reported across multiple news sources, view the newly launched Project Vault, a U.S. initiative to stockpile critical minerals, as a necessary first step in addressing China's dominance in the mineral supply chain, particularly rare earth elements. While the project, which follows previous investments in mining and processing companies, aims to secure vital materials for various industries, experts emphasize that overcoming processing bottlenecks and achieving long-term supply chain independence will require sustained effort over several years.

Industry analysts, as reported across multiple news sources, view the newly launched Project Vault, a U.S. initiative to stockpile critical minerals, as a necessary first step in addressing China's dominance in the mineral supply chain, particularly rare earth elements. While the project, which follows previous investments in mining and processing companies, aims to secure vital materials for various industries, experts emphasize that overcoming processing bottlenecks and achieving long-term supply chain independence will require sustained effort over several years.

Multiple news sources confirm that the Republican-led House passed a government funding package by a vote of 217-214 to end the partial shutdown, providing funding for several departments through the fiscal year and a short-term measure for Homeland Security. The bill, which now heads to President Trump's desk, includes a two-week extension for DHS funding, giving lawmakers until February 13th to negotiate a longer-term deal on immigration enforcement reform to avoid a DHS shutdown.

Multiple news sources confirm that the Republican-led House passed a government funding package by a vote of 217-214 to end the partial shutdown, providing funding for several departments through the fiscal year and a short-term measure for Homeland Security. The bill, which now heads to President Trump's desk, includes a two-week extension for DHS funding, giving lawmakers until February 13th to negotiate a longer-term deal on immigration enforcement reform to avoid a DHS shutdown.

Multiple news sources report that Walmart has become the first traditional retailer to reach a $1 trillion market valuation, joining a small group of tech giants, driven by its booming e-commerce business, success with price-conscious shoppers, and investments in AI. The company's stock has soared, boosted by strong sales, a shift of higher earners towards lower-priced items, and a successful home delivery offering, solidifying its position as a major competitor to Amazon.

Multiple news sources report that Walmart has become the first traditional retailer to reach a $1 trillion market valuation, joining a small group of tech giants, driven by its booming e-commerce business, success with price-conscious shoppers, and investments in AI. The company's stock has soared, boosted by strong sales, a shift of higher earners towards lower-priced items, and a successful home delivery offering, solidifying its position as a major competitor to Amazon.

Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan is urging the public to support struggling hospitality businesses by visiting pubs and restaurants instead of staying home and using services like Netflix, following criticism of her government's business rate policies and a newly announced one-year discount for the sector; opposition leaders have accused Morgan of deflecting blame for the sector's challenges. These developments, reported across multiple news outlets, highlight the debate surrounding government support and individual responsibility in sustaining Wales' hospitality industry, especially in comparison to longer-term business rate relief measures in England.

Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan is urging the public to support struggling hospitality businesses by visiting pubs and restaurants instead of staying home and using services like Netflix, following criticism of her government's business rate policies and a newly announced one-year discount for the sector; opposition leaders have accused Morgan of deflecting blame for the sector's challenges. These developments, reported across multiple news outlets, highlight the debate surrounding government support and individual responsibility in sustaining Wales' hospitality industry, especially in comparison to longer-term business rate relief measures in England.

Drawing from multiple news sources, TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 200 is a highly competitive program held annually at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, offering 200 early-stage startups unparalleled access to investors, masterclasses, and press, with applications for the 2026 cohort opening mid-May. Alumni of the program, which includes companies like Dropbox and Discord, have collectively raised over $32 billion, highlighting the program's strong track record and potential for significant growth and exits for participating startups.

Drawing from multiple news sources, TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 200 is a highly competitive program held annually at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, offering 200 early-stage startups unparalleled access to investors, masterclasses, and press, with applications for the 2026 cohort opening mid-May. Alumni of the program, which includes companies like Dropbox and Discord, have collectively raised over $32 billion, highlighting the program's strong track record and potential for significant growth and exits for participating startups.