Multiple news sources report that Netflix's proposed $82 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery faces scrutiny from US Senators, who voiced concerns about reduced competition, potential price increases, and the future of cinemas during a Senate antitrust subcommittee hearing. While Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos attempted to reassure lawmakers by pledging to maintain theatrical releases and create jobs, bipartisan opposition remains, and the Department of Justice will ultimately decide whether to approve or block the deal, as Paramount Skydance continues to push a competing offer.

Multiple news sources report that Netflix's proposed $82 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery faces scrutiny from US Senators, who voiced concerns about reduced competition, potential price increases, and the future of cinemas during a Senate antitrust subcommittee hearing. While Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos attempted to reassure lawmakers by pledging to maintain theatrical releases and create jobs, bipartisan opposition remains, and the Department of Justice will ultimately decide whether to approve or block the deal, as Paramount Skydance continues to push a competing offer.

Multiple news sources report that at least 15 migrants died after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Greek coast guard vessel near Chios island during a pursuit, prompting a search and rescue operation for the missing. Survivors, reportedly mostly Afghan, were rescued, and the incident is under scrutiny amid concerns about Greece's handling of migrant crossings, especially following a previous deadly shipwreck.

Multiple news sources report that at least 15 migrants died after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Greek coast guard vessel near Chios island during a pursuit, prompting a search and rescue operation for the missing. Survivors, reportedly mostly Afghan, were rescued, and the incident is under scrutiny amid concerns about Greece's handling of migrant crossings, especially following a previous deadly shipwreck.

Multiple news sources report that UK Prime Minister Starmer condemned Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as "barbaric," which occurred despite a week-long pause requested by US President Trump, who is leading efforts to broker peace negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian envoys amidst extensive damage and freezing temperatures. While Trump claimed Putin honored the agreement, renewed attacks have left many without power and heating, forcing residents to seek shelter in communal centers and metro stations.

Multiple news sources report that UK Prime Minister Starmer condemned Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as "barbaric," which occurred despite a week-long pause requested by US President Trump, who is leading efforts to broker peace negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian envoys amidst extensive damage and freezing temperatures. While Trump claimed Putin honored the agreement, renewed attacks have left many without power and heating, forcing residents to seek shelter in communal centers and metro stations.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is challenging Google's new Gemini AI checkout feature, raising concerns about potential privacy violations and data exploitation through the Universal Commerce Protocol, a system developed with major retailers. The inquiry highlights growing global scrutiny over data privacy and the ethical implications of AI-driven commerce, as international regulatory bodies grapple with similar issues of consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is challenging Google's new Gemini AI checkout feature, raising concerns about potential privacy violations and data exploitation through the Universal Commerce Protocol, a system developed with major retailers. The inquiry highlights growing global scrutiny over data privacy and the ethical implications of AI-driven commerce, as international regulatory bodies grapple with similar issues of consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

Snooker world mourns the loss of John Virgo, dead at 79, a former UK Champion and beloved BBC commentator known for his iconic "where's the cue ball going?" catchphrase. Tributes pour in from legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby as the sport remembers Virgo's 18-year playing career and his influential role in popularizing snooker through shows like "Big Break," leaving a legacy comparable to Ted Lowe's impact on the game. A minute's silence was held at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong to honor the snooker icon.

Snooker world mourns the loss of John Virgo, dead at 79, a former UK Champion and beloved BBC commentator known for his iconic "where's the cue ball going?" catchphrase. Tributes pour in from legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby as the sport remembers Virgo's 18-year playing career and his influential role in popularizing snooker through shows like "Big Break," leaving a legacy comparable to Ted Lowe's impact on the game. A minute's silence was held at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong to honor the snooker icon.

Databricks, building on the success of its data lakehouse concept, has launched Lakebase, a serverless operational database service aimed at enabling rapid application development and autonomous AI agent management of databases. Developed through acquisitions like Neon and Mooncake, Lakebase treats databases as ephemeral compute on data lake storage, offering a scalable and self-service infrastructure that contrasts with traditional, DBA-managed systems, according to VentureBeat.

Databricks, building on the success of its data lakehouse concept, has launched Lakebase, a serverless operational database service aimed at enabling rapid application development and autonomous AI agent management of databases. Developed through acquisitions like Neon and Mooncake, Lakebase treats databases as ephemeral compute on data lake storage, offering a scalable and self-service infrastructure that contrasts with traditional, DBA-managed systems, according to VentureBeat.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is facing criticism from late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel after the FCC announced it is providing guidance to ABC, CBS, and NBC to adhere to the "statutory equal opportunities requirement," citing the Communications Act of 1934, "including their airing of late-night and daytime talk shows." The FCC's effort aims to address potential bias in broadcast networks' programming, particularly regarding political candidates, as reported across multiple news outlets.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is facing criticism from late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel after the FCC announced it is providing guidance to ABC, CBS, and NBC to adhere to the "statutory equal opportunities requirement," citing the Communications Act of 1934, "including their airing of late-night and daytime talk shows." The FCC's effort aims to address potential bias in broadcast networks' programming, particularly regarding political candidates, as reported across multiple news outlets.

Multiple news sources report on a diverse range of global events leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, including Lindsey Vonn's determination to compete despite a severe knee injury and the participation of athletes and spectators after the 2022 games. Separately, sources detail international conflicts, nuclear talks, and a miraculous escape by a 12-year-old girl who fell from a ski lift in California, avoiding serious injury.

Multiple news sources report on a diverse range of global events leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, including Lindsey Vonn's determination to compete despite a severe knee injury and the participation of athletes and spectators after the 2022 games. Separately, sources detail international conflicts, nuclear talks, and a miraculous escape by a 12-year-old girl who fell from a ski lift in California, avoiding serious injury.

Multiple news sources report that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos testified before a Senate subcommittee regarding the company's attempt to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, facing scrutiny over potential antitrust issues and accusations from Republican senators of producing overly "woke" content, while a competing bid from Paramount Skydance complicates the acquisition.

Multiple news sources report that Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos testified before a Senate subcommittee regarding the company's attempt to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, facing scrutiny over potential antitrust issues and accusations from Republican senators of producing overly "woke" content, while a competing bid from Paramount Skydance complicates the acquisition.

Multiple news sources report that despite months of trading insults, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting at the White House, resulting in an agreement to collaborate on combating drug trafficking. The meeting, marked by pleasantries and a signed copy of Trump's book, signals a surprising shift in relations after Trump had previously made hostile remarks about Petro.

Multiple news sources report that despite months of trading insults, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting at the White House, resulting in an agreement to collaborate on combating drug trafficking. The meeting, marked by pleasantries and a signed copy of Trump's book, signals a surprising shift in relations after Trump had previously made hostile remarks about Petro.

Drawing from multiple sources, this summary highlights two key developments: Microsoft's current widget architecture in Windows is informed by lessons learned from past failed attempts, addressing previous vulnerabilities; and a supply chain attack compromised Notepad's update infrastructure between July and October 2025, targeting a small number of machines globally. Additionally, the Ghidra MCP Server offers a production-ready solution for integrating Ghidra's reverse engineering capabilities with AI tools, featuring comprehensive binary analysis and automated development features.

Drawing from multiple sources, this summary highlights two key developments: Microsoft's current widget architecture in Windows is informed by lessons learned from past failed attempts, addressing previous vulnerabilities; and a supply chain attack compromised Notepad's update infrastructure between July and October 2025, targeting a small number of machines globally. Additionally, the Ghidra MCP Server offers a production-ready solution for integrating Ghidra's reverse engineering capabilities with AI tools, featuring comprehensive binary analysis and automated development features.

Multiple news sources report that former President Trump has repeatedly called for the Republican Party to nationalize voting procedures in the U.S., despite the fact that elections are governed primarily by state law, and even as the White House and some Republicans attempt to distance themselves from the idea. Trump's remarks, which follow unsubstantiated claims of widespread election corruption, suggest the federal government should intervene in state-run elections, particularly in areas he alleges are rife with corruption.

Multiple news sources report that former President Trump has repeatedly called for the Republican Party to nationalize voting procedures in the U.S., despite the fact that elections are governed primarily by state law, and even as the White House and some Republicans attempt to distance themselves from the idea. Trump's remarks, which follow unsubstantiated claims of widespread election corruption, suggest the federal government should intervene in state-run elections, particularly in areas he alleges are rife with corruption.