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.

Israeli strikes in Gaza have tragically killed 19 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. This escalation has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the disproportionate impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The rising death toll underscores the urgent need for renewed efforts towards a lasting and equitable peace that protects all civilians.

Israeli strikes in Gaza have tragically killed 19 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. This escalation has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the disproportionate impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The rising death toll underscores the urgent need for renewed efforts towards a lasting and equitable peace that protects all civilians.

Senate Democrats Wyden and Van Hollen are criticizing the Trump administration's tariff exclusion process, alleging it unfairly favors companies with close ties to the president. They claim the opaque process lacks transparency and could lead to corruption and economic harm, raising concerns about potential cronyism. The senators are calling for greater oversight and a more equitable approach to tariff relief.

Senate Democrats Wyden and Van Hollen are criticizing the Trump administration's tariff exclusion process, alleging it unfairly favors companies with close ties to the president. They claim the opaque process lacks transparency and could lead to corruption and economic harm, raising concerns about potential cronyism. The senators are calling for greater oversight and a more equitable approach to tariff relief.

According to multiple reports, Take-Two Interactive has paused development of Borderlands 4 for the Nintendo Switch 2, despite its initial announcement and planned October 2025 release, to focus on post-launch content and ongoing improvements for other platforms. While Borderlands 4 is on hold for the Switch 2, Take-Two reaffirmed its commitment to the platform with upcoming titles like PGA Tour 2K25 and WWE 2K26, and also confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI is still slated for a November 2026 release.

According to multiple reports, Take-Two Interactive has paused development of Borderlands 4 for the Nintendo Switch 2, despite its initial announcement and planned October 2025 release, to focus on post-launch content and ongoing improvements for other platforms. While Borderlands 4 is on hold for the Switch 2, Take-Two reaffirmed its commitment to the platform with upcoming titles like PGA Tour 2K25 and WWE 2K26, and also confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI is still slated for a November 2026 release.

Multiple news sources indicate a growing trend of "wellness" focused Super Bowl ads, with telehealth company Ro leading the charge by featuring Serena Williams in an ad promoting the broader health benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, aiming to destigmatize obesity treatments and position them as a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Drugmakers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are also planning campaigns around the Super Bowl to further address the stigma surrounding these drugs, potentially leading to wider adoption.

Multiple news sources indicate a growing trend of "wellness" focused Super Bowl ads, with telehealth company Ro leading the charge by featuring Serena Williams in an ad promoting the broader health benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, aiming to destigmatize obesity treatments and position them as a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Drugmakers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are also planning campaigns around the Super Bowl to further address the stigma surrounding these drugs, potentially leading to wider adoption.

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.

Synthesizing information from multiple news sources, China has banned hidden car door handles on electric vehicles due to safety concerns following deadly incidents potentially linked to power failures preventing door operation, with new regulations requiring mechanical releases and specific recessed spaces for handles by 2027. This decision, impacting a significant portion of China's new energy vehicle market, is expected to have global implications as other countries like the US and those in Europe are also investigating or considering similar regulations.

Synthesizing information from multiple news sources, China has banned hidden car door handles on electric vehicles due to safety concerns following deadly incidents potentially linked to power failures preventing door operation, with new regulations requiring mechanical releases and specific recessed spaces for handles by 2027. This decision, impacting a significant portion of China's new energy vehicle market, is expected to have global implications as other countries like the US and those in Europe are also investigating or considering similar regulations.

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 news sources, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, will feature 116 medal events across 16 sports with spectators allowed, unlike the 2022 Beijing Games. NBC will provide extensive coverage, while the opening ceremony on February 6th at the San Siro Stadium will include performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, will feature 116 medal events across 16 sports with spectators allowed, unlike the 2022 Beijing Games. NBC will provide extensive coverage, while the opening ceremony on February 6th at the San Siro Stadium will include performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.

Multiple news sources report that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed his Foreign Minister to pursue negotiations with the US to de-escalate tensions, marking a potential shift in Iran's approach amidst recent incidents including the downing of an Iranian drone and attempts to impede a US-flagged ship. Despite these incidents, the US is planning to hold talks with Iranian officials in Turkey, signaling a willingness to pursue diplomacy.

Multiple news sources report that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed his Foreign Minister to pursue negotiations with the US to de-escalate tensions, marking a potential shift in Iran's approach amidst recent incidents including the downing of an Iranian drone and attempts to impede a US-flagged ship. Despite these incidents, the US is planning to hold talks with Iranian officials in Turkey, signaling a willingness to pursue diplomacy.

Multiple news sources report that Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy is suing Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Steelers, Ford Field, Chad Johnson, and others for $100 million in damages stemming from a December altercation where Metcalf appeared to swing at Kennedy, leading to a two-game suspension for Metcalf and allegations of negligence and defamation. The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Court, includes claims against Ford Field for negligence and against Metcalf, Johnson, and Shay Shay Media for making defamatory statements after the incident.

Multiple news sources report that Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy is suing Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Steelers, Ford Field, Chad Johnson, and others for $100 million in damages stemming from a December altercation where Metcalf appeared to swing at Kennedy, leading to a two-game suspension for Metcalf and allegations of negligence and defamation. The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Court, includes claims against Ford Field for negligence and against Metcalf, Johnson, and Shay Shay Media for making defamatory statements after the incident.