Russian hackers, known as APT28, swiftly exploited a Microsoft Office vulnerability (CVE-2026-21509) to infiltrate diplomatic and transport organizations globally. By reverse-engineering Microsoft's patch, they deployed advanced, hard-to-detect backdoor implants, highlighting the urgent need for rapid security updates and the increasing sophistication of state-sponsored cyberattacks.

Russian hackers, known as APT28, swiftly exploited a Microsoft Office vulnerability (CVE-2026-21509) to infiltrate diplomatic and transport organizations globally. By reverse-engineering Microsoft's patch, they deployed advanced, hard-to-detect backdoor implants, highlighting the urgent need for rapid security updates and the increasing sophistication of state-sponsored cyberattacks.

Mundi Ventures has announced the first close of its Kembara Fund I, securing €750 million to invest in European deep tech startups and address the Series B funding gap. This fund, backed by the European Investment Fund, aims to transform university spinouts into large-scale businesses, leveraging a specialized team and strategic advisors across multiple European locations.

Mundi Ventures has announced the first close of its Kembara Fund I, securing €750 million to invest in European deep tech startups and address the Series B funding gap. This fund, backed by the European Investment Fund, aims to transform university spinouts into large-scale businesses, leveraging a specialized team and strategic advisors across multiple European locations.

Alphabet's silence on its AI partnership with Apple during its Q4 earnings call has sparked investor concern about the deal's impact on Google's core AI-driven business model. While the existing search partnership provides clear advertising revenue, the benefits of powering AI for Siri are less immediately apparent, raising questions about the long-term value and monetization strategies for AI-powered search. The Apple AI deal is rumored to cost Apple roughly 1 billion per year.

Alphabet's silence on its AI partnership with Apple during its Q4 earnings call has sparked investor concern about the deal's impact on Google's core AI-driven business model. While the existing search partnership provides clear advertising revenue, the benefits of powering AI for Siri are less immediately apparent, raising questions about the long-term value and monetization strategies for AI-powered search. The Apple AI deal is rumored to cost Apple roughly 1 billion per year.

A recent study challenges claims of TikTok censorship following its U.S. operations takeover, attributing perceived content suppression to a data outage affecting all video categories, not just political ones. This research highlights the complexities of content moderation and the importance of data-driven analysis in evaluating accusations of algorithmic bias on social media platforms, a crucial area of study as AI increasingly shapes online discourse.

A recent study challenges claims of TikTok censorship following its U.S. operations takeover, attributing perceived content suppression to a data outage affecting all video categories, not just political ones. This research highlights the complexities of content moderation and the importance of data-driven analysis in evaluating accusations of algorithmic bias on social media platforms, a crucial area of study as AI increasingly shapes online discourse.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the global landscape is marked by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, impacting civilians and energy infrastructure, alongside preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics and cultural events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam and SXSW. Other key developments include rising precious metal prices, tech industry scrutiny, Blizzard's Overwatch 2 reverting to "Overwatch" with updates, China's EV safety regulations, NIH research grant cuts under the Trump administration, and Speaker Johnson's defense of border security using biblical scripture, while Fallout's Season 2 finale leaves everything in shambles.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the global landscape is marked by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, impacting civilians and energy infrastructure, alongside preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics and cultural events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam and SXSW. Other key developments include rising precious metal prices, tech industry scrutiny, Blizzard's Overwatch 2 reverting to "Overwatch" with updates, China's EV safety regulations, NIH research grant cuts under the Trump administration, and Speaker Johnson's defense of border security using biblical scripture, while Fallout's Season 2 finale leaves everything in shambles.

Multiple news sources report that IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, faces scrutiny after a Wolfpack Research report alleged it misled investors about organic demand and revenue sources, particularly regarding undisclosed Pentagon earmarks that have since been cancelled, causing a significant stock drop. The report raises concerns about the commercial viability of IonQ's technology and the broader quantum computing sector, which is still in early stages of development despite advancements from major tech companies.

Multiple news sources report that IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, faces scrutiny after a Wolfpack Research report alleged it misled investors about organic demand and revenue sources, particularly regarding undisclosed Pentagon earmarks that have since been cancelled, causing a significant stock drop. The report raises concerns about the commercial viability of IonQ's technology and the broader quantum computing sector, which is still in early stages of development despite advancements from major tech companies.

Multiple news sources report that Donald Trump criticized the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny and Green Day for Super Bowl entertainment, citing their political views and perceived divisiveness. The NFL's decision to feature these artists, particularly Bad Bunny, is seen as a strategic move to expand its market into Latin America, despite potential controversy and backlash from conservative audiences.

Multiple news sources report that Donald Trump criticized the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny and Green Day for Super Bowl entertainment, citing their political views and perceived divisiveness. The NFL's decision to feature these artists, particularly Bad Bunny, is seen as a strategic move to expand its market into Latin America, despite potential controversy and backlash from conservative audiences.

Multiple sources indicate deals are available on various iPad models at major retailers, while the Google Pixel 9A is on sale for $399 at Best Buy, despite the expected unveiling of the Pixel 10A on February 18th. Significant discounts are also noted on the Asus Vivobook 14 at Best Buy, offering a budget-friendly laptop option.

Multiple sources indicate deals are available on various iPad models at major retailers, while the Google Pixel 9A is on sale for $399 at Best Buy, despite the expected unveiling of the Pixel 10A on February 18th. Significant discounts are also noted on the Asus Vivobook 14 at Best Buy, offering a budget-friendly laptop option.

Multiple news sources report that tens of millions of Americans are facing increased utility bills due to 43 approved rate hikes in 2025, totaling $11.6 billion, largely driven by infrastructure repairs, extreme weather costs, volatile fuel prices, and rising electricity demand, with residents in southern states being particularly affected. If pending rate requests are approved, over 80 million Americans could see their utility costs rise.

Multiple news sources report that tens of millions of Americans are facing increased utility bills due to 43 approved rate hikes in 2025, totaling $11.6 billion, largely driven by infrastructure repairs, extreme weather costs, volatile fuel prices, and rising electricity demand, with residents in southern states being particularly affected. If pending rate requests are approved, over 80 million Americans could see their utility costs rise.

Multiple news outlets, including The Baltimore Sun and Fox 45 News, report that the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) used taxpayer money to fund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training that separated employees into "White caucus" and "people of color caucus" meetings, with the aim of addressing systemic racism. Records obtained by Spotlight on Maryland indicate that BCHD paid roughly $50,000 to the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond for an "Undoing Racism Workshop" between 2022 and 2024.

Multiple news outlets, including The Baltimore Sun and Fox 45 News, report that the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) used taxpayer money to fund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training that separated employees into "White caucus" and "people of color caucus" meetings, with the aim of addressing systemic racism. Records obtained by Spotlight on Maryland indicate that BCHD paid roughly $50,000 to the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond for an "Undoing Racism Workshop" between 2022 and 2024.

Multiple news sources report that Elon Musk's SpaceX is acquiring his AI startup, xAI, in a deal valuing the combined entity at over $1 trillion, making it the world's most valuable private company; this merger aims to integrate AI, space exploration, internet, and media under one umbrella, though xAI's Grok chatbot has faced scrutiny over its AI image generation capabilities.

Multiple news sources report that Elon Musk's SpaceX is acquiring his AI startup, xAI, in a deal valuing the combined entity at over $1 trillion, making it the world's most valuable private company; this merger aims to integrate AI, space exploration, internet, and media under one umbrella, though xAI's Grok chatbot has faced scrutiny over its AI image generation capabilities.

Multiple news sources report that a measles outbreak in South Carolina, which began in October and has surged to 876 cases, is causing serious complications like encephalitis in some children, a condition that can lead to death or permanent neurological damage. This outbreak, fueled by declining vaccination rates, contributes to a potential surge in measles cases nationwide, reminiscent of the high numbers seen in 2025, and has also resulted in hospitalizations, including pregnant women and cases of pneumonia.

Multiple news sources report that a measles outbreak in South Carolina, which began in October and has surged to 876 cases, is causing serious complications like encephalitis in some children, a condition that can lead to death or permanent neurological damage. This outbreak, fueled by declining vaccination rates, contributes to a potential surge in measles cases nationwide, reminiscent of the high numbers seen in 2025, and has also resulted in hospitalizations, including pregnant women and cases of pneumonia.