The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are underway, with medal events in skiing scheduled for February 10th, according to CBS News. The games, which began on February 4th, will continue through the closing ceremony on February 22nd, with the Paralympics to follow from March 6th to March 15th. American viewers should note the six-hour time difference from Eastern Standard Time and nine hours from Pacific Standard Time.
Meanwhile, the Western United States is grappling with a record snow drought, as reported by ABC News. Most Western states are experiencing the worst snow drought in decades due to unusually warm temperatures that have turned snow into rain. Scientists have noted that snow cover and depth are at their lowest levels in decades, with at least 67 Western weather stations recording their warmest December through early February on record. This drought is depleting future water supplies, increasing the risk of wildfires, and negatively impacting winter tourism and recreation, according to the Associated Press.
In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a landslide victory in a snap election, as detailed by BBC Business. Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) now hold a decisive majority of 316 out of 465 seats. The focus now shifts to whether she can address Japan's long-standing economic challenges, including sluggish growth, a massive public debt, and an aging and shrinking workforce. Some observers believe she has the opportunity to change the course of the Japanese economy.
The UK is set to see more solar farms built after a record renewables auction, also reported by BBC Business. The government awarded contracts to a record number of renewable projects, including 157 solar developments across England, Scotland, and Wales. Climate and clean energy groups have welcomed the move, seeing solar as a cost-effective way to reduce the UK's reliance on fossil fuels during the summer months. However, some local communities have expressed opposition to the large-scale developments.
Finally, Spain and Portugal have been hit by a third deadly storm in two weeks, according to The Guardian. Storm Marta swept across the Iberian peninsula, following the destructive impacts of Storms Kristin and Leonardo. The storms have caused deadly flooding and major damage in the region.
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