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US Politics, Government, Elections, Policy developments
Japan's economy has narrowly avoided recession with a weak return to growth in the final quarter of 2025, according to the latest GDP figures. The country's Nikkei 225 index fell 0.24% in response to the news, while the broader Topix shed 0.8%. The growth figures fell short of expectations, sparking concerns about the economy's momentum.
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Japan's economy has narrowly avoided recession with a modest return to growth in the final quarter of 2025, although the country's GDP figures fell short of forecasts. The news has been met with a lukewarm response from investors, with shares falling in Tokyo. The country's economic growth is a welcome relief, but experts warn that challenges still lie ahead.
Former US President Barack Obama sparked a frenzy after appearing to confirm the existence of aliens on a podcast, but has since clarified that he has seen no evidence of extraterrestrial contact. Obama's comments were made during a quick-fire interview round on a podcast hosted by Brian Tyler Cohen. The former president has since posted a statement to clear up any confusion.
Former US President Barack Obama clarifies his comments on a podcast, stating that while he believes aliens may exist, there is no evidence of contact. The clarification comes after a frenzy sparked by his initial response. Obama's statement aims to set the record straight on the existence of extraterrestrial life.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has pushed back against US claims that Europe is facing "civilisational erasure", calling it "fashionable euro-bashing". Kallas made the remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where she highlighted Europe's values such as press freedom. The comments come amid rising tensions between the US and EU.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has pushed back against US claims that Europe is facing a "civilisational erasure", calling it "fashionable euro-bashing". Kallas argued that other countries look up to Europe for its values, such as press freedom. The comments were made at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.
A team of searchers has discovered the wreck of the Lac La Belle, a passenger steamer that sank in Lake Michigan over 150 years ago. The ship was found 20 miles offshore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin, after a nearly 60-year search effort led by shipwreck hunter Paul Ehorn. The discovery is a significant find for maritime historians and enthusiasts.
Tom Wilson, a Canadian ice hockey player, engaged in a rare fight during the Olympic game against France, shunning the traditional no-fighting policy at the Winter Games. The brawl occurred late in Canada's 10-2 rout of France, with Wilson tangling with Pierre Crinon. Fighting is a rare occurrence at the Olympics, but it is a common aspect of professional ice hockey.
Dutch speed skater Femke Kok dominated the women's 500m event at the Olympics, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 36.49 seconds and claiming her first Olympic gold medal. Kok's victory ended Erin Jackson's hopes of retaining her title, with the American finishing off the podium. Jutta Leerdam secured silver in a Dutch one-two.
Ofelia Torres, a 16-year-old Chicago high school student, died on Friday after a long battle with cancer. Her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained by immigration authorities in October, sparking a public outcry and highlighting the human impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Despite her illness, Ofelia had been an outspoken advocate for her father's release.
As the US military seizes a second oil tanker linked to Venezuela, the country faces intense scrutiny over its climate policies, with China taking the lead in the green transition. Meanwhile, a high-profile search for a missing 84-year-old woman continues in Arizona. The US is reeling from devastating extreme weather events, with 23 billion-dollar disasters last year.
Federica Brignone made history on the Cortina slopes, claiming her second gold medal in the space of three days at the Winter Olympics. The Italian skiing sensation won the giant slalom by a margin of over six-tenths of a second, leaving a cluster of competitors in her wake. Meanwhile, American star Mikaela Shiffrin struggled to find her footing.
New renderings have been released showing the most detailed vision yet of Donald Trump's proposed $400m White House ballroom addition. The renderings depict a vast sprawling structure of around 90,000 sq ft, sparking public backlash over the demolition of the East Wing to make way for the project. The proposal has been met with controversy, with many questioning the need for such a lavish addition to the historic White House.
A high-profile trial in New York shines a light on allegations of sex trafficking against real estate brothers, while in Texas, progressive organizers celebrate a surprise victory against far-right Republicans. Meanwhile, the job market faces uncertainty, leading some to "hug their jobs" – but is this the right approach?
As Native American patrols take to the streets of Minneapolis to protect their community from ICE agents, a centuries-old doctrine is being misinterpreted by the US President. Meanwhile, a Puerto Rican rapper is redefining what it means to be American. This is a story of two Americas, one rooted in history and the other in a vision for a more inclusive future.
As the US navigates pressing issues like climate change, education, and high-profile court cases, new developments have raised eyebrows across the nation. From the Trump administration's rollback of climate regulations to Ghislaine Maxwell's clemency pitch, and from innovative education programs to big tech's growing influence in California politics, the country is grappling with complex challenges.
The Trump administration's rapid expansion of a program deputizing local police to enforce federal immigration law has sparked concerns among civil rights watchdogs, who warn of a threat to civil rights nationwide. Meanwhile, grassroots resistance movements are gaining momentum, with some arguing that mass non-cooperation is key to defeating the administration's authoritarian tendencies.
The Trump administration's rapid expansion of a program deputizing local police to enforce federal immigration law has raised concerns among former watchdogs about the potential for civil rights abuses, while others are advocating for mass non-cooperation as a means of resisting the administration's authoritarian tendencies.
President Trump's decision to send US troops into Venezuela has sparked controversy and raised questions about the administration's plan for the country's future, as reports emerge of casualties and deportations continue to make headlines.
President Trump has been making waves with a new deal to increase beef imports from Argentina, while facing criticism from a Senate Democrat on his new discount drug platform, TrumpRx. Meanwhile, Martin Luther King III has accused the National Park Service of "sanitizing history" at a Mississippi house museum commemorating civil rights activist Medgar Evers.
As the Winter Olympics bring nations together, global politics continue to make headlines. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces a tough re-election battle, while US President Donald Trump's ambitions for Greenland remain a point of contention. Meanwhile, a show of European solidarity at the Olympics has sparked a sense of unity among fans.
Jordan Stolz wins his second Olympic gold, while a Venezuelan deportee fears a repeat of his ordeal and Democratic senators launch an inquiry into the EPA's air pollution enforcement measure. Meanwhile, Barack Obama voices support for anti-ICE demonstrators, and a report reveals the US military's use of AI in a Venezuela raid.
A limited government shutdown has begun, affecting 13% of the federal civilian workforce, while a Minneapolis brass band brings joy to a grieving community, and a Hollywood talent agent faces backlash over ties to Ghislaine Maxwell.
This week saw a flurry of news that highlights the complex and often contentious relationships between power, politics, and the press. From the Trump administration's ICE crackdown in Minnesota to the Danish state's deal with the US, and from the Washington Post's layoffs to the controversy surrounding CBS News contributor Peter Attia, it's clear that the lines between politics, power, and journalism are increasingly blurred.