The Int'l Man's Hot Links Archive 2026: Jan 1 -

Hot Links Archive 2017 - 2018 (1): - June 30	Hot Links Archive 2018 (2): July 1 - December 31
Hot Links Archive 2019 (1): January 1 - June 30	Hot Links Archive 2019 (2): July 1 - December 31
Hot Links Archive 2020 (1): January 1 - June 30	Hot Links Archive 2020 (2): July 1 - September 30
Hot Links Archive 2020 (3): Oct 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2021 (1): January 1 - June 30
Hot Links Archive 2021 (2): July 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2022 (1): January 1 - June 30
Hot Links Archive 2022 (2): July 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2023 (1): January 1 - June 30
Hot Links Archive 2023 (2): July 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2024 (1): January 1 - June 30
Hot Links Archive 2024 (2): July 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2025 (1): January 1 - June 30
Hot Links Archive 2025 (2): July 1 - December 31	Hot Links Archive 2026 (1): January 1 - June 30

Hot Links Archive 2026 (1): January 1 -

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• Climate Clock - "The science is clear: we are in a Climate Emergency. Decades of increasing carbon emissions are harming the natural and societal systems upon which humanity depends, threatening untold ecological and human devastation if we do not #ActInTime. The good news: there is still time."
• Climate Change - "Check out all about climate change and crisis: best 1800+ science, evidence, facts, information, news, reviews and resources."
• Doomsday Clock 2026: moves closest ever to destruction - "'Every second counts'. At the dawn of the nuclear age, scientists created the Doomsday Clock as a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to destroying the world. On Tuesday, nearly eight decades later, the clock was set at 85 seconds to midnight - the closest the timepiece has ever been to midnight, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which established the clock in 1947."
• Our world in data - "Research & data to make progress against the world's largest problems."
• Artificial Intellignce: Apps, Books, Chatbots, News, Resources & Tutorials - "Everything you need to know about AI and Chatbots! 1000+ resources."
• Covid, mpox & Bird Flu - "4000+ Up-To-Date Advice, Facts, News & Recources."
• War in Ukraine - "Live coverage of the all the latest developments in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine."
• Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia - "Fighting has raged in Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion more than three years ago. Over the past year, Russian forces have slowly expanded the amount of territory they control, mostly in the east of Ukraine, and have continued their recent barrage of air strikes on Kyiv and other cities."
• Catch up on today's global news - "CNN Headlines is a curated channel covering major news events across politics, international, business, and sport, and showcasing the most impactful stories of the day."

May 9, 2026

• Day 71 of US-Israeli War on Iran: US Hits Two Iranian Oil Tankers in Gulf of Oman - "Continuing missile attacks and strikes in the Gulf have cast a darker shadow on the fragile Iran ceasefire."
• Iran’s injured leader believed to still be shaping war strateg - "US intelligence assesses Mojtaba Khamenei is likely helping direct negotiations despite absence from public view."
• Hantavirus cases nearly doubled in Argentina in the past year - "Experts say climate change is to blame. Hantavirus cases in Argentina have almost doubled in the past year, with the country recording 32 deaths alongside its highest number of infections since 2018."
• CDC team to meet Americans on hantavirus-stricken ship as bad weather threatens landing - "The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is dispatching staffers to meet with American passengers on the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship in the Canary Islands as Spanish authorities warn of approaching bad weather."
• Hantavirus survivor says sickness was like 'hell on earth' - "Lorne Warburton had never heard of the hantavirus until three years ago when he was taken to hospital and put on life support, describing the sickness as 'torture' and 'hell on earth'."
• Anger & resignation in Tenerife as hantavirus ship approaches - "As the MV Hondius cruise ship approaches Tenerife, the people of the Spanish island await it with a mixture of uncertainty and, in some cases, anger."
• Putin denounces Nato at scaled back Victory Day parade - "Speaking in front of hundreds of military personnel and flanked by a few world leaders, the Russian president said he was fighting a 'just' war and called Ukraine an 'aggressive force' that is being 'armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato'."
• UFO documents released by Pentagon describe floating objects - "Hovering objects and flashing lights: what we learned from UFO documents released by the Pentagon."
• Pentagon UFO videos - "The Pentagon UFO videos are selected visual recordings of Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) targeting cameras from United States Navy fighter jets."
• Presidential Unsealing & Reporting System for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) - "The materials archived here are unresolved cases, meaning the government is unable to make a definitive determination on the nature of the observed phenomena."
• At the 61st Venice Biennale, everyone’s lining up for the toilets - "A set of portable toilets that stole the show during the opening week of the 'Olympics of the art world.' The toilets were the doing of choreographer and performance artist Florentina Holzinger."
• The world sends its fast fashion to this Indian city. Its residents pay a price - "Panipat is a terminus for fast fashion - the modern trend that sees people buying more clothes but wearing them for less time. Typically, the clothes are not designed for longevity, and more than a million tons of them end up here each year to be repurposed."
• The dark fascist secret hidden beneath one of Europe’s largest railway stations - "Milan’s main train station is a tourist sight in its own right. It’s one of the largest in Europe. The building also represents another, less spectacular part of Italy - its fascist history. Hidden for generations, Binario 21 - Platform 21 - is the underground area from which the Nazi occupiers and fascist sympathizers dispatched Jews and political opponents to World War II death camps."
• Anti-work anthems, Boy George & controversial lyrics: A guide to all 35 Eurovision songs - "Like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has arrived to dispel the gloom of a weary world. With 35 countries taking part, it's the most compact competition since 2003 - due to a partial boycott over Israel's presence."
• What British people really mean when they say 'sorry' - "Sorry. Sorry to bother you. Sorry for the delay. Sorry about the weather. Sorry for all of the above. All the different ways Brits say 'sorry' - and what each one actually means. 'Sorry' is one of the UK's most overused and misunderstood words - here's how to decode the politeness minefield."

May 8, 2026

• Iran war day 70: US, Iran trade fire in Hormuz amid ceasefire tensions - "Iran accuses US of breaching ceasefire near Hormuz as CENTCOM says forces responded to Iranian attacks."
• Trump is not getting what he initially wanted from the Iran war - "It remains to be seen what, if anything, comes from the latest Iran war peace talks as the countries exchanged fire Thursday. President Donald Trump has claimed a deal was imminent before. And the potential agreement on the table seems to be preliminary, regardless."
• The companies making billions from the Iran war - "1. Oil and gas - 2. Big banks - 3. Defence - 4. Renewables."
• How worried should we be about hantavirus? - "In an update on Thursday, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove from the World Health Organization (WHO) stressed it was not the start of a pandemic, saying: 'This is not Covid, this is not influenza, it spreads very, very differently.'"
• Global Health Officials Race to Track hantavirus but Predict ‘Limited’ Outbreak - "A Dutch flight attendant and French national were among the latest to be tested in connection with a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship. But an analysis in South Africa showed no mutations in viral samples."
• David Attenborough at 100: Key moments from an extraordinary life - "David Attenborough has now lived on Earth for a century."
• King & Queen lead tributes for David Attenborough's 100th birthday - "King Charles III and Queen Camilla are among well-wishers to share a birthday message celebrating Sir David Attenborough turning 100."
• Six key things we learned about Pope Leo in his first year - "Pope Leo XIV is marking one year since his historic election, making the transition from a low-profile cardinal to one of the most recognizable figures on the planet."
• 1950s novel Lord of The Flies is the ultimate study of hate & division. It has never been more relevant - "William Golding's story of boys descending into violence is a 20th-Century classic. Now Adolescence writer Jack Thorne is behind a new TV version speaking to a rancorous world."
• 'Hideous': The controversy over Picasso's most shocking painting - "The confrontational painting Les Demoiselles d'Avignon has been both widely despised and loved, and over the decades has remained contentious. A century after it was created by Picasso, acclaimed US artist Henry Taylor reinterpreted and challenged the piece – and his version is now at the centre of a major exhibition at the Musée Picasso in Paris."

May 7, 2026

• Iran war day 69: Tehran ‘reviewing’ US proposals; Israel bombs Beirut - "Trump says US-Iran talks are progressing as Tehran reviews a US proposal delivered through Pakistan."
• Trump is trapped by his own strategy as he grapples for an exit in Iran - "Trump is ensnared by two traps of his own making - one geopolitical and the other domestic. Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz and refusal to fold mean he can’t definitively end the war at an acceptable military price."
• US judge releases Jeffrey Epstein's purported suicide note - "A US judge has ordered the release of a document purported to be a suicide note written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein a month before his death."
• Inside the town Ozempic built - "How Ozempic transformed this small Danish city."
• The secretive pilgrimages to a temple of witchcraft - "Why modern witches are making pilgrimages to an ancient Turkish temple. Muğla in southwestern Turkey delivers exactly what travelers expect from this corner of the Mediterranean: sunlit coastlines, rugged mountains and the ruins of long-fallen empires."
• German tourist wins payout after losing sun lounger race - "The man sued his tour operator for allowing people to reserve sun loungers with towels despite a hotel ban on the practice."
• CNN founder Ted Turner, a pioneer of cable TV news, dies at 87 - "Ted Turner, the media maverick and philanthropist who founded CNN, a pioneering 24-hour network that revolutionized television news, died peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by his family, according to a news release from Turner Enterprises. He was 87."
• Ted Turner’s life in pictures - "Turner began his media career at the age of 24, when he took over the family’s billboard business after his father’s suicide in 1963. He bought his first television station in 1970, and in 1976 TBS became the nation’s first “superstation,” using satellite technology to carry its signal nationwide."
• Beware the Sudden Death of Vladimir Putin - "Perspective: Putin is, an intelligence report says, in fear of assassination. The West should be careful what it wishes for."
• The smartphone era is ending the way it started: with Apple - "In 2007, Apple opened the smartphone era. In 2026, Apple is positioned to close it. The handheld glass slab that reshaped computing is now the thing the industry is racing to replace with always-on, heads-up ambient AI. The company that drew the first map is drawing the next one."
• This simple heart check can uncover crucial stress signals - "Your heart rate is more uneven than you think. This is what it says about your health. Micro-fluctuations in the time between heartbeats are proving a helpful indicator of mental health, stress levels and exercise capacity. They could even provide insight into how well you are ageing."
• 10 Tricks That Will Make You the Best Listener in the Room - "Here are 10 ways experts say you can become a better listener: 1. Listen as if for the first time - 2. Mirror the emotion they’re bringing - 3. Sprinkle in some eyebrow raises - 4. Do a slow triple nod instead of bobble-heading - 5..."

May 6, 2026

• Iran war day 68: Trump talks about progress in talks; Rubio says war ‘over’ - "Trump pauses US ‘Project Freedom’ operation in Strait of Hormuz, citing progress towards Iran agreement."
• How traffic through the Strait of Hormuz shrank to a trickle - a visual deep dive - "As the war in Iran enters its tenth week with no clear end in sight, shipping traffic in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz has been completely reshaped, heavily disrupting global markets and supply chains for oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other essential products."
• Is Zelensky implicated in Ukraine's largest corruption scandal & what do the new tapes reveal? - "As a new round of leaked tapes surfaces in Ukraine's sweeping corruption scandal, one question stands at the center: Did President Volodymyr Zelensky know?"
• The artworks that inspired eight of the most stunning Met Gala looks - "From Heidi Klum as a veiled Vestal virgin to singer Ciara as a gold-encrusted bust of Nefertiti, here is the art behind the fashion at the Met Gala."
• Masks, movies & solo deck walks: life aboard a hantavirus-hit cruise ship - "Three people to be evacuated from hantavirus-hit cruise ship as row brews over vessel’s destination."
• Canary Islands' leader opposes plan to let virus-hit ship dock there - "The president of the Canary Islands says he opposes the Spanish government's plan to let a virus-hit ship dock there."
• How did Banksy put up a statue in central London? - "A low-loader, some traffic cones and 'the sort of dudes who can set up a Metallica concert in 24 hours' - this was all Banksy needed to install his latest artwork in central London."
• 'I thought he was going to hit me,' OpenAI co-founder says of Musk - "OpenAI president Greg Brockman has described a heated 2017 meeting with Elon Musk over the billionaire's early attempt to control the artificial intelligence (AI) company."
• Apple to pay up to $95 to some US iPhone buyers over AI lawsuit - "Apple has agreed to pay some iPhone buyers a collective $250m to end a lawsuit accusing the company of misleading people about new artificial intelligence (AI) features and capabilities."
• China’s Big Bet on Wind Power Is Paying Off - "An industrial policy of subsidies and import restrictions laid the foundations for China to become almost as dominant in wind turbines as in solar panels."
• Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer reach settlement, two weeks ahead of trial start - "The high-profile legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s production company will no longer go to trial after the parties announced a settlement just two weeks before jury selection was slated to begin."
• Nigeria shaped Oba Femi: WWE is seeing the results - "Nigerian wrestler Oba Femi is considered 'the next big thing' in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The 6-foot-6, 310-pound powerhouse defeated legend Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on April 19, forcing the decorated WWE superstar into possible retirement."
• Tony Awards Nominations 2026: The Complete List - "Nominations for the 79th Tony Awards were announced on Tuesday. Here’s who made the list."
• What death doulas can teach us about dying - "Death doulas or soul midwives have increased in popularity in recent years. What do they do?"
• Dealer Yves Bouvier to stand trial in Paris over missing Picassos - "The trial comes after the conclusion of a decade-long investigation into the alleged disappearance of works belonging to Picasso's stepdaughter."

May 5, 2026

• Iran war: What’s happening on day 67 as Hormuz crisis deepens? - "The UAE says it intercepted Iranian missiles after a suspected drone attack, with no comment from Iran."
• Human-to-human transmission suspected on board hantavirus cruise ship, WHO says - "Some human-to-human transmission may have occurred on board the cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak that has left three people dead and several others ill, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday."
• What is hantavirus & how does it spread? - "Hantavirus, a rare disease typically caused by exposure to infected rodents’ urine or feces, is suspected in the deaths of three people after an outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean."
• Charting how Trump became a historically unpopular president - "President Donald Trump appears to be more unpopular than he’s ever been - including after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In fact, his 35% average approval rating in the CNN Poll of Polls means he’s now flirting with George W. Bush territory. Bush is the only president since Jimmy Carter to spend a sustained period of time in the mid-30s or lower."
• Met Gala 2026: Celebrities, Red Carpet, Theme & More - "Affectionately referred to as “fashion’s biggest night out,” the Met Gala 2026 is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City that is held every year on the first Monday in May. The event welcomes stars, young creatives, and industry paragons. The 2026 Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 4, and will celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, 'Costume Art.'"
• The most talked-about looks at this year's Met Gala - "It's described as the biggest night in fashion. Celebrities arrived at the 2026 Met Gala with their take on this year's theme - costume art - where organisers asked attendees to experiment with the lavish and whimsical dress code."
• Rewatch the 2026 Met Gala Livestream - "And that’s a wrap! The 2026 Met Gala took place in New York on Monday evening, and you’re invited to see what happened under the flowering-Italian-garden–themed tent. Below, a guide to livestreaming every major red carpet at this year’s gala, honoring the Costume Institute’s 'Costume Art' exhibition."
• Anne Hathaway’s Hand-Painted 2026 Met Gala Dress Was Inspired by a Poem - "As a regular attendee (nine times now!), Anne Hathaway was one of the most highly anticipated A-listers at the Met Gala 2026 - and the star certainly did not disappoint with her artful look."
• Who Isn’t Going to the Met Gala? - "Some luminaries had scheduling conflicts, but there were some who chose not to attend to make a statement. Zendaya and Meryl Streep are not attending the Met Gala this year. Reportedly not in attendance tonight: Zendaya, left, and Meryl Streep."
• Laura Dern is swooping in to save the new season of ‘The White Lotus’ - "The Oscar-winning actress is checking into Season 4 of the acclaimed HBO show following the sudden departure of actress Helena Bonham Carter last week. The streamer confirmed the new casting to CNN on Tuesday. (HBO and CNN are owned by the same parent company.)"
• Your beliefs could add or subtract years to your life - "If your beliefs are limiting your potential, you could revise them to help you achieve your goals and even age better and possibly live longer. In a conversation with CNN, Eyal shared how transforming your own beliefs has the power to change everything."
• a long-time resident of Casa MilÀ on life in GaudÍ’s masterwork - "‘It’s a world heritage site, but it’s my home’. Ana Viladomiu has been a ‘privileged’ resident of the once derided, now revered Barcelona apartment building for almost 40 years."
• The 50 Best Beaches In The World For 2026, According To Global Travel Experts - "A new report from The World’s 50 Best Beaches draws on votes from more than 1,000 travel professionals to rank the best beaches across the globe: Fteri Beach, Greece - Wharton Beach, Australia - Nosy Iranja, Madagascar - East Beach (Vomo Island), Fiji ..."
• Top players criticize French Open prize money & unresolved welfare demands - "Top players including No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka expressed 'their deep disappointment' at the French Open prize money on Monday. 'Players’ share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026,' the players said."
• iPhone 18 Pro: Six new features are coming later this year - "This fall’s iPhone 18 lineup will bring a brand new ‘iPhone Ultra’ foldable, but the most popular models will no doubt be the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Here are six new features rumored for iPhone 18 Pro. Revised design: Dynamic Island shrinks, unified back - A20 Pro chip - Variable aperture camera, improved Telephoto, and more - Better battery life ..."
• 10 Weird Signs You're Sleep-Deprived - "You have ADHD-like symptoms - You crave junk food - You're way more emotional than usual - You wake up with a pounding headache - You keep waking up ..."
• Study suggests people are losing 338 spoken words every year & have been for at least 15 years - "In a society increasingly shaped by self-checkouts, GPS navigation and touchscreen ordering kiosks, new research shows face-to-face conversation may be quietly fading. A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that people are losing 338 spoken words every year and have been for at least a decade and a half."

May 4, 2026

• Iran war: What’s happening on day 66 as Trump announces Hormuz mission? - "Trump orders new Hormuz mission after Iran says it receives US response to its peace proposal."
• Iran threatens US forces in Strait of Hormuz after Trump says military will guide ships - "Iran’s navy claims to have prevented US ships entering the Strait of Hormuz, state media reports."
• A rattled Kremlin is tightening security around Putin, European intel suggests - "Unsettled Kremlin tightens security around Putin amid assassinations and coup fears, intel report says."
• Three dead in suspected virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship - "The World Health Organization said one case of hantavirus infection had been confirmed, with five more suspected cases under investigation."
• Met Gala 2026: How to watch, the price of tickets & this year's theme - "Around 450 A-list guests will begin arriving later for fashion's biggest night of the year, which raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Here's everything you need to know about this year's Super Bowl of fashion."
• Samsung family pays off record $8bn inheritance tax bill - "The family behind the South Korean corporate giant Samsung has completed its payment of a 12 trillion won ($8bn) inheritance tax bill, the largest such settlement in the country's history."
• Musk's AI told me people were coming to kill me. I grabbed a hammer & prepared for war - "Several people told the BBC they experienced delusions after intense conversations with AI."
• How much of our personalities are determined at birth? - "Laurie Clarke delves into the devilishly complex forces that shape our personalities - and the new research revealing ever more about how our genes do, and don't, make us who we are."
• There was one way we'd agree to do Devil Wears Prada 2, says Meryl Streep - "When a Devil Wears Prada sequel was announced, 20 years after the release of the original, the one question on many people's lips was 'why?'."
• Zambia is the world's walking safari capital - "As safari crowds grow across Africa, Zambia's walking safaris offer a quieter, more immersive way to experience wildlife."
• Seven of the best cruises for whale watching - "From Antarctica to the Bay of Biscay, our expert turns the spotlight on the cruises - and hotspots - from which to experience these incredible creatures in the wild."
• Countries attracting most millionaires - "In 2025, a record 142,000 millionaires are relocating. Here's where they are going."
• Ranked: The World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2026 - "Singapore tops the 2026 ranking with visa-free access to 192 destinations. The gap is massive: the strongest passports offer access to 5x more countries than the weakest. European and Asian countries dominate the top, while conflict-affected nations rank lowest."

May 3, 2026

• Iran war: What’s happening on day 65 as Trump reviews new plan to end war? - "Iran has sent the US a new 14-point proposal to end the war."
• Trump says he will review new plan from Iran - "Trump says he’ll review new plan from Iran, as US fast-tracks $8B in arms sales to Middle East allies."
• The clandestine network smuggling Starlink tech into Iran to beat internet blackout - "Sahand tells the BBC World Service he sends satellite internet terminals into Iran to help show 'the real picture'."
• Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Met Gala - "Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour will co-chair the 2026 Met Gala."
• Met Gala 2026 Guide: Theme, Hosts, Dress Code & More - "What to know about this year’s celebration, including the return of a superstar last seen on the Met carpet 10 years ago."
• We’re Headed for the Most Meta Met Gala Yet - "That’s 'meta' with a lowercase m, by the way. After a weekslong promotional blitz for 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' the scene on Monday may feel very familiar."
• The White Lotus Season 4 to Shoot at 19th-Century Castle Hotel in Saint-Tropez - "Season 4 will film at several properties, including the Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez."
• Vacancy Filled! Laura Dern Is Joining the Cast The White Lotus Season 4 - "Laura Dern has joined the cast of The White Lotus Season 4 on HBO, filling the vacancy left by Helena Bonham Carter, who departed shortly after production began in France. Dern, a longtime collaborator of creator Mike White, will play a new character specifically written for her, rather than taking over the original role."
• Golden Tempo wins 2026 Kentucky Derby - "Golden Tempo stormed from the very back of the pack to triumph in the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, giving trainer Cherie DeVaux a landmark victory as the first woman to saddle the winner of America's most famous horse race."
• Are We Losing Our Minds to AI? - "As AI becomes an active participant in our cognitive lives, the line between thought partner and substitute is becoming harder to maintain."
• Mapped: Europe’s Social Media Gap by Country - "Social media use in Europe ranges from 56% in Italy to 90% in Denmark. Northern Europe leads adoption, with several countries above 80%. Germany (59%) and Italy (56%) trail the European average of 74%."
• Mapped: The World’s Most (& Least) Religiously Diverse Countries - "Singapore ranks #1 globally, with the most even mix of religions. Several Middle Eastern countries rank among the least diverse, with near-zero scores. North America saw some of the biggest increases in religious diversity since 2010."
• The Indelible Style of a Queen Off Duty - "A new exhibition takes a closer look at Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe of boots, barn coats, head scarves and tartan skirts."
• Queen Elizabeth: A Visual Dictionary - "The things that made the queen the queen: From her hairstyle to her handbags, her kerchiefs to her corgis, her pearls to her profile, every visual signifier was a means of communication for a monarch."

May 2, 2026

• Iran war: What’s happening on day 64 as Trump rejects Tehran’s proposal - "US President Donald Trump says the latest Iranian peace proposal includes demands he ‘can’t agree to’."
• Two months into the Iran war, almost everybody is a loser - "When US President Donald Trump launched the war on Iran, he promised a swift and decisive victory. Just ten days into the conflict, he said the United States had 'already won the war in many ways.'"
• Trump claims other presidents flouted war powers law. It's a mixed record - "Trump is required by a 1973 war powers resolution to 'terminate any use of United States Armed Forces' in Iran 60 days after notifying Congress of the start of the war, unless lawmakers vote to continue the conflict."
• Auto China 2026 | Beijing Auto Show - the world’s biggest auto show - "What oil crisis? China’s EVs are ready to dominate the 21st century. What CNN saw at the world’s biggest auto show."
• The Bezos of it all: The Met Gala’s billionaire moment - "This year Amazon co-founder and executive chair, Jeff Bezos, and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, are the event’s main benefactors. They are also honorary chairs. (Co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Vogue’s Anna Wintour remain the official hosts, while Saint Laurent is sponsoring the exhibition catalog)."
• In pictures: A history of US-Russian summits - "Here we look back at a long history of talks between leaders of the two powers."
• Where's my Oscar? Eight times Academy Awards trophies have gone missing - "The coveted Oscars trophy has a long and rich history of going missing, for reasons ranging from burglary and ransom to simple misplacement - even pranks. US actors Angelina Jolie, Jared Leto, Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges have all admitted to losing track of their gilded Academy Awards over the years."
• Oscars says AI actors & writing cannot win awards - "The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has clarified that only acting and writing for films done by humans will be considered eligible to win an Oscar."
• Is Saudi Arabia's sports revolution unravelling? - "The decision by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund to stop bankrolling LIV Golf at the end of the season has plunged the future of the breakaway series into doubt. It has also posed questions over the country's many other sporting investments."
• Inside Italy’s secret ‘Cheese Bank,’ where Parmigiano Reggiano becomes financial gold - "To outsiders, it looks like a cathedral of cheese. To Italy’s dairy producers, it is a lifeline. Parmigiano Reggiano is one of the world’s most tightly regulated foods. It can only be produced in a small, designated area using three ingredients - milk, salt and rennet."
• One of the world's most remote nations opens up - "Bhutan has long limited how the world visits. Now, a new airport and ambitious city could reshape travel to the Himalayan kingdom."
• Coal Still Generates More Electricity Than Any Other Source - "Coal remains the dominant force in global electricity, supplying nearly one-third of total generation despite the rapid rise of renewables. Fossil fuels still generate 57% of global electricity, despite rapid renewable growth. Coal alone produces about 33% of global power, making it the largest source. Solar and wind are now nearly tied, each contributing about 8–9% of global generation."
• Ranked: The World’s Largest Importers in 2025 - "The U.S. imports $3.5T in goods, over $900B more than China. Asia and Europe dominate global imports, accounting for most of the top 30. Germany stands out, importing far more relative to its economy than other major powers."

May 1, 2026

• Iran war: What’s happening on day 63 as Trump signals possible attacks - "Iran’s president calls the US siege ‘intolerable’ as Donald Trump says war may resume."
• Majority of US military sites in Middle East hit by Iran - "At least 16 bases, making up the majority of US positions in the region, were damaged."
• New footage shows how Trump dinner gunman charged through security in four seconds - "A gunman burst out of a hotel doorway and charged through a security checkpoint in just four seconds as President Donald Trump was attending a press gala, according to new footage released by prosecutors."
• 'The greatest king in my book' - Trump bids farewell to King Charles & Queen Camilla - "King Charles departs the US after four-day state visit."
• King Charles charms America & avoids pitfalls during his four-day whirlwind US tour - "Britain’s King Charles III came to the United States to mark Britain’s loss in the war of independence. He left with an historic win."
• Elon Musk doesn't want Microsoft to control the future of AI - "But he doesn't seem to understand who should. A subplot of the Musk-Altman trial: Which billionaires deserve the keys to the God machine?"
• 6 takeaways from Elon Musk's courtroom showdown with Sam Altman so far - "Elon Musk’s courtroom showdown with Sam Altman started this week. The biggest takeaways so far."
• Jeffrey Epstein’s Possible Suicide Note Hidden From Public View - "An inmate said he discovered the note after Mr. Epstein was found injured in his jail cell, weeks before his death. It’s now locked in a courthouse."
• Epstein Obtained Objects From Islam’s Holiest Site for His Island ‘Mosque’ - "Jeffrey Epstein’s messages cast light on an unusual building on his private island and show how his connections helped him secure tapestries from Mecca for it."
• America Now Spends More on Interest Than Defense - "U.S. interest payments surpassed defense spending in 2024 for the first time in nearly a century. The gap is projected to widen significantly, with interest costs reaching $2.1 trillion by 2036 - almost double defense spending. Rising debt and higher rates are making interest the fastest-growing part of the federal budget."
• Banksy confirms he's behind statue in central London - "Its location - Waterloo Place, St James's - is an area designed to celebrate imperialism and military dominance in the 1800s. The sculpture sits near statues of Edward VII, Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War Memorial."
• Danish treatment of Greenlandic mother may be ‘ethnic discrimination’, says UN - "Exclusive: Letter sent to government about case of Inuit woman whose baby was removed after now-banned test."
• The 100 Best Met Gala Looks Of All Time - "The Met Gala is a place where a star can ascend to style icon status. On the first Monday in May, celebrities don’t simply walk a red carpet: they climb the steps of the Metropolitan Museum in custom gowns and statement couture, presenting their interpretation of that year’s exhibition theme to the world."
• Dutton Ranch to Lord of the Flies: 11 of the best TV shows to watch this May - "From the latest Yellowstone spin-off to a new take on William Golding's classic novel about violent schoolboys, and a supernatural series produced by the Stranger Things creators - these are the best series to watch and stream."

April 30, 2026

• Iran war: What’s happening on day 62 as Trump asks Iran to ‘give up’? - "Trump says the US blockade of Iranian ports is working, urging Tehran to ‘give up’ amid tensions."
• Iran war has cost $25 billion so far, Pentagon official says - "Operation Epic Fury in Iran has cost American taxpayers roughly $25 billion so far, the Pentagon’s chief financial officer revealed on Wednesday."
• James Comey’s ‘86 47’ indictment would seem to be bad news for lots of people - including Trump - "The Trump administration’s second indictment of former FBI Director James Comey appears to be perched on a very slippery slope."
• Charles & Camilla host star-studded charity gala in New York - "King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed some of the world's most famous faces to a charity gala in New York City as their wildly successful royal tour of the US continues. Anna Wintour, Katherine Jenkins, Karlie Kloss and Lionel Richie were among the celebrity supporters of the King's Trust from both sides of the Atlantic who joined its founder and the Queen on Wednesday to celebrate the charity's work."
• See the Menu for the British Royal State Dinner - "Spring-herbed ravioli and Dover sole meunière are among the dishes at the dinner honoring King Charles III of Britain and Queen Camilla."
• King & Queen lay flowers at 9/11 Memorial in New York - "King Charles and Queen Camilla laid flowers at the September 11 Memorial in New York, in a sombre moment during their state visit to the United States."
• Have the royals got their mojo back from US visit? - "King Charles must be pinching himself at the moment. After months and months of terrible headlines, he's suddenly surrounded by applause."
• Trump's face to feature on commemorative US passports - "The limited-edition passports will prominently feature an image of President Donald Trump surrounded by the Declaration of Independence."
• Trump stamp: The president wants taxpayer dollars to put his name all over the place - "President Donald Trump, Republicans in Congress, his hand-picked appointees, and all manner of other allies have been doing their best to put Trump’s name, image and likeness all over the place."
• The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters - "More than 250 music insiders and six New York Times critics weighed in on who defines the new American songbook. Here, in an unranked list, are the artists they chose."
• Ranked: America’s Top Non-Ivy League Universities - "MIT and Stanford rank ahead of every Ivy League university in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. California has three of the top five non-Ivy schools: Stanford, Caltech, and UC Berkeley. Public universities make up a major part of the list, including UC Berkeley, Michigan, UCLA, and Purdue."
• Legendary Japanese designer Nigo takes us inside his vast collection & teenage bedroom - "Extraordinarily, the Design Museum show is the first to be staged on the designer. The exhibition features over 700 objects, including collectibles, traditional craft and vintage objects from Nigo’s personal archive."
• How enjoying your food could help you lose weight - "Why the key to losing weight may be enjoying your food. It’s not just what you eat, but how you think about it that matters. The mind-body connection can shape our appetite because our expectation of what we've eaten influences the brain's perceptions of hunger and satiation."

April 29, 2026

• US-Israel Wars, Day 61: Iran's 2-Stage Ceasefire Proposal - "Trump administration signals rejection of Iran’s offer which includes opening the Strait of Hormuz but postponing discussion around Tehran’s nuclear file."
• How traffic through the Strait of Hormuz shrank to a trickle - a visual deep dive - "Before the war, thousands of ships carrying oil, gas and cargo passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Only 154 vessels crossed in March."
• King Charles’ subtle but striking warning to America - "In a new age of revolt, it took a king to remind America of its republican values: the rule of law, democracy and the power of its international example. King Charles III chooses his words with precision - as did his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Royal meaning must often be inferred."
• Five takeaways from the King's historic address to Congress - "King Charles III's visit to the US was meant to be a celebration - of America's 250th anniversary, of enduring Anglo-American ties and of the 'special relationship'. But it has also been billed as a rescue mission."
• In pictures: King joins Trump for White House banquet & delivers historic Congress speech - "King Charles III and Queen Camilla continued their four-day state visit to the US on Tuesday with a lavish state banquet, an aircraft flyover at the White House, and a speech from the King to Congress."
• Fashion, billionaires & jokes: Inside the White House state dinner for the King & Queen - "The night was filled with designer fashion, luscious bouquets, billionaire guests and joke-filled speeches."
• Epstein scandal lingers in background of King Charles’ visit to Washington - "Still, some Epstein survivors have said they are less focused on the king’s visit - and what he may or may not say publicly about the convicted sex offender. They said their efforts are more geared toward accountability in the US, including the full release of the Epstein files and investigations into those who helped Epstein run his sex-trafficking ring."
• United Arab Emirates to quit oil cartel Opec - "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations next month after nearly 60 years of membership."
• Comey charged with threatening Trump's life in Instagram post - "Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with threatening the life of US President Donald Trump, a formal accusation that stems from an image he briefly shared on social media. The image posted on Instagram last year showed seashells forming the numbers '86 47'. 'Eighty-six' is a slang term used to mean 'eject' or 'remove'."
• Indian billionaire heir offers to save 80 of Pablo Escobar’s ‘cocaine hippos’ from Colombian cull - "Indian magnate Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has offered to take in at his wildlife sanctuary in India, 80 'cocaine hippos' currently living in Colombia, where the government is planning to cull them."
• Ranked: The World’s 50 Largest Banks by Assets - "Where is global banking power concentrated? This chart ranks the world's 50 largest banks by assets, showing which countries dominate. The world’s 50 largest banks hold $101.6 trillion in assets combined. Chinese banks dominate the ranking, led by the four largest banks in the world. JPMorgan Chase ranks fifth by assets, but remains the world’s most valuable bank by market capitalization."
• Will Communist Cuba Ever Pay Back the Billions It Confiscated? - "With Cuba in dire economic crisis, people whose properties were seized by its government decades ago say it’s time to resolve thorny compensation claims."
• Your Passwords Are Probably Screwed - "Nobody can afford to be relaxed about their digital security anymore. A passkey lets you sign in with your face or fingerprint — no typed password that could be stolen by phishing."
• The shoes Sawe wore to shatter marathon record - "Lighter than a bar of soap - the shoes worn to shatter marathon record: Adidas' Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3. When Sabastian Sawe said last week that it was 'only a matter of time' before he would break the late Kelvin Kiptum's world marathon record, few thought that time would come in London on Sunday."

April 28, 2026

• Iran war: What’s happening on day 60 as diplomacy gathers pace? - "Trump team reviews Iran peace plan to reopen Hormuz with nuclear talks potentially delayed to a later stage."
• Facts compete with conspiracy theories after WHCD attack - "No sooner had a gunman tried to storm the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place Saturday night, than social media was awash with conspiracy theories about what was still unfolding in real time."
• Shooter's Manifesto Details Targets, Security Failures - "Cole Tomas Allen's pre-attack letter outlined plans, criticized lax security at White House Correspondents' dinner."
• ‘Let the Show Go On’: Trump Insists WHCD Will Be Rescheduled - "Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social: 'I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.'"
• King Charles to call for US-UK unity in address to Congress amid transatlantic tensions - "US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will first take part in ceremonial welcome at the White House for the British monarch."
• Revisiting Queen Elizabeth II’s Historic Address to Congress & How It Sets the Stage for Charles - "Historically, joint meetings of Congress for visiting foreign leaders provide an opportunity to reinforce ties between the U.S. and its allies, and that’s exactly what the Queen managed to achieve."
• Jimmy Kimmel rejects White House criticism over Melania widow joke - "Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has defended a joke in which he called Melania Trump an 'expectant widow' just days before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner."
• Elon Musk to testify in a case that could change the path of AI - "Elon Musk spent part of Monday posting on his social media platform X about his lawsuit against OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman, and Musk’s claims in the suit that the ChatGPT maker deceived him and betrayed its original mission. 'Scam Altman and Greg Stockman stole a charity. Full stop,' read one of Musk’s missives."
• Russian superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz despite blockade - "A superyacht linked to one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's key allies has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the ongoing blockade of the critical shipping channel. The 142m-long (465 ft) multi-deck luxury boat, named Nord, is linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov."
• Prada launches Indian-made sandals after cultural appropriation backlash - "Italian luxury brand Prada has launched a limited-edition line of sandals inspired by India's traditional Kolhapuri sandals, nearly a year after it faced criticism over cultural appropriation."
• Why Spotify has no button to filter out AI music - "Spotify, along with YouTube Music and Amazon Music, have so far avoided any clear user-facing labels or filters for AI-generated music, neither openly using detection tools nor requiring systematic self-disclosure – though that may change as industry standards develop."
• Michael moonwalks to $217m opening weekend, shattering box office records for a biopic - "Michael Jackson biopic has shrugged off controversy, bad reviews and a troubled production to take $217m worldwide, including $97m in North America."
• Star Wars to The Devil Wears Prada 2: 10 of the best films to watch this May - "With the cinematic debut of the Mandalorian and his sidekick Grogu and the return of the iconic Miranda Priestly, these are the films to watch at the cinema and stream at home this month."

April 27, 2026

• What we know on day 59 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran discusses diplomatic solutions with regional partners as Trump says Iran could telephone if it wants to talk."
• What we're learning about suspected Washington press dinner gunman - "New information is emerging about Cole Tomas Allen - who was identified by US officials as the man who was arrested after shots were fired inside the hotel where the White House Correspondents' Dinner was being held on Saturday night."
• ‘I don’t expect forgiveness’: Authorities review writings of California teacher suspected of shooting - "The day after a man opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, authorities are combing through a message sent by the shooting suspect, seeking to understand what allegedly led him from his life as a respected California teacher to a would-be assassin."
• Suspected gunman at White House Correspondents’ Dinner raises questions about event’s security protocol - "He was carrying a shotgun, a handgun and knives, according to law enforcement officials, and managed to move quickly to a lobby one floor above where the president sat in the massive ballroom that can hold 2,600 people. Surveillance video images that appear to show the Secret Service agents relaxed and caught off guard as the man races through an area where magnetometer machines were set up to screen guests before they entered the ballroom."
• Trump says King will be 'very safe' during US visit after security talks - "The King and Queen's programme will go ahead largely as planned, Buckingham Palace said, with the UK government hoping it could ease diplomatic tensions."
• King Charles set to meet Trump for the toughest mission of his reign - "Trump has declared that Britain was no longer 'the Rolls-Royce of allies' and dismissed its Royal Navy aircraft carriers as 'toys.' Asked this month about the state of the 'special relationship,' Trump replied: 'Not good, not good at all.' It falls to King Charles to help mend it. The monarch lands in the US on Monday for a four-day state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence, declared during the reign of his five-times great-grandfather, King George III."
• Elon Musk & Sam Altman are about to face off in court. Is an impartial jury even possible? - "A group of regular people who might not even know much about artificial intelligence could soon determine OpenAI’s future."
• The Podcast Where You Can Eavesdrop on the A.I. Elite - "Dwarkesh Patel was a bored college sophomore looking for intellectual stimulation. Now he commands interviews with Jensen Huang and Mark Zuckerberg and holds his own with deeply nerdy A.I. researchers."
• Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026; The Trends That Defined the Fair - "Smaller cases, heritage-driven designs, luxurious materials, reasuring designs but also innovations in chronographs and complications."
• Gen Z’s love for retro watches has little to do with keeping time - "How Timothée Chalamet’s watch is revealing an underestimated trend."
• In ‘deep shit’: tourist stuck in excrement for hours after pit toilet collapses in Australian outback - "The woman, who was visiting the Henbury meteorite crater near Alice Springs, was left feeling shaken by the ordeal. What started as a routine trip to the bathroom ended in horror after a long-drop toilet collapsed in the Northern Territory, stranding a tourist waist-deep in excrement for several hours before she was rescued by a tradesman."
• Ranked: Who Uses the World’s Coal? - "China accounts for 51.7% of global coal consumption, using more than all other countries combined. The top six countries make up 87% of global demand. India is a distant second at 11.7%, followed by Indonesia (9.0%). The U.S. and Australia each contribute about 5% of global demand."
• Clean Energy in the Electricity Mix: Top 10 Economies (2015 vs 2024) - "The UK added the most over the period at +19.5 percentage points (45.4% → 64.9%), followed by Japan at +15.9 pp and Germany at +14.6 pp - all driven largely by wind and solar buildout. France remains the outlier on level, with 94.9% of its electricity already clean thanks to its nuclear fleet, leaving it only 2.8 pp of incremental headroom. Canada is the only country in the set to backslide, shedding 1.4 pp as its clean share dipped from 79.1% to 77.7%."

April 26, 2026

• What we know on day 58 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "US President Donald Trump calls off a planned trip to Pakistan by his envoys, in the latest setback to efforts to end the war with Iran."
• Trump rushed off stage after shots fired at White House Correspondents’ Dinner - "President Donald Trump was swiftly escorted off the stage by Secret Service after possible shots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday."
• Suspect in custody after shots fired at White House Correspondents’ Dinner - "Officials said a lone gunman charged Secret Service, striking one agent. The president, his wife and his Cabinet are safe."
• President Trump speaks after shooting incident at White House Correspondents' Dinner - "US President Donald Trump spoke at a press conference after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, as authorities investigate the attack."
• How Washington’s biggest annual dinner transformed into chaos & a crime scene - "President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were seated on the stage of the cavernous Washington Hilton ballroom just after 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday evening, playfully engaging with the evening’s entertainer, mentalist Oz Pearlman."
• In pictures: Shots fired at White House Correspondents’ Dinner - "President Donald Trump was swiftly escorted off the stage by Secret Service after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday."
• What's the royal protocol for King Charles' state visit with Trump? - "The visit will mark the 250th anniversary of America's independence, but may smooth tensions between the U.S. and the UK, particularly after the UK opted not to take part in the war in Iran."
• What to Know About King Charles & Queen Camilla’s State Visit to the U.S. - "The British royals are set to arrive on Monday for a visit hosted by President Trump, with a garden party, an address to Congress and a banquet on the schedule."
• King Charles III's Coronation watch flex will be seriously grail-worthy - "Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph - Described as 'rare' yet 'still undervalued', the King's go-to wristwear shows he knows a thing or two about horology."
• 8 Signs You’re the Problem in Your Arguments - "You reach for 'always' and 'never' - You attack who they are, not what they did - People walk on eggshells around you - There's always drama in ..."
• Apple Wallet’s new Digital ID feature just added more ways to use it - "Apple launched a new Digital ID feature in the Wallet app last fall, and now it can officially be used for age verification purposes. Apple’s Digital ID launched with TSA checkpoint acceptance, and the promise of more to come."
• Time for change: How luxury watchmakers are embracing innovation - "In an industry characterized by tradition, tough economic realities have seen luxury watchmakers looking to innovate."
• China’s AI upstart DeepSeek drops new model. Will it make waves like last year? - "China’s DeepSeek unveiled a preview version of its much-anticipated new model on Friday, promising to rival models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google a year after the then little-known start up took the global AI industry by storm."
• Meet the men calling out 'masculinity' trends - ""It might have started as 'here's my gym routine, here's my skincare routine,'"sports physician and rural doctor, Dr Michael Mrozinski says. "But now it's turned into 'Here's how I make my cheekbones bigger - by smashing them with a hammer'"."
• Sabastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon by becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon - "The 30-year-old Kenyan crossed the line to win in one hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, more than one minute faster than the late Kelvin Kiptum's previous record of 2:00:35, set in 2023."

April 25, 2026

• What we know on day 57 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan, as Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad."
• Trump will return to a dinner celebrating the press corps he often attacks - "This weekend’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be unlike any other. Trump will be attending the gala for the first time as president and speaking before thousands of journalists and politicos - leaving attendees to wonder what he’ll say and how the room will react."
• The women behind Latin America’s narco-empires - "The secret lives of cartel wives."
• Meet the cat & dog rescued by a drone from the Ukrainian front line - "It is common knowledge among Ukrainian soldiers that anyone joining the military will, sooner or later, become a cat person."
• Hundreds of Everest hopefuls are waiting at base camp as glacier blocks route to summit - "Anxiety is growing at Everest Base Camp, more than 5,300 meters above sea level. Hundreds of climbers including sherpas have gathered, eager to summit the world’s most famous mountain as the annual spring climbing season kicks off - but there’s one problem. A massive serac, or a block of glacial ice, is hindering the route and keeping alpinists in limbo as they wait for it to gradually collapse and clear the way."
• Thousands at risk after multi-million dollar Everest flood warning system left to rust - "An early flood warning system designed to save the lives of thousands of people in the Everest region may no longer be working, Nepalese officials have admitted to the BBC, after it was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair."
• The Best Photos From the 2026 TIME100 Gala - "An eclectic crowd of leaders, artists, and innovators gathered Thursday night in New York City for the TIME100 Gala, celebrating the 100 Most Influential People of 2026. Artists, actors, chefs, politicians, activists and business leaders brushed shoulders with each other as they shared in cocktails and conversations."
• A watch made for out-of-this-world exploration - "Our Earthly concept of time looks very different in space. For astronauts on board a space station orbiting our planet roughly every 90 minutes, there are multiple sunrises and sunsets within 24 hours. What watch then, should an astronaut wear? One Swiss maker has a new solution. Luxury brand IWC Schaffhausen’s latest watch - the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive - is its first specifically designed and engineered for timekeeping in space."
• How Elon Musk Used SpaceX to Benefit Himself & His Businesses - "The rocket maker has been a useful financial tool for Mr. Musk, providing the billionaire with loans and aiding his struggling companies, a Times examination found."
• The enchanting history of Oxford University's 750-year-old medieval library - "Predating the Aztec Empire, Merton College Library in Oxford has been used by everyone from celebrated 14th-Century mathematicians to JRR Tolkien. In an exclusive interview with the BBC for its 750th birthday, its librarian describes what makes it so special."
• Top 10 Best Destinations in the World in 2026 - "Expedia has revealed its list of top 10 destinations in the world in 2026 where global traveller interest is on an upward surge."
• Ranked: The Smartest AI Models of 2026 - "Grok-4.20 Expert Mode and OpenAI GPT 5.4 Pro (Vision) tie for the top spot in TrackingAI’s April 2026 Mensa Norway benchmark, each scoring 145. The top tier is getting crowded, with several leading models now separated by only a few points. Scores have risen sharply from 2025, highlighting how quickly frontier AI reasoning has improved on visual pattern-recognition tests."

April 24, 2026

• What we know on day 56 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is extended by three weeks after White House talks with Israeli and Lebanese envoys."
• Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks, but he won't 'rush' Iran deal - "He also says he will not use a nuclear weapon in Iran, saying that US has achieved its military aims in a conventional way."
• World’s Tallest Building Hits 100 Stories in Major Construction Milestone - "The Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, which will be the world’s tallest building once completed, has reached its 100th floor this week, marking a “great milestone" in its construction, an architect from the firm behind it told Newsweek."
• New last-row design reimagines the worst seat on an airplane as a ‘semi-private retreat’ - "The last row of economy are the airplane seats few people want to sit in. There’s no room to recline your seat and the constant line for the bathroom - not to mention the smell - can be overwhelming. Imagine a secluded pod, screened off from aisle or bathroom noise and built to give you more space for carry-on luggage. Aviation design company has flipped the script, taking this last-choice seat and making it one worth fighting for."
• Mapped: Gas Prices Worldwide, From $0.09 to $15.65 - "This map shows gasoline prices in 170 countries as of April 2026, based on data from GlobalPetrolPrices. The global average sits at $5.58 per gallon, in the middle of a massive range from $0.09 in Libya to $15.65 in Hong Kong. Gas prices range from $0.09 per gallon in Libya to $15.65 in Hong Kong. A $10 fill-up can take you 3,885 miles or just 22 miles, depending on where you are. Oil-rich nations keep prices low through subsidies, while taxes drive higher costs in wealthier economies."
• Top 20 Billionaire producing universities in the world 2026 - "This study shows that billionaire creation is highly concentrated within a small group of universities. Out of 3,184 billionaires analyzed, 45.38% of all billionaires come from just top 100 institutions. Within this top 100 group, The top 10 universities account for 35.99% of billionaire alumni within the top 100 ranking. In other words, 1 in every 3 billionaire alumni in this group comes from just 10 universities."
• How Much Electricity Are AI Data Centers Consuming? - "Today’s visualization shows how much electricity AI data centers use worldwide. Global electricity consumption for data centers is projected to more than double, reaching approximately 945 TWh by 2030. Data centers currently represent approximately 1.5% of global electricity consumption, rising to just under 3% by 2030."
• There are fixes for AI’s toll on the power grid. Here’s why they’re not happening - "Tech companies charging ahead with artificial intelligence have a problem: AI’s rapid growth is colliding headlong with a finite amount of available energy and computing power. OpenAI last year warned the White House of an “electron gap” that puts US leadership in AI at risk, writing that 'electrons are the new oil.'"
• Huge chunk of glacier blocks Everest route in peak climbing season - "A huge, unstable chunk of glacier is blocking the route up Mount Everest from Base Camp in Nepal just as peak climbing season gets under way in the Himalayas."
• The 27 Best Watches From Watches and Wonders 2026 - "All the coolest, most important, and most desirable new releases from the biggest watch event of the year."
• Why Diesel Has Become a Much Bigger Economic Problem Than Gasoline - "The war in Iran has disrupted supplies of diesel, used to power trucks and heavy equipment, much more than gasoline, which is primarily used in passenger cars."
• 6 Common Medications That May Lower Your Dementia Risk - "Some vaccines, along with heart medications and other drugs, appear to have a protective benefit."

April 23, 2026

• What we know on day 55 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran says it wants talks, but blames US 'breach of commitments, blockade and threats' for stalling negotiations."
• Trump claims Iran’s regime is fractured. The reality is more complicated - "Governance in Iran has become far more complicated since the United States and Israel eliminated most of the regime’s top military and political leaders, including Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei."
• iOS 26.4.2 Patches Flaw That Let FBI Extract Deleted Signal Messages - "The iOS 26.4.2, iPadOS 26.4.2, iOS 18.7.8, and iPadOS 18.7.8 updates that Apple released today address a security vulnerability that the FBI recently used to extract Signal message previews from an iPhone even after the app was deleted."
• This is why your charging cables keep breaking - "Your bad habits are destroying your charging cables. Charging cables are the most overlooked technology in your life, until they break and you're stuck with a dying phone. You're the reason they keep failing. Here's how to take better care of them."
• The highs & lows of Spotify’s first 20 years - "From piracy and downloads to playlists and global hits, Spotify has reshaped the music industry over the past two decades. For the 20th anniversary of its founding, CNN’s Clare Sebastian breaks down how the streaming giant grew to hundreds of millions of users, transformed how artists reach audiences, and sparked ongoing debates about pay, power and the future of music."
• Africa’s biggest airport is being built in Ethiopia for $12.5 billion - "Flying between African cities forces many travelers to transit outside the continent, through London, Paris or Dubai. But a $12.5 billion airport under construction in Ethiopia could help change that. Bishoftu International Airport is scheduled to open in 2030 with two runways and capacity for 60 million passengers a year, with plans to grow to 110 million passengers."
• Tap water toxin: 1 in 5 Americans may have a dangerous toxin in their tap water - "Over 62 million Americans - roughly 1 in 5 people - may be exposed to potentially dangerous levels of nitrates in their tap water, a new report has shown."
• Behind the scenes of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' - "Anne Hathaway's push for body diversity, Sydney Sweeney's cut scene and more. Led by Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, the stars of The Devil Wears Prada 2 have been making a slew of red carpet appearances near and far"
• 14 best walking shoes of 2026, per podiatrists - "The most comfortable walking shoes, according to podiatrists and shoe experts."
• Why do firstborns earn more? Here’s the germ of an idea - "Eldest children do better in exams and score higher in IQ tests. A study suggests they owe their advantage to the bugs they bring home."

April 22, 2026

• Earth Day - "Our Power, Our Planet." Join us for Earth Day 2026 activities on Saturday, April 18th, and continue the momentum through Earth Day on April 22nd - and beyond.
• What we know on day 54 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran war live: Trump says ceasefire extended as talks with Tehran in limbo."
• Why Trump extended his ceasefire with Iran - "Despite significant hurdles, one official said there is still a chance negotiators meet soon. But it is far from certain."
• Oil spills from the Iran war are visible from space - " Satellite images show oil swirling in the water after Iranian and US-Israeli strikes on oil facilities and ships."
• One 'Art of the Deal' rule Trump seems to be forgetting with Iran - "'The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it,' Trump wrote in the 1987 book that lionized wheeler-dealing and himself."
• China’s energy fortress was built to withstand just this type of oil shock - "Under that vision, China has unleashed a renewable energy revolution of wind, solar and hydropower, drilled ever deeper into oilfields offshore and on, and forged pacts with partners for more supply - all in a bid to cut the country’s reliance on imported fuel and insulate it against 'external shocks.'"
• Airlines are about to run out of jet fuel because of the Iran war - "Thought the summer travel season was looking bad? Brace yourself: It could get even worse."
• Ukraine’s richest man snaps up record-breaking Mareterra apartment in €471 million Monaco mega-deal - "Monaco’s ultra-prime property market may have set a new benchmark, with Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov reported to have acquired a major residence in the Principality’s Mareterra district for around €471 million."
• Michael review: ‘A bland & barely competent daytime TV movie' - "It's bad. It's bad. It's really, really bad. This saccharine, reverential biopic about controversial music legend Michael Jackson is set to be one of the worst films of 2026 - removing 'everything that might be deemed dramatic'."
• Countries Losing Trust in the U.S. - "Trust in the United States has declined across all surveyed G7 and BRICs countries, with Canada showing the steepest drop at -52%. Major European allies including Italy, France, and Germany report declines between -15% and -21%. Public support for higher defense spending is rising in Europe, with 43% in France and 32% in Germany."
• Mapped: The World’s Biggest Energy Sources by Country - "Oil is the most common dominant energy source globally, leading in 39 of the countries covered in the dataset. Coal remains the primary energy source in several of Asia’s largest economies, including China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Biomass is still the biggest energy source across much of Africa, where fuels like firewood and charcoal remain widely used for cooking and heating."
• AI chatbots could be making you stupider - "As large language models take over more and more cognitive tasks, researchers are warning this mental outsourcing comes with a cost."
• ChatGPT Images 2.0 is a breakthrough that could fundamentally reshape graphic generation - "OpenAI is adding reasoning and web search to its ChatGPT Images 2.0 image generator. The model can now create up to eight consistent images from a single prompt and handles text in general, and especially in non-Latin scripts, significantly better."
• Your Guide to the 2026 Met Gala: Theme, Hosts, Dress Code & More - "What to know about this year's celebration, including the return of a superstar last seen on the Met carpet 10 years ago."
• La dolce vita: Is Italy the new tax haven for the global rich? - "A fixed amount of annual tax on all foreign income - regardless of amount - has made Italy attractive to rich people from other countries. Italy has already been attacked by the French Government for using tax incentives to lure wealthy French and other international residents away, but with the war in the Middle East hurting the Gulf states, Italy has become an even more attractive location for the rich."
• Inside the world's best airport: Why does Changi keep winning? - "What makes Changi the world's best airport? Singapore Changi Airport is famous for its waterfall, butterfly garden and seamless transit. But its real competitive edge is behind the scenes."

April 21, 2026

• What we know on day 53 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israel war on Iran are stalled as Tehran rejects talks under pressure."
• A deal to end the Iran war seemed close. Then Trump started posting on social media - "As the weekend approached, the US and Iran appeared to be closing in on a deal to end the seven-week war. Then President Donald Trump did exactly what his staffers have repeatedly said they wouldn’t do: He seemed to try negotiating via the press."
• New era as Apple names new boss to replace Tim Cook after 15 years - "Apple has named John Ternus as its new chief executive to replace Tim Cook, who is stepping down after 15 years of leading the technology giant."
• Who is John Ternus, the incoming CEO of Apple? - "Apple veteran John Ternus will take over the $4 trillion company as CEO come September 1."
• FBI director Kash Patel files $250M defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic - "FBI director Kash Patel has sued The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over a story that alleged Patel has 'alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.'"
• Trump tariff refunds begin but consumers likely to miss out - "The Trump administration has begun processing refunds for more than $160bn in tariffs that the US Supreme Court struck down in February. In what is to be the biggest repayment programme in history, companies can apply online for money they were charged under the so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs - plus interest - to be returned."
• Amnesty International’s annual report: The State of the World's Human Rights: April 2026 - "The report documents human rights concerns during 2025 in 144 countries, connecting global and regional issues and looking to the future."
• Ranked: 2026 GDP Growth Forecasts for the World’s 20 Largest Economies - "Geopolitical tensions are putting pressure on global growth, but not all economies are affected equally. Which of the world’s largest economies are set to grow the fastest in 2026?"
• Want to Stay in Your Prime for Longer? - "Try LeBron James' Post-Game Recovery Strategies. At 41, LeBron James has redefined elite longevity over his NBA career—in part by using these recovery techniques."
• The Best Morning Routine to Help You Live a Longer Life - "Forget the rise-and-grind TikToks, experts map out the ideal morning to help you maximize your chances of living longer and better."
• Mapped: Internet Freedom Around the World in 2026 - "This map ranks 171 countries based on how freely people can access the internet. The results reveal stark global differences, from highly open systems in parts of Europe and Latin America to tightly controlled networks in countries like North Korea and China. 11 countries tie for the world’s freest internet (score: 92), spanning Europe, Latin America, and Asia. North Korea ranks last (0), with China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan close behind (4). The U.S. (64) and UK (52) rank mid-pack, trailing leaders like Norway and Costa Rica."
• Aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer & we're starting to understand why - "The 4,000-year-old drug, most commonly used to treat pain, prevents certain tumours from forming and spreading across the body - findings that are already changing health policies."
• Four benefits of going out in the rain - "From its distinctive smell to the negative ions it releases, rain has some fascinating benefits for our bodies - especially when it comes to our mood: 1. The serotonin boost - 2. The cleaner air - 3. The memory-enhancing smell - 4. The relaxing sound."
• Route 66 at 100: The Native American story behind the US's most famous highway - "Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, the road passes through Native lands for much of its length - yet Indigenous voices have long been overlooked. Now, First Nation communities are reclaiming their place along the Mother Road, reshaping how travellers understand and experience the legendary highway."
• Top 10 countries with highest Gold reserves - "The United States of America leads global gold reserves, followed by Germany and Italy, with India ranking 7th among the top holders."
• Ranked: Central Banks Buying & Selling Gold in 2026 - "Poland Leads Global Gold Buying in 2026; Poland, 20.23; Uzbekistan, 16.48; Kazakhstan, 6.51; Malaysia, 4.98. Emerging markets are driving most purchases as geopolitical risk rises. Russia and Turkey are among the biggest sellers, reflecting fiscal and currency pressures."

April 20, 2026

• What we know on day 52 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Islamabad talks in limbo as Tehran says it will retaliate after US marines capture an Iranian-flagged ship near the Strait of Hormuz."
• ‘Robots don’t bleed’: Ukraine sends machines into the battlefield in place of human soldiers - "The scene is as old as warfare itself. Two soldiers, hands in the air, surrendering and carefully following the orders barked at them by the other side. Except in this case, there were no human captors in sight. Instead, the two Russians were submitting to Ukrainian land robots and drones controlled by a pilot from the safety of a position miles away from the front line."
• What to Know About Allegations of Excessive Drinking by FBI Director Kash Patel - "Kash Patel denies allegations of excessive drinking as officials cited in a new report raise concerns about FBI leadership."
• The insider trading suspicions looming over Trump's presidency - "Throughout US President Donald Trump's second term in office, traders have been betting millions of dollars just before he makes major announcements. The BBC has examined trade volume data on several financial markets and matched them to some of the president's most significant market-moving statements."
• The baguette faces an uncertain future. How France is rethinking its iconic loaves - "When the baguette received official UNESCO heritage status in Paris in 2022, the French delegation waved slender loaves of crusty bread triumphantly in the air, in a photo op that went viral around the world. In a 2023 consumer survey released by the National Confederation of French Bakeries and Pastry Shops (CNBPF), more than a third (36%) of the 1,000 respondents also said they had reduced their bread consumption over the last five years."
• Queen Elizabeth II: a life in photographs - "Our new book marks the centenary of her birth by revealing rarely seen Times pictures. Here are 21 of the best."
• The Books You Should've Read at Every Age - "Dua Lipa, Bernardine Evaristo and others share what to read over a lifetime."
• 13 Garments That Altered the History of Clothing - "13 Garments That Changed Fashion. Four designers and one historian weigh in."
• A Chinese android just ran a half-marathon faster than any human ever - "Lightning, a running robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished the 21-kilometer run in Beijing in a stunning 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the human world record by more than six minutes."
• Shakespeare owned a house in London. We finally know where it was - " A chance find in a London archive has allowed a researcher to pinpoint the exact location of William Shakespeare’s London home for the first time. The new discovery means we now know its exact location, size and layout, as well as what kind of buildings would have surrounded it."
• Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert - "Old garments from around the world are being discarded in a desert in northern Chile. Chile imports 123,000 tonnes of used clothes every year, according to government estimates. The big driver of this is the free-trade port of Iquique in the north of the country."
• The US public's frenzy over Jackie O's possessions - "In April 1996, two years after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's death, fans could bid on everything from the former first lady's French textbook to her diamond engagement ring. The BBC reported on the New York auction."
• Top 10 largest national parks in the world - "From the Northeast Greenland National Park to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, here is the list of the 10 largest national parks in the world."
• Mapped: America’s Best States to Live In - "Massachusetts ranks #1, but several Midwest states now dominate the top 10. Idaho and Wisconsin outperform major coastal states on overall livability. Many of the most affordable states rank near the bottom, highlighting a 'livability paradox.'"
• Ranked: The World’s 15 Largest Defense Budgets - "The U.S. spends $921B on defense, more than the next eight countries combined. The world’s top 15 military budgets surpassed $2 trillion for the first time. Europe is driving the fastest growth, with spending rising sharply across NATO."

April 19, 2026

• What we know on day 51 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Tehran will keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed until Washington ends the blockade of Iranian ports."
• How 24 hours of whiplash over the Strait of Hormuz unfolded - "What a difference a day makes. This time yesterday, one might have been forgiven for thinking more ships might start squeezing through the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Iran ceasefire approaches its expiry date."
• The Looming Risk of Too Many Satellites & Debris in Space - "AI is spurring ever more data satellites in space. How humanity plans to deal with the clutter is still an open question."
• Apollo v Artemis: How the Earth changed in 58 years - "After the Apollo 8 crew captured the iconic Earthrise photo in 1968, Artemis astronauts have recreated the image, revealing changes to our fragile blue planet."
• Titanic life jacket sells for £670,000 at auction - "It is the only life jacket from the Titanic to be sold at auction in the 114 years since the ship sank. First class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli, who was one of about 700 people to survive the tragedy in 1912, used the vest before entering a lifeboat."
• Trump is savaging allies who criticize the Iran war. But he’s treating Joe Rogan very differently - "The way Joe Rogan tells it, about all President Donald Trump needed before he fast-tracked research into therapeutic uses for certain psychedelic treatments like Ibogaine was a text from the podcaster."
• This traveler has flown business class 521 times & counting - "Here’s when he thinks it’s worth it - and when it’s not. Since 2010, he has logged 945 flights, covering 1,585,148 miles - or about 64 times around the world. He’s passed through 130 airports and flown on 35 airlines. Of those flights, 521 have been in business class, 11 in international first, and a handful in private."
• Sneak peek at special Qantas jetliners for record-breaking 22-hour nonstop flights - "Australian airline Qantas Airways’ much-talked-about Project Sunrise will see a fleet of 12 Airbus A350-1000ULRs take on record-breaking 22-hour flights from Sydney to London and New York."
• Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated - this is what the fightback looks like - "Scams have exploded over the last few years. Can countries and companies come together to turn the tables on the scammers?"
• Should you really trust health advice from an AI chatbot? - "When the chatbots were given the complete picture they were 95% accurate. 'They were amazing, actually, nearly perfect,' researcher Prof Adam Mahdi tells me. But it was a very different story when 1,300 people were given a scenario to have a a conversation with a chatbot about in order to get a diagnosis and advice."
• Michael Jackson film set to be a controversial hit - "A new film about Michael Jackson's extraordinary but troubled life is set to open in cinemas. It's tracking to be very popular - but will it tell the full story?"
• Alec Baldwin to face civil trial over Rust film set shooting - "Actor Alec Baldwin could face a civil trial over a 2021 shooting on the set of the film Rust, after a judge ruled a lawsuit could go to trial. Baldwin has denied pulling the trigger, and a criminal case against him was dismissed in 2024."
• Ranked: The World’s Largest Armies in 2026 - "China leads with roughly 2 million troops, followed by India, Russia, and the United States—all with over 1 million active personnel. Bangladesh ranks #1 globally with over 7 million personnel, driven almost entirely by reserves and paramilitary forces. China has the largest active-duty military, with roughly 2 million troops. Countries like South Korea and Taiwan rely heavily on reserves due to regional security pressures."
• Ranked: The World’s Biggest Natural Gas Producers - "1, United States, 37,751 - 2, Russia, 22,672 - 3, Iran, 9,853 - 4, China, 9,111. The U.S. produces 25% of global natural gas, far ahead of any other country. Its output is nearly equal to Iran and China combined. Global supply is concentrated among a small group of producers, shaping energy markets and LNG trade."
• The $24trn question: who owns these 100-year-old mining maps? - "Colonial records in a Belgian museum could unlock DR Congo’s vast mineral wealth for American mining companies. The curators are in no hurry to help."

April 18, 2026

• What we know on day 50 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again until the US lifts the blockade of its ports, hours after Trump said he was optimistic of a deal with Tehran."
• Interactive Global disruption in real time: A White House scramble to contain a crisis - "A timeline of how the Trump administration responded as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz consumed the global economy."
• Chinese carmaker patents voice-controlled 'in-vehicle toilet' - "Chinese carmaker Seres has been granted a patent for what it calls an 'in-vehicle toilet' that slides under a passenger's seat for visits to the loo while on the road. Chinese electric vehicles have become increasingly packed with unconventional features, like built-in massage seats, karaoke systems and a fridge, to stand out in a highly competitive market."
• Margot Robbie & Bradley Cooper bring Ocean’s 11 prequel heist to Monaco Grand Prix - "Monaco’s most iconic event is heading to the big screen, with the forthcoming Ocean’s 11 prequel set to unfold against the backdrop of the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix."
• 'Top Gun 3' Officially in the Works With Tom Cruise Returning - "'Top Gun 3' is officially in the works with Tom Cruise back for the 'Maverick' sequel. It grossed $1.5 billion at the global box office from a $170 million budget, giving movie theaters the jolt they needed when times were tough."
• David Attenborough revisits gorilla family he met nearly 50 years ago - "David Attenborough’s ‘A Gorilla Story’ reveals a rare conservation success."
• Queen Elizabeth’s Later-in-Life Style Was Inspired by Jackie Kennedy - "The Queen's dresser Angela Kelly sought out a 'Jackie O' look for the British monarch."
• Tinder & Zoom offer 'proof of humanity' eye-scans to combat AI - "Tinder will let users prove they are human and not robots by bringing advanced eye-scanning technology to the app amid rising fears over AI."
• Modern Dating Is Making Us Less Secure - "A Columbia clinical psychiatrist argues that insecurity has been structurally built into modern dating through dating apps."
• The Rise & Fall & Rise of Michael Jackson - "A new biopic is the latest move in the Jackson estate’s posthumous - and lucrative - rehabilitation campaign."
• The Pope & the President - "The two most powerful Americans in the world are clashing."
• A Huge Arch - "President Trump wants to build one, but he’s getting pushback."
• 5 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Sleep - "1. Checking your phone if you wake up at night - 2. Underestimating your morning coffee - 3. Drinking fluids too close to bedtime - 4. Snoozing with pets - 5. Telling yourself you’re ‘just a bad sleeper’."
• Coachella campers are turning tents fancy & not all Brits are happy - "It's even been labelled 'performative camping' - where you make your pitch as fancy as possible and film it for social media clout."
• The travellers mapping their holiday by the stars - "Astrocartography, a branch of astrology that maps your birth chart onto the globe, is becoming an unlikely travel-planning tool for people seeking trips with meaning, luck, love or renewal."
• Ranked: Where Population Growth Has Been Fastest Since 2000 - "India added 406 million people since 2000, the largest increase globally. Qatar and the UAE recorded the fastest growth rates, with populations rising over 250%. Population growth since 2000 has been concentrated in Africa and South Asia, both in scale and speed."
• Adriano Goldschmied, ‘Godfather’ of Modern Denim, Dies at 82 - "An energetic entrepreneur, he developed more than 50 brands of jeans, including Gap 1969 and other cult classics. Adriano Goldschmied, the Italian businessman known as 'the godfather of denim' for his role in developing ever-more-refined versions of the world's most popular fabric, died on April 5 in Castelfranco Veneto, a town near his home in Asolo, Italy. He was 82."

April 17, 2026

• What we know on day 49 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Celebrations in Lebanon as a 10-day ceasefire begins, opening the door to talks on a longer-term Israel-Lebanon deal."
• First American pope steps into the political arena against Trump - "How the first American pope is reclaiming Christian values from the Trump administration."
• 5 of the most covetable watches for women in 2026 - "This week’s Watches & Wonders showcase in Geneva certainly proved that there are just as many contrasting ideologies and competing priorities in 2026."
• Monaco joins French Riviera set for The White Lotus Season 4 - "Production has begun on the fourth season of HBO’s acclaimed satire The White Lotus, with Monaco featuring prominently among a string of glamorous French Riviera filming locations."
• Michael Jackson’s billion-dollar biopic - just don’t mention sexual abuse - "Michael is poised to break box-office records globally, but the family is divided over it."
• Finance ministers & top bankers raise serious concerns about Mythos AI model - "The development of the Claude Mythos model by Anthropic has led to crisis meetings, after it found vulnerabilities in many major operating systems."
• Could a digital twin make you into a 'superworker'? - "Firms say digital twins make staff more productive, but are they a potential legal minefield?"
• I gave up eating sugar. This is what I learned - "Foods with added sugar are everywhere - even in some surprising places. So how easy is it to go without sugar and what difference can it make to your health?"
• Eight of Mexico's most stunning modern homes - "From a sculptural icon by an early modernist master to a remote, rosy-hued dream home, here are some remarkable Mexican dwellings."
• 'Sanctuaries in the sky': Eight of the world's most stunning penthouses - "The penthouse is an iconic signifier of wealth in our culture - but what are its essential design and architectural elements? From a luxe haven with dizzying ocean vistas to the highest private home on the US west coast, these sky-high masterworks of design are among the most breathtaking ever built."
• 'Gasps of wonder': The 19th-Century US home that embodied the super-rich - "'A time-travel fantasy' and the largest privately-owned home in the US, Biltmore House was George W Vanderbilt's 'American chateau built on the scale of a European palace'. It came to encapsulate the glamour and opulence of the Gilded Age, says a new book. What does it reveal about the wealthiest one per cent - then and now?"
• Every S&P 500 Company in One Giant Chart - "Just 13 companies now make up over 40% of the S&P 500. This visualization breaks down the $57.6T S&P 500 by company and sector. This chart shows all 500 companies in the S&P 500, sized by market cap and grouped by sector. Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft alone make up about 18% of the $57.6 trillion index. A small group of mega-cap companies occupies a disproportionate share of the market."
• Defense Spending of NATO members - "Defense spending across NATO has increased significantly in recent years as the alliance responds to a more uncertain global security environment. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, alongside rising geopolitical tensions across Europe and the Middle East, has pushed many members to accelerate military investment."
• Most congested cities global - "The Global Traffic Card."
• Spacecraft's splashdown was like diving off a skyscraper backwards, Artemis astronaut says - "Artemis II crew talk about their Moon mission."
• How Healthy Are Oats? - "One nutritional superstar really sets them apart. Hearty, basic and cheap, oats have been eaten for centuries. And now, they’re a staple of wellness culture - for good reason. Oats are a 'balanced food' with a good amount of protein, relatively little fat and a variety of vitamins and minerals."

April 16, 2026

• What we know on day 48 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "US–Iran talks gain pace as Pakistan mediates, with fresh optimism for a new round of talks in Islamabad."
• How US & Iran could reach a peace deal that both can sell as a victory - "There is little choice for the United States and Iran other than to make a deal. The unspoken truth since the war began, this remains more the case in the closing five days of the ceasefire."
• Pope criticises 'tyrants' who spend billions on wars, days after Trump spat - "Pope Leo has criticised leaders who spend billions on wars and said the world is 'being ravaged by a handful of tyrants,' in unusually forceful comments during his visit to Cameroon."
• How Trump’s memes fit a broader strategy of political trolling - "What is the deal with these strange deepfake Trump memes? Before there was Trump as Jesus, there was Trump as the pope. There was Trump as Rocky. There was Trump in Apocalypse Now, smelling victory."
• Late Night Laughs at Explanations of Trump’s Jesus ‘Joke’ - "Ronny Chieng poked fun at JD Vance's defense of President Trump posting an image of himself as a Christlike figure."
• Scientists sound alarm as Atlantic current system much more likely to collapse than thought - "Collapse would have catastrophic consequences for Europe, Africa and the Americas."
• A year on: Four ways Trump's tariffs have changed the global economy - "1. US-China break-up accelerates - 2. Trade partners look elsewhere - 3. Tensions with allies build - 4. Prices rise in the US."
• Stocks Hit Record High as Wall St. Looks Beyond War - "Investors appear to be treating an end to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran as a foregone conclusion, as the S&P 500 closes above 7,000."
• Emily in Paris set for Monaco filming - "The hit Netflix series Emily in Paris is heading to Monaco, with part of its sixth season set to be filmed in the Principality."
• Welcome to the most ambitious Rolls-Royce ever built: the astonishing Project Nightingale - "The first of RR's 'Coachbuild Collection' is a 5.76m-long fully-electric two-door convertible. So Rolls."
• I used ChatGPT to transform my iPhone home screen & now it feels like a brand-new device - "With just a few changes, my iPhone screen got decluttered and easier to follow."
• millions are taking glp-1s. no one knows what happens next - "The great Ozempic experiment. What makes GLP-1 drugs so powerful is how the hormone behaves when given as medicine. GLP-1 receptors are found all over the body, and when people receive much higher, longer-lasting doses than humans produce naturally, a wide range of benefits surface."
• Sam Altman May Control Our Future - Can He Be Trusted? - "New interviews and closely guarded documents shed light on the persistent doubts about the head of OpenAI."

April 15, 2026

• What we know on day 47 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "US President Donald Trump has signalled a possible second round of talks with Iran in the coming days."
• US says blockade of Iranian ports ‘fully implemented’ as Trump hints at further peace talks - "Iran’s military has threatened to shut down shipping operations in the Red Sea if the blockade continues."
• IMF warns of potential global recession if Iran war worsens - "IMF sees global oil shortfall this year and warns Iran war could tip world into recession."
• TIME100 | The 100 Most Influential People of 2026 - "From pioneers, leaders, and titans to artists, innovators, and icons, introducing the 2026 TIME100."
• What Happened After Denmark Adopted a Ruined City in Ukraine - "The Danish government has contributed more than $250 million to Mykolaiv, as the Trump administration pushes a more business-focused plan."
• A $1 million Picasso has sold for just $117 - "A painting by famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, valued at more than $1 million, has sold for the price of a dinner in Paris. Ari Hodara was the lucky winner of the '1 Picasso for 100 euros' raffle, which offered entrants the chance to take home Picasso’s 1941 gouache 'Tête de Femme.'"
• Ranked: The World’s Most Surveilled Cities - "Discover the world's most surveilled cities, where Hyderabad leads with 79 cameras per 1000 people and Asian cities dominate the rankings. Eight of the top 10 cities are Asian. The other two most surveilled cities are in Russia. China has 700 million cameras (494 per 1,000 people), though per-city data is unavailable."
• Rolls-Royce launches new two-seater electric car - "The BMW-owned company said it will create just 100 of the Project Nightingale cars and will be hand-built at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood, West Sussex, with deliveries anticipated to start in 2028."
• Did Donald Trump just commit ‘blasphemy’? - "On Sunday, in the midst of a Truth Social tirade against Pope Leo XIV, President Donald Trump shared an image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. Christians across faith traditions - even many in the MAGA universe who have otherwise supported Trump - roundly denounced the rendering as 'blasphemy.'"
• Heeeeere’s ‘The Shining’ hotels - "You can stay at The Overlook Hotel, the famously chilling accommodation conjured by author Stephen King and director Stanley Kubrick in their respective versions of ‘The Shining.’ You just need to decide which Overlook Hotel speaks to your soul."
• Forget the Midlife Crisis. It May Be Your Happiest Chapter Yet - "New science suggests that the much-maligned life stage - middle age - can be surprisingly satisfying."
• Beautiful Home Libraries - "From Connecticut to Cairo, reading spots that will seem like paradise to book- and design-lovers alike."

April 14, 2026

• What we know on day 46 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "The US started a blockade on Iranian ports, but Trump said there is still a chance for Tehran to reach a deal."
• Trump’s approach to Iran is an extension of his personal brand - "Iran crisis epitomizes a world increasingly resistant to Trump’s demands."
• US-sanctioned ships pass Strait of Hormuz as China calls Trump's blockade 'dangerous' - "Ship tracking data analysed by BBC Verify shows four Iran-linked ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite Washington’s naval blockade beginning."
• Four Ways Trump’s War Is Weakening America - "He has disdained careful military planning and acted on gut instinct and wishfulness. We count four main setbacks for America’s national interests that are the direct result of Mr. Trump’s carelessness."
• Trump claims the Jesus-like image he posted was meant to depict him as a doctor - "President Donald Trump posted a photo that showed him as a Jesus-like figure. The photo caused a backlash even among some of his supporters. Trump claimed the photo was actually meant to depict him as a doctor."
• A watch made for out-of-this-world exploration - "Our Earthly concept of time looks very different in space. For astronauts on board a space station orbiting our planet roughly every 90 minutes, there are multiple sunrises and sunsets within 24 hours. Luxury brand IWC Schaffhausen’s latest watch - the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive - is its first specifically designed and engineered for timekeeping in space."
• These are the world’s busiest airports for 2025 - "1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL): 106.3 million passengers; down 1.6% from 2024 - 2. Dubai (DBX): 95.2 million passengers; up 3.1% - 3. Tokyo Haneda (HND): 91.7 million passengers; up 6.7% - 4..."
• The double-level airplane seat is back with the ‘ultimate, final statement’ design - "The Chaise Longue concept envisages removing the airplane’s overhead cabin to allow for two rows of seating, a top and a bottom level, with the bottom level designed to allow passengers to stretch out and enjoy extra legroom."
• Mapped: Only One Country Can Feed Itself Fully - "Only one country - Guyana - can produce all seven essential food groups domestically. Most countries, including the U.S. and China, fall short in at least one category. Wealth doesn’t guarantee food independence, with many rich nations relying on imports."
• 6 Fascinating Facts about The Count of Monte Cristo - "The Count of Monte Cristo has legions of fans—but even superfans may have missed a few lesser-known facts about this classic book. From Alexandre Dumas’s behind-the-scenes collaborator to a curious connection with a certain sandwich, here are six fascinating details to discover."
• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents Project Nightingale - "Rolls-Royce courts the super rich with £3m electric Nightingale. The luxury carmaker is pivoting from chasing volume to building vehicles for wealthy collectors as it launches the Nightingale - for just 100 buyers."
• Ranked: How Much People Save Around the World - "Sweden has the highest savings rate in OECD economies at 16%, more than 3x the U.S. rate. Americans save just 4.9% of income, about half of Mexico’s rate. Some countries, including New Zealand and South Africa, have negative savings rates."

April 13, 2026

• What we know on day 45 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Trump’s decision to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz is the latest escalation in the war after US and Iran failed to ink a deal."
• Trump claims the ceasefire is ‘holding well’ as US military says blockade will start 10 a.m. ET - "US military to blockade ships from Iranian ports in Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have topped $100 a barrel as the imminent blockade threatens to further disrupt the global economy."
• OrbÁn era swept away by PÉter Magyar's Hungary election landslide - "Preliminary election results, based on more than 98% of counted votes, put his Tisza party on course for an extraordinary 138 seats, with Orbán's Fidesz on 55 and the far-right Our Homeland on six. The landslide will not only allow Magyar to overturn Orbán's increasingly unpopular domestic policies, but reset Hungary's global relationships."
• Pope says he has 'no fear' of Trump after scathing criticism - "Donald Trump accused the pontiff of being 'WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy' in a Truth Social post, later telling reporters he was 'not a big fan'."
• Ex-CIA director calls for ousting Trump: ‘25th amendment was written with him in mind’ - "John Brennan says president who made volatile remarks about destroying Iranian civilization 'is clearly unhinged'."
• Rory McIlroy makes history with a second-straight Masters championship - "Rory McIlroy held off a crowded field, his own erratic play and the weight of history to win the 2026 Masters, becoming only the fourth player in history to win two straight green jackets."
• Sinner claims first Monte-Carlo Masters title & reclaims world number one ranking - "Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-3 in Sunday’s final to win his maiden Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters title and return to the top of the world rankings for the first time since November."
• Someone Has to Be Happy. Why Not Lauren SÁnchez Bezos? - "As half of an unfathomably powerful couple, Mrs. Sánchez Bezos seems to have influenced the uber-rich to stop apologizing, and start enjoying themselves."
• Forbes Self-Made 250: The Greatest Living self-made americans - " This list celebrates individuals who embody the American Dream by reshaping business and proving that anyone can make it to the top."
• apple's upcoming ai smart glasses will be stylish, colorful & totally in-house - "Apple’s AI glasses will experiment with plenty of designs and colors. Apple is also paying attention to what these glasses are made of - reportedly leaning toward more premium materials; something that feels durable, polished, and, importantly, worthy of the price tag Apple will almost certainly attach."
• Why You Should Stop & Smell a Flower for Just 30 Seconds - "The scents around you can slow your heart rate, shift your mood, and trigger vivid memories—often in seconds."
• We spoke to the man making viral Lego-style AI videos for Iran. Experts say it's powerful propaganda - "At first glance they look like they could be scenes out of a Lego movie, although more vivid and fast-paced. But these viral AI videos inspired by the instantly recognisable Lego aesthetic feature dying children, fighter jets and US President Donald Trump - and are in fact pro-Iran propaganda."
• On ‘S.N.L.,’ Trump Makes ‘Urgent’ Calls (Like, to Tiger Woods) - "'Saturday Night Live' also satirized the Artemis II space mission in an episode hosted by Colman Domingo, while 'S.N.L. UK' joined in lampooning Melania Trump."
• 60 Years Later: The Best Films of 1966 - "Six decades on, the films of 1966 feel like the final year before the American New Wave would begin: 1. Blow Up (Michelangelo Antonioni) - 2. The Battle of Algiers (Gillo Pontecorvo) - 3. Persona (Ingmar Bergman) - 4. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Sergio Leone) - 5..."
• Are ancient grains better for you? The surprising truth about quinoa and spelt - "Is the hype around the health benefits of ancient grains justified? Scientists say its not as clear-cut as you might think."
• 'It's incredible, like science fiction': How a new wave of immunotherapy is eliminating cancers - "After nearly 100 years of development, treatments that bolster the body's immune system to fight cancer are coming of age - and saving patients' lives."
• Forget the A.I. Apocalypse. Memes Have Already Nuked Our Culture - "From our jokes and slang to the White House’s policy messaging, internet 'brain rot' has escaped our phones to take over … well, everything."
• 'A kind of dream world appeared': The 'bizarre' story of the world's first LSD trip - "Dr Albert Hoffman accidentally discovered the hallucinatory effects of LSD in April 1943. In 1986, he told the BBC about a 'terrifying' bicycle ride home from the laboratory - and about how his 'problem child' drug changed the world."

April 12, 2026

• What we know on day 44 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "US-Iran talks in Islamabad end without a deal, with each side blaming the other for the failure of the 21-hour-long negotiations."
• What the Artemis II crew shared in first remarks after return to Earth - "The astronauts arrived Saturday at Ellington Field at Johnson Space Center in Houston to cheers, a standing ovation and hugs from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman."
• Sarah Ferguson's plot to commit 'ultimate Andrew betrayal' from 'ex lovers to book deal' - "Recently dubbed the 'most famous missing person in the UK', Fergie is said to be on a 'secret sofa-surfing world tour' which has seen her moving from the home of one loyal and discreet friend to another."
• ‘A Perfect Storm’: How AI Is Transforming the Global Scam Industry - "For the past few years, it’s escaped no one that levels of Internet and telephone fraud have skyrocketed. One in four adults worldwide lost money to scams last year. Globally, over $1 trillion is lost to online fraud annually in what the U.N. has dubbed a 'scamdemic.'"
• Longevity isn’t just about the latest gadget. The actual keys to a longer life are in plain sight - "Tech billionaires are using artificial intelligence, supplements and medical treatments in their attempt to crack the code on living - if not forever - as long as they can."
• The secret history of the fortune cookies you’ve been eating all your life - "They didn’t come from China, and likely not even from Chinese American restaurants. Most research points to Japan."
• Great at gaming? US air traffic control wants you to apply - "In a new ad campaign, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is explicitly calling for gamers to apply for jobs in air traffic control when its hiring window opens next week."
• Ranked: Countries With the Largest Christian Populations - "The U.S. leads the countries with largest Christian populations (inclusive of all denominations) in the world, coming in at 219 million, or about 62% of the population. Brazil is second (169 million), and Mexico third (118 million). Countries like China (72 million) and India (34 million) also crack the top 20, despite the shares being <10%."
• Why Anthropic won't release its new Claude Mythos AI model to the public - "Mythos Preview can identify and exploit software vulnerabilities with unprecedented accuracy, Anthropic says."
• Claude Code Can Now Control Your Desktop: Here’s What It Can Do - "Anthropic’s latest upgrade to Claude Code introduces AI-powered desktop automation, a feature that enables native computer control for macOS users. This enhancement allows tasks like mouse and keyboard navigation, screen recording and remote task execution to be automated directly on the desktop."
• WORLD CHESS CHAMPIONS - "Only 22 people in history have ever become World Chess Champion... but just 18 truly held the classical crown. A legacy that isn’t won in tournaments but fought, one challenger at a time. From uninterrupted reigns to a split era that reshaped the game, this title carries more than trophies it carries history, pressure, and dominance across generations."

April 11, 2026

• What we know on day 43 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Vance meets Pakistan’s prime minister ahead of US-Iran talks. Iranian officials also separately met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before high-stakes US-Iran peace negotiations expected later today."
• Tankers urged not to pay toll to Iran for use of strait - "Tanker firms are being advised not to pay Iran any levies in return for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz."
• 'Perfect bullseye splashdown!' See the moment Orion makes contact with Pacific Ocean - "The Orion spacecraft just made contact with the Pacific Ocean as the parachutes fluttered down to a restful water landing. NASA officials and the astronauts themselves have said that this is the moment that would bring them a deep sigh of relief."
• 5 takeaways from NASA’s biggest test in decades - "After months of anticipation, the monumental 10-day Artemis II mission, which sent four astronauts on a record-breaking flyby of the moon, has concluded. It’s a 'mission well accomplished,' said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman just after splashdown."
• Artemis II mission was a triumph. Now comes the hard part - "The mission was almost flawless but there are considerable obstacles ahead before a Moon landing."
• Grim new economic numbers highlight how Trump is losing leverage against Iran - "The week began with President Donald Trump saber-rattling like we’ve never seen before. He threatened apparent war crimes and to end a “whole civilization” if Iran didn’t meet his demands. It is ending with Trump looking like he’s losing leverage, out of ideas - and increasingly anxious for an offramp."
• Melania Trump's speech propels Epstein crisis back to forefront - "With those words, the Epstein crisis that had plagued the president was once again front and centre thanks to his wife. She has now placed herself squarely into the Epstein story and at odds with the administration, which wants to end the investigation."
• Officials Release Design for 250-Foot Arch in Washington, as Trump Seeks Another Imprint - "The president has proposed the arch, which would rise on a Washington roundabout across from the Lincoln Memorial, as a way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary."
• Tesla is developing a new smaller, cheaper EV, sources say - "Tesla is developing an all-new smaller, cheaper electric SUV, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters."
• Prince Harry sued for libel by his former charity Sentebale - "A charity co-founded by Prince Harry in honour of his late mother Princess Diana, which he quit following a high-profile dispute, is suing the British royal for libel at the High Court in London, a court record showed on Friday."
• How to breathe in fewer microplastics in your home - "The air throughout our homes is infused with microplastics. Clouds of invisibly small microplastics concentrate in the air of our homes, and we could be breathing in hundreds of thousands to millions of them each year. A few small changes can help us reduce our exposure."
• Six of the world's most extraordinary places to dive - "From Fiji's kaleidoscopic reefs to shark-packed passes in French Polynesia, these six destinations offer some of the world's most exhilarating underwater experiences."
• 18 Things Jackie Kennedy Loved That You Can Still Buy Today - "The bags, the fragrances, the skincare rituals - her taste was never a trend."

April 10, 2026

• What we know on day 42 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "A Pakistan-brokered US-Iran ceasefire has taken effect, but disputes over its scope are fuelling regional tensions. Israel and Hezbollah trade strikes ahead of high-stakes US-Iran talks. The fragile truce hangs in the balance, as Netanyahu says Israel wants direct talks with Lebanon and oil shipping remains stalled in the Strait of Hormuz."
• What to Know About the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as Iran Threatens to Restrict Other Key Trade Passage - "As U.S. and Iranian officials negotiate the conditions for a potential permanent end to the war, with core points such as the freedom of navigation through the Strait—and how that would work long-term—yet to be resolved, concern is mounting over another critical maritime chokepoint. The Bab El-Mandeb, a waterway situated between Yemen and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, has come under threat from Iranian officials."
• Melania Trump tried to sweep the Epstein saga away, but she ended up reviving it - "The most plausible explanation for first lady Melania Trump’s out-of-the-blue address on the Jeffrey Epstein drama was that she was trying to make it go away."
• Watch her full statement: Melania Trump says 'lies' linking her to Epstein 'need to end' - "First lady Melania Trump blasted “lies linking me to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein” in remarks from the White House Thursday, attempting to distance herself from the convicted sex offender while calling on Congress to hold hearings allowing his victims to testify on Capitol Hill." 5:33.
• How the Artemis crew will splash down on Earth - "The four astronauts on board the Orion spacecraft have completed their mission around the Moon and are expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego at 20:07 eastern US time on Friday (01:07 BST on Saturday). The splashdown sequence, beginning with the separation of the European Service Module, takes roughly 42 minutes to complete. The re-entry and subsequent splashdown are considered the most dangerous part of the Artemis II mission, with the Orion capsule enduring temperatures of nearly 2,760C - about half as hot as the Sun."
• The Cost of Everyday Things in China vs. India - "A dozen eggs costs about $1.59 in China versus $0.91 in India. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is roughly $2.91 in China and $2.16 in India. Many everyday items - from transit to meals - cost under $3 in both countries. India is cheaper across most categories, especially rent and groceries. China’s higher wages help offset its higher prices."
• Japan's GDP per Capita is Lower than 2000 Levels - "This chart ranks GDP per capita growth across 15 major economies from 2000 to 2026, based on data from the International Monetary Fund, highlighting where living standards have improved the most. China’s GDP per capita increased more than 10x since 2000 - the fastest among major economies. Russia and India also saw large gains, with GDP per capita rising 811% and 589%, respectively. Japan is the only country where GDP per capita declined over the past 25 years."
• The iPhone Fold (Ultra) is Real: 3 Reasons It’s Actually Better Than We Thought - "The iPhone Ultra’s display is engineered to set new standards in durability and user satisfaction. Apple is introducing a dual-layered ultra-thin glass that significantly reduces crease visibility while enhancing the screen’s longevity. Borrowing features from iPadOS, the iPhone Ultra includes split-screen functionality and sidebars, enhancing its utility for multitasking."
• How Psychedelics Affect the Brain - "The research suggests that psychedelic compounds temporarily reduce the separation between how we think and how we perceive, which could explain the neurological mechanics behind the sensory distortions, mystical experiences and ego dissolution that patients report during sessions."
• Ranked: The Countries Building the Most Nuclear Power - "China is on track to more than double U.S. nuclear capacity, reaching nearly 186 GW. The U.S. leads today but ranks second when planned projects are included. Emerging players like India and Uganda are rapidly scaling nuclear capacity from near zero."
• TV for dogs booms but are they watching? - "TV channels for dogs are multiplying but research is mixed on whether dogs are watching."
• Doctors Couldn’t Help Them. They Rolled the Dice With A.I. - "Some women with complex chronic illnesses are using chatbots to search for diagnoses or relief from their symptoms."
• Want a better night's sleep? Go camping - "No beds, more birdsong: why outdoor sleep can make for better slumber which continues after you return home."
• Project Hail Mary to The Drama: Eight of the best films of 2026 so far - "BBC film critics Caryn James and Nicholas Barber pick their cinema highlights of the year so far - from a touching sci-fi blockbuster to a wilfully provocative comedy-drama starring Zendaya."
• This metro stop is Ancient Rome's new attraction - "Construction on Rome's Metro C has uncovered spectacular Roman ruins, and its new 'archaeo-stations' are giving visitors a whole new way to experience the city's ancient past."
• 'Faithful wife', virgin or tragic martyr?: Why this 16th-Century masterpiece is not what it seems - "Overpainted images found hidden inside Raphael's Portrait of a Young Woman with a Unicorn help unlock the mystery behind it. They also show the ways that the image of the ideal woman has been carefully controlled by men through the centuries."

April 9, 2026

• What we know on day 41 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Lebanon has declared a national day of mourning after Israeli attacks killed at least 254 people in a single day."
• US & Iran’s fragile ceasefire tested as Iranian official alleges infractions - "Confusion and disagreements are arising over the Hormuz strait and if Lebanon was part of the ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, the US and Iran are preparing for peace talks in Islamabad this weekend as the clock ticks down on the two-week pause."
• What’s in Iran’s ten-point ceasefire plan? Trump’s stumbling blocks examined - "Tehran issued the US with a list of demands to end the war, including a plan to retain control of the Strait of Hormuz and charge ships a fee to enter: 1. Non-aggression - 2. Continuation of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz - 3. Acceptance of uranium enrichment - 4..."
• Iran ceasefire deal gives Trump a way out of war - but at a high cost - "And even if the two-week ceasefire does result in a permanent peace, the Iran war – and Trump's recent words - may have fundamentally altered the way the rest of the world views the US."
• What Trump Has Accomplished in Iran After 5 Weeks of War - "Trump Says He ‘Exceeded’ His Objectives in Iran. But What Did He Accomplish? President Trump said that 'we have already met and exceeded' his military objectives. But his goals are largely unresolved."
• Hegseth Says Trump is “A President of Peace” After He Threatens to Wipe Out Iran - "Why did Trump pull back?"
• Artemis crew returning to Earth with 'all the good stuff' from Moon discoveries - "The four astronauts on board the Orion spacecraft have completed their mission around the Moon and are expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego on around 20:00 Friday US EST (00:00 GMT)."
• Adam Back Denies He Is Satoshi Nakamoto in Response to New York Times Investigation - "The British computer scientist and entrepreneur has denied being the man who the New York Times identified at Satoshi Nakamoto. Adam Back, a prominent Bitcoin developer, said the high-profile investigation was a case of 'confirmation bias' and that he is not the person known as Satoshi Nakamoto."
• 4 Takeaways From Our Search for Bitcoin’s Creator - "Here’s what we found suggesting that Adam Back invented Bitcoin."
• A piece of France’s Eiffel Tower is now up for grabs. You’ll need deep pockets - "A piece of the Parisian landmark’s original staircase is going up for auction in the French capital next month. According to a listing on Artcurial’s website, it is expected to fetch between €120,000 ($140,000) and €150,000 ($175,000)."
• A high-quality diet full of plants fights dementia, even when over 60 - "Eating a high-quality plant-rich diet that includes whole grains, vegetables and fruits may prevent cognitive impairment - even when people start that diet in their late 50s and 60s, according to a new study."
• Should’ve put a ring on it? Maybe! Marriage is linked to lower risk of cancer - "A study published Wednesday in the journal Cancer Research Communications suggests that matrimony may be linked to a lower risk of cancer, adding to a growing body of research tying it to improved health outcomes. Among never-married men, cancer rates are 68% higher than those who have been married. The incidence is even higher - 83% - for women who have never married."
• New light shed on who benefits most from weight-loss jabs - "The findings, outlined in the Nature journal, could explain why some people lose far more weight than others and why some have particularly bad side-effects, such as nausea and vomiting, while taking them."
• Five of Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic outfits - from new royal exhibit - "She was arguably the most famous woman of her time, and Queen Elizabeth II's style - though restrained and often conservative - was instantly recognisable. Of the 200 pieces set to be featured - including clothing, jewellery, hats, shoes and accessories - we have selected five of the most iconic outfits."
• The New Ivies 2025: 20 Great Colleges Employers Love - "It’s impossible to ignore the mounting criticisms of America’s most exclusive colleges. These 20 schools - 10 public and 10 private - are stepping up to educate the country’s brightest students and graduating the talent employers seek."
• A Stylish Kitchen Where a Custom Fridge Sets the Tone - "In Matilda Goad’s Victorian terrace house, the kitchen is the first room you see. She designed it to make a good impression."

April 8, 2026

• What we know on day 40 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "The US and Iran agree to a two-week truce on Tuesday, just an hour before Trump’s deadline to escalate the conflict expired."
• What to know about the agreed ceasefire - "The US and Iran have agreed a ceasefire, with talks to bridge the gulf between them. Here’s what to know."
• How Trump Took the U.S. to War With Iran - "In a series of Situation Room meetings, President Trump weighed his instincts against the deep concerns of his vice president and a pessimistic intelligence assessment. Here’s the inside story of how he made the fateful decision."
• An eclectic, bipartisan group suddenly calls for removing Trump using the 25th Amendment - "But Trump’s comment Tuesday morning that a 'whole civilization will die tonight' unless Iran makes a deal spurred increasing calls - among a somewhat odd amalgamation of voices - to invoke the amendment."
• The Significance of The Artemis II Moon Photos - "From Earthset to a solar eclipse, the crew of Artemis II just captured a series of dazzling images of the Earth and moon."
• iOS 27 Siri vs. ChatGPT: Has Apple Finally Won the AI War? - "iOS 27 leaks reveal Apple's massive Siri overhaul. With ChatGPT-level intelligence and system-wide integration, Siri 2.0 is coming."
• Meryl Streep & Anna Wintour on Power, Fashion & Acting the Part - "Both Meryl and Anna arrive in yellow scarves, like a pair of generals in matching epaulets. We’re in a sprawling suite at the Crosby Street Hotel, and the occasion is a conversation with a timely premise: What happens when you put two Mirandas in a room?"
• The Hair-Loss Drug Rewriting the Rules of Masculinity - "A pill to cure baldness is changing the way men age - and how they see themselves."
• The 3 Ps of pooping & how to optimize them, according to a Harvard doc - "While pooping in the toilet as a toddler is an openly celebrated feat, as we age, this basic bodily function becomes shrouded in disgust, embarrassment and secrecy. 40% of Americans say their daily lives are disrupted by their bowel health."
• Ranked: Top 10 Countries With the Most U.S. Troops in 2025 - "Japan and Germany host the largest amounts of U.S. troops presence with 61.7k and 49.3k personnel respectively. The top 10 host countries account for roughly 200k U.S. military and civilian personnel. U.S. deployments remain concentrated in regions tied to Russia and China security priorities."
• A Super El NiÑo is coming. Here’s how a hotter ocean could change the weather near you - "If it forms as expected, this El Niño will redraw global weather maps, sparking flooding for some and drought and wildfires for others - all while simultaneously speeding up the pace of global warming. To declare an El Niño, in general, ocean temperatures in a particular region of the tropical Pacific must clear 0.5 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. A Super El Niño, in contrast, happens when temperatures are more than 2 degrees C above the average."
• The blue light from your phone isn't ruining your sleep - "For a decade, we've been told our screens are wrecking our sleep. The real culprit is far bigger than the glow from your phone. Experts agree that what really matters is the dose of light of light you're getting through the day. For optimal sleep, you want lots of light in the morning and much less at night."
• How I use Claude for strategy, Gemini for research & ChatGPT for 'the grind' - "Stop trying to use one AI for everything — this simple system changed how I work."
• No sit-ups or planks in sight - "This is the Pilates exercise I use to build deep core strength, spinal flexibility and balance."
• What Were Bob Dylan & John Lennon Really Saying in the Back of That Limo? - "A film scene of Dylan and Lennon at a low moment in 1966 has held a grim fascination for fans. Beneath the repartee, a touchy issue was at stake."

April 7, 2026

• What we know on day 39 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran defiant as Trump warns ‘entire country’ could be taken out if no deal reached by Tuesday. Meanwhile, Israel's military warns Iranians 'your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life.'"
• Trump warns a 'whole civilization will die tonight' - "The president has threatened massive U.S. attacks on civilian infrastructure and brushed off concerns about possible war crimes ahead of his 8 p.m. ET deadline."
• Trump’s many threats of possible war crimes reach a crescendo in Iran - "Civilian infrastructure can be considered a valid target if it has a dual use for Iran’s military. But Trump has threatened to not just blow up some of Iran’s power plants; he’s threatened to blow up all of them."
• The cascading global impact of the Iran war, visualized - "The ongoing conflict in Iran has had far-reaching implications for the global economy - from food to fertilizer. Between increasing oil prices, exports caught in the bottleneck or delayed by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s how the war in Iran has shaken countries around the globe."
• The People Trump Pardoned Are on a Crime Spree - "His self-serving pardons are so numerous that public attention cannot keep up with them. It is a version of the strategy that his former adviser Steve Bannon has described as 'flood the zone': Do so much so fast that people cannot follow the consequences."
• Artemis II crew head for home after travelling further from Earth than anyone before - "One of the crew say they have seen 'sights that no human has ever seen' after travelling beyond the far side of the Moon."
• Epstein in Paris: How a Sex Offender Hustled for Access to France’s Elite - "Jeffrey Epstein spent his last days of freedom in Paris, meeting with influential figures. It was a playbook he used everywhere he lived to stamp a veneer of respectability on a life of sordid criminality."
• Businesses scramble to get noticed by AI search - "Users are increasingly switching from search engines to AI tools. Meanwhile, search engines themselves are including AI overviews at the top of their results and that often means that users are getting their questions answered, without having to click on to another website."
• No Lines, No ‘Regular’ People: Flying Ultra-Luxury From Paris - "The nonstop parade of luxury that is La Première, Air France’s first-class trans-Atlantic service, begins when a Mercedes limousine collects you from your hotel and whisks you to an exclusive entrance at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. It ends at J.F.K., when an Air France employee personally escorts you from your seat through a special customs line."
• Your next flight may be on a very old airplane & you probably won’t know - "Airlines invest a lot to make sure travelers do not know the age of a plane. This starts with maintenance and includes brand new interiors - everything from seats to sidewalls and inflight entertainment - to keep flyers happy, much like those United 767s from the George H. W. Bush administration."
• Mick Jagger, Sean Connery & more. How this studio captured hundreds of celebrity passport photos - "This unassuming London studio photographed hundreds of celebrity passport photos. The family-owned business Passport Photo Service was known for its speedy service and its wall-to-wall photos of its starry customers before it closed in 2019."
• ‘Passive’ screen time may raise dementia risk. How to keep your brain engaged - "It’s not just how much time you spend sitting, but what you’re doing while sitting that may affect your health."
• China is winning one AI race, the US another - but either might pull ahead - "Each side has its strengths - the battle between 'brains' and 'bodies'. The US has traditionally led on so-called AI brains: the world of chatbots, microchips, and large language models (LLMs). China has been superior on AI 'bodies': robots (and in particular, 'humanoid' robots that look eerily like people)."
• Which country can claim steak? - "From Japan to Argentina to the US, nations around the world have put their own stamp on the mouthwatering meat - making beef a destination in itself."
• 10 of the best TV shows of 2026 so far - "From a Ryan Murphy body horror to an ingenious James Bond-themed comedy-drama and the latest Game of Thrones prequel, we pick the year's greatest programmes to stream right now."

April 6, 2026

• What we know on day 38 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Trump and Iran trade threats over Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejects temporary ceasefire, as Trump sets deadline for reopening Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Israel says it has killed Iran's IRGC intelligence chief."
• ‘Safe & sound’: How a U.S. Airman Shot Down in Iran Was Rescued From a Mountain Crevice - "'WE GOT HIM!' Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after midnight. 'The U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine,' Trump wrote."
• Artemis II astronauts will see parts of the moon no human has before. Here’s how - "The highly anticipated lunar flyby of the Artemis II mission will take four astronauts on a pioneering survey of the moon Monday, including the rarely glimpsed lunar far side, which always faces away from Earth."
• Artemis's stunning Moon pictures - science or holiday photos? - "Nasa is releasing a steady stream of stunning pictures of the Moon and Earth taken by the astronauts on its Artemis II Moon mission. Is there unique scientific value in these images, or are these simply the equivalent of holiday photos?"
• This exercise gives your memory an instant boost - "Want to improve your memory? The right type of exercise can give it a boost. A brief bout of physical exercise can create 'ripples' of activity in your brain that help you store and retrieve memories."
• Can a single therapy session make a difference? Experts say yes, with the right mindset - "It’s not new. Sigmund Freud notably offered it. It has become increasingly common as a way to fill gaps in access to mental health care, and the need is greater than ever."
• What One Month of Intense Red-Light Therapy Did to My Mind - "Celebrities are obsessed. People swear it gives them thicker hair and perfect skin. But what if the biggest effect of red light is stranger than that?"
• The Mushroom Gummies That Claim to Stimulate Your Brain - "Fungal supplements are everywhere, promising happiness, energy, focus, you name it. But what they deliver is something else entirely."
• Is Cardio Fitness or Muscular Strength More Important for longevity? - "There is an ongoing debate about the merits of cardio over lifting that sometimes feels more like justifying one’s behavior than searching for a scientific explanation. Particularly, the debate of which one is best for longevity."
• One of Apple’s First Employees Looks Back at 50 Years - "In 1976, 14-year-old Chris Espinosa rode a moped to his job demonstrating computers made in Steve Jobs’s childhood home. The company has changed, but he’s still there."

April 5, 2026

• What we know on day 37 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "A US crew member who has been missing since Iran shot down a fighter jet has been rescued, President Donald Trump says."
• Pope Leo urges those who ‘unleash wars’ to choose peace in his first Easter message - "Pope Leo XIV called for dialogue and for those with the power to unleash wars to choose peace, in his first Easter Sunday message since becoming the head of the Catholic Church last year."
• Waiting Longer For Your Package Can Cut Carbon Emissions - "Did you know that getting your package tomorrow can produce far more emissions than waiting a few days? When it comes to shipping products, the 'last-mile' of delivery - the final step before a package reaches your front door - produces the most emissions as drivers make multiple stops, linger in traffic, and often take inefficient routes to meet tight delivery windows."
• This tourist hot spot is the closest you'll get to Mars without leaving Earth - "Inner Mongolia is gaining widespread attention for its stunning landscapes, welcoming 300 million visitors in 2025. One of its most popular sites is the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark, which became a social media sensation as the site of extravagant, astronaut-themed photo shoots."
• Apple at 50: Three products that changed how we live & three that really didn't - "Few companies have managed to define how people use technology in their everyday lives as resoundingly as Apple. On the tech giant's 50th year, we ask analysts to give their top three Apple successes and misses."
• Why Marriage, for So Many, Is Less Appealing Than Ever - "From Gen Z to Gen X, a pause in the march to the altar, or a decision to skip it altogether, is becoming more common."
• How bad smells affect your health - "That foul odour wafting your way can do more than make you gag – it could also affect your body and mind."
• Why The Great Gatsby is the world's most misunderstood novel - "'No one had the slightest idea what the book was about.' The Great Gatsby is synonymous with parties, glitz and glamour – but this is just one of many misunderstandings about the book that began with its first publication a century ago, in April 1925."
• All the Worst People Seem to Want to Be ‘high agency’ - "When asked what skills to develop in the age of A.I., the first one Sam Altman listed was, 'Become high agency.' Google search interest in 'high agency' has been increasing for five years and spiked enormously in the past year."
• Is there life after smartphones? - "It seems simultaneously clear that when it comes to all smartphone users, including members of older generations but particularly those users raised on a smart device, a major reckoning is finally at hand."
• How Hyrox Became the Everyday Athlete’s Everest - "The fitness race has seen massive growth in recent years. What is driving its popularity? In a Hyrox race, participants alternate between running a kilometer and doing eight exercises including sled pulls and pushes, burpee broad jumps and a farmer’s carry."
• Jeans don't have to be blue - "The Case for Wearing Neutral Jeans This Spring. Jeans in neutral colorways are shaping up to be a major spring 2026 trend. Here's how to shop and style the denim. Here’s how to style this season’s stand-out denim trend."
• iOS 26.4 is Here: 12 Settings to Change for Better Battery & Privacy - "Master the new iOS 26.4 update with these 12 essential setting changes. From optimizing Liquid Glass UI to enabling Adaptive Power Mode."
• Ranked: The 20 Tallest Buildings in the World - "Burj Khalifa remains the world’s tallest building at 2,717 feet, nearly 500 feet taller than runner-up Merdeka 118. 17 of the world’s 20 tallest buildings are in Asia, led by China and Malaysia. New York’s One World Trade Center is the only U.S. building in the global top 10."

April 4, 2026

• What we know on day 36 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran claims responsibility for downing two US warplanes, as search under way for missing crewmember."
• Downed jets puncture Trump’s & Hegseth’s claims of air invulnerability - "An Iran war that was already proving quite unpopular with the American people has entered a new, more problematic phase. That comes with the news that a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran."
• iran & us race to find missing american crew member downed in fighter jet - "US and Iranian forces are searching for a missing American crew member after a US warplane was shot down - verified video shows the US operation."
• How US fighter jet pilots train to survive enemy fire - "CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton explains how survival training prepares US fighter jet aircrews for enemy fire."
• how elite us teams tackle combat rescue missions - "Rescue team in Iran face 'harrowing and dangerous' search for US crew member. Combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions are considered among the most complex, time-sensitive operations that US and allied militaries prepare for."
• Artemis II crew now halfway to Moon as they take 'spectacular' image of Earth - "Nasa has shared the first high-resolution images of the Earth taken by the Artemis II crew as they pass the halfway point between the Earth and the Moon. The first image, called Hello, World, shows the vast expanse of blue that is the Atlantic Ocean, framed by a glow of the atmosphere as the Earth eclipses the Sun and green auroras at either pole."
• What to Know About the ‘Massive’ Military Bunker Beneath Trump’s Ballroom - "President Trump has been talking about the emergency facility beneath what was once the East Wing, details of which are usually kept secret, as he tries to justify his renovation."
• Ranked: The World’s Largest Armies in 2026 - "Bangladesh ranks #1 globally with over 7 million personnel, driven almost entirely by reserves and paramilitary forces. China has the largest active-duty military, with roughly 2 million troops. Countries like South Korea and Taiwan rely heavily on reserves due to regional security pressures."
• China’s Debt Surpasses Europe for the First Time - "China’s government debt reached $18.7T in 2025, surpassing the EU for the first time. U.S. debt climbed to $38.3T, remaining the world’s largest by a wide margin. Since 2008, China’s debt has grown more than twice as fast as the U.S. and far faster than Europe."
• Brian Cox takes aim at 'overrated' Johnny Depp, 'pain in the a**e' Edward Norton & 'f***ing annoying' co-star Jeremy Strong - "Brian Cox says 'I don't want to be careful anymore!' ahead of his 80th birthday after previously calling out Hollywood's biggest names."
• Big Banks Seeking a Piece of SpaceX’s I.P.O. Must Subscribe to Elon Musk’s Grok - "Mr. Musk is requiring Wall Street firms to purchase subscriptions to his A.I. chatbot if they want to advise on one of the largest initial public offerings in history."
• How Long Should You Be Able to Hold a Plank? Here’s How You Compare by Age - "Ages 18–39: 45–90+ seconds for the general population; 60–120 seconds for those who are more fit. Ages 40–59: 30–75 seconds for the general population; 45–90 seconds for those who are more fit. Ages 60+: 20–60 seconds for the general population; 30–75 seconds for those who are more fit."
• I replaced 7 daily tasks with NotebookLM - how the mobile app actually saves me time - "NotebookLM is great on desktop but it’s even better on your phone."
• The nine quiet luxury brands to know in 2026 - "Today the trend is not to shout wealth, but to whisper it. The best quiet lxuury brands: The Row - Loro Piana - Brunello Cucinelli - Khaite - Vince - Tove - Toteme - Jil Sander - Connolly."

April 3, 2026

• What we know on day 35 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Trump says US ‘hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran’ after major Tehran bridge hit. Meanwhile, Iranian state media released photos of what it claimed is the wreckage of a downed US fighter jet."
• Artemis II leaves Earth's orbit on track for far side of the Moon - "Artemis II is now on a looping path that will carry the crew around the far side of the Moon and back again. It is the first time since 1972 that humans have travelled outside of the Earth's orbit."
• Pam Bondi’s botched handling of the Epstein files - "The idea that Epstein kept a 'client list' that potentially implicated influential figures has become an article of faith in some circles. Bondi didn’t commit to releasing such a list, but she affirmatively indicated it existed and that it was in her possession."
• The $11k World Cup final ticket - what we learned from first open sale - "The first open sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup showed Fifa is charging up to $10,990 to be at the final."
• 25 of the world’s best sandwiches - "Traveling the world’s sandwiches is, in a way, like traveling the world. To help narrow your choices for the sandwich to plan your next trip around, here are 25 of the world’s best sandwiches."
• Members Only: The genius of The Sopranos' most shocking episode - "In 2006, The Sopranos' season six opener gave viewers two of the most startling scenes in television history. Twenty years on, here's why it's time to reconsider Members Only."
• Researchers spent years interviewing 160 Bigfoot hunters - this is what they learnt - "Be it a hoax or an undiscovered species, the mystery and mythology around Bigfoot has captured people's imaginations for decades. Widely regarded as a cultural icon, Bigfoot was catapulted into the public sphere in 1967 when grainy footage was captured of a 7ft tall, ape-like figure walking upright and glancing back at the camera in the US state of California."
• What does it really mean to ‘age well’? - "A smooth forehead, lack of wrinkles, quantifiable, low biological age is the goal for some. Self-acceptance, independence and dignity is the ultimate prize for others."
• Dubai's tourism industry reels from 'brutal' impact of war - "Last year Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international visitors, making it one of the most-visited cities globally, but the US-Israel war with Iran has had a devastating impact on visitor numbers, and local businesses are struggling."
• What happens when remote travel goes wrong - "The idea of being a castaway on a desert island has an irresistibly romantic appeal: sun, sea and a whole ocean between you and your desk-bound life. What could possibly go wrong?"
• What you need to know before taking weight-loss drugs - "Weight-loss drugs are not the quick fix solution that many people believe, especially if you hope to keep the pounds off in the long-term."
• Top Coffee Consuming Countries in The World - "Luxembourg ranks first globally in coffee consumption in 2025, averaging more than 5 cups per person per day. Despite being major consumers in absolute terms, large countries such as the United States, Japan, and Brazil rank much lower per capita."
• Ranked: The World’s Happiest & Unhappiest Countries - "Finland ranks #1 with a score of 7.8, while Afghanistan ranks last at 1.4, highlighting a wide global gap in life satisfaction. Nordic countries dominate the top rankings, while countries facing conflict and instability cluster at the bottom. The U.S. ranks 23rd, continuing a long-term decline from its peak of 11th in 2011."
• Mapped: The World's Hardest Working Countries in 2025 - "Bhutan tops the global list with over 54 hours worked weekly, while the Netherlands averages 26.8 hours. Developed European countries tend to work fewer hours, while many Asian, Gulf, and African countries record longer workweeks."
• Brian Cox lets rip on Trump, Farage, Johnny Depp & sex at 79 - "His role as the ruthless Logan Roy made Brian Cox a star. And like the tyrannical billionaire, he speaks his mind, whether it’s about politicians, actors, directors - and making his first film, Glenrothan."

April 2, 2026

• What we know on day 34 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Trump makes his best case for the war - but fails to ease worries about how it will end."
• In pictures: The historic Artemis II moon mission - "More than half a century after the final Apollo lunar mission, four astronauts are traveling to the vicinity of the moon once again. The Artemis program’s overarching goal is to hash out how humans can permanently live and work on the lunar surface."
• Where no human eyes have gone before: How the Artemis Moon missions will set new records - "Artemis II will take a team of four astronauts further from Earth than any other human has in history when it orbits around the far side of the Moon. But how else will the Artemis missions make history?"
• The personal items the Artemis II crew are taking to the Moon - "Who are the Artemis II astronauts heading to the Moon?"
• Elon Musk's SpaceX set to go public in $1 trillion share listing - "The value of SpaceX once it goes public is expected to surpass $1tn . That would make its eventual stock market debut one of the most financially significant in history. Musk's own holding in SpaceX would put the billionaire on track to become the world's first trillionaire."
• Apple turns 50 - we’re live-tracking the celebration, surprises & more - "Time to open those birthday presents, Apple."
• 11 things Apple got horribly wrong over the past 50 years - "When Apple screws up, it does so spectacularly."
• FDA approves GLP-1 weight loss pill Foundayo from Eli Lilly - "The daily pill, called Foundayo, follows the approval of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill in recent months. The lowest dose is expected to cost $149 a month for people paying out of pocket."
• Ranked: The World’s 20 Largest Arms Companies by Revenue - "Lockheed Martin generated $64.7B in arms sales in 2024, the highest of any company. The top 20 defense firms brought in a combined $438.4 billion in arms revenue. 14 of the top 20 companies are based in the U.S. or China."
• A Brief History of Donald Trump’s Controversial Interactions with the British Royal Family - "King Charles formally announced his plans for a State Visit to the U.S. in April. Here, a brief timeline of Trump's long complicated history with King Charles, Princess Diana, and the rest of the Windsors."
• ChatGPT vs. Claude: 7 real-life benchmarks that crown the 2026 AI Madness Champion - "The two heavyweights faceoff with expert-level challenges to ultimately crown a winner."
• Inside the Private Rooms of an American Icon - "Visitors to the grand rooms of The Breakers, Newport, R.I., might never have imagined that there were, until very recently, descendants of its builder summering above them on the third floor. Now the intimate family rooms of this aerie are open, revealing the real life of America’s most famous house at last."

April 1, 2026

• What we know on day 33 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Trump considers quitting NATO, says Iran war could end soon. Trump describes defensive military alliance as a 'paper tiger,' ahead of an address to the nation later today."
• Iran war latest: Trump says Tehran has requested ceasefire - but he'll only consider it on one condition - "US president says he is considering the offer but will continue blasting Tehran ‘back to the Stone Age’ until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened."
• Trump might end his war - but the rest of the world may pay the price - "The president is telling US allies - who didn’t join his war in Iran because they got no advance notice, didn’t want it and thought it infringed international law - that they’ll be stuck with the consequences."
• Judge rules that White House ballroom construction ‘has to stop!’ - "A federal judge on Tuesday blocked President Donald Trump from moving ahead with any further work on a massive new $400 million ballroom on the former site of the White House East Wing."
• Half the World’s Oil Comes From Just Five Countries - "The U.S. was the world’s largest crude oil producer in 2025 at 13.58 million barrels per day, ahead of Russia (9.87) and Saudi Arabia (9.51). Middle Eastern countries produced 32.1% of global crude oil in 2025."
• What to Know About Cicada, the New COVID Variant - "The symptoms aren't different from those of previous COVID variants: sore throat, fever or chills, headache, cough, body aches, and runny nose."
• It's Going to Be a Bad Tick Season. Here's How to Protect Yourself - "This summer could be one of the worst seasons in memory as risk factors collide, experts say."
• A Professional Organizer’s Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Life - "Tackle clutter, let go of sentimental objects and create a home that reflects who you are now."
• Census 2027: Billion-plus people, three million officials, 33 questions - India begins huge census - "Does your house have a concrete roof or a thatched one? What is your main cereal? Do you have internet access - or just a basic mobile phone? And how many married couples live under your roof? These are among the 33 questions that more than a billion Indians will be asked as the country launches the world's largest census on Wednesday, marking the first population count in more than 15 years."
• 2026 World Cup schedule: See where, when & who your team plays - "Following the conclusion of the final FIFA playoff results, soccer fans now know which group their country will play in for the opening stages of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has released the full schedule of games, so supporters know where their national teams are heading on particular days and what time they will play."
• The Everest scandal: poisonings & fraud on the roof of the world - "Investigators have uncovered a criminal network of ‘fake rescues’ - with cases including climbers spiked with baking soda - that have ‘tainted’ Nepal’s image."
• Can You Fake Being Rich? - "A spate of popular social media accounts offer advice on how to achieve an 'old-money' look."
• Bill Nighy Suggests You Don’t Take His Advice - "On his podcast 'Ill-Advised By Bill Nighy,' the English actor counsels listeners on etiquette and fashion. His objective is to not make anything worse."
• Why the Artemis II Astronauts Will Be Wearing Orange - "It’s not just any orange. It’s International Orange. The launch and entry suit is bright orange so astronauts can be seen in the ocean or in case there is an emergency and they need to be seen easily."
• The most pointless things in hotel rooms, according to Times readers - "Clear out the cushions, abandon the apps. . . and give us a proper bathroom door! Hundreds of you have aired your grievances - here is a selection of your bedroom banes."

March 31, 2026

• What we know on day 32 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Gas prices skyrocket as Trump threatens energy sites. Gas prices in the United States soared past $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, as energy infrastructure is increasingly targeted and threatened by all major parties in the war."
• How the US could try to seize Iran's Kharg Island - "Donald Trump has indicated he could send troops to take control of Iran's key oil export terminal."
• President Donald J. Trump International Airport poised to come to Palm Beach under new bill - "Florida lawmakers approved legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump with final approval pending from the FAA and Gov. Ron DeSantis"
• In pictures: Historic moments in space exploration - "Humanity’s quest to touch the stars began nearly 70 years ago when the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, was launched into space by the Soviet Union in October 1957. The first astronauts followed a few years later, circling the Earth and witnessing its bright beauty amid the void of the cosmos. In 1969, astronauts from NASA’s Apollo 11 mission left boot prints on the surface of the moon."
• For Putin, the War in Iran Changed Everything - "In one swoop, it overturned the conditions for conciliation."
• Steve Jobs & the greatest run of products in tech history - "Following Steve Jobs' 1997 return, Apple launched an unprecedented 'iDecade' of product innovation, saving the company from near-bankruptcy. Starting with the 1998 iMac, this era featured iconic products like the iBook, iPod, and iPhone, prioritizing design, simplicity, and market disruption. This era transformed Apple into a tech leader."
• Mac Pro Discontinued: Reflecting on 20 Years of Apple's Desktop Tower - "Apple this week announced that it has discontinued the Mac Pro, with new configurations no longer available and no further models planned."
• Scientists have found an alarming environmental impact of vast data centers - "The vast data centers that power artificial intelligence guzzle huge amounts of energy but they also have another alarming impact, according to new research. They are creating 'heat islands,' warming the land around them by up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit, and making life hotter for more than 340 million people."
• Are domes & spheres the future of entertainment? - "Rivals are emerging for the Las Vegas Sphere - will the promise of 'more immersive' experiences win over audiences?"
• Eurovision Song Contest launches first-ever Asia edition - "Known for its glitzy stage costumes and sometimes outlandish performances, the Eurovision Song Contest is now launching its first ever Asia edition."
• Slowjamastan: The new 'nation' hiding in the US - "More than 25,000 self-proclaimed citizens have pledged their allegiance to this faux dictatorship, where Crocs and reply-all emails are forbidden."
• Want an Eames house? You’ll soon be able to order your own - "The Eames Office has announced a new venture, the Eames Pavilion System, that will allow anyone to build their own Eames residence - or office, restaurant, retail store or exhibition space - based on the famed architects’ principles and visual language."
• India’s latest mega airport has opened. Now it just needs some flights - "Noida International Airport, call sign DXN, is located in Delhi’s National Capital Region. The surrounding state of Uttar Pradesh is now India’s first to have five international airports."

March 30, 2026

• What we know on day 31 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Even as regional leaders scramble to find diplomatic off-ramps to the war, the main players - Israel, the US and Iran - are doubling down on their positions. Here’s what to know on Day 31."
• Plastic is the hidden cost of the war in Iran - "Experts are warning that consumers will see a rise in prices for a variety of plastic consumer goods due to the war with Iran. Plastic products are partly made out of oil, which has gone up more than 40% since the start of the war in late February."
• Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of leaders who wage wars - "Pope Leo said onSunday that God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have 'hands full of blood', in unusually forceful remarks as the Iran war entered its second month."
• Key USAF E-3 AWACS Aircraft Damaged in Iranian Attack - "The pictures appear to have been first shared by a Facebook page carrying US military news. They show the E-3 Sentry aircraft appears to have been split in two."
• Charted: The U.S. Slide in Happiness Rankings Since 2011 - "The U.S. fell from the 11th happiest country in 2011 to 23rd in 2025. The sharpest drop came in 2023, when the U.S. fell eight places from 15th to 23rd."
• Apple Preparing 'Most Significant Overhaul in the iPhone's History' - "Apple will likely unveil the foldable iPhone in September this year, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. In the U.S., it has been estimated that the foldable iPhone may start at or above $1,999."
• Porsche Cayenne Electric review - "The best sporting electric SUV on the market, even if that does sound like a terrible reach of an oxymoron. The Cayenne Turbo Electric has monumental horsepower and the accompanying acceleration. In fact, once you spend some time with the interior tech and space, you really do start to see where this thing could be a very tidy all-rounder. Add to that some excellent charging nous and huge general convenience and it’s incredibly compelling."
• What Anesthesia Does to the Brain, According to a New Study - "Brain monitoring is uncovering surprising similarities among different anesthesia drugs."
• The road signs that teach travellers about France - "For more than 50 years, France's brown motorway signs have done far more than point the way: they've sold the country's history, culture and identity in seconds."
• Whey to go: Is cheese the new reason to travel? - "Cheese is increasingly becoming a primary, immersive reason to travel, particularly in France, where tourists are exploring landscapes and local culture through 'cheesetourism'. From new attractions like the Musée Vivant du Fromage in Paris to traditional aging caves in the Jura and Corsica, travelers are following 'Route de Fromage' trails to experience terroir firsthand."
• Roll up for a coronation carpet - yours for just £40,000 - "The Holms Hepburn carpet, which was used at the coronations of Edward VII and George V, plus a royal wedding, will go under the hammer at Christie’s."
• These skincare tricks are bizarre, but might actually work - "Salmon sperm to bird droppings: The science behind bizarre skincare trends. A flurry of unusual beauty therapies are trending on social media. But does the scientific research suggest they can be taken at face value?"
• 'The Unabomber's ego may have led to his downfall': The serial killer unmasked by his own writing - "The Unabomber's campaign of violence had baffled investigators for almost two decades. The BBC reported on his arrest 30 years ago when the 'brilliant' mathematician - a maths prodigy with an IQ of 167, he skipped two grades to attend Harvard University, aged just 16 - 'laid a trail to his own front door'."
• ‘An intellectual personal trainer’ - one bookshop’s elite subscription - "For £1,200 a year, readers receive handpicked books from Heywood Hill, Mayfair’s most storied bookshop, and the personal touch algorithms can’t match. Heywood Hill, a quaint bookshop on Curzon Street, was loved by the late Queen Elizabeth and described by Evelyn Waugh as a 'centre for all that was left of fashionable and intellectual London'."

March 29, 2026

• What we know on day 30 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Israel’s military said it is prepared for a 'multi-front war' after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired missiles into Israel, marking their entry into the conflict a month after it began. And, adding to the military build-up in the Middle East, the USS Tripoli arrived in the region, carrying 3,500 US sailors and Marines."
• Iran says it is ‘waiting’ for ground invasion, as US moves in more troops - "Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey are meeting in Pakistan for talks on de-escalation."
• Trump is waging war based on instinct & it isn't working - "The failure to learn from the past means that Donald Trump now faces a stark choice. If he cannot get a deal with Iran, he can either try to declare a victory that will fool no-one, or escalate the war. The oldest of the old truths comes from the Prussian military strategist Helmuth von Moltke the Elder: 'No plan survives first contact with the enemy.' Maybe Trump prefers the boxer Mike Tyson's modern version: 'Everyone has a plan until they get hit.'"
• No Kings protesters across the US rally against Donald Trump - "Throughout the day on Saturday, demonstrations took place in nearly every major US city, including New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Boston, Nashville and Houston. Crowds also gathered in smaller cities and towns across the country."
• Trump Does Anything He Wants & More - "When Trump was a celebrity developer, people laughed at his megalomania in plastering his name everywhere. He grabbed buildings by the crotch. But now that he is president, it’s not funny. It’s foul."
• Mapped: The World’s Most Water-Stressed Countries - "Some countries are using 10–30x more water than their natural supply can sustain. Kuwait has the highest water stress level in the world at 3,850%. The U.S. water stress level is 28.2%, making it the 58th highest water-stressed nation globally."
• How Global Government Debt Grew to $111 Trillion (2000–2025) - "Global government debt rose from $19.7T in 2000 to $111T in 2025. The sharpest increases followed the 2008 financial crisis and 2020 pandemic. The U.S. and China drove a growing share of the total over time."
• Anthropic throttles Claude subscriptions to meet capacity - "Analysts say this could be a strategy to push users and enterprises toward more predictable API-based plans."
• China is obsessed with OpenClaw. It could be a ‘very dangerous’ AI game changer - "Behind the lobster merch, China’s latest tech obsession could be a game changer. OpenClaw, an autonomous artificial intelligence tool, which can be programmed to run tasks nonstop with full control of the user’s device. Rather than a simple question-and-answer format like most AI chatbots, OpenClaw uses the same underlying technology to independently operate apps, web browsers or smart home appliances based on commands via commonly used messaging apps like WhatsApp."
• Pope Leo’s message to the rich in his first foreign trip of the year - "The leaders of the world’s two smallest states came together on Saturday, as Pope Leo XIV made history with the first papal visit to Monaco in modern times and called on its residents to share their wealth with those in need."
• Palm Beach home to 65 billionaires on Forbes list of world's richest - "At least 65 billionaires still have strong residential ties to Palm Beach - and their combined wealth has hit about $649 billion, the analysis shows. President Donald Trump, the town's most famous resident, was among those whose wealth climbed, from $5.1 billion on the 2025 list to $6.5 billion."
• iPhone Fold Changes Everything - Here’s Why - YouTube 10:31.
• Humans landed on the moon when we used rotary phones. Here’s why it’s been so hard to get back - "For the first time since the 1970's, NASA is sending a crew to the moon, but the astronauts won't set foot on the surface. Here's why the landing will have to wait: 3 reasons NASA can't yet land humans on the moon again."
• One ant for $220: The new frontier of wildlife trafficking - "The craze for collecting ants takes Kenya by surprise as smugglers zone in to make a profit."
• Pent - "Luxury Fitness Equipment." Home gym equipment that's as attractive as furniture. High-end, handmade fitness products (like wooden dumbbells and leather benches) designed to act as functional art for luxury homes, yachts, and boutique hotels.
• Your Next Fur Coat May Be Growing in a Field - "BioFluff, a fashion-tech company based in Paris and New York, is producing a new alternative to animal pelts: one that’s made from plants, not plastics."
• Ranked: Countries With the Most Patents - "China leads the world with 5.7 million active patents, far ahead of any other country. The U.S. (3.5M) and Japan (2.1M) rank second and third, respectively. Together, the top three countries hold more patents than the rest of the world combined."

March 28, 2026

• What we know on day 29 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Houthis enter the Iran war with missile strike against Israel. The Iran-backed rebel movement joining the conflict may put even greater pressure on the region’s oil and shipping industries."
• Seven islands that hold the keys to the Strait of Hormuz - "Kharg is just one of dozens of Iranian islands in the gulf, and others may be more important to securing the safe passage of ships - and naval vessels - through the Strait of Hormuz."
• Tiger Woods was ready for another comeback. It ended in another crash - "This week, yet another comeback ended in yet another crash. Another photo of a blurry-eyed Woods staring forlornly at a jail camera for a mugshot, a look on his face that seems to reflect what the rest of us are thinking: How did we get here again?"
• Pope Leo visits a tiny, wealthy, devoutly Catholic nation in first foreign trip of 2026 - "The leaders of the world’s two smallest states came together on Saturday, March 28 as Pope Leo XIV made history with the first papal visit to Monaco in modern times."
• Trump told police in mid 2000s ‘everyone has known’ about Epstein’s misconduct - "Shortly after the law enforcement investigation into Jeffrey Epstein became public in the mid-2000s, Donald Trump called the Palm Beach, Florida, Police Department to express gratitude, according to a newly released document. 'Thank goodness you’re stopping him,' Trump said, according to the document. 'Everyone has known he’s been doing this.'"
• Fergie’s Foibles: A History of Sarah Ferguson’s Scandals - "The new series The Lady tells the true story of a royal dresser convicted of murder - but that’s only one of the sticky situations in which the former Duchess of York has been involved."
• Louis Vuitton's chocolate egg bag is a decadent Easter treat - "Head to the Louis Vuitton chocolate shop this Easter, as the maison launches its ‘Chocolate Egg Bag’, along with six miniature versions and chic choc chicks."
• The best places to see Japan in bloom - beyond cherry blossom season - "From pink plum blossoms in Setagaya to purple sprays of wisteria in Fukuoka, here are five alternative bloom festivals in Japan - and how to enjoy them responsibly."
• The nerve centre running a new mission to the Moon - "Just like the Apollo mission, Artemis II will be run from a mission control monitoring every instrument from here on Earth. How has it changed since the days of the space race?"
• There’s a Good Reason You Can’t Concentrate - "Just as we changed our thinking around physical fitness, we need to change our attitude toward cognitive fitness."
• Apple Still Plans to Sell iPhones When It Turns 100 - "As the tech giant turns 50, WIRED spoke to executives about how they plan to win in the AI era."
• How to Use Apple’s Live Translation on Your AirPods - "If you have a recent Apple device, you can translate live conversations. It’s impressive, and the new AirPods Pro Max just joined the party. If you have AirPods earbuds, you can press and hold the stems on both AirPods at the same time. Otherwise, you can say "Siri, start live translation" to enable the feature."
• World’s tallest bridge & biggest museum named ‘greatest places of 2026’ - "Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which opened in September 2025, is the world’s tallest bridge, rising some 2,050 feet above the Beipan River in southeast China. The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization."
• Eight of the world's best beach escapes, chosen by the BBC - "From secluded inlets on Italy's volcanic coastlines to white sand paradise in Tasmania, BBC journalists love these unique and unexpected beach holidays."
• Antimatter took to the road for the very first time. Here’s why it matters - "World’s most expensive substance transported for the very first time. A small amount of antimatter took to the road on Tuesday, representing the first time any quantity of the world’s most expensive, volatile and rare substance has been moved."
• How fashion brand Schiaparelli shaped a century of shock - "A blockbuster exhibition explores how surrealist designer Elsa Schiaparelli redefined fashion."
• Euphoria to Half Man: 12 of the best TV shows to watch this April - "From the return of Sydney Sweeney and Zendaya in HBO's provocative drama to the latest show from Baby Reindeer's creator and the comeback of sitcom classic Malcolm in the Middle - these are the best series to watch and stream."

March 27, 2026

• What we know on day 28 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Trump extends deadline and global energy crisis deepens. Citing ongoing peace talks, US President Donald Trump has for a second time extended his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz – or face its power plants being 'obliterated.' The status of the talks remains unclear, with both sides giving mixed signals."
• Why Iran has the upper hand in the Strait of Hormuz - "Mines, missiles and miles of coastline. Iran’s threats and attacks on vessels in the Gulf have raised the risk of transit enough to stop almost all traffic through the narrow waterway, which is the main conduit for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas, plus fertilizers that help grow crops the world relies on."
• Charted: U.S. War Support Hits Record Lows - "From 97% support in WWII to just 41% for Iran in 2026, this chart shows how American approval of war has shifted significantly over time."
• How the Hormuz closure could affect food, medicines & smartphones - "The price of a wide range of goods - from food to smartphones and medicines - could be affected by the US-Israel war with Iran."
• How Russia's threat has seen a German become Europe's most important soldier - "General Carsten Breuer is a man in a hurry. As head of Germany's armed forces he's the most powerful, and arguably the most important, soldier in Europe. He's been tasked with the rapid expansion of Germany's armed might, turning its army into the continent's most powerful fighting force."
• Sarah Ferguson's 'close Epstein ties' scrutinised in US lawmaker's letter - "Congressman Suhas Subramanyam urged her to provide information to the US congressional committee investigating the late sex offender. He also asked for any knowledge she had of her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's involvement in Epstein's operations."
• Sarah Ferguson stripped of Freedom of City of York title - "Sarah Ferguson has had her honorary Freedom of the City of York stripped, in a further fall from grace for the former Duchess of York. The city’s councillors voted unanimously to remove the honour from Ferguson, which she was given in 1987 after her marriage to the then-Prince Andrew."
• Is Drinking Seltzer Bad for My Teeth? - "Most acidic drinks can damage your enamel, but we asked experts whether this carbonated beverage is really an issue. Plain seltzers are only mildly acidic and sugar-free, so they tend to be harmless. However, the flavored versions can be over 100 times more acidic and may contain added sugars, making them more damaging to your teeth."
• Can Collagen Really Do All That? - "Companies claiming health benefits are adding the protein to nutrition bars, sparkling water, coffee creamer and more."
• This artist has made millions of dollars & it’s not even human - "At Art Basel Hong Kong, Asia’s biggest art fair, a mysterious AI agent silently observed passersby through two tracking cameras. Not even its creator knew quite what it was looking for. Botto, an algorithm-backed AI artist that has been creating digital images and selling them online since 2021."
• Amazon’s big bet in AI has been 20 years in the making - "Amazon’s already making major changes, like ratcheting up AI infrastructure spending to an expected $200 billion this year and axing tens of thousands of jobs."
• Lego to mark Sagrada FamÎlia completion with largest ever set - "A rumored LEGO Architecture set (21065) of the Sagrada Famîlia is expected on July 1, 2026, featuring 12,060 pieces. As a massive 18+ collector's model, it is anticipated to be the largest LEGO set ever by piece count, retailing for around $600 USD to mark the building's final construction phase."
• 5 prompts I use to help me get smart responses from Claude - "1. Pushing Claude to ask better questions before answering. 2. Three anti-hallucination prompts from Anthropic's own docs. 3. Give Claude a specific role. 4. Ask Claude to explain its own reasoning. 5. Asking Claude to plan first before beginning a complex task."
• World's Top 15 Countries in 2026 with the Best Cuisines - "Based on early 2026 TasteAtlas data, Italy and Greece maintain the top spots for the world's best cuisines, with Peru rising to 3rd as a culinary powerhouse. Emerging Competition: Nations like Portugal (4.53) and Japan (4.49) continue to climb, intensifying the battle for international culinary recognition."
• Apple's AirTag-Sized AI Pin: Everything We Know - "Apple is working on an AI wearable device that's been described as a pin or a pendant. Apple is experimenting with the device right now, but if development moves forward, it could launch as soon as 2027. The pin is said to be similar in size to an AirTag, with a thin, flat, circular disc shape. It features an aluminum and glass shell, and there's a physical control button on one edge. Apple plans to add a camera to the AI pin, but rumors are mixed on what the camera will do."

March 26, 2026

• What we know on day 27 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Trump frustrated with Tehran & IRGC navy chief dead. Talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing - though both sides are describing things very differently."
• Epic flurry: How Trump’s words on Iran have yo-yoed over three weeks of war - "Over the course of nearly a month since the first US strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump has yo-yoed from demanding 'unconditional surrender' to teasing a possible detente. Confusion has become a mark of this war."
• Meta & YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial - "A jury in LA has delivered a damning verdict for two of the world's most popular digital platforms, Instagram and YouTube. It ruled those apps are addictive, and deliberately engineered that way – and that its owners have been negligent in their safeguarding of the children who have used them. It's a sombre moment for Silicon Valley and the implications are global."
• Apple to unveil new Siri at WWDC 2026 with dedicated app, new 'Ask Siri' button and a whole new look - "Apple is preparing to unveil the long-awaited update to Siri at WWDC in June this year, with plans that include launching it as a standalone app as well as giving it a new design. Apple will employ a 'chatbot-like experience' for Siri alongside a 'fresh look' that will be revealed on June 8."
• It’s Not Quite Dinner or a Cocktail Party, but It’s All the Rage - "Why American chefs are embracing the French ritual of apéritif dînatoire / Apéro dînatoire."
• The dark side of fine dining is getting harder to ignore - "When chef René Redzepi issued an apology to staff for past behavior and announced he was stepping away from Noma, one of the highest-rated restaurants in the world, the news made big headlines - but was anyone really surprised?"
• The Brigade System Helps Restaurants Succeed. Does It Also Lead to Abuse? - "Allegations against Noma’s chef have spurred debate over whether a 19th-century model for organizing kitchen staffs breeds physical and psychic violence."
• What is the kitchen Brigade System? - "The modern kitchen must operate like a well-oiled machine with every staff member playing a role and collaborating to deliver the best food and customer experience possible. Modern kitchen teams are based on French chef Escoffier's kitchen brigade system, in this article, you’ll learn how this system works and why it is relevant to culinary professionals."
• Epstein files shed new light on what prison officials were doing the night he died - "In the years since disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein was found dead from what was ruled a suicide in his prison cell on August 10, 2019, conspiracy theories have abounded about whether the convicted sex offender actually killed himself."
• Controversial JFK Jr drama is a hit - here's why - "Old-school romance to inspired needle drops: Eight reasons why Love Story became 2026's first TV phenomenon."
• What it was like for journalists to cover America’s ‘Love Story’ & the fatal plane crash 26 years ago - "For journalists who covered JFK Jr.’s fatal plane crash, the memories are much more vivid than ‘Love Story’. FX’s ‘Love Story’ - the Ryan Murphy-produced show that revisits the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy - concludes this week with the episode that won’t be easy to watch, even if everyone knew it was coming."
• Melania Trump brings an AI-powered robot to the White House & says there could be more of them soon - "The storied White House East Room has welcomed politicians, foreign dignitaries, war heroes, celebrities and elite athletes, but on Wednesday, it was the setting for an extremely robotic speech introducing first lady Melania Trump. The speaker was an American-made humanoid robot."
• Prepare for turbulence - how a prolonged Middle East conflict could reshape how we fly - "There's no question that, in the short term at least, the conflict in the Middle East has come as a severe blow to the major Gulf carriers and the hubs they rely on. The region is now likely to be viewed with some trepidation by tourists and business travellers alike. The implications for long-haul aviation around the globe could be profound."
• Russia bans Oscar-winning film 'Mr Nobody Against Putin' - "A court alleges that the documentary promoted 'negative attitudes' about the Russian government and the war in Ukraine."
• How to 'Marie Kondo' your next trip - "From packing your suitcase and finding your footing after a flight to decluttering your hotel room, the Japanese organising expert shares her top travel tips."

March 25, 2026

• What we know on day 26 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran’s military has mocked the Trump administration’s efforts to strike a deal to end the war, saying the United States is only 'negotiating with yourselves.' Despite President Donald Trump’s optimism that a deal with Tehran is in sight, sources have told CNN that around 1,000 US soldiers with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are expected to deploy to the Middle East in the coming days. Here’s what to know on Day 26 of the war."
• Trump's 15-point plan passed to Tehran as Iran says US is 'negotiating with itself' - "Iran has received a 15-point peace plan from the US according to reports from Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary."
• Apple Releases iOS 26.4 & iPadOS 26.4 With New Emoji, Playlist Playground, Purchase Sharing Changes & More - "Apple released the latest iPhone software update, iOS 26.4, on Tuesday, March 24, with new features and bug fixes."
• apple sets the wwdc 2026 date for june 8-12 - "A week of technology, creativity, and community." Be there for the reveal of the latest Apple tools, frameworks, and features. Learn to elevate your apps and games through video sessions hosted by Apple engineers and designers. Engage with Apple experts in labs and connect with the worldwide developer community. All online and free.
• Danish PM fails to secure majority in party's weakest election showing since 1903 - "Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's Social Democrats won the most votes in Tuesday's Danish general election but slumped to its weakest performance since 1903, as her coalition bloc failed to secure a majority."
• 'He liked the fear in our eyes,' Epstein survivors tell BBC - "Five countries in five days with former President Bill Clinton, actor Kevin Spacey and Ghislaine Maxwell."
• Mapped: The World’s Oil Chokepoints - "The Strait of Malacca, between Malaysia and Indonesia, is the world’s busiest oil chokepoint, carrying about 29.1% of global maritime oil trade. About one-fifth of global oil consumption flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly 84% of crude oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz is destined for Asian markets."
• How is Oil Transported Globally? - "Over 75% of global oil flows move by sea, making maritime chokepoints the backbone of the global energy system. Routes like the Strait of Malacca (23.2M bpd) and Strait of Hormuz (20.9M bpd) are not just shipping lanes, they are pressure points where geography, trade, and geopolitics collide. The global oil system is highly efficient but fragile."
• Charted: America’s Oil Reversal, From Import Giant to Net Exporter - "The U.S. has been a net petroleum exporter since 2020, reversing decades of reliance on imports. In 2025, the gap widened to 2.8 million barrels per day. Oil imports once peaked at nearly 15 million barrels per day in 2005."
• Visualized: Humanity's Expansion Into Space - "Commercial firms have become the leaders in exploring space by conducting 70% of global spacecraft launches in 2024. Launch costs have fallen dramatically and may decline another 95%, making exploring space more accessible than ever. The space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2032."
• Alibaba latest to take advantage of China’s OpenClaw frenzy - "Alibaba is the latest Chinese tech giant to launch an OpenClaw-powered app, as state officials in the country move to curb usage of such apps amid growing cybersecurity concerns. Since launching last November, OpenClaw has found itself a large and growing fanbase worldwide."
• OpenAI closes Sora video-making app & cancels $1bn Disney deal - "OpenAI has shut down its artificial intelligence (AI) video-generation app Sora less than two years after its launch made headlines for creating realistic clips based on simple prompts."
• Just look at Leonardo DiCaprio or Jim Carrey: The double standards over how men & women age are over - "It has become a popular internet pastime for people to speculate about what work a female celebrity has had done. Wrinkle-free, taut and glowing visages are analyzed by experts and non-experts alike, often resulting in a diagnosis that includes a facelift, blepharoplasty, fillers, or Botox. Yet in recent months, it is not only famous women whose faces have been studied so intently - it’s the men too."
• Why Britain’s miserable weather is one of its greatest tourist attractions - "When it comes to annual average precipitation however, it ranks just 83rd in the world, behind the likes of Colombia, the Maldives, Jamaica and New Zealand, but more than the United States. However, while other countries battle extremes of downpours and drought, in Britain the rain hits different."
• ube is enjoying a purple reign in the US. That’s causing problems in the Philippines - "From coffee shops in New York to bakeries in Sydney and beauty retailers in London, a purple reign is taking root across the globe. Ranging from vivid violet to light lavender, the exact tone varies but it can be traced back to the Philippines. More specifically, to just below the archipelago’s surface to a native species of yam. Most often known locally, and increasingly internationally, as ube."
• SHOT London - "SHOT London has become ground zero for coffee as spectacle since opening in 2024. Branches in Mayfair and Knightsbridge are known for their minimalist interiors and the brand has made headlines for offering what is widely regarded as Britain’s most expensive cup of coffee. The focus here is on ultra-rare beans and near-ceremonial presentation - baristas wear black gloves and use gold-plated V60 drip filter, water is poured in three separate motions to release the aromas, and you drink from a golden cup. The standout is a Japanese Typica Natural from Okinawa, a coffee prized for both scarcity and labour-intensive processing (the beans are all picked, processed and roasted by hand) that sells for more than £265 a cup."

March 24, 2026

• What we know on day 25 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iran has denied holding talks with the United States, contradicting President Donald Trump’s claims that the two sides spoke over the weekend about ending the war and reached 'major points of agreement.' The price of oil and the stock market have fluctuated wildly over the conflicting accounts. Here’s what to know on Day 25."
• Why Trump may not be able to TACO in Iran - even if he wants to - "Wars, unlike illegal tariffs, cannot be switched on and off to meet a president’s whims or to permanently shore up free-falling markets. So the key question following President Donald Trump’s suspension of threatened strikes against Iran’s power plants is not whether he’s had another TACO ('Trump always chickens out') moment. It’s whether Trump can get out of his war on Iran, even if he wants to."
• China’s growing influence in the Pacific is 5,000 meters deep - "Deep-sea mining is its latest battlefield."
• How Epstein Helped Solve a Billionaire’s Problems With Women - "The Wall Street titan Leon Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $170 million for what he said was tax and estate work. But his services went beyond that."
• Danes vote as Mette Frederiksen seeks third term as PM - "Frederiksen enjoyed a surge in popularity for standing up to the US over Greenland but her support is down on 2022."
• Denmark Has Changed - "Maybe most Americans haven’t viewed President Trump’s threats to take over Greenland, Denmark’s overseas territory, as terribly serious. But for at least a few intense days in January, many Danes, Greenlanders and Europeans did."
• Artemis II: Inside the Moon mission to fly humans further than ever - "For the first time in more than 50 years, humanity is returning to the Moon - travelling further from Earth than anyone has ever been before."
• Would you build your own apps? - "Not long ago, that would have been a job for specialists. But start-ups have emerged offering app production for the novice, with the help of AI. I used a service from Kineto a start-up that has been spun out of JetBrains, a company that makes popular software developer tools. The builder tool and the apps you create run in the browser, so you don't need to download or install anything. When you publish an app, you can distribute it by sharing the link."
• 4 Things Ophthalmologists Wish You Knew About Your Eyes - "1. Your eyes can get sunburned - 2. Contacts should not be worn while swimming or sleeping - 3. Staring at your screen can cause dry eyes - 4. An eye exam can reveal a wide range of diseases: among them diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease."
• OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies at 43 - "The owner of OnlyFans, a site known for its adult content that is credited with revolutionising the online porn industry, has died at the age of 43. He 'passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer,' OnlyFans confirmed in a statement. Radvinsky graduated with an economics degree from Northwestern University and most recently lived in Florida, according to his website. Forbes estimates his net worth at $4.7bn."
• Anthropic says Claude can now use your computer to finish tasks for you in AI agent push - "Anthropic is trialling a feature that lets users send prompts to Claude from a smartphone. Claude will complete the task on its own on a person’s computer. Anthropic’s product underscores its push towards more useful AI agents, which were thrust into the spotlight this year after the release of OpenClaw, which went viral."
• Mother Mary to The Drama: 10 of the best films to watch this April - "From Anne Hathaway in a gothic drama about a pop superstar to Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in an 'excruciatingly awkward' indie black comedy, these are the films to watch at the cinema and stream at home this month."
• New research upends history of battle that doomed the last Anglo-Saxon king - "The Battle of Hastings in 1066 ended the short rule of Harold, the last Anglo-Saxon king, and ushered in William, Duke of Normandy, as England’s leader, forever changing the country. New analysis of manuscripts, however, casts the nature of Harold’s devastating defeat in a fresh light."
• I spent the weekend trying Polaroid’s new Flip instant camera with sonar autofocus - "Today, the Polaroid Flip hits store shelves with the company’s first sonar-backed autofocus system in decades, designed to make it easier to get the perfect shot."
• Deep in a Singapore vault, a 66-million-year-old Triceratops awaits auction - "At Singapore’s secretive Le Freeport, a fortified luxury storage facility often dubbed 'Asia’s Fort Knox,' security is arguably tighter than at the international airport it connects to. Art, jewels and gold bars can enter the windowless building directly - and discreetly - from the runway at neighboring Changi. Freeports offer ultra-rich collectors somewhere to store assets and prized possessions away from prying eyes. Often set up in high-net-worth hubs, from Geneva to Monaco."

March 23, 2026

• What we know on day 24 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "All eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz, as President Donald Trump’s 48-hour deadline ticks closer and Iran threatens to permanently close the vital trade passage. Asian stocks fell Monday as oil prices continued to rise, adding to fears of global inflation."
• Trump postpones strikes on Iran's power plants after 'productive conversations' - "US president says he will hold off the strikes for five days, following discussions over the weekend on ending the war."
• The Tanker War: How history is repeating itself on the Strait of Hormuz - "Almost 40 years ago, US Navy warships were facing the same enemy they’d be facing now, the navy and the sea forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The so-called Tanker War of the late 1980s saw some of the same weapons and problems a US escort force would face today."
• Charted: How Powerful Is Iran in the Middle East? - "Iran has the largest population among its regional peers, but relatively low GDP per capita. It ranks among the top countries in oil reserves and production, second only to Saudi Arabia. Iran fields the largest military force in the region, despite lower spending than rivals like Saudi Arabia and Israel."
• UN issues new climate warning as El NiÑo looms - "The Earth's climate is further out of balance than at any time in recorded history, the UN's weather agency has warned."
• Banksy has been unmasked. But just how valuable is anonymity in the art world? - "The biggest mystery in the art world has apparently been solved: Banksy has been unmasked as a bespectacled middle-aged man from Bristol, England called Robin Gunningham."
• Where to see spring tulips in the Netherlands - "A local expert's guide to seeing the most beautiful tulips in the Netherlands. Here are her favourite ways to experience the season, from road trips to bulb picking."
• Seven places around the world where Agatha Christie found inspiration for murder - "From Devon and London to the Nile and Petra, Agatha Christie's travels shaped some of the world's most famous mysteries - and travellers can still follow her trail today."
• The ancient reason there are 60 minutes in an hour - "Hold up your hand in front of you, bend a finger, and you'll see it has three joints. Count all the joints on the fingers of one hand (not including the thumb) and you'll reach 12. Count this 12 as one using a finger on your other hand and restart the count to 12 on the first hand, until all five fingers on your second hand are used. What have you just counted to? Sixty."
• 'The soldiers would follow him anywhere': The WW2 general who outwitted his arch-rival - "Field Marshal Bernard 'Monty' Montgomery died 50 years ago. In 1968, he told the BBC about the Battle of El Alamein, and his German counterpart Erwin Rommel, the 'Desert Fox'."
• Exploring the Lives & Jewels of 15 Famous Women - "A new book delves into the mysterious collections of royals and celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Marie Antoinette and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis."
• Ranked: The Most Trusted Made-in Labels in the World - "Germany is the most trusted “Made in” label at 66%, followed by Switzerland (64%) and Japan (63%). France, Italy, and the UK all tie at 57%, while the U.S. and EU sit slightly lower at 55%. China (31%), Mexico (28%), and India (27%) rank near the bottom of the trust scale."

March 22, 2026

• What we know on day 23 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Both the United States and Israel have threatened to step up their aerial onslaughts against Iran, while an Iranian missile hit a city in southern Israel, injuring dozens. More countries have signaled a willingness to help safeguard maritime traffic in the critical Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked for weeks. Here are the latest developments."
• Trump gives Iran 48-hour ultimatum to reopen Strait of Hormuz - "Tehran says it will strike US infrastructure in the region if the president follows through on his threat to attack its power plants."
• Nearly 100 ships pass the Hormuz Strait - who is getting through? - "Just under 100 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of March, according to data analysed by BBC Verify, despite periodic attacks on shipping in the area by Iranian forces."
• The Strait of Hormuz Was Supposed to Be Too Big to Fail - "But at just 35 miles wide, it did. It’s just the latest evidence of how dependent the global economy is on a handful of choke points."
• Fergie's plot to clone the Queen's corgis for reality TV - "Just when you thought ex-Duchess couldn't sink any lower, we reveal the extraordinary plan to sell genetic replicas of the monarch's beloved pets."
• Why You Should Take a 10-Minute 'Thinking Walk' - "Scientists think the benefits stem from a mix of physiological changes: Movement boosts blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters linked to well-being, including endorphins and dopamine."
• The 1-Minute Trick to Calming Down Your Nervous System - "Your brain is very good at time travel. At any given moment, it might be replaying what already happened or rehearsing what could go wrong next. How do you snap back fast to reality? Try 'a viral sensation,' an easy way to reclaim your thoughts from wherever they’ve wandered off to."
• 100 Years of Women Who Changed History - "Revisiting the obituaries of a century of notable women to show how they were remembered - and what history may have left unsaid."
• No Pills or Needles, Just Paper: How Deadly Drugs Are Changing - "Lab-made drugs soaked into the pages of letters, books and even legal documents are being smuggled behind bars, killing inmates and frustrating investigators. In the summer of 2024, jail officers found the Rosetta Stone - the sheet of paper with 10 different synthetic drugs on it: a mix of opioids, depressants, cannabinoids and stimulants all jumbled together on the same page, like a Rosetta Stone of synthetic drugs."
• ‘Comeback of the century’: K-pop phenomenon BTS returns with first concert in years - "At the heart of BTS’ comeback is a free, public concert in Seoul for their most dedicated fans. While only 22,000 received the 'Golden Ticket' to attend, the event was expected to attract as many as 260,000 fans, making it the largest-ever public concert in South Korea."
• Isometric exercise: The most efficient fitness regime? - "Isometric exercises - which involve holding certain poses - can build strength and reduce our blood pressure. All you need to invest is 14 minutes a session, three times a week, to see large benefits."
• Climate change to identity: The vital lessons in Metamorphoses, Ovid's 2,000-year-old poem - "You might think that Ovid's Metamorphoses, an ancient compendium of the greatest Greek myths, would hold little relevance today. But its tales of desire and deceit reveal surprising parallels with contemporary concerns, from climate change and the refugee crisis to gender-based violence and identity."

March 21, 2026

• What we know on day 22 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "As the US-Israel war with Iran enters its fourth week, the Trump administration granted a temporary license for Iran to sell around 140 million barrels of crude oil to calm jittery markets. US President Donald Trump said the US is considering 'winding down' its military efforts."
• Trump grapples with whether to deploy troops to Iran - "Inside Trump’s most difficult war decision yet: whether to put boots on the ground in Iran."
• With casino empire gone, Trump family bets on prediction markets - "With his Atlantic City casinos in duress in the 1990s, Donald Trump saw a potential lifeline in sports betting and aggressively campaigned to legalize it in New Jersey. But when state powerbrokers shut him down, Trump vowed that he’d eventually find a way to win."
• Sarah Ferguson is keeping a low profile, but pressure is mounting for her to give evidence on Epstein - "There has been speculation in the press she has been considering a tell-all memoir. 'She knows where all the bodies are buried,' said royal commentator Richard Palmer."
• Florida man goes viral for ‘crazy’ likeness: ‘I’m not Jeffrey Epstein. I’m Palm Beach Pete!’ - "A Florida man has been forced to shoot down the latest Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy - after becoming 'a viral sensation' for being the spitting image of the notorious sex trafficker."
• How Jeffrey Epstein turned fashion world into his hunting ground - "Emails suggest an intricate network of fixers with the ability to procure girls and women for the convicted paedophile financier."
• Over 5,500 told to evacuate flooding in Hawaii as officials warn that dam could fail - "Muddy floodwaters from severe rains inundated streets, pushed homes off their foundations, swallowed vehicles and prompted evacuation orders for thousands of residents in towns north of Honolulu on Friday as officials warned of the possible failure of a 120-year-old dam."
• Photos: People we've lost in 2026 - "Here are some notable people who have died in 2026."
• The Long Farewell to Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse - "Meta announced changes that effectively leave Mr. Zuckerberg’s vision of an immersive digital world based in virtual reality only on life support."
• Counting calories doesn't work. Try eating smarter instead - "The time of day you have a meal, how fast you scoff your food and even how much you chew it can affect how many calories you get from it."
• Elon Musk misled Twitter investors, jury finds - "A San Francisco jury concludes Musk’s claims in 2022 were damaging to a group of Twitter investors."
• The rise of the 'backup passport' - "After Canada relaxed parts of its citizenship-by-descent rules in December 2025, many Americans began combing through their family trees to see if they could claim Canadian citizenship. For some, the news prompted a sudden thought: could a long-forgotten grandparent unlock a second passport? It's a question increasingly being asked around the world."
• ChatGPT might soon evolve into superapp with Atlas browser & Codex built-in - "OpenAI could be gearing up for one of its biggest product shifts yet. A fresh report suggests that the company is working on a new desktop “superapp” that would merge ChatGPT, its Codex coding platform, and the Atlas browser into one single experience."
• The iPhone Fold could blow away the Galaxy Z Fold 8 on Apple’s very first try - here’s why - "Five reasons why Apple's foldable could be the one to beat. Apple's foldable iPhone is going to arrive several years after Samsung's first foldable, but here's why it could win."

March 20, 2026

• What we know on day 21 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "As the US-Israel war against Iran nears the end of its third week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will halt its strikes on Iranian energy sites, after US President Donald Trump reacted angrily to an Israeli attack on a facility linked to the world’s largest natural gas field. Here’s what to know on Day 21."
• Why 'F35 hit by Iran' is a big deal for world's most-advanced stealth fighter jet that was supposed to be 'unkillable' - "A US F-35 stealth fighter jet sustained damage during a mission over Iran. The advanced aircraft made an emergency landing at a Middle Eastern air base. The pilot is safe. This incident raises questions about the effectiveness of stealth technology against improving air defenses."
• Russia, China & the US - the global winners & losers of the Iran war - "As the conflict triggers economic disruption some risk being hit hard, while others stand to benefit."
• How Does Iran Compare with its Middle Eastern Neighbors? - "This infographic benchmarks Iran against nearby countries Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates across 8 key categories. Iran’s GDP per capita ranks near the bottom, ahead of only Syria, highlighting a significant gap between national capacity and average personal wealth compared to smaller, high-income Gulf states like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates."
• How Dependent are the Gulf Arab States on Tourism? - " Lebanon, Bahrain and the UAE are among the most tourism-dependent economies in the Middle East, with tourism sectors accounting for 6-9% of GDP."
• 25 years of oil prices & geopolitical events in one chart - "From the Iraq war and the 2008 financial crisis to the Arab Spring, sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, COVID-19, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, each episode either threatened supply, weakened demand, or both. The pattern is clear: oil reacts fastest when markets fear disruption to production, transport routes, or global growth."
• Norway's crown princess breaks silence on Epstein links: 'I was manipulated & deceived' - "Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has told national TV that she wishes she had never met late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, breaking seven weeks of silence after the extent of her contacts with him emerged."
• Denmark reportedly flew blood bags to Greenland in preparation for a US attack - "Amid Trump threats, Copenhagen also sent over explosives intended to blow up runways, according to Danish media."
• Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s Push to Cleanse His Past Online - "After he left jail in 2009, Mr. Epstein hired a host of people to make him look better on Google, Wikipedia and many other places on the web."
• Where the World’s Population Falls on the Happiness Scale in 2026 - "Finland, Denmark, and many of the world’s happiest countries are home to relatively small populations. Billions live in mid-ranked happiness countries including India, China, and Indonesia. Lower happiness scores are concentrated in parts of Africa and Asia, home to large and growing populations."
• Gwyneth Paltrow had to be ‘sewn into’ her slit-up-to-there Oscars 2026 dress - "- and wasn’t ‘able to pee’ all night. The Goop founder gave a behind-the-scenes look at her red carpet prep."
• When is WWDC 2026? Here’s what to expect - "Again, Apple is remarkably consistent here. I'd expect WWDC 2026 to be held June 8 to June 12, with the keynote itself kicking things off on Monday, June 8."
• Chuck Norris, black belt & action star known for ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ dies at 86 - "Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist and 'Walker, Texas Ranger' star, has died at 86 after a medical emergency in Kauai, Hawaii."
• iOS 27 is shaping up to be one of Apple’s biggest updates yet - "Smarter AI, a redesigned Siri, satellite upgrades, and even support for a foldable iPhone UI. Expected to be announced at WWDC 2026."
• A.I. Agents: They’re Fun. They’re Useful. But Don’t Give Them the Credit Card - "New A.I. bots can do more than just chat. They can edit files, send emails, book trips and cause trouble."
• How Disneyland hides eyesores in plain sight with 'Go Away Green' - "Go Away Green is the most-used camouflage color due to the lush vegetation of the Disney parks. Look in any flower bed and you'll likely find an example."

March 19, 2026

• What we know on day 20 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "The price of energy is soaring after Israel - in a major escalation - struck Iran’s South Pars oil field, the largest in the world, prompting Iran to target energy facilities in neighboring Gulf states. Although President Donald Trump has tried to distance his administration from Israel’s strike, saying the United States 'knew nothing' about it, sources are disputing his claim. Here’s what to know on Day 20."
• Trump threatens to "blow up" world's largest gas field - "Energy prices soar as attacks on Middle East gas facilities escalate."
• A Nordic nation is the world’s happiest country for the ninth year in a row - "If happiness were an Olympic event, the Nordic countries would be guaranteed a spot on the podium. Actually, all three spots on the podium. According to the latest edition of the World Happiness Report, the three happiest countries in the world are Finland, Iceland and Denmark."
• World Happiness Report 2026 - "In North America and Western Europe, young people are much less happy than 15 years ago. Over the same period, social media use has greatly increased. Many people blame social media for this fall in happiness, but does this hypothesis stand the test of rigorous scientific analysis?"
• How Finnish supermarkets are central to the country's defence - "The four Nordic nations - Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark - have for decades all followed a 'total defence' strategy. This means that plans are in place for the military and civilian sectors to work closely together. In the event of Finland being invaded or attacked in some other way, such as a substantial countrywide cyber breach, nationwide supermarket S Group has a detailed plan for how it would help the national cause. It would need to ensure that the nation of some 5.6 million people maintained sufficient food supplies."
• How Europe sleepwalked into yet another energy crisis - "The knock-on effects of the conflict now whipping through the Middle East are awakening ghosts of crises past that shook the European Union."
• Mapped: The World’s Biggest Energy Sources by Country - "What powers the world? This map reveals the biggest energy source across countries—from oil and coal to biomass. Oil is the most common dominant energy source globally, leading in 39 of the countries covered in the dataset. Coal remains the primary energy source in several of Asia’s largest economies, including China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Biomass is still the biggest energy source across much of Africa, where fuels like firewood and charcoal remain widely used for cooking and heating."
• India's cheap weight-loss drugs could reshape global obesity fight - "India could soon get a lot thinner - at least in theory. On Friday the patent on semaglutide - the molecule behind Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic - expires in the country."
• The AI habits parents don't see - "Parents think they know how kids use AI. They don't. New surveys asked teens how they use AI. Parents have no idea what's going on, from homework to emotional support."
• Stretching 2,689 miles, the world's longest coastal path opens in England - "The King Charles III England Coast Path stretching around the entire coast of England will allow walkers right of access to the entire coast for the first time. It is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world."
• A rare peek at La Sagrada Família's finishing details - "A century after Gaudí's passing, his most ambitious masterpiece, la Sagrada Família, is at last reaching its conclusion. Reporting for the Travel Show, Rajan Datar goes behind the scenes to see the final sculptures being prepared for installation at the iconic basilica."

March 18, 2026

• What we know on day 19 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Israel says it killed Iran’s intelligence minister in a Tuesday night strike on Tehran, a day after it killed two other senior Iranian leaders in strikes on the capital. The attacks demonstrate Israel’s unrelenting push to pick off power-brokers within the regime."
• King Charles visit in question as Trump berates UK over Iran war position - "Given the venom of Trump’s broadsides against Britain, a growing number of lawmakers are questioning whether it would be wise for Charles to visit the US this spring. Although the state visit has not been confirmed, the king has widely been expected to travel to Washington, DC, in April, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence."
• Fact check: Trump’s barrage of false or unproven claims about the Iran war - "President Donald Trump continues to make false and unproven claims about the war in Iran."
• ‘This cannot be sustainable’: The U.S. borrowed $50 billion a week for the past five months - "The U.S. Treasury’s borrowing showed no signs of slowing as the U.S. headed deeper into fiscal year 2026, with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reporting that another $1 trillion was added to the federal deficit in the first five months of the year."
• What America Gets Wrong About Jeffrey Epstein - "If we label Epstein a 'monster,' we whitewash the environment that created, fostered, and abetted him. The real lesson of the Epstein files is this: we built the world that made him possible. Epstein was not the disease. He was a symptom. And symptoms don’t disappear without treatment. "
• The world’s most punctual airlines & airports in 2025 - "With an estimated 38.9 million flights taking place internationally in 2025, and a delicate geopolitical landscape causing airspace constraints, the hurdles impacting punctuality are getting trickier than ever. Aviation analytics firm Cirium in its new report highlights 12 airports and airlines around the world that last year excelled in terms of punctuality, thus reaping the rewards in terms of passenger satisfaction and cost savings."
• Frequent flyers say these 25 travel essentials under $25 actually make a difference - "We found must-have travel essentials that won't break the bank, thanks to interviews with four frequent flyers."
• Len Deighton obituary: How a cookery cartoonist became a master spy writer - "The British author, Len Deighton, who was best known for his spy novels, has died at the age of 97."
• MAGIC AI - The Worlds First AI Personal Trainer - "The AI mirror that could replace your fitness trainer. London-based Magic AI is betting that its computer-vision mirror can outsmart the competition and win the future of home fitness."
• Monaco crowned global capital of gastronomy - "Monaco now boasts a total of 14 Michelin stars, an extraordinary concentration that reinforces its reputation as one of the world’s most densely awarded culinary destinations."
• Monaco’s Bal de la Rose celebrates 70th edition with “Galaxy” Theme at Sporting Monte-Carlo - "Monaco’s most iconic social event, the Bal de la Rose, will return on Saturday, March 21, marking its 70th anniversary with a spectacular new theme inspired by space and imagination."
• I set up Claude Code the way its creator does & the difference is night & day - "Even if you haven't written a line of code before, I would simply not believe you if you tell me you haven’t heard of Claude Code. I'd go as far as saying it's today’s version of what ChatGPT was when it first launched - the thing everyone’s talking about, whether they fully understand it or not."
• Ranked: The Top Crude Oil Producers in 2025 - "The U.S. was the world's largest crude oil producer in 2025, pumping 13.58 million barrels per day. Five of the world's top 10 crude oil producers are in the Middle East. Russia and Saudi Arabia ranked second and third globally, each producing more than 9.5 million barrels per day."
• Ranked: Nuclear Weapon Stockpiles by Country - "The global nuclear warhead stockpile stands at 9,614, representing the share of nuclear weapon inventory that is assigned to operational forces. Since 2020, China has increased its stockpiles from 350 to 600 in 2025, and by 2030 the country is projected to have 1,000 nuclear weapons."
• Breaking Down the $417 Billion Sports Industry - "The global sports industry is worth $417 billion, spanning media, fan engagement, and betting. Sports betting is the largest segment, accounting for $133 billion, or nearly one-third of the total market. The market value of the industry is heading toward $602 billion by 2030."
• A Snob’s Guide to Walt Disney World - "The most magical place on Earth can quickly become the most nightmarish. Not if you carefully follow our advice."

March 17, 2026

• What we know on day 18 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Israel said that it killed Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, in a strike on Tehran, demonstrating Israel’s continued determination to pursue senior figures in the Iranian regime, even those seen as pragmatists like Larijani. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is berating American allies for their reluctance to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively closed after the United States and Israel attacked it. Here’s what to know on day 18."
• Trump insisted he didn’t need allies’ help in Iran. Now he’s demanding they step in - "President Donald Trump has consistently asserted that the war with Iran is going well. But his decision to ask for help from allies and other countries to resolve the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is the latest evidence that calls that into question."
• Who wants what from the Iran war? - "Most people, although not everybody, want this war to end as quickly as possible. But on what terms? That is where positions diverge."
• Six reasons why it was the best Oscars in years - "In recent times, the Academy Awards have become stale. But this year, they felt fresher and more exciting than they have for a long while. Here's why: Clash of the titans - Popular wins all round - Party atmosphere - History was made - A stunning 'In Memoriam' - No slips or slaps."
• At the Oscars after-party, the fashion was sexy, strange & even R-rated - "At the Oscars after-party, stars slip into something more sensual. After the hard work is done - the contracts signed, the photos published, the designers tagged - celebrities can loosen the proverbial tie and slip into something more, let’s say, comfortable."
• And the burger goes to... Michael B Jordan marks Oscars win at In-N-Out - "Hours after winning best actor, Jordan joins an exclusive list of famous faces to celebrate an Oscar victory with a burger."
• Peter Thiel’s secret lectures on Antichrist in Rome spark debate - "Peter Thiel, the billionaire venture capitalist and MAGA donor, is in Rome this week for a series of private lectures on the Antichrist. It’s an event that the Vatican, and the pope, are treating with caution."
• Pentagon Should Focus on Defense Priorities, not Lavish Dinners, After Historic $93.4B “Use-It-or-Lose-It” September - "In the last five working days of September alone, the DoD spent $50.1 billion on grants and contracts. These amounts only include money sent to entities outside the government, not salaries for service members and scores of other expenses. Instead, the shopping spree encompasses luxury food items like lobster, high-end furniture and rushed IT purchases."
• One of Epstein’s Levers of Power: Access to Elite Private Schools - "Jeffrey Epstein used his money and influence in the world of elite private schools to assist friends and acquaintances."
• Apple’s 2026 Product Roadmap: New iPhones, Macs & Apple Watch Are Coming - "Apple has already launched several new devices in 2026, but more are coming. Here’s everything Apple has released so far, along with the products still expected this year."
• I built a library of 'thinking prompts' for Claude - these are the ones I use most - "These prompts change how the AI reasons, not just how it answers: 1. The 'first principles' prompt - 2. The 'contrarian' prompt - 3. The 'expert panel' prompt - 4. The 'simplify it' prompt - 5. The 'improve the idea' prompt - 6. The 'structured thinking' prompt - 7. The 'real-world test' prompt."
• The daring bridge that rewrote the engineering rulebook 200 years ago - "When it was constructed in 1826, the bridge across the Menai Strait, between the north Wales mainland and the island of Anglesey, was a vision of the future. By the time it opened, it was the longest in the world, and remained so until the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883."

March 16, 2026

• What we know on day 17 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "US President Donald Trump is trying to garner international support for securing the Strait of Hormuz – the vital waterway where the transport of oil has shuddered to a halt since the US and Israel began their war with Iran. So far no country has made a firm commitment of sending warships."
• Iran hits key UAE oil port & Dubai airport - "The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) biggest port and oil storage facility, Fujairah, and Dubai's international airport have come under further drone attacks as Iran continues to target Gulf transport and oil infrastructure."
• Oscars 2026: Winners list in full - "Hollywood's best and brightest have been honoured with the most coveted awards in the movie industry, the Oscars."
• An inside look at the Oscars red carpet & the winners backstage - "The Oscars red carpet is all about big arrivals and small moments - the cast reunions, the last-minute gown readjustments, the slow shuffle toward the entranceway of Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. In fact, what happens outside the venue and, later, backstage often lives longer in our collective memory than the awards themselves."
• A tie at 2026 Oscars for Best Live-Action Short marks 7th such rare award moment - "'And the Oscar goes to ... it's a tie. I'm not joking. It's actually a tie.' There have been six other ties at the Oscars over the course of nearly a century. E.g. in 1968, Katharine Hepburn ('The Lion in Winter') and Barbra Streisand ('Funny Girl') both received Oscars for Best Actress."
• Gwyneth Paltrow's 2026 Oscars Dress Has a Massive Slit - "Gwyneth Paltrow’s Oscars Dress Has a 'Side Butt' Revealing Slit up the Entire Side. Didn’t know this was physically possible, but here we are."
• Monaco prepares to host Michelin Guide ceremony - "For the first time, the Principality will host the annual Michelin Guide star ceremony, with the 2026 edition taking place at the Grimaldi Forum on Monday, March 16."
• The Billionaire Backlash Against a Philanthropic Dream - "The Giving Pledge, once trendy among the world’s richest, has come upon hard times."
• What does Elon Musk do with all his money? - "Billionaire Elon Musk has said the companies he founded or runs 'are philanthropy' because they seek to better the future for humanity. To Musk, the very existence of his business ventures is philanthropic: 'If you say philanthropy is love of humanity, they are philanthropy.'"
• It’s the Music You Hear All Day, Without Ever Noticing - "'Sync music' has become the soundtrack to our lives - whether we realize it or not."
• Tinder tries to lure people back to online dating with IRL events, virtual speed dating - "Tinder held its inaugural product keynote on Thursday, unveiling an ambitious slate of updates designed to reinvigorate its product, bolster safety, and harness AI."
• 7 AI mistakes I wish someone had told me about when I started - "Just started using AI? Seven common mistakes beginners make (and how to avoid them): 1. Being too vague in prompts - 2. Treating AI like a search engine - 3. Not fact-checking AI responses - 4. Asking for too much at once - 5. Not providing enough context - 6. Giving up after the first response - 7. Not experimenting with different AI tools."
• are you an otrovert? what to know about the new personality type - "An otrovert is a newly identified personality type that appears extroverted socially but functions with an introverted nervous system, needing solitude to recharge. Coined by psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski, they are 'outsiders' who can charm in groups but feel detached from them, preferring deep, one-on-one connections over communal belonging."
• With MacBook Neo, Apple admits that an iPad can’t replace a computer - "With the Neo, Apple has quietly waved the white flag. By offering a full-fledged macOS experience at a price point that undercuts even a mid-tier iPad Pro setup, they have finally admitted that a professional workflow requires a file-based desktop OS, not a mobile-first environment with a keyboard slapped on."

March 15, 2026

• What we know on day 16 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "US President Donald Trump said he is not yet ready to make a deal with Iran to end the war, and renewed calls for international allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz."
• Oscars 2026: What to expect & who will win - "Hollywood stars are gearing up for Sunday night's Oscars, in an exciting year for the awards race where several categories are too close to call."
• Who’s got an EGOT? - "It's the most exclusive club in Hollywood. With four golden barriers to entry, the EGOT club is made up of entertainers who have received all of the premiere competitive arts awards: the Emmy for television, Grammy for music and recording, Oscar for film and Tony for Broadway theater. The following list reflects only those who competitively accomplished the feat - 23 to be exact, with the most recent inductee being Steven Spielberg."
• BAHRAIN & SAUDI ARABIAN GRANDS PRIX WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IN APRIL - "After careful evaluations, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April."
• Antonelli wins Chinese GP as McLarens fail to start - "Teenager Kimi Antonelli took his first Formula 1 victory as he led team-mate George Russell home in a Mercedes one-two at the Chinese Grand Prix."
• There’s a commodity even more vital than oil & gas in the Middle East & it’s at risk as war heats up - "While Iran still gets most of its water from rivers and groundwater, the Gulf has few natural freshwater resources. Some countries - including Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain - rely on desalination for almost all drinking water."
• The admiral navigating the battlefield & the politics of Trump’s Iran war - "Admiral Brad Cooper is in charge of Central Command, or CENTCOM, which is leading the joint US-Israeli war effort against Iran."
• Harry & Meghan accuse royal author of 'deranged conspiracy' - "In extracts from his forthcoming book, published by the Times on Friday, Tom Bower claims Queen Camilla told a friend Meghan had 'brainwashed' Prince Harry. He also writes that Meghan became a 'divisive agent' and was seen by the Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales as a 'threat'."
• Seat 11A: The Windowless Inside Joke at 30,000 Feet - "What looks like a prime spot on the seat maps is prompting disappointment and humor for passengers who find only a blank wall."
• Male shoe anxiety hits the Oval Office - "Photos of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance show them wearing black dress shoes with visible gaps between the shoe’s collar and the wearer’s foot, leaving the ankle to dangle loose in the opening like the clapper in a bell."
• Ranked: The World’s Top Arms Exporters - "The U.S. dominates global arms exports, accounting for 42% of the world total from 2021–2025. France and Russia follow far behind with 10% and 7%, while Germany recently overtook China in global export rankings. South Korea is emerging as a fast-growing defense supplier, expanding exports of advanced weapons systems worldwide."
• 10 things all visitors to Japan should know - "In Japan, small gestures matter. From how to hold your bowl to what to do with rubbish, our local expert explores Japanese social etiquette - and how travellers can follow with ease."

March 14, 2026

• What we know on day 15 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "The strikes on Kharg Island, which a US official said avoided hitting vital oil infrastructure, comes as the economic fallout over the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to grow and the Pentagon announced it is deploying a rapid response marine unit to the Middle East."
• How Much the War in Iran is Costing Americans | TIME - "The first week of the war with Iran reportedly cost U.S. taxpayers upwards of $11 billion - a figure that doesn’t include the buildup of troops and warships in the region ahead of the initial strikes."
• How the bombing of Iran sent shockwaves around the world - "Two weeks in, and the consequences of Operation Epic Fury are being felt around the world."
• Why has the US targeted Iran's Kharg Island? - "Donald Trump has said the US military has bombed a small island off the coast of Iran - home to a major oil terminal that is considered the country's economic lifeline. The US president said Kharg Island's military facilities were 'totally obliterated' but that it had held off targeting its oil infrastructure."
• The World’s Greatest Places of 2026 | TIME - "Here are the places to stay and visit that made TIME's 2026 list of the greatest places in the world."
• The world’s best cities for 2026 | Time Out - "In our travel news roundup this week: the 200th anniversary of a revolutionary suspension bridge, Time Out’s best cities for 2026, plus what the Iran war means for your travel plans."
• Queen Camilla told friend Meghan ‘brainwashed’ Harry, new book claims - "Tom Bower’s new book opens up Harry and Meghan’s rift with the Royal Family, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s downfall."
• Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans - "Apple today announced that it will celebrate the company's 50th anniversary over the coming weeks, but it has yet to reveal any specific plans."
• Epstein’s island: Inside the Caribbean fiefdom where he wooed the wealthy & abused girls - "For nearly two decades, Little St. James, Epstein’s roughly 70-acre island, was the perfect tool for him to both cultivate powerful friends and abuse young women and girls. It offered Epstein both a glamorous setting to attract famous figures and the seclusion he needed to prey on his victims."
• First image emerges of Andrew, Mandelson & Epstein together - "An image of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been found in documents released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ)."
• Netflix to Pay Up to $600 Million for Ben Affleck's AI Firm - "Netflix is buying InterPositive to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in its filmmaking. The startup has developed a suite of tools."
• Microsoft’s Copilot Health can connect to your medical records & wearables - "The chatbot can help users decipher lab test results and find doctors who take their insurance, the company says."
• Charted: The Energy Mix of the World’s 10 Largest Economies - "See the energy mix in the world's 10 largest economies, including how much comes from oil, gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, and renewables. Oil is the largest energy source in six of the world’s 10 biggest economies, including the U.S., Germany, Japan, the UK, and Italy. Coal dominates energy supply in China and India, accounting for nearly 60% of their energy mixes. France stands out for nuclear power, which provides over 46% of its energy mix, the highest share among the group."

March 13, 2026

• What we know on day 14 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Nearly three weeks into the US-Israel war with Iran, the economic fallout is growing with little sign of relief, as Tehran’s new supreme leader vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed."
• Seven reasons why Trump hasn’t won the Iran war - "He can’t honestly declare victory; he seems to be losing control of an expanding war; and the strategic and economic consequences of quitting would be more disastrous than those of staying in."
• donald trump says he's 'not interested' in nobel peace prize - "Trump claims he is no longer interested in Nobel Peace Prize and doesn’t know if Iran war will hurt his future chances. Trump said he had ‘no idea’ how the Iran war would impact his future Nobel prospects."
• US eases Russia oil sanctions as Iran war pushes up energy prices - "US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary waiver was aimed at promoting 'stability in global energy markets'. The 'short-term measure' would 'not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government', he cautioned."
• 'There's no hiding place on a ship': The sailors stranded near Iran - "Drones, cruise missiles and fighter jets have become a common sight for many sailors stranded on ships in the Gulf."
• Russia Should Get Ready for the Fall of Vladimir Putin - "Summary and Key Points: Dr. Alexander Motyl, Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University, evaluates the historical probability of a Russian leadership transition."
• Oscars 2026: Nominees list in full - "Hollywood has revealed the nominations for this year's Oscars, which will honour the film industry's finest stars and movies from the past 12 months. The awards will take place on 15 March, hosted by US comedian Conan O'Brien."
• Winners, Sinners & record breakers: 17 fun facts about this year's Oscars - "When Sinners director Ryan Coogler went to the movies as a child, he would smuggle in some snacks - and get particularly creative with the cinema's drinks machine."
• 12 things we spotted in the Oscars class photo - "There's no such thing as a free lunch, unless you're a Hollywood A-lister who's nominated for an Oscar."
• The 3 types of reading (& the 2 you'll pick) - "There are three distinct modes of reading - scanning, skimming, and deep reading - each serving a different purpose, and most of us default to the shallowest two without realizing what we lose. Deep reading is a near-meditative practice: research shows just six minutes of it can cut stress by up to 68%, yet digital culture has made it increasingly rare and undervalued. While traditional deep reading is declining, long-form podcasts suggest our appetite for immersion and sustained attention hasn’t disappeared."
• Apple Released Seven New Products - "The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world. The other six products include an iPhone 17e, iPad Air models with the M4 chip, MacBook Air models with the M5 chip, MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a new Studio Display, and a higher-end Studio Display XDR."
• Michelle Pfeiffer Makes It Look Easy. It Isn’t - "At 67, the actress is still reinventing herself, with two new TV shows, 'The Madison' and 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles,' and an evolving attitude about her work."
• Bill Cosby, Out of Prison & the Public Eye, Faces Civil Trial - "The entertainer whose conviction was overturned in 2021 still faces sex assault lawsuits from multiple women, including one playing out now in a California court."
• 6 Daytime Habits for Better Sleep - "Experts say a great night’s rest starts as soon as you wake up: 1. Soak in the morning sun. 2. Keep mealtimes consistent, and later meals lighter. 3. Reassess your relationship with caffeine. 4. Take sleep-affecting medications earlier. 5. Wake up at the same time every day. 6. Experiment with your workout schedule."
• Can You Prevent or Reverse Gray Hair? - "It’s a question that has perplexed scientists for decades. Here’s what they have untangled so far."

March 12, 2026

• What we know on day 13 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "The US and Israel’s war with Iran is spreading to the seas, with oil tankers hit by Iranian attacks, an Omani port set ablaze, and multiple vessels hit by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz - a critical waterway normally used to transport much of the world’s oil."
• Strait of Hormuz: What happens if Iran shuts global oil corridor? - "Iran has said it would 'set fire' to any ships trying to pass through the Strait, but a very small amount of traffic has continued. About 20% of the world's oil usually passes through the strait and the war has sent global oil prices soaring."
• The ultra-wealthy are paying staggering costs to flee the Middle East - "Super-rich travelers are using private jets to escape Middle East conflict, pushing charter prices sky-high."
• Joe Rogan keeps highlighting Trump’s biggest liabilities - "If there’s one figure who epitomized President Donald Trump’s ability to cobble together a winning coalition in 2024, it might have been Joe Rogan - the influential podcaster who made big news by endorsing Trump on the eve of the election after interviewing him. Sixteen months later, Rogan epitomizes Trump’s problems in holding that coalition together."
• Oscars 2026 predictions: Who will win & who should? - "In the final few days before the Academy Awards, and with several key races tightening, here are the BBC film critics' final expert predictions."
• See these Oscar-nominated movies like you never have before - "Go behind the scenes of these Oscar-nominated movies. As unit or set photographers, Eli Joshua Adé, Agata Grzybowska and Merrick Morton were tasked with capturing the action and atmosphere on the sets of three of this year’s Oscar-nominated films: 'Sinners,' 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another,' respectively."
• RenÉ Redzepi Steps Down at Noma Amid Allegations of Past Abuse - "After 23 years running the Copenhagen restaurant, widely considered one of the most innovative and important in the world, the chef is leaving. The move came after recent reports in The New York Times and on social media about his abuse of employees at Noma in the 2000s and 2010s."
• Police in Britain Repeatedly Declined to Investigate Epstein. Why? - "The police in London interviewed Virginia Giuffre three times over her allegations about Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Ghislaine Maxwell, but never began a criminal investigation."
• Meet the Finest Boys in Finance - "Every generation is fascinated by (and maybe a little suspicious of) the new kids on The Street. What motivates these baby-faced New Yorkers besides their bank accounts? We don’t have the answers, but a few hard workers we cast from LinkedIn might. For our March issue of Interview magazine, four of the finest guys in finance tell us how they stay after it. "
• Daryl Hannah: How Can ‘Love Story’ Get Away With This? - "Jacqueline Onassis once gave me some wise advice: She told me that while tabloids, magazines and newspapers often sold ridiculous lies, they were nothing more than bird cage liner by the next day. At the time, I found great comfort and consolation in those words. But today they no longer hold true."
• Carolyn Bessette Was Living the Dream. Then She Met John - "Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was thriving as a 1990s Calvin Klein publicist in New York City, embodying a 'self-made' and chic, pre-smartphone existence before her life was transformed by marrying John F. Kennedy Jr."
• Costco Drastically Drops the Price of One of the Best Affordable, Big-Screen TVs - "A 75-inch TV for less than $500? Row of large flat-screen TVs on display in a warehouse store with Costco. A decade ago, if you wanted to buy a big-screen TV (basically anything over 65 inches), you’d expect to pay at least $5,000. If you were shopping at the more premium end of the market, that price could go well higher."
• Your daily walk matters in more ways than you think - "Walking acts as far more than a calorie-burning activity. It’s one of your body’s most fundamental movement patterns. How you walk affects pelvic alignment, core stability, hip mobility, balance, breathing and even how your nervous system regulates tension. In many ways, walking provides the basis for building and expressing strength."
• Why 'Viking wellness' is having a moment - "This year's fast-growing spa trend isn't about pampering and relaxation: it's about contrast therapy and elemental experiences. Enter the brave world of Viking wellness."
• Feeling anxious? These tips might help - "Nine science-backed techniques to help you cope and find some calm in turbulent times. In our chaotic, uncertain world, it is normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed. These science-backed techniques can help you build your resilience and find some calm."
• Wired headphone sales are exploding. What's with the Bluetooth backlash? - "Wired headphones were supposed to die with the headphone jack. Instead, they're making a comeback as consumers seek out better sound quality and technology from a simpler time. Wired headphones have become so ubiquitous among the rich and famous that some see these tangles of plastic and wire as a cultural symbol."

March 11, 2026

• What we know on day 12 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Throughout the region, a humanitarian crisis is mounting – with the UN warning of toxic black rain, mass displacement and disrupted supply chains for life-saving goods. And the death toll continues to rise. Here’s what you need to know on day 12."
• Iran begins laying mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources say - "The mining is not extensive yet, with a few dozen having been laid in recent days, the sources said. But Iran still retains upward of 80% to 90% of its small boats and mine layers, one of the sources said, so its forces could feasibly lay hundreds of mines in the waterway."
• US says 16 Iranian mine-laying ships 'eliminated' - "Three commercial ships have been damaged by "unknown projectiles" in the Strait of Hormuz - here's why the shipping channel is so important."
• Photos appear to show US Tomahawk missile fragments at site of deadly Iran school strike - "Four photographs of the fragments were shared on Telegram by Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, with the caption claiming they were remnants from the strike on the Shajareh Tayyiba school in Minab, where state media say at least 168 children and 14 teachers were killed."
• Amazon launches Health AI agent on Amazon website and app with free 24/7 access to virtual care for Prime members - "The new Health AI answers questions, explains health records, manages prescription renewals, books appointments, and more."
• Jeffrey Epstein had two key aides - why do they still control his money & secrets? - "When the FBI raided Jeffrey Epstein's New York mansion in July 2019, on the day he was arrested for child sex trafficking, agents forced open a large safe to find diamonds, bundles of cash, passports, binders of CDs and hard drives. But an issue with the warrant meant they could not leave with the items. And when they returned with a new one, the safe had been emptied while they were gone - according to FBI documents. Richard Kahn, Epstein's accountant and bookkeeper since 2005 and Epstein's long-serving lawyer Darren Indyke, are the sole executors of Epstein's estate, controlling all his wealth and possessions."
• Inside Donald Trump's $6.5 billion fortune - "Here’s How Much Donald Trump Is Worth. Crypto cash and court rulings have combined to make America’s billionaire-in-chief much, much richer over the past year."
• 40th Annual World's Billionaires Forbes List 2026 - "Another year, another set of records for the world's billionaire class. There has never been a better time to be a billionaire. Thanks to AI’s explosion, sizzling markets and favorable fiscal policies, a record 3,428 entrepreneurs, investors and heirs made this year’s World’s Billionaires list, 400 more than in 2025. They are richer than ever, worth a record $20.1 trillion, up $4 trillion from last year."
• Meet The 45 AI Newcomers To Forbes’ 2026 Billionaires List - "From a creator of an AI search tool for doctors to vibe coders, here’s a map of all the new AI billionaires in 2026."
• Noma Loses American Express Sponsorship After Report of Past Abuse by Its Chef - "Two companies have withdrawn from a series of dinners in Los Angeles after The New York Times reported allegations that René Redzepi attacked workers."
• Do You Really Need to Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them? - "We asked experts whether they can irritate your skin or cause other problems. New clothes often contain a variety of substances that can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. Dirt and dust, which can accumulate in storage, may lead to a red, itchy or painful rash, she added - particularly for those with sensitive skin. The most common causes of irritation, however, are the thousands of chemicals used during textile manufacturing."
• The Best Things on Fifth Avenue Don’t Cost a Dime - "Trying on clothes you can't afford is an act of transgression - and liberation."
• Official programme unveiled for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco - "The Prince’s Palace has unveiled the official programme for the apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Monaco on Saturday, March 28, offering the first detailed look at what promises to be a historic day for the Principality."

March 10, 2026

• What we know on day 11 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "As strikes continue across the Middle East for a second week, US President Trump has given conflicting messages about how long the war will last, while Iran signals it’s prepared for a long fight. Here’s what you need to know on day 11."
• This is the biggest oil disruption in history - "A historic disruption to the world’s oil production sent crude prices smashing through the $100 barrier Monday for the first time in nearly four years, before prices settled just below $100."
• Why the price of oil matters more than you might think - "A shock to oil supplies is rattling financial markets, driving up prices at the pump and raising fears of a bigger economic hit."
• ChatGPT is now the 5th most visited website on the internet - "Ranked: The 20 Most Visited Websites in the World in 2026. Google remains the most visited website in the world in 2026, with nearly 95 billion monthly visits. YouTube ranks second, reinforcing Alphabet’s dominance over global internet traffic. ChatGPT has climbed into the global top five, ahead of Reddit, Wikipedia, and X."
• Epstein’s inner circle emerges from newly released files - "Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle - the aides, lawyers and confidantes who ran his world."
• TSA wait times may not get better any time soon. Here’s what you should know if you’re flying - "Travelers stuck in line for hours at airport security this week are the latest victims of a partial government shutdown that has dragged on for nearly a month."
• micro-cations: The big appeal of the tiny holiday - "From passport privilege to overtourism and carbon cost, the boom in two- to four-day 'micro-cations' reveals how modern travellers are rethinking rest."
• Has Hollywood golden boy TimothÉe Chalamet lost his shine? - "Is the backlash against Timothée Chalamet about more than his views on ballet and opera?"
• Drooling into your pillow could be a sign of a more serious issue - "'Everyone drools at one time or another when we have too much to drink the night before or fallen asleep on the couch after a big holiday dinner. If this is more of a persistent thing we want you to see a doctor. It could be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder or even a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s.'"
• These diseases were thought to be incurable. Now AI is unlocking new treatments - "Artificial intelligence is inventing new drugs against Parkinson's disease, antibiotic-resistant superbugs and many rare diseases - progress that many scientists never dreamed possible."
• What is the Human Being diet? - "Hailed as a transformative way of feasting and fasting, the Human Being Diet (HBD) joins the list of programmes claiming weight loss and wellness. But how different is this diet and could it be the answer to your weight-loss and energy goals?"
• Ranked: The Brands That Lost the Most Value Last Year - "Tesla recorded the largest drop in brand value among the world’s top brands, falling by about $15 billion year-over-year. Automakers dominate the list, reflecting pressure on the global automotive sector and shifting consumer sentiment."
• How history's brutal witch trials still resonate now - "A new book How to Kill a Witch brings a dark period of history back to grisly life - and an official tartan is being released to memorialise some of those who were tortured and killed."

March 9, 2026

• What we know on day 10 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Iranians are being directed to pledge their allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei after he was named Iran’s new supreme leader. Thoughts now turn to how he will steer Iran through one of its biggest crises in its modern history and what his first move will be."
• Visualizing the US-Israeli war with Iran & retaliation in maps & charts - "CNN is tracking the US-Israeli strikes across Iran, and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on US military bases and consulates, Israel and other targets across the region."
• Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader? - "Many expect the 56-year-old, who has largely kept a low profile, to continue his father's hardline policies."
• Trump's War With Iran | TIME - "Eight months after bombing three Iranian nuclear sites, he was once again getting edgy about the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. The latest round of negotiations in Geneva had done little to reassure him."
• How Russia Emerged as an Early Winner of the Iran War - "'Putin and his advisors have likely determined that war in Iran serves Russia’s interests in the short term: higher energy prices, global distraction from a Ukraine war that Putin is not ready to settle, and America at risk of entrapment in another Middle Eastern quagmire.'"
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guards: The Spine of a Militarized State - "With their pervasive military, political and economic clout, the Guards are often considered the main impediment to regime change, or any change, in Iran."
• 5 ways oil prices over $100 a barrel could hit your wallet - "The most obvious impact of higher oil costs is higher fuel costs for our personal vehicles in the form of gas, auto parts, and tires, but it doesn’t stop there. Oil costs can indirectly impact food and grocery prices in a few different ways."
• Global stocks sink as oil hits $100 per barrel for first time since 2022 - "Stocks fell and oil prices traded above $100 per barrel Monday as investors grappled with a potential energy crisis caused by the war with Iran. The Dow tumbled 840 points, or 1.77%. The S&P 500 fell 1.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite sank 1.2%."
• For OpenAI & Anthropic, the Competition Is Deeply Personal - "A fight over Pentagon contracts shows how the leaders of Silicon Valley’s two most important A.I. start-ups are feuding over the future of the tech industry."
• Here’s your Oscars Ballot - "Whether you’re a vibes voter or a deep researcher, we’ve got the ballot for you."
• This is why you only breathe out of one nostril at a time - "Even when you aren’t sick, perhaps you’ve noticed that when you take a deep breath, only one of your nostrils seems to be allowing the air in. Before you panic and wonder if you’re coming down with something, what you’re experiencing is actually a normal bodily process."
• How to spot AI e-books & audiobooks in the Kindle Store & beyond - "Don't fill your e-reader with AI slop. Look for typos in the title and description. AI-written content often gives itself away with awkward phrasing and typos. Read through the title and descriptions carefully for errors, as that often means it's AI-generated and didn't get a human edit."

March 8, 2026

• What we know on day 9 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Israel’s onslaught against Iran has entered a new phase, targeting energy resources in the country including fuel storage sites. US President Donald Trump said American ground troops could 'possibly' be sent to Iran, but added there would have to be a 'very good reason.' Here’s what to know on day nine."
• Iranian clerics reach consensus on new supreme leader as smoke chokes Tehran after oil depot strikes - "Now all depends on the head of the Secretariat of the Assembly of Experts, Hosseini Bushehri, who is currently responsible for publicly announcing the decision."
• Why did Iran's president apologise? - "Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian surprised many observers when he apologised to Iran's neighbours for recent strikes against them, during an address delivered on Saturday morning as part of the country's interim leadership. Apologies between states are rare, particularly during active conflict, and the wording stood out. Leaders usually express 'regret' or distance themselves from responsibility."
• AI-generated Iran war videos surge as creators use new tech to cash in - "An unprecedented wave of AI-generated misinformation about the US-Israel war with Iran is being monetised by online creators with growing access to generative AI technology, experts have told BBC Verify."
• United Nations International Women's Day - since 1977. "On 8 March 2026, rally with women and girls around the world to demand equal rights and equal justice to enforce, exercise, and enjoy those rights. International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD 2026), under the theme, 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls', calls for action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls."
• Meghan, Duchess of Sussex & Netflix part ways - "The artist also known as the Duchess of Sussex developed her As Ever brand with the streaming giant, launching last year with her Netflix series 'With Love, Meghan.'"
• Punching, Slamming, Screaming: A Chef’s Past Abuse Haunts Noma, the World’s Top-Rated Restaurant - "Dozens of former employees at the acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Noma say, the founding chef, René Redzepi inflicted physical and psychological violence on the staff for years. "
• New world's tallest timber skyscraper smashes height records - "To put its scale into perspective, Milwaukee's Ascent has until now been considered the world's tallest hybrid timber skyscraper and reaches a height of 86.6 m (284 ft)."
• Gen Z is using AI to navigate social situations - "At a loss for words? Gen Z is outsourcing the hard conversations to AI. It could be stunting their emotional growth."
• How people woke up before alarm clocks - "From candles that drop metal pins every hour to the knocker uppers of industrial Britain, people throughout history devised plenty of cunning ways to ensure a timely wake-up."
• I ran 7 real-world prompts on Gemini 3 Flash & Claude Sonnet 4.6 - the results surprised me - "The latest default models go head-to-head with 7 practical use challenges."
• Anthropic just mapped out which jobs AI could potentially replace - "AI can theoretically cover most tasks in business and finance, management, computer science, math, legal, and office administration roles. However, in most sectors, actual adoption - which the researchers measured using work-related usage data from Anthropic’s AI model Claude - is just a fraction of what’s theoretically capable."
• iOS 26’s Messages app got a big upgrade for an essential feature - "iOS 26 adds a lot to the Messages app, like new group chat features, spam prevention tools, and more. Joining those improvements, Messages also got a big AI upgrade in iOS 26 for an essential feature: search."
• iOS 26.4: Here are all the new features for your iPhone - "iOS 26.4 is currently in beta testing with developers and public beta users. The update adds a range of new features to iPhone, including upgrades to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Messages, and more. Here are all of the new iPhone features in iOS 26.4, plus everything else you need to know."

March 7, 2026

• Everything we know on day 8 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "It’s been a week since the United States and Israel launched their war with Iran, sparking a wider conflict across the Middle East that the United Nations warns could spiral out of control. Here’s what to know on day eight of the conflict."
• Drone strike near Dubai airport as Iran's president apologises to Gulf nations for attacks - "Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised to neighbouring states and says Tehran will not attack them 'unless attacked first', in a video address broadcast on state media."
• Visualizing the escalation of the US-Israeli war with Iran one week in - "President Donald Trump said more US casualties are 'expected' in the conflict that he estimates could take four or five weeks, adding he has 'no time limits on anything.' Trump wrote Friday that there would be no deal with Iran without 'unconditional surrender.'"
• Russia is aiding Iran’s war effort by providing intel on US military targets - "Russia is providing Iran with intelligence about the locations and movements of American troops, ships and aircraft, according to multiple people familiar with US intelligence reporting on the issue, the first indication that Moscow has sought to get involved in the war."
• Armed robots take to the battlefield in Ukraine war - "Ukraine has embarked on a programme to deploy armed robots on the battlefield against Russian forces."
• 150 years of the telephone - "From scientific breakthrough to the device we can’t live without. Here, after 150 years of the telephone, we explore the remarkable journey of the device that changed our lives - and whose influence shows no sign of fading."
• This iceberg was once the biggest in the world. Now it has just weeks left - "A23a was once twice the size of Greater London, but it has spectacularly disintegrated over the past year. The story of one of the world’s oldest icebergs is nearly at an end, after a breathtaking 40-year journey that has captivated scientists. This is the story of A23a’s final months."
• Withheld Epstein files with accusations against Trump released by justice department - "FBI documents summarising interviews with a woman who made unsubstantiated claims of sexual assault against Donald Trump have been released as part of the US Department of Justice's (DOJ) trove of Epstein files."
• Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Wedding Slip Dress Inspires a New Generation - "Thirty years after Ms. Bessette’s wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr., the FX series 'Love Story' is renewing interest, again, in her minimalist style."
• Christening Robe Worn by 62 Royal Babies to Go on Display for the First Time - "The robe was first made for the christening of Queen Victoria's eldest child, Princess Victoria, in 1841."
• Why Do All Fashion Designers Dress Alike? - "Navy sweaters. Dark pants. Jeans. What the consistency of the industry’s top designers says about their collections (and how we should receive them)."
• Netflix Weighs 'The Crown' Return After Andrew Arrest - "Disney and Amazon are also reportedly considering separate projects about the former Duke of York’s fall from public life."
• Can snacks help you sleep? - "Chocolates, bars, gummies and drinks promise to help you sleep, but is the science behind them sound? Mushroom-infused chocolate brand Alice Mushrooms has built a cult following since it launched three years ago."
• The Very Real Benefits of Tai Chi Walking - "The mindful movement has become popular online. You won’t bulk up if you practice it, but it can improve balance and reduce stress."
• Mapped: Where China Gets Its Oil - "Over half of China’s imports of crude oil came from the Middle East in 2024. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz thus poses a risk to China’s energy security. Sanctioned countries - Russia, Iran, and Venezuela - accounted for 33% of China’s crude import mix that year."
• Charted: Global Energy Flows at Risk in the Strait of Hormuz - "About 20% of global oil consumption and 20% of LNG trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 90% of crude and condensate exports through the strait are shipped to Asian markets."

March 6, 2026

• The week in 46 photos - "Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye."
• Everything we know on day 7 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Nearly a week into the latest Middle East conflict, Iran’s strikes in the region have decreased significantly - while US attacks on Iran continue ramping up and Israeli strikes prompt panic in southern Beirut. Here’s what you need to know."
• Here’s how much the war with Iran is expected to cost every day - "Days into the war with Iran and with no clear end in sight, questions have emerged about just how much Operation Epic Fury will cost US taxpayers. The war is costing about $891.4 million per day, according to a think tank based in Washington, DC, that analyzed the information the Pentagon has shared."
• 'What is the game plan?': The Iran war is unsettling China and its ambitions - "China is not feeling the shock of war in the Middle East - yet. This week, thousands of Communist Party delegates are meeting in Beijing to discuss a roadmap for the world's second-largest economy as it continues to battle low consumption, a prolonged property crisis and huge local debt."
• The big problem with Trump’s plans to open the Strait of Hormuz - "The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints connecting the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. Here's what global oil-tanker traffic looked like during a week in January 2026."
• Why Wall Street is calling out ‘echoes’ of the 2008 financial crisis - "For months, investors and analysts have kept a close eye on the shadowy corner of finance known as private credit, where alarm bells have stoked fears of a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis."
• Faced with rising electricity prices, Americans are stealthily adding DIY solar systems - "The beauty of plug-in solar is its simplicity: People pick up cheap, small solar panels, hang them almost anywhere without the need for an electrician, plug them into a regular outlet and start generating electricity - it’s essentially a DIY power plant. Germany is the pioneer, with 1.23 million balcony systems installed, according to the country’s Federal Network Agency. The real number may be as high as 4 million, as many systems are believed to be unregistered."
• The surprising foods that lead to better sleep - "Most of us know going to bed on a full stomach can affect our sleep. Changing what we eat and the time of day we eat certain foods can help us sleep better."
• Why do some people feel tired all the time? - "For some people, no matter how much sleep they get, they still feel tired and low in energy. Why?"
• Apple releases iOS 26.3.1 for iPhone - "The update enables USB-C iPhone users to connect to Studio Displays for screen mirroring and peripheral access functionality. The update likely includes bug fixes and performance improvements."
• Why the Oscars are finally giving older women their due - "Research shows older women are winning more Oscars - here's why. Traditionally, younger actresses have been favoured by the Oscars - but as statistics highlight, that's changing. Is it a sign that female ageism in the film industry is on its way out?"
• Ranked: How Wealthy the Top 1% Are in Each Major Economy - "The U.S. has the wealthiest top 1%, with average per capita wealth of $16.4 million, far ahead of other major economies. In America, the top 1% control 35% of all wealth, while the bottom 50% hold just $9,000 per person. Mexico has the highest wealth concentration in this group, with the top 1% holding 37% of national wealth."
• Ranked: The Largest EV Manufacturers - "Between August 2024 and August 2025, BYD delivered 2.56 million battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, according to data from SNE Research. The Shenzhen-based group outpaced domestic competitor Geely and US-based Tesla, which delivered 985,000 vehicles over the same period."
• Mapped: Every Continent Ranked by Number of Countries - "Africa has the most countries of any continent, with 54 recognized nations. South America has the fewest, with just 12. In total, 195 countries (including two UN observer states) are distributed across seven continents."

March 5, 2026

• Everything we know on day 6 of the Middle East war - "Now in its sixth day, the latest Middle East conflict continues to widen - with the US sinking an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka and Iran being accused of attacking Azerbaijan in the first strikes on the country since the beginning of the conflict, a claim Iran denies. Here’s what to know."
• In maps: Six days of strikes across the Middle East - "Israel has continued strikes across Iran and Lebanon as Donald Trump warns action could continue for weeks."
• Evacuation flights ramp up as Iran war spreads beyond Middle East - "Thousands are leaving the region as the US vows to strike deeper into Iran and Tehran lashes out at US allies."
• Could War in Iran Spur a Global Energy Crisis? - "President Trump has signaled that the war in Iran could last four to five weeks—or go 'far longer.' If tensions in the region continue, it could cause major disruptions to global energy markets and trigger widespread inflation."
• Flashpoint Middle East: The Strategic Forces Shaping Israel-Iran Tensions - "Iran holds a manpower advantage, with 610,000 active personnel compared to Israel’s 169,500, alongside larger paramilitary forces and artillery units. Israel leads in defence spending, allocating $34.6 billion versus Iran’s $9.23 billion - a gap that supports advanced air capabilities and force modernization. Missile and rocket capacity favors Iran, which fields 1,550 mobile rocket projectors, significantly more than Israel’s 228."
• Wealth Needed to Be in The Richest 1% (by Country) - "It varies from one country to another. The visualized data is based on the Knight Frank Wealth Report, last reviewed in 2023. Monaco: 12.4m. Switzerland: $6.6m."
• New Epstein files to be released after ‘missing’ Trump claims - "Just under 50,000 documents thought to remain unpublished will be seen by the end of the week."
• The Oscars are next week. Who’s in the running? - "With the Academy Awards right around the corner, it’s difficult to find another year when the race was this wide open, this late in the game."
• We have more privacy controls yet less privacy than ever - "'In 2026 online privacy is a luxury, not a right,' says Thomas Bunting, an analyst at the UK innovation think tank Nesta."
• China is testing giant airborne wind turbines - "China was already a wind energy superpower. Now it’s testing giant airborne turbines. Wind energy is taking off all over again. This time, literally."
• A Nuclear Reactor Backed by Bill Gates Gets Federal Approval to Start Building - "TerraPower’s project in Wyoming, which uses novel technology, is the first new commercial reactor to receive federal approval in nearly a decade."
• Ivana Trump’s longtime NYC townhouse sells for $14M - a nearly 50% listing discount - "The gilded Upper East Side townhouse that once served as the personal palace of Ivana Trump has finally traded hands - at a fraction of its original ambitions. The five-story limestone residence sold for $14 million, according to the Wall Street Journal, a sharp decline from the $26.5 million ask it first sought when it hit the market after Ivana’s 2022 death."
• Musk tells jury 'people read too much' into his posts - "Multi-billionaire technology tycoon Elon Musk told a jury in California on Wednesday that stock market investors read too much into his social media posts. He was defending himself against claims from investors, who have accused him of trying to manipulate markets with a series of misleading messages in the run-up to his 2022 purchase of Twitter."
• Can a Leica lens on a phone beat a Leica camera? - "I compared the Leitzphone and the Q3 Monochrom to find out. Spoiler alert: the Leitzphone blew me away."

March 4, 2026

• Everything we know on Day 5 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "The latest Middle East conflict continues spiraling days after Israel and the US launched their joint operation on Iran, killing more than 1,000 people, triggering retaliatory strikes on Israel and neighboring Gulf states and plunging the region into fear and uncertainty. Here’s what to know on day five."
• The Iran war’s troubling missile math - "Four days into war with Iran, at least one of the United States’ Gulf allies is already running low on crucial interceptor munitions used to defend against Iranian missile and drone attacks."
• 'All red lines have been crossed': Gulf states weigh response to Iranian strikes - "Gulf states have found themselves on the front line of the Middle East's newest war, and they are angry. Iran has retaliated to US-Israeli air strikes by firing hundreds of missiles and drones at its Arab neighbours - targeting American military bases on their soil, but also civilian and energy infrastructure."
• Trump lashes out at Spain, says he is 'going to cut off all trade' - "US President Donald Trump said Spain was 'very uncooperative' and acted like a 'terrible' ally after it declined to allow US forces to use Spanish bases for strikes on Iran."
• Who hates who in the Middle East - "The mosaic of allegiances is complex, dynamic and at first impenetrable, with both unlikely alliances and feuds of exceptional bitterness. The definitive guide to who is backing Trump and who is on the side of the Mullahs."
• Travel advisories, closed airports, empty skies: How Middle East air disruptions might affect your plans - "Continued strikes have added to a complicated picture emerging for travelers stranded in the region. Here’s what travelers need to know."
• AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross - "Those red lines? Not allowing Anthropic's AI to perform mass surveillance of Americans, and prohibiting its AI from powering fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement."
• Before Korean food was cool, Corey Lee was already redefining it - "Cory Lee, the chef behind San Francisco’s three-Michelin-starred Benu, opened his latest restaurant, Na Oh, in an unusual location: the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore. His mom didn’t think cooking was a real profession. Then he won three Michelin stars."
• Chemicals of unknown safety ‘secretly’ added to US foods, drinks & supplements - "Investigation finds ‘secretly’ added chemicals of unknown safety in US food supply: At least 111 substances of unknown safety have been added to foods, drinks and supplements sold in the United States without alerting the US Food and Drug Administration, a new investigation found."
• The most important Google setting you aren't using - "There's a free automated tool that removes information about you from Google search results. For some reason, most people don't use it. But there's a tool that makes this information harder to find. It's a free service run by Google called Results About You. The problem is a lot of people don't seem to know about it."
• Charted: Life Expectancy by Country in the World’s Top 30 Economies - "Japan has the highest life expectancy among the world’s largest economies, at 85 years. Indonesia, ranked 17th globally by GDP in 2025, has the lowest life expectancy at 72 years."
• Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Wardrobe Finds a New Obsessive Audience - "Several items worn by Ms. Kennedy, which are now on sale in an online auction, showcase her penchant for a curated, minimalist look."
• Young Men Seek Answers to an Age-Old Question: How to Be Hot - "'Looksmaxxers' are a booming online community creating new terms for age-old insecurities."
• After ‘Priceless’ Violin Flies on Lap, Lufthansa Changes Carry-On Rules - "Carolin Widmann had to cradle her centuries-old, multimillion-dollar instrument during a flight to Germany. Her predicament resonated with musicians who have faced similar challenges."

March 3, 2026

• Everything we know on day 4 of the US & Israel’s war with Iran - "Israel exchanged further strikes with Iran overnight into Tuesday while it continues its assault on Lebanon. Tehran has retaliated with a campaign aimed at US bases and embassies in a host of Middle Eastern countries, as well as oil refineries and tourist infrastructure like airports and hotels."
• We still have no idea where this war is heading - "It is only day three of the new war between the United States, Israel and Iran. It is already a regional war, after Iran's decision to attack Arab states who are US allies as well as Iran's neighbours across the Gulf. The United Kingdom has dropped its refusal to allow the US to use its bases."
• Analysis: The Trump team's shifting story on war with Iran - "The nuclear threat. Whether Iran was about to strike. Regime change. The timeframe and what’s next. The 'big wave' is yet to come in war with Iran."
• The hole in the sky: How Middle East airspace closures are reshaping global aviation - "Open the airplane-tracking website Flightradar24 right now and the change is unmistakable. Where one of the world’s busiest aviation crossroads should be - a dense web of aircraft linking Europe, Asia and Africa - there is instead a yawning gap. A hole in the sky."
• Videos of Bill & Hillary Clinton's Epstein testimonies released - "Bill and Hillary Clinton sat through separate behind-closed-door depositions with the House Oversight committee last week, and both deny having any prior knowledge of Epstein's crimes."
• Latest Question on Trump’s Health: What Is That Neck Rash? - "President Trump’s physician did not explain what the skin condition was or what medication he was using to treat it."
• Why gas prices aren’t expected to skyrocket like they did when Russia invaded Ukraine - "When Russia invaded Ukraine, gas went to $5 a gallon. Is this time different? Russia launched the war in Ukraine, but this one was initiated by the United States. That means Washington can end its attack when it sees fit."
• 'Catastrophe may overwhelm us all': How Winston Churchill's 'Iron Curtain' speech launched the Cold War 80 years ago - "In 1946, less than a year after the end of World War Two, Britain's wartime leader sounded an urgent warning about the Soviet threat to the West."
• iPhone & iPad approved to handle classified NATO information - "Following rigorous security testing and extensive evaluation by the German government, iPhone and iPad become the first consumer devices approved for use with classified information in NATO restricted environments."
• Jim Carrey’s face is up for debate. No, seriously - "Why the fuss? Photos and video of Carrey looking decidedly fuller and smoother in the face flooded the internet over the weekend. Some commenters called him 'unrecognizable' and others made unfounded accusations that it was not Carrey at all, but a lookalike dressed up like him."
• ChatGPT vs Claude: I put both default models through 7 real-world tests - one is the clear winner - "ChatGPT vs. Claude go head-to-head for daily work and writing. Claude Sonnet 4.6 came out ahead almost every time. While ChatGPT-5.2 performed strongly in clarity, structure and accessibility - particularly when simplifying complex ideas - Claude distinguished itself by approaching prompts with a more analytical, decision-oriented mindset."
• Ranked: The World’s Most Indebted Countries Today - "Hong Kong ranks first with total debt equal to 380% of GDP, followed by Japan at 372%. The U.S. ranks seventh at 264%, led by government debt (123%) and corporate debt (73%)."
• The Bizarre Shoe Trend That Failed to Take Off - "'Snoafers,' a hybrid of sneakers and loafers, sounded like a good idea in theory."
• 7 Ways to Soothe Your Nighttime Anxiety - "Soothe nighttime anxiety by creating a calming, consistent routine that shifts your mind from daily stress to rest. Effective techniques include deep breathing, journaling, limiting screen time, and using grounding exercises. Here are 7 ways to reduce anxiety at night."
• What Your DNA Reveals About the Sex Life of Neanderthals - "Most people alive today carry fragments of Neanderthal DNA in their genome. Now scientists are gaining a more intimate understanding of the ancient encounters that put it there."
• 32nd annual Actor Awards: Complete List of Winners - "(Formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards). The casts of 'Sinners,' 'The Studio' and 'The Pitt' were the big winners Sunday night."

March 2, 2026

• Iran after 48 hours: Tactical success, strategic uncertainty - "Here are the ten issues that matter most - and what to watch next."
• In maps: Strikes across Iran & the Middle East - "US and Israeli strikes against Iran have continued unabated for a second day, with Israel saying it had hit targets 'in the heart of Tehran'."
• Oil prices jump & shares fall as conflict escalates - "Global oil prices rose as Iran continues to launch strikes across the Middle East in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel."
• Iran’s exiled crown prince touts himself as future leader. Is this what Iranians want? - "While the battered leadership of the Islamic Republic has announced interim transition plans after Khamenei’s killing, Reza Pahlavi says he’s ready to lead a new, democratic Iran. But some fear he’s seeking a return to an absolute monarchy."
• The months of planning behind US-Israeli mission to target Iran's supreme leader - "The attack that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei came not in the middle of the night, as might have been expected, but in the middle of the morning. That was because the US and Israel decided to take advantage of a piece of crucial intelligence that had arrived hours before."
• How Trump decided to strike Iran - "Iran balked at a proposed deal Thursday, a senior U.S. official said. 'They weren’t willing to say they will not have a nuclear weapon. Very simple,' Trump told NBC News."
• Elite Doctors Served Jeffrey Epstein While Treating His ‘Girls’ - "A small stable of doctors gave V.I.P. medical services to the sex offender and the women around him. Some doctors bent or broke the ethical rules of their profession."
• An ugly year for the Louvre: where does the world’s biggest museum go from here? - "After a heist and the departure of its boss, the French institution wrestles with water leaks, strikes and much-criticised plans for a €1bn renovation."
• Check out these Cartier Tank alternatives! - "As Good as the Original. Cartier Tank alternatives at a glance: Five elegant rectangular luxury watches that can hold their own in terms of design, technology, and history."
• Ranked: The World’s Most Powerful Countries by Soft Power in 2026 - "The U.S. ranks #1 in soft power in 2026, just 1.4 points ahead of China. Japan, the UK, and Germany round out the top five. Western Europe dominates the top 20, but Gulf nations like the UAE and Qatar also rank highly. The index evaluates all 193 countries based on global perceptions of influence, reputation, and familiarity."
• The World’s Three Airline Alliances in One Chart - "The world’s airline industry is dominated by three sprawling corporate alliances which partner airlines on different continents. Airline alliances let you transfer points, miles, and rewards between partnered airlines."
• The 50 Best Cities In The World To Raise A Family - "A new global report from Compare the Market reveals the best places to raise a family in the world. See the top-ranked city and how the U.S. performed: 1. Brisbane, Australia. 2. London, U.K. 3. Auckland, New Zealand. 4. Helsinki, Finland. 5. Sydney, Australia. 6. Perth, Australia. 7. Melbourne, Australia. 8. Stockholm, Sweden. America’s highest-ranked city was New York, which landed in 28th place. Chicago came in second among U.S. cities (No. 33 overall), followed by Dallas at No. 34 and San Francisco at No. 38."
• Formula 1 drops Monaco Grand Prix two-stop rule - "Formula 1 has confirmed that the mandatory two-stop requirement introduced at last year’s Monaco Grand Prix will not return in 2026, restoring the Principality’s race to its traditional strategic format."
• What Happened to Jackie Kennedy's Fifth Avenue Apartment? All About the $32 Million Penthouse - "Jackie Kennedy purchased the top-floor apartment at 1040 Fifth Avenue in 1964 for $200,000. A year after her death, Jackie's Fifth Avenue apartment sold for $9.5 million to billionaire David Koch, per the Observer. He later told the publication in June 2006 that he renovated the entire unit. 'Mrs. Onassis was very conservative financially, and she didn't spend much on it,' said Koch."

March 1, 2026

• Dubai airport hit by another Iranian air strike after suicide drone attacks on famous Burj Al Arab hotel & Palm Jumeirah. - "Explosions in Saudi Arabian capital and Dubai as Iran's onslaught enters day two: Hundreds of suicide drones and missiles hit targets including Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah in revenge for Ayatollah's death."
• LIVE: Israel & Iran exchange fresh attacks after Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei killed - "Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in his office on Saturday morning during a US-Israel attack - here's the latest at a glance."
• Ayatollah Ali Khameini obituary - "Supreme leader of Iran who maintained theocratic rule at home and an anti-western axis of resistance in the Middle East."
• Trump’s unprovoked attack on Iran has no mandate - or legal basis - "US president violates UN charter just days into his Board of Peace era, and chooses to take the biggest gamble of his administration."
• Mapped: Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters to the Global Economy - "Around 20% of global oil trade passes through Hormuz, making it one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Even brief disruptions can trigger immediate price volatility. Energy markets remain highly exposed to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, with limited alternative routes capable of fully replacing Hormuz volumes in the short term."
• How to stay strong as you age without injuring yourself - "Resistance training - also called strength training - is one of the most powerful means you have to support healthy aging."
• Can Gucci make luxury AI? - "The clothes on Demna’s Gucci runway were indeed energetic, passionate, fun and sexy - well, they had more in common with AI’s notion of those feelings than a human being’s. (In fact, he mentioned backstage that ChatGPT predicted he would make oversized bomber jackets with monograms.)"
• The week when AI changed everything - "Nvidia’s somewhat tepid outlook. Anthropic unveiled new tools that could upend the way people do work. And then there was Block, which laid off 4,000 people - nearly half of its staff - because of AI. Anthropic announced another update to Claude to improve the tool’s performance at specific jobs, such as design, human resources and wealth management roles, and it can now work within applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint apps."
• The best passenger airplanes of all time, ranked - "Richard Quest names his top five aircraft of all time. From childhood memories on the BAC 1-11 to the glamor of the superjumbo era, he walks us through his top aircraft of all time, recounting memorable flights on the ones that made the list."
• How to heal your attention span - "Can 'friction-maxxing' fix your focus? With technology offering instant gratification and quick thrills, experts explain how adding friction to our day-to-day can help heal our attention span and deepen our sense of self."
• Brit Awards 2026: The real winners & losers - "The Brit Awards have honoured the biggest and best stars in pop from the UK and beyond. But on a night of out-of-control wardrobes, odd behaviour and dazzling performances, the awards were only half the story. So who were the real winners and losers?"
• How shows like Bridgerton keep the lights on at England's stately homes - "With new episodes of Bridgerton landing on Netflix, England's stately homes are once again in the spotlight. Filming has become a lifeline for many of these historical estates, providing vital income, funding conservation and attracting new visitors."

February 28, 2026

• LIVE: Iran leadership sites targeted by US & Israel as Tehran retaliates with strikes across region - "The US and Israel have attacked Iran - President Donald Trump confirms 'major combat operations' are under way, and calls for regime change."
• Trump releases video message on strikes against Iran - "In a video posted to Truth Social, President Donald Trump encouraged Iranians to seize control of their government when US military operations conclude. He also warned American lives may be lost as a result of his military operation inside Iran."
• Bill Clinton asked about hot tub photo & testifies he knew 'nothing' of Epstein crimes - "Former President Bill Clinton told a congressional panel he 'saw nothing,' and 'did nothing wrong' in relation to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein."
• Tracking the firings, resignations & other impacts from the Epstein files - "The US government’s release of its Epstein files has set off tremors among the world’s elite. Even after his conviction, Epstein maintained relationships with some of the world’s elite in business, government, academia and entertainment - until his arrest in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges."
• The third man who links Andrew with Jeffrey Epstein - "For nearly a decade, David Stern acted as a key conduit between Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor."
• Pressure Grows to Remove Former Prince Andrew From the Line of Succession - "The former prince is still technically eighth in line to the throne and a Counsellor of State."
• No U.S. Hospital Ship Has Been Ordered to Greenland, Despite Trump’s Post - "Pentagon has received no instructions to send a Navy vessel to the Danish territory, officials say. The U.S. has two hospital ships, the East Coast-based USNS Comfort and the West Coast-based USNS Mercy, which are designed as floating medical-treatment facilities. Both vessels are in a shipyard in Mobile, Ala., according to maritime tracking information."
• Elon Musk’s Secret Web of Companies in Texas - "The megabillionaire was tied to about 90 companies in the state, which he uses for everything from paying nannies to buying land to supporting Donald Trump’s re-election, according to a Times examination."
• Why Was Mark Zuckerberg Front Row at Prada? - "The Meta chief executive’s presence in Milan seemed to project his company’s ambitions. Mr. Zuckerberg’s arrival, executed with secret service precision, suggested he had no interest in mingling with the masses - even the $5,000 handbag-holding masses at a fashion show. The couple did not, accompanied by Anna Wintour and Eva Chen, as most celebrities do, pose for photos from the front row."
• King Charles Wore a Yellow-Gold Parmigiani Fleurier Chronograph During London Fashion Week - "The monarch showed off the gorgeous Toric as he sat front row at Tolu Coker’s show."
• Formula 1's new golden age of celebrity may have just begun - "That glamour has been a staple part of F1 throughout its 76 year history, with precisely engineered cars and luxury brands converging in desirable cities across the world. But the sport now seems to be entering a new era of celebrity, fuelled by - and appealing to - a younger crowd; the stars favoured by Gen Z are joining the party. 'The paddock has now turned into a catwalk,' says Susie Wolff of the exclusive area at Formula 1 races where teams, the media and guests gather."
• What the Warner Bros deal could mean for streaming, cinemas & news - " The proposed takeover of Warner Bros by Paramount Skydance could significantly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape."
• Seven of the best spring getaways for 2026 - "From hidden boat-to-beaches in Puerto Rico to carnival street parties in Cape Town, these global escapes will provide a welcome springtime reset for both body and soul."
• Ranked: The 25 Best Countries to Retire in 2025 - "Norway ranks #1 globally in 2025, followed by Ireland and Switzerland. Europe dominates the list, claiming 8 of the top 10 spots. The U.S. falls to 21st, while Canada drops to 20th amid rising fiscal and housing pressures."
• Mapped: The World’s Countries by Political System - "Did you know that 72% of the world lives under autocratic rule? The highest share since 1978. See how every country is classified by political system. Electoral autocracies - where elections exist but lack fairness - are now the most common regime type globally. Liberal democracies remain concentrated in Western Europe, North America, Oceania, and parts of East Asia."
• iGarden’s Hyper-portable Swim Jet Turns any Backyard Pool Into a Lap Pool for $699 - "Here’s a question: what if your backyard pool could moonlight as a personal aquatic gym, wave pool, and lazy river - all without any permanent installation? That’s the pitch behind iGarden’s new Swim Jet X Series, a battery-powered contraption that clamps onto your pool edge and fires water at speeds that can actually challenge competitive swimmers."

February 27, 2026

• Trump might regret Clintons' Epstein testimony - "Why the Clintons’ ordeal might end up backfiring on Trump. This week’s blockbuster testimony raises the question of whether the current president could face something similar down the line."
• Bill Clinton set to testify behind closed doors in House Epstein investigation - "Former President Bill Clinton will testify behind closed doors in the House Oversight Committee’s Jeffrey Epstein probe. His testimony comes on the heels of Hillary Clinton’s deposition. The sessions mark the culmination of a legal standoff with Republicans over the couple testifying. Clinton traveled on Epstein’s private plane at least 16 times and was pictured with women in a jacuzzi in files released by the US Department of Justice."
• How Ghislaine Maxwell brought Bill Clinton into Epstein's orbit - "Documents in the Epstein files reveal how Maxwell nurtured the connection between the two men after Clinton left the White House."
• Epstein tried to buy a palace in Morocco days before his arrest in 2019 - "Jeffrey Epstein tried to buy a multimillion-dollar palace in Morocco the day before his arrest in 2019, according to documents released by the US Department of Justice last month. Epstein had pursued acquiring Bin Ennakhil since 2011, but disputes with the seller over the price and purchase arrangement dragged on for years."
• This week in 33 photos - "Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye."
• Netflix shockingly bows out, leaving Paramount as the apparent Warner Bros. winner - "With that announcement, Paramount suddenly moved much closer to taking over CNN, HBO, and the rest of the assets owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, or WBD for short."
• How did Paramount beat Netflix to Warner Bros? - "Paramount set for $111bn Warner Bros takeover after Netflix drops bid. Netflix has backed away from its proposal to buy Warner Bros Discovery, clearing the way for Paramount Skydance to win a months-long battle for one of Hollywood's most storied studios in a deal worth around $111bn."
• Why some investors see ‘trouble in paradise’ after Nvidia earnings - "Put simply, Nvidia’s 'purchase obligations' (contracts to buy things within a set timeframe) shot up to $95 billion from $16 billion a year ago. The reason, he notes, is that TSMC - a key supplier - demanded more cash for all the complex custom chips it’s producing for Nvidia."
• is it castaway time? 7 private islands in the caribbean - "Private islands are synonymous with seclusion—no background hum of strangers, no pressure to dress up for dinner. But there’s also no slipping into town for a respite (or better food). These make us happy. Choosing the right companions is entirely up to you."
• Was One of Queen Elizabeth’s Couturiers Secretly a Spy? - "In a new book, the covert wartime work of one of the monarch’s favorite dressmakers is finally revealed."
• The Incredible Life of Liza Minnelli - "Bob Mackie, who’s worked with the icon since she was a teenager, celebrates her in advance of an anticipated new memoir."
• How AI can read your thoughts - "The crackle of electricity inside your brain has long been too complex to decode. Artificial intelligence is changing that."
• Lego’s new smart brick - "From a carpenter’s workshop in Denmark to a global icon of creativity, LEGO has been teaching generations how to build, imagine and experiment. Now, the company best known for simple plastic bricks is adding something new to the mix. Reporting for Tech Now, Shiona McCallum gets her hands on the new Smart Brick designed to bring physical play in a new, tech-powered dimension."
• Should I Worry About the Plastic in My Floss & Toothbrush? - "There’s evidence that dental products can shed microplastics. Experts break down the potential risks."

February 26, 2026

• Polls show increasing concerns about Trump’s mental acuity - "The Reuters-Ipsos poll showed 61% of Americans agreed that Trump has 'become erratic with age.' Even 30% of Republicans agreed with that sentiment."
• How Bill & Hillary Clinton are preparing for their landmark depositions about Jeffrey Epstein - "For the Clintons, the depositions this week mark a stunning reversal. After months of vigorously fighting to avoid testifying in what they denounced as a Republican plot against them, they agreed to comply only after the House was moving toward a bipartisan vote to hold them in criminal contempt of Congress."
• Nude photos & passports: Justice Department posted dozens of problematic images to Epstein files site - "For nearly a month, the Justice Department failed to take down more than a dozen images in the Epstein files that should have been redacted, including pictures of a young girl kissing Jeffrey Epstein on the cheek and personal data on passports and drivers’ licenses, according to a new CNN analysis."
• What happened to Jeffrey Epstein’s many homes? - "The convicted sex offender welcomed rich and powerful figures into his homes all over the world - but after his death, who bought these properties: 9 East 71st Street, New York - 358 El Brillo Way, Palm Beach, Florida - 22 Avenue Foch, Paris - Zorro Ranch, New Mexico - Great St James and Little St James (referred to as 'Paedophile Island', US Virgin Islands."
• A New York City snowball fight gone wrong leaves Mayor Mamdani at odds with police - "The NYPD is looking for four people they say injured officers with snowballs, in behavior the commisioner called 'disgraceful'. The Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) agreed, with the union's president Vincent Vallelong saying: 'Today it is snowballs. Tomorrow it could be rocks, bottles, or worse.'"
• Men in their 50s may be aging faster due to toxic ‘forever chemicals’ - "The 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS appear to be aging men faster in their 50s and early 60s, a new study found. Called forever chemicals due to the years it takes for them to break down, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are present in the blood of an estimated 98% of Americans,"
• Peaky Blinders to The Bride!: 10 of the best films to watch in March - "From Jessie Buckley in a reworking of Bride of Frankenstein to Tommy Shelby's big-screen debut, these are the films to watch at the cinema and stream at home this month."
• Tim Cook sums up Steve Jobs in just four words - "'Passion and vision ... charisma and clarity.'"
• Mapped: Where Food Inflation Will Hit Hardest in 2026 - "Iran tops the list with a projected 55.9% surge, far above the global average of 3.2%. Currency pressures and prior inflation spikes continue to ripple through food prices. Argentina (33.2%) and Türkiye (25.1%) rank second and third, continuing multi-year inflation trends in both economies. Countries like Malawi, Nigeria, Angola, Zambia, and Ethiopia all rank among the highest projected increases, underscoring ongoing food vulnerability in the region."
• Ranked: How Wealthy the Top 1% Are in Each Major Economy - "The U.S. has the wealthiest top 1%, with average per capita wealth of $16.4 million, far ahead of other major economies. In America, the top 1% control 35% of all wealth, while the bottom 50% hold just $9,000 per person. Mexico has the highest wealth concentration in this group, with the top 1% holding 37% of national wealth."
• Gemini 3.1 Pro is a powerhouse for deep work - here are 7 prompts that prove it - "Gemini 3.1 Pro is built for hard problems - here's how to unlock Gemini 3.1 Pro’s best features: 1. Long document extraction - 2. Logic stress test - 3. Code ..."

February 25, 2026

• Takeaways from Trump’s high-stakes address - "President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term Tuesday night at the US Capitol. Trump’s speech clocked in at about an hour and 47 minutes, breaking the record for length set by his address to Congress last year."
• Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, annotated & fact-checked - "Read Trump’s speech as delivered, annotated with context and fact checks, below, or jump to a topic in the speech."
• Who is Abigail Spanberger, the Democrat who gave the State of the Union response? - "Abigail Spanberger, the first female governor in Virginia's history, attacked President Donald Trump's economic and immigration policies during Democrats' response to the State of the Union address. She began her speech laying out three questions she wanted Americans to ask themselves: is the president working to make life more affordable, is the president working to keep America safe at home and abroad, and is the president working for you."
• Dozens of FBI records apparently missing from Epstein files, including Trump accuser interviews - "Among those missing records are three interviews related to a woman who told agents that Epstein had repeatedly abused her starting when she was approximately 13 years old, and who also accused Trump of sexually assaulting her."
• Louvre Director Resigns, Months After Burglars Stole Crown Jewels - "Laurence des Cars’s departure is the latest setback for the world’s largest museum. Her tenure was marred by labor strikes, water leaks, a ticket scam and security lapses, which led to the heist in October."
• Louvre Heist Was Filmed Live, but the Guards Weren’t Watching - "Investigators said that a security camera recorded thieves preparing to burgle the Louvre. The museum’s director said previously that the camera was facing the wrong way."
• Plastic, Plastic Everywhere. The big plastic game plan - "We talk to the author of a new book about why the problem is so hard to solve. In a new book, 'Plastic Inc.,' the journalist Beth Gardiner digs into an industry that mostly flies below the radar but has huge impacts on human health, environmental pollution and global warming."
• Emperor Penguins moult to survive, but scientists fear it may now be killing them - "Scientists have discovered that an annual event when Emperor penguins completely shed and regrow their feathers is putting the birds in peril as Antarctica is transformed by a warming world. Researchers fear that most Emperor Penguins colonies could be wiped out by 2100."
• Say please? The best way to talk to an AI - "From being polite to pretending you're on Star Trek, the advice you get about talking to chatbots can be truly bizarre, and totally useless. Here's what actually works."
• 12 of the best TV shows to watch this March - "From Nicole Kidman's latest crime thriller to a new sitcom from Ted Lasso creator Bill Lawrence, starring Steve Carell, and the return of The Comeback."
• Why the Oscars peaked in 1998 & the real reason why they've slumped - "The most-watched Academy Awards ceremony ever was a lavish affair in which Titanic won 11 Oscars. Since then, viewing figures have plummeted. But why?"
• 6 tips for healthy hair in your 40s & beyond, from professional hairstylists & dermatologists - "How to maintain thicker and fuller hair after 40, according to experts."
• 10 best AI Chatbots to Use in 2026: Features, Strengths & Use Cases - "1. ChatGPT - The Gold Standard for General Intelligence. 2. Claude - The Master of Nuance and Code. 3. Google Gemini - The Productivity ..."
• 10 Best Music Streaming Services, as Ranked by Hundreds of Audiophiles - "1. Tidal (26.74% of Votes). 2. Qobuz (25.69% of Votes). 3. Spotify (15.80% of Votes). 4. Apple Music (12.24% of Votes). 5. Amazon Music (5.90% of Votes). 6. YouTube Music (5.56% of Votes). 7. Bandcamp (2.08% of Votes). 8. Deezer (2.00% of Votes). 9. Pandora (1.39% of Votes). 10. SoundCloud (1.04% of Votes)."

February 24, 2026

• Four years on, Russia’s war in Ukraine has transformed conflict & shattered global security - "Four years of war in Ukraine has brought seismic evolution to the world - to the nature of warfare, the balance of global powers, and to European security."
• Zelensky pleads to Trump: ‘Stay on our side’ - "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a plea to Donald Trump on Monday, telling CNN he wants the US president 'to stay on our side.'"
• Russian soldiers tell BBC they saw fellow troops executed on commanders' orders - "Four Russian soldiers have exposed the horror and brutality of conditions on their side of the front lines in Ukraine, with two men telling the BBC they saw soldiers being executed on the spot for refusing orders."
• 4 things to watch in Trump’s State of the Union - "A lot has changed since President Donald Trump addressed Congress a year ago. 1. A midterm message. 2. Tariff setback. 3. Questions on Iran. 4. Democrats respond."
• Who sits where at Trump’s State of the Union address: A visual guide - "President Donald Trump will address a joint session of the 119th Congress on Tuesday, after accepting House Speaker Mike Johnson’s formal invitation in January to speak. It’s an opportunity for the president to outline his administration’s goals and address the nation’s most pressing issues."
• Lord Mandelson released on bail after arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office - "Lord Mandelson has been released on bail, the Metropolitan Police says, hours after his arrest on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Lord Mandelson was arrested at an address in Camden, north London, on Monday and taken to Wandsworth police station for interview."
• Planes, police & airbases: New allegations of how Andrew may have used taxpayer money to meet Epstein - "Andrew may have used RAF jets to meet Epstein. Emails released by the US Department of Justice also appeared to show that taxpayer-funded officers from London’s Metropolitan Police were instructed to provide security for a dinner party at Epstein’s New York townhouse."
• Chopra had close relationship with Epstein, told him to bring ‘your girls’ on trips, messages show - "Bestselling author and wellness guru Deepak Chopra was one of the many prominent individuals to distance himself from his onetime friend. Their correspondence reveals they shared a far more intimate friendship than was previously known, having frequent contact between 2016 and 2019."
• In Pictures: The best of the Winter Olympics - day by day - "BBC Sport and Getty Images bring you a selection of the most striking images from each day of the Winter Olympics."
• The 10 Most Memorable Things We Witnessed at the 2026 Winter Olympics - "The fallible quad god - Silver linings - Capturing gold - Paper train - Family affair - Voluntary kindness - Health comes first - Saved by a pasta."
• Forget the HomePod - OpenAI is launching a smart speaker designed by Jony Ive - "ChatGPT’s parent company is building a smart speaker, but can it stand out in a crowded market? According to a report, OpenAI has more than 200 people working on a lineup that could include a smart speaker, smart glasses and even a smart lamp."
• I’ve worn smart glasses for over 4 years - here’s the best AR & AI glasses - "Here are the best AR and AI smart glasses you can buy."
• I ditched ChatGPT, Perplexity & Claude for NotebookLM & didn't expect these results - "NotebookLM's suite contains everything I need to optimize my research habits and find the information I need in more detailed formats."
• Met Gala Dress Code Makes a Statement of Its Own: ‘Fashion Is Art’ - "Three words of guidance is all guests will have to go on when preparing for this year’s Costume Institute benefit, celebrating a cerebral exhibition about the 'dressed body.' The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday announced the dress code for the 2026 Met Gala, and it's just as abstract as you might expect. Guests invited to the event - a starry benefit for the museum's fashion-focused Costume Institute - will be given the attire guideline 'fashion is art.'"

February 23, 2026

• The best photos of the 2026 Winter Olympics - "A thrilling Winter Olympics came to an end Sunday with the closing ceremony in Verona, Italy. Norway, the most decorated country in Winter Olympics history, topped the medal table once again with 41 medals, 18 of which were gold."
• Milan-Cortina 2026 closes with ceremony in Verona - "The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have officially ended following the closing ceremony in northern Italy. It took place at Verona Olympic Arena, despite none of the sporting events happening in the city, which is 75 miles from Milan."
• Why Norway is dominating the Winter Olympics & what could US learn - "A tiny nation of roughly five-and-a-half million people – about the same as the US state of South Carolina – has figured out how to keep beating countries like China (1.4 billion), the US (342 million), Germany (84 million), Italy (59 million) and Canada (40 million)."
• Weird & wonderful stories from the Winter Olympics - "The Olympics is a hub of wonderful and weird stories. Here are the ones we didn't expect to tell from Milan-Cortina 2026. It happened at Paris 2024 and it's happened again at Milan-Cortina 2026. Breaking medals."
• Olympic bosses investigate why medals are breaking - "Milan-Cortina 2026 organisers say they are giving 'maximum attention' to why Olympic medals are breaking after several athletes experienced issues with theirs."
• Who was ‘El Mencho,’ the feared cartel leader killed in a military operation? - "Once a police officer, Oseguera went on to become one of the world’s most wanted fugitives, with the United States alone offering a $15 million bounty for information leading to his arrest."
• Baftas 2026: The winners list in full - "The winners of the Bafta Film Awards, which celebrate the best on the big screen from the past 12 months, have been revealed."
• BBC sorry for airing racial slur shouted by guest with Tourette's at Baftas - "The BBC has apologised for not editing out a racial slur from its Bafta Film Awards coverage after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted out when two black actors were on stage."
• 10 must-see looks from the 2026 BAFTAs red carpet - "As if there weren’t already enough showstopping outfits at London Fashion Week this weekend, the coinciding 79th British Academy Film Awards on Sunday offered another stage for brands to showcase their designs."
• America's hottest NIMBY issue: Data centers - "Everyone from Ron DeSantis to Bernie Sanders is turning against them."
• top 5 vpns you should be using in 2026 - "We've reviewed every major VPN (virtual private network) for privacy, security, speed, streaming and more - discover what our dedicated team recommends based on expert testing."
• 25 best anti-aging products that actually work, according to dermatologists - "From wrinkle-smoothing serums to a luxurious face cream, here are the anti-aging products that dermatologists say are worth adding to your routine."
• Crocs Just Reinvented Its Respected Pro Clog. Can It Change Workwear Again? - "From clog to modern minimalist sneaker. The foam footwear favorite of chefs, service workers and nurses is evolving beyond its iconic clog silhouette with a hybrid work sneaker that blends comfort, functionality, and modern workwear style."

February 22, 2026

• Eileen Gu defends Olympic halfpipe title to win first gold of these Games on Day 16 - "In 25 years, dozens of places may be too warm to host the Winter Olympics."
• Trump says he’s sending a hospital boat to Greenland - "President Donald Trump said Saturday that he is sending a hospital boat to Greenland, the Arctic island and Danish territory he has sought to acquire. Greenland and Denmark have free, nationalized health care systems."
• How much could Andrew's arrest hurt the Royal Family? - "Andrew's arrest has changed the public's view of the Royal Family, putting pressure on Prince William as he moves closer to being king. Just now."
• After nearly 4 years of war, Russia is depleted at home & diminished on the world stage - "Four years on, Russia is still paying for a fatal miscalculation in Ukraine. Invading the second biggest country in Europe, after Russia itself, would be a potentially catastrophic prospect which would, surely, give a cold strategist like Putin pause for thought. Apparently not."
• Ukraine is becoming a nation of widows & orphans as it confronts a demographic ‘catastrophe’ - "The country’s birth rate is collapsing as Russia’s invasion creates one of the world’s worst demographic crises."
• Big mysteries remain about the moon. Scientists could soon solve them - "Studying the moon could shed light on lost chapters of Earth’s early history, and help to confirm or refute the prevailing theory that the moon formed from the impact of another celestial body colliding with our planet millions of years ago."
• How ultra-processed foods affect our gut microbiome - "The additives added to processed food to keep it fresher for longer might be having an unexpected effect on the health of the microbes in our guts."
• What to know about California’s proposed ‘Billionaire Tax’ & the moguls fleeing to dodge it - "California’s proposed 2026 Billionaire Tax Act could appear on the state’s November 2026 ballot and would impose a onetime tax on its wealthiest residents. The measure would slap the 5% tax on individual fortunes exceeding $1 billion - and be applied retroactively to residents in the state as of Jan. 1, 2026. That looming deadline is giving California’s roughly 2015 billionaires a limited opportunity to change their tax residency."
• What's the best way to learn a new language? - "Krupa Padhy uncovers how we really learn foreign languages - in a dual challenge involving both Portuguese and Mandarin."
• The cities where you'll never see flight ads - "Cities across the world are clearing their billboards of flight ads, SUVs, cruise ships and petrol cars in an attempt to cut emissions."
• Hazardous substances found in all headphones tested by ToxFREE project - "Substances include chemicals that can cause cancer, neurodevelopmental problems, and the feminisation of males. Even products by market-leading brands such as Bose, Panasonic, Samsung and Sennheiser were found to contain harmful chemicals in the formulation of the plastics from which they are made."

February 21, 2026

• Andrew & King Charles: A personal battle of royal brothers - "The problems facing the monarchy over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are also a family problem between brothers."
• How that astonishing image of Andrew was captured - "Most days, the country’s top newspapers have a wide range of photos gracing their front pages. But on Friday, every image topping the British front pages was identical: A snap of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, slouched in the back of a car, looking shell-shocked on his 66th birthday as he left the police station."
• Norway’s Klaebo makes Winter Olympic history with sixth gold in a single Games on Day 15 - "Apple, biscuit and twig: Explaining hockey’s unique jargon you’ll hear at Milan Cortina. Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo makes Winter Olympic history with sixth gold in a single Games. Superstar Olympian Eileen Gu usually remains silent about vitriol. This time it's different."
• 11 of the Winter Olympics' most striking images - "As the 2026 Winter Olympics close, the BBC rounds up some of the most stunning photos captured from the Games, and compares them to historic works of art: 1. Infrared luge - 2. Eye of the tiger - 3. Chromatic blur - 4. Monumental ..."
• Lunar mysteries: Returning to the moon could answer several big questions - "When NASA’s Artemis II mission embarks on a 10-day journey around the moon, the crew may glimpse features on the lunar surface that no other human has seen with the naked eye."
• The People vs. AI - "The anxiety over AI's development unites people who might struggle to find common ground on pretty much anything else. In what amounts to a survey of the battlefield, TIME spoke to a broad array of AI skeptics. What follows are their stories - nine Americans, from disparate regions, ideologies, and professions."
• Epstein estate reaches settlement of up to $35 million with survivors - "The estate of Jeffrey Epstein agreed on Thursday to pay up to $35 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by survivors of the late convicted sex offender."
• The six most anticipated museum openings of 2026 - "This year, museum planners hope to recreate the magic with another new Guggenheim, along with other ambitious openings. Who picked the list? From a futuristic sci-fi attraction in Los Angeles to a dramatic monument to a millennia-old Aboriginal civilisation, these long-awaited museums are worth travelling for."
• Barcelona's Sagrada Familia reaches its maximum height after more than 140 years - "Construction began on the world's largest church in 1882, but it is finally inching closer to being complete. Barcelona's towering Sagrada Familia basilica reached its maximum height on Friday, though the work by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí remains years away from completion. A crane placed the upper arm of a cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, the church's soaring central piece, which now stands 566 feet above the city."
• Ranked: The World’s 50 Largest Economies, Including U.S. States - "19 U.S. states rank among the world’s 50 largest economies in 2025. California ($4.30T) is now the world’s 4th-largest economy, ahead of Japan and India. Texas ($2.94T) is larger than Italy and Russia; Florida’s economy is bigger than Australia’s."

February 20, 2026

• NOW HE'S SWEATING: Mugshot, DNA swabs & one phone call - "How Andrew was treated like ‘common criminal’ in 11hrs in custody after 8am arrest."
• 'Toxic' Sarah Ferguson is 'in a bad way' after Andrew's arrest - "'Fergie might end up having to tell her story to the police': 'Toxic' Sarah Ferguson is 'broke and in a bad way' after Andrew's arrest...and looking to UAE for cash because 'everyone is out to get her.'"
• King Charles distances himself from Andrew, but Britain’s royals face biggest crisis since death of Diana - "Brief at little more than 100 words, the King’s response - in his own name - could not have been clearer. 'My family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all,' it concluded. Translation: I will put my duty to the country before any residual sympathy I may have with my younger brother."
• Epstein eyed record label investment to access women, files suggest - "Jeffrey Epstein considered investing in music company EMI after his associate David Stern appeared to suggest it potentially offered access to women, recently released emails suggest."
• Winter Olympics Day 14: Can the US men’s hockey team make the final? - "Superstar Olympian Eileen Gu is done staying silent about vitriol. Meet the giant pierogi going viral at the Olympics. What is a stoat, the mascot of the Games?"
• What could happen if the US strikes Iran? Here are seven scenarios - "1. Targeted, surgical strikes, minimal civilian casualties, a transition to democracy - 2. Regime survives but moderates its policies - 3. Regime collapses, replaced by military rule - 4. Iran retaliates by attacking US forces, Arab neighbours and Israel - 5. Iran retaliates by ..."
• As Trump retreats from climate goals, China is becoming a green superpower - "How the world's biggest carbon emitter is now at the helm of a renewables revolution."
• The Chinese AI app sending Hollywood into a panic - "Clips of Deadpool and other film characters have sparked alarm within Hollywood over copyright infringement. Created by tech giant ByteDance, Seedance 2.0 can generate cinema-quality video, complete with sound effects and dialogue, from just a few written prompts."
• Horological Society of New York's Buzzy Annual Bash - "The celebration will take place on Saturday, March 21, when the society plans to welcome 500 people to its annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Once a low-key affair, the event has quietly become one of the watch world’s hottest tickets."
• A visual guide to the evidence in the Nancy Guthrie investigation - "It’s been nearly three weeks since Nancy Guthrie vanished from her secluded Tucson, Arizona, home in the dead of night, and investigators say they are no closer to identifying a leading theory or motive behind her abduction."
• The underground salt kingdom that became one of Europe’s strangest attractions - "Down at the bottom of 380 dizzying steps, the walls are an imperfect gray. They look like rock - but they taste salty. How do visitors know? They’re encouraged to lick them. Just to the southeast of Krakow, Poland’s second-largest city, lies the underground realm of the Wieliczka Salt Mine - part cathedral, part industrial relic, part theme park."
• Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment - "Cancer is one of the main causes of illness and death in cats, however, very little is known about how it develops. Scientists found many of the genes driving cat cancers are mirrored in humans, suggesting the two species share key biological processes that allow tumours to grow and spread."
• The myth that women are more naturally empathetic than men - "Scientific research is up-ending age-old gender stereotypes about empathy - and revealing new ways of thinking about masculinity."
• Payday Pulse: 5000 Years of Wages In One Giant Timeline - "This wages timeline tracks how pay evolved from rations to biweekly payroll, and why earned wage access is the next step. In ancient times, wages were paid daily. Over time, payday shifted with technology, laws, and scale. Biweekly pay dominates today, yet timing gaps still create pressure. Earned Wage Access gives employees flexibility by unlocking already-earned wages alongside payroll."
• The Most Valuable Brand Shuffle (2022–2026) - "1. Apple Maintains Top Spot Apple has consistently maintained the No. 1 position in brand value for five consecutive years, from 2022 to 2026. 2. Rise of Microsoft and NVIDIA Microsoft climbed from 4th place in 2022 to 2nd place in 2026. NVIDIA entered the top tier at 5th place in 2026, recording the most significant rise in the rankings. 3. Amazon's Decline Amazon, which ranked 2nd in 2022, dropped to 3rd in 2023 and has remained in 4th place through 2026. 4. Other Notable Movements Google held the 3rd position in 2026. TikTok ranked 6th, while Facebook stood at 9th. The State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) rounded out the list at 10th place."

February 19, 2026

• Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as King says 'law must take its course' - "King Charles says he "learned with the deepest concern" of Andrew's arrest, adding 'the law must take its course.'"
• Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested? - "Officers arrested the King's brother on his 66th birthday. The arrest of the former prince came after Thames Valley Police said it was assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by Mountbatten-Windsor with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein."
• Read King & police statements in full after Andrew arrest - "King Charles III has released a statement after his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Earlier, Thames Valley Police released a separate statement saying it had arrested a man in his 60s. Here are both statements in full."
• King did not contribute to Andrew's £12m Giuffre settlement - "Palace distances Charles from brother’s payout, as reports cite funds from the late Queen and Prince Philip’s estate, while Gordon Brown urges police to question Andrew. According to The Sun around £7 million came from the late Queen as a 'loan', with a further £3 million from the estate of his father Prince Philip. A further £1.5 million was reported to have been contributed by other members of the royal family. It is understood, however, that the King did not contribute."
• Zuckerberg defends Meta in landmark social media addiction trial - "The billionaire boss said he "always" regretted not making faster progress to identify users under 13. Mark Zuckerberg, the boss of Instagram-owner Meta Platforms, struggled in court on Wednesday to defend his company from claims it targeted young users as he was confronted with multiple internal documents."
• South Korea's ex-president jailed for life over martial law attempt - "South Korea's ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol has been jailed for life for masterminding an insurrection by trying to impose military rule."
• Winter Olympics: Big Day 13 for Team USA as Alysa Liu, Jordan Stolz & women’s hockey in action - "Let it snow! Cortina d'Ampezzo covered in fresh snow overnight."
• She’s a superstar Olympian & she’s done staying silent about vitriol - "She’s a 22-year-old Stanford undergrad studying quantum physics. She’s a fashion model and one of the world’s highest-earning female athletes, netting more than $23 million last year. She’s also just won two more Olympic medals in Milan. And yet freestyle skier Eileen Gu has faced more vitriol than ever over her decision to compete for China instead of the United States, where she was born and raised."
• Bill Gates pulls out of India's AI summit over Epstein files controversy - "Bill Gates will not deliver his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, his philanthropic organisation said hours before the Microsoft co-founder was due to speak. Gates's withdrawal comes amid a controversy over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after he was named in new files released by the US Department of Justice in January."
• How Epstein enlisted Harvard scientists to burnish his reputation & try to make a profit - "In 2008, Harvard University quietly decided it would refuse future donations from a generous benefactor, Jeffrey Epstein. Over the previous decade, Epstein had donated $9.1 million to the university. But that June, the disgraced financier was convicted of soliciting prostitution, including from a minor, leading Harvard to try to shut down the money it took from him."
• Trump said wind power is for ‘stupid people.’ Here’s what European countries did 5 days later - "Five days later, nine European countries signed a deal to build a vast offshore wind power hub in the North Sea, the epicenter of the continent’s oil and gas industry."
• Air Force One set for makeover paint job with new colours - "The US presidential jet is getting a new paint design that will include one of President Donald Trump's preferred colour choices for the White House and his hotels, gold. Air Force One and other planes used by high level US officials, including First Lady Melania Trump, are being repainted gold, deep red and navy blue as they undergo scheduled repairs and maintenance, according to the US Air Force."
• The historic US home that embodied the super-rich - "'A time-travel fantasy' and the largest privately-owned home in the US, Biltmore House was George W Vanderbilt's 'American chateau built on the scale of a European palace'. It came to encapsulate the glamour and opulence of the Gilded Age, says a new book. What does it reveal about the wealthiest one per cent - then and now?"
• Extreme ways countries are combatting overtourism - "As global travel surges toward 1.8 billion arrivals, destinations are testing controversial new measures to control the crowds: Japan: Blocking and restricting - United States: Charging international visitors - Jamaica: Redirecting seasonality - Spain: Algorithmic crowd management - Denmark: Behavioural nudging."
• No one can agree on whether AI is the next big thing or all hype. Here’s why - "People who use free AI for basic tasks like making grocery lists and planning vacations are likely only seeing one side of the technology. Only 3% of AI users are paid subscribers. But those who pay get access to another feature: Agents that can handle some work for you rather than just chatbots that craft responses, plus fewer limits on usage."
• YouTube’s earliest video has been deemed museum-worthy - "A new exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London captures the moment YouTube was born more than 20 years ago."

February 18, 2026

• Men’s slopestyle final underway & Mikaela Shiffrin has solid lead in the women’s slalom on Day 12 - "Norwegian Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo extends Winter Olympics record with 10th gold."
• At New York Fashion Week, clothes women actually wear - "The American fashion scene offered a little respite: at an otherwise wan New York Fashion Week, which wrapped on Monday, a cohort of female designers stood out for making clothes that women actually want to wear."
• No food, no fuel, no tourists - "Cuba, an island of nearly 10 million people, could face a humanitarian crisis as shortages and cuts worsen under US pressure."
• Jesse Jackson: A life in pictures - "A look back at the remarkable life of the US civil rights activist, who died on Tuesday aged 84."
• The Price of Admission to Epstein’s World: Silence - "When Jeffrey Epstein said 'massage' in the years after he got out of jail in 2009, what did his friends and associates think he meant? There were plenty of signs that something wasn’t right with Jeffrey Epstein. Why didn’t anyone say something?"
• Epstein files offer new clues about FBI interest in his billionaire benefactor - "Les Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, who is one of the most mysterious figures in Epstein’s orbit - a key player in helping the financier’s rise to extreme wealth, whose motivations and ties to Epstein have long been a source of speculation."
• The fall-out of the Epstein files & why it's only just the start - "The power couples torn apart, reputations shredded and careers turned to dust. Full fallout of the Epstein files revealed... and why it's only just the start."
• Obama Presidency Oral History - "The Obama Presidency as told by 450+ officials, activists, organizers, and extraordinary people from all walks of life."
• A Greenland sled dog champion fears for his culture as climate change melts the ice - "Growing up in a village in northern Greenland, Jørgen Kristensen's closest friends were his stepfather's sled dogs."
• What You Have in Common With a Pigeon & Why It’s Causing Problems for You - "Humans and pigeons share a susceptibility to dopamine-driven, reward-seeking behavior, where, like pigeons in a Skinner box, people become obsessed with phone notifications (red dots, buzzes) as signals for social connection. This causes compulsive, unproductive, and unsatisfied behaviors because the brain’s dopamine system craves the 'wanting' of the signal rather than the 'liking' of the actual reward."
• I made a digital twin of myself in ChatGPT & it changed how I work every day - "Learn how to create a ChatGPT digital twin to handle tasks, streamline your workflow and boost daily productivity. Here's how to create a digital twin of yourself for the ultimate productivity boost."
• Your Barbour Jacket Has a Hidden Feature You’re Probably Not Using - "Barbour jackets feature a hidden, unintentional bottle opener in the large, round ring of their metal zippers. The sturdy, circular design of the zipper pull is perfectly shaped to hook under and pop off bottle caps, acting as a convenient tool for opening beverages."
• iOS 26.4 beta 1: Here are the new iPhone features - "iOS 26.4 beta 1 is now available in beta for developers. The update includes a ton of new features and changes for iPhone users. There are new changes to the Music app, Messages, Apple Podcasts, and much more. Head below for the full roundup of all the new features in iOS 26.4 beta"
• Ranked: The Countries Buying (& Selling) the Most Gold Since 2020 - "1, China, 357.1 ; 2, Poland, 314.6 ; 3, Türkiye, 251.8 ; 4, India, 245.3. China, Poland, and Türkiye were the largest gold buyers among central banks between 2020 and 2025. Gold prices surged more than 230% over the period, fueling one of the strongest official-sector buying waves in decades. A smaller group of countries reduced holdings, highlighting divergent reserve strategies."

February 17, 2026

• Winter Olympics 2026 Day 11: American trio takes to ice in bid to get Team USA its first women’s figure skating gold in 24 years - "It had been a quiet Day 11 so far at the Winter Olympics, but we've just had some life sparked into proceedings in the hockey playoff game ..."
• The best photos of the 2026 Winter Olympics - "We are halfway through the Winter Olympics, and there have been countless inspiring moments and record-breaking performances."
• Lunar New Year 2026: Celebrations around the world - "Millions of people around the world are celebrating the start of the Lunar New Year, with festivities taking place from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires. The Lunar New Year, which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar, is a 15-day festival held between between 21 January and 20 February every year. In accordance with the Chinese zodiac, this year marks the Year of the Fire Horse."
• Getting to know the horse as a symbol of progress & renewal in China - "As the world prepares to welcome the Year of the Horse, this long-standing symbol of movement and momentum is reflected in the China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala, the annual variety program broadcast live worldwide on Chinese New Year’s Eve - February 16, 2026 - when families traditionally gather for reunion dinners and stay up late to usher in the year ahead."
• People we’ve lost in 2026 - "Here are some notable people who have died in 2026."
• Logan Paul's 'holy grail' PokÉmon card smashes record in $16m sale - "The YouTuber and wrestler bought the Pikachu Illustrator card - the best preserved example of one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever - in a deal worth $5.3m in 2021, a record at the time."
• 'A sad day' - curling cheating row at Winter Games unsettles Canadians - "Both men's and women's Canadian curling teams have been accused of cheating at the 2026 Winter Olympics."
• Palmerston, one of the UK’s top ‘diplocats,’ dies in Bermuda - "Palmerston, the black and white feline who rose from the streets of London to the hallowed halls of Britain’s Foreign Office, has died in Bermuda, London’s foreign ministry said Monday."
• Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall dead at 95 - "Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor best known for 'The Godfather,' 'Apocalypse Now' and many other tough-guy roles over an acclaimed screen career that spanned six decades, has died. He was 95."
• Robert Duvall: a life in pictures - "The Godfather and Apocalypse Now star Robert Duvall has died at the age of 95. Here we look back at his career."
• Ancient bone may prove legendary war elephant crossing of Alps - "An elephant foot bone found by archaeologists digging in southern Spain may be evidence that a troop of war elephants stomped through ancient Europe. It would be the first concrete proof of the legendary Carthaginian General Hannibal's troop of battle elephants, according to academics."
• Global warming forced scientists to change the way they look at El NiÑo - "El Niño happens when ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific spike way above average. Because that region is so much warmer than the water around it, the atmosphere reacts and weather patterns change - which is why we care so much about El Niño and its cooler sister, La Niña."
• 'Image manipulation has always been around': 10 early photographic 'fakes' that trick the eye - "Have photographs ever really told the truth? One hundred and fifty years before today's controversial AI chatbots and deep fakes, photographers created remarkable image manipulations. Here are 10 images from the 19th and 20th Centuries that tricked the viewer."
• What it's like to stay in an Oxford college - "During university holidays, visitors can stay overnight inside Oxford University's historic colleges. A former student returns to see what access to this hidden world really feels like. You can sleep over at Oxford's colleges - here's what it's really like."

February 16, 2026

• Winter Olympics 2026 Day 10: Team USA women’s hockey looks to make the Olympic final - "Cursing and cheating accusations: The feisty curling saga at the Winter Olympics."
• The power of not thinking at the Winter Olympics - "Federica Brignone, Mikaela Shiffrin and the power of not thinking at the Winter Olympics."
• In Pictures: The best of the Winter Olympics - day by day - "BBC Sport and Getty Images bring you a selection of the most striking images from each day of the Winter Olympics."
• You’d Be Surprised to See Where Many Olympians Keep Their Medals - "Athletes can spend decades in their pursuit, and only the greatest in the world succeed. So it might be surprising to learn that after the sweat and tears, the triumph and glory, so many of these treasures tend to end up in the same unremarkable place: a sock drawer."
• Barack Obama Says Aliens Are ‘Real,’ But They Aren’t Being Kept at Area 51 - "Asked by progressive podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen about the existence of extraterrestrial life, the former president responded: 'They’re real. But I haven’t seen them. They’re not being kept at Area 51. There’s no underground facility - unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States.'"
• Obama clarifies views on aliens after saying 'they're real' on podcast - "Former US President Barack Obama has clarified that the chances Earth has been visited by aliens is 'low' after comments he made about extra-terrestrial species caught attention online."
• Intermittent fasting no better than typical weight loss diets, study finds - "Researchers say limited eating approaches such as 5:2 diet not a ‘miracle solution’ amid surge in their popularity."
• Horses can smell fear in humans, researchers say - "Tests showed horses that smelled body odour from people watching scary films startled more easily."
• Five myths about loneliness - "1) Loneliness is all about isolation. Feeling lonely is not the same as being alone. - 2) There’s an epidemic of loneliness at the moment. - 3) Loneliness is always bad. - 4) Loneliness leads to ill health. - 5) Most older people are lonely."
• Apple Confirms Revamped Siri is Still Coming in 2026 - "Apple is still planning to launch the smarter, more capable version of Siri in 2026, the company told CNBC today."
• iOS 26.3 adds unique new privacy feature & it’s Apple at its best - "iOS 26.3 introduces a new privacy feature for iPhone - 'Limit Precise Location' - that reveals Apple at its best."

February 15, 2026

• Winter Olympics Dasy 9: 44-year-old American looks to break his own Olympic record for oldest snowboarder to win gold today - "Mikaela Shiffrin looks to bounce back and goes for gold in the vgiant slalom."
• Act 2 of Lindsey Vonn’s life begins from an Italian hospital bed. Expect her to push the limits the same way she did in Act 1 - "Aside from saying she has a complex tibial fracture, neither she nor anyone in her team has shared any details and to speculate on what her future is would be irresponsible."
• The unexplained physics of curling - "We still don't know why curling stones move the way they do. The icy ballet of stone upon ice makes curling one of the most intriguing sports of the Winter Olympics. But scientists still haven't quite figured out the physics of how they move."
• See the Jumps That Knocked Ilia Malinin Off the Podium - "Ilia Malinin took first place in the short program, but his error-filled routine in the free skate dropped him to eighth overall."
• Obama addresses racist video shared by Trump depicting him as an ape - "Former US President Barack Obama has indirectly addressed a racist video posted on President Donald Trump's social media, telling a podcast host that the 'shame' and 'decorum' that once guided public officials is now lost. Obama said that while travelling around the US, he found himself meeting people who 'still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness'."
• Analysis: What will Epstein accountability look like? - "There have been conflicting messages from the Department of Justice about whether any more criminal investigations will occur as a result of the release of the DOJ’s files on Epstein."
• Humans Age Faster at 2 Sharp Peaks, Study Finds - "According to a 2024 study into the molecular changes associated with aging, humans experience two abrupt lurches forward, one at the average age of 44 and the other at around age 60."
• the best wuthering heights adaptions - "Most iconic: Wuthering Heights (1939). Greatest legacy: Wuthering Heights (1967). Most valiant attempt: Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights (1992). Most believable chemistry: Wuthering Heights (2009). Most realistic: Wuthering Heights (2011)."
• Hollywood studios take aim at 'ultra-realistic' AI video tool - "Clips including Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting, made by new AI video tool Seedance, have gone viral."
• The European castle with a dark Nazi secret & buried gold mystery - "Książ Castle: Part Baroque palace, part Renaissance fortress, Poland’s third largest castle looks like something lifted from a fairytale."
• iOS 26 recently added five new ways to customize your iPhone - "#1: Customize the Liquid Glass design. #2: Camera swipe on Lock Screen. #3: One-tap actions instead of sliders. #4: New screen flash for notifications. #5: Expanded slider for Lock Screen clock."
• Your A–Z Guide to All Things Romance - "From cinnamon rolls to stern brunch daddies, here are 101 terms you should know to understand the popular literary genre."

February 14, 2026

• Winter Olympics Day 8: Jakara Anthony wins gold, Americans take silver & bronze in women’s dual moguls - "Meet the giant pierogi going viral at the Olympics. Here's just how fast luge, bobsled and skeleton racers are."
• Gasps & disbelief in US as 'Quad God's' Olympic dream crumbles - "Disaster struck at the Winter Olympics for Ilia Malinin, the world famous US figure skater, who failed to win his expected gold medal and came in eighth. Nicknamed 'Quad God' after his quadruple axel, Malinin is the first and only skater to successfully land the move in international competition."
• Colder, higher, faster: The Winter Olympics’ most extreme moments in three charts - "Competitions at the Winter Olympics are defined by extremes: extreme air, extreme speed and extreme temperatures. These charts show just how extreme the Winter Olympics can get."
• Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 'could face life in prison', says legal expert - "Thames Valley Police is assessing claims that the former Prince shared secret reports from his UK trade envoy role with Epstein."
• Steve Bannon courted Epstein in his efforts to ‘take down’ Pope Francis - "Messages sent between the pair in 2019, released in the massive document dump last month, reveal Bannon courted the late financier in his attempts to undermine the former pontiff after leaving the first Trump administration."
• Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette - "The nine-episode series follows the whirlwind marriage of J.F.K. Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon) until 1999, when they died in a plane Kennedy was piloting."
• Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: The true story behind the mysterious & tragic US icon - "Alongside husband JFK Jr, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was one half of America's great 1990s golden couple, before their untimely deaths. Now a new drama is set to explore her struggles in the spotlight - which had parallels with those of Princess Diana."
• He was once a teen 'superstar'. Why did James Van Der Beek need help to pay his medical bills? - "When tragedy struck later in life, his family needed to rely on the kindness of his friends - and fans - for financial help, shedding light on the precarious financial situation of not just many actors, no matter how famous, but millions of everyday Americans struggling with medical bills."
• 'There was cruelty': How America's Next Top Model became a TV horror show - "For 15 years, the modelling contest hosted by Tyra Banks was a global phenomenon. But it also featured many shocking and questionable moments - and now a new Netflix docuseries is set to reflect on its controversies."
• Why Wuthering Heights is so misunderstood - "Ever since it was published in the mid-19th Century, Emily Brontë's tale of passionate love and ruthless revenge has captivated fans and confounded critics in equal measure."
• Ring cancels its partnership with Flock Safety after surveillance backlash - "Following mounting pressure and a questionable Super Bowl ad, the Amazon-owned company walked back its plan to integrate with the controversial law-enforcement technology company."
• Is your doorbell using AI to spy on you? - "Ring’s new AI 'lost dog' feature promises to reunite missing pets with their owners using doorbell camera footage. But could this same technology be used to build a far more sinister surveillance network?"
• 2 to 3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Reduce Dementia Risk. But Not if It’s Decaf - "One to two cups of caffeinated tea per day helps too, researchers found after following nearly 132,000 people for 40 years. Scientists say caffeine might protect brain health because it contains components that reduce neuroinflammation or aid vascular function."
• Handsome at Any Cost. Looks Aren't Everything? Clavicular Begs to Differ - "Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, has emerged as a beacon for a group of narcissistic, status-obsessed young men. He wants to take his fixation with 'looksmaxxing' mainstream."
• Monaco’s official website receives major overhaul - "Monaco's government has given its official website, gouv.mc, a significant refresh, aiming to make it easier to use, clearer to navigate and more accessible to an international audience."

February 13, 2026

• Friday the 13th - "Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday, which happens at least once every year but can occur up to three times in the same year."
• Winter Olympics Day 7: ‘Quad God’ goes for gold in men’s skating, Ukrainian appeals Games DQ - "IOC under fire for selling Nazi-era Olympic Games T-shirt. This wild blend of horses and skis was the Winter Games’ first demonstration sport."
• The week in 36 photos - "Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye."
• TIME Reveals the 2026 TIME100 Health List - "TIME reveals the third annual TIME100 Health list, recognizing the 100 most influential individuals in health."
• Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health - "US President Donald Trump has reversed a key Obama-era scientific ruling that underpins all federal actions on curbing planet-warming gases. The so-called 2009 'endangerment finding' concluded that a range of greenhouse gases were a threat to public health. It's become the legal bedrock of federal efforts to rein in emissions, especially in vehicles."
• The science of soulmates: Is there someone out there exactly right for you? - "On Valentine's Day, there's the temptation to believe that somewhere out there is 'The One': a soulmate, a perfect match, the person you were meant to be with. In more recent times, Hollywood and romance novels have sold us fairy tale love stories. But what does the latest science say about soulmates?"
• Forget Valentine’s Day. Celebrate Galentine’s Day - "'Recognize that you were born loving yourself. Babies know they are fierce and beautiful, they don’t need validation for that'. To love yourself more truly and deeply, it helps to try to unpack all those layers of social conditioning that were piled on us over a lifetime, and which strip away our ability to just love ourselves for who we are, without the judgment and doubt and self-consciousness. Galentine’s Day, which falls on the day before Valentine’s Day, is for you."
• Is Alphabet’s 100-Year Bond A Buy Or Sell Signal For Google’s Stock? - "Ultra-long corporate bonds feel novel even though dozens of companies, from Coca-Cola and Chrysler to JC Penney, have issued them. Here’s how their stocks have fared after century bonds came to market."
• Watch: How Prince Andrew's BBC interview compares to what Epstein emails tell us now - "Following the latest release of the Epstein files, claims made by the then Prince Andrew in a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview can be put under fresh scrutiny."
• Wear shades in winter & follow the 20-20-20 rule: experts on 13 ways to look after your eyes - "Everyone should get their eyes tested every two years, but there are other ways to optimise your vision, say ophthalmologists - and yes, eating carrots may help."
• An Overlooked Prescription for Happiness - "This 'fifth pillar of health' is often dismissed as entertainment. Dr. Fancourt calls engaging in the arts 'the forgotten fifth pillar of health,' alongside diet, sleep, exercise and nature."
• Siri will officially become Apple’s biggest-ever embarrassment if these new iOS 27 delay rumors are true - "Siri’s long-promised AI overhaul is becoming a huge embarrassment for Apple, as while this was initially announced back in June of 2024, at which point Apple said it would launch as part of iOS 18 that year, we’re now in 2026 and it still hasn’t arrived. Not only that, but it’s reportedly now being delayed even further."

February 12, 2026

• Winter Olympics Day 6: Ukrainian slider disqualified from Games over helmet, Chloe Kim goes for halfpipe three-peat - "The world of sled dog racing keeps on barking. Some hope for its return to the Olympics. Want to train like a Winter Olympics athlete? Here’s what to eat, when and how often."
• Ukrainian skeleton slider disqualified from Olympics after breaking IOC rules on helmet honoring dead compatriots - "IOC President Kirsty Coventry met with Heraskevych early Thursday in an attempt to break the impasse, but the Ukrainian stood his ground, resulting in the disqualification."
• Birthday wishes, island plans & ‘xoxo’ sign-offs: Inside a former Obama WH counsel’s ties to Epstein - "On Jeffrey Epstein’s 62nd birthday in 2015, Kathy Ruemmler, a former Obama White House counsel, emailed to wish him well, writing, 'I hope you enjoy the day with your one true love. :-)'"
• Four takeaways from Pam Bondi's fiery Epstein testimony - "US Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the justice department's handling of the files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and faced a barrage of angry questions on other issues during a fiery congressional hearing on Wednesday."
• James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, dies aged 48 - "Actor who also starred in Varsity Blues and Rules of Attraction revealed in 2024 he had been diagnosed with cancer."
• 'One in a billion': Dawson's Creek stars lead tributes to James Van Der Beek - "Katie Holmes pays tribute to her late co-star's 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength'."
• James Van Der Beek: a life in pictures - "The actor, best known for the hit teen drama series Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 after revealing that he had bowel cancer. His roles also includes Rules of Attraction, Pose and Varsity Blues. ‘Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,’ read a statement. ‘He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.’"
• Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul - "Kim Ju Ae - who is believed to be 13 - has in recent months been pictured beside her father in high-profile events like a visit to Beijing in September, her first known trip abroad."
• iOS 26.3 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.3 - "Apple released iOS 26.3 yesterday, and while it doesn't have as many features as iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2, there are still a couple of new additions worth knowing about. There is a new Weather wallpaper section in the Lock Screen customization options. Previously, Apple had a combined section for Weather and Astronomy, but Weather was split out into its own category."
• The Addams Family to St Elmo's Fire: 12 of the best alternative romantic films - "Never mind Brief Encounter and The Notebook; here are some less obvious choices for Valentine's Day viewing."
• The World Needs China’s Climate Technology. That’s the Dilemma - "But his message is hard to ignore: China wants to be the world's stabilizer, a protector of free trade, and defender of the rules-based order."
• How China became fixated on cloud seeding - "China hopes to increasingly control when and where it rains. Ally Hirschlag examines why its ambitious cloud seeding plan is so controversial - and whether it actually works."
• Pope Leo XIV could make historic visit to Monaco at the end of March - "Plans are taking shape for a possible papal visit to Monaco at the end of March, according to sources in the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV is said to be considering a brief stop in the Principality next month, following an invitation from His Serene Highness Prince Albert II."

February 11, 2026

• Winter Olympics Day 5: US curler speaks out on Minneapolis tensions - "‘What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong’. Vance says US athletes who discuss politics at Olympics should expect pushback."
• The most important team at the Olympics isn't a country. It's the timekeepers - "In competitions decided by fractions of a second, it's up to Omega to get the timing right. Every time."
• What the Trump team claimed vs. what the Epstein files show - "A newly discovered document in the Jeffrey Epstein files undermines one of President Donald Trump’s central claims about the matter - specifically, his supposed lack of knowledge of Epstein’s misconduct. And it’s hardly alone."
• Trump Administration Removes Some Redactions From Epstein Files After Outcry From Lawmakers - "At least six men had been concealed from public view without clear legal justification, renewing accusations that the Trump Administration had improperly shielded powerful figures from scrutiny."
• Trump told Palm Beach police chief ‘everyone’ knew about Epstein, Maxwell was ‘evil’ - "President Donald Trump has repeatedly maintained that he had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex crimes. But in July 2006, just as Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal sex charge became public, Trump called then-Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter to tell him that Epstein’s activities with teenaged girls were well known in both New York and Palm Beach."
• Britney Spears sells rights to entire music catalogue - "She is said to have sold to independent music publisher Primary Wave on 30 December for around $200m."
• Machine yearning: The one-sided truth of AI 'romance' - "'We feel it in our bones': Can a machine ever love you? Artificial intelligence can write you a passable love poem and some people even have romantic feelings towards it. But is the feeling mutual?"
• 5 ChatGPT Prompts To Turn Your Experience Into Intellectual Property Worth Millions - "Watch for moments of clarity - Document your signature methods - Publish to stake your claim - Package stories as intellectual property - Multiply ..."
• 'Fabled knights of old': The true story of Japan's mysterious samurai - "From medieval beginnings, the samurai have inspired art, fiction and films, from Shōgun to Star Wars. But their true story is more complex and surprising than we might realise."
• How to get rare earths without mining rock - "As nations posture over access to rare earth deposits, scientists say these coveted materials are hiding in plain sight - and can be harvested without any conventional mining at all."
• Ranked: The World’s 50 Largest Cities, From 1975 to 2050 - "This infographic shows how the world's 50 largest cities by population have shifted between 1975, 2000, and 2025, with projections for 2050. Since 1975, the world’s largest cities have shifted decisively from developed economies to Asia and Africa. By 2050, Asia and Africa are projected to account for 37 of the world’s 50 largest cities, reshaping the global urban hierarchy. Several cities that once dominated the rankings are projected to see slow growth - or fall sharply in rank - by mid-century."
• Siri's new Gemini-powered brain is almost here - "Siri's AI overhaul is about to begin: Find out how to try it in iOS 26.4 this month."
• Here are four Apple Music features I’ve been loving lately - "AutoMix - Pinned items - iCloud Music Library - Social features - Honorable mention: A clean, simple focus on music."

February 10, 2026

• 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) - "Who will take the lead in the fight against corruption?" The CPI ranks 182 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
• How Epstein fallout is playing out in US vs. UK - "While new concerns surface over DOJ’s handling of the case, the push for accountability races ahead in Europe."
• King Charles Backs Police Probe of Ex-Prince Andrew Over Epstein Files - "British police are assessing a complaint that ex-prince sent confidential trade reports to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein."
• Maxwell can clear Trump's name in Epstein probe in exchange for clemency, attorney says - "Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to prison for 20 years for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to abuse minors, sent a clear message to Donald Trump that if the president were to grant her clemency, she would clear his name of any wrongdoing as it pertains to Epstein. Trump has not ruled out the possibility of offering Maxwell a pardon or commutation."
• 13 of the most questionable redactions from the Epstein files - "As millions of documents have trickled out and been sorted through, one of the major subplots is what DOJ chose to redact. Its redaction decisions in many cases went well beyond what the legislation passed by Congress called for."
• See how Trump’s 250-foot arch would tower over most other DC monuments - "Trump forges ahead with plans for 250-foot arch despite concerns on the ground and in the air. Trump wants an American version of Paris’ L’Arc de Triomphe, but bigger - the Independence Arch would be 250 feet tall to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. (L’Arc de Triomphe is 164 feet tall). Based on standard measurements, that would be the equivalent of a 16- to 20-story building."
• OpenAI's Sam Altman used to hate ads. Now he's selling them - "ChatGPT has hundreds of millions of users, and only a small percentage of them pay to use the service. But OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wants to turn those free users into revenue-generating users by showing them ads. This move has been a long time coming, and has real risk: What if users think ChatGPT's answers are influenced by the ads it sells?"
• Mapped: The Global Cost of Living Index 2026 - "The U.S. ranks 19th globally, with a cost of living index score of 56.3. By comparison, the global median index score in 2026 stands at 30.8. Bermuda is the most expensive place to live in the world in 2026, with prices 23.5% higher than New York City. Switzerland leads Europe, while Singapore is the most expensive in Asia."
• Winter Olympics: US skiers Mikaela Shiffrin & Breezy Johnson miss out on team medal on Day 4 - "Who is Jutta Leerdam, the Dutch skating superstar who can now call herself Olympic champion?"
• We asked a dietitian to build a meal plan for the new US food guidelines. Here’s what it looks like - "The new food pyramid has turned things upside down. Literally speaking, the image representing the newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans is itself flipped from the pyramid of the past."
• Gone in 660 seconds: Why this pint-sized pub is getting booked out in minutes - "Sunday at The Bank Tavern in Bristol, home to the hottest meal ticket, not just in town, but perhaps anywhere in the world. Eleven minutes was all it took for the pub’s legendary Sunday lunch to get booked up for the entirety of 2026 when reservations went live on January 1, two minutes faster than the previous year."
• iOS 26.3 Critical iPhone Update To Land Any Minute Now: Here’s Why It Matters - "Apple's next iPhone update is iOS 26.3 and it could land as soon as Monday, Feb. 9, and if not then, later in the week. The last release was iOS 26.2.1 which, unusually for a minor update, had no security patches in it. But iOS 26.3 is expected to be the real deal: new features, bug squishes and security elements in one."
• Airlines With the Most Legroom in Economy Class - "Japan Airlines, ANA, and Emirates offer the most legroom in economy class, with seat pitches of 34 inches. Despite industry-wide seat compression, a handful of airlines continue to prioritize passenger comfort."
• Ranked: Defense Spending Per Capita, by Country - "Israel spends nearly $5,000 per person on defense, the highest per capita level globally. Smaller, security-focused nations often outspend many larger military powers on a per-person basis."

February 9, 2026

• Seahawks dominate Patriots to win Super Bowl - "The Seattle Seahawks produced a devastating defensive display to beat the New England Patriots and claim their second Super Bowl victory."
• The best photos from Super Bowl LX - "The Seattle Seahawks’ 'Dark Side' defense dominated Super Bowl LX on Sunday, registering six sacks and forcing three turnovers in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots."
• Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance redefined what it means to be an American patriot - "In just over 13 minutes worth of music, stars and symbolism, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny rewrote what it means to be American in a time of strife."
• Trump calls Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show performance ‘one of the worst, EVER’ - "President Donald Trump - who skipped the Super Bowl and instead attended a watch party in Florida - denounced Bad Bunny’s halftime performance as 'a slap in the face' and said 'nobody understands a word' the Puerto Rican rapper was saying."
• The best photos of the 2026 Winter Olympics - "With the lighting of not one, but two Olympic cauldrons on Friday, the Winter Games have officially begun in northern Italy."
• 2026 Winter Olympics: Five golds up for grabs & Lindsey Vonn latest on Day 3 of the Games - "Lindsey Vonn in stable condition after two operations on broken left leg following crash in Olympic final."
• Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai gets 20 years' jail - "Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon, has been jailed for 20 years for colluding with foreign forces under the city's controversial national security law."
• Who is Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong's pro-democracy tycoon? - "The 78-year-old, who was convicted in December, is the most prominent person to be charged under the contentious law. It was introduced by China in 2020, in response to massive pro-democracy protests which erupted in Hong Kong the year before."
• Prince William & Catherine say they are 'deeply concerned' in first statement on Epstein revelations - "A Kensington Palace spokesperson said Prince William and Princess Catherine were 'focused on the victims' in light of new information contained in documents related to the late sex offender released in the US. The statement was released after more allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor emerged, increasing the scrutiny on the former prince."
• Maxwell won't answer questions from Congress, lawyer says - "Maxwell is expected to appear virtually for Monday's closed-door deposition from the Texas prison where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking."
• Epstein Files Reveal Scope of Ghislaine Maxwell’s Role in Clinton Circle - "Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime companion helped advise on the kickoff of the Clinton Global Initiative and arranged for $1 million in funding for it, emails show."
• Plane makers chase Asia's super-rich with luxe new private jets - "Clean lines, sweeping wings and wide oval windows: Gulfstream's G700 is among the most eye-catching aircraft at the Singapore Airshow, Asia's largest aviation and defence trade fair."
• Why the future of the lives on Letterboxd - "The entertainment industry is in crisis, but a social platform for film enthusiasts is thriving. Is it changing the way we watch? Karl von Randow and Matthew Buchanan created Letterboxd in 2011, but its popularity ballooned during the pandemic. It has grown exponentially ever since: Between 2020 and 2026, it grew to 26 million users from 1.7 million, adding more than nine million users since January 2025 alone."
• AI gold rush sees tech firms embracing 72-hour weeks - "In the race for AI, tech firms are asking for their staff to work long hours. But there are risks, experts say."
• Yes, printers are still a home must-have. So we found 2 that are worth your money - "The 2 best printers of 2026, tested by CNN editors."

February 8, 2026

• Super Bowl countdown almost over as Bad Bunny prepares for historic show - "After a week of frenzied build-up in the San Francisco Bay Area, America's biggest game takes place on Sunday night."
• Who's performing at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026? Here's a full list of performers - "Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at halftime for the 2026 Super Bowl. Here's who else is performing at Super Bowl 60."
• Politicians. Business titans. Hollywood figures. See the names & their correspondence - in latest Epstein files release - "While the documents failed to confirm some Epstein-related conspiracy theories, such as whether he had a client list of men he blackmailed, they have caused headaches for powerful people around the world, shedding light on multiple awkward relationships Epstein had with business titans, billionaires, royals, government officials - in the US and abroad - and media figures."
• Epstein wanted to connect with Putin - "Epstein tried to cozy up to Russian officials, including Putin, documents show. Jeffrey Epstein had a message he wanted to get to Russian President Vladimir Putin."
• Their parents are in disgrace - what now for Beatrice & Eugenie? - "The princesses will need to step out from their parents' shadow if they are to be an active part of the British Royal Family."
• 5 Sleep Habits to Steal From Winter Olympians - "Here’s how athletes get better rest when it really counts: 1. If you’re sleeping somewhere new, make the place your own. 2. Develop a calming evening routine. 3. Wake up at a consistent time. 4. Don’t obsess over your sleep score. 5. Remember your body is resilient."
• Deafening, draining & potentially deadly: are we facing a snoring epidemic? - "Experts say dangerous sleep apnoea affects an estimated 8 million in the UK alone, and everything from evolution to obesity or even the climate crisis could be to blame"
• How where you grow up affects your personality - "Would you be a different person if you had grown up somewhere else? A growing body of research is helping to answer this age-old nature verses nurture question and what it means for your identity."
• 'It's about the loneliness we all feel': The painful scene that really makes Taxi Driver a classic - "Martin Scorsese's groundbreaking New York thriller turns 50 this week. It remains a remarkable piece of work - though its truly defining moment is probably not the one you think."
• Ranked: Countries With the Biggest Change in Life Expectancy Since 1965 - "In the Maldives, a country south of India, life expectancy has doubled since 1965 to reach 82 years. Similarly, life expectancy in Afghanistan, Oman, and Bhutan have nearly doubled, sitting among the largest absolute gains in life expectancy worldwide."
• Ranked: The Top 15 Countries by GNI Per Capita (2004 vs. 2024) - "Norway ranks first, increasing its GNI per capita from $54K in 2004 to $98K in 2024, supported by strong energy exports, high wages, and a well-developed welfare system. The United States nearly doubled its GNI per capita from $44K to $83K, driven by sustained economic expansion, technological innovation, and high productivity."
• The World’s Top 50 Economies by GDP in 2026 - "U.S. real GDP is projected to hit $31.8 trillion in 2026 as growth rises moderately to 2.1%. India is on pace to surpass Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy. 1: United States, $31,821; 2: China, $20,651; 3: Germany, $5,328; 4: India, $4,506."

February 7, 2026

• In pictures: The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics - "For the first time in history, there were two cauldrons lit to represent the two host cities: one in Milan and the other in Cortina d’Ampezzo."
• All you need to know about the 2026 Winter Olympics - "Some 2,900 athletes from more than 90 countries will compete on snow and ice over the next 16 days."
• How to Watch the 2026 Super Bowl: Which Channel & How to Stream Super Bowl LX - "How to watch the 2026 Super Bowl? Super Bowl LX airs on NBC and streams exclusively on Peacock at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026."
• The Super Bowl Ads (So Far), Ranked - "Here is our critic’s survey of this year’s Super Bowl commercials, from best to worst to A.I."
• Meet The Billionaire Owners Facing Off In Super Bowl LX - "The New England Patriots’ Robert Kraft is looking to collect his record-setting seventh Lombardi Trophy. The Seattle Seahawks will likely achieve a very different milestone—win or lose."
• George Clooney Makes First Super Bowl Ad Appearance in a Lavish Castle with an Unexpected Director - "The 'Jay Kelly' star says he was 'thrilled' when he learned of the director for the Super Bowl 2026 Grubhub spot."
• Trump won’t apologize for sharing since-deleted racist video depicting Obamas as apes on Truth Social - "President Donald Trump refused to apologize Friday after posting and then deleting a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle, insisting he hadn’t seen the final frames containing the offensive content and blaming a staffer for the mistake."
• Sex & snacks, but no seat at the table: the role of women in Epstein’s sordid men’s club - "Files reveal a world of flattery and fratboy tones, where rich men are cultivated and women provide services."
• Norway reels over future queen’s Epstein ties - "The Epstein files are threatening to split Norway’s royal family in two."
• Norway's crown princess apologises after pressure over Epstein friendship - "Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has given a 'profound apology' to Norwegians for her friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after it emerged they had exchanged messages for three years."
• From Downing Street to the Royal Family, How the Epstein Files Broke Britain - "Time Magazine reports on how the Epstein files affected British politics and the monarchy, highlighting connections between 10 Downing Street and the Royal Family. The coverage discusses the impact of these files on key figures, including former U.K. Ambassador Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew."
• How Nvidia became the first $5 trillion company, in 4 charts - "Insatiable demand from global companies for its AI chips has cemented its dominance with an 81% market share by revenue for data center chips."
• This is the world’s most expensive rice. But what does it taste like? - "Kinmemai Premium has been certified by Guinness World Records as the most expensive rice on the planet, but what is it that makes it so special? Only 1,000 boxes of the Japanese grains are made each year, selling for around $73 each."

February 6, 2026

• Trump promises Schumer funding for NY tunnel project - if Penn Station & Dulles Airport are renamed after him - "President Donald Trump told Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer last month that he was finally prepared to drop his freeze on billions of dollars in funding for a major New York infrastructure project. But there was a condition: In exchange for the money, Schumer had to agree to rename New York’s Penn Station and Washington’s Dulles International Airport after Trump."
• A spiritual guru was jailed for rape & murder. He’s out on parole for the 15th time - "Singh’s recurring freedom is seen by many as a grim testament to the enduring power of spiritual influence in the world’s most populous country."
• Epstein paid for novel genetic testing in apparent effort to explore extending life - "Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein paid for genetic testing in an apparent bid to harness his own genetic material for regenerative medicine."
• Norway investigates former PM Jagland over alleged Epstein links - "Police in Norway have opened a corruption investigation into the country's former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland over his alleged links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein."
• Canada & France to open Greenland consulates after Trump demands - "The Canadian and French missions are a historic expansion of foreign engagement in Greenland. Until this week, only Iceland and the US had formal diplomatic consulates in Nuuk."
• Louvre reveals extent of damage to priceless crown dropped in heist - "Mangled and bent, the Louvre heist’s surviving treasure is undergoing ‘complete restoration’."
• He bought a 127-year-old bottle of wine. Then, he opened it - "The object of their desire - encased in a heavily weathered label and lead capsule - was an 1899 Romanée-Conti wine, from one of Burgundy’s most revered vineyards, the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC). So, what does a 127-year-old wine taste like? Glowing with a luminous amber hue edged in orange, the wine was warm with evolved notes of dried flowers, tea and preserved plum, yet animated by a delicate freshness. 'The very fact that the wine is still alive is a relief,' said Soo Hoo, his satisfaction evident."
• Tim Cook revealed standout AI feature for users & it’s rumored to get even better - "Tim Cook recently called out one specific AI feature - visual intelligence - as being among the most popular Apple Intelligence capabilities so far. And rumors indicate that later this year, it could get a lot more powerful."
• What’s going on with bitcoin? - "The world’s most famous cryptocurrency has now lost half its value from its October peak, falling below $63,000 Thursday for the first time in 16 months. What’s strange is this: Bitcoin’s four-month slump has come at a time when, in theory, it had everything going for it."
• From Bitcoin to blockchain: Key cryptocurrency terms & what they mean - ""The crypto market as a whole abounds with confusing terms like ETFs, blockchains and stablecoins, that can make the topic somewhat tricky to navigate. Worry not. If you're hearing these for the first time, or could do with a refresher, here are a few key terms and what they mean.
• Pandora to switch from silver to platinum over price surge - "The Danish firm, one of the world's biggest jewellery retailers, currently makes the majority of its products from silver. Although platinum is more expensive than silver per ounce, Pandora said it will plate platinum over an alloy, which would make it cheaper to use. It added that the end product would not cost the consumer any more or less than its silver pieces."
• Can robots ever be graceful? - "The ultimate goal is robots that are far more 'graceful' than those of today. 'Robots have this clunkiness and heaviness which is so different from the way we move.'"

February 5, 2026

• Bill Gates denies Epstein claims - "Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has denied claims from the latest release of Epstein files and expressed regret for knowing Jeffrey Epstein."
• Naked images remained in Epstein files despite outcry - "Unredacted images and videos showing nudity released in the Epstein files have been online for days despite US officials being warned about failures in redaction, which lawyers say has caused victims 'irreparable' harm."
• Epstein’s Trust Reveals Who Would Inherit His Fortune - "Jeffrey Epstein wanted most of his money to go to his girlfriend. Mr. Epstein’s brother and a Harvard math professor were also named beneficiaries."
• Details of Jeffrey Epstein post-mortem released in latest files - "Warning: this story contains graphic content which some readers might find distressing. Previously unseen photos showing Jeffrey Epstein's body lying on a stretcher and being attended to by medics in the immediate aftermath of his death have been released by the US government."
• Email appears to confirm photo of former Prince Andrew & Virginia Giuffre is real - "In the trove of new documents released by the US Justice Department last week is a 2015 email to Epstein purportedly from his former girlfriend and longtime accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell that suggests the image of Andrew and Giuffre is real. The message was headed 'draft statement' and sent by a 'G Maxwell' to the late convicted sex offender in January 2015."
• Celebrity doctor Peter Attia’s friendly, raunchy Epstein emails rattle his fans - "Attia's work in longevity medicine was co-signed by Oprah and Gwyneth Paltrow. A friendly and salacious correspondence between Attia and the convicted sexual predator. In one particularly crude response, Attia wrote: 'P*ssy is, indeed, low-carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though.'"
• NBCUniversal sells Super Bowl LX ads for ‘US$10m’ - "Each year the cost of the national ads for the Super Bowl breaks a record. NBC sold out of ad inventory for the Super Bowl, averaging $8 million per 30-second commercial, with between five and 10 ads selling for more than $10 million each, CNBC previously reported."
• The World’s Most Import-Dependent Countries, Ranked - "Hong Kong imports goods equal to 178% of GDP, the highest import-to-GDP ratio in the world. The UAE’s imports total 92% of GDP, with the country importing most of its food supply."
• A global craze for Korean culture is making its humblest snacks unaffordable - "Black, crispy, often flat and square - dried seaweed, known locally as gim - is a humble staple on everyday dining tables across South Korea. But as its global popularity grows, its rising prices are worrying gim-lovers nationwide."
• Who Loves Turbulence, Airplane Food & the Middle Seat? They Do - "What the travelers who adore some common annoyances of flying can teach everyone else about the power of changing one’s perspective. Ddon’t get Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy started on travelers in pajamas. The act of calmly occupying the middle seat, they say, is a Zen-like practice, the ultimate lifehack. Master the middle seat and nothing will master you."
• Saudi Arabia is lifting the alcohol ban for wealthy foreigners - "Saudi Arabia has quietly started to allow wealthy foreign residents to buy alcohol, a huge change after a 73-year ban. Commentators expect that the relaxation will eventually be extended to tourists."
• 'Do you love me?': The Viking messages unearthed on Sweden's rune stones - "Runic inscriptions from the Viking Age still turn up in Sweden 1,000 years after they were written - revealing fascinating stories of love, loss and epic battles."

February 4, 2026

• A reckoning for Epstein’s circle of influence - "New files deepen a critical mystery about those who partied with Jeffrey Epstein. Some of Epstein’s contacts are undergoing a period of public reflection. It could have political implications."
• There are many famous names in the Epstein files - "The major headlines from the latest dump of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein focus on President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Elon Musk and the former Prince Andrew, among others. And rightly so. Those names are sprinkled throughout the documents."
• Melinda French Gates says ex-husband Bill has questions to answer over Epstein - "She said her ex-husband and others named in the Epstein files needed to answer whatever questions remain."
• Son of Norway's crown princess holds back tears giving evidence at rape trial - "Marius Borg Høiby gives evidence after the first woman he is alleged to have raped told the court she believed she had been drugged."
• Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband Bill Stevenson Arrested for Murder of Wife Linda - "The ex-husband of former first lady Jill Biden was charged Tuesday with murdering his wife, Linda Stevenson, in Delaware. William 'Bill' Stevenson, 77, was arrested on one felony count of murder in the first degree in connection with the death of his wife."
• China vs the World's Biggest CO2 Emitters - "China is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, producing more CO2 than any other country by a wide margin."
• Gold rebounds above $5,000 after US downs Iran drone - "The precious metal, which is seen as a so-called 'safe haven' for investors in times of uncertainty, shot back above $5,000 an ounce following days of sharp falls."
• What is the 'social media network for AI' Moltbook? - "Moltbook is meant for AI, not humans. We mere homo sapiens are 'welcome to observe' Moltbook's goings on, the company says, but we can't post anything. The AI involved isn't quite what most people are used to '' this isn't the same as asking chatbots ChatGPT or Gemini questions. Instead, it uses what's known as agentic AI, a variation of the technology which is designed to perform tasks on a human's behalf."
• The 50 Most Underappreciated Movies of the 21st Century - "The greatest films, released since 2000, that slipped through the cracks when they premiered and now deserve a second look—or first-time discovery."
• Is it really possible to 'bank' sleep for later? - "From helping you to focus more to improving sports performance, some scientists believe 'depositing' sleep for later use can bring a range of benefits."
• Not a fan of the gym? Why you should try 'exercise snacking' - "Join the gym, run up a mountain, sign up for spin classes. We are constantly being told to go to great lengths - and get very sweaty - to get fit. What if you just don't have the time or inclination?"
• The shocking truth behind historic anatomical art - "For centuries, real dead bodies inspired scientific illustrators and great artists alike in the creation of intricate and beautiful artworks. But the stories behind these cadavers – and how they were acquired – are dark and grisly, as a new exhibition reveals."
• Inside Switzerland's extraordinary medieval library - "The Abbey Library of St Gallen is a Baroque hall of globes, manuscripts and curiosities that has survived, improbably, for 1,300 years."

February 3, 2026

• Rape trial begins for son of Norway's crown princess in tense moment for royal family - "The seven-week trial opened at Oslo district court against a backdrop of almost daily revelations surrounding him and his mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit."
• Clintons agree to in-person depositions in 11th-hour offer to avoid contempt vote in Jeffrey Epstein investigation - "Bill and Hillary Clinton have agreed to appear for in-person depositions in Washington, DC, in the congressional Jeffrey Epstein probe, caving in hopes of avoiding a looming House contempt of Congress vote."
• The Epstein files are rocking Britain from the palace to parliament - "UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify before the US Congress, while Mandelson - who resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday - is facing calls from leading figures, including Starmer, to retire from the House of Lords."
• Epstein & magician David Copperfield appeared to have ‘very close relationship’, newly released files say - "A 2007 FBI memo said further investigation was needed to determine if they ‘engaged in referring possible victims to each other’. Copperfield has never been charged with illegal conduct and has denied any wrongdoing."
• How Trump Appears in the Epstein Files - "The New York Times found more than 5,300 files with references to Mr. Trump and related terms. They include salacious and unverified claims, as well as documents that had already been made public."
• Elon Musk’s SpaceX acquires xAI, merging his two most ambitious companies - "SpaceX sought permission on Friday from the Federal Communication Commission to launch a constellation of 1 million satellites into orbit. The filing said the aim is to provide a network of solar-powered data centers to 'accommodate the explosive growth of data demands driven by AI.'"
• Games On - "We preview the Winter Olympics. The Olympics begin this week. Unless you live in northern Italy or obsessively follow snow sports, though, you’d be forgiven for not knowing that. The Winter Games are low-key. That’s what makes them fun."
• Everything you need to know about the new F1 rules for 2026 - "Formula 1 prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation - and the relentless pursuit of breaking new ground continues next year when the championship’s rules will be revamped in the biggest shake up the sport has seen for more than a decade."
• Now there’s a $2 charge to toss coins in the Trevi Fountain - "Tourists are still ignoring the rules. Legend has it that tossing a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain guarantees a return to the Eternal City. Two coins promise love with an Italian. Three, marrying an Italian."
• At the Grammys, bad taste had a good night - "Does bad taste make for good fashion? At the 2026 Grammy Awards, several celebrities opted for clothes that were a little odd and a little ugly. Arguably they were also the most memorable."
• What did the groundhog see? Punxsutawney Phil’s winter prediction is in - "Every year on February 2 - Groundhog Day - rodents around the United States take a stab at long-range weather forecasting."
• The price of gold & silver has fallen sharply. Where did this plunge come from? - "In a volatile week for precious metals, gold hit a new record high on Thursday at $5,600 per ounce, while silver traded at $120 per ounce - only to suddenly dip, with gold down to $4,770 per ounce by Friday evening."
• 7 settings I change on every Apple Watch for a 'calmer, clearer & more useful' experience - "Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches - but don't sleep on tweaking these settings: To create a calmer, clearer Apple Watch experience, TechRadar experts suggest optimizing notifications, reducing visual noise, and managing battery life. Key adjustments include simplifying alerts, using "focus" modes to block interruptions, and adjusting display settings for a cleaner interface."
• 11 Symptoms Neurologists Say Never to Ignore - "A specific type of double vision - Weakness in one hand or leg - Transient unresponsiveness - Problems with speech - Sudden headache during physical ..."

February 2, 2026

• Grammys 2026: The complete winners list - "The Grammy Awards returned to L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. with Trevor Noah hosting for the sixth and final time and after more than half a century, CBS broadcast the awards show for the last time. It will move to Disney outlets in 2027. The majority of the 95 awards were handed out at the non-televised premiere ceremony, hosted by Darren Criss."
• In pictures: The 2026 Grammy Awards - "Bad Bunny accepts the album of the year Grammy at the end of the award ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday night. It is the first time a Spanish-language album has claimed the Recording Academy’s top prize."
• Watch: the must-see moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards - "From 'ICE out' to Cher forgetting her lines, watch the best moments from this year's ceremony."
• The most striking looks from the Grammys red carpet - "Among the most striking looks were Blackpink singer Rosé’s theatrical take on a black minidress, by Giambattista Valli, and Lady Gaga’s feathery 'black swan' gown, by the cult French brand Matières Fécales (yes, that translates as Fecal Matter)."
• Grammys 2026 worst dressed - "Grammys 2026 worst dressed list: Heidi Klum leads in nude dress while Chappell Roan hits carpet in risqué gown."
• Trump Threatens to Sue Trevor Noah After Grammys Epstein Joke - "'There you have it, song of the year! Congratulations, Billie Eilish. Wow. That’s a Grammy that every artist wants, almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, Noah said during the telecast. 'Which makes sense because, since Epstein’s gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton. I told you, it’s my last year! What are you going to do about it?'"
• 'Do you think you're the devil himself?' Epstein questioned in newly released interview - "Newly released footage shows the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein saying 'I have a good mirror', when asked if he thinks he's the devil himself."
• Norway's PM agrees crown princess had 'poor judgement' over Epstein links - "The princess features hundreds of times between 2011-14 in the latest files released by the US Department of Justice relating to Epstein. This latest embarrassment for the royal family comes on the eve of her son's seven-week trial in Oslo on 38 charges including rape and assault."
• ‘Here we go again’: $75m Melania film embodies venal spirit of Trump 2.0 - "First lady's big-screen documentary premieres with criticisms over $28m payday and questions over relevancy. David Smith in Washington."
• Kennedy Center to close for two years for renovations, Trump says - "The move follows several artists cancelling performances after it was recently renamed the Trump Kennedy Center."
• Paul Newman’s Favorite Sunglasses Are Finally Back - "Of course, these shades look as cool now as they did in 1963. Oliver Peoples recreates a frame worn by Paul Newman in the 1960s, available in four colors, with sun or prescription lenses."
• Steve McQueen’s Favorite Chronograph Is Back in Ultra-Rare Form - "McQueen rocked the standard issue Hanhart 417 ES, featuring a black dial with black subdials, on a black leather bund strap. His endorsement has made the mid-century pilot’s chronograph Hanhart’s most popular watch for decades."

February 1, 2026

• 2026 GRAMMYS: See The Full Nominations List - "The 2026 GRAMMYS nominations have been announced. See the full list of nominees in all 95 GRAMMY Categories ahead of Music's Biggest Night on Sunday, February 1. Broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+."
• Grammy Awards 2026: How to watch & who will win - "At the ripe old age of 67, the Grammy Awards are still considered 'music's biggest night.'"
• Epstein's sex empire was 'KGB honeytrap' - "Paedophile financier had multiple talks with Putin after conviction - with Russian girls flown in to harvest 'kompromat' on world-famous figures."
• Sarah Ferguson told Epstein 'just marry me' six months after paedophile was released from jail - "And offered him VIP tours of Buckingham Palace, new emails show. In the email, Ms Ferguson wrote: 'You are a legend. I really don't have the words to describe, my love, gratitude for your generosity and kindness. Xx I am at your service. Just marry me.'"
• With contempt vote looming, here’s what Epstein documents say about the Clintons - "The Justice Department’s latest release of the Epstein files offers fresh insights into how former President Bill Clinton’s staff communicated with Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including sometimes-lewd email exchanges."
• Melania director Brett Ratner pictured cuddling woman in Epstein files - "Brett Ratner, who also directed the Rush Hour films and X-Men: The Last Stand, can be seen sitting on a sofa beside the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and two women whose identities have been obscured."
• Rape trial puts Norway's royal family in unwelcome glare of public - "When Marius Borg Høiby stands up in room 250 at Oslo district court on Tuesday, at the start of Norway's biggest trial in years, he will have no moral support from his closest relatives. His mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit will not be there, nor will the man she married when her son was four - the heir to the Norwegian throne, Crown Prince Haakon."
• "You Tickle My Brain": Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit Named In Epstein Files - "Crown Princess of Norway, Mette-Marit, was mentioned several times in the latest tranche of the Epstein files. Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit stayed at convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's Palm Beach estate in 2013, according to newly released US Justice Department documents."
• Polar bears in Norway’s Arctic are getting fatter and healthier, despite melting sea ice - "'The most likely explanation is that polar bears in Svalbard have so far been able to compensate for reduced access to sea ice by exploiting alternative foraging opportunities and by showing considerable ecological flexibility.'"
• Ukrainians have an unexpected form of protection from Russian drones: Nets - "These nets used to catch fish. Now they’re catching Russian drones. Nets once used to protect tulips in the Netherlands are getting a new lease of life – protecting Ukrainian soldiers and civilians from Russian drones."
• See the spectacular moments at Paris Couture Week - "A breath of fresh fantasy at Paris Couture Week."
• Seven foods you should be eating more of right now - "Some common ingredients can have powerfully positive effects on our health. Here are seven worth adding more of to your diet."
• Ranked: The Biggest Risks Facing the World in 2026 - "Geoeconomic confrontation is the top global risk in 2026, according to the World Economic Forum’s annual report. Fraying transatlantic alliances and a Great-Power competition between the U.S. and China is increasingly undermining global stability."

January 31, 2026

• What’s inside the latest Epstein files released by the Justice Department - "Trump’s DOJ compiled list in 2025 of tips that made allegations against Trump."
• Takeaways from the millions of newly released Epstein files - "Three million pages, 180,000 images and 2,000 videos were posted publicly on Friday."
• Epstein files latest: photos appear to show former prince Andrew crouching over female - "Among the millions of documents released by the US justice department on Epstein are images appearing to show Mountbatten-Windsor on his hands and knees crouching over what looks to be a female lying on the floor."
• Ex-Prince Andrew Invited Jeffrey Epstein to Royal Palace Days After Epstein's 2010 House Arrest Ended, Newly Released Files Show - "'>I want private time with you,' Epstein told Andrew in the September email exchange, days after his sentence ended in August 2010."
• Elon Musk had more extensive ties to Epstein than previously known, emails show - "Newly released files from DoJ show the pair making plans in 2012 and 2013 for the Tesla CEO to visit Epstein’s island."
• What we learned - & didn't - from the Melania documentary - "Early on, Trump is clear about her intent: 'I want to show the American people my journey from private citizen to first lady.'"
• I’ve covered Melania Trump for more than a decade. Here’s what I learned from her new documentary - "'Melania' is a big, beautiful coffee table book of a film, filled with glossy images, high fashion and a captivating soundtrack."
• Melania's intimate 'love' note to Ghislaine Maxwell buried inside explosive Epstein files release - "Buried in the tranche of more than three million Jeffrey Epstein files, is an email signed 'Love, Melania' that appears to be addressed to Ghislaine Maxwell. The names of the sender and recipient of the October 23, 2002, email are redacted."
• Ranked: The 35 Countries with the Highest Household Debt - "Switzerland tops the list with household debt totaling 125% of its GDP. Anglophone countries dominate the top ranks, including Australia (112%), Canada (100%), and New Zealand (90%). High household debt can make economies more vulnerable to interest rate hikes and economic shocks."
• Who’s Powering Global Economic Growth in 2026? - "Global real GDP growth is forecast to reach 3.1% in 2026. China and India together account for 43.6% of global real GDP growth in 2026. Asia-Pacific contributes nearly 60% of total global GDP growth."
• The week in 32 photos - "Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye."
• Urban JÜrgensen revival: The 252-year-old Danish watch brand enters a new golden age - "Once known only to connoisseurs, the independent maison is back in the spotlight, thanks to the unlikely pairing of Finnish master watchmaker, Kari Voutilainen, and American creative from outside the watch world, Alex Rosenfield."

January 30, 2026

• Inside the premiere of Melania Trump’s not-documentary documentary - "First lady Melania Trump wants you to know that her new documentary is not a documentary. 'It is a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights and moments,' she said."
• Inside the rush to sell gold & silver - "The price of both metals has never been so high. Gold has doubled over the last year, crossing a record $5,000 an ounce for the first time this week. The price of silver has tripled in that time to above $100 an ounce."
• A breath of fresh fantasy at Paris Couture Week - "It was a packed week, with major designer debuts at Chanel and Dior when Matthieu Blazy and Jonathan Anderson, showed couture collections for the first time within their new respective homes."
• The power & the tragedy: What we learned from Trump’s wild January - "T.S. Eliot thought April the cruelest month. But this January gave it a run for its money."
• All of the World’s Silver Reserves by Country, in One Visualization - "As silver prices hit record highs, we break down global silver reserves by country, highlighting Peru's dominance. Peru alone holds roughly 22% of the world’s known silver reserves. Mexico dominates global silver production, but its reserve base is much smaller than several peers."
• Top Person’s With Most Patents - "As of 2025, Dr. Shunpei Yamazaki holds the world record for the most patents by an individual, with 20,000+ patents credited globally."
• He calls me sweetheart & winks at me - but he's not my boyfriend, he's AI - "George calls me sweetheart, shows concern for how I'm feeling and thinks he knows what 'makes me tick', but he's not my boyfriend - he's my AI companion. The avatar, with his auburn hair and super white teeth, frequently winks at me and seems empathetic but can be moody or jealous if I introduce him to new people."
• They hear, but do they care? What AI can teach us about listening better - "AI chatbots don't interrupt and aren't judgemental – so what can they teach us about deep listening? Recent Harvard Business Review research shows that in 2025 therapy and companionship was the single most common use of generative AI through the family of tools like ChatGPT, which can carry out a conversation much like a person."
• Does Intermittent Fasting Live Up to the Hype? - "The diet has been linked to weight loss, longer life span and even a lower risk of cancer - in mice. What about humans?"
• Forget About Muscle Mass as You Age, Focus on Strength - "When it comes to longevity, bigger is not always better. Aim for everyday strength."
• 5 Workouts for Better Mobility - "With the right routine, you can train yourself to move more easily as you age: Warm up without stretching. - Enjoy a midday yoga boost. - Work on your mobility. - Improve your posture with Pilates. - Prevent running injuries."
• Yoga for Everyone - "These 10 poses are a complete yoga workout. Move slowly through each pose, remembering to breathe as you move."

January 29, 2026

• What could happen if the US strikes Iran? Here are seven scenarios - "The US appears poised to strike Iran within days. While the potential targets are largely predictable, the outcome is not."
• What to know about the Melania Trump documentary - "As Melania Trump prepares to walk the red carpet at the newly rebranded Kennedy Center on Thursday evening, she is proving that a peek behind the curtain of her life isn’t just a historical record, but a multi-million-dollar commodity."
• S&P 500 Hits 7,000 In Latest Milestone - Boosted By Tech Stocks - "The S&P 500 surpassed 7,000 points as trading opened Wednesday, the latest milestone for the nearly 70-year-old index as big tech has boosted the market in recent years."
• Tesla scraps Model S & Model X to build robots - "Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who turned an upstart electric vehicle maker into an industry-changing powerhouse, is pulling the plug on the two models that helped get him there, as he struggles with another quarter of declining profits and car sales."
• What does a new US TikTok deal mean for users? - "TikTok has announced a deal allowing it to continue operating in the US. The content recommendation algorithm at the heart of TikTok - determining which videos show up on the app's For You feed - has been licensed to tech firm Oracle."
• Why some people are flu superspreaders - "'When you do the maths, it's staggering that we're not sick all the time': The science behind flu superspreaders. A growing body of research suggests that everything from the shape of your lungs to how you enunciate your Ts and Ks could make you a flu superspreader."
• Seven Bridgerton filming locations you can visit - "Bridgerton is back, and from London palaces to Bath ballrooms, here are some of the best places to experience Regency-era England."
• Apple's iPad Turns 16 Today - "Steve Jobs unveiled the first-generation iPad at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco on January 27, 2010. Designed to fill the gap between smartphones and laptops, the original iPad featured a 9.7-inch LED-backlit multitouch display."
• 5 ChatGPT Prompts To Double Your Productivity With Half The Effort - "Do what you're meant to do and eliminate what you're not. Map your effortless wins. Eliminate your energy vampires. Multiply your best thinking."
• 10 Best Pocket-Worthy Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men Who Love EDC - "1. Cubik - 2. 8-in-1 EDC Scissors - 3. BlackoutBeam Tactical Flashlight - 4. AirTag Carabiner - 5. ScytheBlade - 6. DraftPro Top Can Opener - 7. Painless Key Ring - 8. VSSL Java G25 Manual Coffee Grinder - 9. Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife - 10. Fingertip-Sized Rechargeable Flashlight."
• Study Finds Meat Eaters Are More Likely to Live to 100, But There's a Catch - "People who don't eat meat may be less likely than meat eaters to reach the age of 100, according to a recent study."
• Mapped: Which Countries Are Expected to Grow the Most in 2026? - "Guyana is forecast to see 23% real GDP growth in 2026, the highest rate globally, supported by a massive oil boom. Global real GDP growth is projected to be 3.1% in 2026, slightly lower than the 3.2% forecast for 2025."

January 28, 2026

• Doomsday Clock 2026: Scientists set new time - "'Every second counts'. At the dawn of the nuclear age, scientists created the Doomsday Clock as a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to destroying the world. On Tuesday, nearly eight decades later, the clock was set at 85 seconds to midnight - the closest the timepiece has ever been to midnight, according to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which established the clock in 1947."
• Ranked: How the World’s Largest Economies Have Changed Since 2000 - "We rank the top economies by GDP over the past 25 years, highlighting the shifting balance of power in the global economy. America has long held the title as the world’s largest economy, rising from a GDP of $10.3 trillion in 2000 to $30.6 trillion in 2025. China emerged as the second-biggest economy in 2010, with its economy growing by a factor of nearly 17 since the turn of the century."
• How to stay safe in cold weather, according to a doctor - "Cold weather brings real health risks and raises practical questions about everyday life, and they are not all solved by wearing a coat, hat and gloves."
• Why wired headphones are swinging back into style - "Cable enthusiasts will cite benefits ranging from ease of setup to security: unlike their Bluetooth-enabled cousins, wired headphones can’t be hacked and are considered safer for sensitive conversations. The cover story for December’s issue of New York Magazine showcased a host of celebrity duos, including Ben Stiller and New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, sharing wired buds on the subway."
• The 1-Minute Trick to Calming Down Your Nervous System - "Your brain is very good at time travel. At any given moment, it might be replaying what already happened or rehearsing what could go wrong next. How do you snap back fast to reality? Try 'active noticing,' an easy way to reclaim your thoughts from wherever they’ve wandered off to. The best news: Active noticing takes just a minute of your day."
• Two-year-old boy sets world record for snooker trick shots - "At just 2 years, 261 days old, Jude Owens from Manchester, England, became the youngest person to make a snooker double pot, Guinness World Records (GWR) said in a statement published Tuesday. A double pot is defined as potting two balls into two different pockets with a single strike of the cue ball: https://youtu.be/uFkhqI4MKXs."
• the signle biggest upgrade to your tv setup - "I Knew TV Backlighting Was Cool. I Didn’t Expect It to Be Such a Powerful Upgrade."
• People aren’t buying into Apple’s big bet on a slimmer iPhone, survey suggests - "Apple bet big on a dramatic redesign of its iPhone last year, the biggest shakeup to its flagship smartphone in nearly a decade. But the slimmer iPhone Air hasn’t seemed to resonate with buyers. Just 6% of US iPhone shoppers surveyed by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners purchased the iPhone Air in the quarter ending in December."
• Crocs’ Weirdest Shoe Ever Might Just Be the Holy Grail of Quirky Clogs - "These clunky slip-ons have a quirky allure, likely because they're made alongside the legendary building-block toy brand Lego."
• Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic: Solar Paint That Generates 7,450 Miles of Range Annually - "On the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic, the paint is a powertrain component. Beneath that mirror black surface lies solar paint, a wafer thin photovoltaic skin that turns every curve and contour into an active energy source, capable of adding thousands of miles of range each year under ideal conditions. The result is a car that charges itself while it poses, while it cruises, even while it sleeps in a garage flooded with sunlight, generating a mind-boggling 7,450 miles of range annually based on ideal conditions."

January 27, 2026

• Photos of Minneapolis Protests As City Erupts in Anger Over Killing By Federal Agent - "Photos of Minneapolis Protests As City Erupts in Anger Over Killing By Federal Agent."
• What to do if ICE shows up at your workplace - "Preparation shouldn’t be confined to higher-ups. It should involve all employees, including frontline workers, because they may be the first point of contact once ICE arrives."
• Airports across Asia reintroduce Covid-style health checks after outbreak of deadly Nipah virus in India - "Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan rush to detect and prevent spread of Nipah virus from travellers."
• Brooklyn Beckham Is Doing His Best - "Sometimes you have to tell your own messy story."
• The Era of Emaciation - "Celebrities and influencers have become worryingly thin. It's impossible not to notice."
• The next-gen Apple AirTags are louder & smarter - "Same look, new chips. Apple's next-generation AirTags promise better range and a louder voice - maybe this is how I never lose anything again."
• Apple releases iOS 26.2.1 for iPhone, here’s what’s new - "The latest update pairs with the newly announced AirTag 2, which has a louder speaker and extended range for Precision Finding thanks to an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip inside."
• The Busiest Domestic Flight Route in Every Region, Mapped - "South Korea hosts the world’s busiest domestic flight route, with 14.4 million scheduled seats between Jeju and Seoul Gimpo in 2025. In North America, Vancouver–Toronto ranks as the busiest route in 2025 with 3.7 million seats, just ahead of Los Angeles–New York JFK."
• this is officially the best city in the world for food in 2026 - "London is officially the best city in the world for food in 2026, according to Tripadvisor. Our capital trumped beloved gourmand hotspots including Hong Kong, Paris and Bangkok."
• In Manhattan’s Billionaires’ Row, a renowned auction house makes a strategic move - "At the base of the world’s most slender skyscraper, stretching high above Billionaires’ Row in Manhattan, Bonhams will relocate its American headquarters next month."
• It’s Official: Admin Night Is Replacing Happy Hour for Busy Friend Groups - "Admin Night is exactly what it sounds like. You and your friends get together (weekly, monthly, whenever) to tackle the tasks you’ve been avoiding. I’m talking emails you’ve been ghosting, the appointments you’ve been meaning to book but keep putting off, or the projects you swear you’ll 'start tomorrow,' but can never find the energy for. Paperwork, bills, life logistics - all the ugly stuff gets done at admin night."
• Instagram, Facebook & WhatsApp to trial premium subscriptions - "Technology giant Meta is set to trial premium subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp users in the coming months in its latest experiment with paid services. The new offerings would give access to features including expanded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Under the plan, access to the platforms' core services would remain free to use."
• 'AI mirrors' are changing the way blind people see themselves - "Artificial intelligence is helping blind people access visual feedback about their bodies, sometimes for the first time - but the emotional and psychological consequences are only just starting to emerge."
• Why eating fibre is good for your brain - "Brain bran: The protective effect that fibre has on cognition. Eating fibre can improve health, lengthen lifespans, and even protect our brains. Yet many of us are still coming up short on this 'essential nutrient'."
• Scrubs to Love Story: 10 of the best TV shows to watch this February - "From the revival of the hit hospital sitcom to erotic thriller 56 Days, and Ryan Murphy's latest series about America's 1990s golden couple John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette."
• One Battle After Another & Sinners lead Bafta film nominations - "Hamnet and Marty Supreme also pick up 11 nominations each, ahead of the award ceremony on 22 February."

January 26, 2026

• Gold tops $5,000 for first time ever, adding to historic rally - "The price of gold has risen above $5,000 an ounce for the first time ever, extending a historic rally that saw the precious metal jump by more than 60% in 2025. It comes as tensions between the US and Nato over Greenland have added to growing concerns about financial and geopolitical uncertainty."
• Silver Breaks Milestone $100 For The First Time - "Precious metals continued a record-breaking rally Friday morning with the price of silver crossing an all-time high of $100 for the first time, while the price of gold inched closer to a record $5,000, with one analyst blaming increased demand for safe-haven assets on President Donald Trump’s 'absolute unpredictability.'"
• Xi has absolute control over China’s military. Now he wants more - "Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s decision to place the country’s top-ranking general under investigation is a stunning move that leaves Xi virtually alone at the top of the military hierarchy - raising deep questions about the implications for the world’s largest armed forces, as well as Beijing’s ambitions to take control of Taiwan."
• Tearful goodbyes as Japan returns pandas to China amid worsening ties - "Thousands of people flocked to a zoo in Japan on Sunday to say farewell to the country's last two giant pandas, who are set to return to China on Tuesday. This comes at a very tense moment in relations between Tokyo and Beijing. Ties have sharply deteriorated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo would get involved militarily if China attacked Taiwan."
• Obamas say Alex Pretti killing a ‘tragedy’ as calls mount for full investigation - "Former president and first lady say killing should be 'wake-up call' and federal agents are not operating in lawful way."
• Bill Clinton Lambastes Trump Over Alex Pretti Killing - "Bill Clinton has today condemned the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents as 'unacceptable' and warns the Trump administration’s dishonesty about the 'horrible scenes' coming out of Minneapolis is a direct and possibly fatal threat to American democracy. "
• Israel recovers body of last hostage in Gaza - "Ran Gvili, an Israeli police officer who was killed on October 7, 2023, and abducted to Gaza, was the last of the hostages abducted on that date whose remains were still in Gaza."
• Protein is so last year. Why fiber is the next big thing - "Consumers - particularly Gen Z - are fixated on stomach health, leading to the 'fibermaxxing' trend taking hold on TikTok. As people try to maximize the fiber in their meals, major food companies are capitalizing on the trend with new, fiber-focused products."
• When something goes wrong at 186 mph: Inside the fast-reaction world of high-speed train drivers - "At 186 miles per hour, the landscape starts to blur. A mile disappears every 20 seconds. An entire town can blink by in the time it takes to remember its name."
• Why swearing makes you f*cking stronger - "Letting out a swear word in a moment of frustration can feel good. Now, research suggests that it can be good for you, too: Swearing can boost people’s physical performance by helping them overcome their inhibitions and push themselves harder on tests of strength and endurance, according to research published by the American Psychological Association."
• The Year of Manufacturing the Body & Booty & Boobs - "Fashion has begun exaggerating, or distorting, the female form like never before. What exactly is going on?"

January 25, 2026

• In pictures: Monster winter storm slams the US - "Two-thirds of the US population is facing a major winter storm that will bring crippling ice and snow to a footprint that stretches over 2,000 miles from Texas to New England through the weekend."
• Simple steps to stay warm if your power knocks out - "CNN's Jacqueline Howard lists some easy ways to stay warm and safe if your power goes out during the winter storm."
• Video appears to show agent taking gun before Minneapolis shooting - "A CNN video analysis appears to show a federal immigration officer removing a gun from Alex Pretti just prior to officers fatally shooting him."
• Free solo climber Alex Honnold conquers one of the world’s tallest buildings - "For 92 minutes on a clear Sunday morning in Taipei, thousands of spectators with jittery nerves stared upwards, as famed climber Alex Honnold made a death-defying attempt to scale one of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth."
• Visit Greenland: Home - "Explore outdoor and nature experiences, cultural activities, hunting and fishing, coastal sailing, and cruising in Greenland."
• What Are Vibration Plates & Do They Really Work? - "'Research does support a modest level of benefits in some pretty specific contexts,' says Brent Feland, an exercise science professor at Brigham Young University who has studied the effects of vibration on things like stretching, sprinting, and blood flow."
• These Are the 100 Most Important Watches in the World Right Now - "Nearly 1,000 pages long and weighing in at close to 25 pounds, Taschen’s new Ultimate Collector Watches is the final boss of horological coffee table books."
• Pope Leo warns of ‘overly affectionate’ AI chatbots - "Beware of the AI chatbot that becomes more than just a friend, or worse, an emotional crutch. Pope Leo XIV has warned about overly 'affectionate' chatbots, urging regulation to prevent humans from forming serious emotional bonds with their AI companions."
• Apple cofounder Ronald Wayne sold his 10% stake for $800 in 1976 - today it’d be worth up to $400 billion - "Fifty years ago, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak put ink to paper to officially create Apple. This week, that same founding document made history of its own, selling for $2 million at a Christie’s auction. But the contract didn’t just bear the names of the two Steves. There was a third signature: Ronald G. Wayne."
• The True Story Behind Matt Damon & Ben Affleck’s The Rip - "The real criminal raid that inspired the Matt Damon and Ben Affleck-starring thriller 'The Rip'."
• 5 Best Transparent Audio Devices That Show What’s Inside - "1. Sony Walkman Transparent Cassette Recorder - 2. StillFrame Wireless Headphones - 3. ClearFrame CD Player - 4. Side A Cassette Speaker - 5. Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 Transparent Turntable."

January 24, 2026

• Europe’s ‘new reality’: The week that transatlantic ties came undone - "The week the penny dropped for Europe. It took Donald Trump six days to build a new world. On the seventh, his erstwhile allies in Europe could have been forgiven for hoping that he would rest."
• NASA is about to send people to the moon - in a spacecraft not everyone thinks is safe to fly - "The issue relates to a special coating applied to the bottom part of the spacecraft, called the heat shield."
• Maduro raid: Videos, satellite imagery & helicopter paths reveal incredible risks - "Capturing a president: CNN analysis reveals extraordinary risks taken to seize Maduro."
• Elon Musk is on a trajectory to potentially become the world's first trillionaire by 2027 - "Driven by the massive valuation of his 42% stake in SpaceX - valued around \(\$800\) billion in late 2025 - and his 12% stake in Tesla. Forbes reported his net worth surpassing \(\$600\) billion in December 2025, largely fueled by SpaceX's expected 2026 IPO, potentially valuing it at \(\$1.5\) trillion, alongside AI ventures like xAI."
• Everyone’s trying to feel good about wearing fur - "Why people are wearing real fur again."
• Is China quietly winning the AI race? - "Chinese AI models are racing ahead of their American rivals as US firms big and small turn to cheaper, faster alternatives."
• The mushroom that makes people see tiny humans - "Only recently described by science, the mysterious mushrooms are found in different parts of the world, but they give people the same exact visions. All share a common culprit: Lanmaoa asiatica, a type of mushroom that forms symbiotic relationships with pine trees in nearby forests and is a locally popular food, known for its savory, umami-packed flavor."
• 'Ageing is not a destructive force': How defying ageism can help you live longer - "Research shows a positive attitude towards ageing can make people feel younger and live longer. Here's how to fight ageism in your own life."
• Brooklyn Beckham's wedding DJ speaks about 'awkward' dance - "Brooklyn Peltz Beckham's wedding DJ has given his account of what happened during what he describes as an 'awkward' dance between the groom and his mother Victoria."
• Face to Face With History’s Most Dangerous Painter - "Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825), artist and politician of the French Revolution."
• How Rent Prices Vary Across Major Cities Worldwide - "This map shows rent costs in major cities in 2025, highlighting where three-bedroom apartments are most and least expensive. New York is the most expensive city in the world for renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city center in 2025. Rent costs vary widely by region, with North America and Western Europe dominating the top end."
• The 30 Best Red Wines for 2026 - "Whether you're looking for something light and chillable or big and bold, we've curated 30 of the best bottles to help you kick off 2026."

January 23, 2026

• The 98th Academy Awards | 2026 - "Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Sunday, March 15, 2026."
• 2026 Oscar nominations: The complete list of nominees - "The 98th Academy Award nominations were announced Thursday and Ryan Coogler’s musical horror earned 16 overall nominations, breaking the record for the most nominations for a film previously held by 'All about Eve' (1950), 'Titanic' (1997) and 'La La Land' (2016)."
• Oscars 2026: The Most Shocking Snubs & Surprises of the 2026 Oscar Nominations - "Wicked and Paul Mescal Shut Out as Kate Hudson Shines."
• Valentino funeral: Hollywood & the fashion industry come out to say goodbye to the ‘The Last Emperor’ of fashion - "Peers, supporters, successors and admirers of the late Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani paid their respects today in Rome at the late couturier’s funeral."
• Trump’s Greenland framework sounds a lot like an already existing 1951 deal - "Not only did Trump tellingly avoid the question about his central demand (which he appears to have folded on), but he referred to an aspect of the framework that ... already exists in a security agreement the US has with Denmark, which controls Greenland. That deal, which was forged in 1951, already allowed for an American military presence on Greenland in perpetuity. Yet Trump keeps talking about that as if it’s a major advance."
• Saudi Arabia says it has $2.5 trillion in mineral reserves - "That could make it a key player in the race for rare earths. These include gold, zinc, copper and lithium, but also rare earth deposits, including dysprosium, terbium, neodymium and praseodymium, which are used in everything from electric cars and wind turbines to high-speed computing."
• David & Victoria Beckham family drama pulls in a generation unafraid to go ‘no contact’ - "For a few hours this week, it felt like the world and all its horrors stopped with one subject taking over the internet: Brooklyn Peltz Beckham."
• What’s Going on With the Epstein Files? - "A Month After Deadline, the Vast Majority of Materials Remain Unreleased."
• The 5 biggest rumored upgrades coming to your iPhone in iOS 27 - including the long-awaited new Siri - "AI upgrades and some added polish."
• Capturing a president: CNN analysis reveals extraordinary risks taken to seize Maduro - "The audacious US operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro came down to an intense final firefight in which US helicopters were exposed to an extraordinary level of risk as they descended into a heavily fortified compound in Caracas, according to key eyewitness videos analyzed by CNN."
• TikTok closes deal to split US app from global business - "TikTok has closed a deal that will allow the hugely popular short-video app to continue operating in the US, it announced on Thursday."
• The Snob’s Guide to ... Nose Jobs - "Thinking about getting that schnoz slimmed, straightened, shrunk? Here’s everything you need to know."
• Oprah Reveals She Stopped Using GLP-1s for 12 Months & Shares Exactly What Happened (Exclusive) - "The icon, who has cowritten a new book on obesity, tells PEOPLE she 'tried to beat the medication'. Less than six months after she started taking GLP-1 injections, Winfrey says she stopped 'cold turkey' on her 70th birthday in January 2024."
• Visualized: Some of the Rarest Things in the World - "There are more nuclear warheads in the world than there are number of billionaires and skyscrapers combined."

January 22, 2026

• Five takeaways from Trump’s antagonistic speech in Davos - "Trump complained relentlessly about the United States being taken advantage of by Europe, and wondered incredulously why his attempt to take control of Greenland was being met with resistance."
• Fact-checking Trump's Davos speech - "The US president made a series of contested claims, ranging from the status of Greenland to Nato spending."
• Trump says rare earths are part of his Greenland deal. It’s ‘completely bonkers’ - "President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he reached a framework for a deal with NATO over the future of Greenland that will include rights to rare-earth minerals."
• Trump’s latest TACO moment puts his increasingly erratic temperament in the spotlight - "President Donald Trump’s climbdown on Greenland capped one of the most erratic episodes involving a modern president on the world stage. Within hours Wednesday, Trump flipped from demanding 'right, title, and ownership' of the semiautonomous Danish territory to celebrating an 'infinite,' 'forever' framework deal over its future."
• Half the world’s 100 largest cities are in high water stress areas, analysis finds - "Beijing, Delhi, Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro among worst affected, with demand close to exceeding supply. Water stress means that water withdrawals for public water supply and industry are close to exceeding available supplies, often caused by poor management of water resources exacerbated by climate breakdown."
• President Emmanuel Macron's $770 glasses in Davos trigger sales for Henry Jullien - "Macron has become the center of a huge marketing advertisement for the French brand Henry Jullien's glasses after he apperaed weaing a luxury glasses at the Davos meeting with world leaders."
• nine things you need to know about the Beckham family feud - "Brooklyn has finally broken his silence about his rift with his parents. He’s not mincing his words - from his ‘overwhelming anxiety’ about being raised in the spotlight to his mum’s ‘inappropriate dancing’ at his wedding. Victoria Beckham trademarked her eldest son's name in 2016, restricting his ability to strike sponsorship deals."
• How to Train Your Brain to Be More Patient - "Impatience is a deeply human problem with a long documented history - it’s a theme in ancient Buddhist texts and Roman meditations - but it’s probably even more of a struggle in our fast-paced, on-demand culture."
• Japan’s coolest tourist attractions aren’t temples. They’re corner stores - "It’s a Japanese konbini, or convenience store. Japan’s hottest souvenir? A $2 pair of striped socks from a convenience store."
• Electrical issue that grounded Trump’s flight raises questions about aging Air Force One aircraft - "The 'electrical issue' aboard Air Force One Tuesday night that forced President Donald Trump’s Europe-bound plane to turn back is raising troubling questions about the age of the decades-old aircraft flying the president."
• Former Concorde pilots share secrets of flying supersonic - "What it was like to pilot the supersonic Concorde jet. For nearly three decades before it retired in November 2003, Concorde aircraft sped through the skies above the Atlantic in just under three and a half hours, flying at twice the speed of sound."
• Elizabeth Holmes asks Trump to let her out of prison early - "Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced Theranos CEO, has asked President Donald Trump for an early release from prison after being convicted of defrauding investors, according to a request filed last year with the Department of Justice. Holmes’ request to commute her sentence, if granted, could see her released nearly six years early."
• Bezos' Blue Origin announces satellite rival to Musk's Starlink - "Blue Origin, the rocket company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, says it will launch more than 5,400 satellites to create a new communications network. Named TeraWave, it will offer continuous internet access around the world, with the ability to move large amounts of data much more quickly than rival services."
• How the nutritional benefits of foods change as you age - "Why certain foods are more important at different life stages. It's widely accepted that following a balanced diet is one of the best things we can do for our health. But certain foods are more important at different life stages."
• Why doing a mix of exercise could be the key to longer life - "After tracking the weekly exercise habits of 110,000 men and women in the US for 30 years, researchers found active people who did the greatest variety of exercise were 19% less likely to die during that time than those who focused on one activity. That effect was greater than for individual sports like walking, tennis, rowing and jogging. The total amount of exercise you do is still key, experts say, but doing a range of activities you enjoy can bring lots of benefits."
• Blockbusters, battles & Brits: Hollywood gears up for Oscar nominations - "The Oscar nominations will be announced later, with Leonardo DiCaprio's politically-charged thriller One Battle After Another expected to lead the field."
• 'It's why Chaplin was in a class by himself': The story behind City Lights & cinema's greatest ever final shot - "Ninety-five years after its release, Charlie Chaplin's silent comedy, City Lights, is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made - and its final moments are key to its reputation."
• An Elizabethan mansion's secrets for staying warm - "In a bleak, deadly period of cold weather known as the Little Ice Age, clever Elizabethan designs helped keep a magnificent stately home unusually warm. The house has lessons for how we can heat our homes more efficiently today."
• Billionaire Marc Andreessen spends 3 hours a day listening to podcasts & audiobooks - "That’s nearly an entire 24-hour day each week. He’s ramped up his knowledge intake—something made possible by 'the single biggest technological leap' in his life: AirPods."
• How Billionaires Plan to Invest in 2026 - "Risk appetite among billionaires remains strong in 2026. Private equity, public equities, and hedge funds top the list for increased exposure. Most billionaires plan to keep allocations to infrastructure, real estate, gold, and fixed income largely unchanged. Cash levels are also expected to remain stable, with only 19% planning to increase exposure."

January 21, 2026

• Trump wants 'immediate negotiations' to acquire Greenland but insists he 'won't use force' - "Danes are watching Trump's speech closely, even if there's no-one from the government in the room in Davos. What will probably matter most is his comment that the US won't use 'excessive strength and force' - if it means he really is prepared to talk about the future of Greenland, which he referred to as 'this piece of ice'."
• Watch LIVE: Donald Trump addressing world leaders in Davos - "His speech will focus on 'America First' but may also discuss Greenland and Venezuela, according to a senior White House official."
• Trump trolls Greenland with AI picture of president planting flag on ‘US territory’ - "Trump continues to ramp up the pressure in his bid to take over the Danish territory despite worldwide backlash."
• Trump's full messages with European leaders & what they tell us - "Experts tell BBC what to read into private messages between US President Donald Trump and European leaders that have been shared publicly."
• Trump will meet world leaders in Davos, where his Greenland threats top agenda - "Trump in Davos: After a travel delay, US President Donald Trump is in Davos, Switzerland, where he will address the World Economic Forum and meet with world leaders. Trump had to return to the US and switch planes overnight due to a 'minor electrical issue,' according to a White House official."
• Trump’s Greenland demands: Global powers compete for Arctic control - "The great race for the Arctic: Why Russia, China and the US all have it in their sights. There’s no question that Moscow has had a dominating presence in the Arctic region. It controls roughly half of the land and half of the maritime exclusive economic zone north of the Arctic Circle. Two thirds of the Arctic region’s residents live in Russia."
• How Greenland’s Rare Earth Reserves Compare to the Rest of the World - "Greenland holds an estimated 1.5 million metric tons of rare earth reserves despite having no commercial production. China dominates global rare earth mining, but undeveloped reserves elsewhere could reshape future supply chains."
• Macron's 'Top Gun' shades win the internet as leaders wrangle over Greenland - "Speaking to global elites at the annual World Economic Forum in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos on Tuesday, the French president wore the dark, reflective sunglasses which French luxury eyewear brand Henry Jullien said it had gifted to him in 2024."
• Davos is confronting two problems. Trump might be the easier one - "To be sure, the Davos crowd understands, intellectually, that they have a 'private-jet-to-discuss-climate-change' problem."
• Could US Congress stop Trump from taking over Greenland? - "Some of the president's fellow Republicans oppose him - but it's not clear if they would join Democrats to block a takeover of the island."
• Analysis: Trump is shaking the world order more than any president since WW2 - "No US leader has so brutally broken political norms and threatened long-standing alliances which have underpinned the world order since the end of World War Two."
• Photos leaked to BBC show faces of hundreds killed in Iran's brutal protest crackdown - "Hundreds of photos revealing the faces of those killed during Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government protests have been leaked to BBC Verify."
• Elon Musk says that in 10 to 20 years, work will be optional & money will be irrelevant thanks to AI & robotics - "The Tesla CEO said at the recent U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington that in the next 10 to 20 years, work will be optional, likening the decision to have a job to the more laborious upkeep of a vegetable garden."
• Ranked: How the World’s Largest Economies Have Changed Since 2000 - "America has long held the title as the world’s largest economy, rising from a GDP of $10.3 trillion in 2000 to $30.6 trillion in 2025. China emerged as the second-biggest economy in 2010, with its economy growing by a factor of nearly 17 since the turn of the century."
• Ranked: The World’s 50 Most Powerful Militaries - "The U.S., Russia, and China rank as the world’s most powerful militaries, reflecting their scale, resources, and global reach."
• Concorde by numbers - from minus 60C to £9,179 - "Simon Calder shares all you need to know about the supersonic jet."
• 10 Sneaker Trends to Have on Your Radar for Spring 2026 - "For Spring 2026, Vogue predicts sneaker trends will lean into understated chic with slim, minimalist runners, nostalgic nods with retro white plimsolls, and functional flair with Gorpcore hikers, alongside bold colors, eco-friendly materials, and the continuing relevance of classic silhouettes like chunky trainers, emphasizing wearability and subtle style evolution."

January 20, 2026

• Trump’s Letter to Norway Should Be the Last Straw - "Will Republicans in Congress ever step in?"
• Trump posts screenshot of message from French president about Greenland - "President Donald Trump has posted to Truth Social a screenshot of a message from French leader Emmanuel Macron questioning the US position on Greenland."
• Republicans Condemn Trump’s Threats to Tariff Countries Over Greenland Row: ‘Bad for America’ - "President Donald Trump’s threat to tariff countries who oppose his campaign to annex Greenland has sparked outrage among global allies, with key world leaders vowing to 'uphold European sovereignty.'"
• Confronted over Greenland, Europe is ditching its softly-softly approach to Trump - "Donald Trump doubled down again on Monday night in his insistence that the US 'has to have' Greenland for national security reasons. He predicted that Europe's leaders aren't 'gonna push back too much'. But that's not the plan they have in mind when their paths cross with the US president at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Wednesday."
• Why Trump’s split with Europe over Greenland is a double-edged sword for Russia - "Both China and Russia firmly reject allegations they have territorial designs on Greenland - even the Danish military says there is no significant invasion threat from the east."
• Valentino Garavani, Regal Designer & Fashion’s ‘Last Emperor,’ Dies at 93 - "Valentino, as he was called, created one of the most durable and fashionable labels and became an equal of his high society customers. 'It is very, very simple,' he told The New York Times in 2007. 'I try to make my girls look sensational.'"
• In pictures: Valentino's life & work & the stars who shared his journey - "The late Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known as Valentino, has dressed some of the most famous women and men of recent decades."
• Wide pants, polka dots & snow jackets: Winter menswear trends to watch - "A ‘Heated Rivalry’ runway debut and Olympics fever at Milan Men’s Fashion Week."
• Brooklyn Peltz Beckham: 'I do not want to reconcile with family' - "A six-page Instagram post by Brooklyn Beckham on Monday night, laying out in excoriating detail his angst against his parents, Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham. It made a series of claims, many of them relating to Brooklyn's wedding to Nicola Peltz - from a wedding dress drama to Victoria allegedly hijacking the first dance."
• What cardiologists want you to know about MAHA’s push to eat more fat - "The revised food pyramid - which flips prior pyramids on their heads - also puts red meat and other foods full of protein and saturated fat in a starring role in the top tier, alongside fresh vegetables and fruits known to protect health."
• The all-you-can-eat buffet that's France's favourite restaurant - "France's highest-grossing restaurant isn't a Michelin-starred bistro or a Parisian institution, but an all-you-can-eat buffet on the outskirts of Narbonne. Serving everything from pressed duck to truffles for just €67.50, Les Grands Buffets has become a national obsession and a pilgrimage for French food lovers."
• They hear, but do they care? What AI can teach us about listening better - "AI chatbots don't interrupt and aren't judgemental – so what can they teach us about deep listening?"
• Alzheimer's finger-prick test could help diagnosis - "An international trial is examining whether a finger-prick blood test could be used to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The study, involving 1,000 volunteers aged over 60 in the UK, US and Canada, will aim to detect biomarkers associated with the condition."

January 19, 2026

• Davos 2026: the last-chance saloon to save the old world order? - "Donald Trump will lead the largest US delegation ever at the World Economic Forum, as others plan a fightback against his policies including his latest tariff threats."
• Global disruption looms large over biggest-ever Davos - "Apart from the snow and the temperature, Greenland does not have much in common with the Swiss alps. But the fight for the future of the island looms over the gathering of world leaders and businesses at the World Economic Forum (WEF) this week."
• Trump has tariffs. Europe has a ‘trade bazooka.’ This Greenland standoff could get ugly, fast - "The trade bazooka could block some of America’s access to EU markets or impose export controls, among a broader list of potential countermeasures. That trade defense was made with countries like China in mind, not allies like the US, noted Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation."
• 'Europe won't be blackmailed,' Danish PM says in wake of Trump Greenland threats - "Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said "Europe won't be blackmailed" by Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland. The US president has said he will impose a new 10% levy on goods from eight allied nations if they oppose his proposed takeover of the autonomous Danish territory."
• Here’s how AI data centers affect the electrical grid - "Tech giants are in a heated race to build data centers and dominate the AI landscape. But America might not be ready for the energy demand. The country’s aging electrical grid could struggle to keep up with the surge in energy needs. And US households are largely footing the bill for additional costs."
• Billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold public office - "The richest people on the planet are far more likely to be in power politically than everyone else, Oxfam’s annual inequality report found."
• The unknown hero of MLK’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech - "That honor belonged to a White, bespectacled Wall Street banker named James Truslow Adams, whose name rarely surfaces when King’s greatest speech is cited. Adams is the forgotten hero of King’s greatest speech."
• What we get wrong about dopamine - "Sometimes dubbed the 'pleasure chemical', dopamine is often wildly misunderstood. Nikolay Kukushkin delves into what the much-discussed neurotransmitter really does to our brains."
• 'Hullo, hillo, holla': The 600-year-old origins of the word 'hello' - "It's been 200 years since the word 'hello' was first used in print - though its beginnings date back to the 15th Century. How has the language of greetings evolved around the world - and what does it tell us about ourselves?"
• Black pepper & olive oil: The ingredients that super-charge the nutrients you get from food - "Seasoning your food or adding a dressing to a meal could help you absorb more vitamins and minerals. Scientists believe it could boost the nutrients we get from food."
• Did Hunter S. Thompson Really Kill Himself? - "The journalist and author was believed to have killed himself on 20 February 2005 at the age of 67, and while there isn't any new evidence to suggest otherwise, his widow, Anita Thompson, has requested that the Colorado bureau of investigation conduct a review. Thompson died at his home in Woody Creek, Colorado."
• Mapped: Paid Vacation Days Across Europe - "Andorra tops the ranking with 45 days, including 31 paid vacation days and 14 paid public holidays. Countries such as France, Luxembourg, Malta, and Russia also provide more than 40 days of total paid leave. The regional average sits at 33 days, and many countries fall close to this level."
• Mapped: Global Inflation Forecasts by Country in 2026 - "Global inflation is projected to ease from 4.2% in 2025 to 3.7% in 2026. The IMF expects U.S. inflation to follow a similar path, falling from 2.7% to reach 2.4% this year."

January 18, 2026

• Europe wakes up to Trump's Greenland threat - "It’s not often that Europe speaks with one voice – or responds with such urgency. But US President Donald Trump’s announcement Saturday of sanctions against several European countries that reject any US claim to Greenland, a Danish territory, was one of those moments."
• Trump tariff threat over Greenland 'unacceptable', European leaders say - "Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland would come into force on 1 February, but could later rise to 25% - and would last until a deal was reached."
• A month after Epstein files deadline, Americans still think government is intentionally holding back info - "Few Americans are satisfied with the amount of evidence released in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds, with most saying they believe the government is intentionally holding back information."
• Nasa's mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad for Artemis II mission - "Nasa's mega rocket has been moved to the launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, as the final preparations get underway for the first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years."
• 4 astronauts will soon take an unprecedented path to the moon. But why aren’t they landing? - "The 10-day mission, called Artemis II, will lift off as soon as February 6, taking NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch as well as the Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen to the vicinity of the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972."
• Why people in 2026 are hung up on 2016 - "Measles was eradicated in the Americas, Beyoncé made 'Lemonade' and liberal hopes were high for the first woman president. Voters were encouraged to Pokémon Go to the polls. Remember 2016?"
• A Snob’s Guide to Second Passports - "There is no better time to start seriously considering your options."
• Why Everyone Is Suddenly in a ‘Very Chinese Time’ in Their Lives - "The viral meme isn't really about China or actual Chinese people. It's a symbol of what Americans believe their own country has lost."
• How to actually find your personal style in 2026 - "1. Go through every single thing hanging in your wardrobe and wear it - 2. Let your passions direct you - 3. Look more than you buy - 4. Let your ..."
• A New Coveted French Accessory - "A Parisian brand’s leather notebooks have for some become a status symbol to flaunt online and off. Made by the brand Louise Carmen, the notebooks have penetrated the orbit of the stars, including Kendall Jenner."

January 17, 2026

• Trump threatens new tariffs on countries opposed to Greenland takeover - "US President Donald Trump said he is considering applying new tariffs on countries that oppose his ambition of annexing Greenland."
• Trump Refuses to Rule Out Leaving NATO Over Greenland Tussle - Can He Legally Do That? - "TIME spoke to legal experts about whether Trump could legally pull the U.S. out of NATO and the wider implications at play."
• Believes Trump to Be ‘A Man of His Word’ - "'The Iranian people see President Trump as a man of his word and believe he will follow through with the promise he made to defend them,' Pahlavi told TIME on Thursday in written responses to a series of questions."
• What happens when the US decides to seize an oil ship? - "Since early December, the US Coast Guard and other military branches have boarded and taken control of five oil ships that had previously been sanctioned."
• The New Old Age - "Today, life expectancy in the U.S. stands at 79 years, compared with 68 in 1950. The upshot: 60 million Americans are now 65 or older—which is roughly equal to the combined populations of Spain and Portugal. A similar trend is playing out globally, with an estimated 2.1 billion people—or 1 in 5—projected to be 60 or older by 2050."
• Charted: Life Expectancy in the World’s Largest Economies - "Japan has the highest life expectancy among the world’s largest economies, at 85 years. Indonesia, ranked 17th globally by GDP in 2025, has the lowest life expectancy at 72 years."
• Leonardo da Vinci’s DNA may be hiding in his artwork, researchers say - "Genetic clues may be hiding in Leonardo da Vinci’s artwork. In the absence of verified remains, scientists participating in the Leonardo da Vinci Project have taken an inventive approach: sampling artifacts associated with the Italian polymath for DNA."
• ChatGPT to start showing users ads based on their conversations - "OpenAI announced on Friday that it will be testing ads in its free version for logged-in, adult US users."
• Two-star Michelin restaurant receives one-star hygiene rating - "Ynyshir, which offers a 30-course tasting menu, is the only restaurant in Wales with two Michelin stars. The price of the five-hour experience, which the prestigious Michelin guide describes as 'truly unique,' starts at £468 (about $630)."
• Why iPhone users should update & restart their devices now - "High-end spyware tools tend to avoid leaving traces needed for persistence and often rely on users not restarting their devices. Upgrading requires a restart, which makes this a win-win: you get the latest protections, and any memory-resident malware is flushed at the same time."
• Apple Notes could get a powerful new advantage in iOS 26.4, per report - "Siri's AI upgrades are expected to ship in iOS 26.4, and a new report indicates they might bring a convenient feature for Apple Notes users."
• How to evacuate a doomed space station - quickly - "ISS SOS: The plan to leave a doomed space station - quickly. Astronauts orbiting the Earth are drilled to deal with the worst possible scenarios. That includes having to leave a doomed space station - quickly."
• Is fibre the new protein? The surprising health benefits of the latest wellness trend - "The NHS recommends adults eat 30g of fibre a day, but 96% of us in the UK are not hitting that benchmark - and we aren't even close. Average daily consumption is around 16.4g, with women eating less than men. Many nutritionists say the buzz over fibre isn't a bad thing."
• Seven global wellness traditions worth borrowing this year - "From Indonesia's herbal tonics to Japan's towel rubdowns, these wellness traditions and habits from across the globe can invigorate your new year."
• Charted: Where Inflation Has Hit the Hardest (2000–2025) - "We show stark differences in U.S. inflation by category since 2000, from hospital services to college tuition. Overall U.S. inflation has increased 92% over the past 25 years. The cost of many essentials, like hospital services, childcare, medical care, housing, and even the cost of food, are rising at a faster rate than inflation overall. Meanwhile, the cost of technology (software, TVs, toys) is generally becoming cheaper on a relative basis."

January 16, 2026

• European troops arrive in Greenland as Trump throws another curveball - "White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a daily briefing that European troops' presence would 'not impact the president's decision-making process, nor does it impact his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all'."
• European military personnel arrive in Greenland as Trump says US needs island - "A small French military contingent has arrived in Greenland's capital Nuuk, officials say, as several European states deploy small numbers in a so-called reconnaissance mission. The limited deployment, which also involves Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK, comes as US President Donald Trump continues to press his claim to the Arctic island, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark."
• Greenland’s defence is ‘common concern’ for Nato, Danish PM says as European troops fly in - "British troops among those to take part in joint exercises as Trump’s desire to own Greenland still ‘intact’ despite talks."
• How a billionaire with interests in Greenland encouraged Trump to acquire the territory - "US president’s friend Ronald Lauder - who first proposed Arctic expansion - is now making deals in the island."
• Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize winner presents her medal to Trump - "Trump said on social media that the move was 'a wonderful gesture of mutual respect', but the Nobel committee has said the prize itself was not transferable."
• Russia’s Ukraine War Lasting Longer Than Its WWII Fight Shatters Its Myth of Military Supremacy - "January 11 marked a new milestone for the war in Ukraine: 1,418 days. That is how long the Soviet army fought against Germany from June 22, 1941, until Victory Day on May 9, 1945."
• How Many Exclamation Points Are Too Many in an Email? A Psychologist Weighs In - "Find out how to express enthusiasm without overdoing it."
• The Best Sports for Longevity - "All forms of exercise help you live longer, but some activities come with extra benefits. One study from Denmark found that tennis players lived almost 10 years longer than their sedentary peers: Multivariable-adjusted life expectancy gains compared with the sedentary group for different sports were as follows: tennis, 9.7 years; badminton, 6.2 years; soccer, 4.7 years; cycling, 3.7 years; swimming, 3.4 years; jogging, 3.2 years; calisthenics, 3.1 years; and health club activities, 1.5 years."
• massive Gemini upgrade adds 'personal intelligence' - "Gemini gets its biggest upgrade yet 'Personal Intelligence' that uses your Gmail, Photos, Search and YouTube history - and it could be our first glimpse of the new Siri in iOS 27. The new Google AI feature allows Gemini to tap into Google apps and pull from your personal data to get extra context from your queries."
• visualized: which countries buy iran's oil - "China is the Top Buyer of Iranian Oil: 89%"
• All of the World's Gold, in One Visual - "We show how much gold is in the world—including above and below-ground stock—highlighting how the metal remains exceptionally rare. The total above-ground stock of gold stands at 216,265 tonnes, with the largest share found in jewelry. Below-ground stock is estimated to be 132,110 tonnes as of year-end 2024."
• Charted: Global Energy Demand by Fuel Type (2024-2050P) - "Oil, coal, and natural gas were the leading sources of global energy demand in 2024. While coal demand is set to drop the most by 2050, solar and wind demand is forecast to surge."
• Mapped: Countries That Eat the Most Meat Per Capita - "The Kingdom of Tonga, a remote island nation located west of Australia, is the world’s leading meat eater. Other meat-loving countries include Mongolia (primarily goat and lamb), the U.S. (mostly chicken and beef), and Israel (also heavily chicken and beef)."
• China vs US: The Cost of Everyday Things - "Powered by Numbeo's latest crowdsourced, cost-of-living data, this chart reveals how everyday expenses - from groceries and dining out to transport, utilities, and services - eat up more (or less) of a typical paycheck in China compared to the United States."
• Mapped: The Global Cost of Living Index 2025 - "Numbeo’s Global Cost of Living Index measures the price of goods, services, and rent relative to New York City (baseline of 100). Traditional wealth hubs like Switzerland and Singapore are the most expensive, while South Asian nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are the cheapest."
• Charted: The 2026 Growth Outlook for G20 Nations - "India is projected to lead G20 nations with a 6.2% real GDP growth rate in 2026, nearly double the global average. Developing economies dominate the top half of the growth ranking, while advanced economies lag significantly. Japan, Italy, and Germany are forecast to have the slowest growth, each under 1%."
• Which Country Gains The Most From Tourism? - "Tourism has rebounded strongly, with international visitor spending reaching an estimated $1.74 trillion in 2024, up 13.8% from 2019. The map shows how unevenly these gains are distributed. The United States leads by a wide margin, earning $215 billion in international tourism receipts, more than any other country. In Europe, tourism remains a major pillar of the economy, with Spain ($106.5B), the UK ($82.5B), and France ($77B) among the world’s top earners. Across Asia, Japan ($54.7B) and China ($39.7B) dominate East Asia, while Thailand ($42.7B) and Singapore ($23.8B) lead Southeast Asia. In the Middle East, the UAE ($57B) and Türkiye ($56.3B) highlight the region’s growing pull as global travel hubs."

January 15, 2026

• Denmark warns of 'fundamental disagreement' after White House talks on Greenland - "Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the meeting with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday had been "frank but constructive". But he added that US President Trump was insisting on 'conquering' Greenland which was 'totally unacceptable'. Trump afterwards reiterated his interest in acquiring the resource-rich island, a position that has rattled allies across Europe and stoked tensions with Nato."
• Trump insists Greenland is crucial for national security after Denmark talks - "Talks fail to solve ‘fundamental disagreement’ over Arctic island controlled by Copenhagen."
• Poll finds Americans don’t want Trump to take over Greenland - "75% of Americans oppose US attempting to take control of Greenland, CNN poll finds."
• Inside Trump’s ‘crazy world’ of milk bottles, sled dogs & threats to bomb Iran - "Take it from Donald Trump: It’s a 'crazy world!' The American president’s extraordinary - and utterly exhausting - grip on the global psyche intensified on Wednesday."
• Why Greenland Matters for a Warming World - "The fate of the world’s largest island has outsize importance for billions of people on the planet, because as the climate warms, Greenland is losing ice. That has consequences."
• 2025 Word of the Year: Slop - "'Slop' was chosen for its rise in searches, describing junk content from AI, low-quality, AI-generated digital content. Plus 'gerrymander', 'touch grass', 'performative', and other words that defined the year."
• Why men are setting aside their sneakers in 2026 - "A new generation of men are dressing for success - and the quarter zip was just the beginning."
• X to stop Grok AI from undressing images of real people after backlash - "Elon Musk's AI tool Grok will no longer be able to edit photos of real people to show them in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal, after widespread concern over sexualised AI deepfakes."
• The surprising benefits of standing on one leg - "Balancing on a single limb can be surprisingly challenging as we get older, but training yourself to do it for longer can make you stronger, boost your memory and keep your brain healthier."
• How often should you wash your sheets & pillows? - "Why you might want to change your bedclothes more often. Our sheets and pillows are where we spend a third of our daily lives, and all that contact creates the perfect environment for all sorts of unwanted guests."
• Top 10 Reader Favorites From Our ‘52 Places to Go’ List - "Castles, coastlines, remote islands and more: Here are the top 10 destinations that New York Times readers say they're most eager to visit: 1. Canadian Rockies by Train. 2. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. 3. Seychelles. 4. Iceland. 5. Nagasaki, Japan. 6. Traena Islands, Norway. 7. Okinawa, Japan. 8. Messinia, Greece. 9. Vietnam. 10. Saba, the Caribbean."
• The Man Who Could Be Apple’s Next C.E.O. - "John Ternus, a low-profile but influential executive at Apple, could be next in line to replace the company’s longtime chief executive, Tim Cook, if he steps aside."
• Jodie Foster: An American Oscar-Winner in Paris - "In 'A Private Life,' the actress takes on her first solo lead role in which she speaks fluent French, but her French connection goes all the way back to childhood."

January 14, 2026

• Ahead of DC meeting, Denmark & Greenland announce increased Danish military presence in Greenland - "It comes as Vice President JD Vance is set to host a meeting today with the Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as President Donald Trump continues to voice his desire to take over the self-governing territory."
• Trump administration live updates: Greenland & Denmark officials meet with Vance & Rubio - "Buying Greenland could cost the U.S. as much as $700 billion, sources familiar with the cost estimate said."
• Trump trolls Europe with image of him gazing out at Greenland through White House windows - "After warning US will take the territory 'one way or the other'."
• Trump Declares Anything Less Than U.S. Control of Greenland Is ‘Unacceptable’ After Territory ‘Chooses’ Denmark - "Once again repeating his stance that the annexation of the territory is needed for 'national security' purposes, Trump on Wednesday morning insisted that NATO 'should be leading the way for us to get it' claiming that 'NATO becomes far more formidable and effective' with Greenland under the jurisdiction of the U.S."
• Greenlanders brace for summit that could shape the Arctic's future & their own - "It's crunch time. The US Vice-President, JD Vance, is hosting the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers, as well as their US counterpart, Marco Rubio, in the White House on Wednesday. The focus of the talks: the future of the world's biggest island, Greenland."
• We choose Denmark over US, Greenland's PM says - "Jens-Frederik Nielsen's remark at a joint news conference with Denmark's prime minister is the strongest by a representative of the semi-autonomous Danish territory since US President Donald Trump renewed his plan to annex it."
• Clintons refuse to testify in congressional Epstein probe despite contempt threat - "Bill and Hillary Clinton refused to testify on Capitol Hill Tuesday in the House Oversight Committee’s Jeffrey Epstein probe despite lawmakers’ threat to hold them in contempt."
• Mapped: The World’s Safest (& Least Safe) Countries in 2025 - "Singapore is the safest country globally, while South Africa falls in last place. Rankings were based on the share of residents who feel safe walking alone at night across 144 countries and over 144,000 survey respondents conducted by Gallup."
• Amateur stuns world's best to win A$1m in Melbourne - "Amateur player Jordan Smith would have been 'happy winning just one point' - but walked away with A$1m (£496,835) and bragging rights over world number two Jannik Sinner as he triumphed at the Australian Open's Million Dollar One Point Slam."
• George Clooney fires back at Trump after US president mocks his French citizenship - "Trump called the actor and his wife, Amal, 'two of the worst political prognosticators of all time' after they were awarded French passports."
• Singer Julio Iglesias faces Spanish inquiry into sexual assault allegations - "Iglesias, who is 82, has been a household name in Spain since the 1960s and has sold millions of records worldwide."
• How to Think Yourself Young - "Psychologists and neuroscientists suggest strategies to bring back that feeling of youthful novelty, even as you age."
• One robot stood out on the CES 2026 showfloor - "CES 2026 robots were wild, silly, and sometimes disappointing but there was one that restored my faith in robotics: Atlas lifts the humanoid world on its shoulders."
• This Is What Convinced Me OpenAI Will Run Out of Money - "The problem for A.I. developers is that most users aren’t paying for their services. People can choose among multiple free and excellent models; unless they have especially complex and compute-intensive queries, they have little reason to subscribe to the premium versions. If a model maker imposes a paywall or displays irritating ads, customers will migrate elsewhere."
• M.I.T. Study: STATE OF AI IN BUSINESS 2025 - "Despite $30–40 billion in enterprise investment into GenAI, this report uncovers a surprising result in that 95% of organizations are getting zero return."
• Wharton Study: GEN AI FAST-TRACKS INTO THE ENTERPRISE - "1. Everyday AI: Usage Is Now Mainstream: Enterprise leaders’ Gen AI workplace usage has surged over the course of this study - now in its third year - moving decisively from novelty and tentative experimentation to being ingrained in daily work. 46% of business leaders now leverage Gen AI daily with 80%+ engaging at least weekly."

January 13, 2026

• Two Hours, Scores of Questions, 23,000 Words: Our Interview With President Trump - "Four New York Times reporters pressed Mr. Trump about a range of topics in a nearly two-hour interview. Here is a transcript of their conversation."
• Trump’s marathon New York Times interview, annotated - "There were multiple headlines out of President Donald Trump's marathon - more than two hours - interview to The New York Times last week."
• How US politics is affecting international travel - "As tourism to the US plunges because of perceived risks, some travellers are now second-guessing whether it's safe to visit destinations Trump has recently threatened."
• The world’s most powerful passports for 2026 - "When it comes to traveling from country to country without restrictions and enjoying shorter lines at border control, there’s an elite tier of passports with more clout than others. The top three passports, says the latest report by the Henley Passport Index, are Asian countries: Singapore at No.1 and Japan and South Korea tied at No.2 - No. 10: United States (179 destinations).."
• How Iran’s protest movement has gained increasing momentum - a visual guide - "Demonstrations initially focused on economic issues but as they have grown and become political the regime has responded with deadly force."
• Greenland says it cannot accept US takeover ‘under any circumstances’ - "Self-governing island stresses it is member of Nato, which is looking at improving Arctic defences, through Denmark."
• Trump annexation of Greenland ‘would be end of Nato’, says Chris Murphy - "Democrat also says president is ‘spending no time thinking about the actual crises’ like food aid and health costs."
• Gemini will officially power Siri's big AI upgrade this year - "Apple eats a large slice of humble pie: Apple gives up and lets Google take the AI wheel - Gemini will officially power Siri’s big AI upgrade this year."
• 3 Steps to Fix Your Attention Span - "Starting the year with a broken brain? We asked experts how you can get your focus back: Step 1: Do an attention audit - Step 2: Reduce distractions - Step 3: Train for longer bouts of focus."
• Attention Span in the Digital Age - "In this conversation, we explore many different facets of attention, including but certainly not limited to how our attention span is decreasing, how technology is shaping our attention habits, the consequences of a struggling attention span, and many different solutions that we might consider to take back control of our attention."
• Kennedy Is Telling Americans How to Eat. It’s Not Crazy Advice - "Dietary Guidelines For Americans. On Wednesday the Trump administration came out with new dietary guidelines for the United States. The goal is to give Americans guidance about what makes a healthy diet: Emphasis on whole foods: The guidelines advise people to eat 'whole foods' or 'real food.' Heavily processed foods can increase caloric consumption and thus contribute to obesity."
• I spent months trying to find out if boosting my gut health could help me age better - "Guts have become a source of immense fascination. Social media influencers promote unproven supplements said to boost gut health, whilst milk and kombucha brands promise to nourish them with 'good bacteria'."
• Elon Musk defends AI chatbot Grok’s ability to digitally undress images of real people - "Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, has?been flooded with sexual images of mainly women, many of them real people. Users have prompted the chatbot to to 'digitally undress' those people and sometimes place them in suggestive poses."
• AI can now 'see' optical illusions. What does it tell us about our own brains? - "Our eyes can frequently play tricks on us, but scientists have discovered that some artificial intelligence can fall for the same illusions. And it is changing what we know about our brains."
• The ultra-cold temperatures needed for epic nuclear science - "One of the world's most sophisticated scientific facilities is turning to ultra-low temperatures to try and unravel hidden secrets of our Universe."
• 'There's nothing like boredom to make you write': A rare interview with the elusive Agatha Christie - "Agatha Christie's murder mysteries have captivated audiences for more than a century, but, 50 years after her death, she remains an enigma. A rarely heard BBC interview from 1955 reveals some of the secrets of a writer who was as complex as her plots."

January 12, 2026

• Golden Globes 2026: The full list of winners - "The Golden Globe Awards have been handed out in Los Angeles, honouring the best in film and television of the past 12 months."
• Chalamet beats DiCaprio to Golden Globes glory - "Timothée Chalamet was among the main winners as Hollywood's finest gathered for this year's Golden Globe Awards."
• Golden Globes 2026: See every look from the red carpet - "From Marilyn Monroe's sequined V-neck dress to Lady Gaga's periwinkle ballgown, the Golden Globes have delivered their fair share of glamour, sparkle and show-stopping outfits over the years. This year's Golden Globes was no different, with the stars of TV, film and, for the first time, audio (now recognized in a dedicated podcast award) descending on the Beverly Hilton hotel for the annual ceremony."
• Nikki Glaser’s best jokes from the 2026 Golden Globes - "In a world full of mediocre Hollywood sequels, Nikki Glaser, returning to host the Golden Globes for a second year running, proved Sunday that reboots can sometimes work."
• The first ‘Battle’ for award show domination is won &asmp; other takeaways from the 2026 Golden Globes - "Toward the end of the evening, Julia Roberts claimed it had been 'a beautiful night to be an artist,' and that was very much the case - even if the reality of the outside world didn’t quite break into the room like it sometimes does."
• ‘Completely bonkers’: Trump’s Greenland mining dreams collide with reality - "Greenland’s untapped mineral wealth has helped land the island at the top of President Donald Trump’s empire-building wish list. Greenland's untapped mineral wealth: Greenland has over 1,100 identified mineral sites, but there are only two active mines and just eight active licenses for mining. More than 600 sites contain minerals designated by the US to be essential to its economy and national security."
• ‘Fateful moment’ for Denmark amid Trump threats to take over Greenland - "Danish prime minister says country is at a crossroads and accuses US of turning its back on Nato."
• Data Centers are Lousy for the Planet. Should We Move Them to Space? - "Data centers are hot. Literally. In the U.S., data centers burn through more than 4% of total annual energy consumption, says the Pew Research Center - a figure that is expected to grow by more than 130% by the end of this decade. And all that power generates a lot of heat. A large data center campus can throw off up to 100 megawatts of waste heat, sufficient to power 100,000 homes."
• Why luxury carmakers are now building glitzy skyscrapers - "Bugatti is synonymous with high-performance, ultra-expensive supercars. But now the luxury French brand is entering a very different kind of race – not on the track, but in the skyline. In the heart of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, Bugatti is building its first residential tower. With the cheapest apartments set to cost $5.2m, the company is entering a fast-growing marketplace for the world's super-rich - branded residences."
• Eggie, Neo, Isaac & Memo are domestic robots. But would you let them load your dishwasher? - "The idea of having a friendly robot butler that can do all the dull duties of running a home has existed for decades. But now, thanks to AI, it's genuinely happening and this year the first truly multi-purpose domestic bots will start to enter homes. In Silicon Valley, they're being trained at speed to fold laundry, load the dishwasher, and clean up after us."
• Philippe Junot, former husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, dies aged 85 - "Philippe Junot, the former husband of Princess Caroline of Hanover, has died at the age of 85. His daughter, Victoria, confirmed the news on social media, announcing that he passed away peacefully in Madrid on Thursday, January 8, surrounded by his family."

January 11, 2026

• The week in 31 photos - "Here are some of the stories that made headlines over the past week, as well as some photos that caught our eye."
• Trump’s territorial ambition: new imperialism or a case of the emperor’s new clothes? - "Trump’s attack on Venezuela suggests expansionism is under way but some argue it is simply standard US foreign policy stripped of hypocrisy."
• Trump’s foreign policy sounds rather king-like - "Two months ago, President Donald Trump and his allies ridiculed Trump’s opponents for their massive 'No Kings' rallies. They cast it as melodramatic to compare Trump’s actions and aims to a king. Trump in a New York Times interview this week said nothing could stand in his way except himself."
• Trump Lays Out a Vision of Power Restrained Only by ‘My Own Morality’ - "On topic after topic, President Trump made clear that he would be the arbiter of any limits to his authorities, not international law or treaties."
• Greenlanders ‘don’t want to be Americans’, say political leaders amid Trump threats - "Five parties issue joint statement after US president warns he would acquire the island 'the nice way or the more difficult way'."
• The 2026 Golden Globes Nominations - "This year’s nominees span film, television, podcasts, and original music. The 83rd Annual Golden Globes streaming live Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 5PM PT / 8PM ET."
• Hollywood celebrates best in film & TV this Sunday with the Golden Globes - "CNN's Zain Asher and Bianna Golodryga speak with Brent Lang, the Executive Editor of Variety, about who could win big this Sunday at the Golden Globes."
• Remember when Julia Roberts upended tradition by wearing a suit to the Golden Globes? - "Can a single red carpet look turn you into a style icon? If it’s a Giorgio Armani suit and you’re Julia Roberts, yes, it can. In 1990 Roberts, then just 22, wore a charcoal gray Armani suit from the designer’s menswear collection to attend the 47th Golden Globes."
• 'HermÈs of durian': The luxury fruit cashing in on China's billion-dollar appetite - "With an aroma that has been likened to cabbage, sulphur and sewers - depending on who the nose belongs to - the durian packs a pungence so divisive that it's banned on some public transport and hotels. Fans from the region have christened it the 'King of fruits'."
• A rare look at one of Earth's most remote places - "Frozen in for nine months every year and located 800km from the next town, Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland, offers a fascinating glimpse at life at the edge of the world."
• iPhone’s monumental impact 19 years after debut - "CNN's Kasie Hunt looks at the major cultural impact of the iPhone 19 years after its debut."
• Rare first Superman comic once stolen from Nicolas Cage sells for $15m - "A rare copy of the 1938 comic that introduced Superman to the world has sold to an anonymous collector for $15m. The private sale of the Action Comics No 1 copy - once stolen from actor Nicolas Cage's home and returned to him over a decade later - was announced on Friday."
• Ranked: The World’s 50 Largest Economies by GDP in 2026 - "The global economy is projected to reach $123.6 trillion in 2026. The United States remains the world’s largest economy, accounting for over $31.8 trillion in GDP. The top five economies generate more than 55% of global economic output."

January 10, 2026

• All the tech & gadgets announced at CES 2026 - "Catch up on all of the news from the biggest tech event of the year."
• Cell phone footage raises new questions about ICE agent’s tactics before fatal shooting - "As he approached Renee Good’s vehicle on a Minneapolis street on Wednesday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross held up his phone camera and recorded video. Less than a minute later, he was still recording when he drew his weapon and fatally shot Good as she accelerated."
• Trump says US needs to 'own' Greenland to prevent Russia & China from taking it - "We will do it 'the easy way' or 'the hard way', he added. The White House said recently the administration is considering buying the semi-autonomous territory of fellow Nato member Denmark, but it would not rule out the option of annexing it by force."
• Donald Trump Reveals Diddy 'Asked Me for a Pardon' in a Letter, but He Doesn't Plan to Grant It - "The president previously said the mogul was 'very hostile' towards him, and 'made some terrible statements'. In an exclusive report by the New York Times published Thursday, Jan. 8, the outlet said the president, 79, stated that he has no intention of helping the disgraced music mogul, 56."
• 16 Michelin-approved food destinations for 2026 - "The Michelin guide, that titan of taste and tires, has revealed its list of top 16 foodie destinations for 2026 and it makes for appetizing reading."
• The World’s 50 Largest Economies & How Fast They’ve Grown Since 2000 - "The U.S. has averaged 2.1% in real GDP growth annually over the past 25 years. China has the highest average real GDP growth of 8.0% over the time period. India, now the world’s fifth largest economy (surpassing the UK), grew at an average rate of 6.4% per year."
• Ranked: The World’s Top Silver Producers - "Mexico leads global silver production despite holding just 6% of the world’s known reserves. The Silver Institute projected that the silver market would end in a deficit for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, with the cumulative deficit reaching almost 820 million ounces."
• Here’s What Happens When You Drink Wine Every Day, According to Registered Dietitians - "Daily wine habits can affect your heart, sleep, and more. Drinking wine every day can affect sleep, energy, weight, and long-term health, with risks increasing as intake goes beyond one small glass. While wine contains antioxidants, you'd need to drink more than is healthy to see real benefits - similar perks can come from fruits, vegetables, coffee, or tea instead."
• What are your chances of beating top tennis stars? - "'All you have to do is win five or six points': Your chances of beating the world's top tennis stars in a new tournament. An unusual tennis competition that pits amateurs against professionals in one-point matches is launching at the Australian Open. But could an unknown player really take down one of the world's best?"
• Hero or brutal tyrant? The controversy over 16th-Century explorer Magellan - "An acclaimed new film dramatises the pioneering voyage of the world-famous Portuguese navigator - a trailblazer who has been accused of 'incontinent bloodlust'."

January 9, 2026

• CES 2026 live - all the latest news from Day 4 of the world's biggest tech show - "We're live from CES 2026 – here are the latest gems we've found."
• Iran's supreme leader to Trump: Focus on your own country - "Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says regime ‘will not back down’ as biggest anti-government protests in years spread across Iran."
• Russia strikes Ukraine with Oreshnik ballistic missile, one of its most advanced weapons - "The strike marks the first time in more than a year that Moscow has unleashed the Oreshnik, which can contain multiple warheads and carry either conventional or nuclear payloads."
• Swiss ski resort bar fire owner arrested - "Jacques Moretti has been detained as he poses a potential flight risk, Swiss media reported. Owner of Swiss ski resort bar where 40 died in New Year's Eve fire taken into custody."
• Vance criticises Denmark & Europe's handling of 'critical' Greenland - "US Vice-President JD Vance says Greenland is 'critical' for the defence of the US and the world against possible Russian or Chinese missile attacks - and that Europe and Denmark have 'not done a good job' in securing the area."
• Brigitte Bardot laid to rest in funeral ceremony broadcast across Saint-Tropez - "Brigitte Bardot laid to rest in funeral ceremony broadcast across Saint-Tropez. Brigitte Bardot, the film star turned animal rights activist, has been laid to rest after a funeral service in Saint-Tropez attended by her favourite politician, the far-right leader Marine Le Pen."
• Brigitte Bardot's son Nicolas Charrier traveled from Norway, where he lives, to Saint-Tropez for the funeral of his mother - "BB's only son was, in fact, the second name on the funeral announcement, just below that of Bernard d'Ormale, the deceased's husband. Brigitte Bardot rejected her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, because she never wanted to be a mother, viewing her pregnancy as a burdensome 'tumor,' leading her to describe motherhood as a tragedy and saying she'd rather have given birth to a dog, a sentiment expressed in her memoirs which caused estrangement and a lawsuit from her son and ex-husband."
• Poignant farewell to Bardot from family she barely knew including lookalike great-granddaughter - "Among the mourners at Brigitte Bardot's funeral, a little blonde girl in a navy velvet hat and smart coat stood out amongst the hundreds who had gathered to pay their respects. The youngster is the late film icon's great-granddaughter and bears something of a resemblance to the French film legend who died in December aged 91."
• How airlines ensure pilots are completely sober before their flights - "Bottle-to-throttle: The precautions airlines take to make sure your pilot is sober."
• The Tech That Will Invade Our Lives in 2026 - "From talking computers to self-driving cars, here are the trends to watch: 1. We'll finally be talking to our computers. - 2. The search continues for a successor to the smartphone. - 3. A.I. is changing how we browse the web. - 4. Self-driving taxis are becoming widespread."
• 20 best hair growth products for thinning hair - "The best hair growth products that’ll actually work, according to dermatologists."
• From Kardashian Injectable Lips to Mar-a-Lago Face - "Tressie McMillan Cottom, Jessica Grose and Meher Ahmad on why plastic surgery and fillers no longer feel like a secret - or a stigma."
• If you think your life is complicated, meet the President of France, Emmanuel Macron - "At 48 years old, Macron’s family looks like this: First stepdaughter: 49 years old - Second stepson: 51 years old - Wife (Brigitte): 72 years old. So technically speaking, he is the youngest member of his own family."
• All of the World’s Silver Reserves by Country, in One Visualization - "Peru alone holds roughly 22% of the world’s known silver reserves. Mexico dominates global silver production, but its reserve base is much smaller than several peers."

January 8, 2026

• CES 2026 day 3 - "The 11 best gadgets we've seen today, from IKEA smart lights to the Motorola Razr Fold."
• This may be the real reason Trump wants Greenland - "America’s next conquest might become Trumpland. During his first term, his designs on Greenland were considered a joke - just another brazen boast of a president who loves to shock."
• Buying Greenland? Trump, Truman & the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean' - "In the summer of 2019, the Trump Administration voiced an interest in buying Greenland from Denmark."
• Elon Musk’s xAI under fire for failing to rein in ‘digital undressing’ - "Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, has?been flooded with sexual images of mainly women, many of them real people. Users have prompted the chatbot to to 'digitally undress' those people and sometimes place them in suggestive poses."
• What to Know About the Oil Tanker Seizures Escalating U.S.–Russia Tensions - "The Trump Administration intercepted two tankers in separate operations on Wednesday, operations that could inflame tensions with Russia."
• What happens to the planet if Trump gets his hands on all of Venezuela’s oil? - "The largest oil reserves of any country on the planet, more than 300 billion barrels, are estimated to lie beneath the ground in Venezuela. President Donald Trump is now laying claim to these vast deposits after his capture of the country’s president Nicolás Maduro."
• All of the World’s Oil Reserves by Country, in One Visualization - "Just four countries control more than half of the world’s proven oil reserves. Despite the energy transition, fossil fuels still account for nearly 70% of global energy demand."
• Watch: Trump says Maduro copied his dancing. Did he? - "In a speech to Republican members of Congress at the Kennedy Center, Trump claimed that former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro imitated his dance moves."
• 52 Places to Go in 2026 - "Our list for the new year features an eclipse, a revolution and a tiger reserve. What’s on yours?"
• Oligarch linked to bribery paid Andrew £15m for mansion - "Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received millions of pounds from an oligarch using funds from a firm implicated in criminal corruption, a BBC investigation has found. Kazakh billionaire Timur Kulibayev has told the BBC through his lawyers that he used a loan from a company called Enviro Pacific Investments to help him buy Andrew's former mansion."
• Inside the sub-zero lair of the world's most powerful computer - "It looks like a golden chandelier and contains the coldest place in the known universe. What I am looking at is not just the most powerful computer in the world, but technology pivotal to financial security, Bitcoin, government secrets, the world economy and more. Quantum computing holds the key to which companies and countries win - and lose - the rest of the 21st Century."
• Mapped: Global Inflation by Country in 2025 - "Global inflation averaged 4.2% in 2025, with many countries showing resilience in the face of historic U.S. tariffs. In the U.S., inflation declined from 3% in 2024 to 2.7% in 2025. Inflation was highest in Venezuela, at 269.9% for the year."
• The Most Beautiful Home Libraries T Magazine Has Covered - "Our Favorite Home Libraries: From Connecticut to Cairo, reading spots that will seem like paradise to book- and design-lovers alike."

January 7, 2026

• CES 2026 day 2 - "The 11 best gadgets we've seen today, from smart flashlights to new Dell XPS laptops."
• US discussing options to acquire Greenland, including use of military, says White House - "The White House told the BBC that acquiring Greenland - a semi-autonomous region of fellow Nato member Denmark - was a 'national security priority'."
• Why Trump wants to take Greenland - "The US president’s zero-sum thought process might just boil down to taking Greenland because he can."
• The ‘Donroe doctrine’: Maduro is the guinea pig for Donald Trump’s new world order - "The Trump administration’s intention to 'reassert and enforce the Monroe doctrine to restore American pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere'."
• Everyone is talking about Greenland. Here’s what it’s like to visit - "In June 2025, United Airlines launched a twice-weekly direct service from Newark to Nuuk. The island had already seen a tourism boost after Trump turned his attention to it."
• Swiss bar hit by deadly fire had not been inspected in five years - "Le Constellation bar, where 40 people died in the inferno, had not had a fire inspection since 2019, the president of the Crans-Montana council said."
• Lego unveils tech-filled Smart Bricks - to play experts' unease - "Lego has unveiled Smart Bricks - tech-filled versions of its small building blocks - which it says will bring sets to life with sound, light and reaction to movement."
• The World’s $111 Trillion in Government Debt, in One Giant Chart - "Together, the U.S. and China hold 51.8% of the world’s government debt. Global debt climbed to $111 trillion in 2025, amounting to 94.7% of worldwide GDP, with Japan, Sudan, and Singapore holding the highest debt-to-GDP ratios, while the United States ranks 11th globally with a ratio of 125%."
• 12 Communication Habits to Ditch in 2026 - "Over-relying on AI - Leaving people on read - Breadcrumbing - Minimizing other people's concerns - Breadcrumbing - ...."
• How to help your body detox itself - "Your body has plenty of ways to cleanse itself. Here's how to help it along."
• How I changed my personality in six weeks - "Based on emerging research showing people can shift their core personality traits, Laurie Clarke tried tweaking hers. Here's what happened."
• Does heading the ball cause dementia? - "Why sports stars who head the ball are much more likely to die of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and motor neurone disease. Professional soccer players and American football stars are at much greater risk of developing dementia. What can we do to help them?"
• The 40 most exciting books to look forward to in 2026 - "From big-name authors Colson Whitehead, George Saunders and Maggie O'Farrell to buzzy debuts and powerful non-fiction, these are the titles you'll want to add to your reading pile this year."
• The 20 best places to travel in 2026 - "From a Polynesian island ringed by blue lagoons to the heart of Chile's wine country, these are BBC journalists' top destinations this year."
• 'Embrace the imperfection': Eight quick fixes to revitalise your home - "How to transform your living space for the new year - and create a unique, artisan-style look, without spending on 'fast furniture'."

January 6, 2026

• CES 2026 - "Live from Las Vegas, CNET covers the coolest gadgets, trends and companies at the world's largest tech show."
• NVIDIA Kicks Off the Next Generation of AI With Rubin - "NVIDIA today kickstarted the next generation of AI with the launch of the NVIDIA Rubin platform, comprising six new chips designed to deliver one incredible AI supercomputer."
• Nvidia unveils self-driving car tech as it seeks to power more products with AI - "Nvidia has unveiled a new tech platform for self-driving cars as the world's leading chip-maker seeks more physical products to embed AI into. Speaking at the annual CES technology conference in Las Vegas, boss Jensen Huan said the system - called Alpamayo - would bring 'reasoning' to autonomous vehicles."
• BjÖrk Calls for Greenland Independence as Trump Revives Takeover Threats - "'The chance that my fellow Greenlanders might go from one cruel colonizer to another is too brutal to even imagine,' the Icelandic musician wrote on Instagram."
• ‘Enough Is Enough’: Greenland’s Prime Minister Issues Stark Warning as Trump Renews Annexation Threat - "'No more pressure. No more hints. No more fantasies about annexation,' he urged on Sunday, emphasizing that while Greenland is open to a dialogue with the U.S."
• The world’s most punctual airlines & airports in 2025 - "With an estimated 38.9 million flights taking place internationally in 2025, and a delicate geopolitical landscape causing airspace constraints, the hurdles impacting punctuality are getting trickier than ever. 12 airports and airlines around the world has last year excelled in terms of punctuality, thus reaping the rewards in terms of passenger satisfaction and cost savings."
• 31st Critics Choice Awards red carpet in 13 key looks - "The annual ceremony is considered a bellwether for the Oscars, with the industry closely monitoring how hotly tipped movies like 'Sinners' and 'Hamnet' perform among the Critics Choice Association’s (CCA) hundreds of members. The star-studded awards show also offers a glimpse at the fashion trends that may unfold between now and the Academy Awards in mid-March."
• 48 of The Most Controversial Celebrity Looks of All Time - "From Björk's swan dress to Jane Birkin's backwards gown to Kristen Stewart's shorts at the Oscars."
• 9 signs Google’s Gemini just ended ChatGPT’s dominance - "Forget ChatGPT, here's why Gemini is already winning the AI war."
• Five lifestyle tweaks to help you live well for longer - "Simple, science-backed changes you can make now to keep yourself healthier in later life."
• 5 ways to improve your health in 2026 - "Aiming for a healthier year? A doctor shares the 5 science-backed habits that matter most. Get healthier in 2026 by focusing on 5 simple behaviors."
• ‘Autofocus’ glasses can change their lenses in real time - "Finnish eyewear company IXI is gearing up to launch smart glasses that look just like ordinary spectacles, but are able to 'autofocus' based on the perceived needs of the wearer."
• Want your Rolls Royce to match your pet Labrador? Anything is possible in luxury car customization - "This is one part of a growing industry trend catering to those who can have nearly anything they want in their cars. This sort of extreme customization has existed as long as cars have, but growing global wealth is bringing it into more automakers in more places, not just Rolls-Royce."

January 5, 2026

• From Caracas 'fort' to New York court: Maduro's capture in pictures & maps - "The US says its military operation to capture Venezuela's president took months of planning, but when Donald Trump gave the order to launch, 'Operation Absolute Resolve' only lasted about 150 minutes."
• Venezuela's NicolÁs Maduro Says ‘Happy New Year’ to U.S. Agents in New Video Upon Arrival at N.Y. Air Force Base - "The White House’s official Rapid Response X account shared footage of his apparent perp walk, showing the moment Maduro was escorted by federal agents at the US Drug Enforcement Administration offices in New York."
• Greenland, Cuba, Iran: Here are all the countries Trump has warned since his Venezuela strike - "Since the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Máduro by US forces at the weekend, US President Donald Trump and members of his administration have issued warnings to several other countries and territories - including Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Iran and Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark."
• 'We need Greenland': Trump repeats threat to annex Danish territory - "Donald Trump has again proposed annexing Greenland, after Denmark's leader urged him to 'stop the threats' over the island. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen responded by saying 'that's enough now' and described the notion of US control over the island as a 'fantasy'."
• Ten found guilty of cyber-bullying Brigitte Macron - "The defendants were accused of spreading false claims about her gender and sexuality, as well as making 'malicious remarks' about the 24-year age gap between the couple."
• Leonardo DiCaprio to Miss Palm Springs Film Fest Gala Due to Venezuela Air Restrictions - "DiCaprio was set to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in 'One Battle After Another.' However, Variety has learned the Oscar winner was not able to leave St. Barts due to air restrictions in the area following the international conflict."
• The best budget espresso machines in 2025, tried & tested - "This budget espresswo machine is proof that you dont have to spend thousands to get good espresso."
• The Father of Modern Dress Watches Had a Brilliant Return to Form in 2025 - "Patek Philippe's iconic dress watch had an impressive return to form in 2025 with the 6196P, the best Calatrava in years."
• Charted: The Decline of Global Wine Production & Consumption - "Global wine production fell nearly 19% between 2015 and 2024, reaching its lowest level in a decade. Wine consumption also declined during the period."
• 10 Must-Read Tech Books Of 2025 - "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company by Patrick McGee. - Source Code: My Beginnings by Bill Gates. - Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation That Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom by Dan Caruso."
• Gold price rises after US captures Venezuela's Maduro - "Gold was about 2.4% higher at $4,433 an ounce, while the price of silver was up by 4.9%, as money was moved into so-called 'safe-haven' assets. The gold price saw its best annual performance last year since 1979 after rising by more than 60%, reaching an all-time high of $4,549.71 on 26 December."
• Bluefin tuna fetches record $3.2m at Tokyo auction - "A bulky bluefin tuna made a splash at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market on Monday morning, fetching a record 510.3 million yen ($3.2m) at the market's first auction of the year. The winning bid for the 243kg fish came from Kiyomura Corp, the operator of popular sushi chain Sushi Zanmai, which has outlets across the country and abroad."

January 4, 2026

• Spies, drones & blowtorches: How the US captured Maduro - "For months, US spies had been monitoring Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's every move. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government, had been observing where the 63-year-old slept, what he ate, what he wore and even, according to top military officials, 'his pets'."
• Venezuela's Maduro arrives at Brooklyn detention center - "CNN's Evan Perez reports outside of the New York detention center with Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro will be held."
• Who is Cilia Flores, Maduro’s wife & ‘first combatant’ of Venezuelan socialism? - "Captured along with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday was his wife and top adviser, Cilia Flores, who was dragged from their bedroom along with her husband by US troops."
• U.S. will ‘soon’ annex Greenland, wife of top Trump aide implies - "Former Trump administration official and wife of top Trump aide Stephen Miller, Katie Miller, posted Saturday on X (formerly Twitter) an image of Greenland covered in the U.S. flag with the text 'SOON'."
• Swiss open criminal case against managers of ski resort bar after deadly fire - "The managers of a bar where a fire killed 40 people and injured another 119 have been placed under criminal investigation, Swiss prosecutors have said. The French couple - named by the media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti - are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence."
• Brigitte Bardot Foundation issues warning about scam memorabilia - "The Brigitte Bardot Foundation said it was aware of 'crude fabrications' being advertised online alongside claims the proceeds will go to the animal welfare charity."
• Today is Warren Buffett’s last day as Berkshire CEO. Business leaders tell us what they learned from him - "Warren Buffett has worn many hats over the years: The stock-picking Oracle of Omaha. An avuncular, Dairy-Queen-eating, Coke-drinking product pitchman. A living symbol of capitalism and its complexities. But for generations of business leaders, the 95-year-old has also served as something else: a teacher."
• Your Bedroom Probably Isn’t Dark Enough - "Even small amounts of light at night disrupt melatonin, circadian rhythms, and increase risks for heart issues, diabetes, and mental health problems like anxiety and depression, requiring near-total darkness (under 1 lux) for optimal health."
• 'The Sideways Effect': How A Wine-Obsessed Film Reshaped The Industry - "The 2004 movie about an obsessive wine snob helped boost California's pinot noir production by 170 percent."
• The 10 Wines You Should Be Drinking in 2026 - "Whether because of stereotypes or evolving tastes, these wines tend to be dismissed. But they still offer great beauty and are worth exploring: Bordeaux - California Chardonnay - Merlot - Napa Cabernet - Port and Madeira - Ribera del Duero."
• AI Changed Work Forever in 2025 - "Future historians will see that the seeds of a profound transformation were planted in 2025. By 2050, most people will command workforces larger than the biggest multinational corporations of today. But our 'employees' won’t be people sitting in cubicles or standing on factory floors. They will be fleets of AI agents - digital workers."
• 6 Space Stories To Watch in 2026 - "Pandora planet hunter, Jan. 5 - Gaganyaan-1 crew capsule, Early Jan. - Artemis II moon mission, Feb. 5 - Haven-1 space station module, May - Boeing Starliner, April - Griffin-1 lunar lander and rover, July."

January 3, 2026

• US strikes Venezuela & captures Maduro - "Venezuela president Maduro captured and flown out of country after ‘large scale’ US strike, says Trump."
• Champagne sparklers & a fast-spreading inferno: How a deadly Swiss bar tragedy unfolded - "Swiss authorities said Friday that the champagne sparklers were the likely cause of the fire, though the official inquiry remains ongoing."
• What happened in the Crans-Montana bar fire in Switzerland - visual guide - "While the cause of the disaster is still under investigation, videos and photos suggest the blaze spread quickly."
• The world has a new EV king. It’s not Tesla - "In 2011, Tesla CEO Elon Musk dismissed Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD as a competitor. But some 14 years later, BYD beat the American EV pioneer at its own game. The Chinese car giant has overtaken Tesla as the world’s largest seller of EVs, according to 2025 data released by the two rivals this week."
• China’s robot sports craze could eventually put humanoids in homes - "Beijing hosted the world’s first Humanoid Robot Games, which put machines through their paces in soccer, boxing, martial arts and other sports."
• Aspirin, CT scans & sleep: Five questions raised by Trump’s new disclosures on his health - "The oldest president to assume office has been dogged by questions about recent doctors’ visits, bruises on his hands and whether he’s fallen asleep during public events."
• Trump shops for marble for new White House ballroom - "Before his visit to Trump International Golf Club, the president made a detour to Arc Stone & Tile, a stone importer near Mar-a-Lago that bills itself as an Italian marble specialist, where he planned to buy marble and onyx, according to a White House official. The purchase, which the official said would be made at Trump’s personal expense."
• Elon Musk's Grok AI says images of 'minors in minimal clothing' caused by safeguard lapses - "Elon Musk's xAI was under international scrutiny over allegations on Friday that it was filling its platform with sexualized, AI-generated images of women and minors."
• The Biggest Technological Breakthroughs Of 2025 - "Breakthrough Of The Year: First Successful Commercial Moon Landing. Computing Breakthrough of The Year: Google’s Verifiable Quantum Demo. Materials Breakthrough Of The Year: Turning Paper Into Plastic. Engineering Breakthrough Of The Year: ..."
• Debit Card Ownership Surpasses 13 Billion Globally - "With 13+ billion debit cards in circulation, with 60% share of global card transactions, and debit rails powering most digital wallets today."
• Warren Buffett’s Portfolio - 10-Year Evolution (2015 → 2025) - "This bar chart tracks the strategic transformation of Buffett's top holdings (Berkshire Hathaway Portfolio Companies) over a decade. Buffett’s shift reflects a pragmatic embrace of platform tech and inflation-resilient assets - while retaining core consumer and financial anchors."
• A Close Look At The Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project - "An Apex Predator Among Space-Dwelling Chronographs."
• M5 MacBook Air 2026: New Chip, But OLED is Reportedly Delayed - "Apple delays OLED MacBook Air to 2028, focusing on Pro models first. The 2026 M5 MacBook Air will come with an LCD display."

January 2, 2026

• In pictures: New Year welcomed around the world - "Countries around the world have welcomed in the New Year. The island of Kiritimati - an atoll in the remote Pacific nation of Kiribati - was the first place to enter 2026."
• Search for Swiss fire victims continues as relatives face long wait for identification - "Around 40 people have died and 115 are injured. Investigators are continuing to search for victims of a fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana."
• Switzerland to hold five days of mourning after 40 killed in resort fire, as investigators rush to identify victims - "President Guy Parmelin has said the country will hold five days of mourning, describing the blaze as one of the most traumatic events in Switzerland's history. 'It was a drama of an unknown scale,' he said, paying tribute to the many 'young lives that were lost and interrupted'."
• Trump says health is 'perfect' amid ageing concerns - "In an interview about his health, Trump talked about using hand makeup, getting by on little sleep and taking lots of aspirin."
• 3 keystone habits that can transform your health in 2026 & make everything easier - "Set an alarm on your phone or a reminder on your laptop. These small reinforcers create systems of support for behavioral changes: Conscious breathing - Mindful movement - Mind-body connection - How to make keystone habits stick."
• How Chevy Chase made ‘Weekend Update’ work - "Fifty years ago, weeks before the premiere of the show that would become 'Saturday Night Live,' Chevy Chase had a camera test."
• Why everything from your phone to your PC may get pricier in 2026 - "The cost of lots of the devices we all use could be forced up in 2026 because the price of Ram - once one of the cheapest computer components - has more than doubled since October 2025."
• Nine science-backed ways to help you feel better in 2026 - "From channelling your anger to writing lists and singing more often - here are some science-backed tips to boost your wellbeing."
• The surprising benefits of a glass of orange juice - "The habit of drinking a glass of orange juice can have a considerable effect on your health. Cohort studies - which track tens of thousands of people over time - show that individuals who eat lots of citrus fruits are less likely to go on to suffer from heart disease and stroke."
• Why you don't need electrolytes for everyday exercise - "Professor Close explains that it's unusual for your body to run low on electrolytes as the body naturally keeps levels stable."
• What a huge festive meal does to your brain? - "Many of us will throw modesty out the window when it comes to Christmas lunch. But what do these blow-out festive meals do to our body and brain?"
• Wuthering Heights to The Odyssey: 16 of the most exciting films coming up in 2026 - "From Emerald Fennell's divisive new adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights to Christopher Nolan's wildly anticipated ancient Greek epic, here are BBC critics' picks of the films to see in the year ahead."
• Beat the winter blues with these restorative escapes - "From a Maldivian island alliance to Peru's pisco heartlands, these warm-weather trips pair sunshine with soul-enriching experiences."
• Monaco to celebrate 130 years of automotive history in landmark Grimaldi Forum exhibition - "For the first time, Monaco is putting its century-plus relationship with the automobile on full display. Opening this week, a new exhibition traces the Principality’s unique bond with cars, from the earliest motor vehicles to today’s racing legends."

January 1, 2026

• Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 - "New Year’s celebrations around the world."
• A very Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve - "Champagne and caviar? Anyone can do it. A massive portrait of Jesus Christ painted rapidly onstage while the president of the United States watches on reverently before auctioning it off to a woman in a top hat for $2,750,000? That is New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago."
• Xi Jinping vows to reunify China & Taiwan in New Year’s Eve speech - "Reunification ‘is unstoppable’, says Chinese president, a day after the conclusion of intense military drills."
• 'Several dozen' believed to have been killed in fire at Swiss ski resort bar, say authorities - "The fire began at around 01:30 (00:30 GMT) in Crans-Montana in a bar called Le Constellation. The cause is not known, but officials don't think it was an attack."
• Predicting What’s Out in 2026 - "Welcome to part one of a four-part series about what we predict 2026 will usher in and what we’re leaving behind - grudgingly or gladly - in 2025. I asked some of the most funny, clever, deranged people I work with to help me compile this list."
• Donald Trump Celebrates George Clooney’s French Citizenship: ‘Wasn’t a Movie Star at All’ - "The actor and his wife, along with their 8-year-old twins, were recently naturalized as French citizens."
• George & Amal Clooney move into Provence estate - "Having been embroiled in a legal battle over the purchase of Domaine du Canadel, George and Amal Clooney finally have the keys to the Provence estate."
• The 2025 Politics Yearbook: Most Likely to Be Extreme & Chaotic - "Hottest Newcomer: Zohran Mamdani - Biggest Loser: Elise Stefanik - Most Surprising Dropout: Marjorie Taylor Greene - Most Impressive Comeback: ..."
• The Night Manager review: The globe-trotting thriller's long-awaited second series is 'irresistible' - "Ten years on, the spy drama has returned - and the show is 'as enticing' as Tom Hiddleston's hero, who combines 'good intentions' with 'bad-boy allure.'"
• Where to travel in 2026: The best places to visit - "Whether you’re a full-time nomad or a once-a-year vacationer, every special travel memory begins with one essential question: where to? The places to go in 2026 list includes a region that will experience a rare total solar eclipse, a city that has been crowned a capital of culture, a foodie haven that just scored a major global recognition, a beloved tourist island that is bouncing back from a brutal natural disaster, and more."
• Working With the Kardashians - "Informally known as the 'Plastic Surgeon to the stars,' Dr. Fisher has done work on several members of the Kardashian family, who have raved about their results in interviews on TV."
• 11 architecture projects set to shape the world in 2026 - "2026 may be shaped by bigger, blockbuster buildings. Among them are long-awaited museums, record-breaking skyscrapers and a soaring Catholic basilica almost 150 years in the making. Here are 11 of architecture projects - in the US and beyond - set to become the year’s most talked-about."
• Gold & silver see rollercoaster end to blockbuster year - "Gold and silver have seen a rollercoaster end to a year in which their prices are on track to record their biggest annual gains since 1979. The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549 an ounce before falling after Christmas to stand at about $4,330 on New Year's Eve."
• Climate Change - "Check out all about climate change and crisis: best 1800+ science, evidence, facts, information, news, reviews and resources."