- Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis: Federal agents killed 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in a shooting that has sparked protests; while officials claim self-defense, bystander footage and his parents have challenged the government’s account.
- Ukraine Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi: President Zelensky described rare three-way negotiations between Ukrainian, Russian, and American teams as “constructive” following a meeting in the UAE.
- Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Canada: President Trump has threatened massive tariffs against Canada if the country makes a trade deal with China, amid escalating tensions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- President Trump Orders “US Armada” to Middle East: Tensions have soared as Trump ordered an aircraft carrier and a guided-missile strike group to the Gulf, raising fears of a military escalation with Iran.
- China Military Purge: President Xi Jinping has ousted Gen. Zhang Youxia, the second-highest-ranking official in the military hierarchy, marking a significant upheaval in China’s high command.
- Alex Honnold Scales 101-Floor Skyscraper: Famed climber Alex Honnold became the first person to scale the Taipei 101 building in Taiwan alone without any safety equipment.
- Massive Winter Storm Grips the US: A monster storm stretching from Texas to New England has left over a million customers without power and caused widespread travel disruptions due to heavy snow and ice.
- Myanmar Holds Disputed “Sham” Election: Despite an ongoing civil war and the banning of many political parties, Myanmar concluded a general election that is expected to result in a landslide for the military-backed party.
- Death of Smallpox Eradication Figure William H. Foege: The former CDC leader, whose containment strategies were instrumental in wiping out smallpox in the 1970s, has died at the age of 89.
- Venezuela Frees Political Prisoners: Following the US seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, dozens of detainees have been released, though rights groups report that at least 66 people remain missing after being taken by state authorities.