The CIA has shifted its stance toward favouring the theory that Covid-19 emerged from a lab in Wuhan, citing conditions in high-security labs as partial evidence. This new assessment, however, is held with 'low confidence' due to fragmentary data. This change comes amid debates over whether China sufficiently regulated its markets or lab security.
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US President Donald Trump criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after a call about trade tariffs. Trump accused Trudeau of using the tariff issue to maintain his political position, and blamed Canada's border policies for fentanyl and illegal migrant problems. Trump also discussed recent tariffs and the prospects of a trade war.
Paul Pelosi executed significant stock transactions worth $38 million before Donald Trump's inauguration, including investing in an AI firm with a near 50% value increase. His wife's legal disclosures and substantial returns from these investments have sparked discussions on potential conflicts of interest and regulatory reforms.
Vivek Ramaswamy officializes his candidacy for Ohio governor, planning a campaign launch on February 24. The biotech entrepreneur, aiming for the 2026 election, steps into the Republican primary against Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Heather Hill, securing the support of key state officials.
As RFK Jr goes for the senate confirmation hearing today, Nicole Shanahan, who was his running mate when he was in the presidential race as an independent candidate, issued a threat to the senators that if they don't vote for Kennedy Jr as the health secretary, Nicole would make sure that they lose their seats in the Senate.
Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing ways to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Both Trump and Zelenskyy expressed their desire for peace and agreed on future collaborations. Trump labeled the war 'ridiculous' and emphasized the need for an end to unnecessary deaths and destruction.
Several election security employees at CISA have been placed on leave pending a review of their efforts to counter foreign interference and misinformation. This affects critical support for state and local election offices. State election officials from both parties have defended CISA's work, highlighting the importance of their assistance in cybersecurity and physical security measures ahead of the 2024 election.
Citizens gathered in Belgrade for a historic protest against systemic corruption and the Serbian Progressive Party. Sparked by a tragic incident, students led the demonstrations with broad support from various groups. The protest saw a peak of 325,000 participants, and tensions flared amid allegations of government overreach. The movement's future actions remain uncertain.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock urges Europe to increase pressure on the US to maintain support for NATO allies and ensure a fair peace for Ukraine. Baerbock emphasizes that any settlement without Ukraine's consent would fail, while a US-Ukraine deal involving rare earth minerals is in the works, despite tensions between Trump and Zelensky.
Ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina condemned the demolition of her father's house, calling for justice. The house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding father, was vandalized by protesters, escalating violence. Hasina accused the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus, urging people to unite against the regime. She highlighted the historical significance of the house and her contributions.
South Korean investigators urged prosecutors to indict President Yoon Suk Yeol for rebellion, abuse of power, and obstructing parliament due to his martial law declaration. Yoon, who was impeached after troops were deployed to block the national assembly, claimed the martial law was a warning to parliament.