Crucial talks between Trump and Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago highlight ongoing efforts for Ukraine-Russia peace amid Iran's warnings of an 'all-out war' and Guinea's pursuit of legitimacy through elections, while Canada and Mercosur accelerate free trade talks and Poland races to build bomb shelters.
Challenges in hospitality profits and new strategies for theme parks reveal shifting business landscapes, as China's industrial profits plunge and Europe's growth depends on German spending, further complicated by global supply chain routes and companies planning no new hiring for 2026.
AI start-ups amass record funding despite growing bubble fears, while broadband deregulation by the Trump administration aims to save billions and Gmail introduces address changes, with Britain's green power grid facing challenges to support the burgeoning AI boom.
Fusion power holds a bright but distant future, Japan is seeking a bigger role for nuclear power after Fukushima, while Britain's green energy grid struggles to cope, and North Sea drillers freeze investment after a difficult year.
The potential impact of zero immigration on America is being felt, as Japanese births are set to hit record lows, and the unregulated surrogacy industry leaves women vulnerable, amidst calls for a revival of 'wellness' culture through service to others.
Upcoming key elections will shape 2026, a Pope's pick for New York Catholics signals a shift from Maga, and accounting groups expect fewer SEC audit inspections as regulators reconsider their focus.
Movie theaters face an uncertain future regardless of Warner's fate, while midcentury design is being rebooted for new audiences, and the passing of iconic actress Brigitte Bardot marks an end of an era.