This topic highlights **President Trump’s threats to impose photo ID for voters and restrict mail-in voting, the Pentagon’s preparations for a possible war with Iran, and the administration’s controversial immigration policies leading to a potential DHS shutdown**.

• Trump threatens to impose photo ID for voters for midterm elections — The Guardian -
• As Diplomats Talk, Pentagon Prepares for Possible War With Iran — New York Times World -
• Unconditional US military aid to Israel ‘enabled a genocide in Gaza’, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says – live — The Guardian -

• Healthcare group urges RFK Jr to resign after remarks on cocaine and toilet seats — The Guardian -
• Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Said to Raise Billions in First Pledges for Gaza — New York Times World -
• First U.S. Troops Land in Nigeria for Trump-Led Christian Mission — New York Times World -
• Trump sends second aircraft carrier to Middle East in effort to increase pressure on Iran — The Guardian -
• U.N. Condemns U.S. Measures Halting Oil Deliveries to Cuba — New York Times World -
• Ex-CNN host Don Lemon pleads not guilty in Minnesota church protest case — BBC World -
• ICE to spend $38bn turning warehouses into detention centers, documents show — The Guardian -
• US homeland security department on track for shutdown after funding bill fails in Senate — The Guardian -
• Trump administration ends temporary protected status for Yemeni nationals — The Guardian -
• Venezuelan Politician Living in Exile in the US is Detained by ICE — New York Times World -
• Trump’s immigration agenda worsening childcare crisis, lawmakers warn — The Guardian -
• US inflation falls to 2.4% in January after Trump’s tariffs led to price fluctuations — The Guardian -
• Tulsi Gabbard reportedly accused by whistleblower of suppressing intercepted call about Jared Kushner and Iran – as it happened — The Guardian -
• Pride flag reinstated at Stonewall after it was removed by Trump administration — The Guardian -
• Trump doubles down on racist video, saying no staffer has been disciplined — The Guardian -
• Trump nominates hospitality executive to lead National Park Service — The Guardian -

Leaders at the Munich Security Conference discussed the end of the old world order and Europe’s need for greater self-reliance, with Germany exploring a nuclear deterrent and Macron urging European unity amidst **criticism of Trump’s foreign policy**.

• At Munich Summit, European Leaders Agree With Trump: The Old World Order Is Over — New York Times World -
• Here’s the latest. — New York Times World -
• Germany’s leader says his country is in discussions with France on a European nuclear deterrent. — New York Times World -

• Macron urges Europe to step up on the global stage and stresses unity on major issues, particularly Ukraine. — New York Times World -
• Macron swipes at Trump tariffs and Greenland threats; Zelenskyy has strong words for Russia – as it happened — The Guardian -
• US ‘not powerful enough to go it alone’, Merz tells Munich conference — The Guardian -
• AOC accuses Trump of trying to usher in ‘age of authoritarianism’ at Munich conference — The Guardian -
• World's rules-based order 'no longer exists', Germany's Merz warns — BBC World -
• Rubio warns Europe of new era in geopolitics before big Munich speech — BBC World -
• German Officials Needle Trump at Munich Security Conference — New York Times World -
• Ukraine Says U.S. Is Increasing Pressure for a Deal as the Midterms Loom — New York Times World -
• A nervous Europe awaits Rubio’s speech in Munich. — New York Times World -
• Europe’s Leaders Gather At Munich Summit, Reeling From Trump’s Criticism — New York Times World -
• Democrats at Munich security summit to urge Europe to stand up to Trump — The Guardian -
• How Europe Woke Up to Trump — New York Times World -
• A seat at the table or on the menu? Africa grapples with the new world order — BBC World -

The situation in the Middle East remains tense with Israel expanding control in the West Bank and a **bitter dispute between Trump and the EU over Gaza’s future, alongside ISIS-inspired plots against Jewish communities** in the UK.

• 'We are not protected' says Hebron mayor as Israel expands West Bank control — BBC World -
• UK Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful, in humiliating blow for ministers — The Guardian -
• Bitter dispute between Trump and EU over Gaza’s future breaks out into the open — The Guardian -

• 2 ISIS Supporters Who Planned Attack on Jews in U.K. Get Life Sentences — New York Times World -
• NGOs sound alarm as foreign families flee camp holding suspected IS members — The Guardian -
• Calls mount for release of Palestinian protester held by ICE for nearly a year — The Guardian -
• Owen Jones on Palestine Action high court win – The Latest — The Guardian -
• UK Ban on Palestine Action Is Unlawful, Court Finds — New York Times World -
• Two men jailed for life over plot to attack Greater Manchester’s Jewish community — The Guardian -
• Ruling against Palestine Action ban is embarrassing defeat for the government — The Guardian -
• U.S. Transfers Thousands of ISIS Prisoners to Iraq From Syria — New York Times World -
• Met police say they will stop arresting people for supporting Palestine Action after high court ruling – live — The Guardian -
• What happens to Palestine Action now its ban has been ruled unlawful? — The Guardian -
• Israeli journalists fear for press freedom if UK billionaire sells TV channel stake — The Guardian -
• Sydney police to be investigated by watchdog after anti-Herzog protest violence — BBC World -
• NSW police watchdog to investigate alleged police brutality at Sydney protest against Isaac Herzog — The Guardian -

New disclosures from the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to have significant repercussions, including the resignation of a top Goldman Sachs lawyer and the **boss of Dubai’s DP World, and US lawmakers calling for Peter Mandelson to testify**.

• The Mutually Beneficial Ties Between Jeffrey Epstein and Thorbjorn Jagland — New York Times World -
• Four men in unredacted files named by Ro Khanna have no ties to Epstein — The Guardian -
• US lawmakers ask Mandelson to testify to Congress over Epstein relationship — The Guardian -

• Amid Fallout From Epstein Files, Dubai’s DP World Boss Is Replaced — New York Times World -
• Head of Dubai-based ports giant quits after Epstein links revealed — BBC World -
• Top Goldman Sachs lawyer who called Epstein 'Uncle Jeffrey' resigns — BBC World -
• Boss of P&O Ferries owner DP World leaves over Jeffrey Epstein links — The Guardian -
• Watch: How Andrew's BBC interview compares to what Epstein emails tell us now — BBC World -
• Will the Epstein files tarnish the reputation of Jamie Dimon, America’s banker? — The Guardian -
• Top lawyer at Goldman Sachs resigns after revelation of Epstein relationship — The Guardian -
• Ex-Leader of Norway Charged With Corruption Linked to Epstein — New York Times World -

Western US states failed to reach a critical Colorado River water deal, while the Trump administration repealed a landmark climate finding, and a Queensland coalmine expansion sparked climate and habitat concerns.

• Western US states fail to negotiate crucial Colorado River deal: ‘Mother nature isn’t going to bail us out’ — The Guardian -
• Six possible effects of Trump's climate policy change — BBC World -
• Mountain lions gain protection under California’s Endangered Species Act — The Guardian -

• Enforcement of laws against polluters nearly non-existent in US, analysis finds — The Guardian -
• First Thing: Trump repeals landmark climate finding in gift to ‘billionaire polluters’ — The Guardian -
• Weather tracker: cyclones hit Australia and Madagascar and -40C cold snap in northern Europe — The Guardian -
• Trump revokes landmark ruling that greenhouse gases endanger public health — BBC World -
• Qld coalmine expansion approved by Albanese government will clear habitat and fuel climate crisis, scientists say — The Guardian -
• River Thames spot among 13 sites shortlisted for swimming status — The Guardian -
• ‘We are hopeful’: small signs of recovery for Scotland’s rare capercaillie bird — The Guardian -
• Tony Blair’s thinktank accuses Ed Miliband of driving up energy prices — The Guardian -
• Tony Blair’s oil lobbying is a misleading rehash of fossil fuel industry spin — The Guardian -

Bangladesh successfully held its first national elections, resulting in a sweeping victory for the BNP, while Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat, heightening regional tensions.

• Japan Seizes Chinese Fishing Boat; Move Likely to Add to Tensions — New York Times World -
• How Bangladesh Went From Revolution to Elections — New York Times World -
• Tarique Rahman Is Elected Bangladesh’s New Leader — New York Times World -

• University expels student who called for accountability over Hong Kong fire — The Guardian -
• Bangladesh election: BNP wins historic first vote since overthrow of Hasina — The Guardian -
• Bangladesh Nationalist Party sweeps to victory in first election since Gen Z uprising — BBC World -
• Why India Playing Pakistan in World Cup Cricket Matters — New York Times World -
• Beijing pastry shop overrun by shoppers after Xi Jinping’s visit — The Guardian -
• Here’s the latest. — New York Times World -
• Once demoted, now deputy leader: what will Jane Hume do for the Liberal party? — The Guardian -
• CIA publishes recruitment video aimed at disaffected Chinese soldiers — The Guardian -
• Bangladeshis Vote in Droves for Constitutional Change in Referendum — New York Times World -
• New leader targets immigration in first comments after spill – as it happened — The Guardian -
• ‘Invisible’ children born in the brothels of Bangladesh finally get birth certificates — The Guardian -
• Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat inside its economic zone amid Beijing rift — The Guardian -
• US man linked to Wieambilla shooters sentenced to three years in prison — The Guardian -
• The Hindu who stood up for a Muslim and became a hero — BBC World -
• Sussan Ley and the glass cliff: Does Australian politics still have a problem with women? — BBC World -
• Japan says it seized Chinese vessel amid tensions with Beijing — BBC World -
• Australia's Liberal Party ousts first woman leader — BBC World -
• Sussan Ley to quit politics after being deposed as Liberal leader, triggering contentious byelection — The Guardian -

Various national issues emerged, including a high court ruling against the ban on Palestine Action, Peter Murrell being accused of embezzling from the SNP, and new restrictions for dual nationals entering the UK.

• Two Britons among three dead after avalanche in French Alps — The Guardian -
• Original Bramley apple tree ‘at risk’ after site where it grows is put up for sale — The Guardian -
• UK mother separated from children for years has ‘draconian’ order overturned — The Guardian -

• Bad Bunny gets first solo UK Top 10 hits thanks to Super Bowl boost — The Guardian -
• ‘Handmaid’s Tale future’: Reform’s Matt Goodwin sparks outcry with fertility comments — The Guardian -
• Scottish Labour leader says he doesn’t regret calling for Starmer to quit – UK politics live — The Guardian -
• Peter Murrell accused of embezzling £459,000 from SNP, court papers show — The Guardian -
• Dual nationals to be denied entry to UK from 25 February unless they have British passport — The Guardian -
• Heathrow isn’t crowded, it’s travellers walking on the wrong side, boss says — The Guardian -
• Bank bosses get huge pay rises in sign top City salaries back to pre-crash highs — The Guardian -
• Good Law Project loses challenge to interim EHRC advice on single-sex spaces — The Guardian -
• Arctic blast to bring snow, hail and icy conditions across UK this weekend — The Guardian -
• Reform UK’s Kent council faces ‘extreme risk’ after passing first budget — The Guardian -
• First-time buyers enjoy biggest choice of low-deposit mortgages in UK since 2008 — The Guardian -
• 'My husband stole £600k for sex and antiques' - drug side effects tearing families apart — BBC World -
• Wes Streeting: the UK’s next prime minister? – podcast — The Guardian -

The Tumbler Ridge school shooting has left the small Canadian town in deep grief, with details emerging about the **perpetrator’s online life and his interest in violent extremism and mass shooting simulators**.

• ‘What word is there for this?’ Tumbler Ridge reaches for unity in storm of grief — The Guardian -
• Canada school deaths suspect created shooting simulator on gaming platform — The Guardian -
• 'Everyone knows somebody affected' - small Canadian town united in grief after mass shooting — BBC World -

• ‘The tears just keep flowing’: child victims of Tumbler Ridge shooting remembered as Carney heads to join vigil — The Guardian -
• What We Know About the Victims of the Tumbler Ridge Mass Shooting in Canada — New York Times World -
• Canada School Shooter’s Online Life Showed Interest in Violent Extremism — New York Times World -

The Winter Olympics saw **Ilia Malinin’s unexpected free skate failure and the disqualification of a Ukrainian Olympian over a helmet honoring war dead, alongside controversies over Haiti’s uniform design**.

• Ilia Malinin’s catastrophic free skate: ‘I blew it.’ — New York Times World -
• The two Chinese-American Olympians competing for rival superpowers — BBC World -
• Chloe Kim, once a teenage phenom, loses to a new one. — New York Times World -

• The war dead pictured on banned Ukrainian athlete's helmet — BBC World -
• Ukrainian slider's Olympics over as helmet appeal dismissed — BBC World -
• Haiti’s Winter Olympics kit redesigned at last minute to fit IOC guidelines — The Guardian -
• Penisgate 2: Italian Olympic coverage takes Leonardo da Vinci’s genitals away — The Guardian -
• Milan Has an Affordable Housing Crisis. Can the Olympic Village Help? — New York Times World -
• Ukrainian Olympian Is Disqualified Over Helmet Honoring War Dead — New York Times World -
• ‘A great wee place’: the small Scottish factory crafting Olympic curling stones — The Guardian -
• Heated Rivalry and Marital Bliss: Two Wives Go Head to Head in a Scary Olympic Sport — New York Times World -

ICE agents are suspected of lying about a migrant shooting in Minneapolis, a New York police leader was charged with bribery, and an Indian man pleaded guilty to plotting to assassinate a US activist.

• ICE agents may have lied about shooting of migrant in Minneapolis, officials say — BBC World -
• Indian man accused of plot to assassinate US activist pleads guilty — The Guardian -
• New York police leader charged with bribery over school alert system scheme — The Guardian -

• Arizona sheriff denies withholding key evidence on Nancy Guthrie from FBI — The Guardian -
• Henry McGowan Found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity in Father’s Murder — New York Times World -
• Man admits sexual assault of woman who husband drugged and raped for years — The Guardian -
• French police arrest nine people over suspected €10m Louvre ticket fraud — The Guardian -
• South Africa to deploy troops to tackle crime gangs — BBC World -
• FBI releases description of suspect in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping — BBC World -
• Justice department moves to drop charges against men accused of hitting ICE officer in Minnesota — The Guardian -
• In a pickle: couple charged with felony battery after pickleball brawl at Florida country club — The Guardian -

Concerns are rising about **AI’s impact on industries as shares in trucking and logistics firms plunged after a new AI freight tool launch, while Anthropic secured substantial funding** for its Claude chatbot.

• AI is indeed coming – but there is also evidence to allay investor fears — The Guardian -
• Anthropic raises $30bn in latest round, valuing Claude bot maker at $380bn — The Guardian -
• Iran Turns to Digital Surveillance Tools to Track Down Protesters — New York Times World -

• Shares in trucking and logistics firms plunge after AI freight tool launch — The Guardian -

Kyiv residents face a bitter winter with power outages due to Russian targeting, a Sudanese city reportedly saw 6,000 killed in three days, and children born in Bangladesh brothels finally received birth certificates.

• France probes baby formula producers over contamination recalls — BBC World -
• Sudanese city had 6,000 killed in three days, UN says — BBC World -
• FDA refuses to consider Moderna flu shot in move experts claim is part of ‘anti-vaccine agenda’ — The Guardian -

• Florida man saves pregnant woman from drowning hours before baby’s birth — The Guardian -
• Milan Has an Affordable Housing Crisis. Can the Olympic Village Help? — New York Times World -
• ‘Everything is frozen’: bitter winter drags on for Kyiv residents as Russia wipes out power — The Guardian -
• ‘Invisible’ children born in the brothels of Bangladesh finally get birth certificates — The Guardian -

Gisèle Pelicot shared her story from France’s mass-rape trial, Arundhati Roy quit the Berlin Film Festival over political comments, and a Louvre painting was damaged by a leak.

• Key Moments in Gisèle Pelicot’s Interview With The New York Times — New York Times World -
• Can’t Buy Love? Kenya Bans Bouquets Made of Cash. — New York Times World -
• ’The Interview’: Gisèle Pelicot Shares Her Story — New York Times World -

• Leak damages 19th Century painting in latest Louvre setback — BBC World -
• Arundhati Roy quits Berlin film festival over ‘stay out of politics’ comment — The Guardian -
• Hello Kitty designer steps down after 46 years — BBC World -
• Michael Kors celebrates 45-year career by toasting chic women of New York — The Guardian -
• Meet the unlikely star of the bodice-ripping Wuthering Heights – Martin Clunes — The Guardian -
• Steven Spielberg donates $25,000 to James Van Der Beek's $2m GoFundMe — BBC World -
• Bikinis banned on Sydney bus over ‘cleanliness’ concerns — The Guardian -
• Taylor Swift asks US government to block 'Swift Home' trademark — BBC World -
• Would You Leave Your Bag Unattended at a Starbucks? They Did. For Hours. — New York Times World -
• Food firms urge Europe not to ban calling non-meat products ‘sausages’ — The Guardian -