China extends reach in South Pacific with Cook Islands deal

No details have been released, but analysts and environmentalists fear it will pave the way for closer security ties and the start of deep-sea mining.

Source: Washington Post

Jurassic bird fossil rewrites history of avian evolution

The fossil of a Jurassic bird unearthed in southeastern China has major implications for the history of avian evolution, researchers say.

Source: NBC News

South Korea’s likely next leader wants warmer ties with China, North Korea

Lee Jae-myung says he would support President Donald Trump’s efforts to restart talks with North Korea — and even consider nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Source: Washington Post

Gaza plans put Egypt-US relations to tough test

After decades of close ties, what happens to Gaza could put Egypt-US friendship at risk.

Source: BBC

Judge orders Trump administration to temporarily reinstate foreign aid funding

President Donald Trump last month signed an executive order that issued a blanket pause on U.S. foreign aid.

Source: NBC News

Hamas says it will release Israeli hostages Saturday, amid ceasefire strain

Hamas said it would carry out the ceasefire agreement “according to the specified timetable,” reversing a vow to delay prisoner releases over alleged Israeli violations.

Source: Washington Post

Trump wants peace. Ukrainians fear what that might look like

Trump and Putin want to make a deal. But Ukrainians question how life after a ceasefire will work.

Source: BBC

Mexico takes aim at U.S. gunmakers if cartels deemed terrorist groups

Claudia Sheinbaum said the U.S. Justice Department itself has recognized that "74% of the weapons" used by criminal groups in Mexico come from north of the border.

Source: CBS News

Trump’s tariffs could spur push to rewrite North America trade pact

The Trump administration is trying to rewrite numerous trade rules to extract concessions from allies and adversaries.

Source: Al Jazeera

JD Vance says he fears Europe’s ‘threat from within’

Source: Financial Times

Peruvian policeman in capybara costume makes Valentine's drug bust

Video shows the moment police use fancy dress to carry out a drug raid in Lima, Peru.

Source: BBC

Man pleads guilty in shooting of US teen Ralph Yarl

The unarmed teenager was shot in April 2023 after knocking on the wrong door as he went to pick up his brothers. He survived the shooting.

Source: BBC