Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Updated 2m ago
Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators began a second round of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, while Russian strikes continued, killing seven in Donetsk.
Investors drove a global sell-off in software stocks after new AI tools from Anthropic reignited fears that automation could erode SaaS business models and subscription revenue.
The Metropolitan Police opened a criminal investigation into former British minister Peter Mandelson over allegations he shared Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein.
Palestinian authorities said Israeli strikes killed at least 17 people in Gaza and that Israel halted patient crossings at Rafah; the Israeli military said it struck after soldiers were shot.
President Donald Trump insulted CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins in the Oval Office after she pressed him about Jeffrey Epstein, ridiculing her appearance and dismissing the question, multiple outlets reported.
Epstein's files showed he paid a Swedish man to recruit women on Gotland, gave over $1 million to a German AI researcher, and spurred Trump to attack a CNN reporter.
The Bundesnachrichtendienst said Russia had increased military spending by up to 66% over its official defense budget, expanding capabilities near NATO’s eastern flank.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a proposal to ban social media for under-16s and tighten platform accountability to protect children, prompting Elon Musk to call him "tyrant" and "traitor".
Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, announced an immediate withdrawal of 700 ICE and CBP officers from Minneapolis, citing improved local cooperation while roughly 2,000 federal agents remained.
The Washington Post laid off roughly one‑third of its staff, cutting hundreds of jobs and shuttering sports, books and many local and international desks at its Washington newsroom.
Elon Musk's SpaceX acquired AI startup xAI and said it planned to shift AI data centers into orbit, reshaping his tech empire's infrastructure strategy.
Doctors in France and Greece warned misinformation about cancer—demonizing treatments and promoting fasting or supplements—had driven patients from effective care and worsened outcomes.
NASA delayed Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission since 1972, after hydrogen leaks were found on its launch vehicle, pushing the flight to March.
Storm Leonardo forced thousands to evacuate in southern Spain and prompted red flood alerts in parts of Andalusia, closing schools and cutting dozens of roads.
Das Berliner Verwaltungsgericht hob die städtische Sondererlaubnis für privaten Einsatz von Tausalz auf, nachdem der Naturschutzbund (Nabu) dagegen geklagt und Erfolg gehabt hatte.
A restorer painted over an angel's face resembling Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on a fresco in Rome's Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina at the Vatican's request.
A Doberman pinscher named Penny won Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York on Tuesday night.
Italian officials said Wednesday they had thwarted a Russian cyberattack targeting Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics websites and Cortina hotels ahead of the opening ceremony.
Werder Bremen appointed Daniel Thioune as its new head coach, replacing Horst Steffen after a winless run, with Thioune arriving from Düsseldorf and previously managing HSV.
Former Prince Andrew moved out of Royal Lodge and relocated to a temporary home on the Sandringham estate after new Jeffrey Epstein documents revived questions about his links.
A Budapest court sentenced German activist Maja T., who identifies as non‑binary, to eight years in prison for participating in violent attacks on alleged neo‑Nazis, prompting controversy.
Melinda French Gates demanded answers from her ex-husband Bill Gates after the latest Jeffrey Epstein files were released, saying they revived "very, very painful" memories.
Norway's Crown Princess Mette‑Marit faced a widening scandal after new documents linked her to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre demanded full disclosure.
