World
Top Stories:- More than a rift: Trump aides cast doubt on shared values with EuropeFor almost eight decades, the transatlantic alliance created mutual prosperity and brought peace to a war-prone Europe. But U.S. questioning of shared values is seen as a watershed.
- Stuck outside Ukraine talks, Europe begins reassessing its relations with USThe United States appears set to abandon European security as a priority. That has left Europe scrambling to find new ways to protect the continent.
- Beyond Ukraine talks, Putin counts on Trump to open world doorsU.S.-Russia relations have gone from nowhere to close engagement in a week, since Donald Trump called Vladimir Putin ahead of a putative summit.
- First LookTop Russian and American officials will discuss ending the Ukraine war without KyivThe talks scheduled for Tuesday in Saudi Arabia mark another pivotal step by the Trump administration to reverse U.S. policy towards Russia.
- Difference MakerLaughter, with no strings attached: Ukrainian puppeteers bring joy amid warFrom a basement space in Kharkiv, a puppet theater troupe allows the show to go on even if air raid sirens blare.
USA
Top Stories:- The Supreme Court has helped presidential power expand. Trump may test its limits.The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed presidential power to steadily expand in recent decades. Now the court may review Trump administration efforts to expand executive branch authority.
- He’s ‘in charge’ of mass deportations. Why Trump listens to Tom Homan.President Trump has tasked his new “border czar” with significant responsibilities. The country’s next immigration chapter may well be shaped by his aggressive plans.
- First LookVice President Vance tells Europe's leaders: Stop building a 'firewall' to block far rightAt the Munich Security Conference, Vice President Vance said German political coalitions that refuse to work with far right parties violate democracy.
- Cover StoryDeep underground, missileers watch over America’s nuclear weaponsOnly Donald Trump can make the call to launch U.S. nuclear-armed ICBMs. Our reporter visits the subterranean world of the missileers who’d launch them.
- As Trump steamrolls Washington, Democrats search for a strategy – and a voiceShut out of power in Washington, the Democratic Party is struggling to find a comprehensive message. The biggest challenge may be getting voters’ attention.
Commentary
Top Stories:- The Monitor's ViewGaza’s destiny, chosen by its peopleAs big powers plot the territory’s future, a survey in Gaza points to possible religious dialogue.
- The Monitor's ViewEurope’s moment for self-governanceAmerican pressure and the prospects for talks over Ukraine force the continent to rethink the link between its values and its security.
- The Monitor's ViewDigital scouts for honest governanceA bright spot in anti-corruption efforts lies in giving citizens online access to government actions, relying on their desire for trusted leaders.
- The Monitor's ViewA vote for safety in Latin AmericaBy forcing a run-off presidential election, citizens in Ecuador urge their leaders to quell violence by strengthening democratic principles and individual rights.
- CommentaryAn opening in Syria for journalistsAccess to Syria for Western journalists was always complicated. Now, journalists are entering the country by the hundreds – and wondering what the future of press freedom will look like under a new government.
Economy
Top Stories:- Risk of a trade war rises as Trump boosts tariffs globallyPresident Trump is hiking tariffs on steel and aluminum, and pledging to impose more. The question is whether this leads to a widening conflict or not.
- Tariffs on China but not Mexico, Canada? The stakes in a potential trade war.In postponing some threatened tariffs but not others, U.S. President Donald Trump is sowing uncertainty for businesses and consumers in his own country and abroad. His tactics could score some wins, but also carry big risks.
- Inflation’s lasting pressure: A hotel worker’s story shows the struggleInflation has come way down since June 2022. But the issue might have decided the recent election. Here’s one story, from a Boston hotel worker, of how its effects still weigh on Americans.
- First LookTrump imposes steep tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Will it sabotage economic growth?President Donald Trump has signed an order to impose stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, fulfilling a campaign promise but raising the prospect of increased prices for American consumers.
- Globalization is over. Will Trump tariffs reset US-China rivalry?Speaking to Davos and Beijing, President Donald Trump is reaffirming that an era of free trade has given way to one focused around competition, especially between the U.S. and China.
Environment
Top Stories:- Insurance and the LA fires: Is staggering cost threatening the industry?An author who has studied wildfires discusses the insurance industry's response - including the challenges that large-scale disasters present, and possible solutions.
- Points of ProgressIncome grows in Africa, and solar power soars in PakistanProgress roundup: Colombian women chose fish farms over coca, Africa made income gains, and solar power is surging in Pakistan.
- Trump, Musk want to curb FEMA. Its North Carolina response says volumes.President Trump derided FEMA as politicized and inadequate. North Carolina is a reality check for needed reforms.
- Points of ProgressBee fences and women taxi drivers to protect peopleProgress roundup: Taxi companies built by women are improving their safety. And fences made of beehives are keeping farmers safer from elephants.
- LA fires left blank slate for rebuilding. Whose priorities will chart the path?With the LA fires contained, homeowners will be deciding how to rebuild. Officials, nonprofits, and others are already weighing in on what new homes and communities could look like.
Technology
Top Stories:- First LookGeorgia leads toward a nuclear future with its first operating reactorGeorgia Power Co. announced one of its two new reactors reached self-sustaining nuclear fission on Monday. The announcement is a key step toward reaching commercial operation of nuclear energy in the United States.
- First LookCellphone at 50: Its inventor reflects on mobile advances and risksCellphone inventor Martin Cooper, who placed the first mobile call on April 3, 1973, remains hopeful the technology can transform lives, but he’s also concerned about its impact. “We don’t have any privacy anymore,” Mr. Cooper said at a trade show in Spain.
- First LookWhat links toothbrushes and weapons systems? A $52 billion investment.The U.S. government has reached a rare bipartisan agreement to invest $52 billion to develop advanced computer chips. Factories, autos, appliances, electronics, toys, toothbrushes, and weapons systems all depend on semiconductors.
- First LookInternet speech: Supreme Court to weigh who is protected onlineTwo cases before the U.S. Supreme Court this week challenge Section 230, a 1996 law that protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their networks. The cases are part of a global trend toward holding social media platforms accountable.
- First Look‘Tremendous potential’: Why some disability advocates laud ChatGPTChatGPT has spurred lively conversations about the role of educational technology. While some colleges and universities are cracking down on ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot, other educators believe ChatGPT could help with assisted learning.
Science
Top Stories:- How four women physicists escaped the Nazis, but lost their life’s work“Sisters in Science” tells of the rise of female scientists in 1930s Germany – some of whom were Jewish – whose careers were ended by Adolf Hitler.
- China’s DeepSeek impresses. But is a ‘fast follow’ good enough in AI?China’s success with AI tool DeepSeek is giving U.S. markets a reality check. But it’s too early to say that American AI leaders will be eclipsed.
- First LookNvidia unveils new products from supercharged graphics chip to AI that trains robotsChipmaker and AI leader Nvidia revealed its most advanced consumer graphics processor unit, its first desktop computer, and artificial intelligence to better train robots and cars.
- Solar panels in space show potential for liftoff, despite cost concernsTechnological advances mean space-based solar panels are edging closer to reality. Cost is the biggest hurdle.
- First LookAre the Boeing astronauts actually stuck in space? Nope. ‘Living in space is super fun.’Boeing’s new Starliner astronauts have had to combat rumors about their health and saftey after a forced extended stay on the International Space Station. However, the pair has taken the challenge in stride. “Mindset does go a long way,” said Butch Wilmore.
Culture
Top Stories:- In the dark days of winter, I kindle the light withinIt can be bleak when the sun barely grazes the horizon. But I ignite my inner glow and make my own pleasures.
- After LA fires, the Oscars decreed the show must go on. Here’s why.How do you calibrate an Oscars ceremony after a natural disaster? Other award shows are balancing the glitz with compassion – which is resonating at a time when Los Angeles is rebuilding.
- The new ‘Captain America’ explores a different kind of patriotism“Brave New World” introduces a Black Captain America to the big screen. In doing so, it doesn’t shy away from exploring the complex legacy Black Americans have with the flag.
- Grab your hat and pack the marmalade: Paddington is headed to PeruPart of Paddington’s charm is that he always sees the best in people – and helps them see the best in themselves, too.
- This Valentine’s Day, I’ll cook up a homemade romance in my cozy love nestDitch crowded restaurants this Valentine’s Day. Thirty years of marriage have taught us the sweet pleasure of the at-home date.
Books
Top Stories:- ‘Daughter of Daring’ tells a rip-roaring story of Hollywood’s first stuntwomanHelen Gibson wowed audiences with her jumps, falls, and derring-do. She also offered moviegoers the unique image of a woman in control.
- Curiosity, love, loss: A biographer puts herself in the frameMegan Marshall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, looks inward at how her life has been shaped by asking questions and digging deeply.
- Anne Tyler’s trademark wit and empathy shine in ‘Three Days in June’In “Three Days in June,” Anne Tyler makes the case for forgiving people’s shortcomings and cutting each other slack.
- A father-daughter bond forged by meals and memoriesBonny Reichert’s ”How To Share an Egg” celebrates the survival of her Jewish family, measured in joyous family dinners.
- A novelist embraces solitude and nature as antidotes to lossIn “Memorial Days: A Memoir,” author Geraldine Brooks carves out space to grieve – and to heal.