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Departures from this desk, newest publication first.
- 217World
Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. hold Abu Dhabi peace talks at a pivotal moment in the war
Envoys from Ukraine and Russia met in Abu Dhabi with U.S. participation in what AP described as the first known instance of Trump administration officials sitting down with both countries in the same talks. The discussions come as territorial issues and security guarantees remain major sticking points.
- 218Latest
TikTok’s U.S. future secured as new joint venture formally closes, shifting control away from ByteDance
TikTok says a majority American-owned joint venture has officially been established to keep the app operating in the United States, with Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX as managing investors. The new structure is designed to satisfy U.S. national security demands around data storage, algorithm handling and independent oversight.
- 219Tech
Inside the TikTok USDS structure: Oracle cloud, algorithm ring-fencing and security certifications
The newly formed TikTok USDS Joint Venture outlines a security-focused operating model intended to protect U.S. user data and recommendation systems. The approach emphasizes Oracle-hosted infrastructure, third-party audits, and adherence to widely used cybersecurity frameworks.
- 220Sports
Trinity Rodman captains USWNT to 6–0 friendly win over Paraguay as January camp continues
Trinity Rodman scored in her first match as U.S. captain and the USWNT produced a five-goal second half to rout Paraguay, 6–0, in Carson, California. The result capped a night of individual milestones, including debuts, multi-goal performances and a tribute to Christen Press.
- 221Politics
U.S. politics jolted by Minneapolis Border Patrol shooting as backlash grows and Democrats threaten funding fight
A fatal shooting of an American citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis intensified national outrage and sharpened partisan conflict, with Democrats warning they could block funding tied to the Department of Homeland Security. The episode has also fueled new scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics and oversight.
- 222Business
Streaming mega-deal scramble: Netflix and Paramount battle over Warner assets as regulators loom
A high-stakes bidding war over Warner Bros. Discovery assets is reshaping the media landscape, with Netflix pushing an all-cash approach while Paramount presses a rival proposal. Regulators and competition concerns are becoming central as the fight moves toward shareholder decisions.
- 223Tech
OpenAI’s defining year: Sam Altman faces mounting pressure to scale AI safely while proving the business
As AI investment expands and regulation tightens, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is navigating a pivotal year: pushing aggressive infrastructure and product ambitions while confronting skepticism about costs, competition, and societal risk. The debate around OpenAI now blends technology, energy, geopolitics, and governance in ways few tech firms can avoid.
- 224Business
Saks Global bankruptcy rattles luxury retail, squeezing suppliers and raising questions about store footprints
Saks Global’s bankruptcy filing has sent a shock through the U.S. luxury department-store ecosystem, creating uncertainty for suppliers, workers, and shoppers. Even as the company says stores will continue operating, brands and vendors are reassessing shipments and payment terms, highlighting the fragility of high-end retail’s inventory-driven model.
- 225Latest
Winter Storm Fern barrels across the U.S., triggering mass cancellations and widespread emergency declarations
A major winter system dubbed Winter Storm Fern is disrupting travel and daily life across a wide swath of the United States, as governors issue emergency declarations and airlines cancel thousands of flights. Forecasts call for heavy snow, damaging ice and plunging temperatures, with officials warning that outages and dangerous road conditions could linger even after the storm’s core passes.
- 226World
Davos 2026 closes amid heightened tensions, with leaders pushing competing visions for growth, security, and rules-based order
The World Economic Forum’s 2026 annual meeting in Davos ended after a week of speeches and negotiations held against a backdrop of strained relations between the United States and some of its traditional partners. The forum’s agenda emphasized cooperation in a more contested world, investment in people, and scaling innovation responsibly—while participants debated how to do that amid geopolitical friction.
- 227Politics
Anti-ICE protests surge after Minneapolis shooting, intensifying pressure on federal enforcement tactics
Demonstrations against U.S. immigration enforcement intensified after a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, with protests spreading to multiple cities and lawmakers facing new pressure over oversight and funding. The controversy has centered on allegations of excessive force and demands for accountability, while officials brace for continued unrest.
- 228Sports
Spurs players reveal their NFL rooting interests ahead of conference championship Sunday
With the NFL’s conference championship games set for Sunday, San Antonio Spurs players and staff shared the personal connections shaping their rooting interests. The crossover fandom arrives as the league heads toward Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, with players juggling their own NBA schedule while tracking football’s biggest matchups.