Waymo is expanding its driverless taxi services to ten U.S. cities, adding four new locations in Texas and Florida. With substantial financial backing from Alphabet, Waymo is growing its fleet and service areas, aiming to offer more driverless rides. The company now has about 3,000 robotaxis in operation and plans to provide over one million rides weekly by year-end.
Key Facts
Waymo's robotaxi service is now available in ten U.S. cities.
The latest cities added are Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando.
Waymo is backed by $16 billion from Alphabet and others.
The company is expanding faster than rivals like Tesla and Zoox.
It plans to scale its service in more than 20 cities.
Waymo aims to offer over one million driverless rides each week by the end of the year.
About 3,000 Waymo robotaxis are currently operating in the U.S.
Many of these robotaxis are based in the San Francisco Bay area.
Warner Bros Discovery is reviewing a new buyout offer from Paramount but still supports an earlier proposal from Netflix. Paramount made a $77.9 billion offer, while Netflix wants to acquire Warner’s studio and streaming business for $72 billion. The decision on these proposals involves potential regulatory reviews due to concerns about industry consolidation.
Key Facts
Warner Bros Discovery received a buyout offer from Paramount Skydance but still recommends Netflix’s offer to its shareholders.
Paramount’s proposal values Warner at $77.9 billion and includes networks like CNN and Discovery.
Netflix’s proposal is to purchase only Warner’s studio and streaming business for $72 billion.
Warner’s board prefers the Netflix deal, with a shareholder vote set for March 20.
The decision involves antitrust concerns because the deals could further concentrate power in the entertainment industry.
The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing the proposals, and other countries are expected to evaluate them too.
Paramount argues that Netflix’s larger market presence could dominate if it acquires Warner.
Both Paramount and Netflix claim their proposals benefit consumers and the industry.
Somali refugees live in poverty in the al-Basateen district of Aden, Yemen. Many depend on unstable, low-paying jobs and face challenges due to uncertain legal status and a lack of basic services.
Key Facts
Al-Basateen district in Aden, Yemen, is home to over 40,000 people, mostly of Somali origin.
Many Somali families moved to Yemen in the 1990s due to civil war in Somalia.
Refugees face unstable living conditions, with many relying on day-to-day jobs for survival.
Common jobs include construction work, car washing, and selling traditional foods.
Families often live in small, poorly constructed homes without basic services.
Children frequently work, collecting materials like plastic to sell and support their families.
Residents struggle with a sense of belonging, as they often lack Yemeni identity but have limited ties to Somalia.
A new school uniform law is being considered in Northern Ireland that could allow students, specifically girls, the choice between wearing trousers or skirts. This proposal is part of efforts by the Education Committee to amend existing school uniform regulations to offer more options. The change aims to provide greater flexibility for students in school attire.
Key Facts
The Education Committee in Northern Ireland is working on a new school uniform law.
The proposed law would give students the option to choose between trousers and skirts.
The focus is primarily on increasing choices for girls in their school attire.
This proposed law is part of broader efforts to update school uniform policies.
The law is still under consideration and has not yet been passed.
President Donald Trump is preparing to deliver a potentially lengthy State of the Union (SOTU) speech. He previously spoke for 100 minutes in 2025, the longest recorded time for such an address. This year's speech will focus on economic issues.
Key Facts
President Trump holds the record for the longest speech to Congress, lasting 100 minutes in 2025.
The length of SOTU speeches has been increasing because of factors like applause and discussions.
Trump plans to discuss the economy, a top concern among Americans, in his upcoming SOTU speech.
His record-setting 2025 speech had nearly 10,000 words.
The previous longest speech was by President Clinton in 2000, lasting over 89 minutes.
Trump's first-term speeches averaged one hour and twenty minutes, longer than any other president on average since 1964.
Traditionally, the median length of SOTU addresses since 1964 has been about 45 minutes.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is advising Democratic lawmakers to avoid protests during President Trump's State of the Union address. He wants them to maintain order and avoid disruptions like last year. Democrats plan to express their views in other ways, such as events and wearing coordinated outfits.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is telling Democrats not to protest during Trump's address.
Last year's State of the Union saw disruptions from Democrats.
Some Democrats feel past protests were not effective.
Jeffries emphasized the importance of maintaining "decorum."
The aim is to avoid "unforced errors" that could harm their image.
Some Democrats plan to boycott the speech instead of protesting inside.
Democratic groups are organizing events at the same time as the speech.
The Democratic Women's Caucus plans to wear matching outfits at the speech.
Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the US, was arrested and questioned about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes. Authorities suspect that Mandelson shared sensitive government information, but he denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson is a former UK ambassador to the US.
He was arrested and questioned for 9 hours.
The investigation relates to his alleged connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Authorities believe Mandelson may have shared sensitive government information.
Lord Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the US, was arrested in London over concerns he might leave the country. His lawyers say there is no truth to claims he planned to move abroad. The arrest relates to an investigation into misconduct involving sharing sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Lord Peter Mandelson was arrested at his London home on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The arrest happened because police thought he might flee the country.
His lawyers deny that he planned to leave the UK.
Mandelson was held for nine hours at a police station before being released on bail.
The investigation began due to allegations he shared government information with Jeffrey Epstein.
Police searched two addresses in Wiltshire and Camden in relation to the case.
A spokesperson from his law firm says Mandelson is cooperating with the investigation.
The U.S. government dropped charges against six Democratic lawmakers who made a video telling military members to ignore illegal orders. Prosecutors couldn’t secure a grand jury indictment, and there is no sign the case will continue. President Donald Trump previously criticized the video and called the lawmakers "traitors."
Key Facts
Six Democratic lawmakers made a video for military members about refusing illegal orders.
Federal prosecutors dropped the case because a grand jury did not indict the lawmakers.
President Trump criticized the lawmakers and called them "traitors."
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office investigated the lawmakers but failed to secure charges.
The Justice Department has not pursued further action in another district.
Senator Mark Kelly, one of the lawmakers in the video, faced demotion, which was temporarily blocked by a judge.
The lawmakers argued their actions were protected as free speech and followed military regulations.
The video was released in response to military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats, which raised questions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, until Friday to grant the military full access to its AI model. If Anthropic doesn't comply, the Pentagon may cut ties or use a special law to force changes in the AI model to meet military needs.
Key Facts
The Pentagon wants more control over Anthropic's AI model, Claude, for military use.
The Defense Production Act could be used to compel Anthropic to adjust its model for military needs.
The Pentagon is considering labeling Anthropic a "supply chain risk,” which might affect the company’s dealings with others.
Anthropic's AI model, Claude, is vital for sensitive military operations.
Anthropic is open to adjusting its usage policies but resists the use of its AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.
High-level Pentagon officials attended a meeting to stress the importance of the issue.
The Defense Production Act allows the president to push companies to prioritize certain defense contracts.
The Pentagon may cut ties with Anthropic unless a resolution is reached.
The article talks about how people showed unity and remembered soldiers who died as another anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine took place. These acts of solidarity and remembrance were significant as the conflict continues.
Key Facts
The event marked another year of Russia's war on Ukraine.
People showed unity and support for those affected by the conflict.
There were memorials for soldiers who have died.
The war has been ongoing for multiple years.
The conflict involves Russia and Ukraine, affecting many lives.
A lorry driver, Kevin Miller, admitted in court to causing the death of Rebecca Ableman by careless driving after she was struck by crane equipment. The incident occurred in September 2022 in Willingham, Cambridgeshire, when Miller's unsecured equipment struck Ableman on the head while she was walking with her daughter. Miller is scheduled for sentencing on April 14.
Key Facts
Kevin Miller admitted to causing death by careless driving in court.
The victim, Rebecca Ableman, was hit by crane equipment while pushing her daughter in a pram.
The incident happened in September 2022 in Willingham, Cambridgeshire.
Rebecca Ableman suffered head and brain injuries and died three weeks after the incident.
Miller was transporting scrap metal, and the loose equipment struck Ableman.
Miller claimed he was unaware of the incident until his arrest.
The incident is under the jurisdiction of Peterborough Crown Court, and sentencing is on April 14.
Initially, Miller faced a trial for causing death by dangerous driving, which was halted last year.
The Jogokariyan Mosque in Indonesia provides free meals every evening during Ramadan. This initiative is mainly supported by donations from the public, including contributions from online supporters.
Key Facts
The mosque distributes 3,800 free meals each night.
This initiative takes place during the month of Ramadan.
The Nigerian government denied reports that it paid a large ransom to Boko Haram to release over 200 pupils and staff abducted from a Catholic school in November. The Information Minister stated that claims about ransom payments were false and unsupported by evidence. All abducted individuals were freed by Christmas, and no Boko Haram commanders were released as part of the deal.
Key Facts
Over 200 pupils and staff were kidnapped from St Mary's School by gunmen in November.
Nigeria's government denied paying a ransom to Boko Haram for their release.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris called the report of ransom payment false.
The students and staff were released without any Boko Haram commanders being freed.
Kidnapping for ransom is a problem in Nigeria, involving various groups including Islamist militants.
A report alleged that a ransom of up to 2 billion naira ($1.5 million) was paid, but the government strongly refuted this.
The Information Minister said the rescue was achieved through professional intelligence work.
Boko Haram is known for high-profile kidnappings, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls incident.
Ukraine marked the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion with memorial events. Despite ongoing battles and losses, Ukraine remains independent, defending itself against Russian forces. President Zelensky emphasized the country’s resilience as global leaders showed support.
Key Facts
Ukraine held events to remember those killed since Russia's invasion began in February 2022.
Russia controls under 20% of Ukraine's territory but hasn't captured the entire Donbas region.
President Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's independence and statehood.
Russia's spokesman mentioned that their war goals are not fully met and blamed Western support for escalating the conflict.
The Ukrainian military continues to resist, although both sides face heavy losses.
European leaders visited Ukraine to show solidarity, including leaders from Finland, Sweden, and the European Commission.
A minute's silence took place in Kyiv, and people in Bucha laid flowers to honor fallen soldiers.
The Coalition of the Willing, led by the UK and France with about 35 countries, supports Ukraine, with some willing to send troops.
Snoop Dogg performed a private concert for staff at the Au Vodka headquarters in Swansea, turning their canteen into a lively nightclub. This event was part of his visit to Swansea as a co-owner of Swansea City FC, where he attended his first home game with the club. The famous rapper encouraged fans to participate in a towel-twirling ceremony at the stadium to celebrate his attendance.
Key Facts
Snoop Dogg performed a private concert at Au Vodka headquarters in Swansea.
The performance turned the canteen into a nightclub, hosting over 400 guests.
Snoop Dogg is a minority owner of Swansea City FC alongside other celebrities.
His visit included attending his first home game at the Swansea City stadium.
Fans at the stadium were invited to twirl towels as part of Snoop Dogg's request.
Snoop Dogg collaborated with business partners who have strong ties to the hip-hop industry.
The rapper expressed enthusiasm about supporting Swansea and its community.
Floyd Mayweather, 49, and Manny Pacquiao, 47, will have a boxing rematch in Las Vegas on September 19. This fight is categorized as a "carnival" event, reminiscent of one-off, high-impact matches that may not be eagerly anticipated by boxing fans. Both fighters are older, and their match will be a professional bout, meaning it counts towards their official records.
Key Facts
Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will fight again in Las Vegas on September 19.
Mayweather is 49 years old, and Pacquiao is 47 years old.
The fight is considered a "carnival" style event, like others that have been popular on Netflix.
This type of event focuses on short-term entertainment rather than competitive value.
The fight will be a professional bout, affecting the official records of both fighters.
Both Mayweather and Pacquiao will undergo extra health tests because they are over 40.
The exact rules for the fight will involve standard 10-ounce gloves, with 12 rounds lasting three minutes each.
The UK government has relaunched its Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, which pays farmers for environmental work, after an unexpected closure. The new version reduces the number of environmental actions funded and caps individual farm agreements to make them more accessible to different farmers. The scheme aims to balance environmental benefits and food production.
Key Facts
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is a reformed scheme for paying English farmers for environmental management.
The SFI replaced European Union subsidies after Brexit and had temporarily closed in March 2025.
The new scheme reduces funded environmental actions to 71 from the previous 102.
Individual farm payments are capped at £100,000 to ensure wider accessibility.
The goal is to fund actions that support both the environment and food production.
Priority application in June for smaller farms and those without current agreements.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) supports the changes, citing a balance of simplicity and flexibility.
Concerns about the budget capacity to meet demand remain among farmer associations.
Israel's opposition leader, Yair Lapid, supports expanding Israel's borders based on historical and biblical reasons. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made earlier comments backing broad Israeli control, which caused controversy. Saudi Arabia criticized Huckabee's remarks, but the U.S. Embassy stated that there is no change in U.S. policies on Israel.
Key Facts
Yair Lapid, Israel's opposition leader, supports the idea of expanding Israel's borders as far as Iraq.
Lapid bases his support on Zionist and biblical beliefs.
Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, made comments supporting broad Israeli control over the Middle East.
Huckabee's remarks drew criticism from Saudi Arabia, which labeled them "extremist" and "unacceptable."
The U.S. Embassy stated that Huckabee's comments were taken out of context and U.S. policy remains unchanged.
Huckabee is a known Christian Zionist, believing in the biblical promise of land to Israel.
He has opposed a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
President Trump selected Huckabee as the ambassador to Israel in 2024.
Enzo Conticello admitted in court to stealing a handbag in London that contained a Fabergé egg and a watch, together worth over £2 million. He also used stolen credit cards from the handbag to buy items in Soho supermarkets. Conticello is currently in custody and will appear in court again in March.
Key Facts
A man named Enzo Conticello admitted to stealing a handbag in Soho, London.
The handbag contained a valuable Fabergé egg and a watch, worth more than £2 million.
The theft occurred on 7 November 2024.
Conticello used the stolen credit cards to buy cigarettes and goods in Soho.
He faces charges of theft and fraud by misrepresentation.
The Fabergé egg has not been found.
Conticello will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 6 March.
