Episode

Key Takeaways

Protests erupted in Minneapolis after a nurse was fatally shot by US immigration agents, leading to a political standoff.
A severe winter storm caused widespread power outages and two deaths across over 23 US states.
French sailor Thomas Coville and his crew broke a world record for non-stop circumnavigation.
Interpol faces accusations of weakening its scrutiny measures against Russia, according to whistleblowers.
Saudi Arabia's ambitious NEOM megacity project is undergoing significant scaling back and cost escalations.
Japan bid farewell to its last two giant pandas returning to China, highlighting 'panda diplomacy.'

Nurse Alex Pretty was fatally shot by US federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, sparking ongoing protests.
Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz called for federal agents to leave the city; President Trump indicated a review and possible withdrawal.
US immigration officials claimed Pretty planned an armed attack and displayed a handgun, with administration officials describing events as domestic terrorism.
Protesters, local authorities, and Pretty's family rejected the administration's account as a lie, creating a standoff between the Democrat-led city and the Trump administration.

A severe winter storm is affecting 23 US states, causing millions to be without power and thousands of flights to be canceled.
The storm system spans from New Mexico to Maine, bringing heavy snowfall and extreme cold, with warnings issued for life-threatening conditions.
Two deaths from hypothermia were reported in Louisiana; over one million properties across southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas lost power.
President Trump declared emergencies in 23 states to unlock federal funding, and warming shelters have opened in Washington, D.C., for the unhoused population.

French sailor Thomas Coville and his seven-man crew set a new world record for a non-stop circumnavigation.
They completed the voyage in 40 days, 10 hours, and 45 minutes, beating the previous record by over 12 hours.
This achievement secured them the Jules Verne Trophy, highlighting advancements in sailing technology and extreme demands.

Internal Interpol files indicate Russia is repeatedly violating agency rules when seeking arrests abroad, disrupting lives.
An Interpol whistleblower claims extra scrutiny measures against Russia, implemented after the Ukraine invasion, have been diluted in 2024.
Ukrainian theater director Eugene Lorenchuk was detained in Italy at Russia's request on fraud charges, later released after Interpol canceled the politically motivated request.
Igor Peshakov, a former rare earth metals producer, was targeted by Russia and placed on Interpol's wanted list for refusing to stop selling abroad.

Saudi Arabia's NEOM megacity project, including 'The Line' concept, has been significantly scaled back from its initial ambitious plans.
The 2029 Asian Winter Games, planned for the NEOM megacity, have been indefinitely postponed.
Estimated costs for NEOM have escalated from an initial $500 billion, potentially reaching trillions.
The project's timeline has been extended beyond 2030, with initial construction phases significantly reduced.

Japan is bidding an emotional farewell to its last two giant pandas, Shao Shao and Lele, as they return to China.
Record crowds visited Ueno Zoo to see the pandas before their departure, highlighting their significant popularity.
The return of the pandas has implications for 'panda diplomacy' amidst tense Japan-China relations.