Global policy and legal shifts led today’s news: Canada indefinitely paused plans to extend assisted dying to cases of mental illness only, while Israel faces intensifying calls for accountability over the 7 October attacks without a formal state inquiry. Major developments also spanned business, health, and tech, including a $12.7B deal for U.K. pharmacy chain Boots, early promise from a new Parkinson’s pill, UK courts overturning rate‑rigging convictions of former Barclays traders, and OpenAI data indicating teens spend under 15 minutes daily on ChatGPT.
Today's Stories
Canada has paused indefinitely its plan to extend eligibility for assisted dying to people whose sole condition is a mental illness. The expansion had been scheduled for March 2027 but will not proceed while the government reassesses safeguards and readiness.
Public pressure is mounting for answers over failures surrounding the 7 October attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined to take personal responsibility or order a state inquiry, according to the BBC.
The administration has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students aiming to work in the United States. The move fits into broader efforts to tighten rules on foreign students and immigration policy.
CBS News reports that federal prosecutors allege a man considered attacking Minnesota’s Mall of America and pledged allegiance to ISIS. The claims are outlined in court filings, with further case details not included in the brief report.
Wittington Investments, the Weston family holding company, will acquire U.K. pharmacy chain Boots from Sycamore Partners. The deal is valued at about $12.7B, or $8.9B US including debt, for one of Britain’s most prominent retailers.
Saudi Arabia has launched an air safety investigation into a flydubai cockpit hijacking. Observers say the probe could test mechanisms for international cooperation.
A new oral treatment for Parkinson’s disease has shown potential to ease symptoms while reducing side-effects compared with current options. Researchers say the findings are encouraging, though broader studies will be needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.
A Nature study identifies tRNA1Arg(UCU) as a regulator of lineage transitions in prostate cancer that influence resistance to androgen receptor–targeted therapies. Modulating this tRNA affects a SWI/SNF‑centered translational program and correlates with metastasis and poor survival, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue.
An Irish High Court case involving companies behind Pornhub has been adjourned until March while a proposed $120 million (€105.5 million) U.S. settlement awaits approval. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges she was drugged and raped and that videos of the abuse appeared on porn sites.
A Russian lab technician’s death at a Siberian plague research center has raised concerns, but experts note pneumonic plague is typically containable with prompt detection and treatment. Public health measures and modern antibiotics make a widespread global outbreak improbable, the BBC reports.
BBC News reports that Jon Rahm will leave LIV Golf after deeming proposed terms for the tour’s “LIV 2.0” phase unacceptable, according to statements by his lawyer in a bankruptcy court hearing. The move would represent a significant shake-up for the breakaway golf league.
OpenAI reported that teenagers use ChatGPT for less than 15 minutes per day on average, with under 2% engaging for more than three consecutive hours. The disclosure comes amid heightened scrutiny of AI tools’ risks to children.
Helicopters and ground crews are continuing efforts to contain a large vegetation fire affecting Walter Peak and Cecil Peak stations near Queenstown. Operations are set to continue on Thursday as crews work to control the blaze.
Witnesses at Day 35 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial testified that more than P96 million in joint deposits with her father was kept in manager’s checks and not declared in her SALN. The revelation adds to scrutiny of her asset disclosures as proceedings continue.
Former Barclays traders who were jailed for rigging interest rates have had their convictions overturned. The decision marks a significant reversal in high-profile prosecutions linked to benchmark manipulation.
A CBS News investigation, reported by AOL, says the law largely ended unexpected medical bills but fostered a lucrative arbitration niche extracting payments above benchmark rates. Critics warn the dispute process is inflating overall healthcare costs for consumers.
Yahoo reports that healthcare providers in several countries are running short on key HIV medicines following U.S. foreign aid reductions under President Donald Trump. Citing an International Planned Parenthood Federation survey, more than half of responding member organizations reported stockouts or resource gaps over the past year.
ACLED reports Eritrean forces crossed into Ethiopia’s Tigray region, with Ethiopian drones striking Eritrean troops moving toward Idaga Hamus. The analysis explores the main reasons behind the incursion and its implications for regional stability.
Health officials warn of injuries, contamination, heavy metal exposure, and mental health risks as more people inject unapproved peptides, often bought online for cosmetic or weight-loss aims. Rising demand for 1 ml insulin needles is straining needle exchanges and affecting services for high‑risk clients.
Moody’s has shifted its outlook on sub-Saharan African countries to positive, citing reforms that helped them weather inflationary pressures. The agency also noted strong commodity prices and improved access to financing have supported fiscal positions.
A coroner’s report details how an Auckland man took his life after being blackmailed following interactions with an AI-generated persona. Authorities issued guidance on responding to sextortion and urged vigilance around online scams.
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The government asked citizens to limit nonessential travel and reduce vehicle use as pump prices rise and the shilling hits new lows. Officials linked the squeeze to reliance on imported petroleum and currency pressures, prompting debate in Parliament.
According to the Times of India, the Reserve Bank of India will enable Account Aggregators to work across platforms and include bank fixed deposits in investors’ Consolidated Account Statements. The changes aim to give consumers a more comprehensive view of their financial holdings.
MedServe’s Tolu Adewole cautions that AI built on non‑African datasets can yield inaccurate diagnoses and treatment plans for African patients. He notes Africa’s disproportionate cancer mortality and limited radiotherapy capacity as reasons to prioritize local data.
Skydance CEO David Ellison addressed plans to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single service following the Paramount–WBD merger. Details on pricing and how current subscriptions will transition remain under discussion, raising questions for subscribers.
A judge found that fertiliser distributed under the Agriculture Ministry’s watch did not meet the composition declared on its packaging. The ruling raises concerns about oversight and product quality in the supply chain.
Ynetnews reports that Israel’s economy has shown resilience, with stocks rising and the shekel strengthening despite three years of war. The trend points to improving investor sentiment amid ongoing security challenges.
David Attenborough says the new Blue Planet III reveals marine life that is more precious—and more intelligent—than previously understood. The series features new discoveries and striking behavior captured beneath the oceans.
Former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo admitted receiving P120 million from fugitive congressman Zaldy Co as a “balato” or gratuity. He said the funds were drawn from anomalous flood control projects, adding fuel to corruption investigations.
Israeli airline Arkia canceled planned repatriation flights from Dubai after necessary permissions were rescinded. The carrier says it had approvals until Tuesday evening and is working to restore authorization.
Tanzania and Mozambique signed an agreement to enhance collaboration against cross‑border threats, including organized crime, technology misuse, and terrorism. The accord was concluded in Dar es Salaam and aims to bolster peace and security for both countries.
Author and former UBC professor Steven Galloway testified that he was shocked by a sexual assault accusation from a former student. He told the court he believed their relationship had ended amicably, statements made during his ongoing defamation case.
Researchers are examining the DNA of the world’s oldest tortoise to uncover mechanisms linked to longevity and disease resistance. Insights from the study could inform future human ageing and health research.
At a Kampala workshop, Ugandan officials called for stronger regional cooperation and more financing to scale community‑driven adaptation. The initiative targets enhanced East African resilience to worsening climate risks.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed agencies to focus on ensuring adequate supplies of food, fuel and electricity after inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent last month. Malacañang linked the surge to the Middle East conflict and recent disasters and said mitigation efforts are underway.
Relatives issued a tribute to Dr Hannah Terry as investigations continue into her death, described in reports as a suspected murder. The remembrance comes amid public attention due to her role as a physician to members of the royal household.
A new initiative by Visa and ETTA Solutions will allow Ethiopian merchants to access working capital loans based on their digital transaction histories. The program aims to broaden financing for small and medium-sized businesses.
NDTV reports that scientists have identified a planet apparently formed from the debris of a dead star. The finding suggests planet formation can occur even after a star’s demise, broadening scenarios for how worlds originate.
Elon Musk suggested in a post on X that unnamed Indian “oligarchs” are obstructing Starlink’s entry to protect the existing telecom market. The remark underscores ongoing delays to the satellite internet service’s India launch.
U.S. News reports that two strategies may help limit weight regain after using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Specific details were not available in the provided text.
President Mahama proposed using the National Housing Fund to provide loans helping Ghanaians complete unfinished houses. The plan aims to speed occupancy and address stalled residential projects.
Minnesota added veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad as Week 5 begins, per reports. The move follows Justin Jefferson’s ankle injury and uneven production from the rest of the receiver group.
Prosecutors told a jury that a teenage boy brought a knife to a Norfolk school intending to kill other pupils and attack a teacher. The court heard he had researched serial killers ahead of the alleged attack.
David Tamihere says he is entitled to a “quite huge” payout from the Crown after murder charges against him were withdrawn. He spent 20 years in prison and now seeks compensation.
Researchers at Sungkyunkwan University developed a compact microfluidic platform that recreates key features of viral transmission within a simulated population. The system could enable controlled studies of outbreak dynamics and potential interventions.
Coco Gauff was eliminated from the China Open by Elise Mertens and said the subsequent barrage of racist comments on social media was “insane” and emotionally draining. Her remarks highlight ongoing concerns about athlete harassment online.
The Hindu reports that the opposition INDIA bloc has yet to secure an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu to raise concerns about the Election Commission of India. The delegation has been trimmed, and CPI(M) MP John Brittas has sought constitutional action on the matter.
Apple is reportedly aiming for a bezel‑free iPhone with no physical frame or buttons. The effort hinges on Samsung’s in‑development “full‑surround” OLED panels that would extend the display around the device’s sides.
Ireland’s government has reduced RTÉ’s funding by €20 million. Director general Kevin Bakhurst criticized the decision, saying it was unexpected and would affect delivery of the broadcaster’s five-year strategy.
The Bank of Ghana warned the public against repairing torn or soiled cedi banknotes with adhesive tape. It said such notes should not be returned to circulation.