Bill Gates, 69, has spoken about his relationship with Paula Hurd, calling her a “serious girlfriend” and expressing happiness. During an interview on February 4, he said they were “having fun” and attending events like the Olympics. Gates also acknowledged Hurd in his memoir Source Code, published the same day. Their relationship became public in 2023, years after Hurd’s husband, former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, passed away. Gates, who divorced Melinda French Gates in 2021, previously called it his “big regret.” Hurd, a former NCR executive, has been a major donor to Baylor University.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss escalating tariffs after both nations imposed fresh levies. Trump slapped a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, while Beijing retaliated with duties on US energy and vehicles. China also announced an investigation into Google and new export controls on critical metals. Trump temporarily suspended tariffs on Mexico and Canada after they agreed to curb fentanyl trafficking and migration. "He is not going to allow China to continue to source and distribute deadly fentanyl," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Markets remain volatile as tensions rise.

At least 10 people were killed in a mass shooting at Risbergska School in Orebro, Sweden, marking the deadliest attack in the country’s history. Police confirmed the shooter is among the dead, but the motive remains unclear. Authorities are searching for more victims and investigating charges of murder, arson, and aggravated weapons offences. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a "deeply painful day" for Sweden. A teacher recounted students fleeing as shots rang out. The school, which serves both adults and children, turned into a scene of horror as emergency services rushed to assist the wounded.

Five people were shot Tuesday at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden, police said. The attack is being investigated as attempted murder, arson, and aggravated weapons offenses. Students were evacuated, while nearby schools were locked down. Local hospitals prepared for casualties, and at least four victims were admitted to Orebro University Hospital. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer called the incident “very serious” and assured government support. Police warned, “The danger is not over. The public MUST stay away.” Sweden has witnessed rare but increasing school violence, including fatal stabbings in recent years. Investigations are ongoing.

The US has deported Indian migrants using a military aircraft, marking the farthest such transport under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. A C-17 aircraft carrying migrants departed for India, taking at least 24 hours to arrive. The Pentagon is also facilitating flights to deport over 5,000 migrants from detention centers in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. Trump has increasingly used the military for deportations, despite high costs—one flight to Guatemala reportedly cost $4,675 per migrant. Previous deportation flights primarily targeted Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The move highlights Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.

A car bomb exploded near Manbij, Syria, killing at least 15 people, including 14 women, and injuring dozens. The vehicle targeted was carrying agricultural workers. Conflicting reports suggest 18 women may have died. The attack comes as Manbij remains a hotspot of violence between Turkish-backed Syrian National Army factions and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The Syrian civil defense confirmed critical injuries among the wounded. Another bombing in Manbij on Saturday killed 4 civilians. The city continues to face instability despite the downfall of President Bashar Assad in December.

The family of Israeli hostage Yarden Bibas, who was freed from Hamas captivity, is demanding answers about the fate of his wife, Shiri, and two young children, Ariel and Kfir. The family was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 2023 attack. Hamas claimed the family was killed in an Israeli airstrike, but this has not been confirmed. Bibas’ family expressed frustration, accusing the Israeli government of failing to bring them home. Israeli officials have been seeking information about the family's whereabouts and condition but have yet to provide clear answers.

US President Donald Trump has proposed a deal with Ukraine, asking for rare earth metals in return for continued US aid. Trump claimed Ukraine is willing, seeking "equalisation" for $300bn in support. Meanwhile, US weapon shipments to Ukraine were briefly paused, resuming after the White House revised its stance. In the war, Russian forces continue to advance in Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian troops facing severe shortages of manpower and resources. The UN reports increased executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. Ukraine also struggles with attacks on draft officers and faltering recruitment efforts.

China has hit back after the US imposed 10% tariffs on its goods. In response, China announced tariffs on US crude oil, cars, and gas, set to start on 10 February. President Trump said the move was to pressure China to stop fentanyl exports. He warned of even higher tariffs if China does not act. Meanwhile, Mexico and Canada avoided new US tariffs by agreeing to stricter border controls. Talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may happen soon. China has also challenged the US tariffs at the World Trade Organisation but remains open to negotiations.

The US has announced a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods, set to start on Tuesday. While Canada and Mexico have reacted strongly, China has stayed calm. Beijing has urged the US to talk and resolve issues. Experts say China is now less dependent on the US, with strong trade ties in Africa, South America, and Asia. President Xi Jinping may see an opportunity as Trump’s policies create uncertainty among US allies. China plans to challenge the tariffs through the World Trade Organisation, but experts believe tensions between the two countries will continue to rise.