President Biden delivered a combative State of the Union address, confirming plans for US aid to Gaza while taking aim at Donald Trump. Biden pledged humanitarian support for Gaza, condemning Israeli airstrikes and advocating for a two-state solution. He also criticized Trump's foreign policy, vowing not to bow down to Putin. Republican backlash punctuated the speech, with tense exchanges over immigration and healthcare. Biden outlined his vision for a potential second term, including promises to protect social security, ban assault weapons, and cap prescription drug costs. As the election looms, Biden has eight months to rally support for his agenda.        

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announces plans for a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. The corridor, coordinated with the UAE and aid organizations, will facilitate large-scale aid delivery. US President Biden also pledges support with a temporary port in Gaza. Amid accusations of impeding aid, Israel calls for expanded routes. The initiative follows reports of Gaza's dire conditions, with a quarter of its population at risk of famine. International efforts intensify to address the crisis as aid shipments aim to reach those in need.

Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May will step down as an MP after 27 years, focusing on causes like the Global Commission on Modern Slavery. May, elected in 1997, cited increasing commitments to these causes, realizing she can't fulfill her MP duties adequately. Known for her work against modern slavery, she launched the global commission in 2023. May served as home secretary and then prime minister, facing challenges like Brexit turmoil. She plans to work with her successor for a Conservative victory in Maidenhead and thanked constituents. Nearly 100 MPs, including 64 Tories, won't contest the upcoming election.

Hong Kong's government introduced a 212-page draft bill for new national security laws, facing criticism for potential crackdowns and damage to its international business image. The bill includes offenses like treason and espionage, with life imprisonment for serious violations and "external forces" considered aggravating. Supporters claim it's crucial for stability post-2019 protests, but critics argue it broadens China's definition of security offenses, impacting political dissent and business activities. The law aims to fill gaps in the 2020 Beijing-imposed version, with a previous attempt in 2003 sparking protests. Pro-democracy figures in jail or abroad, and the legislature lacks opposition.

Russia and Ukraine clashed in a night of drone warfare, as Ukraine's air force reported 37 Iranian-style "Shahed" kamikaze drones and three missiles launched by Russia. Ukrainian defenses successfully downed 33 drones across different regions. Moscow's defense ministry claimed to intercept 16 Ukrainian drones, destroying 15 over Volgograd and one near the Belgorod border. In the Kharkiv region, a Russian strike injured five, including a three-year-old child. The conflict's toll includes frequent artillery, rocket, and drone attacks, causing damage and casualties. Both nations continue their attacks behind the extended frontlines in the ongoing two-year war.

An 11-year-old boy in the UK, Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington, died after participating in the dangerous "chroming" social media challenge, where fumes from household products are inhaled to get high. The incident occurred during a TikTok craze at a friend's house, resulting in cardiac arrest. The grieving family is urging social media platforms to enforce stricter safety measures for children. Tommie-Lee's grandmother, Tina Burns, believes social media companies should be held accountable and, in extreme cases, shut down to prevent similar tragedies. Chroming videos on social media have led to a concerning trend and multiple teenage fatalities worldwide.

The UK's Treasury Committee has urged a ban on finance firms in Britain misusing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of sexual harassment. In a report on sexism in the City of London, lawmakers called for legislation to prohibit "gagging orders" protecting serial perpetrators and fostering corrosive workplace cultures. The committee expressed shock at the prevalence of harassment and poor handling of allegations in financial services. Progress in combating sexism since 2018 was deemed slow, with corporate inaction labeled both immoral and detrimental to business. The recommendations aim to end impunity for predators and bullies in the industry.

A tragic incident in Ottawa saw six people from Sri Lanka, including a mother and four young children, fatally knifed. The 19-year-old suspect, Febrio De-Zoysa, a Sri Lankan student, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. The victims, including a 35-year-old woman and her children, were known to the suspect. Ottawa Mayor called it one of the city's most shocking incidents, emphasizing the rarity of such violence in Canada. The attack occurred in Barrhaven, and the motive remains unclear. Mass killings in Canada are infrequent, with 14 murders in Ottawa in 2023.

US Army analyst Sergeant Korbein Schultz, with top-secret clearance, was arrested for allegedly providing national defense information to China. The indictment states Schultz supplied documents, maps, and photos since June 2022, receiving $42,000. Information included potential US plans for Taiwan, fighter aircraft, hypersonic equipment, and more. This follows recent arrests of two Navy sailors in California for spying for China. Petty officer Wenheng Zhao was sentenced to 27 months in prison in January for conspiring with a foreign intelligence officer and accepting a bribe.

President Biden used his State of the Union address to criticize Donald Trump for seeking "revenge and retribution." While not naming Trump directly, Biden emphasized his commitment to freedom and democracy. Protests against Biden's support for Israel's actions disrupted his motorcade route. He aimed to dispel concerns about his age and positioned himself as the anti-Trump choice. Biden also tackled Republican abortion opposition and highlighted an optimistic view of the US economy, calling it the "greatest comeback story never told." Additionally, he addressed concerns about conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine in the annual congressional speech.