Not so dismal
The week's news at a glance.
Davos, Switzerland
The World Economic Forum wasn’t nearly as dull as usual this year, thanks to an infusion of actors and rock stars. The meeting, held every year in the Swiss Alps, brings financiers and finance ministers together to discuss international finance. This week in Davos, though, the talk was all about charity. Angelina Jolie, movie star and U.N. goodwill ambassador, urged rich nations to give more to refugees. Richard Gere lobbied for money to fight AIDS in India, while U2 frontman Bono stumped for Africa. And actress Sharon Stone stood up in the middle of a session on malaria and pledged to donate $10,000 on the spot. “Would anyone else like to?” she asked. “Just stand up!” In five minutes, she raised $1 million.
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Taking aim at Venezuela’s autocrat
Feature The Trump administration is ramping up military pressure on Nicolás Maduro. Is he a threat to the U.S.?
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Comey indictment: Is the justice system broken?
Feature U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of lying and obstructing Congress
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Government shuts down amid partisan deadlock
Feature As Democrats and Republicans clash over health care and spending, the shutdown leaves 750,000 federal workers in limbo