Daily News Summary – 2026-02-12 – en

A study shows mass deportations could reduce real wages and long-term economic growth, with immigrants benefiting most from labor shortages.

Food prices show volatility with a 3% increase forecast for 2026, driven by climate policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks, impacting vulnerable communities globally.

Switzerland will vote on capping its population at 10 million by 2050, with debates over immigration, economic impact, and EU relations.

Human rights activists report 7,002 deaths in Iran's protests, with international concern and U.S. military buildup amid nuclear negotiations.

The U.S. House voted to overturn Trump's tariffs on Canada, with six Republicans defying the president over economic concerns and national security justifications.

A meta-analysis finds microplastics in 81% of global tap water samples, with health risks and recommendations for effective filtration systems like reverse osmosis.

A $8.8 billion federal program aims to retrofit homes with energy-efficient technologies, reducing household costs by 20-35% and cutting carbon emissions.

Cuba faces a severe fuel shortage, forcing Russian and Canadian airlines to evacuate thousands of tourists amid a U.S. oil blockade and economic collapse.

An 18-year-old shooter killed nine people at a British Columbia school, reigniting debates on gun control and mental health in Canada.

U.S. transit ridership recovers to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, with modal shifts and financial challenges prompting service optimizations and federal funding debates.

Actor James Van Der Beek died from colorectal cancer at age 48, highlighting rising early-onset cases and the importance of screening.

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Olympics for wearing a helmet honoring fallen athletes, sparking debate over political expression.

Storm Nils brings deadly winds and flooding to Southern Europe, killing one and leaving 850,000 without power, with red alerts in multiple regions.

Owners of a Swiss bar where 41 died in a fire faced victims' families in court, with charges of involuntary manslaughter and safety failures.

Dutch telecom Odido experienced a data breach compromising personal data of 6.2 million customers, highlighting cybersecurity threats in the telecommunications sector.

NATO unveils enhanced cyber defense commitments with real-time threat sharing and capability building, amid U.S. absence concerns and European defense shifts.

U.S. Defense Secretary skips NATO meeting, raising concerns about commitment as European allies assume greater defense responsibility under the NATO 3.0 framework.

Port automation trials show 15-25% throughput increases and workforce transition strategies, with a historic labor agreement protecting jobs while enabling technology adoption.

Fusion energy reaches a commercialization milestone with SPARC project advances, high-temperature superconducting magnets, and over $15 billion in investment, accelerating grid deployment.

Electric taxi pilot programs show significant air quality improvements and operational efficiencies, with driver training and passenger uptake driving sustainable urban mobility.

Norwegian police searched properties of former PM Thorbjørn Jagland after his immunity was lifted in the Epstein investigation, focusing on corruption links.

A 24-hour strike by Lufthansa pilots and cabin crew cancels 800 flights, affecting 100,000 passengers over pension and job security disputes.

ICE concludes Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota after arrests and fatalities, with a phased withdrawal announced amid political and community backlash.

The 2026 port automation trial report shows 40% reduction in turnaround times and workforce transition strategies, with policy implications for global supply chains.