US EditionDaily Briefing
Japan calls snap election; massive solar flares could bring northern lights; Apple shines in Chinese market
15 Articles •
Powerful Solar Flare Could Bring Northern Lights to 22 States
L 20%
Center 40%
Right 40%
What happened: An X1.9 solar flare erupted yesterday from sunspot region AR4341, producing a full-halo coronal mass ejection now heading toward Earth. A strong S3 solar radiation storm began today and the CME is expected to arrive tomorrow, potentially triggering G3 to G4 geomagnetic storm conditions.
Why it matters: The incoming CME could disrupt satellite operations, degrade GPS navigation, cause radio blackouts, and increase radiation exposure for high-altitude flights and astronauts. If conditions align favorably, northern lights may be visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama within the next 24 to 48 hours.
93% of sources are Original Reporting
116 Articles •
Japan's Takaichi Calls for Snap Election
Left 28%
Center 46%
Right 26%
What happened: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced today she will dissolve parliament on January 23, triggering a snap election for February 8. She seeks a stronger mandate to pass a record $768 billion budget and boost defense spending amid tensions with China.
Why it matters: The election outcome will determine whether your government can deliver promised food tax cuts and inflation relief, but 60 percent of voters worry worsening China relations could hurt Japan's economy. China has already banned critical exports including rare-earth materials used in electric cars.
72% of sources are Original Reporting
208 Articles •
Presidential Election in Portugal Heads to Runoff
Left 26%
Center 38%
Right 36%
What happened: Socialist António José Seguro won yesterday's first round with 31% of votes, while far-right Chega leader André Ventura secured 24%, forcing Portugal's first presidential runoff since 1986. The Feb. 8 second round will determine who succeeds term-limited President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for a five-year term.
Why it matters: This marks the first time a far-right candidate has reached Portugal's presidential runoff, reflecting Europe's broader shift toward populist parties. While largely ceremonial, the president can veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and will likely decide on a pending euthanasia law that has awaited approval since 2022.
74% of sources are Original Reporting
26 Articles •
iPhone 17 Outsells All Chinese Flagship Phones Combined
Left 50%
Center 50%
The numbers: Apple's iPhone 17 series sold 17.27 million units in China from September 2025 through mid-January 2026, exceeding all Chinese flagship phones combined and helping Apple reclaim the top holiday-quarter position. The nearest competitor, Xiaomi's 17 series, sold only 3.08 million units during the same period.
What to expect: Memory chip shortages will likely push smartphone prices up 6-8 percent in 2026, with memory costs rising 40-50 percent in Q1 and another 20 percent in Q2. Budget phone makers may merge or exit the market, while manufacturers scale back low-end models and reduce discounts.
Blindspot: No Coverage from Right Sources
92% of sources are Original Reporting
105 Articles •
CBS Airs Delayed 60 Minutes Report on Migrant Deportations
Left 35%
Center 50%
R 15%
What happened: 60 Minutes aired “Inside CECOT” yesterday after it was pulled hours before its Dec. 21 broadcast; the revised 13‑minute piece added written White House and DHS statements and criminal‑record details but no new on‑camera administration interviews.
Why it matters: The episode renewed questions about CBS News’ editorial independence, provoked internal pushback from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi and staff, and intensified scrutiny over deportations to El Salvador’s harsh CECOT prison.
60% of sources are Original Reporting
70% of sources are High Factuality
87 Articles •
Hackers Breach Iran State TV to Air Exiled Prince's Protest Call
L 22%
Center 42%
Right 36%
What happened: Opposition hackers hijacked Iran's state television broadcasts Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. for approximately ten minutes, airing footage of anti-regime protests and exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urging Iranians to protest and military forces to side with the people. The breach reached millions of viewers via the Badr satellite during an ongoing week-and-a-half internet blackout.
Why it matters: The hack broke through Iran's information blackout to reach millions with forbidden protest footage and calls to revolt, potentially undermining regime control and influencing military morale amid mass demonstrations that have reportedly killed thousands and resulted in over 24,000 arrests. The breach demonstrates technology's power to circumvent authoritarian censorship during critical moments of civil unrest.
70% of sources are Original Reporting
Daily Briefing
Japan calls snap election; massive solar flares could bring northern lights; Apple shines in Chinese market
15 Articles •
Powerful Solar Flare Could Bring Northern Lights to 22 States
L 20%
Center 40%
Right 40%
What happened: An X1.9 solar flare erupted yesterday from sunspot region AR4341, producing a full-halo coronal mass ejection now heading toward Earth. A strong S3 solar radiation storm began today and the CME is expected to arrive tomorrow, potentially triggering G3 to G4 geomagnetic storm conditions.
Why it matters: The incoming CME could disrupt satellite operations, degrade GPS navigation, cause radio blackouts, and increase radiation exposure for high-altitude flights and astronauts. If conditions align favorably, northern lights may be visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama within the next 24 to 48 hours.
93% of sources are Original Reporting
116 Articles •
Japan's Takaichi Calls for Snap Election
Left 28%
Center 46%
Right 26%
What happened: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced today she will dissolve parliament on January 23, triggering a snap election for February 8. She seeks a stronger mandate to pass a record $768 billion budget and boost defense spending amid tensions with China.
Why it matters: The election outcome will determine whether your government can deliver promised food tax cuts and inflation relief, but 60 percent of voters worry worsening China relations could hurt Japan's economy. China has already banned critical exports including rare-earth materials used in electric cars.
72% of sources are Original Reporting
208 Articles •
Presidential Election in Portugal Heads to Runoff
Left 26%
Center 38%
Right 36%
What happened: Socialist António José Seguro won yesterday's first round with 31% of votes, while far-right Chega leader André Ventura secured 24%, forcing Portugal's first presidential runoff since 1986. The Feb. 8 second round will determine who succeeds term-limited President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for a five-year term.
Why it matters: This marks the first time a far-right candidate has reached Portugal's presidential runoff, reflecting Europe's broader shift toward populist parties. While largely ceremonial, the president can veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and will likely decide on a pending euthanasia law that has awaited approval since 2022.
74% of sources are Original Reporting
26 Articles •
iPhone 17 Outsells All Chinese Flagship Phones Combined
Left 50%
Center 50%
The numbers: Apple's iPhone 17 series sold 17.27 million units in China from September 2025 through mid-January 2026, exceeding all Chinese flagship phones combined and helping Apple reclaim the top holiday-quarter position. The nearest competitor, Xiaomi's 17 series, sold only 3.08 million units during the same period.
What to expect: Memory chip shortages will likely push smartphone prices up 6-8 percent in 2026, with memory costs rising 40-50 percent in Q1 and another 20 percent in Q2. Budget phone makers may merge or exit the market, while manufacturers scale back low-end models and reduce discounts.
Blindspot: No Coverage from Right Sources
92% of sources are Original Reporting
105 Articles •
CBS Airs Delayed 60 Minutes Report on Migrant Deportations
Left 35%
Center 50%
R 15%
What happened: 60 Minutes aired “Inside CECOT” yesterday after it was pulled hours before its Dec. 21 broadcast; the revised 13‑minute piece added written White House and DHS statements and criminal‑record details but no new on‑camera administration interviews.
Why it matters: The episode renewed questions about CBS News’ editorial independence, provoked internal pushback from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi and staff, and intensified scrutiny over deportations to El Salvador’s harsh CECOT prison.
60% of sources are Original Reporting
70% of sources are High Factuality
87 Articles •
Hackers Breach Iran State TV to Air Exiled Prince's Protest Call
L 22%
Center 42%
Right 36%
What happened: Opposition hackers hijacked Iran's state television broadcasts Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. for approximately ten minutes, airing footage of anti-regime protests and exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urging Iranians to protest and military forces to side with the people. The breach reached millions of viewers via the Badr satellite during an ongoing week-and-a-half internet blackout.
Why it matters: The hack broke through Iran's information blackout to reach millions with forbidden protest footage and calls to revolt, potentially undermining regime control and influencing military morale amid mass demonstrations that have reportedly killed thousands and resulted in over 24,000 arrests. The breach demonstrates technology's power to circumvent authoritarian censorship during critical moments of civil unrest.
70% of sources are Original Reporting