Axios

The U.S. and Russia are closing in on a deal to continue to observe the expiring New START arms control treaty beyond its expiration on Thursday, three sources familiar with those talks tell Axios.

• Two of the sources cautioned that the draft plan still needed approval from both presidents. An additional source confirmed that negotiations took place in Abu Dhabi, but not that an agreement had been reached.

Why it matters: New START is the last major guardrail constraining the nuclear arsenals of the two countries that together hold some 85% of the world's warheads.

This weekend kicks off a historic month for NBCUniversal, which will broadcast the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star Game, all within a span of 17 days.

Why it matters: "Legendary February," as the network is calling it, will show off the unique staying power of the broadcaster, streamer and news provider.

President Trump discussed AI, immigration, the Fed, and more as he sat down with NBC News' Tom Llamas on Wednesday.

The big picture: NBC released an extended version of his "NBC Nightly News" interview on Wednesday night, ahead of more excerpts airing during the network's Super Bowl LX pre-game show Sunday.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and counterpart Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) released 10 policy demands to "rein in ICE" in a letter Wednesday to Republican leadership amid a standoff over DHS funding.

Why it matters: Congress members have two weeks to negotiate a deal to keep the Department of Homeland Security funded after more than 20 House Democrats voted with Republicans to reopen the government on Tuesday after a partial shutdown.

According to Chinese astrology, there's a reason 2026 may already feel intense: It's the Year of the Fire Horse.

Why it matters: For many people, astrology offers a lens for self-reflection and decision-making, and sometimes a shorthand for explaining why life feels more challenging than expected.

Plans for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks on Friday are back on, after several Middle Eastern leaders urgently lobbied the Trump administration on Wednesday afternoon not to follow through on threats to walk away, two U.S. officials told Axios.

• The talks will be held in Oman, as Iran insisted, despite the U.S. initially rejecting changes to the original plan to meet in Istanbul.

Why it matters: The standoff had sparked fears across the Middle East that President Trump would pivot to military action. At least nine countries from the region reached out to the White House at the highest levels strongly urging the U.S. not to cancel the meeting.

Like shuffleboard or bowling, curling involves throwing an object toward a target for points. But there's one big difference: Players can influence shots after they're thrown. That's where sweeping comes in.

Why it matters: The sweeping in curling might look simple, but it's a real-time mix of strategy, physics and athleticism in a game that can be decided by a matter of inches.

In a few short years the drone zeitgeist has dramatically changed, from how they're used to where they're used, according to Doodle Labs co-CEO Amol Parikh.

• "Because we are in so many different types of systems and we're vehicle-agnostic, I have the perspective that we have to pay attention globally," he told Axios in an interview.
• "It is across Latin America. It is across the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East. There are conflict zones, specifically, that we all know."

Why he matters: Doodle's radios are used across commercial and defense markets, including aboard Red Cat's Black Widow drone and on the front lines in Ukraine.

• Parikh himself has a marketing background.

From Chrome Dome flights to Golden Dome missile protections, the U.S. has for decades staked a national-security interest in the Arctic. Today's conversation is quickly evolving, though, spurred by:

1. The coziness of Russia and China;
2. Global warming, ice melts and easing navigation;
3. And the Trump administration's chaotic approach to foreign affairs, compounding already strained transatlantic relationships.

Why it matters: "The Arctic is affected by many different factors, many different narratives. There's the focus on natural resources, shipping routes, and then, of course, its strategic positioning between global powers," Pavel Devyatkin, a senior associate at the Arctic Institute, told Axios.

Tomorrow, the world lurches toward an age of international uncertainty and increased nuclear-weapons spending. New START is expiring.

Why it matters: The treaty capped and encouraged inspections of the deployed nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and Russia — Cold War rivals with shared animosity and some 85% of the world's warheads.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics just a few days away, athletes from around the world are settling into the Olympic Village: sampling the food, exploring the mediation rooms and recreation areas and — of course — trying to score the coolest pins.

Why it matters: The village isn't just where the athletes sleep, but also where they train, eat and get to know their fellow athletes.