German automaker Audi reported a surprise increase in profits, buoyed by a strong fourth quarter and payments from parent company Volkswagen. The company set ambitious targets for the current year, even as the broader European auto sector faces headwinds from the transition to electric vehicles. Speaking of EVs, Volkswagen unveiled its ID. Cross concept — a compact electric SUV expected to hit European markets by fall 2026 at a starting price of around €28,000.
In France, the École du Ski Français was hit with a €3.4 million fine for anticompetitive practices, a ruling that could shake up the country’s tightly controlled ski instruction market.
And in a heartwarming moment from the world of football, Igor Thiago, a 24-year-old Brentford striker with 19 Premier League goals this season, received his first-ever call-up to the Brazilian national team under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Video of his family erupting in celebration at home went viral — a reminder that even in a turbulent news cycle, joy still breaks through.