VOUX MAG

BEIJING, Feb 14 (Reuters) - China's ByteDance has ‌rolled out its ‌Doubao 2.0 chatbot, an ​upgrade of Doubao which is currently the country's most ‌widely used ⁠artificial intelligenceapp, according to ⁠QuestMobile, the company said on Saturday.

One ​year after ​Chinese ​startup DeepSeek ‌rattled the global tech industry with the release of a low-cost artificial intelligence ‌model, its ​domestic rivals ​are ​better prepared, ‌vying with it to ​launch ​new models, some designed with more ​consumer ‌appeal.

(Reporting by Kevin ​Yao; Editing by ​Muralikumar Anantharaman)

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Law enforcement agents have been gathering more potential evidence as the search for "Today" show hostSavannah Guthrie's mother heads into its third week.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch. Purportedransom noteswere sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.

Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthrie's health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff's dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

Here's what to know about her disappearance and the intense search to find her:

Video of masked man

The Federal Bureau of Investigationreleased surveillance videosof a masked person wearing a handgun holster outside Guthrie's front door in Tucson the night she vanished. A porch camerarecorded videoof a person with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, jacket and gloves.

On Thursday, the FBI called the person a suspect. It described him as a man about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. The agency said he was carrying a 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack.

Investigators initially said there was no surveillance video available since Guthrie didn't have an active subscription to the doorbell camera company. But digital forensics experts kept working tofind images in back-end softwarethat might have been lost, corrupted or inaccessible.

Studying DNA

Investigators collected DNA from Guthrie's property which doesn't belong to Guthrie or those in close contact with her, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to.

Evidence requiring forensic analysis is being sent to the same out-of-state lab that has been used since the beginning of the case, the department said.

Investigators found several gloves, the nearest about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie's home, and submitted them for lab analysis, the sheriff's department said. It did not specify what type of gloves.

The sheriff stressed his department is working closely with the FBI.

Sorting through tips

The Pima County sheriff and the FBI announcedphone numbersand awebsiteto offer tips. Several hundred detectives and agents have been assigned to the case, the sheriff's department said.

The FBI said it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1, the day Guthrie was reported missing. The sheriff's department, meanwhile, said it has taken at least 18,000 calls.

The sheriff's department has not said whether any tips have advanced the investigation.

Intensive searches

Late Friday night, law enforcementsealed off a roadabout 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie's home as part of their investigation. A parade of sheriff's and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock.The sheriff's department said the activity was part of the Guthrie investigation but declined to detail specifics.On Tuesday, sheriff deputies detained a person for questioning during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Authorities didn't say what led them to stop the man butconfirmed he was released.The same day, deputies and FBI agents conducted a court-authorized search in Rio Rico, about an hour's drive south of the city.Family pleasSavannah Guthrie, her sister and her brother have shared on social mediamultiple video messagesto their mother's purported captor.The family's Instagram videos have shifted in tone from impassioned pleas to whoever may have their mom, saying theywant to talkand are even willing topay a ransom, to bleaker and more desperate requests for the public's help.The latest video on Thursday was simply a home video of their mother and a promise to "never give up on her."A quiet neighborhoodNancy Guthrie lived alone in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where houses are spaced far apart and set back from the street by long driveways, gates and dense desert vegetation.Savannah Guthrie grew up in Tucson, graduated from the University of Arizona and once worked at a television station in the city, where her parents settled in the 1970s. She joined "Today" in 2011.In a video, she described her mother as a "loving woman of goodness and light."

Late Friday night, law enforcementsealed off a roadabout 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie's home as part of their investigation. A parade of sheriff's and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock.

The sheriff's department said the activity was part of the Guthrie investigation but declined to detail specifics.

On Tuesday, sheriff deputies detained a person for questioning during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Authorities didn't say what led them to stop the man butconfirmed he was released.

The same day, deputies and FBI agents conducted a court-authorized search in Rio Rico, about an hour's drive south of the city.

Family pleas

Savannah Guthrie, her sister and her brother have shared on social mediamultiple video messagesto their mother's purported captor.

The family's Instagram videos have shifted in tone from impassioned pleas to whoever may have their mom, saying theywant to talkand are even willing topay a ransom, to bleaker and more desperate requests for the public's help.

The latest video on Thursday was simply a home video of their mother and a promise to "never give up on her."

A quiet neighborhood

Nancy Guthrie lived alone in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where houses are spaced far apart and set back from the street by long driveways, gates and dense desert vegetation.

Savannah Guthrie grew up in Tucson, graduated from the University of Arizona and once worked at a television station in the city, where her parents settled in the 1970s. She joined "Today" in 2011.

In a video, she described her mother as a "loving woman of goodness and light."

MUNICH (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a friendly and reassuring assessment of America's relations with Europe under President Donald Trump's administration, saying Saturday that the blunt tone of previous criticisms was intended to spur a renaissance in trans-Atlantic ties.

Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference a year after Vice President JD Vancestunned the same audiencewith a harsh critique of European values. On Friday, German ChancellorFriedrich Merzopened this year's gatheringby calling forthe United States and Europe to "repair and revive trans-Atlantic trust together," saying that even the U.S. isn't powerful enough to go it alone in an world whose old order has withered.

Rubio argued that the "euphoria" of the Western victory in the Cold War led to a "dangerous delusion that we had entered 'the end of history,' that every nation would now be a liberal democracy, that the ties formed by trade and by commerce alone would now replace nationhood ... and that we would now live in a world without borders where everyone became a citizen of the world."

Taking a much less confrontational approach than Vance last year, he acknowledged that the Trump administration has been pointedly direct in asserting its positions, but made clear that it won't back off them.

"We made these mistakes together and now together we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward to rebuild," Rubio said.

"Under President Trump, the United States of America will once again take on the task of renewal and restoration," he said. "This is why we Americans may sometimes come off as a little direct and urgent in our counsel. This is why President Trump demands seriousness and reciprocity from our friends here in Europe."

"In a time of headlines heralding the end of the trans-Atlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish," Rubio said. "Because for us Americans, our home may be in the Western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe."

"We have fought against each other, then reconciled, then fought and reconciled again. And we have bled and died side-by-side on battlefields from Kapyong to Kandahar," Rubio said. "And I'm here today to make it clear that America is charting the path for a new century of prosperity. and that once again, we want to do it together with you, our cherished allies and our oldest friends."

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Valentine's Day can be a secondary consideration for some in Lagos.

The Nigerian city of more than 20 million people is renowned for its hustle and bustle, its restless energy and commercial drive — a place where honks from signature yellow passenger buses fill the air.

But Lagos-based rock musician Bianca Okorocha, known as "Clayrocksu," wants people to pause and feel loved as Valentine's Day approaches.

She is taking her music offstage and onto the streets of the city, crooning love songs to random commuters and handing them single-stem roses.

Their faces, first shocked at the encounter, give way to a broad smile as she pulls the strings of her guitar, twanging to James Blunt's "You are Beautiful."

"I am a musician, and we just thought it was a special and nice thing to do for people," Clayrocksu told The Associated Press. "Especially in this time and climate where everything is kind of difficult and all you hear on the news isbad news."

Since Nigerian President Bola Tinubu came to power in 2023, he has undertakenmajor economic reforms, including the removal of a decades-old fuel subsidy program. The government said the changes would save costs and boost investment, but they have resulted in one of the West African nation's worst cost of living crises in a generation.

The country's deadly security crisishas also worsened the fate of millions, limiting access to farmland in the conflict-battered north, which in turn resulted in a surge in the prices of goods elsewhere, including in the economic hub of Lagos.

But amid the tough times, people like Clayrocksu are bringing joy and color to many across the vibrant city in this season of love.

Barbara Lulu, a Lagos resident, who got serenaded by Clayrocksu and her partner, was going about her day stressed until the rock team showed up.

"First off, this was a very shocking moment for me, because I never expected it. It just kind of happened, and all I can say is yay!" she said.

In a city where Valentine's Day is usually focused on lovers, Clayrocksu said that she wants to change that perception and bring roses to many others.

"People think that Valentine's Day is only about romantic gestures, only boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife," she said. "But Valentine is really just about sharing love."

It's quite clear to say thatSabrina Carpenteris leaning all the way into Valentine's week energy. Keeping up with this pre-existing vibe, she recently served a look that was equal parts flirty and fashion-forward. The "Please Please Please" singer made her mark while posing for her own brand, Sweet Tooth, in an off-shoulder micro minidress.

This pink-hued pick worked wonders for Carpenter's frame, while looking just awesome with her complexion. With glossy black heels with contrasting white socks, she turned this simple promotional moment into a full style statement.

Sabrina Carpenter looks ready for Valentine's Day in micro minidress for her own brand

Have a look at Sabrina Carpenter's latest look here:

View this post on Instagram

Sabrina Carpenter posed like a doll in a pretty off-shoulder dress, which helped her show off her shoulders and collarbone. The pink upper thigh-length dress also helped her show off her curves and elongate her legs.

Further, even the sharp silhouette and playful detailing of the outfit merged pop-star glam with Carpenter's cheeky confidence in black heels, white socks, and minimal accessories, creating just the right look.

Originally reported by Mehak Walia onThe Fashion Spot

The postSabrina Carpenter Wows in Micro Minidress for Her Own Brandappeared first onReality Tea.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

• Jared Van Der Beek shared a series of rare personal photos alongside his late brother James Van Der Beek

• The news of James' death at age 48 was announced on Feb. 11

• James starred in the titular role in the WB's beloved series Dawson's Creek

James Van Der Beek's brother Jared Van Der Beek shared a touching tribute to the late actor.

On Feb 11, James' wife Kimberly Van Der Beek announced that he had "passed away peacefully" and "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." The news came three years after James, 48, was diagnosed withstage 3 colorectal cancer.

Jared, 47, shared a heartfeltInstagrampost on Friday, Feb. 13. "There's a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken," the caption began. "I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn't know it would hurt so badly."

Jared then said that his brother James was his "person," and "the one I went to for any and all things."

James grew up in Connecticut alongside his brotherJaredand sister Juliana, who are shown in photos in Jared's Instagram post alongside their parentsJames William Van Der Beek Sr.and the lateMelinda Weber.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

"I've looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him. It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was," Jared's caption continued, adding that James "shared with an open heart and with his wise soul."

Jared then thanked the public for their support as the family grieves the loss of James. "As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. I truly thank all of you have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you're there," he wrote, while also extending thanks to "the community" who supported the family first hand in James' final days.

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Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

"James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me. Thank you for living your life with me. I love you," Jared concluded the post.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

After the news of James' death was announced, friends of the family organized aGoFundMe pageto collect donations in James' honor and to "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education." He and Kimberly sharesix kids, daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwen, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

Less than 48 hours later, the fundraiser has received over $2.2 million.

Jared Van Der Beek/Instagram

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Thursday, Feb. 12, the organizers said the support has "been a light" for James' friends and family.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family," the update on the fundraising page read. "Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James's spirit continues to bring people together."

Read the original article onPeople

A partial government shutdown is in effect for the Department of Homeland Security, where funding ran out at the end of day Friday as lawmakers remain at an impasse over immigration enforcement.

Earlier Friday, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought directed DHS to begin implementing its shutdown plans.

Members of Congresshave left Washingtonfor a weeklong recess or to head overseas to Munich for a security conference.

It's the third time since October that the federal government has experienced a lapse in funding.

A record 43-day shutdown last fall -- the longest in U.S. history -- heavily disrupted agencies and impacted millions of Americans. A partial government shutdown ensued for several days between the end of January and early February that temporarily affected funding for the Defense, Education, Treasury, Labor and State departments.

Now, caught in a funding fight are key areas of DHS -- the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Coast Guard -- as Democrats demand reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Officials from those agencies warned lawmakers that teh lapse in funding will leave thousands of personnel working without pay, disrupt disaster reimbursements, delay cyber protections and more.

ICE, meanwhile, will largely continue operating because of $75 billion infusion provided in President Donald Trump's so-called "one big beautiful bill" that was passed by Congress last summer.

Democrats are calling for judicial warrants before agents can enter private property, a ban on ICE agents wearing face masks, requiring the use of body cameras and new laws for use-of-force standards.

Talks are expected to continue over the weekend.

President Trump on Friday told ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce he will be personally involved in the DHS funding negotiations.

"I will. But you have to remember, if you look at Homeland Security, if you look at what they've done, if you look at what ICE has done, and Border Patrol, we have the safest border in the history of our country," Trump said.

When asked how long he's preparing to let this funding battle play out or if he's willing to make any concessions, Trump said that he wants to "protect" law enforcement and is "always" in favor of them.

The White House and Democrats have been sending proposals for ICE reforms back and forth. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the latest White House proposal, the details of which have not been released publicly, "unserious." Democrats are expecting to make a counterproposal this weekend.

Jeffries told ABC News on Friday the shutdown is a "confrontation on behalf of the American people" as Democrats dig in on making changes to immigration enforcement.

"The reason why we have to have this confrontation on behalf of the American people is because in a spending bill, we have the ability to legislate dramatic change. That's what we're doing," Jeffries said.

"Every single change needs to be ironclad and part of the law," he added.

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How DHS agencies will feel the effects

Overall, more than 90% of the Department of Homeland Security's 272,000 employees would continue to work during a shutdown, according to the agency's September shutdown plan, though many without pay.

Officials from several DHS agencies testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee earlier this week on how they would be impacted by a shutdown.

TSA:A majority of TSA employees will still be required to show up for work, as around 95% of TSA employees are deemed essential. Many, however, would work without pay.

Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said putting those workers through another shutdown would be "unconscionable."

"Twelve weeks later, some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown. Many are still reeling from it. We cannot put them through another such experience," McNeill told lawmakers on Wednesday.

FEMA:Gregg Phillips, associate administrator of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery, said emergency response operations would continue and that the Disaster Relief Fund currently has sufficient resources for near-term response.

Although he did warn that a catastrophic event would quickly strain available funding.

CISA: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency faced one of the biggest hits within DHS in the 2025 shutdown with 65% of the division placed on furlough.

"When the government shuts down, cyber threats do not and our adversaries work 24/7," warned Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala, the acting director.

Coast Guard: Pay would be halted for 56,000 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel, but they would still be required to show up for work.

Vice Admiral Thomas Allen warned a lapse in appropriations "requires the Coast Guard to suspend all missions except those for national security or the protection of life and property."

He said a lack of funding has "severe and lasting challenges" for their workforce, operational readiness and long-term capabilities.

Secret Service:Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said protective and investigative missions would continue, as 94% of Secret Service workforce is considered mission-critical.

"There is no pause button on our mission. Paychecks may stop but the work will continue," Quinn said.

Though he warned of long-term consequences, especially for needed reform.

"The impacts may not be seen tomorrow, but I assure you, we will feel the ripple effects for some time. Delayed contracts, diminished hiring, halted new programs will be the result," Quinn said.

ABC News' Nicholas Kerr contributed to this report.