WAO ART #9

Google Cloud is now a validator on the Tezos network, allowing corporate customers to deploy Tezos nodes and build Web3 apps. This marks Google Cloud's latest integration with a blockchain network, having previously become a validator on Solana and running a node-hosting service for Ethereum.

Australia has taken out a "hive" of spies that have been operating in the country for years, according to its intelligence chief. The group was attempting to study and "potentially seduce" targets such as judges, journalists and veterans.

At the NATO meeting, leaders discussed ways to continue sending military and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine to enable them to keep fighting. Many of these leaders also see Russia as a direct threat to their own countries’ security.

The US has granted the extradition of Peru's former President Alejandro Toledo, who served from 2001 to 2006, over corruption allegations. Peru requested the extradition in 2018, accusing Toledo of taking millions of dollars in bribes from a Brazilian construction company.

The African Games, scheduled to take place in Ghana in August, have been postponed until 2024 due to an ongoing disagreement over marketing rights, the coronavirus pandemic, and rising costs.

A winter storm is causing widespread disruption across several US states, with blizzard conditions, wind gusts of up to 50mph, and wind chills as low as -50F in some parts. 75m people in 29 states are under winter weather alerts, and some areas could experience their biggest snowfalls in 30 years.

A mysterious metal sphere was found on a beach in Japan, causing locals to speculate what it could be. Authorities have cordoned off the area and conducted X-ray exams, but have not been able to identify the object. Some have dubbed it the "Godzilla egg" or "from outer space".