Facebook has blocked Australian users from sharing or viewing news content on the platform. It comes in response to a proposed law which would make tech giants pay for news content on their platforms. Also, SPACs are taking over Wall Street and European stock exchange floors, but what are they and why are they so popular? We’ll explain.

Facebook turned off news feeds in Australia in the latest response to a law that would make Big Tech companies pay for news content that appears on their platforms. Plus, how the worst ice and snow in Texas in a decade is affecting farmers and ranchers. And, highlighting the hardworking people who process unemployment benefits.

Does it help if companies sweeten the deal for workers to get COVID vaccinations? Plus, news today that we went out and bought more things in January. Direct COVID payments were the catalyst. Also, New York is suing Amazon, claiming the company failed to provide workers with a safe environment at two warehouses during the pandemic. And, how the winter storms sweeping the U.S. are affecting vaccine distribution.

Gates’ new book is called “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.” Plus, a closer look at how Texas’ power grid works amid ongoing outages for millions of people due to winter weather. And, the Biden administration extends forbearance for homeowners with federally backed mortgages.

People in the U.K. buy nearly $7 billion of pork each year, but farmers face worker shortages and increased bureaucracy. Plus, Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi reveals his government’s plan to boost the country’s COVID-battered economy.

What is the significance of yet another record for Bitcoin? Plus, the social media site Parler is back online. And, a deal between the EU and U.K. on post-Brexit trade is limiting a particular type of travel many Britons used to enjoy: the booze cruise.

New Delhi has gifted millions of doses to its regional neighbors as a sign of goodwill. Also, the new World Trade Organization leader, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, wants to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines. And from oil to metals, all eyes are on commodities.

And millions are without power in Texas this morning, amid a winter storm that’s affecting a huge swath of the country. Plus, why U.S. semiconductor producers are asking for help from President Joe Biden. And, a rare special enrollment period for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans.

Also, Google pays up for news, and stadiums are serving as massive zones for vaccination.