Shutdown ‘Tip of the iceberg’ for divided congress, Hoagland says

The birth rate in the world's most populous country, China, has fallen for a fifth consecutive year to hit a record low. The population is ageing and the workforce is shrinking. Despite ending the decades-long one-child policy, the baby boom officials had hoped for never materialised. These rapidly changing demographics foreshadow a crisis that could undercut the country's economic and social stability.

Marie-Hélène Poisson is the only craftswoman to be entirely dedicated to Boulle work. This French technique, invented at the end of the 17th century, consists of inlaying antique furniture with decoration made of brass or tortoiseshell. Marie-Hélène learned the trade from her father and is now passing it on to her daughter. The future of Boulle inlay is safe in their hands. FRANCE 24 takes you to the town of Vendôme, in France's Loir-et-Cher region, for a closer look at this special craft.

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Inflation in Turkey has soared to nearly 49 percent - the highest level in two decades. It's another sign that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's unorthodox monetary policy may not be bearing fruit. Also in the show: as energy prices surge, British authorities unveil more financial aid for electricity bills, and Facebook shares plunge as it reports a drop in user numbers for the first time.

We take a look at the business of this year's Winter Olympics. A report suggests the true cost is 10 times more than the official $3.9 billion price tag, but Beijing is banking on other benefits. Also, Amazon reports another strong sales quarter, with its advertising business playing an increasingly significant role.

Poland is warmly welcoming Ukrainians fleeing the war in sharp contrast to its treatment of previous waves of refugees from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. What explains the difference?

Poland is allowing millions of Ukrainians fleeing the war access to the labor market and to health and social benefits. Polish officials are struggling to register and help all the people arriving in the country.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has expedited the "Strategic Compass" security strategy, which allows the European Union to form a rapid reaction force. Germany has offered to provide the "military core."

After first appearing in China more than two years ago, Covid-19 has returned to the Middle Kingdom. The country had largely succeeded in keeping infection and mortality rates in check. But in recent weeks, the Omicron variant has posed a significant challenge to the country's zero-Covid strategy. Once again, harsh lockdowns and restrictions are being enforced. We take a closer look.

French car giant Renault announced Wednesday it was immediately suspending operations at its Moscow factory after Kyiv called for a boycott of the company for remaining in Russia.

DW speaks to Ben Cowling of the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong.