US and Philippines sign military base deal
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin III, right, shake hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, in the Philippines, on Feb. 2, 2023.
The US is gaining access to four additional military bases in the Philippines, following a deal signed between the US and Philippines on Thursday in Manila. And, in recent weeks, US officials have loudly debated what weapons systems should be sent to Ukraine. But discussions about US goals and limitations in the war effort seem to be happening in quieter corners. Also, Shell and Exxon are reporting their biggest earnings ever for 2022, with Shell netting $40 billion and Exxon hauling in $56 billion. Plus, a song that pays homage to disappeared towns.