Pornhub is restricting access for UK users who haven't previously verified their age due to the upcoming Online Safety Act requiring robust age verification, a law criticized for being easily bypassed with VPNs and potentially driving users to less regulated sites. Some experts speculate Pornhub's move, similar to actions taken in multiple US states, may be a tactic to pressure lawmakers into changing the law or to increase user sign-ups.

Pornhub is restricting access for UK users who haven't previously verified their age due to the upcoming Online Safety Act requiring robust age verification, a law criticized for being easily bypassed with VPNs and potentially driving users to less regulated sites. Some experts speculate Pornhub's move, similar to actions taken in multiple US states, may be a tactic to pressure lawmakers into changing the law or to increase user sign-ups.

Moltbook, launched in late January by Octane AI's Matt Schlicht, is a social media network designed for AI agents to interact, share information, and form communities, though human observation is permitted. Utilizing agentic AI and an open-source tool called OpenClaw, the platform features AI-generated content ranging from optimization strategies to philosophical manifestos, though the authenticity of AI autonomy and the reported 1.5 million user count have been questioned.

Moltbook, launched in late January by Octane AI's Matt Schlicht, is a social media network designed for AI agents to interact, share information, and form communities, though human observation is permitted. Utilizing agentic AI and an open-source tool called OpenClaw, the platform features AI-generated content ranging from optimization strategies to philosophical manifestos, though the authenticity of AI autonomy and the reported 1.5 million user count have been questioned.

Multiple news sources report that a 22-year-old Australian woman died after her backpack became entangled in a ski lift at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Japan, causing her to be suspended and suffer a heart attack. The resort has issued an apology, launched an investigation into the incident, and is cooperating with police while reviewing safety procedures to prevent future occurrences.

Multiple news sources report that a 22-year-old Australian woman died after her backpack became entangled in a ski lift at the Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Japan, causing her to be suspended and suffer a heart attack. The resort has issued an apology, launched an investigation into the incident, and is cooperating with police while reviewing safety procedures to prevent future occurrences.

SpaceX's acquisition of xAI aims to create a vertically integrated AI powerhouse, leveraging SpaceX's capabilities to deploy a massive satellite constellation for AI computing. This ambitious merger signifies a major push by Elon Musk to dominate the AI landscape, raising both excitement and concerns about the future of AI development and its societal impact.

SpaceX's acquisition of xAI aims to create a vertically integrated AI powerhouse, leveraging SpaceX's capabilities to deploy a massive satellite constellation for AI computing. This ambitious merger signifies a major push by Elon Musk to dominate the AI landscape, raising both excitement and concerns about the future of AI development and its societal impact.

Elon Musk is merging SpaceX and xAI (which owns X) to create a vertically-integrated AI innovation engine leveraging space-based resources. This merger aims to overcome terrestrial limitations in energy and data for AI, envisioning a future where AI scales dramatically by harnessing solar power in space.

Elon Musk is merging SpaceX and xAI (which owns X) to create a vertically-integrated AI innovation engine leveraging space-based resources. This merger aims to overcome terrestrial limitations in energy and data for AI, envisioning a future where AI scales dramatically by harnessing solar power in space.

Multiple news sources indicate the House is reconvening to address the partial government shutdown with a funding package that includes a two-week extension for DHS, a point of contention due to Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms. While a key Democratic appropriator will support the package, the House Speaker faces challenges uniting Republicans and overcoming procedural hurdles, even with President Trump's urging for its passage.

Multiple news sources indicate the House is reconvening to address the partial government shutdown with a funding package that includes a two-week extension for DHS, a point of contention due to Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms. While a key Democratic appropriator will support the package, the House Speaker faces challenges uniting Republicans and overcoming procedural hurdles, even with President Trump's urging for its passage.

Multiple news sources report that American skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender's appeal to compete in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics has been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which cited a lack of jurisdiction, effectively ending her fight to participate after she alleged a Canadian coach's point-rigging scheme prevented her qualification. Uhlaender, a five-time Winter Games veteran, expressed disappointment and is exploring further options, maintaining that the alleged actions harmed numerous athletes.

Multiple news sources report that American skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender's appeal to compete in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics has been denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which cited a lack of jurisdiction, effectively ending her fight to participate after she alleged a Canadian coach's point-rigging scheme prevented her qualification. Uhlaender, a five-time Winter Games veteran, expressed disappointment and is exploring further options, maintaining that the alleged actions harmed numerous athletes.

Multiple news sources highlight a complex landscape of advancements and concerns, ranging from the growing popularity of the open-source AI agent OpenClaw (despite security vulnerabilities) and a fungal solution to bark beetle infestations, to the concerning rise of AI deepfakes and a booming electric vehicle market driving battery technology advancements. Global events on February 2nd, 2026, included the Rafah crossing reopening, explosions in Iran, and a Ukrainian blackout, alongside other headlines covering topics from Punxsutawney Phil to political developments in Venezuela.

Multiple news sources highlight a complex landscape of advancements and concerns, ranging from the growing popularity of the open-source AI agent OpenClaw (despite security vulnerabilities) and a fungal solution to bark beetle infestations, to the concerning rise of AI deepfakes and a booming electric vehicle market driving battery technology advancements. Global events on February 2nd, 2026, included the Rafah crossing reopening, explosions in Iran, and a Ukrainian blackout, alongside other headlines covering topics from Punxsutawney Phil to political developments in Venezuela.

Multiple news sources report that Israel has partially reopened the Rafah crossing into Egypt, allowing approximately 150 sick and wounded Palestinians to seek medical treatment after over 20 months of closure, though Gaza health officials estimate 20,000 need care. The crossing, Gaza's only one not shared with Israel, had been closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces seized it to prevent weapons smuggling, and all movement will be subject to joint Israeli-Egyptian security screening.

Multiple news sources report that Israel has partially reopened the Rafah crossing into Egypt, allowing approximately 150 sick and wounded Palestinians to seek medical treatment after over 20 months of closure, though Gaza health officials estimate 20,000 need care. The crossing, Gaza's only one not shared with Israel, had been closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces seized it to prevent weapons smuggling, and all movement will be subject to joint Israeli-Egyptian security screening.

Drawing from multiple news sources, a delayed January jobs report due to the government shutdown adds uncertainty to the labor market, while globally, BBC journalists face challenges in Russia, a pre-Trump inauguration deal raises conflict of interest concerns, Pornhub restricts UK access, and Laura Fernández won the Costa Rican presidential election. Simultaneously, escalating tensions are seen in Israeli strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure and China's execution of individuals involved in a Myanmar-based criminal syndicate responsible for gambling and telecom scams.

Drawing from multiple news sources, a delayed January jobs report due to the government shutdown adds uncertainty to the labor market, while globally, BBC journalists face challenges in Russia, a pre-Trump inauguration deal raises conflict of interest concerns, Pornhub restricts UK access, and Laura Fernández won the Costa Rican presidential election. Simultaneously, escalating tensions are seen in Israeli strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure and China's execution of individuals involved in a Myanmar-based criminal syndicate responsible for gambling and telecom scams.

Drawing from multiple news sources, global events range from political shifts like presidential and prime ministerial appointments in Costa Rica and Thailand, respectively, to controversies surrounding figures like Senator Fetterman and the Norwegian Crown Princess. Meanwhile, the 2026 Winter Olympics unveiled sibling stoats as mascots, and speedskater Jordan Stolz experiences fame in Europe while remaining relatively unknown in the United States.

Drawing from multiple news sources, global events range from political shifts like presidential and prime ministerial appointments in Costa Rica and Thailand, respectively, to controversies surrounding figures like Senator Fetterman and the Norwegian Crown Princess. Meanwhile, the 2026 Winter Olympics unveiled sibling stoats as mascots, and speedskater Jordan Stolz experiences fame in Europe while remaining relatively unknown in the United States.

Drawing from multiple news sources, a trade agreement between the U.S. and India has been reached, with the U.S. reducing tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% in exchange for India lowering tariffs on some American products. While celebrated by both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, details remain sparse, particularly regarding India's commitment to cease purchasing Russian oil, a key U.S. objective.

Drawing from multiple news sources, a trade agreement between the U.S. and India has been reached, with the U.S. reducing tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% in exchange for India lowering tariffs on some American products. While celebrated by both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, details remain sparse, particularly regarding India's commitment to cease purchasing Russian oil, a key U.S. objective.