Multiple news sources confirm that Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a crucial lifeline for Palestinians, after it was largely closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces took control of the Gazan side. While the reopening allows for the movement of people, primarily sick and wounded Palestinians seeking treatment in Egypt, only limited numbers are permitted to cross daily under stringent Israeli security checks, with disagreements causing delays and frustration over the restricted access for goods and returning carers.

Multiple news sources confirm that Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a crucial lifeline for Palestinians, after it was largely closed since May 2024 when Israeli forces took control of the Gazan side. While the reopening allows for the movement of people, primarily sick and wounded Palestinians seeking treatment in Egypt, only limited numbers are permitted to cross daily under stringent Israeli security checks, with disagreements causing delays and frustration over the restricted access for goods and returning carers.

Multiple news sources report that nearly half of state attorneys general are urging the House Judiciary Committee to expand its investigation into potential influence on federal judges, specifically focusing on the Federal Judicial Center's "Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence" and its perceived climate change-related bias. Led by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, the attorneys general are concerned the manual, which includes a foreword by Justice Elena Kagan and references to climate experts, inappropriately attempts to influence case outcomes.

Multiple news sources report that nearly half of state attorneys general are urging the House Judiciary Committee to expand its investigation into potential influence on federal judges, specifically focusing on the Federal Judicial Center's "Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence" and its perceived climate change-related bias. Led by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, the attorneys general are concerned the manual, which includes a foreword by Justice Elena Kagan and references to climate experts, inappropriately attempts to influence case outcomes.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Brendan Banfield, a former IRS agent, has been found guilty of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife and a man he lured to their home under false pretenses as part of an elaborate plot to be with the family's au pair, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter for her involvement and testified against him. Banfield faces a life sentence without parole for the 2024 murders, which involved staging a fake rape scenario to frame the victim for his wife's death.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Brendan Banfield, a former IRS agent, has been found guilty of aggravated murder in the deaths of his wife and a man he lured to their home under false pretenses as part of an elaborate plot to be with the family's au pair, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter for her involvement and testified against him. Banfield faces a life sentence without parole for the 2024 murders, which involved staging a fake rape scenario to frame the victim for his wife's death.

Adobe Animate, a long-standing 2D animation platform, will be discontinued, with new purchases ceasing on March 1st. Existing users have a one-year window to download their files as Adobe shifts focus to newer platforms, marking a significant change in the animation software landscape.

Adobe Animate, a long-standing 2D animation platform, will be discontinued, with new purchases ceasing on March 1st. Existing users have a one-year window to download their files as Adobe shifts focus to newer platforms, marking a significant change in the animation software landscape.

Waymo secured $16 billion in funding, led by Dragoneer Investment Group, to expand its robotaxi service to 20 new cities and overseas markets, valuing the company at $126 billion. This investment, a significant increase from the $5.6 billion raised in 2024 at a $45 billion valuation, will be used to grow Waymo's fleet of over 2,500 vehicles and potentially disrupt the global transportation market. The funding round included new investors like Sequoia Capital and DST Global, signaling strong market confidence in Waymo's autonomous vehicle technology.

Waymo secured $16 billion in funding, led by Dragoneer Investment Group, to expand its robotaxi service to 20 new cities and overseas markets, valuing the company at $126 billion. This investment, a significant increase from the $5.6 billion raised in 2024 at a $45 billion valuation, will be used to grow Waymo's fleet of over 2,500 vehicles and potentially disrupt the global transportation market. The funding round included new investors like Sequoia Capital and DST Global, signaling strong market confidence in Waymo's autonomous vehicle technology.

Multiple news sources report on a range of developments, including a promising fungal solution for bark beetle infestations, concerns about political influence at the NIH, and financial challenges for Asda, alongside regulatory hurdles for the hemp industry and an intensifying divide regarding transgender rights in the U.S. Other key stories include the unearthing of a large archaeological collection, EPA action to advance farmers right to repair their own equipment, condemnation of Trump-era immigration policies, and a tragic fire in Switzerland.

Multiple news sources report on a range of developments, including a promising fungal solution for bark beetle infestations, concerns about political influence at the NIH, and financial challenges for Asda, alongside regulatory hurdles for the hemp industry and an intensifying divide regarding transgender rights in the U.S. Other key stories include the unearthing of a large archaeological collection, EPA action to advance farmers right to repair their own equipment, condemnation of Trump-era immigration policies, and a tragic fire in Switzerland.

Multiple news sources report on diverse developments, including the discovery of *Beauveria bassiana* fungal strains as a potential biocontrol for bark beetles and the unearthing of a massive archaeological collection during HS2 railway construction. These reports also cover concerns about political interference in NIH appointments, Asda's financial struggles, Fab5's mechanism of action against gammaherpesvirus gB, and other issues like the Crans-Montana bar fire investigation and low public awareness of alcohol as a carcinogen.

Multiple news sources report on diverse developments, including the discovery of *Beauveria bassiana* fungal strains as a potential biocontrol for bark beetles and the unearthing of a massive archaeological collection during HS2 railway construction. These reports also cover concerns about political interference in NIH appointments, Asda's financial struggles, Fab5's mechanism of action against gammaherpesvirus gB, and other issues like the Crans-Montana bar fire investigation and low public awareness of alcohol as a carcinogen.

Multiple news sources report that Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2026, continuing a tradition rooted in European farming customs that draws large crowds to Gobblers Knob in Pennsylvania. While the prediction aligns with weather experts' forecasts for continued cold conditions in the eastern United States, the event's popularity is also fueled by the festive atmosphere and the cultural impact of the film "Groundhog Day."

Multiple news sources report that Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2026, continuing a tradition rooted in European farming customs that draws large crowds to Gobblers Knob in Pennsylvania. While the prediction aligns with weather experts' forecasts for continued cold conditions in the eastern United States, the event's popularity is also fueled by the festive atmosphere and the cultural impact of the film "Groundhog Day."

Drawing from multiple news sources, Victor Davis Hanson, a 72-year-old Hoover Institution senior fellow and conservative commentator, has provided updates on his health following successful lung cancer surgery, which was complicated by an arterial bleed and subsequent issues like low red blood counts and fatigue. While his specific cancer has a high recurrence rate and limited treatment options, Hanson is optimistic about recovery and plans to evaluate the benefits of further treatment after regaining strength.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Victor Davis Hanson, a 72-year-old Hoover Institution senior fellow and conservative commentator, has provided updates on his health following successful lung cancer surgery, which was complicated by an arterial bleed and subsequent issues like low red blood counts and fatigue. While his specific cancer has a high recurrence rate and limited treatment options, Hanson is optimistic about recovery and plans to evaluate the benefits of further treatment after regaining strength.

Synthesizing information from various news outlets, recent global developments include escalating geopolitical tensions, challenges for journalists in Russia, and significant events like the Costa Rican presidential election and Paramore's Hayley Williams launching a new band. Meanwhile, consumers can find deals on Amazon devices, and February brings a promising lineup of new book releases across diverse genres for those seeking literary escapes.

Synthesizing information from various news outlets, recent global developments include escalating geopolitical tensions, challenges for journalists in Russia, and significant events like the Costa Rican presidential election and Paramore's Hayley Williams launching a new band. Meanwhile, consumers can find deals on Amazon devices, and February brings a promising lineup of new book releases across diverse genres for those seeking literary escapes.

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.

Drawing from multiple industry sources, a memorial service was held for Robert Pietranton, a long-serving and well-respected Warner Bros. Television Group PR executive who passed away in November at 56, with colleagues praising his work ethic, dedication, and kindness despite his preference for staying out of the spotlight. Pietranton was remembered as a consummate professional who consistently delivered exceptional work without seeking attention or affirmation.

Drawing from multiple industry sources, a memorial service was held for Robert Pietranton, a long-serving and well-respected Warner Bros. Television Group PR executive who passed away in November at 56, with colleagues praising his work ethic, dedication, and kindness despite his preference for staying out of the spotlight. Pietranton was remembered as a consummate professional who consistently delivered exceptional work without seeking attention or affirmation.