Drawing from multiple news sources, recent global events include political transitions and humanitarian efforts in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Thailand, alongside escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, and controversies surrounding international sporting organizations. Domestically, the US housing market remains sluggish, while the entertainment industry sees both surprising successes and promising new releases, and scientific advancements continue to provide insights into geological phenomena like Tibet's tectonic activity.

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent global events include political transitions and humanitarian efforts in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Thailand, alongside escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, and controversies surrounding international sporting organizations. Domestically, the US housing market remains sluggish, while the entertainment industry sees both surprising successes and promising new releases, and scientific advancements continue to provide insights into geological phenomena like Tibet's tectonic activity.

Multiple news sources report on a range of developments, from scientific advancements like the discovery of *Beauveria bassiana* as a biocontrol agent for bark beetles and Fab5's mechanism against gammaherpesvirus gB, to significant events such as the HS2 railway archaeological find. These sources also cover concerns about political interference in NIH appointments, Asda's financial difficulties, the Crans-Montana bar fire investigation, and the lack of public awareness regarding alcohol's carcinogenic properties.

Multiple news sources report on a range of developments, from scientific advancements like the discovery of *Beauveria bassiana* as a biocontrol agent for bark beetles and Fab5's mechanism against gammaherpesvirus gB, to significant events such as the HS2 railway archaeological find. These sources also cover concerns about political interference in NIH appointments, Asda's financial difficulties, the Crans-Montana bar fire investigation, and the lack of public awareness regarding alcohol's carcinogenic properties.

Based on multiple news reports, conservative populist Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People's Party won Costa Rica's presidential election with 48.3% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and succeeding outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. Fernández pledged to focus on Costa Rica's development and economic growth, while her closest challenger, Álvaro Ramos, conceded and promised a constructive opposition.

Based on multiple news reports, conservative populist Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People's Party won Costa Rica's presidential election with 48.3% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and succeeding outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. Fernández pledged to focus on Costa Rica's development and economic growth, while her closest challenger, Álvaro Ramos, conceded and promised a constructive opposition.

Fintech CEO Gökçe Güven, founder of rewards platform Kalder and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, faces federal charges including securities and wire fraud related to a $7 million seed round. The DOJ alleges Güven misled investors by inflating client lists and revenue projections, impacting the burgeoning fintech sector and raising concerns about due diligence in venture capital. Kalder, which aims to help companies monetize rewards programs through affiliate sales, claimed partnerships with major organizations like Godiva and IATA.

Fintech CEO Gökçe Güven, founder of rewards platform Kalder and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, faces federal charges including securities and wire fraud related to a $7 million seed round. The DOJ alleges Güven misled investors by inflating client lists and revenue projections, impacting the burgeoning fintech sector and raising concerns about due diligence in venture capital. Kalder, which aims to help companies monetize rewards programs through affiliate sales, claimed partnerships with major organizations like Godiva and IATA.

UK Police are investigating Lord Mandelson for potential misconduct after leaked emails suggest he shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation highlights the intersection of political figures and controversial individuals, raising ethical concerns about transparency and abuse of power. This incident underscores the importance of accountability in public office and the potential societal impact of information sharing.

UK Police are investigating Lord Mandelson for potential misconduct after leaked emails suggest he shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation highlights the intersection of political figures and controversial individuals, raising ethical concerns about transparency and abuse of power. This incident underscores the importance of accountability in public office and the potential societal impact of information sharing.

Multiple news sources report that the UN welcomes the reopening of Gaza's Rafah border with Egypt, though only a few patients have been able to cross for medical care. Separately, Pakistan is reportedly boycotting its T20 World Cup match against India in Sri Lanka due to Bangladesh's expulsion from the tournament and allegations of double standards at the International Cricket Council.

Multiple news sources report that the UN welcomes the reopening of Gaza's Rafah border with Egypt, though only a few patients have been able to cross for medical care. Separately, Pakistan is reportedly boycotting its T20 World Cup match against India in Sri Lanka due to Bangladesh's expulsion from the tournament and allegations of double standards at the International Cricket Council.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Waymo has secured a $16 billion investment, led by Dragoneer Investment Group, to expand its robotaxi service to over 20 new cities in the US and abroad, increasing its fleet size and valuing the company at $126 billion. Despite the high costs associated with autonomous vehicles, this funding round, which includes both new and returning investors, positions Waymo as a leading company in the driverless ride-hailing market.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Waymo has secured a $16 billion investment, led by Dragoneer Investment Group, to expand its robotaxi service to over 20 new cities in the US and abroad, increasing its fleet size and valuing the company at $126 billion. Despite the high costs associated with autonomous vehicles, this funding round, which includes both new and returning investors, positions Waymo as a leading company in the driverless ride-hailing market.

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent global events include the concerning disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, escalating geopolitical tensions with explosions in Iran and a Ukrainian blackout, and a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's visa freeze. Domestically, the housing market remains sluggish despite potential slight mortgage rate decreases, while entertainment sees surprising success with the "Melania" documentary and renewals for NBC shows, alongside a promising lineup of new book releases in February.

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent global events include the concerning disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, escalating geopolitical tensions with explosions in Iran and a Ukrainian blackout, and a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's visa freeze. Domestically, the housing market remains sluggish despite potential slight mortgage rate decreases, while entertainment sees surprising success with the "Melania" documentary and renewals for NBC shows, alongside a promising lineup of new book releases in February.

Multiple news sources report that a Democrat flipped a Texas State Senate seat, narrowing the House Republican majority to a precarious one-vote margin, creating challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson as the House attempts to navigate a government shutdown and upcoming funding votes. While some downplay the impact, the slim majority necessitates near-unanimous Republican support to pass legislation, further complicated by a large number of House members heading for the exit.

Multiple news sources report that a Democrat flipped a Texas State Senate seat, narrowing the House Republican majority to a precarious one-vote margin, creating challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson as the House attempts to navigate a government shutdown and upcoming funding votes. While some downplay the impact, the slim majority necessitates near-unanimous Republican support to pass legislation, further complicated by a large number of House members heading for the exit.

Multiple news sources report that US citizens and immigrant rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, arguing it's an unlawful and discriminatory nationality-based ban based on false claims about immigrants relying on public welfare. The lawsuit alleges the administration's policy violates legal immigration processes and relies on unsupported claims about immigrants becoming public charges.

Multiple news sources report that US citizens and immigrant rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, arguing it's an unlawful and discriminatory nationality-based ban based on false claims about immigrants relying on public welfare. The lawsuit alleges the administration's policy violates legal immigration processes and relies on unsupported claims about immigrants becoming public charges.

Multiple news sources indicate that the coming week is critical in determining whether the US and Iran engage in conflict or achieve a diplomatic resolution, with both sides signaling openness to a deal while simultaneously issuing threats. The US has amassed significant naval power near Iran, while Iran warns that any attack would trigger a regional war, creating a tense and uncertain situation.

Multiple news sources indicate that the coming week is critical in determining whether the US and Iran engage in conflict or achieve a diplomatic resolution, with both sides signaling openness to a deal while simultaneously issuing threats. The US has amassed significant naval power near Iran, while Iran warns that any attack would trigger a regional war, creating a tense and uncertain situation.

Multiple news sources reveal that since March, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been using AI tools from Palantir and Credal AI, founded by Palantir alumni, to screen grants, applications, and job descriptions for noncompliance with former President Trump's executive orders related to gender ideology and DEI initiatives within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). These AI systems flag potentially non-compliant content, which is then reviewed by ACF staff, with Palantir earning over $35 million from HHS during Trump's second term, and Credal AI receiving approximately $750,000 for their GenAI platform.

Multiple news sources reveal that since March, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been using AI tools from Palantir and Credal AI, founded by Palantir alumni, to screen grants, applications, and job descriptions for noncompliance with former President Trump's executive orders related to gender ideology and DEI initiatives within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). These AI systems flag potentially non-compliant content, which is then reviewed by ACF staff, with Palantir earning over $35 million from HHS during Trump's second term, and Credal AI receiving approximately $750,000 for their GenAI platform.