Conservative populist Laura Fernández won Costa Rica's presidential election on Sunday, February 2, 2026, securing a resounding first-round victory. The win allows Fernández to continue the political reorientation initiated by outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who endorsed her candidacy, according to the Associated Press (NPR).
Preliminary results showed Fernández eliminating the need for a runoff election in a crowded field of candidates. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal confirmed the results late Sunday night.
In other news, an international sports tribunal denied U.S. sledder Katie Uhlaender's appeal to compete at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled it lacked jurisdiction to intervene in Uhlaender's case, effectively ending her bid for a sixth Olympic appearance, according to NPR. Uhlaender claimed she was denied the opportunity due to an alleged point-rigging scheme by a Canadian coach.
Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump's documentary, "Melania," exceeded box office expectations during its opening weekend, grossing approximately $7 million domestically, NPR reported. Audience demographics were largely white (75%), women (70%), and over the age of 55 (72%). Top markets for the film included Dallas, Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, and West Palm Beach. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to the movie in early 2025 for $40 million and invested $35 million in marketing.
In the entertainment and political sphere, President Donald Trump threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah over a joke made during the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony. Time reported that Noah, who hosted the awards, made a reference to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, incorrectly linking Trump to Epstein Island.
Trump responded to Noah's joke, stating, "Noah said, incorrectly, about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island. Wrong. I cant speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonights false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media." Trump added, "Noah, a total loser, better get his facts straight, and get them straight fast. It looks like Ill be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C., and suing him for plenty. Get ready, Noah, Im going."
The Grammy Awards also saw several celebrities using the platform to make political statements, particularly criticizing President Trump's administration and its immigration policies, according to Time. The ceremony was noted for its distinctly political tenor, with many attendees seizing the opportunity to voice their opposition.
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