Multiple news sources report that a special court in Bangladesh sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison and her niece, UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, to four years on corruption charges related to illegally securing land plots, amidst a ban on Hasina's party and ahead of upcoming elections overseen by an interim government. Hasina and Siddiq, who claims she received no land and is not a Bangladeshi citizen, have both denounced the verdicts, which also included sentences for other family members.

Multiple news sources report that a special court in Bangladesh sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison and her niece, UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, to four years on corruption charges related to illegally securing land plots, amidst a ban on Hasina's party and ahead of upcoming elections overseen by an interim government. Hasina and Siddiq, who claims she received no land and is not a Bangladeshi citizen, have both denounced the verdicts, which also included sentences for other family members.

Multiple news sources report that the Italian culture ministry and the diocese of Rome have launched investigations into the restoration of a cherub in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, as the artwork now bears a striking resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sparking controversy and drawing crowds. While some criticize the renovation, Meloni has responded humorously, and authorities are working to determine responsibility and ensure sacred art is not misused.

Multiple news sources report that the Italian culture ministry and the diocese of Rome have launched investigations into the restoration of a cherub in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, as the artwork now bears a striking resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sparking controversy and drawing crowds. While some criticize the renovation, Meloni has responded humorously, and authorities are working to determine responsibility and ensure sacred art is not misused.

Thousands gathered on a Rio de Janeiro beach on February 2nd to honor Yemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea, with offerings and prayers for well-being, reflecting the enduring presence of Afro-Brazilian spirituality in the country's public rituals. This annual event, drawing devotees from across the city and beyond, highlights the syncretism between Yoruba beliefs and Catholicism that allowed enslaved Africans to preserve their traditions.

Thousands gathered on a Rio de Janeiro beach on February 2nd to honor Yemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea, with offerings and prayers for well-being, reflecting the enduring presence of Afro-Brazilian spirituality in the country's public rituals. This annual event, drawing devotees from across the city and beyond, highlights the syncretism between Yoruba beliefs and Catholicism that allowed enslaved Africans to preserve their traditions.

An independent review reveals critical oversights in handling a student's violent behavior prior to his fatal stabbing of Harvey Willgoose at All Saints Catholic High School, raising concerns about risk assessment and intervention strategies. The case highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to implement more robust measures for identifying and addressing potential threats, prompting discussions on accountability and student safety protocols. This tragedy underscores the complex challenges of balancing student support with preventative security in schools.

An independent review reveals critical oversights in handling a student's violent behavior prior to his fatal stabbing of Harvey Willgoose at All Saints Catholic High School, raising concerns about risk assessment and intervention strategies. The case highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to implement more robust measures for identifying and addressing potential threats, prompting discussions on accountability and student safety protocols. This tragedy underscores the complex challenges of balancing student support with preventative security in schools.

The Trump administration is considering partially privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, entities that back a large percentage of US mortgages. Proponents argue this move would benefit taxpayers, while critics express concerns about potential market instability, increased mortgage rates, and disproportionate financial gains for well-connected individuals. Economists note the government would relinquish control of valuable assets.

The Trump administration is considering partially privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, entities that back a large percentage of US mortgages. Proponents argue this move would benefit taxpayers, while critics express concerns about potential market instability, increased mortgage rates, and disproportionate financial gains for well-connected individuals. Economists note the government would relinquish control of valuable assets.

Multiple news sources confirm that right-wing populist Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People party won Costa Rica's presidential election in a landslide victory, exceeding the 40% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Fernández, the political heir of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, promised to crack down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade and vowed to continue the country's path of economic growth.

Multiple news sources confirm that right-wing populist Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People party won Costa Rica's presidential election in a landslide victory, exceeding the 40% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Fernández, the political heir of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, promised to crack down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade and vowed to continue the country's path of economic growth.

Multiple news sources report that EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has expressed the EU's openness to discussing closer trade ties with the UK, including a potential customs union, signaling a significant shift in Brussels' stance amid global uncertainty and pressure from the Labour party. While a customs union could reduce trade bureaucracy, it would also limit the UK's ability to pursue independent trade deals, a point of contention for some.

Multiple news sources report that EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has expressed the EU's openness to discussing closer trade ties with the UK, including a potential customs union, signaling a significant shift in Brussels' stance amid global uncertainty and pressure from the Labour party. While a customs union could reduce trade bureaucracy, it would also limit the UK's ability to pursue independent trade deals, a point of contention for some.

Multiple news sources cover a wide range of current events, including scientific advancements like fungal biocontrol and gammaherpesvirus research, political and economic issues such as potential NIH interference and company financial struggles, and complex social issues like transgender rights debates and immigration policy critiques. These sources also report on global events, historical discoveries, and the surprising link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk, reflecting a diverse and complex news landscape.

Multiple news sources cover a wide range of current events, including scientific advancements like fungal biocontrol and gammaherpesvirus research, political and economic issues such as potential NIH interference and company financial struggles, and complex social issues like transgender rights debates and immigration policy critiques. These sources also report on global events, historical discoveries, and the surprising link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk, reflecting a diverse and complex news landscape.

Multiple news sources report that SpaceX has acquired xAI, another Elon Musk company, to create a vertically-integrated innovation engine combining AI, space technology, and communication platforms. This merger aims to leverage SpaceX's resources to support xAI's AI development, including deploying orbital data centers, though the success of this venture and the integration of the controversial Grok AI chatbot and X platform remain to be seen.

Multiple news sources report that SpaceX has acquired xAI, another Elon Musk company, to create a vertically-integrated innovation engine combining AI, space technology, and communication platforms. This merger aims to leverage SpaceX's resources to support xAI's AI development, including deploying orbital data centers, though the success of this venture and the integration of the controversial Grok AI chatbot and X platform remain to be seen.

Pornhub is restricting access for UK users who haven't previously verified their age due to the upcoming Online Safety Act, which requires robust age verification measures, raising concerns about VPN circumvention and driving users to unregulated sites. While Pornhub claims the law fails to protect children, some experts suggest this move may be a tactic to pressure politicians and increase registered users, similar to actions taken in multiple US states with age verification laws.

Pornhub is restricting access for UK users who haven't previously verified their age due to the upcoming Online Safety Act, which requires robust age verification measures, raising concerns about VPN circumvention and driving users to unregulated sites. While Pornhub claims the law fails to protect children, some experts suggest this move may be a tactic to pressure politicians and increase registered users, similar to actions taken in multiple US states with age verification laws.

Multiple news sources confirm that three Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey players—JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Caden Fine—were killed in a vehicle crash near Stavely, Alberta, while traveling to practice on Monday morning, involving a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. The hockey community and Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith have expressed their condolences, offering support to the families and teammates of the deceased, as investigations into the incident continue.

Multiple news sources confirm that three Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey players—JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Caden Fine—were killed in a vehicle crash near Stavely, Alberta, while traveling to practice on Monday morning, involving a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. The hockey community and Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith have expressed their condolences, offering support to the families and teammates of the deceased, as investigations into the incident continue.

Starting February 3, 2026, Rome has implemented a 2-euro fee for tourists to access the Trevi Fountain, alongside a 5-euro fee for some city museums, in an effort to manage crowds, improve visitor experience, and generate revenue for cultural heritage preservation, according to multiple news reports. The initiative, which exempts Rome residents, follows a successful trial of visitor flow management at the fountain and aims to offset maintenance costs while potentially generating millions in additional revenue annually.

Starting February 3, 2026, Rome has implemented a 2-euro fee for tourists to access the Trevi Fountain, alongside a 5-euro fee for some city museums, in an effort to manage crowds, improve visitor experience, and generate revenue for cultural heritage preservation, according to multiple news reports. The initiative, which exempts Rome residents, follows a successful trial of visitor flow management at the fountain and aims to offset maintenance costs while potentially generating millions in additional revenue annually.