
A fresh release of Jeffrey Epstein-related records by the U.S. Department of Justice has reignited global scrutiny of the late financier’s web of contacts and influence. The trove—published under the “Epstein Files Transparency Act”—runs into millions of pages and also includes videos and images, according to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

An internal complaint alleging prohibited environmental practices and mistreatment of personnel triggered an investigation at Petrel Antarctic Base, a key enclave in Argentina's logistical deployment in Antarctica. The investigation is being conducted by the Antarctic Joint Command (COCOANTAR), led by Maximiliano Mangiaterra.

More than six in ten Brazilians are now overweight and obesity affects roughly one in four adults, according to official health data released this week and carried by Agência Brasil. The survey estimates that 62.6% of the population had excess weight in 2024, up from 42.6% in 2006, while obesity (BMI ≥ 30) doubled from 11.8% to 25.7% over the same period.

An extratropical cyclone forecast to develop offshore in the South Atlantic is already driving growing instability across Santa Catarina, with officials warning that conditions could worsen between Monday, Feb. 2, and Wednesday, Feb. 4. The alerts were issued by Defesa Civil de Santa Catarina and reported by Agência Brasil.

Britain is rapidly moving toward a cashless future. A transition that was once gradual accelerated sharply during the pandemic era, during which time contactless payments became the safest and most convenient way for consumers to shop.