
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.

A high-end expedition cruise vessel, the Scenic Eclipse II, received assistance from the heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star after becoming beset by dense sea ice in the Ross Sea in mid-January, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Falkland Islands derive their name from Falkland Sound, the name given to the waterway between the two main islands, East and West Falkland by Captain John Strong, who spent several days in the Islands on his ship Welfare in January 1690.

Delcy Rodríguez said on Friday she will push a “general amnesty law” covering political prisoners and instructed that the draft be sent to the Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela, where it is expected to be debated and approved next week. The announcement was delivered at an event held at Tribunal Supremo de Justicia de Venezuela, as reported by El País.

Donald Trump said on Friday he will nominate Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor, to become the next chair of the U.S. central bank, replacing Jerome Powell when Powell’s term as chair expires in May. The announcement, delivered via Truth Social, follows months of speculation over who would inherit the world’s most consequential monetary-policy job.

Uruguay’s Air Force (FAU) says Montevideo will host an aerobatic helicopter display by Spanish Air Force's Patrulla ASPA on Sunday, 1 February, as part of the centenary commemorations of the historic Plus Ultra flight. The free event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. along Rambla Presidente Wilson, in Montevideo.