Late-night host Stephen Colbert publicly criticized CBS for preventing an interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a U.S. Senate candidate, from airing, suggesting the network feared Federal Communications Commission (FCC) equal-time rules. CBS responded, stating it provided legal guidance about potential equal-time triggers for other candidates and that the show chose to release the interview on YouTube with on-air promotion. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between broadcasters and the FCC concerning political candidate appearances and free speech, especially given recent FCC guidance on talk show exemptions. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez condemned CBS's decision as corporate capitulation, arguing it undermines press freedom and public trust by yielding to perceived political pressure, potentially linked to Paramount's regulatory matters.

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Amazon shares rose over 1% on Tuesday, ending a nine-day losing streak that erased more than $450 billion from its market capitalization, marking its worst slide since 2006. The significant decline was attributed to investor apprehension regarding the company's projected $200 billion in capital expenditures for the year, a figure substantially higher than Wall Street's forecast, largely allocated to artificial intelligence initiatives. CEO Andy Jassy and AWS CEO Matt Garman defended the substantial investment, expressing confidence in future returns from AI opportunities and expanded data center capacity. Analysts indicate Amazon must now demonstrate tangible returns on this massive spending to reassure investors. (not investment advice)

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Meta announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Nvidia, planning to deploy millions of Nvidia chips, including standalone Grace CPUs and next-generation Vera Rubin systems, in its artificial intelligence data centers. This multiyear deal is a key part of Meta's commitment to invest heavily in AI infrastructure, with plans for 30 data centers, 26 in the U.S. While financial terms were not disclosed, analysts estimate the deal to be in the tens of billions of dollars, reflecting Meta's aggressive push to deliver "personal superintelligence." This collaboration solidifies Nvidia's role as a primary chip provider for Meta, despite Meta also utilizing chips from other vendors and developing in-house silicon. (not investment advice)

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DNA recovered from a glove found near Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home and separate DNA from inside her residence did not yield matches in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Guthrie was forcibly taken from her home in early February, and her family has been cleared as suspects. While CODIS showed no hits, the DNA found at the property is still undergoing further analysis. Investigators are now expected to explore investigative genetic genealogy, a technique previously used in high-profile cases like the Golden State Killer, to identify potential leads in the ongoing search.

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This article draws parallels between the speculative market frenzy around GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in 2023 and the current excitement surrounding artificial intelligence. The author, Jim Cramer, recounts how exaggerated claims about GLP-1 impacts, like lighter airline passengers saving fuel, led to irrational market behavior. He warns that similar overblown predictions for AI's disruptive potential are now affecting valuations of established software and cybersecurity companies, despite their underlying strength. Cramer emphasizes that while AI's transformative power is real, investors need to be discerning about where growth truly lies, rather than succumbing to widespread hype. (not investment advice)

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Essex police are assessing information regarding private flights at Stansted airport following the public release of Jeffrey Epstein's files. This action comes after former Prime Minister Gordon Brown alleged the files showed Epstein used the airport for 90 flights, including 15 post-2008 conviction, to traffic girls from Eastern Europe. Brown highlighted concerns over incomplete flight logs and a perceived lack of oversight by British authorities regarding passenger identities. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has established a national coordination group to support forces assessing these allegations, while Stansted Airport clarified that Border Force is responsible for all immigration and customs checks for private jet passengers, not the airport itself.

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A Paris court rejected a case by Nicaraguan banana farm workers seeking compensation for sterility and illnesses caused by exposure to the toxic pesticide Nemagon (DBCP) in the 1960s-1980s. The court's decision, citing disproportionate damages, will be appealed. Nemagon was banned in the U.S. in 1977 but continued to be exported. This case underscores the ongoing issue of toxic pesticides, prohibited in Europe, still being exported to developing nations, causing severe health and environmental damage. Critics label this practice as a "disgusting form of neocolonialism," highlighting the double standards in regulatory protections for human biology across borders.

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Actor Shia LaBeouf was arrested in New Orleans during Mardi Gras celebrations, facing two counts of simple battery for allegedly assaulting two men. Police responded to a disturbance where LaBeouf was reportedly causing issues at a business, striking one victim multiple times with closed fists. He allegedly returned more aggressively after being removed, assaulting the same man again and punching a second. LaBeouf was treated for unknown injuries before being charged. This incident adds to the actor's history of violent and disorderly behavior, including a settled 2020 lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend for sexual assault and emotional abuse, further highlighting a pattern of concerning conduct.

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Bayer announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement through its Monsanto subsidiary to resolve lawsuits alleging that its Roundup weedkiller caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma. If approved, Monsanto would make annual payments for up to 21 years to eligible individuals diagnosed with the condition and exposed to Roundup before the announcement. Bayer stated the agreement includes no admission of liability or wrongdoing, but will increase its litigation liability to 11.8 billion euros. This follows thousands of lawsuits since Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018 and previous settlements, including a 2020 payout of up to $10.9 billion for similar claims.

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The 25th Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will host nearly 3,000 athletes from 90 countries, all vying for 116 medals across various disciplines. This article provides a comprehensive day-by-day guide, highlighting key events and athletes to watch throughout the Games. Notable competitions include the women's slopestyle final, ski mountaineering sprints, and the highly anticipated women's figure skating, which often features dramatic contests. The schedule also details the women's ice hockey gold medal game, expected to be a fierce Canada-USA rivalry, alongside men's ice hockey semi-finals and freestyle skiing events, offering a full overview of the upcoming sporting action.

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Nine individuals have been arrested in France in connection with the murder of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right nationalist student who died after being severely beaten in Lyon. Deranque was attacked by a gang of masked men following a demonstration by far-right feminists at a political studies institute. The arrests confirm suspicions that the alleged perpetrators are far-left militants linked to the banned group La Jeune Garde. Notably, among those in custody is Jacques-Elie Favrot, a parliamentary assistant for a deputy from the LFI party, placing significant political pressure on the LFI and its veteran leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who has publicly disavowed any connection to the violence.

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Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson died at 84, prompting widespread tributes from politicians and activists, including Presidents Trump, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Obama notably credited Jackson's historic presidential campaigns in the 1980s for laying the foundation for his own path to the highest office. A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson dedicated his life to advancing economic justice and building political power for Black Americans, famously popularizing the "I am somebody" slogan. Rev. Al Sharpton, a mentee, recounted Jackson's profound impact on his own life, inspiring belief in self-worth. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson ordered city flags at half-staff, recognizing Jackson's pivotal role in advancing civil rights.

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Four people were killed in a massive multi-vehicle crash involving at least 30 vehicles, including six semis, on I-25 south of Pueblo, Colorado. The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., was attributed to heavy winds creating severe "brownout" conditions with extremely low to zero visibility for motorists. Twenty-nine individuals were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious. The four fatalities occurred in separate vehicles. Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-25 were closed, with investigations and cleanup expected to keep northbound lanes shut for an extended period, prompting urgent advisories for drivers to avoid the hazardous area.

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President Trump publicly blamed Maryland, D.C., and Virginia leaders for a massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, offering federal assistance only if they ask "politely." This follows a mid-January collapse of the 60-year-old Potomac Interceptor, sending over 200 million gallons of wastewater into the river and severely tainting it with high E. coli levels. Maryland Governor Wes Moore countered Trump's claims, asserting federal responsibility for the long-standing project and accusing the administration of inaction, noting Maryland officials were first responders. The exchange highlights a political dispute over accountability for environmental infrastructure and an ongoing feud between Trump and Moore.

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Lululemon, a dominant athleisure brand, is facing significant headwinds including stagnating North American sales, a plunging stock price, and recent quality control issues like see-through leggings. Retail analysts suggest the company has not innovated enough to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market, losing ground to rivals like Vuori and Alo. Despite solid overall revenue growth, U.S., Canada, and Mexico same-store sales declined. The departure of former CEO Calvin McDonald further underscores the need for a new leader to revitalize the brand, which critics argue has "junkified" its products by straying from its core values of technical innovation and high quality.

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Peru's interim president, José Jerí, was ousted in an "express impeachment" after just four months in office, becoming the country's eighth president since 2016. Lawmakers voted to impeach him following the "Chifagate" scandal, which involved security-camera footage showing clandestine meetings with Chinese businessmen outside his official agenda. Prosecutors are investigating alleged influence-peddling, particularly concerning a businessman linked to an illegal timber-trafficking network. Jerí also faces scrutiny for allegedly hiring unqualified women for government jobs after late-night meetings. This political instability coincides with a U.S.-China diplomatic spat over Chinese investments in Peru's Chancay port.

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Traditional savings accounts currently offer minimal interest, with an average national deposit rate of just 0.39%, yielding approximately $117 on a $40,000 deposit by year-end 2026. This article highlights that such low returns provide little incentive for savers. It strongly recommends exploring higher-yield alternatives like high-yield savings accounts or Certificates of Deposit (CDs). These options can generate hundreds of dollars more in interest, with high-yield accounts offering around 4.09% and CDs ranging from 3.90% to 4.05% for various terms. Savers are advised to evaluate these more lucrative options for their 2026 financial goals. (not investment advice)

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Great Britain's world champion curling team, led by Bruce Mouat, faces potential early elimination from the 2026 Winter Olympics after a crucial 9-5 defeat to Canada. The British quartet has now lost four of their eight round-robin matches, placing their medal aspirations in serious jeopardy. To advance to Thursday's semi-finals, they must secure a victory in their final game against the United States and rely on favorable outcomes from other competing teams. The team acknowledged their performance against Canada included too many errors. Similarly, Great Britain's women's curling team also confronts a perilous path, requiring multiple wins to secure a spot in the last four.

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This article introduces a podcast episode from Newscast that delves into the question of whether Gen Z is facing a jobs crisis, as unemployment rates for young people have hit their highest point in nearly five years. Hosted by Adam and Alex with BBC business editor Simon Jack, the discussion aims to unpack the various economic and societal factors contributing to this concerning trend. Additionally, the episode provides an update on Nigel Farage's appointment of Reform UK's new top team, which he refers to as his ‘shadow cabinet,’ offering insights into the operational strategies and potential direction of the Reform party. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Newscast's online community for further discussion on these pertinent current affairs topics.

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Over 80 actors, directors, and writers, including Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem, have signed an open letter condemning the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) for its "institutional silence" and alleged "censoring" regarding the war in Gaza. The letter criticizes jury president Wim Wenders' comment that "We should stay out of politics," arguing that filmmaking cannot be separated from political issues. Signatories also express concern over Germany's perceived suppression of pro-Palestinian advocacy. They call on Berlinale to explicitly oppose Israel's actions in Gaza and end its role in shielding Israel from criticism, citing the festival's past statements on Ukraine and Iran.

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An 18-year-old man was arrested after running towards the U.S. Capitol's West Front, carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing a tactical vest and gloves. U.S. Capitol Police officers quickly responded, drawing their weapons and ordering him to drop the firearm, which he complied with, before being taken into custody. Inside his white Mercedes SUV, authorities additionally found a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask. The suspect, who does not reside in the area, was not previously known to Capitol Police, and his motive remains unknown as the investigation continues. The Chief commended officers for their swift and effective action, emphasizing the critical role of regular active-shooter exercises in ensuring public safety.

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This article posits that the "post-chatbot era" has begun with the rise of "agentic" AI tools like Anthropic's Claude Code, which can autonomously perform complex tasks, collapsing months of work into weeks. Unlike traditional chatbots, these advanced agents are transforming fields like software engineering, with some experts predicting AI will write 95% of code by decade's end. While tech companies are developing more accessible versions for mainstream users, concerns about job displacement are growing. However, agentic tools still face challenges, such as handling simple tasks or potential data deletion, highlighting that real-world application remains complex despite rapid progress.

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Economists from Oxford Economics predict that robots and automation technologies could replace 20% of U.S. jobs within the next two decades. Their report identifies transportation and logistics as the most vulnerable sector, with 60% of jobs having automation potential due to advancements in self-driving and warehouse automation moving from R&D to scaling. Manufacturing, accommodation, catering, retail, and wholesale are also highly susceptible. While acknowledging potential job losses, economists express confidence that automation will boost overall productivity and lead to new job creation, such as roles in maintaining and designing robots, emphasizing that the fundamental demand for work will not disappear but rather evolve.

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This article critically reviews Emerald Fennell's film adaptation of "Wuthering Heights," arguing it fundamentally fails to capture the brutal, passionate edge of Emily Brontë's original 1847 novel. The reviewer contends that while Fennell's film attempts a kinky, perverse aesthetic with ostentatious production design, it ultimately neuters the monstrous complexity of characters like Heathcliff and Catherine, portraying them as blameless rather than compelling sadists. The article critiques the film's decision to shift the narrative's villainy to the maid, Nelly Dean, and erase Heathcliff's racial ambiguity. This choice, the review concludes, removes the crucial tension and psychological depth that define Brontë's enduring and unforgettable work, leaving the adaptation without its essential dynamic.

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This article provides a detailed timeline of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as the search enters its third week. Last seen on January 31, Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, with authorities determining she was abducted. Key events include the disconnection of her doorbell camera and pacemaker app, the discovery of blood evidence, and the receipt of ransom notes demanding bitcoin. The FBI released a physical description of a masked suspect and doubled its reward to $100,000. Her family has been cleared as suspects, and a signal sniffer device is being used in the search.

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Former Daily Mail investigative reporter Stephen Wright vehemently denied allegations of paying private investigators for information regarding the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry. Testifying in a privacy case brought by Lawrence's mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Wright called the claims "despicable allegations" and "utter nonsense." Baroness Lawrence accuses the Mail's publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), of using unlawful methods for five articles on her son's 1993 racially motivated murder. Wright asserted his pride in campaigning for justice for the Lawrence family and denied paying corrupt police officers or using "blagging" techniques, stating his contact with tipsters was for legal searches.

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A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to reinstall exhibits about slavery at the President's House Site in Philadelphia, which had been removed in January. Senior Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's ruling grants the city's motion for a preliminary injunction, asserting that the federal government lacks the power to "dissemble and disassemble historical truths." The exhibits provide information on enslaved people who lived with Presidents Washington and Adams at the site. The Interior Department plans to appeal, citing President Trump's executive order "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" as the reason for removal. Local officials and community groups hailed the decision as a victory for historical accuracy.

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Oil prices fell on Tuesday after Iran's foreign minister reported a "general agreement" and progress in nuclear talks with the U.S. in Geneva. This development fueled hopes of preventing another conflict in the Middle East, a region vital for global crude supplies. U.S. crude oil dropped 0.89% to $62.33 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent lost 1.79% to settle at $67.42. Despite this diplomatic headway, regional tensions remain high, as Iran simultaneously conducted war games in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade choke point. These exercises temporarily suspended traffic and saw Iran's Revolutionary Guard reiterate its readiness to close the strait if ordered, indicating ongoing geopolitical complexities. (not investment advice)

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Netflix has granted Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) a seven-day waiver to reopen deal talks with Paramount Skydance, allowing WBD to explore "deficiencies" in Paramount's $30 per share all-cash offer. WBD has a pending transaction with Netflix, but Paramount launched a hostile tender offer directly to WBD shareholders. WBD CEO David Zaslav stated the goal is to secure a "best and final offer" from Paramount that provides superior value and certainty. Netflix, while confident in its own deal, aims to resolve the "distraction" caused by Paramount's actions, noting concerns about foreign funding and regulatory scrutiny for Paramount's offer. (not investment advice)

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A recent court filing shows the Trump administration identified over 40,000 additional borrowers eligible for federal student loan forgiveness in January. This includes more than 10,800 in Income-Based Repayment, 10,700 in Income-Contingent Repayment, and 820 in Pay as You Earn plans, along with 18,160 through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. These numbers suggest increased efforts to ease student debt burdens, following a lawsuit by the American Federation of Teachers. While these borrowers are eligible, their debts have not yet been discharged, and a backlog remains for affordable repayment plan applications, though progress is noted. (not investment advice)

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The release of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has led to a wave of resignations and repercussions for numerous high-profile individuals globally. Those affected include the chairman of Hyatt Hotels, the CEO of Dubai's largest port, and top lawyers and academics, many of whom maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also subpoenaed to testify. The article details specific individuals and the fallout, emphasizing that being mentioned does not imply involvement in crimes but highlights the reputational damage and ongoing investigations into associations with the convicted sex offender.

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The UK is implementing new passport rules for British dual nationals starting February 25, requiring them to use a British passport or a digital certificate of entitlement to enter the country. This change, part of a broader immigration system overhaul, means dual nationals can no longer travel on their foreign passports if their other nationality is from a visa-exempt country. Many individuals, like British-Latvian Jelena, are caught off guard, facing potential travel disruptions and the scramble to obtain new documents, which can take weeks and incur significant costs. Critics cite a lack of clear communication and call for a pause on the new requirements.

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Brazil is on track to exhaust its annual beef export quota to China by September, prompting warnings from the government about a potential collapse in domestic prices and job losses in the cattle sector. China's policy imposes a steep 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding a fixed country quota, significantly higher than the standard 12%. With record January export volumes, Brazil's 1.1 million-tonne ceiling is expected to be met early. The Ministry of Agriculture fears that without a coordinated response, this could lead to "strong disorganisation of trade flows," making further shipments commercially unviable and destabilizing the beef supply chain. (not investment advice)

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The Trump administration's "no tax on overtime" deduction, allowing certain nonexempt workers to deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) from overtime pay between 2025 and 2028, could lead to larger tax refunds. However, claiming this deduction for 2025 may be tricky, as employers are not yet required to separate overtime from regular pay on W-2 forms. Tax experts advise workers to use pay stubs or payroll software to calculate their qualified overtime, which is the portion exceeding their regular rate. It is crucial for taxpayers to retain all supporting documentation in case of IRS inquiries. (not investment advice)

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A $20,000 credit card debt is considered significant by most financial benchmarks, especially given today's high average interest rates. While manageability depends on individual income and cash flow, such a balance often pushes debt-to-income ratios beyond recommended limits, with a large portion of payments going towards interest rather than principal. The article emphasizes that making minimum payments can prolong repayment for over a decade, accruing substantial additional costs. It suggests several debt relief strategies, including debt settlement, balance transfers, debt consolidation loans, and credit counseling, to help individuals manage and reduce their financial burden effectively. (not investment advice)

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Golf legend Tiger Woods has confirmed he is weighing an offer to captain the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027, following the team's recent defeat. Woods, who has not played competitively since the 2024 Open Championship, is currently deeply involved with the PGA Tour committee reshaping the tournament schedule. His decision hinges on whether he can commit sufficient time to the captaincy role while managing his ongoing responsibilities. Remarkably, the 50-year-old also left open the possibility of competing in this year's Masters, despite undergoing disc replacement surgery last October, indicating a continued focus on his playing career.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's warm words to Hungary's Viktor Orbán, including an offer of financial support and a "golden age" of relations, have intensified EU fears of U.S. efforts to promote disunity in Europe. Rubio's remarks, made during a visit to Slovakia and Hungary, appeared to be an explicit political endorsement ahead of a crucial Hungarian parliamentary election. Analysts interpret this as an "eff you" to the EU, recalling similar White House offers to other right-wing allies abroad. The visit highlights growing transatlantic tensions over issues like Ukraine, trade, and defense spending, and suggests a U.S. strategy to sway European elections.

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The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against Shein under its Digital Services Act (DSA), investigating the fast-fashion retailer for "addictive design, lack of transparency of recommender systems, as well as the sale of illegal products." The probe will examine Shein's systems to prevent the sale of illegal items, including child sexual assault material and weapons, and assess risks associated with features like user rewards for engagement. This follows a backlash in France over the sale of child-like sex dolls and illegal weapons. Shein, headquartered in Ireland for EU operations, faces potential hefty fines if non-compliance is found.

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Anderson Cooper will depart CBS News' "60 Minutes" at the end of the current season, concluding two decades as a correspondent for the celebrated newsmagazine. Cooper cited a desire to spend more time with his young children as the primary reason for leaving his role, which he balanced with his CNN primetime anchor duties. CBS News expressed gratitude for his significant contributions, indicating the door remains open for a potential return in the future. His departure follows a tumultuous period for "60 Minutes," including the recent exit of its executive producer and a $16 million settlement paid by parent company Paramount to former President Trump over a 2024 interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.

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The Toyokana Center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, offers a vital safe space for girls who have experienced sexual assault, focusing on listening and providing treatment. The center addresses a growing crisis, with UNICEF reporting over 45,000 cases of sexual assault against children last year in the DRC, driven by ongoing conflict, urban poverty, and child marriage. Many cases occur within families, making it difficult for victims to confide in others. Toyokana provides medical attention, psychological support, and even literacy skills, but faces challenges due to shrinking foreign assistance funding, highlighting the urgent need for expanded resources.

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