A Royal Canadian Mounted Police report quietly posted online on Jan. 21, 2026 shows 443 conduct files were opened in 2024 involving 408 members — under 2% of the force’s roughly 21,641 employees. The largest category was “discreditable conduct,” which the report says covers improper social media posts, sexual misconduct and Criminal Code offences. The data mark a return to pre-pandemic volumes after a dip between 2021 and 2023. Disciplinary outcomes shifted toward harsher penalties: remedial measures fell to 29% (from 51% in 2023), corrective measures rose to 42%, and serious measures climbed to 24%. About 5% of cases resulted in dismissals or forced resignations — a five-fold increase from the prior year — and demotions more than doubled to 10 cases. Interim actions during investigations included a rise in suspensions with pay (105 cases, up 47%) and frequent temporary reassignments. The RCMP says it will review how serious misconduct is addressed and communicated and pursue further process improvements in 2025.

Senegal said it will appeal disciplinary sanctions handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Jan. 18, 2026. CAF suspended coach Pape Thiaw for five matches and fined him $100,000 after television footage showed him gesturing as Senegal players briefly left the field following a disputed VAR decision and a late penalty award to Morocco. The Senegal Football Federation was fined $615,000 for multiple offences, and forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr received two-match bans for unsporting behaviour. Morocco was also sanctioned: the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000 in total, Ismael Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined $100,000, and Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension. CAF dismissed Morocco’s attempt to have the match result overturned; Senegal won 1-0 after extra time. CAF’s bans apply only to its competitions and will not affect preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Senegal can appeal internally to a CAF commission or take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Supporters have already launched and then redirected fundraising for Thiaw following the penalties.

Brad Karp stepped down as chair of leading U.S. law firm Paul Weiss on Feb. 5, 2026 after scrutiny over his appearance in a fresh tranche of documents from the Justice Department’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The firm named Scott Barshay as Karp’s immediate successor. The released files — part of roughly 3 million pages made public last week — include emails and notes showing Karp attended at least two group dinners with Epstein, exchanged a small number of social emails and in 2016 asked Epstein to help his son seek unpaid work on a Woody Allen film. The documents also show Karp acted in matters related to Paul Weiss’s representation of clients such as Leon Black and reviewed drafting for litigation linked to Epstein. Paul Weiss said Karp’s interactions were limited and regretted; the firm said he will continue focusing on client service. Karp has led the firm for nearly two decades and the developments follow earlier controversy over a firm pledge of pro bono work tied to former President Donald Trump.

Delhi Police’s Crime Branch arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui (reported also as Javad Ahmad Siddiqui), chairman of Al-Falah University, on Feb. 5 after registering two FIRs following a complaint from the University Grants Commission (UGC). The arrest follows earlier action by the Enforcement Directorate, which had opened proceedings into the institution’s finances. Siddiqui was produced before a local court and remanded to four days of police custody for further questioning. Authorities allege forgery, fraud and administrative irregularities; regulators have also examined claims of false accreditation after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council issued a show-cause notice and the university’s website was taken offline in November. Reporting has linked controversial hires at the university — including a man convicted in the 2000 Red Fort blast — and two associates reportedly connected to a so-called ‘white-collar’ terror network, which intensified scrutiny by law enforcement and education regulators. Investigations by multiple agencies are ongoing and further details are expected as custodial questioning proceeds.

Meredith Hayden, the 30-year-old food influencer known as Wishbone Kitchen, has said she was drugged and kidnapped at a luxury Hollywood premiere party about four years ago. Hayden, who has millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram and published a bestselling cookbook, disclosed the alleged incident in a video posted in early February 2026 while explaining travel anxiety ahead of a birthday trip to Tokyo. She said she began to feel "weird," went outside to leave and was pushed into a car and held for several hours. Hayden says she did not report the episode to police at the time, citing a prior frustrating experience filing a robbery report and the party invitation’s claim that cameras would be off. She also said a later mental-health evaluation diagnosed her with PTSD, anxiety, depression and agoraphobia. The video has drawn large viewership and renewed discussion about safety at private industry events and how public figures disclose traumatic experiences.

A 10-year-old girl was left with serious, reportedly life-changing injuries after a dog attack on Roseneath Road in the Great Lever area of Bolton on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 4). Emergency services attended shortly before 3:30pm; paramedics treated the child at the scene and she was taken to hospital by ambulance. Greater Manchester Police said Armed Response Vehicles and the GMP Dog Unit were deployed and two dogs were detained. A 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control and remain in custody as detectives continue enquiries. Officers have maintained a visible presence in the neighbourhood while investigators establish the circumstances; police have not disclosed the breeds involved. The force said enquiries are ongoing and provided reassurance to local residents following the distressing incident.

European security and space officials say two Russian “inspector” spacecraft, Luch-1 and Luch-2, have spent months shadowing and intercepting signals from more than a dozen key European geostationary communications satellites, according to reporting published Feb. 3–5, 2026. Orbital tracking and ground observations indicate repeated close approaches—Luch-2 has been logged near 17 satellites since its 2023 launch—and long loitering inside the narrow beams that carry command and user data. Officials warn many older European satellites lack modern encryption, making unencrypted command links vulnerable to signals intelligence collection, mapping of ground terminals, and potential future spoofing or manipulation of thrusters. The activity is being framed as part of a broader “hybrid warfare” campaign that already targets undersea cables and other critical infrastructure. In response, Germany unveiled plans to spend roughly €35 billion on military space capabilities, including an encrypted SATCOM Stage 4 constellation, spy satellites, lasers, inspector craft and other non-kinetic countermeasures to bolster deterrence and protect European space assets.

A judicial review began at Scotland’s Court of Session on Feb. 3–4, 2026, as campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) seeks to overturn Scottish Prison Service (SPS) guidance that permits some transgender women to be housed in the female estate following individual risk assessments. FWS, represented by Aidan O’Neill KC, argues the policy conflicts with last year’s UK Supreme Court ruling that ‘‘woman’’ in the Equality Act refers to biological sex and risks placing violent biological males among vulnerable female prisoners. Scottish ministers contend a blanket rule would breach human rights obligations (ECHR/Human Rights Act) and that individualised assessments — informed by safety and suicide-risk evidence — are needed. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) have both intervened: the EHRC warned the guidance could produce ‘‘mixed‑sex provision,’’ while the SHRC said outcomes depend heavily on circumstances. The SPS says there were 19 transgender inmates as of June 2025 and that about 80% have been accommodated in estates matching biological sex. The hearing, before Lady Ross, is scheduled for multiple days and follows public controversy including the Isla Bryson case.

A study published Feb. 4, 2026 in Science Advances finds long-term exposure to fine particulates (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke contributed to an average of about 24,100 deaths per year across the contiguous United States from 2006–2020. Researchers at Mount Sinai linked satellite-derived wildfire smoke PM2.5 estimates with federal mortality records from 3,068 counties, examining all-cause and cause-specific deaths. The analysis found the strongest associations for neurological diseases, followed by circulatory, respiratory and endocrine conditions; every 0.1 µg/m3 rise in wildfire PM2.5 corresponded to roughly 5,594 additional deaths annually. Effects were more pronounced in rural counties, during cooler periods, and among younger populations. The study used negative-control outcomes (car accidents and falls) to test robustness but notes limits including county-level exposure averages, dynamic smoke plumes, and unmeasured individual risk factors (for example smoking). Authors say the figure likely underestimates true harm and argue for urgent mitigation, improved monitoring, local response plans and stronger climate and land-management policies.

Colombian prosecutors have opened an investigation into former cycling champion Luis “Lucho” Herrera after two ex-paramilitaries accused him of masterminding the 2002 abduction and killings of four young farmers in Fusagasuga, about 75km from Bogotá. The men say Herrera paid roughly $9,700 for the disappearances, which they allege were carried out by fighters posing as members of the former intelligence agency DAS. Remains of two victims were recovered at a ranch in 2008 and only identified last year; two others remain missing. The killers, who confessed under plea bargains, said they dismembered victims. Herrera, 64, who built a business empire in his hometown after retiring from a celebrated cycling career, has denied involvement and says the probe aims to tarnish his name. He and his brother Rafael are due in a Bogotá court for questioning; if convicted of forced disappearance they could face 26 to 45 years in prison. The allegations have reignited long-standing wounds from Colombia’s armed conflict and prompted protests and clashes over a statue honoring Herrera in Fusagasuga.

Emergency services in Toulouse, France, partially evacuated the Rangueil hospital in the early hours of Feb. 1 after surgeons discovered an unexploded World War I artillery shell lodged in the rectum of a 24‑year‑old man. The patient was admitted with severe pain and underwent emergency surgery, during which medical staff identified the roughly 20cm, brass-and-copper shell believed to date from 1918. Explosive ordnance disposal teams and the fire brigade were called to the scene; the device was declared safe and removed with no reported detonations or further injuries. Local prosecutors say the man — who remains under medical care and is to be questioned by police — may face legal action over possession of prohibited “category A” munitions. Authorities reiterated warnings about the hazards of handling historical munitions, noting unexploded ordnance from the Western Front is still regularly found across parts of France and Belgium.

Bengaluru's Namma Metro fares are set to rise by 5% across all 10 fare zones, sources and local reports said, with the increase due to take effect from February 9, 2026. The minimum single-journey fare will move from Rs 10 to Rs 11 and the maximum from Rs 90 to Rs 95; fares will be rounded to the nearest rupee where the hike adds 50 paise or more. The revision follows recommendations in a 2024 Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report that BMRCL has accepted and recently forwarded to the Karnataka government. BMRCL has argued the hike is needed to shore up its operating ratio and serviceability amid heavy loan liabilities — outstanding loans of about Rs 13,106.65 crore and subordinate debt of Rs 21,521.23 crore — and looming repayments through 2029-30. The corporation had previously implemented a major hike in February 2025 (average increase reported at around 51.5% before discounts) after public backlash and capping of maximum increases. Commuter groups and mobility experts have criticised repeated increases and urged exemptions for smartcard/QR users; officials say the rise is intended to avoid steeper increases later and to sustain planned expansion studies for 200+ km of new corridors.

Emails from Soon‑Yi Previn to Jeffrey Epstein, released by the US Department of Justice in February 2026 under the Epstein Files disclosures, show Previn attacking the #MeToo movement and blaming the underage victim in the Anthony Weiner sexting case. Messages dated between 2016 and 2018 include a September 2016 exchange in which Previn called the 15‑year‑old involved with Weiner “despicable and disgusting” and said she “reeled him in like fish to bait.” In early 2018 she forwarded to Epstein an email to herself with the subject line “Just as the Me Too movement has gone too far so has Botox.” The documents also show Previn criticising her stepbrother Ronan Farrow’s prominence following his reporting on Harvey Weinstein. The files indicate Previn and Woody Allen maintained social ties with Epstein, attending gatherings in the financier’s circle; Allen has acknowledged knowing Epstein. Previn and Allen did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Weiner pleaded guilty in 2017 to transferring obscene material to a minor and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

A 2-year-old Queens boy, identified by family as Maliek, is on a ventilator and fighting for his life after prosecutors say his father severely beat him at a Long Island City shelter. Authorities allege Dayvon Morrison, 30, assaulted the toddler during a drunken episode at the Manhattan View Hotel, a site used as a homeless shelter, late last week. Prosecutors say Morrison awoke Saturday to find the child bruised, did not seek medical help and waited days before returning the boy to his mother; witnesses called 911 when they saw the child’s condition early Monday. Doctors at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell treated the child for catastrophic injuries including a blown pupil, brain bleeds and damage, a fractured pelvis and a lacerated liver. The child’s mother, Cyndy Williams, says she repeatedly warned the Administration for Children’s Services, courts and police that her son was at risk. Morrison was arrested and arraigned on attempted murder and assault charges and is being held without bail. City agencies say they are investigating the abuse and the family’s prior warnings.

Multiple Toronto police officers were arrested this week in a large, ongoing investigation into organized crime and corruption led by York Regional Police. Authorities and media reports said at least seven Toronto officers were in custody, while some sources put the total as high as nine to a dozen; a federal source cited more than 30 arrests overall, including people who are not police. The probe — described by York Regional Police as Project South — alleges involvement in drug trafficking, auto theft, illegal gambling and extortion, and includes accusations of leaking addresses to hit men, bribery, obstruction of justice and a purported conspiracy to commit murder. York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween and Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw were scheduled to address the case at a news conference. The Toronto Police Association said it was aware of several members arrested and urged due process and wellness support. Some reports said a number of arrested officers have been suspended without pay. Investigators executed multiple search warrants across the region and said the investigation remains fluid and may expand.

South Australia Police on Feb. 5 declared the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont a major crime and said they have identified a suspect who resides at the family’s Oak Park Station near Yunta. Gus vanished from the remote sheep property on Sept. 27, 2025 while reportedly playing outside the homestead. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said investigators have reviewed extensive searches — including multiple ground and aerial sweeps, use of AI to analyse imagery, Indigenous trackers, defence personnel and specialist divers — and have found no evidence he merely wandered off or was abducted. Police said they uncovered “inconsistencies and discrepancies” in timelines given by family members; the person who withdrew cooperation after searches on Jan. 14–15 is now considered a suspect. Authorities emphasised Gus’s parents are not suspects. Investigators have executed search warrants and seized a car and motorcycle from the property; enquiries remain ongoing as police continue a forensic and witness-driven probe into the boy’s disappearance.

Authorities have formally declared the attempted bombing of an Invasion Day rally in Perth on January 26 a terrorist act and charged a 31-year-old man with engaging in a terrorist act. The accused, arrested moments after allegedly throwing a homemade ‘fragment’ device from a first-floor balcony into a crowd of about 2,500 people at Forrest Place, remains unnamed under a court suppression order. The device, which police say was packed with screws and ball bearings and designed to explode on impact, did not detonate; a woman was struck but not seriously injured. Investigators from WA Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO used forensic examination of electronic devices and searches of the suspect’s home to build the case. Authorities allege the attack was motivated by racist, pro‑white ideology and that the suspect had self‑radicalised online. The terrorism charge — the first of its kind laid in Western Australia — carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The accused is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on February 17; state charges for making or possessing explosives and intent to harm will be heard alongside the Commonwealth terrorism charge. Political leaders and senators have publicly condemned the attack and expressed concern for First Nations communities.

A 31-year-old man has been charged with a terror offence after allegedly throwing a bomb into a crowd at an Invasion Day rally in Perth on Jan. 26, federal parliament was told on Feb. 5. Authorities said the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation were engaged the same day and a joint counter‑terrorism team was investigating within 40 minutes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the House he had met Indigenous leaders and pledged “we stand with you”, repeating an AFP commissioner’s assessment that there was no residual risk. Labor ministers described the incident as fortunate the device did not detonate and said the alleged motivation to be tested in court would be a racially motivated ideological cause. The episode unfolded during question time, with opposition MPs pressing the government on capital gains tax speculation and energy policy; ministers also warned more than 60 childcare services could face funding cuts for failing standards.

A flurry of results in late January and early February 2026 has reshaped the French football picture. Lens reclaimed top spot after a 1-0 league win over Le Havre on Jan. 30, then advanced to the French Cup quarter-finals with a 4-2 victory over Troyes on Feb. 4. Paris Saint-Germain responded by beating Strasbourg (2-1) on Feb. 1—despite Achraf Hakimi’s second-half red card—to retake the summit. Lyon continue a strong run, notching a 10th straight win in all competitions on Feb. 1 and reaching the French Cup last eight after Real Madrid loanee Endrick scored the winner for Lyon against Laval on Feb. 4; the 19-year-old has five goals in five appearances since joining in late December. Marseille progressed to the Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Rennes on Feb. 3, but remain fragile domestically after blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Paris FC on Jan. 31 and suffering a recent Champions League exit. The results have tightened the fight for the Ligue 1 title and Champions League places as the season enters a decisive phase.

On Jan. 29, 2026 the French Senate unanimously adopted draft legislation to simplify the return of artworks and artefacts looted during France’s colonial era. The bill creates a streamlined framework so that restitution decisions no longer require individual parliamentary votes, instead relying on a scientific review of provenance and consultation with requesting states. It applies to objects acquired between 1815 and 1972 whose illegal appropriation can be established with available historical evidence and which originate from the territory of the claimant state. The measure, pushed by Senator Catherine Morin-Desailly, moves next to the National Assembly before becoming law. France still holds tens of thousands of items taken during its imperial past; at least 13 countries — including Benin, Mali, Algeria, Senegal and Mexico — have submitted requests that could benefit from the new procedure. The bill follows previous French moves to repatriate human remains and World War II-looted property and builds on President Emmanuel Macron’s stated commitment to deepen cultural dialogue and return heritage to former colonies.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Bill Blair resigned his seat in the House of Commons on Feb. 3, 2026, after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his appointment as Canada’s next high commissioner to the United Kingdom. Blair, the MP for Scarborough Southwest since 2015 and a former Toronto police chief, has held several portfolios including public safety, emergency preparedness and national defence. The government said the posting, which replaces former high commissioner Ralph Goodale, will take effect this spring. Carney’s office also announced Nathalie G. Drouin will become ambassador to France and Monaco. Blair’s departure follows Chrystia Freeland’s recent resignation to advise Ukraine’s president and creates two Toronto by-elections — Scarborough Southwest and University—Rosedale — that will be watched for their impact on the Liberal-led minority government. The Liberals currently hold 169 of 343 Commons seats. The party has already named Danielle Martin as its candidate in University—Rosedale; dates for the by-elections have not been set. The appointments underline Ottawa’s diplomatic reshuffle at a time of heightened focus on transatlantic security and relations with European partners.