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New Jersey's Clark faces a civil rights lawsuit accusing police and town leaders of systemic discrimination against Black and non-white motorists. The complaint highlights racial disparities in stops from 2015-2020, with some improvements noted after oversight began. The case involves former Mayor Bonaccorso and police leadership.
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Portugal's presidential election is heading to a runoff on February 8, with far-right candidate Andre Ventura and Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro advancing. Ventura is expected to lose in the second round, despite leading in the first, amid a highly fragmented political landscape and rising far-right support.
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Starbucks plans to open up to 575 new U.S. stores by 2028, focusing on smaller, inviting formats and technological upgrades to boost customer engagement. Despite growth efforts, it faces increased competition and declining market share, with some investors questioning its long-term strategy.
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Costa Rica's presidential election is ongoing, with preliminary results favoring Laura Fernández, who campaigns on continuity with outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. The election faces a large number of undecided voters, amid concerns over security and crime, with a potential runoff scheduled for April if no candidate wins outright today.
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Portugal's presidential election is nearing its conclusion with incumbent Seguro leading at around 66%, while far-right Ventura trails but advances to a runoff. Voting was held amid storms, with turnout similar to the first round. Seguro promotes moderation; Ventura's support signals rising far-right influence.
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Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-old surfer and hotel owner in Puerto Viejo, was murdered during a home invasion involving armed suspects. His girlfriend was zip-tied and assaulted but unharmed. The attack is believed to be more than a random crime, with ongoing investigations into possible motives.
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The 2026 World Happiness Report highlights a decline in wellbeing among under-25s in Western countries, linked to heavy social media use. Finland remains the happiest nation, while youth in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand report significant drops in life satisfaction over the past decade.
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Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is in doubt amid diplomatic tensions. The Iranian football federation is negotiating with FIFA to move their matches from the US to Mexico due to political conflicts. The team is also preparing in Turkey, with ongoing debates about safety and venue arrangements.