NEO NEWS

A painting of a cherub with a face bearing a remarkable resemblance to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni had attracted large crowds to the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, one of the oldest basilicas in Rome. That angel's face was gone when the church opened its doors Wednesday: the cherub's body remains, but the face was erased with a sloppy slab of paint or plaster.

La Repubblica newspaper, which broke the story Saturday when it published the Meloni-esque angel on its front page, said the restorer responsible for making the Meloni cherub had covered it up overnight at the request of church authorities.

Restorer Bruno Valentinetti admitted to the paper that he had styled the angel on Meloni, but didn't say why.

The diocese of Rome and the Italian Culture Ministry had both launched investigations after the image of the cherub was first published.

The original painting only dated from 2000, so it wasn't a matter of damage to the church's historic patrimony. But Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the pope's vicar for Rome, insisted that a political figure had no place in church art.

The ruckus gave the basilica newfound celebrity status, with curious locals and tourists lining up to photograph the Meloni cherub, at times disrupting Mass.

In a statement Wednesday, the Culture Ministry set down the rules going forward: If the basilica plans to repaint the angel face, it needs prior authorization from the government which owns the church, the diocese of Rome which operates it and the culture ministry's special superintendency for Rome.

Lest there be any question, the Culture Ministry said that the request for permission must be "accompanied by a sketch of the image."

Valentinetti had first made the cherub in 2000, when one of the basilica's front chapels was renovated to include a bust of the last king of Italy, Umberto II. Included in the decoration was a cherub holding a map of Italy, seemingly kneeling down before the king.

The cherub was restored after water leaks damaged the basilica starting in 2023, and emerged with the face of Meloni.

The investigations that were launched were to identify how the original 2000 cherub looked, with the aim of restoring the painting to that image. The faceless cherub seen Wednesday appeared a temporary fix to erase Meloni's likeness from the work.

The Italian premier had made light of the whole thing. "No, I definitely don't look like an angel," Meloni wrote on social media on the weekend with a laughing/crying emoji alongside a photo of the work.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP'scollaborationwith The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Health officials said the infant most likely contracted a Listeria infection after the child's mother consumed unpasteurized milk during pregnancy.

While investigators have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the infection, the department said the case highlights the serious risks raw dairy products pose to pregnant women, infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

RELATED STORY |Study finds cheese made with raw milk may contain active bird flu virus

"Individuals who are pregnant should only consume pasteurized milk products to help prevent illnesses and deaths in newborns," said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health.

Raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, including Listeria, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or fatal infections in newborns. Even when a pregnant person experiences only mild symptoms, the bacteria can still severely affect a fetus.

RELATED STORY |Botulism outbreak sickens more than 50 babies and expands to all ByHeart products

In addition to listeria, health officials say raw milk products can also expose people to other pathogens, including bird flu, salmonella and E. coli.

Health officials note that pasteurization briefly heats milk to a temperature high enough to kill harmful germs.

"Consumers, particularly those at higher risk, are encouraged to choose pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of serious foodborne illness," said Jeff M. Witte, New Mexico secretary of agriculture.

Elizabeth and her mother were "picked up by ICE on their way to school" on Jan. 6 and were being held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, Zena Stenvik said in a statement. The ICE facility, which houses parents and children taken into federal custody over alleged violations of immigration law, is located in south Texas.

It wasn't clear when they would return to Minnesota due in part toa measles outbreakat the detention facility that "may require a quarantine period," Stenvik said, adding that "we do not know the status of Elizabeth's health at this time."

But, she went on to say, "We are filled with joy at the anticipation of the family when Elizabeth's father can once again be reunited with his daughter and wife."

Columbia Heights is the same city where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained last month in a case that sparked much controversy. Both werereleased from Dilley and returned home Sunday, a day after a federal judge ordered ICE to free them.

Columbia Heights schools reopened Tuesday followinga racially and politically motivated bomb threatthat forced them to close for the day on Monday,CBS News Minnesota reported.

While it was a relief for district residents to seeLiam return home, Stenvik said the struggle is far from over.

Advertisement

"Having Liam return to his family has provided us with a glimmer of hope, but it is bittersweet," she said, pointing out that four other Columbia Heights students were still in federal custody at Dilley. Elizabeth's release would leave three.

Stenvik also said dozens of parents of Columbia Heights elementary schoolers have been taken by federal agents.

She observed that while many people are hoping for de-escalation of tensions and of the ICE presence in the district, she hasn't seen any.

In her statement late Monday, Stenvik said, "We have been very concerned about (Elizabeth) and our other students and families who are unjustly being held in detention centers. We seek the full release of all children and unjustly detained parents from detention center across our country.

"We seek a diplomatic and peaceful solution to end this terror that the enhanced immigration enforcement is causing in our community, our state and our county."

Some blood found in Savannah Guthrie's mom's home, sources say

Democrats react to Trump's push for Republicans to nationalize voting: "Outlandishly illegal"

Why Trump says Republicans should "nationalize" elections

TUCSON, Ariz. — Bryce James, youngest son of NBA star LeBron James, is going to redshirt his freshman year at Arizona.

James has yet to appear in a game for the top-ranked Wildcats this season and coach Tommy Lloyd confirmed on Tuesday the 6-foot-5 guard will redshirt.

"The redshirting decision was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as his career unfolds," Lloyd told the Big 12 Network. "I have real strong belief that Bryce will be a contributor at Arizona in the near future. He's really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing."

James arrived at Arizona as part of a heralded freshman class headlined by Koa Peat and Brayden Burries.

The Wildcats (22-0) are off to the best start in program history, so Lloyd and his staff have been able to take their time in developing James, whose older brother, Bronny, plays with their father for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The trade on Tuesday was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. Cleveland becomes the sixth team in Harden's 17-year career.

Harden, who averages 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds, gives Cleveland another scoring option for the remainder of the regular-season. After all, he is No. 9 all-time in NBA scoring history with 28,805 points. For what it's worth, he's No. 12 all-time in assists.

TheCavaliersacquire a combo guard in Harden who can play shooting guard and run a team as a point guard. He's played with superstars his entire career and has had success, especially in the regular season.

Having played with an array of stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul throughout his 17-year NBA career, he should have no issue gelling with Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell.

Harden, who stands at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, gives Cleveland more size in their backcourt, a difference from Garland's 6-foot-1, 192-pound frame.

He should fit right in with Cleveland, who has been looking for a consistent secondary scorer after Mitchell. They happened to get one of the best offensive players in the game's history.

Harden joins the team as someone who control an offense. He's a constant scoring threat whether via penetration or knocking down perimeter shots. He's second all-time in NBA history with 3,310 3-pointers made.

Harden has been successful in his career when paired with other shooters or an athletic big who can set screens and finish above the rim, an archetype that matches both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

With the Cavaliers sitting at No. 5 in the Eastern Conference standings with a 30-21 record, Harden's addition gives them someone who can add a veteran presence and playoff experience.

On the receiving end of the trade are the Clippers who not only get a scorer at the point guard, right after losing one, but they also get younger in the process. Garland, who turned 26 in January, gives the team in Inglewood an 18 point-per-game scorer who turns out nearly seven assists per game this season.

The Clippers started the season with a 6-21 record by Dec. 18, and looked like they were headed towards the lottery with the Oklahoma City Thunder owning their pick.

But since then, the Clippers have turned their season around, having won 17 of their last 22 games. They now sit at the No. 9 spot in the Western Conference standings, which would qualify them for a NBA Play-in Tournament berth.

Garland can help recently named All-Star Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers creep into a potential playoff-berth by reaching the No. 6-spot or even better. They have a long way to go, as they stand seven games behind the No. 6-best Minnesota Timberwolves. But it's not entirely impossible.

The Kawhi Leonard-era isn't over just yet with the Clippers, this is just the latest iteration. From Paul George to Harden, now Garland attempts to help bring the Clippers over the hump and a chance to make and win their first ever NBA championship.

See how others are reacting to the NBA news:

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents

More NBA trade news:Chicago Bulls agree to trade Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics

Sports world, fans react to Harden-Garland trade:

See immediate reactions and feedback from the NBA world, from NBA experts and insiders to fans of the game.

Experts and insiders:

Take a look at what some of the NBA experts and pundits had to say about the Harden trade.

A few weeks ago James Harden was waxing poetic about his time in LA, telling ESPN how "blessed" he'd felt to play in his hometown. I believe he was genuine in those sentiments. But this is a business decision for all involved. Garland is 10 years younger and gives the Clippers…https://t.co/aY8fqeeOaX

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne)February 4, 2026

By targeting Cleveland as his next destination, James Harden had to waive almost all of his $2.3 million trade bonus. He wanted the Cavaliers, like he wanted the Clippers... like he wanted the Sixers... It's honestly impressive this man keeps pointing at a team and getting there.https://t.co/SpOZrKhdTz

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer)February 4, 2026

Here are the salaries in the Cleveland/LAC trade:To ClevelandJames Harden: $39.2M, $42.3M ($13.3M GTY)Note: 2026-27 is a player option. If Harden opts-in, the contract is not guaranteed until 7/11To LA ClippersDarius Garland: $39.5M, $42.2M, $44.9M

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42)February 4, 2026

"I would not trade Darius Garland for James Harden under any circumstances. You know why?… All this guy does is quit on teams and fold in the playoffs."@getnickwrightsounds off about James Harden:pic.twitter.com/GsP6pZINuv

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1)February 3, 2026

I enjoyed covering James Harden during his time with the Clippers.On multiple occasions he stated his desire to finish his career in his hometown of Los Angeles. But the business side of things didn't line up that way.Should be an interest night at Intuit Dome tomorrow with…

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_)February 4, 2026

Harden x Spida 😤This new duo in Cleveland 🔥pic.twitter.com/rWbX8akhrD

— ESPN (@espn)February 4, 2026

NBA, sports fans around the world:

Check out these reactions from various sports fans around the world.

Cavs got an old, washed James HardenClippers got a 26 year old who still isn't in his primeWe ALL know who wonhttps://t.co/OzYMLZTz8g

— Trey Park, College Basketball Insider (@tp13enthusiast)February 4, 2026

So next season Cavs gonna have James Harden, LeBron James, and Donovan Mitchellhttps://t.co/4oXRPhs6sA

— Blake / Tech2000 💿 (@ucegotthejuce)February 4, 2026

As a long time James Harden hater and day 1 Darius Garland fan, I will simply never recover from this. I hate everything.https://t.co/kJ9xTIubIQ

— Kayley (@kayleyk)February 4, 2026

Dear James Harden, from the night you got traded here it's been an absolute honor to witness you play on this team. Never sat out any games, never complained, gave it 100%. I appreciate everything you've done for this team. Thank You and Good luck in Cleveland GOAT 😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️1️⃣pic.twitter.com/5nvRh8VuyL

— AMB🫀 (@AMBGotAura)February 4, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:James Harden, Darius Garland trade: Reactions to Clippers-Cavs deal

Backstage at theIntuitfor Education Super Bowl Financial Literacy Forum, the running back spoke candidly about what the offseason looks like for a player who carries such a heavy load.

"How much time do you have?" he joked when asked about how he recovers following a season. "It's an all-year commitment and 24-7 commitment to putting your body in the best position it can be in to go out there and do what I have to do for my team."

McCaffrey explained he meticulously trains in phases mapped to the calendar, recovery cycles built around his workload.

Super Bowl 60 updates:Latest news, events for Patriots vs. Seahawks.

"It's just a consistent effort to find the exact best thing to do and the time that you have and commit to a plan," he said.

This year, the grind begins under a familiar cloud of disappointment: the49ersaren't playing the pinnacle football game on their home turf ofLevi's Stadium. The running back didn't pretend that feels normal, or easy.

"Any time you're not playing in the Super Bowl, everybody's bitter," he said. "There's only one team happy at the end of the year."

Instead of watching from inside the stadium, he will be on a plane heading to see family with his wife,Olivia Culpo, and their six-month-old daughter, Colette. He's "hoping it's a good game," not committing to rooting for theSeattle Seahawksor New England Patriots. Instead, his mind is looking toward the fall.

"Every year you have to start from zero, getting young guys on board, and starting fresh from that," he said. "So we really take it one day at a time and it starts with offseason training."

That attention to process is also what brought him to the Intuit forum, a day centered on teaching high school students financial discipline.

McCaffrey told the room of Bay-area teenagers that success, whether on the field or with money, requires the right motivation.

"I don't play football for money, and I don't play football even for accolades," he said. "I never have, and I never will. The guys that love the game, ironically, are the ones that get the money and the accolades."

The running back may get his next accolade Feb. 5. He's a finalist for Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year at theannual NFL Honors.

Bryan West is a music reporter at The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him onInstagram,TikTokandX as @BryanWestTV.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean:Christian McCaffrey featured for Super Bowl 60 week in San Francisco

"The Florida Department of Education recently received correspondence from members of the Florida legislature regarding reports of organized student protest activity occurring during the school day," Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said in a letter issued Feb. 3 to Florida school districts. "I want to thank them for bringing this matter to my attention and for their leadership in elevating concerns related to student safety, instructional time, and the appropriate role of public schools."

He didn't specify which district the reports came from, but the letter came about 24 hours after posts about walkouts at high schools throughout Brevard began circulating online, prompting both School Board Chair Matt Susin and Superintendent Mark Rendell to warn students that if they participated, they would face discipline.

"While students may express their views in appropriate, lawful ways outside of the school day and off school property, disruptions to learning and campus operations will not be tolerated," Susin said in a statement posted to Brevard Public Schools' website.

Both Susin and Rendell said the walkouts were not affiliated with the district.

The letter won't change how the district will respond to walkouts, said Janet Murnaghan, chief strategic communications officer for BPS.

"Yesterday, Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell shared a letter with families outlining the district's expectations," Murnaghan said in an email to FLORIDA TODAY. "As noted in that communication, walkouts during the instructional day are not permitted, and standard attendance and disciplinary policies will apply."

Here's what Kamoutsas said.

Advertisement

Students have rights but may still be disciplined

Kamoutsas reminded educators and leaders that they "carry a responsibility to safeguard instructional time;" keep campuses safe; and follow the law, Board of Education rules and school board policies.

Still, he added that students have a constitutional right to free expression, adding that this includes the ability to participate in peaceful protests if "such expression complies with applicable law and school district policy."

"Any student whose actions are to the contrary should be appropriately disciplined," he said. "Districts have a responsibility to ensure that any protest activity does not interrupt instructional time, school operations and campus safety."

He went on to say that adults may not encourage, promote, organize or otherwise facilitate student participation in protests during the school day, and that conduct that distracts or undermines instruction could warrant discipline.

Additionally, he cited a Florida Board of Education rule that requires educators to "take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those of any educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated."

Addressing parents, he encouraged families to have conversations with students about the "importance of not allowing civic engagement to detract from time in the classroom."

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker atfwalker@floridatoday.com. X:@_finchwalker.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today:Florida's education head sends guidance on ICE protests