NASA has officially postponed the launch of its Artemis II lunar mission, which aimed to send astronauts around the moon for the first time in 50 years. The original 6 March launch date is now "out of consideration" after engineers detected a critical interruption in the helium flow within the Space Launch System rocket's upper stage. This essential helium is used for pressurizing fuel tanks and cooling rocket systems, demanding the rocket's return to the Vehicle Assembly Building for thorough troubleshooting and repairs. The delay, impacting astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, is expected to push the ambitious 10-day mission into an April launch window, representing a setback for humanity's furthest journey into space and the broader Artemis program's goals of establishing a lunar presence.

60/100

Great Britain's men's curling team, led by Bruce Mouat, secured a silver medal at the Winter Olympics 2026, marking their second consecutive Olympic silver. Despite entering the Games as world champions and favorites, they were ultimately defeated 9-6 by Canada in a closely contested final, extending their 102-year wait for a men's curling gold. The team expressed significant disappointment, feeling they were the stronger contender and were "a bit in shock." This outcome follows a challenging path through the tournament, where they faced an almost early exit, highlighting the immense pressure of Olympic competition and their continued determination to achieve top honors in future events.

50/100

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has shut down all its clinics statewide in response to a ransomware attack that crippled its phone and electronic systems. Launched on Thursday, the cyberattack compromised critical platforms, including its electronic health records system Epic and its IT network, significantly disrupting patient care across 35 clinics. While UMMC hospitals and emergency departments remain operational, numerous appointments, including chemotherapy and elective procedures, have been canceled. UMMC is actively collaborating with law enforcement, including the FBI, to resolve the outage, stressing that all systems were taken offline as a precaution to ensure patient safety and data integrity amidst the ongoing investigation into the extent of the intrusion.

10/100

Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has been crowned the new "king" of the Winter Olympics, securing an unprecedented sixth straight gold medal in Italy. His dominant victory in the 50-kilometer marathon cemented his place as the winningest athlete in the history of the Winter Games, bringing his career total to 11 golds. Klæbo's achievement is particularly remarkable for his ability to outclass rivals across events ranging from short sprints to long marathons, a testament to a dedicated, long-term training plan focused on boosting his endurance. His competitors and coaches universally acknowledge his unparalleled athleticism, solidifying his status as the greatest cross-country skier of all time and inspiring future generations.

95/100

A powerful nor'easter is poised to bring significant snowfall, high winds, and coastal flooding to the East Coast, placing over 40 million Americans on alert for severe winter storm conditions. New York City is under a blizzard warning for the first time in nearly a decade, with forecasts predicting up to two feet of snow. Governors in New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency, urging residents to remain indoors due to anticipated treacherous conditions, including near-zero visibility and dangerously icy roads. The storm is expected to intensify rapidly off the coast, severely impacting Monday's commute and potentially causing widespread closures of schools and businesses across the region.

20/100

Friends of "Grey's Anatomy" actor Eric Dane have launched a $250,000 GoFundMe campaign to support his teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, following his death at 53 after a hard-fought battle with ALS. The fundraiser aims to provide crucial financial stability for their schooling, housing, and other essential needs as they navigate life without their father. Dane, diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, had become a passionate advocate for ALS awareness, using his platform to support fellow patients. A deeply personal video interview captured his poignant final messages to his daughters, encouraging them to live in the moment, find love, and face life's challenges with honesty, integrity, and grace.

30/100

Five individuals were hospitalized following a gas canister explosion during a charity event at Moseley Hall Farm, also known as The Lambing Shed Farm Shop and Kitchen, in Knutsford, Cheshire. The incident, involving a food truck, occurred around 13:00 GMT during a fundraising event for the North West Air Ambulance Charity. All five people received immediate treatment from paramedics at the scene before being transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Authorities have confirmed that their injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing, and the incident is not being treated as suspicious, though the farm shop and cafe will remain closed while investigations into the circumstances are underway.

45/100

England's rugby team suffered a "nightmare" 42-21 defeat to Ireland in the Six Nations 2026, marking their second consecutive heavy loss and intensifying scrutiny on head coach Steve Borthwick. This dismal performance at Allianz Stadium, where they conceded five tries, was among the worst under Borthwick's tenure and coincided with captain Maro Itoje's 100th cap. Players attributed the defeat to poor starts, numerous handling errors, and significant defensive lapses, with prop Ellis Genge apologizing to fans. Despite the team's commitment to improvement, the pressure mounts with two games remaining, as a once-promising title bid now appears to be in serious jeopardy.

35/100

Caleb Flynn, a former "American Idol" contestant, has been charged with murder, assault, and tampering with evidence in connection with his wife Ashley Flynn's death in Ohio. Authorities allege he shot his wife and subsequently staged the crime scene to mislead investigators. Ashley Flynn, a 37-year-old middle school volleyball coach and former teacher, was discovered dead after officers responded to a reported burglary and shooting at their Tipp City home, where Caleb and their two children were present. Flynn pleaded not guilty, with his attorney criticizing the investigation's swiftness, while Ashley's family publicly expressed trust in law enforcement's careful actions.

5/100

American speedskater Jordan Stolz's bid for a third Olympic gold medal concluded with a fourth-place finish in the unpredictable mass start event. Having already secured two golds and a silver, Stolz was left shocked when the main pack of skaters, including himself, became reluctant to chase two early breakaway leaders. He contended that the pack expected him to undertake the strenuous pursuit, which would have depleted his energy for the crucial final sprint. This "pack mentality" ultimately allowed the leaders, notably 40-year-old Jorrit Bergsma, to maintain their significant advantage and secure gold, leaving Stolz narrowly off the podium.

55/100

Students at several Iranian universities have resumed anti-government protests, marking the first large-scale rallies since a deadly government crackdown last month. Verified footage shows students marching at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran and a similar rally in Mashhad, honoring thousands killed in previous unrest. These renewed protests coincide with heightened international tensions, as the US and its European allies suspect Iran is developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran consistently denies. President Trump has indicated potential military action if a deal curbing Iran's nuclear program is not reached within "10 days," adding a significant layer of geopolitical uncertainty and domestic unrest to the situation.

15/100

Willie Colón, the influential trombonist and pioneering figure in salsa music, has died at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by his longtime manager, Pietro Carlos, following reports of respiratory problems. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Colón signed with Fania Records at 15 and released his debut album, "El Malo," at 17, defining the raw, aggressive sound of New York's salsa scene. Throughout his prolific career, Colón released over 40 albums, collaborated famously with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, and used his music to address socio-political themes, leaving an indelible mark on Latin music and culture with his innovative style and powerful storytelling.

70/100

President Donald Trump announced an immediate increase of global tariffs from 10% to 15% on imports, less than 24 hours after the US Supreme Court ruled against his previous trade policy. Infuriated by the 6-3 decision, which found he exceeded his authority under the IEEPA, Trump utilized a never-before-used section of the 1974 Trade Act to impose these temporary levies for 150 days. The aggressive move drew criticism from international leaders like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, who warned of economic uncertainty and called for reciprocity. This decision raises new questions for trade partners and businesses, with Trump vowing to issue new, legally permissible tariffs to continue his economic agenda. (not investment advice)

30/100

Business owners have expressed cautious optimism after the US Supreme Court struck down President Trump's authority to impose sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While many welcome the ruling as a "major victory," their relief is tempered by significant uncertainty regarding the complex process for obtaining refunds for previously paid tariffs and the potential for the Trump administration to leverage other tariff authorities. Trump has already announced plans for new 15% global tariffs under a different statute, causing continued unease among businesses. Companies hope for greater stability and relief from high prices, but remain wary of ongoing trade policy fluctuations. (not investment advice)

60/100

German director Ilker Catak's political drama "Yellow Letters" won the Golden Bear, the top prize at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film, starring Tansu Bicer and Ozgu Namal, explores a married couple's relationship tested by state oppression in contemporary Turkey, though it was shot in Germany. Festival director Tricia Tuttle noted the event took place in a "raw and fractured" world, acknowledging political debates that overshadowed the festival, including criticism over its "silence" on Gaza. Catak, in his acceptance speech, urged against fighting artists over political opinions, instead advocating for opposition against autocrats, a sentiment echoed by other Silver Bear winners addressing global suffering and injustice.

75/100

A group of Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block President Trump's proposed "Independence Arch," a 250-foot structure near Arlington National Cemetery. The plaintiffs, represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group, argue this "vanity project" would dishonor military and foreign service by intruding on a symbolically charged sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House. They also contend the arch, standing more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial, could pose a hazard to air travel at nearby Reagan National Airport. The lawsuit alleges violations of multiple federal laws, including the Commemorative Works Act, asserting that required approvals and environmental reviews are incomplete for this significant monument.

40/100

The U.S. Olympic team made history at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, capturing a record-breaking 11th gold medal after Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Chris Lillis won the mixed team aerials title. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 10 golds set at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, marking a significant turning point for the U.S. Winter sports program. The win brought the U.S. to 30 overall medals, placing them second only to Norway. Team USA's success was broad, with multiple golds in disciplines like freeskiing and speedskating, demonstrating their strategic focus on improving Winter sport across the board and delivering on their podium nation goal.

90/100

Scotland achieved a thrilling 26-23 comeback victory over Wales in the Six Nations 2026, inflicting a heartbreaking defeat on the home side in Cardiff. Gregor Townsend's team rallied impressively from significant deficits of 20-5 and 23-12, with replacement hooker George Turner ultimately sealing the dramatic win with a 74th-minute try. This victory marks Scotland's first time winning four successive games against Wales in 100 years and their first back-to-back away success in Cardiff since 1984. Despite a much-improved performance that restored some pride, Wales' three-year Six Nations losing streak continues, leading to their drop to 12th in the world rankings.

70/100

Four individuals tragically died in a fiery single-vehicle car crash near Long Beach Airport early Saturday morning. Officers responded around 1:18 a.m. to the scene on Lakewood Boulevard, where a gray sedan had reportedly smashed into a divider at a tunnel and was engulfed in flames. Firefighters discovered all four occupants deceased inside the vehicle upon arrival. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a federal agency responsible for investigating significant transportation incidents, is deploying a team to Long Beach to investigate the collision, which occurred near a runway. The precise cause of the crash, including potential factors like speed or impaired driving, has not yet been determined.

0/100

Four individuals were arraigned in New Jersey for allegedly operating a fake law firm and staging mock court proceedings to scam immigrants. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn charged five people in total, claiming the group defrauded "dozens" of vulnerable individuals seeking legal immigration assistance, accumulating over $100,000, with tens of thousands laundered to Colombia. The elaborate scheme led to devastating consequences, including one victim missing actual court hearings and being ordered deported by US government officials. The defendants, none licensed to practice law in the US, are charged with wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering, and false impersonation, highlighting a severe breach of trust and legal ethics within the immigration system.

10/100

President Trump is scheduled to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday, an event anticipated amidst his falling poll numbers. Panelists on "Washington Week With The Atlantic" predict the economy will be a central theme, aiming to address widespread American anxiety stemming from issues like the advent of AI and persistently high prices. Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, noted that the president's "inability to stick to that disciplined message" of affordability has exacerbated these public concerns. The address is expected to outline the administration's agenda and priorities for the coming year, seeking to reassure the public and rally support.

50/100

Giant tortoises are once again roaming Floreana Island in the Galápagos, marking their return after an absence of over 180 years. This "hugely significant milestone" is a key part of the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, which involved the release of 158 captive-bred juvenile tortoises. The reintroduction follows a meticulous "back-breeding" program initiated in 2017, after scientists discovered tortoises on nearby Isabela Island carrying the genetic ancestry of the extinct Floreana giant tortoise. The native species, Chelonoidis niger niger, was driven to extinction in the 1840s by sailors. This successful conservation effort offers profound hope for island restoration initiatives globally.

95/100

This article provides an overview of the most decorated countries and athletes in Olympic history, highlighting that only a small fraction of the 2,900 athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Games will secure medals. The U.S. leads the overall medal count with 3,103 total medals, including 1,220 golds, while Norway stands out in the Winter Olympics with 404 medals. American swimmer Michael Phelps remains the most decorated Olympian with 28 medals and 23 golds across five games. Notably, Norwegian skier Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo recently set a new Winter Olympic gold medal record with 11 career golds, further cementing his remarkable legacy among winter athletes.

80/100

Pin trading has emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, drawing athletes, spectators, and seasoned collectors alike. Participants exchange diverse enamel pins representing countries, sports, and cultures, often forming unexpected connections and friendships. The tradition, dating back to the 1900 Paris Olympics, has grown so large that this year features an Official Olympic Pin Trading Center, sponsored by Warner Bros. Traders from 18 countries participate, highlighting that "one person's trash pin is another person's treasure pin." This unique social activity fosters camaraderie and a shared passion among diverse individuals, proving that a simple pin can bridge language barriers and enhance the Olympic experience.

85/100

The killing of nationalist student Quentin Deranque in Lyon by suspected far-left militants has plunged France's radical left, particularly La France Insoumise (LFI), into deep political trouble. Deranque died of head injuries after being repeatedly kicked and punched, leading to widespread condemnation of LFI and its leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Seven suspects linked to a banned LFI-affiliated organization, La Jeune Garde, have been charged, including parliamentary assistants. This tragic event could significantly shift the "pariah" status in French politics from the far right to the far left, potentially reshaping alliances and electoral outcomes in upcoming municipal elections and the 2027 national polls, creating profound political instability.

10/100

Canada is assessing the complex implications of the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Trump's global tariffs, including those previously imposed on Canada, ahead of the critical USMCA trade deal review. While US-Canada Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc welcomed the ruling as a validation of Canada's stance, he highlighted ongoing challenges from remaining tariffs on sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles. With Trump now raising new global tariffs to 15% under different legal authority, Canada faces renewed trade uncertainty. The upcoming USMCA review this summer is paramount, as the Trump administration has indicated a preference for bilateral deals over renewing the trilateral agreement, posing potential disruptions for deeply integrated North American economies. (not investment advice)

40/100

Corporal Lucy Wilde, a 25-year-old army medic and TikTok star from the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, was tragically found dead at her barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire, on 5 February. Her brother, Josh Wilde, described her as "strength wrapped in softness," while her former regiment, the Welsh Guards, profoundly commended her "tireless care for others" and bravery, notably during an incident in the Falklands that earned her a commendation award. Wilde had garnered 18,000 TikTok followers with videos documenting her exercise routine and daily life, inspiring many. Her untimely passing is deeply felt across the Battalion and far beyond, marking the loss of a resilient, compassionate, and influential individual.

10/100

A series of avalanches in western Austria has tragically killed at least five people, including an American and a Pole, with intense snowfall, high winds, and weak snowpack creating highly susceptible conditions. One major avalanche in the St. Anton am Arlberg area caught five off-piste skiers, resulting in the recovery of five bodies, and a 21-year-old Austrian later succumbed to injuries. Separate incidents in Nauders-Bergkastell and Klösterle claimed the lives of a German man and a Swiss snowboarder, respectively. Tyrol governor Anton Mattle expressed profound pain over the fatalities, noting nearly three dozen avalanche incidents on Friday alone, with no relief in sight for the turbulent weather.

0/100

President Donald Trump has approved a federal emergency declaration for a massive sewage spill in the Potomac River, north of Washington D.C., which threatens to impact the US’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. Millions of gallons of raw, untreated sewage have poured into the river from a ruptured 72-inch Potomac Interceptor pipe, deemed one of the largest sewage spills in US history. The declaration authorizes FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts, protect public health and safety, and mitigate the threat of catastrophe. The incident has prompted severe environmental concerns, recreational advisories due to dangerous E. coli levels, and a political dispute between Trump and local officials over responsibility for the infrastructure failure.

25/100

Bill Mazeroski, the Baseball Hall of Fame second baseman renowned for his defensive prowess and his iconic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, has died at 89. Mazeroski, who won eight Gold Glove awards and was known as a "defensive wizard," was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2001, holding a major league record for 1,706 double plays. His historic home run against the New York Yankees secured a dramatic 10-9 victory for the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the first World Series to end on a homer and creating an enduring legacy that fans still celebrate annually. His impact transcended statistics, embodying hustle and a quiet work ethic.

70/100

The stock market experienced a comeback week, with the Nasdaq breaking a five-week losing streak and the S&P 500 rising 1.1%. Three key forces drove this rebound: the Supreme Court's ruling against President Trump's emergency tariffs, which initially boosted consumer-facing companies, though Trump's subsequent announcement of new 15% tariffs introduced renewed uncertainty. Second, megacap tech stocks like Meta and Nvidia roared back, fueled by relentless AI demand and increased hyperscaler spending. Finally, private credit concerns, particularly from Blue Owl Capital's withdrawal restrictions, caused volatility in the financial sector, although the article suggests the situation is not "tragic in nature" yet. (not investment advice)

65/100

The British government is considering formally removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, from the line of succession to the crown following his arrest. This bold move aims to preserve the dignity of the royal family amidst its worst crisis in generations, as Andrew remains eighth in line despite losing status and honors last year. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, not for any sexual assault offenses, related to emails suggesting he shared confidential UK government information with Jeffrey Epstein. King Charles has reiterated his commitment to duty and service, as police continue to investigate and question former protection officers, marking a significant moment in royal history.

20/100

Israeli air strikes have tragically killed at least 10 people in eastern Lebanon, Lebanese officials report, despite an existing ceasefire agreement. Israel's military confirmed targeting Hezbollah sites in the Bekaa Valley, an area with a strong group presence, claiming to have "eliminated several terrorists" and command centers. Hezbollah, in turn, confirmed eight of its members, including a senior field commander, were killed. These strikes are among the deadliest in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire that ended 13 months of conflict. Lebanon's government has urged international pressure on Israel, stating its actions violate the ceasefire, while Hezbollah dismisses disarmament calls outside southern Lebanon, indicating ongoing regional instability.

5/100

Major U.S. airlines, including Delta, American, United, JetBlue, and Spirit, have proactively waived cancellation and change fees for flights from Virginia to Maine in anticipation of a monster winter storm. This measure allows passengers to rebook or fly standby, with some waivers extending travel as late as February 26. The approaching storm is forecast to bring 13 to 18 inches of snow and winds up to 55 mph to parts of the Northeast, with blizzard warnings set to begin Sunday. Airlines are bracing for significant travel disruptions, aiming to mitigate the impact after Winter Storm Fern caused mass delays and financial losses earlier this year, highlighting the industry's preparedness for severe weather.

40/100

The Trump administration abruptly fired James W Hundley as interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, just hours after a panel of judges unanimously appointed him. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the dismissal, asserting that the President, not judges, holds the authority to appoint US Attorneys. This marks the second such firing this month, intensifying a conflict over presidential versus judicial authority in appointing interim prosecutors. The Justice Department argues the president maintains this right, while critics accuse the Trump administration of bypassing Senate confirmation. Hundley, a veteran litigator, expressed continued support for the justice system despite his dismissal, highlighting a significant power struggle within the legal system.

20/100