Tom Homan, the former border czar for the Trump administration, has indicated that the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could expand to other sanctuary cities. This move is contingent on whether these cities decide to cooperate with federal immigration efforts, especially after the recent conclusion of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis operation, which aimed to target criminal illegal immigrants, faced significant backlash, including protests and strong criticism from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding communication and excessive force. Homan expressed hope that other sanctuary cities would observe the Minneapolis situation and choose cooperation to avoid similar tensions, underscoring the administration's commitment to immigration enforcement and public safety.

20/100

A federal judge has mandated the restoration of exhibits on slavery at the President's House Site in Philadelphia, which the Trump administration had removed. Senior Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's order requires the National Park Service to reinstate the displays to their state before January 21, prohibiting any new installations without mutual agreement from the city. The city of Philadelphia initiated legal action, citing prior agreements with the NPS, after the removal of signs detailing the enslaved individuals who lived with Presidents George Washington and John Adams. The judge's opinion underscored that the government lacks the authority to obscure historical truths, a decision celebrated by city officials and advocacy groups who fought for the exhibits' return.

80/100

A tragic mass shooting occurred at an indoor ice rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulting in the deaths of at least two people. Local officials confirmed that the suspect was killed, and one of the shooting victims also died during the incident. The violence reportedly erupted during a boys' hockey game, with shots originating from behind the stands, causing immediate chaos. A local father is being hailed as a hero for his brave actions in disarming the initial weapon from the shooter, who was subsequently found to possess a second firearm. Four other individuals were injured and hospitalized, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

10/100

NBA star Jaylen Brown experienced a public confrontation with the Beverly Hills Police Department after his brand event during All-Star Weekend was abruptly shut down. Brown, who is sponsored by Oakley and hosted the event at the founder's home, asserted it was a cultural panel, not a party, and felt targeted by the police, claiming a "$300k down the drain" loss. The BHPD countered with a statement, clarifying that an event permit for the location had been denied due to previous violations, yet organizers proceeded to invite hundreds of guests. This incident underscores the challenges celebrities face with local regulations during high-profile events, leading to public disagreements over compliance and perceived fairness.

45/100

A significant scandal has erupted in Olympic curling after Canadian curler Marc Kennedy was caught on a hot mic telling a Swedish opponent to "f*** off" during a match. The outburst stemmed from Swedish accusations that Kennedy repeatedly cheated by touching a stone beyond the hog line, a violation that affects its trajectory. Although Kennedy denied intentional cheating, he admitted to handling the situation poorly, while the Swedish team expressed dismay over the erosion of the "Spirit of Curling." World Curling, the sport's governing body, issued a verbal warning to Canada and clarified rules, but later rolled back a policy of systematic observation after further disputes, highlighting ongoing tensions.

40/100

Billy Steinberg, the prolific songwriter responsible for some of the biggest pop anthems of the 1980s, including Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” and Heart’s “Alone,” has died at 74 from cancer. Originating from Palm Springs, Steinberg initially pursued a career as a performer before achieving widespread acclaim as a lyricist, notably through his collaboration with Tom Kelly. Their partnership generated multiple chart-topping hits for various artists, solidifying his reputation. Steinberg, who earned a Grammy Award and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, leaves behind a remarkable musical legacy that shaped a generation of pop music.

50/100

Minnesota law enforcement authorities are reporting that the FBI is withholding evidence in its investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis. Pretti's killing is part of a series of violent incidents during the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" in the city, which also saw the deaths of Renee Good and Julio C Sosa-Celis. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has strongly called for an impartial investigation, criticizing the FBI's lack of cooperation and stating that the families of the deceased deserve better. The state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension expressed significant frustration, committing to independent inquiries despite being hampered by the FBI's refusal to share critical information and evidence.

15/100

Southern California is currently enduring the initial phase of a week-long storm system, bringing heavy rainfall, widespread flood watches, and strong wind advisories. Evacuation warnings have been issued for vulnerable burn scar areas, specifically citing risks of mud and debris flows. Forecasts indicate coastal and valley regions could receive 1 to 2.5 inches of rain, while mountainous and foothill communities are bracing for over double that amount, coupled with significant snowfall across Northern California and the Eastern Sierra. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has advised residents to prioritize safety, register for emergency notifications, and report any non-life-threatening damage, as authorities prepare for continued severe weather before conditions improve by week's end.

40/100

A CBS News California investigation has uncovered that state lawmakers have largely ignored audit warnings, leading to the quiet demise of dozens of audit-backed bills and contributing to billions in lost or mismanaged state funds. The article highlights a significant disparity: while state agencies are mandated to publicly report on unimplemented audit recommendations, no such requirement exists for the legislature. Approximately three out of every four legislative audit recommendations remain unresolved, with proposed reforms often stalled in committee or vetoed by the governor. Lawmakers from both parties, including the new Legislative Audit Chair, have acknowledged these findings as a critical "wake-up call," expressing a commitment to tackle the backlog and enhance accountability in the legislative process.

35/100

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its third week, with authorities releasing a detailed timeline of the events. The 84-year-old is believed to have been abducted from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1, shortly after her doorbell camera disconnected and her pacemaker app ceased communication. The FBI has provided a physical description of a male suspect and is actively investigating an apparent ransom note that demanded payment in bitcoin. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made emotional public appeals for their mother's safe return, while investigators continue to analyze critical evidence, including Nancy Guthrie's blood found at the scene and DNA from a glove matching the suspect's attire.

5/100

At the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to mend US-Europe relations, acknowledging shared immigration challenges and highlighting historical ties, receiving a standing ovation from many leaders. However, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed skepticism, rejecting Rubio's "woke, decadent Europe" implication. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a stark speech, declaring the international rules-based order "no longer exists" and criticizing "big power politics" from the US, China, and Russia. Merz urged European nations to unite their resources to build a new economy and resist external pressures, indicating a European shift towards greater autonomy despite diplomatic gestures.

40/100

Austrian public prosecutors have initiated terrorism-related charges against a 21-year-old defendant, alleging he planned a violent attack on one of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna in August 2024. The unnamed individual is accused of expressing allegiance to the Islamic State group, disseminating propaganda, and attempting to illegally procure weapons from outside the country. Furthermore, he reportedly acquired instructions for constructing a shrapnel bomb and produced a small quantity of the explosive. Austrian authorities, acting on intelligence from the U.S., successfully thwarted the plot by canceling the planned concerts, thereby preventing potential mass casualties. This case underscores the persistent global threat of terrorism and the critical role of international intelligence sharing in safeguarding public events.

50/100

Postmortem analysis by scientists from five European nations concluded that Alexei Navalny's death in prison was likely caused by epibatidine, a poison found in rare Ecuadorian frog species. Traces of the chemical were detected in his tissue samples, leading the nations to accuse Russia of deliberately administering the toxin, as it is not naturally found in Russia. Experts suggest the poison was synthesized in a lab rather than extracted from frogs, given its potency and the unlikelihood of obtaining it from South America. Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, cited these findings as "science-proven" evidence of his murder, leading to Russia's referral to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

0/100

French authorities have initiated a murder investigation following the death of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old right-wing activist, who succumbed to a severe brain injury after an assault in Lyon. Public prosecutor Thierry Dran reported that Deranque was attacked by "at least six" individuals, with no arrests made yet in the case, which is being investigated as both "intentional homicide" and "aggravated assault." This killing, suspected to be a result of clashes between left- and right-wing extremists, has significantly escalated political tensions ahead of the municipal and presidential elections. President Emmanuel Macron has urged for calm and a thorough investigation, while government spokespersons and opposition figures have exchanged accusations concerning the broader climate of violence.

10/100

Six companies associated with Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, are currently slated for dissolution, with documents filed at Companies House indicating they will be struck off the register shortly. Ferguson is listed as a director for each of these entities, most of which have been dormant for years. This development comes amid renewed scrutiny of her financial situation, following revelations from the Epstein files that suggested she had sought financial advice from Jeffrey Epstein due to substantial debt. Although being named in the files does not imply any misconduct, the winding down of these businesses underscores the long-standing reports of her financial challenges.

30/100

Early tax filers are experiencing a notable increase in their refunds this year, with the average amount reaching $2,290 as of February 6, marking an almost 11% rise compared to the same period last year, as reported by the IRS. This positive trend is largely due to new tax provisions enacted in a bill signed by President Trump in July 2025, which financial experts had anticipated would result in larger payouts. While the most substantial benefits are projected for higher-income households, lower-earning taxpayers are also expected to see gains. The IRS forecasts that average refund sizes will continue to expand as tax season advances, particularly once refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit are processed. (not investment advice)

75/100

A group of 34 Australian women and children, who have been detained in Syria's Roj camp for almost seven years due to their connections to the Islamic State group, were unexpectedly turned back after their initial release for repatriation. The group, believed to be wives and children of IS fighters, had boarded minibuses en route to Damascus but were returned to the camp due to unspecified "technical reasons," possibly related to coordination failures between local governing factions. This incident underscores the ongoing complexities and uncertain future for thousands of IS-affiliated individuals in Syrian detention camps, as the Australian government, despite past reluctance, faces international pressure regarding its citizens' return.

20/100

A significant amendment to the UK's Crimes and Policing Bill proposes to classify hate crimes targeting individuals based on their sexuality, gender identity, or disability as aggravated offenses. This legislative change, which will apply across England and Wales, is designed to ensure these crimes incur higher penalties, bringing them into parity with existing aggravated offenses for race and religion. Advocacy organizations such as Galop and Stonewall have enthusiastically praised this "long-overdue change," asserting that it delivers a powerful message about ensuring equal access to justice for LGBT+ and disabled communities. The government supports this initiative as part of its manifesto commitments, aiming to combat the consistent rise in recorded hate crimes and reduce violence against women and girls.

85/100

Lululemon, once a dominant force in athleisure, is currently grappling with significant headwinds, including a public relations blunder concerning "see-through" leggings and intensifying competition in a saturated market. Retail analysts indicate that the company has become complacent, failing to innovate sufficiently to maintain customer loyalty against emerging rivals like Vuori and Alo. Despite robust overall revenue, Lululemon's North American sales have stagnated, and its stock price has plummeted by nearly 53% in the past year. Critics, including company founder Chip Wilson, argue that there's been a decline in product quality and a diminished focus on technical innovation, leading to a mismatch between premium pricing and customer expectations. The recent departure of its CEO highlights the urgent need for a strategic revitalization to regain its market position.

30/100

The FA Cup fifth-round draw has unveiled a series of compelling fixtures, notably pitting League One club Mansfield Town against 14-time champions Arsenal in a home match. Mansfield secured this high-profile tie by achieving a remarkable second-half comeback victory over Premier League team Burnley. Elsewhere in the draw, Manchester City will travel to Newcastle in one of two all-Premier League encounters, echoing a previous League Cup semi-final matchup. Additionally, non-league Macclesfield stands a chance to face its third consecutive top-flight opponent, either Brentford or West Ham, depending on an upcoming tie. All fifth-round matches are slated for the weekend of March 7-8, promising exciting football action.

65/100

The Team USA women's hockey squad has successfully advanced to the gold medal game at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, thereby ensuring they will earn a medal for the eighth consecutive Winter Games. Goaltender Aerin Frankel delivered her third shutout of the tournament, leading the favored Americans to a decisive 5-0 semifinal win against Sweden. The U.S. team boasts an impressive 6-0 record, having outscored their opponents by a combined 31-1, and is now on track for what is expected to be a seventh Olympic gold-medal clash against their perennial rivals, Canada. This consistent excellence highlights their formidable presence in international women's hockey, as they seek to add another title to their legacy.

90/100

Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall, celebrated for his iconic performances in films such as "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has died peacefully at his home at 95. His wife, Luciana, announced his passing, conveying his wish for no formal service, and instead suggested honoring his memory by watching a great film or sharing stories. Duvall was acclaimed for his distinctive naturalism and intense portrayals, which began with his memorable debut as Boo Radley in "To Kill a Mockingbird." His prolific career spanned over seven decades, featuring collaborations with esteemed filmmakers and earning him numerous accolades, including a Best Actor Oscar for "Tender Mercies," cementing his legacy as one of his generation's finest actors.

50/100

More than 170,000 current and former students are pursuing legal action against 36 additional UK universities, alleging they did not receive the full educational experience they paid for during the Covid-19 pandemic. This widespread legal challenge stems from a confidential settlement reached between University College London (UCL) and the Student Group Claim, which now spearheads these new cases. The claims are rooted in consumer law, arguing that students paid for a premium, in-person education but were delivered a substantially altered, often online, version. While Universities UK cites the "unprecedented challenge" of the pandemic, students like Georgia Johnson highlight significant mental health impacts and a profound sense of being "let down" by their disrupted academic journeys.

55/100

A prominent float at Rio de Janeiro's world-famous Carnaval parade has sparked significant criticism for its extensive tribute to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, leading to accusations of improper political campaigning. The Academicos de Niteroi samba school created the float, which chronicled Lula's trajectory from impoverished beginnings to a leading national figure, complete with songs and choreography praising him. Although President Lula attended the parade, his wife's scheduled appearance on the final float was ultimately canceled. Multiple lawsuits were filed ahead of the event to prevent the display, with critics pointing to subtle references, such as the number 13—Lula's party ballot number—in the accompanying song lyrics, as clear indicators of political promotion.

35/100

Italian athletes are experiencing a truly historic performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, already accumulating 22 medals—eight gold, four silver, and ten bronze—with five days of competition still remaining. This impressive tally significantly exceeds Italy's previous record of 17 medals at the last Winter Games, fueled by the outstanding efforts of national stars like Alpine skier Frederica Brignone and speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida, as well as numerous other athletes. What makes this success particularly remarkable is its broad distribution across diverse winter sport disciplines, including Alpine skiing, luge, speed skating, and snowboarding, in contrast to other leading nations. This "homefield advantage" has generated immense national pride and allowed several Italian Olympic veterans to conclude their careers with new medals.

95/100

A coalition of civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, has initiated legal action to safeguard voter information that was seized by the FBI during a controversial raid on an elections warehouse in Fulton County, Georgia. This raid is perceived as a continuation of Donald Trump's efforts to invalidate the 2020 election results, which he continues to falsely assert were rigged. The plaintiffs argue that Trump and his associates are infringing upon voting and privacy rights, potentially weaponizing the confiscated data for partisan political objectives. They stress that the voters of Fulton County should not become "collateral damage" in these attempts to re-litigate a securely conducted election, aiming to prevent any misuse of sensitive personal information.

30/100

British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has officially announced his return to the sport, proclaiming his intention to "make boxing great again" as he prepares for a highly anticipated bout against Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fury, who had retired for the fifth time over a year ago following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk, stated that a recent car crash involving rival Anthony Joshua, which killed two friends, underscored life's fragility and motivated his comeback. At a characteristically flamboyant news conference, the "Gypsy King" promised to bring his unique brand of "circus" and entertainment back to boxing, asserting he is still in his prime and predicting a sixth-round knockout. Makhmudov, maintaining a respectful stance, expressed his focus on building his own legacy against the "legendary" Fury.

70/100

The United States has significantly increased its military presence near Iran, with satellite imagery tracking the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, including destroyers and F35 fighters, off the coast of Oman. This build-up, which also includes an increase in US destroyers, combat ships, and fighter jets across the Middle East, coincides with a second round of US-Iranian talks in Switzerland focusing on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a maritime drill in the Strait of Hormuz, showcasing its own military capabilities. Experts suggest the US deployment is a broad deterrent, capable of sustained strikes and countering potential Iranian responses.

30/100

UK bank leaders are holding their inaugural meeting to develop a national alternative to Visa and Mastercard, fueled by growing anxieties about former President Donald Trump's potential to disrupt US-owned payment networks. Given that roughly 95% of UK card transactions depend on these systems, an excessive reliance presents a substantial economic vulnerability, as evidenced by Russia's experience with sanctions. This government-backed, City-funded initiative has been under discussion for years but has gained critical urgency following Trump's recent rhetoric concerning NATO allies. Both Visa and Mastercard are participating in the new funders group, which aims to establish a resilient, sovereign payment system by 2030, ensuring robust competition and continued innovation within the UK's financial infrastructure. (not investment advice)

50/100

An unexpected act of kindness between two strangers has blossomed into a remarkable "sisterhood of the traveling wedding dress," with a single gown now having been worn by 13 different brides. A decade ago, Spanx founder Sara Blakely spontaneously offered her wedding dress to Nataly Dawn, a newly engaged woman she met on a hike. This gesture proved serendipitous when Dawn's own dress was ruined just days before her wedding, prompting Blakely to overnight her gown. The dress has since been meticulously cleaned, repaired, and passed along to subsequent brides without requiring any alterations, inspiring a powerful movement of generosity. Blakely hopes this heartwarming story will motivate others to embrace philanthropy through small, impactful actions, fostering connections and positive change in many lives.

95/100

Primary care in the United States is confronting a severe crisis, marked by a projected deficit of 86,000 doctors by 2036 and mounting financial pressures that have forced practices, such as Valley Medical Group, to reduce staff. In response to low insurance reimbursement rates and a desire to preserve autonomy from large hospital systems, many primary care providers are consolidating into Independent Physician Associations (IPAs). These IPAs aim to bolster their collective market power, facilitating negotiations for more favorable value-based contracts with insurers, which prioritize preventative care over traditional fee-for-service models. While not a universal remedy, this trend offers a strategic avenue for doctors to sustain independent practices and enhance their financial viability within a challenging healthcare environment. (not investment advice)

60/100

The UK government has reversed its decision to postpone 30 council elections in England until 2027, following legal advice that deemed the delays potentially unlawful. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had initially approved the postponements, citing genuine concerns from councils regarding the financial burden and logistical challenges of conducting elections during significant local government reorganization. Reform UK initiated a legal challenge against these plans, condemning them as undemocratic, and has now celebrated the government's "humiliating U-turn." In response, the government has committed to covering Reform's legal costs and will allocate an additional £63 million to the 21 affected areas, ensuring all local elections will now proceed as scheduled in May 2026.

65/100