Reports indicate that Aaron Rodgers' chances of returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 22nd NFL season are increasing, largely due to the recent hiring of Mike McCarthy as head coach. McCarthy previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers for 13 years, winning a Super Bowl and six NFC North titles. Rodgers, who had previously hinted at retirement, now seems more open to continuing his career, influenced by their successful past collaboration. This potential reunion could significantly impact the Steelers' upcoming season and team dynamics.

70/100

Morgan McSweeney has resigned as Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff following intense scrutiny over his recommendation to appoint Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US, despite Mandelson's known association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney took full responsibility for the advice, stating the appointment was "wrong" and damaged trust in politics. This departure leaves Starmer battling to stabilize his premiership amidst ongoing anger from Labour MPs, a police investigation into alleged misconduct, and calls for Starmer's own resignation.

10/100

A controversial VAR decision in the Liverpool versus Manchester City match disallowed what would have been City's third goal, sparking debate among fans and pundits. The goal was stripped away due to a foul committed by Erling Haaland just before the ball crossed the line, following an earlier foul by Dominik Szoboszlai. Despite widespread disapproval, the article explains that VAR correctly intervened based on the laws of the game, as Haaland's subsequent foul prevented Szoboszlai from clearing the ball, leading to the goal's disallowance and Szoboszlai's eventual sending off.

50/100

Team GB is celebrating strong performances at the Winter Olympics, with snowboarder Mia Brookes qualifying third for the big air final, aiming to become Britain's youngest Winter Olympic medalist in 78 years. Despite an early hiccup, the 19-year-old secured 167 points from two runs. Separately, the mixed doubles curling pair of Bruce Mouat and Jen Dodds defeated hosts Italy 9-6, securing their spot in the semi-finals after a stellar start to the competition. These achievements highlight Britain's medal prospects and competitive spirit in various events.

80/100

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has the opportunity to join an exclusive club of individuals who have won a Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach. Only four others—Tom Flores, Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy, and Doug Pederson—have achieved this rare distinction. Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker who won three Super Bowls with the team, would add his name to this esteemed list if his team defeats the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. The article details the careers of these dual champions, highlighting their unique contributions to NFL history.

60/100

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler strongly criticized a social media post from Donald Trump that featured a racist animation depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. Lawler, among the first Republicans to speak out, called the imagery "insensitive, offensive, and racist," and suggested Trump should apologize. The White House initially dismissed the outcry as "fake outrage" before deleting the post and attributing it to a staffer. Lawler emphasized that such imagery is unequivocally wrong, whether intentional or a mistake.

15/100

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democrat Party (LDP) is on course for a landslide victory in the country's general election, projected to win two-thirds of seats. This success marks a significant turnaround for the LDP and is largely attributed to Takaichi's personal popularity and a campaign focused on nationalistic sentiments and populist policies. International leaders, including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have already congratulated Takaichi on the "landmark" result, underscoring its regional and global implications.

75/100

The sudden resignation of Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer's top aide, following his advice on the Lord Mandelson appointment, leaves the Prime Minister politically exposed. McSweeney, known as Starmer's 'political brain,' was instrumental in his leadership bid and the party's general election campaign. His departure prompts questions about Starmer's future political direction and whether he can maintain control without his key strategist. The event also reignites discussions about a 'boys' club' atmosphere at No 10 and the need for a cultural reset within the government.

10/100

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries asserted that Democrats will prevent Donald Trump from attempting to "nationalize" and potentially "steal" the upcoming midterm elections. Jeffries' comments follow Trump's rhetoric about taking over voting and the FBI's raid on an election office in Fulton County, Georgia. Jeffries also condemned Trump's refusal to apologize for a racist social media post depicting the Obamas as apes, calling it "malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior." Senator Adam Schiff echoed concerns, stating Trump intends to subvert election results if Republicans lose.

20/100

Congressional Republicans and Democrats are locked in a standoff over reforms to U.S. immigration enforcement and the funding of the Department of Homeland Security, with a critical deadline approaching. Democrats are demanding "guardrails" for ICE, including mandatory body cameras, judicial warrants, and a ban on agents wearing masks, following recent incidents. Republicans deem many of these demands "unrealistic and unserious," particularly opposing judicial warrants. Failure to reach an agreement by February 13 could lead to a partial government shutdown for DHS agencies, impacting critical services like the Coast Guard and FEMA.

30/100

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb warned that the measles outbreak in the U.S. is escalating, with 750 cases reported this year, nearing last year's total. He attributes this rise to a broader anti-vaccine movement, particularly among parents of toddlers, leading to vaccination rates falling below herd immunity levels in some states. Gottlieb emphasized the high contagiousness of measles and predicted a long cycle of outbreaks as unvaccinated children age. He also highlighted the serious long-term health consequences of viral infections, urging continued education on vaccine importance.

25/100

Several U.S. Olympic athletes at the Milan-Cortina Games, including Mikaela Shiffrin and Hunter Hess, are openly expressing mixed emotions about representing a politically divided United States. Hess faced criticism from President Trump, who called him a "loser," after he commented on the difficulty of representing the U.S. amidst current political issues and ICE raids. Figure skater Amber Glenn also received threats for speaking about LGBTQ+ rights under the Trump administration. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee supports athletes' freedom of expression, acknowledging their right to advocate for social justice.

20/100

The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, has intensified a week after her abduction from her Tucson home, with investigators searching multiple properties. A ransom note demanding millions of dollars has emerged, prompting Savannah Guthrie and her siblings to issue public pleas, stating they "will pay" for her safe return. Authorities believe Nancy is still alive, but no "proof of life" has been provided by the abductors, raising urgent concerns for her well-being, especially as she requires medication to survive.

5/100

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been handed an additional seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence by an Iranian court for charges including "gathering and collusion" and "propaganda activities." Mohammadi, a prominent human rights activist, was arrested in December and has been on a hunger strike due to her poor physical condition. This new sentence brings her total cumulative prison time to 44 years, prompting her family and human rights organizations to condemn the ruling as cruel and unjust, highlighting ongoing repression in Iran.

0/100

A new crew of two Americans, a French astronaut, and a Russian cosmonaut is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) ahead of schedule on Wednesday. Commander Jessica Meir and her crewmates are eager to replace four previous crew members who returned to Earth early due to a medical issue. The accelerated launch, cleared by a delay in the Artemis II moon mission, will boost the station's crew back to seven, enabling a full slate of experiments and two-person spacewalks. This mission ensures the continued operation and scientific output of the orbiting laboratory.

85/100

This article reflects on Lindsey Vonn's decision to compete in the Olympic downhill despite a ruptured ACL, framing it as her right to challenge the limits of her body and sport. Vonn, known for her fearless pursuit of speed and resilience through numerous injuries, ultimately crashed during her final run, sustaining a leg fracture. The piece celebrates her indomitable spirit and lifelong dedication to ski racing, contrasting her determination with critics who questioned the wisdom of her comeback. Her career, marked by both triumphs and physical setbacks, underscores the dangerous flirtation with crack-up inherent in downhill skiing.

40/100

Will Lewis has resigned as chief executive of The Washington Post, stating it was time to leave after making "difficult decisions" to secure the paper's future. His departure follows mass layoffs of a third of the workforce, which significantly scaled back sports and international news coverage, drawing widespread criticism from journalists and owner Jeff Bezos. Jeff D'Onofrio will serve as acting CEO, marking further upheaval for the prominent newspaper. The cuts were intended to bring "stability" amidst ongoing financial losses and controversial editorial decisions.

20/100

A makeshift memorial for the 41 victims of the New Year's Eve bar blaze in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, caught fire early Sunday morning. Police quickly extinguished the flames, confirming no injuries and ruling out third-party involvement, suggesting candles caused the incident. The original bar fire, which also injured over 100 people, is under investigation, with the owners facing charges of manslaughter and arson by negligence. Authorities are also scrutinizing public safety officials for lapsed fire inspections at the bar.

10/100

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has called for Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to resign, citing new revelations from the Epstein files detailing more extensive business and personal dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. Massie stated that Lutnick interacted "regularly" with Epstein, even after his 2008 conviction, and suggested Lutnick has much to answer for. The Commerce Department maintains Lutnick had "very limited interactions" with Epstein, dismissing the report as an attempt to distract from administration accomplishments. This follows similar resignations of British officials named in the files.

15/100

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has claimed victory in the 2026 election, with his conservative Bhumjaithai party projected to win 194 seats, making him almost certain to stay in office. This outcome defied opinion polls that had favored the reformist People's Party, which is now pushed into second place. Anutin's success is attributed to his appeal to patriotic sentiment, hard-line nationalism, and populist giveaways, as well as his ability to secure local power-brokers. The election results reflect Thailand's unpredictable political landscape and ongoing concerns about economic stability.

55/100

Brenton Tarrant, the white supremacist responsible for the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks that killed 51 people, will appear in court this week to attempt to withdraw his guilty plea. Tarrant, who is serving a life sentence without parole, claims he was incapable of rational decisions at the time due to "torturous and inhumane" prison conditions. Victims' families are preparing for a tough week, viewing this as an attempt by Tarrant to regain notoriety and re-open deeply painful wounds. The legal challenge could potentially lead to a full trial on all charges.

0/100

American skier Lindsey Vonn crashed during her Olympic downhill race, sustaining a leg fracture that required orthopedic surgery, just days after rupturing her left ACL in a previous event. Vonn, who had come out of retirement to compete, lost control early in her run and was airlifted from the course. While her determination to compete despite her injuries was widely noted, officials expressed concern about a potential bad crash. Her teammate, Breezy Johnson, went on to win the gold medal in the same event.

35/100

Paul Thomas Anderson won the top honor at the Directors Guild of America Awards for his political thriller “One Battle After Another,” marking his first DGA win. This victory positions Anderson as a strong frontrunner for the Oscar for directing, a prize that 20 of the last 23 DGA recipients have also secured. During his acceptance speech, Anderson honored his late first-assistant director, Adam Somner, and emphasized the collective passion for filmmaking. The ceremony celebrated directorial achievements and the vital role of the guild in the industry.

80/100

A 34-year-old man from Hartlepool has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of 19-year-old Carla Georgescu, a student at the University of Lancashire. Her body was discovered in student accommodation in Preston on Thursday afternoon. Police confirmed the arrested man knew Ms. Georgescu and is not connected to the university, which is providing support to its community. Authorities state they are not looking for any other suspects in connection with the investigation into this tragic incident.

10/100

England is facing extensive flooding, with 97 warnings and 217 alerts issued, primarily across the south-west and Midlands, following days of continuous rainfall. The Met Office reports that some parts of the UK have received 50% more rainfall than usual, and heavy rain is expected to persist into next week. The Environment Agency is actively working to mitigate the impact, with an estimated 300 properties already flooded. Residents are urged to follow local advice and avoid driving through floodwaters, which can be deceptively deep.

20/100

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa has been released after more than eight months in prison, where he was held on accusations of participating in an alleged "terrorist group." Guanipa, a close ally of opposition figure María Corina Machado, announced his release via social media. His detention was previously criticized as a crackdown on dissent, with his brother asserting that differing political opinions should not be criminalized. His release comes amidst increasing pressure on the government to free individuals whose detentions are linked to their political beliefs.

60/100

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed that the U.S. has imposed a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement, with anticipated pressure from the Trump administration if the deadline is not met. This diplomatic initiative comes amidst continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which have forced nuclear power plants to reduce output and exacerbated power outages. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's participation in upcoming trilateral talks, reiterating Kyiv's firm stance on the Donbas region and expressing skepticism about some compromise proposals.

45/100

This article analyzes Big Tech's aggressive spending on AI, highlighting the varied strategies and market reactions to Amazon and Alphabet's recent earnings. Amazon's announcement of a $200 billion capital expenditure for AI led to a significant market cap drop, partly due to perceived lack of clarity and a strategy seen as anti-Nvidia. In contrast, Alphabet, despite also increasing its AI spending, is viewed more favorably due to strong growth in its Gemini app and YouTube, and its integrated chip strategy. Apple emerges as an unexpected winner, leveraging partnerships like Google's Gemini without massive internal investment. (not investment advice)

50/100

A whistleblower complaint alleges that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard restricted a highly classified intelligence report for political purposes, involving an NSA intercept discussing a person close to President Trump. The complaint, which was delayed in reaching congressional leaders, raises significant concerns about political interference in intelligence oversight. While Senator Mark Warner questioned Gabbard's competence, Republican chairs of intelligence committees dismissed the complaint as not credible. Gabbard strongly denied the accusations, attributing delays to classification complexities and accusing Warner of spreading lies for political gain.

15/100

Fans attending Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara are expected to enjoy pleasant weather conditions for kickoff, with clear skies and temperatures potentially reaching the upper 60s. The National Weather Service forecasts light winds and a sunny afternoon for the game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. While more clouds are anticipated in the evening, precipitation is not expected in the South Bay. This favorable forecast ensures a comfortable outdoor experience for all attendees.

90/100

A murder trial in France is facing a unique challenge as identical twin brothers, who share the same DNA, are among five defendants accused of a double murder and attempted killings. Forensic experts have been unable to definitively determine which twin pulled the trigger, as DNA evidence on an assault rifle could belong to either. Police suspect the brothers exploited their resemblance by frequently exchanging clothes and identification documents to obscure their tracks. This case highlights the complexities of forensic identification when dealing with genetically identical individuals.

40/100

Newly released Epstein files indicate that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as the Duke of York, appears to have knowingly shared confidential information from his official role as a trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein. Emails from 2010 and 2011 show Andrew forwarding reports of official visits and confidential investment opportunities to Epstein, despite his duty of confidentiality. This revelation adds to the scrutiny surrounding Andrew's links to the convicted sex offender, following his being stripped of royal titles last year. Former Business Secretary Sir Vince Cable expressed unawareness of these disclosures.

10/100

This editorial critically examines the global competition for critical minerals, exposing the devastating human cost, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where laborers are dying in hazardous mines. It notes U.S. initiatives like "Project Vault" aim to counter China's dominance but often fail to benefit local populations or improve working conditions. The piece argues that environmental despoliation and exploitation are not inevitable consequences of transitioning from fossil fuels. It also highlights the military applications of these minerals and their role in fueling ongoing conflicts and insurgencies.

5/100

Russia's Investigations Committee has named three suspects in the shooting of General Vladimir Alexeyev, the second-in-command of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, in Moscow. The committee alleges Ukrainian intelligence services orchestrated the attack, a claim Kyiv denies. One suspect, Korba, was arrested in the UAE and extradited, while another was charged and a third is believed to have fled to Ukraine. This incident marks the latest in a series of high-ranking military figures targeted in or near Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

20/100

Ada Limón's poem 'Literary Theory' delves into the intricate and sometimes brutal nature of language, using the word 'swallow' as a central example of its dual meanings. The speaker reflects on a youthful belief that complete lexical knowledge would ensure perfect articulation, contrasting it with the reality of language's capacity for both tender and annihilating expression. The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of how personal definitions can anchor one's life, revealing a deep connection to words and their emotional resonance.

50/100

Jeff Narvil, a 57-year-old administrative law judge from Jackson, Mississippi, undertook a 4,000-mile journey to Cardiff to sit for an A1 Welsh-language exam after 14 months of self-study. Narvil, who is also proficient in Spanish, French, German, and Irish, was drawn to Welsh because it is spoken out of love for culture rather than necessity. Despite challenges like early morning online classes due to time differences, he found the experience rewarding and hopes to achieve fluency. His trip also included visits to various Welsh towns, deepening his appreciation for the country.

90/100

Telehealth company Hims & Hers is promoting accessible, personalized healthcare through a new Super Bowl ad, capitalizing on the public's desire for treatments like GLP-1s and hormone therapies. The company positions itself as democratizing care by offering compounded versions of drugs, but the FDA has initiated an investigation into Hims & Hers for selling compounded GLP-1 pills, citing consumer safety concerns. This reflects a broader trend of telehealth platforms simplifying access to medications, raising questions about medical oversight and the commodification of health. (not investment advice)

40/100

The Environmental Protection Agency has reapproved the contentious weedkiller dicamba for use on genetically modified soybeans and cotton, despite widespread concerns about its drift and harm to nearby crops. The agency asserts dicamba is crucial for farmers and has implemented new restrictions, including application limits and buffer zones, to ensure safe use. However, environmental groups and activists sharply criticized the decision, arguing the restrictions are insufficient and will perpetuate a "chemical treadmill" with negative health and environmental consequences. Studies have linked dicamba exposure to an increased risk for certain cancers.

30/100