Eight people tragically lost their lives, and 27 others were injured, in two devastating shootings that occurred at a school and a residence in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The victims include Jennifer Strang, 39, the mother of the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse van Rootselaar, and his 11-year-old step-brother, both found at a local home. Additionally, 12-year-old Kylie Smith, described as a "beautiful soul" who loved art and anime, was among the deceased. The secondary school also saw the deaths of four other students, aged 12 and 13, and a 39-year-old female teacher, leaving the close-knit community of just 3,000 deeply impacted by the widespread casualties.

5/100

"Star Wars" icon Mark Hamill is facing significant backlash from fans online over reported autograph prices as high as $700 at fan conventions. A sign at his table listed fees including $400 for an 8x10 photo and $500 for premium items, sparking widespread criticism and accusations of "extortion" on social media. While celebrity autograph prices have steadily increased, many fans are questioning the value and the add-on charges for larger memorabilia. Some defenders argue that higher prices help deter scalpers from reselling autographs at even greater costs, though the controversy continues to generate debate.

45/100

Shares of Airbnb experienced a 5% surge in extended trading after the company announced fourth-quarter results that exceeded analysts' revenue expectations and offered an optimistic forecast for the current period. The article detailed Airbnb's revenue of $2.78 billion, surpassing the $2.72 billion expected, and projected full-year revenue growth of "at least low double digits." Despite a decline in net income, attributed to non-income tax matters and planned investments, the company reported strong momentum from its core business, with booked nights and seats up 10% year-over-year. (not investment advice)

80/100

The Trump administration, through the Environmental Protection Agency, has officially repealed the "endangerment finding," a pivotal Obama-era policy that legally underpinned federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. President Trump lauded this as the "single largest deregulatory action in American history," asserting it would save Americans approximately $2,400 on future vehicle purchases by eliminating regulatory burdens on manufacturers. However, environmentalists vehemently condemned the move as a dangerous setback for the planet and public health, warning of increased pollution and long-term economic and health costs, while former President Obama criticized it as benefiting the fossil fuel industry.

20/100

Spencer and Sinikka Waugh, an Iowa couple married since 1998, are embarking on a distinctive political journey, both running for state legislative seats—Spencer for the House and Sinikka for the Senate. Spencer, an associate dean, is making a second bid, while Sinikka, a small business owner, was inspired to run after hearing community calls for a Senate candidate. Despite managing separate campaigns, their political efforts intertwine at their dining room table, sharing resources and insights. They report overwhelmingly positive public reactions, emphasizing their shared commitment to community service and the educational aspect of their campaigning journey.

75/100

Instacart's shares experienced a significant 14% climb in extended trading following the grocery delivery company's strong fourth-quarter revenue report and upbeat guidance. The article highlighted Instacart's revenue of $992 million, exceeding LSEG estimates, and a 12% year-over-year growth. CEO Chris Rogers attributed this robust performance to the company's technology and customer-oriented approach, driving increased growth and engagement across its marketplace. Furthermore, gross transaction value surged 14%, marking its strongest quarterly growth in three years, with the company anticipating continued positive momentum into the first quarter. (not investment advice)

80/100

Pinterest shares plummeted 19% in after-hours trading following a fourth-quarter earnings report that missed analyst expectations for earnings per share and provided a disappointing outlook for the current period. The article noted the company's projected first-quarter sales of $951 million to $971 million fell short of analyst estimates, marking the second consecutive quarter of significant stock value decline. Despite a 12% jump in global monthly active users to an all-time high, net income decreased sharply due to a prior deferred tax benefit, and adjusted EBITDA also missed projections, leading to investor concern. (not investment advice)

20/100

A U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Truxtun (DDG103), and the supply ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) collided in the Caribbean Sea on Wednesday during a complex replenishment-at-sea operation. The article reported that two personnel sustained minor injuries, but both individuals are in stable condition, and both vessels have safely continued sailing. The incident, which involved the USNS Supply positioned between the Truxtun and the USS Gettysburg, is currently under investigation by U.S. Southern Command. This marks the first known mishap in the Caribbean since the Navy increased its presence there to counter narcotics.

60/100

Rivian Automotive exceeded Wall Street's fourth-quarter expectations but cautioned that it anticipates continued financial losses as it ramps up production of its crucial R2 next-generation vehicle. The article detailed the electric vehicle maker's projection of 62,000 to 67,000 vehicle deliveries for the current year, representing a significant increase of 47% to 59% compared to 2025. Despite achieving a gross profit of $144 million in 2025, driven by a software joint venture, Rivian expects adjusted losses for 2026 to range between $1.8 billion and $2.1 billion. (not investment advice)

65/100

Gore Verbinski's film "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" is reviewed as a maniacal farce that sharply critiques humanity's increasing digital addiction and the looming "tech-pocalypse." Starring Sam Rockwell as a time traveler desperately trying to warn a late-night diner's patrons, the movie assembles an unlikely group to fight for cerebral freedom against a future where half the world is dead and the other half too distracted. The article praises Matthew Robinson's intricate and ambitious script for exploring how the internet's promise has soured, depicting a society groomed to behave like machines.

50/100

Alyssa Farah Griffin, a co-host of "The View" and former Trump staffer, has welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Justin Patrick Griffin Jr., with her husband Justin Griffin. The article reported that the newborn weighed 7 pounds and measured 19 1/2 inches, with co-host Whoopi Goldberg announcing the news on air and confirming both mother and baby are doing well. Farah Griffin had humorously speculated that Bad Bunny's energetic Super Bowl halftime performance might induce labor, and indeed, she went into labor the day after praising his "excellent performance."

95/100

A federal immigration judge has terminated the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a Mexican father of three U.S. Marines, whose arrest in California last year went viral. The article reported that his stepson confirmed the judge's decision, bringing a significant sigh of relief to the family. Barranco, arrested by Border Patrol agents, had been accused by the Department of Homeland Security of assaulting an agent, though his family denied the claims and no charges were filed. This reprieve now paves the way for Barranco to pursue legal permanent residence through the Parole in Place program.

85/100

The United States has issued a strong warning to Peru, suggesting the nation risks eroding its sovereignty after a court ruling limited state oversight of the Chinese-controlled Chancay megaport. The article highlighted Washington's concern over "predatory Chinese owners" of the $1.3 billion deep-water facility, which is majority-owned by Cosco Shipping Ports. The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs explicitly stated support for Peru's sovereign right to oversee its critical infrastructure. This warning prompted a sharp rebuke from Beijing, intensifying geopolitical tensions over the strategic South American hub.

40/100

Cisco Systems shares closed 12% lower, marking the stock's worst day since 2022, as escalating memory prices significantly pressured the networking company's margins. The article explained that strong demand for AI chips from Nvidia has created a global memory shortage, driving up component costs for numerous tech companies, including Cisco. CEO Chuck Robbins addressed the issue on an earnings call, stating Cisco plans to raise prices, revise contracts, and negotiate terms to mitigate the impact of these evolving costs. Product gross margin for the quarter was notably down, primarily due to higher memory expenses. (not investment advice)

25/100

FedEx has projected robust revenue growth over the next three fiscal years, anticipating an "exceptional" holiday season will lead to its third-quarter adjusted earnings exceeding Wall Street estimates. The article detailed the company's outlook, targeting approximately $98 billion in consolidated revenue by fiscal year 2029, representing a 4% compound annual growth rate. CEO Raj Subramaniam emphasized strategic investments in digital intelligence and new European business lines, including the acquisition of InPost, as key drivers for this transformation. These initiatives are expected to significantly boost operating income and free cash flow. (not investment advice)

80/100

U.S. downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson, already a 2026 Winter Olympics gold medalist, experienced a crash that took her out of contention in the women's Super-G race in Italy. Despite the on-course setback, her boyfriend, Connor Watkins, seized the moment at the bottom of the mountain, dropping to one knee and proposing marriage, which Johnson joyfully accepted. The article highlighted the heartwarming engagement, confirmed by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, which even caught the attention of pop star Taylor Swift. This personal triumph followed Johnson's earlier gold medal win, a historic achievement for Team USA.

90/100

Seamus Culleton, an Irish national detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) despite possessing a valid work permit, is now facing new complications as a 2009 Irish arrest warrant for alleged drug offenses has surfaced. The article reported that Culleton, who overstayed his tourist visa in 2009, is actively contesting his deportation from a Texas detention center, where he has criticized conditions. His lawyer stated she was unaware of the warrant, emphasizing that an arrest warrant does not equate to a criminal conviction. This development adds a challenging dimension to his high-profile immigration case.

30/100

A significant new study published in The Lancet is reframing perspectives on physical activity, demonstrating that even small, consistent bursts of movement can profoundly impact health and longevity. The article emphasizes that focusing on integrating "movement" throughout the day, rather than solely on intense exercise routines, can yield substantial benefits. Researchers found that as little as 5 to 10 minutes of moderate physical activity daily, or reducing sedentary time by 30 minutes, was associated with preventing a notable percentage of deaths. This empowering research suggests that realistic, achievable activity goals can significantly extend life.

85/100

Seventeen-year-old Choi Ga-on of South Korea achieved a remarkable victory, securing the Winter Olympic halfpipe gold medal and thereby denying American superstar Chloe Kim a historic third consecutive title. The article detailed Choi's impressive resilience, as she recovered from a brutal early fall to deliver a spellbinding 90.25-point final run amidst heavy snowfall in Livigno. Kim, who had been aiming for history despite a recent shoulder injury, could not surpass Choi's score on her last attempt, ultimately earning the silver medal. Japan's Mitsuki Ono claimed the bronze.

70/100

This article offers a historical deep dive into the "Slave Power conspiracy," a potent and widespread belief in the mid-1850s that southern oligarchs and their northern sympathizers were systematically seizing control of the U.S. government to expand slavery. It examines an influential essay by Edmund Quincy from The Atlantic, which highlighted how this perceived conspiracy led to a decline in political civility, increased violence, and the suppression of free speech and artistic expression. Quincy's analysis, however, also suggested that the very "extravagancies and violences" of the Slave Power were a sign of its impending downfall due to growing opposition.

50/100

The Trump administration is eliminating a credit for automakers that install the "start/stop feature" in vehicles, a move presented as part of a broader rollback of environmental regulations. This feature, designed to improve fuel efficiency by shutting off engines when idling, was controversially described by the EPA as "almost universally hated." The article highlighted the administration's claim that this regulatory overhaul will save consumers an average of $2,400 when purchasing a new car. Automakers largely welcomed the decision, though critics argue that rising vehicle prices are influenced by factors beyond environmental standards.

40/100

New legally-binding government guidance for English schools mandates that parents must be involved in the "vast majority" of cases where a child questions their gender identity. The article specifies that schools should not initiate social transitioning, such as changes to names or pronouns, and should instead carefully assess a child's needs, with full social transitioning in primary schools being "very rarely" appropriate. Supported by Dr. Hilary Cass, the guidance emphasizes the importance of parental transparency and explicitly protects single-sex facilities and sports, while noting most children exploring gender do not fully transition as adults.

60/100

Bruce Mouat's Team GB men's curling rink delivered a commanding 6-3 victory over Sweden at the Winter Olympics, significantly strengthening their credentials as gold medal favorites. The Scottish quartet, seeking redemption after being relegated to silver by Sweden four years prior, dictated the heavyweight match from the outset, establishing and maintaining an early lead. The article noted Mouat's strong head-to-head record against Swedish skip Niklas Edin, whose team struggled with key misses. This decisive win positions Team GB favorably in the round-robin matches, while Sweden faces a more challenging path forward.

85/100

Marine Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, 21, was tragically declared dead after falling overboard from the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea, marking the first known U.S. fatality in "Operation Southern Spear." The article reported that a comprehensive 72-hour search and rescue mission, involving multiple Navy ships and aircraft, failed to locate him after he was reported missing on February 7. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation by the Marine Corps. Colonel Tom Trimble conveyed deep grief and sorrow for the Oforah family, emphasizing the profound loss felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team.

0/100

Anthropic, a prominent artificial intelligence company and a key competitor to OpenAI, has successfully closed a massive $30 billion funding round, elevating its post-money valuation to an impressive $380 billion. This substantial capital injection, led by Coatue and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, is earmarked for critical infrastructure expansion, advanced research, and continued investment in enterprise-grade products. The article highlighted that developing and training sophisticated AI models is exceptionally expensive. Anthropic's annualized revenue has surged to $14 billion, with a significant 80% derived from its enterprise clientele, driven by tools like Claude Code. (not investment advice)

85/100

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milan Cortina Games for wearing a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia's invasion, which the International Olympic Committee deemed a political statement. The article detailed widespread support for Heraskevych, with Ukrainians, including soldiers and President Zelenskyy, rallying behind him on social media with messages like "Remembrance is not a violation." Zelenskyy further honored the athlete with the Order of Liberty, commending his civic courage in upholding freedom ideals. This incident underscores the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on Ukrainian athletes and national sentiment.

35/100

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted 37 investigations into officers' use of force during the past year, with 18 already closed and 19 still pending or referred for further inquiry, according to acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. These investigations, affecting a small segment of the ICE workforce, have intensified scrutiny over the agency's tactics and training, particularly after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by immigration officers last month. Lyons also revealed that new recruit training at the federal law enforcement center was significantly shortened from 75 to 42 days, raising concerns about officer preparedness and internal oversight.

30/100

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is facing significant criticism for selling merchandise, specifically T-shirts, featuring designs from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, which Adolf Hitler notoriously exploited for Nazi propaganda. Critics in Germany are demanding an immediate halt to sales, arguing that the IOC is failing to adequately reflect on its own historical context. The IOC defended the items as part of its "Olympic Heritage Collection," celebrating 130 years of Olympic art and design, while asserting that the historical context is explained at its museum. The article also recalled Jesse Owens's iconic defiance of Nazi racial supremacy at those Games.

45/100

One year after President Trump's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) cuts led to the largest reduction in the federal workforce in history, many former employees are successfully transitioning into new careers. Chantel Williams, a former GSA employee, opted for deferred resignation amidst the turmoil, feeling a disconnect with leadership priorities. Caitlin Lewis's nonprofit, Work for America, has since played a crucial role, helping nearly 200 former federal workers secure new positions in state and local governments. The article emphasizes the unexpected nature of the layoffs and the resilience of those impacted, as well as the nonprofit's expanding efforts.

60/100

Rich Ruohonen, a 54-year-old curler, has made history by becoming the oldest U.S. athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics, finally realizing a nearly 40-year dream. Serving as an alternate for Team Casper, Ruohonen got his moment on the ice during a match against Switzerland, subbing in for the eighth end and throwing two rocks. The article highlighted his emotional journey, having narrowly missed the Olympics multiple times before. His achievement, celebrated by teammates and family, sets a new age record, surpassing figure skater Joseph Savage's 1932 record, and underscores the power of perseverance.

95/100

A recent CBS News/YouGov poll reveals deeply divided perceptions of the Democratic and Republican parties among U.S. voters, consistent with trends observed in recent years. The article highlights that most voters describe the Democratic Party as "weak" and the Republican Party as "extreme." While Republicans are more unified in their positive self-descriptions, Democrats show less confidence in their own party. Independents largely echo these views, giving both parties low marks on being "reasonable," underscoring the significant challenges each political entity faces in building broader appeal and bridging the nation's partisan divide.

40/100

The Senate failed to advance a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security, significantly increasing the likelihood of another partial government shutdown as a resolution remains out of reach. Democrats largely opposed the bill, citing insufficient progress on reining in ICE and addressing concerns about violence and misconduct. Negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House have stalled over Democratic demands for reforms to ICE and Customs and Border Protection, including requirements for body cameras and bans on racial profiling. With senators departing for recess, a last-minute agreement appears increasingly improbable.

25/100

American Airlines flight attendants are actively picketing outside the company's headquarters, demanding new leadership and expressing profound frustration over the airline's performance, which lags behind rivals like Delta and United. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants issued an unprecedented vote of no confidence in CEO Robert Isom, citing concerns over profitability and punctuality. Despite Isom's attempts to reassure employees with promises of improvements in profits and schedules, unions representing pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics all contend that the company needs to significantly enhance its reliability and financial outcomes, highlighting ongoing labor tensions.

35/100

This article presents a profoundly tragic narrative illustrating the devastating progression of measles in unvaccinated children, culminating in the death of an infant. It vividly details the insidious spread of the virus, from initial exposure at a birthday party to severe complications like pneumonia and, ultimately, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), an irreversible brain degeneration. The story underscores the critical importance of vaccination, portraying the immense suffering of the children and the parents' helplessness as the younger child succumbs years after initial recovery, highlighting the severe, long-term risks of the preventable disease.

0/100

The EPA's decision to reverse its endangerment finding on greenhouse gases, which impacts fuel-efficiency targets and electric vehicle incentives, is generating considerable debate regarding its implications for the U.S. auto industry. While some automakers have welcomed the regulatory rollback, critics argue that a significant retreat from fuel-efficient and EV production could be short-sighted given global market trends. The article notes that previous federal actions, such as the removal of EV tax credits, have already impacted sales. Experts caution that U.S. automakers must still navigate stricter international emissions regulations and the growing consumer demand for EVs. (not investment advice)

40/100

Members of Congress are demanding immediate investigations after discovering the Department of Justice tracked their research activities into files connected to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Photographs from a congressional hearing revealed Attorney General Pam Bondi holding a document detailing Rep. Pramila Jayapal's search history, prompting strong accusations of surveillance and violations of the separation of powers. The DOJ confirmed it logs all searches to "protect against the release of victim information," but lawmakers describe a "clunky" review process with DOJ staffers observing them, leading Jayapal to label the practice "outrageous" and "totally inappropriate."

20/100

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the imminent deployment of soldiers to assist police in combating the nation's severe and escalating crime crisis. Ramaphosa explicitly stated that organized crime represents "the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society, and our economic development." The article highlighted South Africa's alarmingly high crime rates, noting its ranking as 7th out of 193 countries on the Global Organized Crime Index, with an average of 64 murders per day. This decisive, though drastic, measure aims to address the pervasive fear and significant economic impact of rampant criminal activity.

30/100

A detailed timeline outlines the ongoing, week-long disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona, home on January 31. The article traces events from her last sighting to the disconnection of her home security systems and the discovery of her absence. Authorities found blood confirmed to be hers and received a ransom note demanding bitcoin, prompting emotional public pleas from the Guthrie family, including an offer to pay for her safe return. Despite the release of surveillance images of a masked individual and the brief detention of a person of interest, the search continues without resolution.

10/100