Iniaes

Match of the Day: Highlights from Eight Premier League Games

Kelly Cates presents highlights and key moments from eight Premier League matches.

Trump Warns Iran of Severe Consequences Without a Nuclear Deal as U.S. Naval Forces Stand By

Donald Trump said the United States has held “very good” talks with Iran on a potential nuclear agreement, but warned Tehran would face “very steep” consequences if no deal is reached. He said U.S. naval forces in the region can remain on standby while negotiations continue, and indicated he would accept an agreement focused only on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, even as U.S. officials have pushed to include Iran’s missile program and support for militant groups. Indirect talks involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman were described by both sides as starting well, while Iran maintained discussions should be limited to the nuclear issue.

Have We Been Thinking About Exercise the Wrong Way for Half a Century?

Some doctors and physiologists argue that the old focus on long, structured workouts misses the point. Newer U.S. and World Health Organization guidance no longer requires a minimum session length, and studies suggest brief, regular bursts of vigorous effort—like climbing a few flights of stairs—can deliver meaningful health benefits. This approach, known as vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity, or VILPA, emphasizes that all movement counts, with intensity mattering most. Even one to four minutes a day of truly vigorous activity has been linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and premature death.

The Washington Post CEO resigns days after mass layoffs

The Washington Post CEO, Will Lewis, has stepped down just days after the company carried out mass layoffs. In an email to staff later shared on social media by a reporter, Lewis said it was “the right time for me to step aside.”

Famous birthdays for Feb. 8 include Anderson .Paak and William Jackson Harper

On Feb. 8, musician Anderson .Paak turns 40 and actor William Jackson Harper turns 46, among other notable birthdays.

On February 8, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed

On this day in 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots, was beheaded after being convicted of conspiring to kill England’s Queen Elizabeth I.

Waymo Uses Remote Operators in the Philippines to Assist in Difficult Driving Situations

During a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing on self-driving cars, Waymo Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña said the company employs remote human operators, including some based in the Philippines, to provide guidance in what lawmakers called “difficult driving situations.” Waymo says these “fleet response agents” do not drive vehicles remotely; instead they offer additional input while the automated driving system remains in control. The company says operators must be licensed, trained on road rules and complex scenarios, and subject to background checks, drug testing, and reviews for driving violations.

Paris Grand Slam 2026 Opens with Standout Performances on Day 1

Day 1 of the Paris Grand Slam 2026 at Accor Arena featured high-level judo and memorable moments, led by home favorite Shirine Boukli energizing the crowd. Gold medals on the opening day went to Aghayev, Krasniqi, Takeoka, Cysique, Makhmadbekov, and Silva.

Wales’ poor Six Nations performance raises questions over Steve Tandy

Wales suffered a heavy opening-weekend Six Nations defeat to England, prompting renewed scrutiny of the team’s standards and adding pressure on coach Steve Tandy amid concerns the side should be performing better despite the challenges they face.

Birth Rates Keep Falling, and Now Politics Wants a Cut

Fertility is below replacement across much of Europe, Latin America, and East Asia, with the U.S. hovering around 1.8. In America, childbearing is getting tangled up with partisan identity: conservatives reportedly having more kids than progressives, while many left-leaning young women delay or skip marriage and children. If political preferences are inherited the way cable news habits are, the growing “partisan fertility gap,” plus population growth concentrating in Republican-leaning states, could slowly nudge U.S. politics toward greater conservatism.

Democrat Wins Louisiana House Special Election in Big Overperformance

Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez won Louisiana State House District 60, beating Republican Brad Daigle 62% to 38%. The win was framed as a 37-point improvement over the district’s 2024 presidential margin—the kind of swing that makes campaign consultants briefly believe in miracles before returning to their usual hobby of setting money on fire.

West Philadelphia Rowhome Fire Causes Severe Damage

A fire near 51st and Market in West Philadelphia around 9 p.m. Saturday severely damaged a rowhome, with apparent damage to a neighboring home as well. Flames were out by the time crews arrived, and officials have not released a cause or reported injuries.

Trump Announces Secondary Tariffs Targeting Countries Trading With Iran

Trump ordered new secondary tariffs—potentially up to 25%—on imports from any country found to be directly or indirectly buying goods or services from Iran. The policy is set to take effect Saturday, with the rate determined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move followed hours of U.S.–Iran talks in Muscat and came alongside new Iran-related sanctions targeting entities, individuals, and vessels tied to alleged illicit petroleum trade. Iran’s foreign minister said negotiations must be free of threats, noting deep distrust. The tariffs could hit China hardest and also affect Russia, Germany, Turkey, and the UAE, because nothing says “diplomacy” like making everyone else hold the bill.

Deep Freeze Hits Philadelphia, Neighbors Step Up to Help

Dangerously cold temperatures emptied Philadelphia streets Saturday but also sparked acts of kindness. In Elkins Park, one resident organized neighbors to support people struggling to stay warm—a reminder that even when the weather is cruel, some humans remain impressively, stubbornly decent.

Op-Ed Criticizes AFT for Using Crises to Expand Influence in Schools

An opinion piece by Meghan Portfolio and Frank Ricci argues that Randi Weingarten and the American Federation of Teachers use perceived emergencies to expand union influence over school operations and governance. Citing a webinar on immigration enforcement and a rapid memorandum of understanding in Saint Paul Public Schools that enabled a virtual learning option, they claim crisis-driven agreements can bypass normal public oversight and school board involvement. They call for clearer bargaining limits, more transparency for MOUs, and stronger protection of school board authority and student outcomes.

Hair Sample Study Shows Lead Exposure Plummeted After 1970s Crackdowns

University of Utah researchers analyzed nearly a century of human hair samples and found lead levels fell about 100-fold after U.S. environmental actions in the 1970s, including the phase-out of leaded gasoline. Concentrations were high from roughly 1916 to 1969, then dropped sharply to about 10 ppm by 1990 and below 1 ppm by 2024, tracking with EPA-era regulations and industrial changes like smelter closures. Published in PNAS, the study is presented as evidence that pollution rules can deliver major public-health gains, even if some people treat “regulation” like it’s a four-letter word.

Foreign Office reviews Lord Mandelson severance after Epstein-linked revelations

The UK Foreign Office has begun reviewing Lord Peter Mandelson’s severance package after fresh revelations tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files. Mandelson left his post as Britain’s ambassador to Washington in September after just seven months, with an exit payment reportedly up to £55,000 before tax. Allies of Sir Keir Starmer want any taxpayer-funded payout repaid or donated to charity. The Metropolitan Police have searched two properties linked to Mandelson as part of an investigation into suspected misconduct in public office.

Canada may scale back F-35 buy and pivot toward Sweden’s Gripen

Canada’s planned F-35 fighter purchase could shrink, as Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly considers cutting the order and shifting toward Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F. The potential change is being driven by rising diplomatic friction with the United States and a renewed push by Saab, which has reportedly sweetened its offer to Ottawa.

Extreme Cold Warning continues for Philadelphia region

AccuWeather says an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for the Philadelphia area through noon Sunday, with wind chills expected to stay well below zero.

High winds and ice create dangerous conditions for firefighters in Springfield Township

Icy weather and high winds in Springfield Township, Pennsylvania, are creating life-threatening conditions for firefighters. Officials are urging residents to secure their homes and take safety precautions.

Savannah Guthrie appeals for missing mother’s return as FBI reviews new message

“TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie posted an Instagram video with her siblings in response to a message connected to the disappearance of their mother, Nancy Guthrie. They pleaded for the 84-year-old’s safe return and said the family would pay. Authorities in Arizona and the FBI are reviewing the message’s authenticity, but no substantiated ransom note exists and no suspect has been identified. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home north of Tucson after not showing up at church, and investigators say she may have been taken overnight.

XB-70 Valkyrie, the Mach 3 bomber dream that ended after a 1966 crash

The XB-70 Valkyrie was a six-engine, Mach 3 strategic bomber designed to cruise around 70,000 feet and outrun Soviet interceptors, part of a bold era of aerospace ambition. Conceived as a next-generation replacement for the B-52 in America’s nuclear deterrent, the program’s promise was ultimately eclipsed after a major crash in 1966.

A21 in Kent closed southbound for emergency barrier repairs

The A21 in Kent is closed to southbound traffic while National Highways conducts emergency repairs to a damaged barrier following an earlier crash. The closure remains in place as crews work to make the road safe.

Iraq War veteran builds a fast-growing fintech intelligence firm for insurers

Forbes McKenzie, a former UK Intelligence Corps officer who served in Iraq, founded McKenzie Intelligence Services, a company using satellite imagery, remote sensing, and analytics to provide insurers and commercial clients with actionable insights during natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises. Customers reportedly include Zurich, Markel, Axis, and Lloyd’s. McKenzie says his military experience and ethical framework shaped the firm’s approach, and he credits Sandhurst and past leaders for lessons in planning, resilience, and humility.

Dr Renee Hoenderkamp criticises NHS trial using overseas-based GPs for remote consultations

Dr Renee Hoenderkamp has condemned an NHS trial that would use doctors based in countries including Australia, India and Malaysia to provide remote GP services as part of a 10-year plan to increase capacity and cut waiting times. She argues the approach undermines patients’ desire for in-person appointments and says complaints often arise when patients are not physically examined. Hoenderkamp also says the UK already has unemployed or underemployed GPs and that outsourcing work abroad is unnecessary, while fellow presenter Cai Wilshaw supports the trial as a pragmatic way to relieve pressure through triage, test-result reviews and phone consultations.

U.S. to Start Paying Outstanding Dues to the United Nations

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told Reuters that the United States will begin making payments toward the billions of dollars it owes the United Nations.

3 Doors Down Lead Singer Brad Arnold Dies of Cancer at 47

3 Doors Down announced on Saturday that lead singer Brad Arnold has died of cancer at the age of 47.

Labour plans to spend £650,000 on farm visits to train civil servants

Labour’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has awarded a four-year, £650,000 contract to the Allerton Project to provide civil servants with classroom instruction and visits to working farms, with many participants expected to meet farmers for the first time. Conservatives criticised the spending as evidence of a lack of farming expertise in government, while organisers and Defra said the programme will improve staff understanding of on-farm realities. Some farmers backed the idea in principle but questioned whether short visits offer good value compared with hiring more staff from agricultural backgrounds.

Italian police use tear gas as protesters clash near a Winter Olympics venue

Protesters and police clashed in Milan’s Corvetto neighbourhood after a demonstration against the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, with police firing tear gas.

Democratic groups criticized federal detention policies while receiving donations from an ICE contractor

The Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association received hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from CoreCivic, a private prison company that contracts extensively with ICE. The DLGA said it will donate CoreCivic funds from 2024–2025 to the National Immigration Law Center and stop accepting future contributions, while the DGA said it will keep the money, arguing it supports electing Democratic governors and does not affect policy decisions.

Trump and Mamdani Bonded Over Reforming New York City Zoning Rules

A surprisingly mutual gripe brought them together: New York City’s zoning and land-use approval maze. In a private Oval Office meeting last fall, Mayor Zohran Mamdani steered the conversation toward how the process slows housing construction, and President Donald Trump—still carrying decades of frustration from his real-estate days—reportedly lit up, saying he’d wanted the system overhauled for years.

Board of Peace Invited to Meet in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 19

The newly formed Board of Peace is planning its first meeting in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 19, after invitations were sent to 26 member nations.

Hegseth says the Pentagon is ending its academic partnership with Harvard

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon will sever its academic partnerships with Harvard University, calling the move “long overdue” in a post on X. He said the department will focus on maximizing taxpayer value and military capability to strengthen deterrence.

The World of Chess Boxing

The world of chess boxing comes into focus through Samy Shoker, an International Grand Chess Master who also holds the European Middleweight Chess Boxing Championship.

Manhunt launched for prisoner who absconded from an open prison in Suffolk

Police have launched a manhunt for Scott Warner, 37, after he was found missing during a routine roll call at Category D open prison HMP Hollesley Bay in Suffolk. Warner was serving a four-year-and-seven-month sentence for robbery and other offences, and is described as white, about 6ft 3in, stocky, with blond hair and blue eyes, with links to Essex. Suffolk Constabulary has warned the public not to approach him and to call 999 if seen, or 101 with information.

Michael Keaton Named Hasty Pudding Theatricals' Man of the Year

Michael Keaton, known for roles in "Batman" and "Beetlejuice," was honored as Hasty Pudding Theatricals' Man of the Year at Harvard University in Cambridge on Friday.

Italy Grind Out Win Over Scotland, Increasing Pressure on Gregor Townsend

Italy secured a hard-fought victory over Scotland in rain-soaked Rome, leaving Scotland with a dispiriting opening defeat and raising concerns that their Six Nations campaign could unravel, adding pressure on coach Gregor Townsend.

The Five Fastest Fighter Jets in the World for 2026, Ranked

A ranking of the five fastest fighter jets for 2026 highlights aircraft known for top-end speed, led by the MiG-25 Foxbat at about Mach 3.2 and followed by the MiG-31 Foxhound near Mach 2.9. The list also names the United States’ representative as the F-15 family, with emphasis on the F-15EX Eagle.

Trump declines to apologize for posting Obama video and calls himself the “least racist” president

President Donald Trump said he will not apologize for a Truth Social post that included an AI-generated clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, saying, “No, I didn’t make a mistake,” and describing himself as “the least racist president you’ve had in a long time.” He claimed he did not post the video personally and argued he only endorsed its opening message about election fraud, blaming a staffer for an “erroneous” post that was later removed. The video drew criticism across party lines, while the White House press secretary dismissed the backlash as “fake outrage,” and former chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said some Republican House members were alarmed about the political fallout ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Man accused of threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance during an Ohio visit, DOJ says

The Justice Department says Shannon Mathre, 33, was arrested after allegedly threatening to find Vice President JD Vance during a January 21, 2026 visit to northwest Ohio and kill him with an M14 automatic gun. Mathre is charged with threatening a successor to the presidency and separately with receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse materials that investigators say were found while probing the threat. He appeared in federal court the day of his arrest and remains jailed pending a detention hearing on Feb. 11. The threat charge carries up to five years in prison, and the child pornography charge up to 20 years.

Taiwan’s first domestically built Hai Kun-class submarine completes its first underwater trial

Taiwan’s first homebuilt submarine, the Hai Kun-class, also called Narwhal, completed its maiden underwater sea trial on January 30 off Kaohsiung, a major step for Taipei’s indigenous submarine program. The vessel is intended to be the lead boat in a planned eight-submarine fleet to modernize the Republic of China Navy, which currently relies on older submarines.

All Six Seasons of "Schitt's Creek" Are Now Streaming on HBO Max

All six seasons of the Canadian comedy "Schitt's Creek" are now available to stream on HBO Max, with the full series added on Saturday.

Graham says Democrats’ DHS reform proposal is flawed but should get a Senate vote

Sen. Lindsey Graham said he may move to bring Democrats’ proposal to overhaul the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics to the Senate floor. He argued that while he views the plan as “fatally flawed” and a step backward, it still deserves consideration and a vote.

Colombia adds more US-supplied armored vehicles

The Colombian Army has taken delivery of 11 M1117 Guardian armored security vehicles from the United States, bringing its total to 156. They are slated for operations in high-complexity areas as part of Colombia’s modernization push, because nothing says “regional mobility” like showing up in an armored box that politely refuses to be shot.

Japan formally begins permanent basing of F-35Bs at Nyutabaru

Japan’s Ministry of Defense held a Feb. 7 ceremony marking the deployment of F-35B fighter aircraft to Nyutabaru Air Base, formally kicking off permanent basing at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force installation. The message is simple: “We would like our deterrence to arrive vertically, thanks.”

Trump says he is surprised the vice president was booed abroad

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump said he was surprised the vice president was booed at an opening ceremony, noting it happened in a foreign country and claiming the vice president is not booed in the United States. Always comforting to know the export version of political pageantry comes with upgraded heckling.

Research suggests older workers often outproduce younger ones

A growing body of research indicates older workers are generally more productive than younger employees, with productivity and judgment tending to peak decades after graduation. Turns out experience is not a “nice to have”; it is what you get after you stop thinking every meeting needs a vibe check.

Epstein-linked revelations trigger major Europe fallout, US response appears quieter

Revelations tied to Jeffrey Epstein have led to high-profile resignations and removals across Europe, including a prince, an ambassador, senior diplomats, and leading politicians. Comparable political and institutional fallout in the United States has been noticeably more muted, which is a fascinating cultural tradition where accountability is always “under review” until everyone gets bored.

Gordon Brown warns Mandelson scandal is a problem for Starmer, still backs him

Gordon Brown said the Mandelson scandal is a serious problem for Sir Keir Starmer and suggested he may have been too slow to act, but he still backed Starmer as a man of integrity who can clean up the system. British politics remains the only arena where someone can call it a serious problem and then immediately hand you a mop and a halo.

Angela Rippon launches nationwide “Let’s Dance” campaign

Angela Rippon told GB News she is launching “Let’s Dance,” a nationwide campaign encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take up dancing for physical fitness and mental wellbeing. Backed by groups including the Sport and Recreation Alliance, it includes a national day of dance on March 8, with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 dance teachers opening their doors, plus an emphasis on inclusive groups, from schoolchildren to older adults and people managing conditions such as Parkinson’s.

Zelensky says US wants war ended by June, warns big issues remain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States wants Russia and Ukraine to end the war by June, but warned major issues remain unresolved. His comments came as Russia launched further strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, a grim reminder that “deadlines” are easy to float when you are not the one whose power grid keeps getting turned into confetti.

UK student loan repayment threshold freeze draws hypocrisy claims

Health Secretary Wes Streeting previously condemned the Conservatives’ freeze of student loan repayment thresholds as a “mis-selling scandal,” saying it would cost graduates thousands more after promises the threshold would rise with earnings. In the latest Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a new freeze from 2027 to 2030 to help fund public services including the NHS, with critics arguing it repeats the kind of retrospective change Streeting warned about and could add up to about £14,000 to some graduates’ lifetime repayments. Nothing says “investing in the future” like invoicing it retroactively.

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee charged with murder in girlfriend’s death

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence following the death of his girlfriend.

Trump warns of possible tariffs on countries that trade with Iran

Trump said the United States could impose tariffs on countries that continue trading with Iran, citing 25% as an illustrative rate without setting a specific tariff level.

Famous Birthdays for Feb. 7: Garth Brooks and Eddie Izzard

Feb. 7 marks notable birthdays, including musician Garth Brooks and actor Eddie Izzard, who both turn 64.

Feb. 7: U.S. Representative Ron Wright Becomes the First Member of Congress to Die of COVID-19

On Feb. 7, 2021, Texas Representative Ron Wright died of COVID-19, making him the first sitting member of Congress to die from the disease.

Winter Olympics Open in Milan and Cortina with Two Cauldrons Lit at the Opening Ceremony

The Winter Olympics have officially begun in Milan and Cortina, marked by an opening ceremony that featured the lighting of two cauldrons. Organisers said the dual-cauldron moment was designed to reflect the Games’ split city-and-mountain host setup and to emphasize unity amid global tensions.

British Army’s First 100 Ajax Vehicles Taken Out of Service Pending Upgrades

The British Army’s first 100 Ajax armoured vehicles have been withdrawn from use while awaiting planned upgrades, the Ministry of Defence has told Parliament. Most were pulled from units in 2024, with the last removed from 6 REME in October 2025, and they are now stored in Merthyr Tydfil, Llanelli, and the Bicester Holding Area. The Ajax programme has faced years of delays and ongoing safety concerns over noise and vibration linked to personnel illness, leading ministers to withdraw its Initial Operating Capability status and replace the programme’s senior responsible officer; 589 vehicles are now expected by the end of the decade.

Guido’s Most-Read Stories This Week

Guido’s most-read stories this week drew 798,535 visitors across 867,433 visits and 890,425 page views. The most read and shared items included reports on Keir Starmer allegedly conceding to Angela Rayner to head off a backbench rebellion, claims of Starmer holding crisis talks with senior staff, the Chagos bill being pulled again amid problems with a proposed deal, and a piece featuring Carol Vorderman beginning, “I’m Entering…”.

Neocities Founder Caught in Automated Support Loop After Bing Blocks 1.5 Million Sites

Neocities founder Kyle Drake says Bing quietly blocked all 1.5 million sites hosted on his free web-hosting platform, wiping out about 500,000 daily visitors after a renewed block took effect in January. After submitting nearly a dozen tickets through Bing’s webmaster tools, he was unable to reach a human beyond the automated chatbot. Following outside inquiries, Microsoft restored Neocities’ main page within a day, but most subdomains remain blocked. The company cited policy violations tied to low-quality content without specifying which sites triggered the action or offering direct remediation.

Seahawks or Patriots? Expert predictions for Super Bowl 60 and make your pick

BBC Sport experts weigh in on whether the Seattle Seahawks or the New England Patriots will win Super Bowl 60, and readers can make their own pick.

Preparedness Notes for Saturday, February 7, 2026

Preparedness Notes for Saturday, February 7, 2026 highlights major February 7 disasters—the 1812 magnitude 8.2 New Madrid earthquake and the 1904 Baltimore Fire that destroyed about 1,500 buildings across 80 blocks—along with a reminder to favor wood-frame construction over brick in quake-prone areas. It also features a new entry in SurvivalBlog’s Round 122 non-fiction writing contest and notes prizes including a Gunsite Academy course certificate.

Epstein emails raise questions about Prince Andrew’s palace aide

Newly surfaced emails suggest a trusted palace aide to Prince Andrew may have invited Jeffrey Epstein to a dinner at Windsor Castle in 2017, prompting renewed scrutiny of the aide’s role and the palace’s handling of Epstein’s access.

Trump’s Redistricting Push Is Producing Fewer GOP House Gains Than Expected

President Trump’s campaign to persuade Republican-led states to redraw House district lines ahead of the next census is expected to deliver far smaller electoral advantages than anticipated, raising concerns about the party’s ability to hold its House majority. A recent Supreme Court ruling has further limited the likely impact of any new maps, while a strong Democratic performance in a Texas legislative race adds to signs of growing momentum for Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

Congressman claims Trump administration approved access to alleged UFO facilities and non-human remains

Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison, a member of the House Oversight Committee focused on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, said the Trump White House directed the Department of Defense to support his request to visit sites rumored to hold recovered craft, materials, biological remains, and records. Speaking on a podcast, he named several locations tied to long-running claims, including Area 51, and said his itinerary also includes an overseas site allegedly built around an immovable object. Burlison, once skeptical, said his views shifted after whistleblower testimony, and he is pressing for greater public disclosure.

Trump Declines to Apologize for Sharing Racist Video

President Donald Trump said he would not apologize for sharing a social media video that included an image depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, claiming he did not realize the image appeared at the end of the clip. He said he reviewed only the beginning and did not consider it a mistake.

A Snapshot of the Redistricting Battles

Sen. Ted Cruz criticized a newly proposed Virginia congressional map as an abuse of power after it was projected to flip four seats to Democrats. Virginia Senate Pro Tempore Louise Lucas fired back that Republicans began the fight and Democrats were ending it.

Schumer denies Trump’s claim that he proposed renaming Penn Station after Trump

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said President Trump’s claim that Schumer suggested renaming Penn Station in Trump’s honor is false. Schumer called the allegation an “absolute lie” in a post on X, saying Trump and others know it is untrue.

Felony Charge Dropped Against Penn State Hockey Prospect Gavin McKenna

The Centre County District Attorney’s Office said Friday that Penn State hockey player Gavin McKenna will have his felony aggravated assault charge dropped.

Documents Show Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein Had a Business Deal

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein were limited, but newly released documents indicate they were connected through a business transaction. Records show that on Dec. 28, 2012, Lutnick and Epstein signed on behalf of separate LLCs to acquire stakes in Adfin, an advertising technology company, with the relationship extending as recently as 2014.

Hegseth Says the Pentagon Will End Its Academic Ties With Harvard

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Defense Department will sever its academic ties with Harvard University, marking another move by the Trump administration as it presses the university to reach an agreement with the federal government.

Washington courts Africa for critical minerals, with a very expensive checkbook

The US held its first critical minerals summit, signaling to investors that it and its allies are ready to spend big to diversify supply chains still dominated by a small club. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned about “heavily concentrated” supply chains, while US-backed capital is already moving, including Glencore’s $3.6 billion sale of 40 percent of its DR Congo copper and cobalt assets to a US government-backed consortium. Officials also floated a Preferential Trade Zone with price floors and a proposed $12 billion strategic stockpile. African producers like Angola, DR Congo, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Zambia may gain leverage, if they can turn the moment into disciplined long-term strategy.

Suspect arrested after months on the run in Pennsylvania rape cases

A 28-year-old man accused of raping two Pennsylvania teenagers in separate cases last year has been arrested after months as a fugitive. Authorities said the US Marshals took him into custody.

DOJ antitrust division drama, when “rule of law” meets office politics

Tensions are rising inside the Justice Department’s antitrust division after division head Gail Slater tried to remove her chief of staff, Assad Matar, despite Attorney General Pam Bondi saying Slater lacked authority. Slater posted, then deleted, a message claiming Matar’s assignment had ended, while officials said his detail was extended. The dispute reflects a broader power struggle over how aggressively to police corporate power, amid reports that some companies are bypassing the division to seek friendlier outcomes from senior Trump DOJ officials. A merger matter involving HPE and Juniper reportedly added to the turmoil, alongside deputy departures and accusations that political connections can sway merger decisions.

“Tell Me Lies” actor teases a big Season 3 finale

At SCAD TVfest, actor Jackson White offered careful hints that the “Tell Me Lies” Season 3 finale will be significant, and shared limited comments about what could come next. He also mentioned developments tied to the upcoming “Scrubs” revival.

Bill Clinton calls for a public hearing on Epstein testimony

Bill Clinton urged a public hearing on testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that if people want answers, officials should stop political games and handle the process properly.

Dow crosses 50,000 as blue chips rise

The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 50,000 for the first time, with most blue-chip stocks posting gains during Friday trading.

Bermuda snail returns from the dead, thanks to humans briefly acting like adults

The greater Bermuda snail, once believed extinct, was rediscovered about a decade ago when fewer than 200 were found in an alleyway in Hamilton. A joint effort involving Chester Zoo, the Bermuda government, and Biolinx Environmental Research bred the snails in specialist facilities and has now released more than 100,000 back into the wild. Six colonies are established across the islands, supported by a new breeding guide, after the species was devastated by habitat loss, climate impacts, and invasive predators like wolf snails and flatworms.

J. Cole Releases “The Fall-Off” Album on Friday

J. Cole released his new album, “The Fall-Off,” on Friday. It’s a two-disc project—Disc 29 and Disc 39—with 12 songs on each disc, and it’s being framed as a possible final album.

South Carolina Woman Wins $13,000 Lottery Prize After Using Her Mother’s Phone Number

A South Carolina woman said she dreamed about her mother and decided to play the lottery using her mom’s phone number, which led to a $13,000 win.

Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen dies at 91

Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, known for his career with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins, has died at age 91, his family said Friday.

Blind Item #7: Allegations About an Actress and an Oscar-Winning Film

A gossip item alleges that a top actress who often claims not to remember past films or co-stars is unusually precise about an Oscar-winning movie, suggesting she may be overcompensating due to rumors she obtained the script improperly and made a deal with Harvey Weinstein to secure the role. Names linked to the claim include Gwyneth Paltrow, Winona Ryder, and “Shakespeare in Love.”

Finneas O’Connell criticizes older male commentators over backlash to Billie Eilish’s Grammys remarks

Billie Eilish’s brother and longtime collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, pushed back on criticism of her Grammy Awards acceptance speech, singling out “powerful old white men” who objected to her comments about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. He framed the backlash as disproportionate outrage over what his 24-year-old sister said onstage.

Reports: Trump Sought Schumer’s Backing to Rename Dulles Airport and Penn Station After Him in Exchange for Tunnel Funding

Reports say President Trump approached Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer about supporting the renaming of Dulles Airport and New York’s Penn Station after Trump in return for federal funding for tunnel projects. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called the reported proposal “ridiculous.”

The End of Trump’s Ideological Ambiguity

The End of Trump’s Ideological Blur points to a key factor in Donald Trump’s political rise: many voters struggled to place him on a conventional left–right spectrum. He had previously supported abortion rights, broke with Republican free-trade orthodoxy by backing tariffs, and often came across less as a movement conservative and more as a deal-making populist.

Rugby Coach Completes 125 Tackles in Freezing Sea to Promote Mental Health Awareness

Rugby coach and former player Paul Pook is taking on a Six Nations-inspired mental health awareness campaign by performing 125 symbolic rugby tackles in freezing seawater.

Amazon Bedrock introduces structured outputs for schema-compliant AI responses

Structured outputs on Amazon Bedrock enable foundation models to produce validated, schema-compliant JSON using constrained decoding, reducing the need for custom parsing, retries, and fallback logic. The capability supports two approaches—JSON Schema output format and strict tool use—to enforce required fields, types, and tool parameters for reliable data pipelines, agent workflows, and API responses. Amazon Bedrock validates schemas, compiles and caches grammars for 24 hours to improve performance, and provides best practices and examples. The feature is generally available across commercial AWS Regions for multiple model providers.

Dow Jones Industrial Average Tops 50,000 for the First Time

Check your 401K: the Dow surged past 50,000 for the first time, lifted by a broad market rally led in part by gains in chip companies.

China’s New J-35A Could Challenge U.S. F-22 and F-35 Stealth Fighters

China is presenting the J-35A as a new fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to gain “first-detection” and “first-strike” advantages by building a rapid kill chain while remaining outside an opponent’s effective detection range. A recently surfaced photo shows an external configuration and shaping that appears broadly similar to the F-35’s design approach.