Iniaes

Democrat Taylor Rehmet Wins Texas State Senate Seat in District Trump Carried by 17 Points

In a Texas stunner, Democrat Taylor Rehmet flipped a Republican-held state Senate district that Donald Trump won by 17 points. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the result a “wake-up call for Republicans across Texas,” even as the GOP still holds every statewide office.

Assessing the City’s Snow Removal Effort

This leads into a Sunday discussion hosted by Brian Taff and a panel covering the possibility of federal ICE agents coming to Philadelphia, Senator John Fetterman’s position on DHS funding, and Governor Josh Shapiro’s potential presidential ambitions as he launches a new book.

Retiring the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz Could Take Three Years and Cost Hundreds of Millions

After more than 50 years of service, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz has returned from its final cruise and is heading toward decommissioning. The retirement process is expected to take around three years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, driven by the complex work of defueling its reactors, removing hazardous materials, and stripping the ship.

Russian strike near a bus in Ukraine kills twelve, official says

A Russian strike near a bus in Ukraine on Sunday killed 12 people and injured seven others, according to preliminary information from an official.

Blanche alleges Don Lemon helped plan Minneapolis church protest

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that journalist Don Lemon was involved in planning a protest at a Minneapolis-area church. The allegation, based on an unsealed grand jury indictment, comes days after Lemon was arrested and charged with conspiracy and interfering with a place of worship.

Federal agents use tear gas on ‘ICE Out’ protesters in Oregon, including children

Federal agents deployed tear gas against ‘ICE Out’ protesters in Oregon, affecting children as well as adults. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the move and urged the agents to reflect on why children were exposed to the gas.

Five-year-old boy and his father return to Minnesota after release from ICE custody, lawmaker says

A Texas lawmaker said a five-year-old boy and his father have returned to Minnesota after being released from ICE custody. Photos showing the child in a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack surrounded by immigration officers sparked outrage amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

Todd Blanche Says Detained Minnesota Boy and Father Have Not Applied for Asylum

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that a 5-year-old boy detained in Minnesota with his father has not applied for asylum, disputing their attorney’s claim that they have legal residency in the United States. Blanche said there is a significant disagreement over whether the pair has a pending asylum case.

Thomas Jefferson Quote of the Day: A Little Rebellion Can Be Healthy

Thomas Jefferson’s famous line about “a little rebellion now and then” comes from a January 30, 1787 letter to James Madison written in Paris. He argues that occasional unrest can help prevent government overreach and recommends mild punishment so legitimate grievances aren’t crushed. The quote is framed alongside Jefferson’s broader historical legacy, including his role in writing the Declaration of Independence.

China’s Air Force Has Flown a Fourth J-36 Sixth-Generation Fighter Prototype

A long-distance video posted on January 30 shows a fourth J-36 prototype in flight, suggesting the program is moving through test aircraft faster than usual. The sightings follow a familiar pattern: early, grainy footage from outside factory areas followed by more frequent appearances as flight testing progresses, with Prototype No. 4 emerging roughly 14 months after earlier activity.

Key facts about the partial government shutdown and its effects

A partial U.S. government shutdown began Saturday, but it differs significantly from the record-long shutdown in the fall, with a different scope and impact.

Alcaraz defeats Djokovic to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open by beating Novak Djokovic, becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam and halting Djokovic’s latest bid for a 25th major title.

The U.S. Navy Should Reduce Its Reliance on Supercarriers

The U.S. Navy remains heavily organized around supercarriers that excel at visibility, political signaling, and reassuring allies, but modern maritime warfare increasingly rewards dispersed, harder-to-target forces. Critics argue this supercarrier-centric posture distorts fleet design and budgets, pulling resources away from less visible but essential priorities such as munitions stockpiles and logistics capacity.

Green Party leader Adrian Ramsay says drug policy should shift to a public health approach and supports legalisation

Green Party leader Adrian Ramsay says drug policy in England and Wales should move to a public health approach, reiterating his support for the legalisation of drugs.

Israeli drone company signs exclusive distribution deal in Kazakhstan

An Israeli drone manufacturer, Aero-Sentinel, has entered the Kazakh market through an exclusive distribution agreement, widening its presence in Central Asia and targeting one of the region’s more established security and defense sectors. The deal was confirmed Sunday by the company’s chief marketing officer, Ofir Avram.

Files Suggest Epstein Sent $75,000 to Accounts Linked to Lord Mandelson

Documents reportedly indicate that Jeffrey Epstein transferred $75,000 to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson. Mandelson said he has no record or recollection of receiving any such payments and questioned whether the documents are authentic.

Concerns that widespread LED street lighting in the UK may increase health risks

Fears have been raised that millions of energy-efficient LED street lights installed across the UK could be increasing the risk of serious health problems, particularly where councils have adopted blue-rich lighting at 4000K or higher. Medical experts and multiple studies have linked night-time exposure to such light with disrupted melatonin and higher rates of sleep disorders, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers including prostate and breast cancer. With LED street lights nearing 5 million nationwide, campaigners are urging a switch to warmer alternatives, while some councils—such as Dorset—have begun committing to lower colour temperatures after previously dismissing health concerns.

The U.S. Navy Struggled to Sink the Decommissioned USS America, Drawing China’s Attention

In May 2005, the U.S. Navy carried out a SINKEX exercise off the Carolinas to test aircraft carrier survivability by sinking the decommissioned USS America (CV-66). Although it was a conventionally powered Kitty Hawk-class carrier built in the 1960s, the ship proved unexpectedly resilient, enduring weeks of simulated attacks before going down—an outcome that reportedly drew notice from China.

Mystery light trail spotted over Wellington

A webcam at the Heretaunga Boating Club in Wellington captured a bright light trail streaking across the New Zealand skyline, because of course the sky also needs to be doing spontaneous content drops now.

Slovakia security adviser resigns after Epstein-linked messages emerge

Miroslav Lajčák, the Slovak prime minister’s national security adviser, resigned after newly released communications showed him discussing girls and diplomatic matters with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Nothing says “national security” like chatting with a walking scandal in human form.

China executes 11 in Zhejiang crime clan tied to Myanmar scam hubs

China executed 11 members of the Ming family, a clan convicted in Zhejiang province of crimes including homicide, illegal detention, fraud, and running gambling operations linked to scam centres in Myanmar’s border town of Laukkaing. Their network collapsed in 2023 after ethnic militias seized the area and handed detainees to Chinese authorities. Beijing is selling the executions as deterrence, even as scam networks reportedly migrate toward Myanmar’s Thailand border and into Cambodia and Laos. The UN estimates hundreds of thousands have been trafficked into these operations across Southeast Asia.

Trump says US is “starting to talk to Cuba” while moving to cut oil supplies

Trump said the United States is “starting to talk to Cuba” as Washington moves to reduce Cuba’s oil supplies, offering no details on who spoke to whom, when, or whether anyone in the room had an actual plan. Classic diplomatic performance art.

Grammys preview, Kendrick Lamar leads nominations

The 68th annual Grammy Awards run Sunday, Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, with Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut at seven each. Trevor Noah hosts for a sixth and final time, and the performer list is stacked, because nothing says “music celebration” like a four-hour corporate pageant with a dress code.

FuelFest makes Middle East debut in Doha

FuelFest Qatar debuted in Doha, drawing more than 6,000 fans for car culture, music, and lifestyle programming as Qatar continues to expand its calendar with internationally recognized events.

On this day, the US Supreme Court opened with a near-empty bench

On Feb. 1, 1790, the US Supreme Court held its first session in New York City, but only three of six justices attended, leaving the court without a quorum. An inspirational origin story for every meeting that could have been an email.

Birthday roll call

Feb. 1 birthdays include actor Michael C. Hall turning 55 and actor Pauly Shore turning 58.

Justin Rose widens lead at Farmers Insurance Open

England’s Justin Rose extended his lead to six shots on Saturday at the Farmers Insurance Open, positioning himself for a potential 13th PGA Tour victory.

West Midlands Trains to move into public ownership

West Midlands Trains is being brought under state control, with services transferring to public ownership on 1 February, changing how the operator is run and what passengers can expect.

Ancient Roman home “La Casa dei Grifi” to open after a century

“La Casa dei Grifi,” among Rome’s oldest homes, discovered in 1912 and closed for more than a century, is set to open to the public in March after a preview visit ahead of the official opening.

Forensics identifies 1996 murder victim from bones found at beauty spot

Investigators identified remains found at a beauty spot as Tyrone France, known as “Baby Bear,” who was killed in 1996 after being lured under the guise of a drug deal.

Merz and Meloni push “competitiveness” plan for Europe

Friedrich Merz and Giorgia Meloni’s updated Italo-German Plan of Action calls for legislative restraint, simpler rules, and stronger regulation standards. The key test will be whether the Omnibus initiative and Better Regulation reform produce real changes, or just more premium-priced bureaucracy with a fresh label.

Paul George hit with 25-game suspension

Philadelphia fans are having a totally normal, emotionally balanced weekend after learning 76ers star forward Paul George has been suspended 25 games for a drug-related violation, knocking him out for the team’s next 25 contests.

Democrat Christian Menefee wins Texas special election runoff

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee won the special election runoff to fill the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s Texas House seat, according to a Decision Desk HQ projection. Menefee beat fellow Democrat and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, slightly narrowing the Republican majority in the U.S. House.

Venezuela announces sweeping amnesty, promises to close notorious detention center

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced a broad amnesty bill covering politically related violence from 1999 to the present, saying the National Assembly will take it up urgently. The measure could free hundreds of detainees, with estimates of at least 700 political prisoners nationwide. Rodríguez also said the government will close El Helicoide in Caracas, long accused by rights groups of abuses, and repurpose it as a social and cultural complex. Rights groups report just over 300 prisoners have already been released, including defense expert Rocío San Miguel, detained in 2024 on allegations including conspiracy and terrorism.

Northeast Philadelphia holds vigil for medical jet crash victims

Community members in Northeast Philadelphia gathered Saturday night for a somber vigil marking one year since a deadly medical jet crash that killed eight people.

Partial government shutdown expected to last until at least Tuesday

The partial government shutdown that began early Saturday is expected to continue until at least Tuesday, the soonest the House is likely to vote on a $1.2 trillion funding package, amid Democratic opposition and internal Republican divisions.

Massive Highway 99 pileup in California after dense fog

Near-zero visibility from a dense fog bank on Highway 99 near Earlimart in Tulare County triggered a huge multi-vehicle crash Saturday, with officials initially reporting as many as 150 vehicles. The California Highway Patrol confirmed 59 vehicles were directly involved, at least 10 people were hospitalized, and the highway was shut from Avenue 24 to the Kern County line for hours as crews rescued motorists, cleared wreckage, and investigated. Officials warned drivers not to rely on automatic headlights in fog and urged drivers to turn on their lights manually for visibility.

Over 300 protests held nationwide opposing ICE

More than 300 demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement took place in cities across the United States on Saturday.

US Commerce Department probes claims about WhatsApp message access

US Commerce Department agents investigated claims from WhatsApp content-moderation contractors that some Meta staff and moderators could view supposedly end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp messages, according to law-enforcement records cited by Bloomberg. Similar allegations appeared in a 2024 whistleblower complaint to the SEC, while a July 2025 Commerce investigative report described an ongoing probe called “Operation Sourced Encryption.” Meta said the claims are impossible, and WhatsApp says it can receive limited content when users report chats, but former contractors described broader access.

China’s military modernization, powered in part by post-Soviet Russian exports

China moved closer to top-tier armed forces by buying Russian hardware when Moscow needed cash and industrial oxygen, and Beijing wanted a shortcut. Key transfers included Flanker-family fighters that shaped the J-11, Su-30 variants that boosted multirole know-how, and the later, more symbolic Su-35 buy. One of the biggest impacts was propulsion, where Russian engine tech helped China narrow stubborn performance gaps.

WWE Royal Rumble held in Riyadh

WWE’s 39th Royal Rumble took place Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns landing major wins as the event helped set the WrestleMania 42 picture. Sports, spectacle, and geopolitics continue their weird little throuple.

Nimitz on leadership, humility and listening down the chain

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz is cited for a leadership lesson that remains scandalously uncommon: good advice often comes from junior officers and enlisted personnel. The recap notes his early Naval Academy start, a court-martial after grounding the USS Decatur, a sailor rescue act of bravery, and his post-Pearl Harbor prominence under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Philadelphia region stays cold as a nor’easter passes offshore

AccuWeather says cold conditions persist into early February around Philadelphia. Sunday brings wind as a nor’easter passes well offshore, and temperatures drift back toward near-freezing by Monday.

Gunfire near U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince prompts security alert

Heavy gunfire near the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince triggered a security alert and temporarily halted U.S. government personnel movements. Americans were advised to avoid areas north and south of the embassy and in Croix-de-Bouquets, while the embassy said it remains open for emergency services. The incident comes just before a Trump executive order set to take effect Feb. 3, 2026, ending Temporary Protected Status for about 350,000 Haitians in the U.S., leaving those who remain eligible for deportation.

Greece accelerates fighter modernization amid rivalry with Turkey

Greece is building its air force around F-35A stealth fighters, upgraded F-16 Block 70/72 Vipers, and Rafale F3R jets, targeting roughly 200 fighters by 2030. The push is driven by long-running tensions with Turkey over Aegean airspace, island defense, and Cyprus, with Ankara’s removal from the F-35 program shaping the regional balance.

Texas A&M ends women’s and gender studies degree program

Texas A&M University in College Station has ended its women’s and gender studies degree program, as the campus remains a focal point in broader political fights over gender and sexuality. Another day, another bureaucratic bonfire dressed up as “policy.”

UK climate tech startup Furbnow aims to simplify home retrofits

Former lightweight rower Becky Lane founded Furbnow after working in energy and retrofit, aiming to make Britain’s home-upgrade system less of a maze. The company provides end-to-end support from assessment and design to installation, using an AI planning tool and vetted installers. After raising more than £3.5 million and growing to 18 staff, it has upgraded 750-plus UK homes in about three and a half years and plans 500 more this year, with a goal of 100,000 homes by 2030.

Flyers lose 3-2 in OT to Kings, skid hits four

Philadelphia grabbed a pity point but still lost 3-2 in overtime to Los Angeles in a low-event game. The Kings went up 2-0 on two Adrian Kempe goals, the Flyers tied it on a Trevor Zegras power-play goal and a Travis Konecny third-period tally, then Quinton Byfield won it in OT after Konecny hit the post on a breakaway.

Don Lemon blasts media “capitulation” to Trump after arrest

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon accused major media companies of folding to President Trump and his administration, arguing the response to a bully is resistance, not submission. His comments came a day after federal authorities arrested him following his coverage of a protest at a Minnesota church earlier this month.

Demond Wilson of “Sanford and Son” dies at 79

Grady Demond Wilson, who played Lamont Sanford on NBC’s “Sanford and Son,” died Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California, from cancer-related complications, according to his son. A Vietnam War veteran, he later became an ordained minister, founded Restoration House to support former inmates, and wrote several books, including his memoir “Second Banana.”

Lord Triesman, former Football Association chair and Labour peer, dies at 82

Lord Triesman has died at 82. He joined Tony Blair’s government in 2004, held senior political roles for much of his career, and also served as chairman of the Football Association.

Judge rejects Minnesota bid to halt DHS immigration enforcement

A federal judge denied a request from Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to stop the Department of Homeland Security from continuing immigration law enforcement in the state.

Springsteen makes surprise appearance at anti-ICE benefit

Bruce Springsteen appeared unexpectedly at an anti-ICE benefit supporting the Pretti and Good families. Speakers described a fatal confrontation in which Alex Pretti was beaten by federal agents and later shot, dying in the snow.

ICE memo broadens scope for warrantless civil arrests

An internal memo from acting ICE director Todd Lyons asserts immigration officers have authority under the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act to make warrantless civil arrests of suspected unauthorized immigrants entering in violation of immigration law, or who are deemed “likely to escape” before an administrative warrant can be obtained. The memo defines “likely to escape” broadly, directs officers to document factors after arrest, and DHS calls it a reminder of existing authority. Former ICE officials warn it could enable warrantless arrests in many situations.

Starmer says Prince Andrew should prioritize Epstein victims and cooperate if asked

Keir Starmer said Prince Andrew should put Jeffrey Epstein’s victims first and be willing to provide evidence to the US Congress if requested, after new material surfaced in released Epstein documents. Andrew denies wrongdoing and says being named does not imply misconduct. Starmer declined further comment on reports that Epstein sent £10,000 to Reinaldo Avila da Silva, the husband of Lord Mandelson, who has apologised for continuing to associate with Epstein after his conviction.

Flyers shuffle the roster after an injury scare

The Philadelphia Flyers recalled goalie Aleksei Kolosov from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to back up Dan Vladar after Sam Ersson exited the loss to Boston injured. They also loaned forward Lane Pederson to Lehigh Valley, a move that could open more center games for Trevor Zegras heading into the Olympic break.

Local politics panel tees up ICE rumors, DHS funding, and Shapiro’s ambitions

A Sunday panel show will discuss the possible arrival of federal ICE agents in Philadelphia, Senator John Fetterman’s stance on DHS funding, and Governor Josh Shapiro’s potential presidential ambitions tied to the release of his new book.

Fight Night in Denmark gets live round-by-round coverage

World Boxing News is running real-time results from Primetime Fight Night Vol. 6 in Kolding, Denmark, headlined by William Scull vs. unbeaten Danish challenger Jacob Bank for the WBO Global super middleweight title.

China’s upgraded J-20A stealth fighter looks closer to service

New flight-test footage suggests the J-20A may be nearing operational deployment, with changes consistent with WS-15 engines and expanded avionics. Visible tweaks, including a raised dorsal spine, point to better power and thermal management, more processing capacity, improved electronic warfare, and enhanced sensor fusion for longer-range missions.

Philadelphia Auto Show promises hands-on “ride and drive” experiences

The 2025 Philadelphia Auto Show says attendees will be able to test vehicles through multiple ride-and-drive opportunities.

No, aircraft carriers are not “the new battleships” (nice try, internet)

The claim that carriers will become obsolete like battleships misses a basic strategic difference. Battleships were replaced because aircraft took over their job—delivering long-range firepower—far more effectively than big guns. Carriers are mobile air bases whose combat power is their air wings, so the vulnerability and relevance debate is fundamentally different.

Chagossian critic blasts UK-Mauritius deal over Diego Garcia leaseback

Vanessa Calou, a British Chagossian, criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer over an agreement to transfer the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia UK-US base for at least 99 years, with payments to Mauritius. She says Chagossians are being ignored and wants a self-determination referendum, warning the deal could risk sovereignty and security and indirectly benefit China. The dispute is drawing US attention, and Donald Trump has publicly criticised the arrangement.

China is dominating global utility-scale renewables buildout

China is reportedly responsible for about 64% of the world’s utility-scale solar and wind projects in 2024 and is manufacturing solar panels at roughly one terawatt per year. With rapid capacity growth since 2020 and low-cost panels pushing power prices toward $0.04 per kWh, the economics look increasingly hostile to fossil fuels worldwide.

Study warns a new cancer type is now the leading killer for under-50s

A study reports that a newly identified cancer type has become the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50. The lead researcher called for intensified research to pinpoint what is driving the sharp rise in cancer among generations born since 1950.

Labour Selects Angeliki Stogia for the Gorton By-election

Labour has chosen councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate for the Gorton by-election after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was prevented from standing.

Darts player warned of immediate lifetime ban after second failed drugs test

Darts player Dom Taylor has been warned he could face an immediate lifetime ban if he fails another drugs test, after being disqualified from the World Championship for testing positive for cocaine and cannabis—his second failed test in 14 months. He received a six-month ban, lost £25,000 in prize money, and won’t be able to return via Q-School until January 2027. He has also lost his tour card and sponsorships. PDPA chairman Alan Warriner-Little said the timing of the drug use narrowly avoided a longer suspension, and confirmed Taylor is in rehabilitation with costs covered by darts authorities.

Pokémon Cancels Event at a Controversial Japanese Shrine After Backlash

Pokémon has canceled an event planned at a controversial shrine in Japan after criticism, particularly in China, where the site was condemned as a military memorial. The event had been promoted through official Pokémon channels.

Ukrainians prepare for -20°C cold amid an energy truce, warning of a potential catastrophe

Ukrainians already dealing with electricity cuts are struggling to keep warm at home as temperatures are expected to fall to around -20°C, with fears the cold could turn the situation into a catastrophe even under an energy truce.

Rybakina defeats Sabalenka to win her first Australian Open title

Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first Australian Open title, rallying in a dramatic third set and handing Sabalenka another Grand Slam final loss.

Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old: A Bourbon Worth Buying Sooner

Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old reflects a Wild Turkey fan’s late discovery of a well-regarded classic they now reach for often. The bourbon is praised for a room-filling aroma of cherry and blackberry sweets, minty menthol from its rye content, and a base of caramel and charred oak. On the palate, those flavors carry through with jammy fruit, mint, rye spice, baked vanilla, and a subtle savory saltiness, finishing warm and comforting. While Wild Turkey 101 may offer better value in the UK, Russell’s Reserve 10 is recommended for distillery fans.

How to Play YouTube Audio from the Command Line

Playing YouTube from the command line is possible with Shellbeats, a lightweight terminal tool that lets you search YouTube, stream individual tracks or full playlists, and manage playlists entirely via keyboard. It can also download tracks as MP3s for offline listening, offering a simple, old-school music-player experience without needing a browser or app.

New Justice Department Documents Detail the Scope of Jeffrey Epstein’s Connections

Newly released Justice Department investigative materials highlight the breadth of Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to influential figures in politics, technology, and global affairs. The documents describe extensive exchanges with Steve Bannon during his efforts to build political influence in Europe, along with repeated, apparently unreciprocated outreach to Elon Musk. They also reinforce earlier indications that Epstein maintained significant access and influence for years even as scrutiny over his trafficking of young girls intensified.

U.S. Agencies Partially Shut Down as House Vote on Funding Deal Approaches

The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday as lawmakers awaited a House vote on a funding agreement negotiated by President Donald Trump and Democrats, following national outrage over Border Patrol agents killing a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis.

Republican to Seek House Vote on Expelling Democratic Representative

Rep. Greg Steube of Florida said he will push for a House vote next week to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, citing allegations of campaign finance violations and other financial misconduct.

Sam Warburton Joins Wales Camp and Predicts a Six Nations Upset

Wales have brought former captain Sam Warburton into their training camp, where he was impressed by the standards and attitude he witnessed. Based on what he saw, Warburton believes Wales are capable of delivering a surprise result in the Six Nations.

Hospital officials say Israeli strikes killed at least 12 people in Gaza as ceasefire talks progress

At least 12 people were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes as ceasefire talks progress, according to officials at hospitals that received the bodies. The strikes hit sites in northern and southern Gaza, including an apartment building in Gaza City and a tent in Khan Younis.

BBC Receives More Than 100 Complaints About Match of the Day Coverage of Sunderland vs Crystal Palace

The BBC has received 103 complaints about Match of the Day’s coverage of Sunderland’s 2–1 win over Crystal Palace on 17 January, with viewers alleging the segment was poor and biased for failing to analyse Sunderland’s performance. The discussion instead focused largely on Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner’s post-match criticism of the club’s leadership, and the programme moved on without a tactical breakdown of Sunderland’s upset. Alan Shearer indicated on air that he had prepared Sunderland analysis but was directed to focus on Glasner, and he later said he declined a late request to add analysis to BBC iPlayer. The BBC has not publicly responded to the complaints.

Macron’s sunglasses choice boosts sales for French eyewear maker Henry Jullien

Henry Jullien’s workshop has shifted into high gear after President Emmanuel Macron was seen wearing the company’s sunglasses, triggering a sharp jump in orders within days. Founded in 1921, the brand specializes in high-end, made-in-France eyewear and is now racing to keep up with the sudden demand.

A Case for Ranking This Among His Funniest and Most Erotic Works

Don DeLillo has used sports as a setting before—college football in his 1972 novel "End Zone" and a famous 1951 baseball game framing the opening of 1997’s "Underworld"—but hockey has largely been absent from his fiction. The piece raises the possibility of DeLillo venturing into a racier, erotic take on hockey, nodding to a small recent wave of “erotic hockey” titles.

Rugby legend criticises WRU and urges Ospreys to take protest to Cardiff in heated outburst

Rugby figures Tommy Bowe, a former Ospreys favourite, and Donncha O’Callaghan, the ex-Ireland and Lions lock, delivered blunt, impassioned criticism of the Welsh Rugby Union and called on the Ospreys to take their fight to Cardiff.

Use a liter of water with baby shampoo to flush pepper spray

Dr. Glaucomflecken shares practical advice on what to do if you’re pepper sprayed in the U.S., recommending flushing the affected area with plenty of water and diluted baby shampoo.

Warsaw exhibition highlights Lemko artists Warhol, Nikifor, and Nowosielski

A new Warsaw exhibition explores the Carpathian Ruthenian (Lemko) roots of Andy Warhol, Nikifor, and Jerzy Nowosielski, aiming to raise awareness of artists whose work long went underrecognized.

Thousands march in U.S. cities to protest ICE operations

Thousands of people marched in cities across the United States during an anti-ICE strike, including large crowds in downtown Minneapolis where Minnesotans braved bitter cold to protest federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Guido’s Most-Read Stories This Week

Guido reports that 793,362 visitors made 842,323 visits and viewed 867,409 pages this week. The most-read and most-shared items included claims of a heated Robert Jenrick–Mark Francois clash on GB News, a new Wet movement unraveling at launch after a “centrist spreadsheet” sighting linked to Barwell, a clip of Kendall reacting to Labour’s disputed Goodwin video, and a partially listed item beginning with “Suella…”.

2026 Philadelphia Auto Show opens with Black Tie Tailgate

The 2026 Philadelphia Auto Show is underway, kicking off with the Black Tie Tailgate. Organizers say 27 global manufacturers will unveil new products, and the show layout is bigger this year, because apparently the only thing growing faster than car prices is the square footage needed to display them.

Delaware snow shoveling dispute escalates into standoff

Police say a snow shoveling argument turned into an assault, and when officers tried to arrest Ras Loyd on Thursday, he refused to surrender, leading to a standoff. Nothing says “functional society” like turning winter chores into a hostage negotiation.

Allentown man convicted in festival-area mass shooting

A jury found an Allentown man guilty for a mass shooting near a festival that injured six people. A grim reminder that even community events are not immune to someone deciding the social contract is optional.

Weekend deep freeze in Philadelphia region as nor’easter stays offshore

AccuWeather says temperatures will remain below freezing this weekend, with wind chills in the single digits and teens, while a nor’easter passes well offshore. It is the kind of cold that makes you question every life choice that led you to “go outside.”

Cold snap triggers multiple water main breaks across Philadelphia

Frigid temperatures have contributed to multiple water main breaks across Philadelphia this week, causing flooding, water outages, and some residents losing heat. Infrastructure that snaps the second it meets winter, classic big-city resilience theater.

Trump defends broad tariffs in Wall Street Journal opinion piece

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed published Friday, President Trump defended his broad tariffs on most foreign countries, claiming critics predicted a global meltdown but saying the policy instead delivered positive economic results. Nothing screams “trust me” like grading your own homework in a friendly opinion column.

Man critically injured in Germantown shooting near Cricket Mobile

Philadelphia police say officers responded around 6:48 p.m. Friday to a shooting near Wayne and Chelten avenues in Germantown and found an adult man with a gunshot wound to the chest outside a Cricket Mobile store. Investigators believe he was shot about a block away on West Chelten Avenue by a woman who was with another woman, then ran before collapsing near the store. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery, and his identity has not been released.

UK debuts rapid-charging battery-only passenger train

The UK’s first rapid-charging passenger train powered solely by batteries will begin carrying riders this weekend on Great Western Railway’s West Ealing–Greenford line in west London. The converted former London Underground train can carry up to 273 passengers, runs about 12 minutes end to end, and can recharge in roughly three and a half minutes at West Ealing using a 2,000kW charger that only energizes the rail section when the train is properly positioned. Supporters say it could help replace diesel on routes where full electrification is difficult or expensive.

Unrivaled League brings 3-on-3 women’s basketball tour to Philadelphia

Women’s basketball fans packed Xfinity Mobile Arena Friday as the Unrivaled League made its first tour stop outside Florida. Games started at 7:30 p.m., featuring local standouts Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud, alongside pregame events and merchandise sales. The stop also builds buzz for Philadelphia’s planned WNBA franchise in 2030, because the city is already practicing its elite skill of pre-celebrating.

Former Philadelphia medic charged after alleged theft from deceased person

Former Philadelphia medic Gary Robb has been charged after investigators say video shows him stealing from a dead person while responding to a call for an unresponsive individual in Center City on Oct. 16. If true, that is not “bad optics,” it is a moral dumpster fire.