Iniaes

Blind Item Reveals #2

A gossip post questions the credibility of claims that Hilaria Baldwin, wife of Alec Baldwin—the actor involved in a fatal on-set shooting—was actually riding the subway.

Amazon to Close Some Grocery Stores as Whole Foods Expands

Amazon is preparing to shut down some of its physical grocery stores while continuing to grow its Whole Foods footprint.

Trump is acting like an activist investor, and CEOs are preparing to respond

Trump has become the ultimate activist investor, and CEOs are gearing up for battle as corporate advisers increasingly treat the administration like a powerful shareholder capable of taking stakes, pressuring capital allocation, and reshaping strategy. A $1.6 billion government investment in a U.S. rare-earths miner has intensified boardroom scenario planning and boosted demand for takeover-defense tactics, including aggressive Washington outreach and creative deal structures, like L3Harris offering a stake in a planned spinoff rather than the parent company. Some executives are seeking proximity or preemptive concessions to avoid conflict, while others may welcome government stakes for a short-term stock boost—though recent examples suggest the pop often fades and can add risk.

Blind Item 8: Actress’s Child Criticizes Top Singer

An actress’s child is said to have had only negative things to say about an A-list singer while discussing a recent event involving the child.

Whistleblower in Trump’s first impeachment announces Florida Senate run

Former National Security Council aide and Army lieutenant colonel Alexander Vindman announced he is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Florida. Vindman played a central role in Donald Trump’s first impeachment after reporting concerns that Trump pressed Ukraine’s president to investigate Joe Biden while appearing to link military aid to that request. He will first compete in a crowded Democratic primary before potentially facing Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, a Trump-backed incumbent in a state where Republicans hold a large registration advantage.

Pope urges Catholics to think critically and resist overreliance on AI

Pope Francis warned Catholics against naive, unquestioning dependence on technology, calling for stronger critical thinking to confront AI’s risks. In a message for the Church’s social communications day, he also cautioned against unhealthy attachments to chatbots and urged people to protect authentic human voice and connection.

Philadelphia City Councilmembers introduce ‘ICE OUT’ bills to limit federal immigration enforcement activities

Philadelphia City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau unveiled the “ICE OUT” legislative package to restrict how federal immigration agents operate in the city, citing recent ICE-related killings in Minneapolis and concerns about community fear. The bills would bar agents from concealing their identities with masks or unmarked vehicles, prohibit the use of city property to stage raids, and limit city data-sharing agreements with ICE. District Attorney Larry Krasner backed the effort, said residents have the right to film federal agents, and warned that unlawful actions by officers would be prosecuted. The package is scheduled for City Council introduction Thursday and would require full Council approval before going to Mayor Cherelle Parker.

What to Watch as Minnesota Holds Special Elections After Recent Shootings

Key things to watch include how voter turnout and public safety concerns shape races in parts of St. Paul and the city’s eastern suburbs. The Tuesday contests come after two separate shootings linked to fallout from the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown unsettled the state in recent weeks.

Washington Commanders expected to hire Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator

The Washington Commanders are finalizing an agreement to hire Daronte Jones as their defensive coordinator, according to a league source.

Sepp Blatter Supports Calls to Boycott a World Cup Hosted in the United States

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has backed calls to boycott a World Cup hosted in the United States, as international concerns grow over U.S. policies and conduct. Those concerns include Donald Trump’s expansionist remarks about Greenland, travel bans, and aggressive responses to protests over immigration enforcement.

Democrats Propose Targeted Changes to ICE in Homeland Security Funding Talks

Senate Democrats have settled on an initial proposal for the Homeland Security funding bill that focuses on adding restraints and reforms for ICE rather than pursuing sweeping changes, aiming to curb the administration’s mass deportation efforts.

The U.S. Navy’s $132 Billion Columbia-Class Submarine Program Faces Major Delays

The U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program, a cornerstone of the nation’s nuclear deterrent, is under mounting schedule and construction pressure. The first submarine, USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), is reported to be more than 60% complete but is now expected to be delivered in 2029—about 17 months later than planned—as the class is built to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet.

California mother charged after toddler falls from moving SUV

Police in Fullerton, California, arrested Jacqueline Hernandez, 35, on felony child abuse charges after a viral video showed her 19-month-old child falling out of a moving black SUV when a passenger-side door opened during a turn at a busy intersection. The vehicle stopped and a trailing car narrowly avoided hitting the child. The woman seen in the video picked up the toddler, put the child back in the SUV, and drove away. A witness later contacted police, who traced the SUV to a home in La Habra. The toddler was treated at a hospital for injuries consistent with the fall and is expected to recover. Investigators believe the incident happened Jan. 20, and the case remains under investigation.

South Philadelphia Woman Says Her Fiancé Was Killed in an Ambush Shooting During a Trip to Puerto Rico

A South Philadelphia woman, Kelly Crispin, says her fiancé, Omar Padilla, was killed after their car was ambushed in Puerto Rico on Jan. 3 when they took a wrong turn after visiting friends. She says more than a dozen armed men opened fire as Padilla tried to drive away. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and later died from a stroke caused by a bullet fragment. Crispin was wounded in the hand and shoulder and suffered a graze wound to the back of her head. She is calling for justice while voicing concerns about the pace and visibility of the investigation, which detectives in Puerto Rico say remains ongoing.

Six European countries lose measles-free status after a rise in cases across the continent

Six countries—Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan—have lost their measles-free recognition after a spike in measles cases in 2024, highlighting a broader surge across Europe.

Calls grow to end ICE operations in Minnesota after Minneapolis deaths

After two Americans died in Minneapolis during a Trump-era immigration enforcement crackdown, critics are demanding accountability and urging Minnesota officials to end ICE’s presence in the state.

Carol Kirkwood Becomes Emotional as She Announces Her Departure from the BBC

Carol Kirkwood, 63, became tearful as she announced she will be leaving the BBC, saying it has been an absolute privilege to deliver the daily weather to viewers.

Minister announces cap on ground rents affecting millions of leaseholders

Millions of leaseholders are set to benefit after Steve Reed announced that ground rents will be capped at £250 a year, then reduced to a peppercorn rent after 40 years.

Wildfires Reignite in Argentina’s Patagonia, Burning Over 30,000 Hectares

Wildfires have reignited in Argentina’s Patagonia, with firefighters battling blazes that have burned more than 30,000 hectares.

Trump threatens to raise tariffs on South Korean exports over delayed investment progress

Trump warned that tariffs on South Korean exports to the United States could increase from 15% to 25%, criticizing South Korea for failing to move forward on an investment and trade deal the two countries reached last year.

Kanye West apologizes for past antisemitic remarks in a full-page Wall Street Journal ad

Kanye West, now known as Ye, issued an apology for his past antisemitic comments in a full-page Wall Street Journal advertisement, saying he is not a Nazi. The statement follows a series of offensive remarks and comes shortly before the release of his new album.

India and the EU Announce a Major Trade Agreement

India and the European Union have announced a long-awaited trade deal, as New Delhi and Brussels face growing economic and geopolitical pressure from the United States.

Ground rents for leaseholders to be capped at £250 a year

Ground rents paid by leaseholders in England and Wales will be capped at £250 per year under reforms set to be published in a draft bill and introduced at a later date.

Nipah Virus Outbreak in India Leads to Airport Screening in Asia

A Nipah virus outbreak in India has prompted airports in Thailand and Nepal to begin screening passengers arriving from West Bengal.

Barb launches the Barb Ads Hub analytics platform

Barb, an audience measurement company, has launched Barb Ads Hub, a new analytics system for end-to-end ad campaign planning and reporting. The platform launches with post-campaign analysis via CFlight, the joint-industry accountability tool covering linear TV and VOD services, with pre-campaign planning features scheduled to arrive in Q1. Barb Ads Hub was built for Barb by RSMB.

Famous birthdays for Jan. 27 include Tamlyn Tomita and Bailey Zimmerman

Famous birthdays for Jan. 27 include actor Tamlyn Tomita turning 60 and musician Bailey Zimmerman turning 26.

On This Day, Jan. 27: Soviet Forces Liberate Auschwitz

On Jan. 27, 1945, Soviet forces liberated the Auschwitz network of concentration camps in Poland, freeing about 7,000 survivors.

Mauritius May Ban Nuclear-Capable Weapons From the Chagos Islands Under Proposed Labour Deal

Mauritius could prohibit the storage or stationing of nuclear-capable weapons and vehicles on the Chagos Islands if Labour’s proposed agreement to transfer the territory proceeds, citing its commitments under the African nuclear-weapon-free zone treaty. Changing or lifting those restrictions would require unanimous approval from all 50 treaty signatories, potentially taking years. UK ministers say the treaty will not affect operations at the Diego Garcia base, but critics argue the deal could constrain US activity and may require amendments to the 1966 UK–US defence arrangements, giving the US effective leverage to block the plan.

Travel disruptions persist after major winter storm

Travel headaches continue after a major winter storm. SEPTA says crews have inspected the lines and found no storm-related infrastructure problems, but warns delays could still occur.

AccuWeather Issues Cold Weather Advisory for the Philadelphia Area Through Wednesday

AccuWeather says a cold weather advisory remains in effect for the Philadelphia region through Wednesday as Arctic air settles in. The cold is expected to intensify later in the week, with the coldest days potentially nearing record lows.

One Dead and One Injured After House Fire in Somerton, Philadelphia

A house fire in the Somerton section of Philadelphia destroyed a home, killing one person and injuring another.

Philadelphia to End Snow Emergency at 6 a.m. Tuesday; Schools to Hold Virtual Classes

Philadelphia officials said the city’s snow emergency will end at 6 a.m. Tuesday, and the Philadelphia School District will operate virtually on Tuesday.

Paris Baguette Climbs to No. 29 in U.S. Franchise Rankings

Paris Baguette said it ranked No. 29 overall and No. 1 in the bakery-cafe category in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 “Franchise 500,” placing it in the top 30.

Warren urges Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment

Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem should resign and, if she refuses, Congress should begin impeachment proceedings. Warren made the call in a video posted to X as criticism mounts over Noem’s handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

Key Takeaways from the Illinois Democratic Senate Debate to Replace Dick Durbin

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi faced off in an hour-long Democratic debate Monday night as they compete for the party’s nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, with the primary set for March.

Police in Britain to use an AI chatbot to handle non-emergency calls

Police forces across Britain are set to use an AI chatbot to triage non-emergency calls, assessing risk and deciding whether police action is needed, as part of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s policing overhaul. The plans also expand live facial recognition, boosting equipped vans from 10 to 50 and extending use across all 43 forces in England and Wales, while creating a Police.AI centre to oversee standards, publish a public register, and support deployments. Ministers say automating tasks like data entry, document redaction, translation, and video analysis could free up about six million officer hours annually, backed by £140 million, alongside longer-term proposals to merge forces and form a National Police Service.

Florida man sentenced to four years for jumping through Taco Bell drive-thru window and robbing people with a rock

Kewarren Lee Anderson, 40, was found guilty of armed robbery after police say he climbed through a Taco Bell drive-thru window while shirtless, held a large rock, demanded money, and forced workers and customers out before fleeing. He was tracked down shortly afterward by a police K9 behind a dumpster. Anderson was also convicted of battery stemming from an altercation in jail and was sentenced to four years in prison, with credit for time already served.

South Korea’s foreign-currency deposits rise as the won fluctuates

South Korean residents’ foreign-currency deposits jumped in December as renewed swings in the won–dollar exchange rate pushed savers to shift more money into dollars.

Police Investigate a Death in Northampton Township, Bucks County

A death investigation in Northampton Township, Bucks County, led to a large police presence as residents were asked to avoid the area. Chopper 6 was overhead around 5:30 p.m.

Arkema Develops Performance-Enhancing Ski Gear Worldwide

Arkema is engineering ski gear designed to boost performance worldwide, with key materials science work taking place at its Birdsboro factory, where technology used in high-end ski boots is developed for top-tier skiing conditions.

Trump’s High-Stakes Push to Increase Tax Refunds

Trump is backing a tax policy strategy aimed at boosting tax refunds during filing season, with projections of about $100 billion more in refunds than last year’s $329 billion total. The goal is to put more cash in voters’ pockets as Republicans face slipping approval on economic management amid cost-of-living worries and a cooling job market. The plan also carries high political stakes, including holding narrow House and Senate majorities that would shape the federal agenda and limit scrutiny of Trump.

Interpreting Republican Messaging During the Trump Presidency

Decoding Republicans in the Trump era means reading between the lines: with President Donald Trump demanding personal loyalty and punishing public dissent, many GOP leaders communicate in carefully worded rhetorical code. After a second protester in Minnesota was killed by federal agents, party lawmakers issued a wave of statements and sound bites that often seemed crafted to be interpreted rather than taken at face value.

CEO Warns Outside Funding Is Fueling Anti-ICE Violence and Endangering Law Enforcement

Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, says violent confrontations aimed at ICE agents in and around Minnesota’s Twin Cities are being amplified by outside actors he claims are financed by “shadowy interests,” rather than arising solely from organic protest. He points to blocked federal vehicles, personal threats, and doxxing campaigns against agents and their families, warning the situation is spiraling into a cycle of escalation between protesters and ICE. Swart urged President Trump to adopt a temporary de-escalation posture while continuing enforcement, and proposed policy changes such as prioritizing deportations of people with criminal records, clarifying sanctuary policies, requiring clearly marked ICE uniforms and vehicles, and limiting ICE’s crowd-control role. The White House said border official Tom Homan has been sent to Minnesota to oversee enforcement and assess the unrest.

Study Finds Many Future IT Workers Would Sell Patient Data for Money

Researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo report that nearly 60% of surveyed tech students said they would violate HIPAA to disclose protected health information if offered sufficient payment, including data about a highly famous patient. The study also found a correlation between interest in white-hat hacking and a willingness to engage in illegal data breaches.

Upwind Raises $250 Million to Expand Its CNAPP Into AI and Data Security

Upwind has raised $250 million in a Series B round at a $1.5 billion valuation to broaden its cloud-native application protection platform beyond detection and response. The funding will support increased engineering investment and expansion into AI, application, and data security products.

Claroty Raises $150 Million to Expand AI-Driven Critical Infrastructure Security

Claroty has secured $150 million in Series F funding to scale its platform for protecting critical infrastructure with embedded AI. CEO Yaniv Vardi says the company plans to push toward profitability, pursue acquisitions, and deepen industry-specific offerings for healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial customers, while keeping an IPO strategy in view.

Some U.S. Border Patrol agents stationed in Minnesota are expected to leave the state following Saturday’s fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Sources say agents working under Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino could depart as soon as Monday.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called on the White House to “recalibrate” federal immigration operations in Minnesota after a second deadly shooting in Minneapolis tied to federal immigration enforcement. He also emphasized the need to respect law enforcement officers.

Rep. Ilhan Omar said President Trump was “panicking” after he posted that the Justice Department is looking into her income. In the same message, Trump said border czar Tom Homan would travel to Minnesota that evening and repeated claims about Omar’s background after she fled Somalia.

Keir Starmer faced public criticism from Sacha Lord, a former adviser to Andy Burnham, after Labour’s National Executive Committee refused to allow Burnham to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election, citing the risk of triggering an unnecessary mayoral contest in Greater Manchester. Lord accused Starmer of disloyalty and weak leadership, while Burnham said he was disappointed by the decision but pledged support for Labour’s eventual candidate. Starmer defended the move, saying Burnham’s focus should remain on local leadership ahead of May’s elections.

Police say a repeat offender previously convicted in a deadly crash is accused of street racing in Milwaukee and hitting an SUV at speeds up to 106 mph, killing 34-year-old Bell Ambulance EMT Meng Kue before fleeing the scene. Investigators linked 22-year-old Dayton Milligan to the pickup truck through vehicle data, documents found inside, and security video showing him driving it shortly before the collision; he was arrested the next day. A second man, 37-year-old Earl Gordon, was later arrested after allegedly helping Milligan leave the crash site. Milligan faces charges including reckless homicide and hit-and-run resulting in death.

Pennsylvania, the largest U.S. online casino market, enters 2026 with few major regulatory changes but several notable developments. The state posted $3.46 billion in gross iGaming revenue in 2025, up 27.7% from 2024, generating $1.24 billion in tax revenue and setting multiple monthly records above $300 million. Pennsylvania also joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in April, enabling shared player pools for online poker with other member states and slightly boosting average monthly poker revenue. A new operator, Monopoly Casino, launched in July as the state’s 24th licensed online casino via Bally’s. Meanwhile, “skill games” remain unregulated going into 2026, with lawmakers debating how to tax and regulate the legal gray-area market.

A long-serving UK talent-show judge is reportedly promoting a reunion with her former girl group, prompting speculation the move may be intended to distract from potential scrutiny over what she knew during years working alongside a former co-star now facing serious allegations. The names linked to the claim include Alesha Dixon, Mis-Teeq, Britain’s Got Talent, and David Walliams.

Critical minerals startup USA Rare Earth said the U.S. Department of Commerce will provide a $1.3 billion loan and $277 million in funding, and will take an equity stake in the company.

Siri settlement payouts begin

Payments from the $95 million Siri settlement are starting to land, so some eligible claimants may notice a small deposit this week. The exact amount depends on how many claims were approved and how the settlement is ultimately divided, which is legal-speak for “it varies, do not buy a yacht.”

Maine infant death ruled homicide, father charged

A 24-year-old Maine man, Shawn Samuels, was arrested after his 12-week-old daughter, Lyla, was found unresponsive while he was caring for her alone for the first time after the child’s mother returned to work. Lyla was revived by paramedics on Jan. 16 and died on Jan. 18, an autopsy reported broken ribs, retinal hemorrhages, and brain bleeding and swelling, and the death was ruled a homicide. Samuels has been charged with murder and domestic violence-related offenses and is being held on $250,000 bond pending a Feb. 13 court date.

The Great British Baking Show appoints a new judge

The Great British Baking Show has named a celebrity chef as its newest judge, announced one week after Prue Leith said she would be leaving the series. Nothing says “calm, cozy TV” like swiftly replacing a beloved judge with a famous person who has opinions about ganache.

Israel says it recovered remains of Ran Gvili

Israel said it has retrieved the remains of Ran Gvili, described as the final Gaza hostage, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the recovery an “extraordinary achievement.”

PowerShell creator Jeffrey Snover reportedly retires

A British tech site reports that Jeffrey Snover, best known for creating PowerShell, is retiring after moving from Microsoft to Google a few years ago. Snover also reminisced that cmdlets were nearly called “Functional Units” (FUs), which is either charming nerd humor or the most honest product naming in software history.

Virginia officers rescue hawk trapped in batting cage

Animal services officers in Virginia rescued a hawk that flew into a public park’s batting cage and could not find its way back out. Even apex predators occasionally get defeated by municipal recreation equipment, so let us all stay humble.

WSJ editorial questions government account of Minneapolis shooting

The Wall Street Journal editorial board is disputing the federal government’s explanation of the shooting death of Alex Pretti during a weekend confrontation with immigration authorities in Minneapolis. The board said the administration’s framing is not credible and warned it could become the most serious case so far amid growing controversy over enforcement actions.

Trump claims DOJ investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar, Omar denies

President Trump said the Justice Department is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Omar rejected the claim, accusing Trump of deflecting from his own problems with false allegations and saying past investigations have found nothing, which is a fun reminder that “I heard you are under investigation” is now a political genre.

UK Green deputy leader says she does not know on higher defense spending

Speaking on LBC, Green Party Deputy Leader Rachel Millward was asked whether defense spending should rise and said she did not know, while arguing for greater investment in diplomacy and stronger European relationships, saying peace cannot be taken for granted. An admirably earnest stance, even if “I do not know” is not the traditional battle cry of modern politics.

Greenland rejects Trump idea of treating US bases as sovereign territory

Greenland pushed back after President Donald Trump said the United States would effectively take ownership of U.S. military bases in Greenland and treat them as sovereign U.S. territory. A senior Greenlandic official called the idea a “red line,” because apparently “please do not annex us by vibes” still needs to be stated out loud in 2026.

GOP Representative Says He Has an Open Line of Communication With Trump

Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) says he maintains an “open line of communication” with President Trump even after voting to impeach him in January 2021. Valadao said his focus is representing his district and suggested Trump may not closely track individual members of Congress.

Republicans Split Over ICE Enforcement Tactics as a Shutdown Approaches

Senate Republicans are divided over how aggressively Immigration and Customs Enforcement should operate, and the disagreement is raising the risk of a partial government shutdown. The dispute has intensified after a second fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving a protester.

Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem Hold Firm on Trump’s Immigration Approach

Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem dig in as Republican support for President Trump’s immigration tactics shows signs of fracturing and Trump himself begins to hedge. The two officials have strongly criticized protesters and defended immigration enforcement actions, and they quickly characterized protesters killed in two recent shootings as wrongdoers, including Noem describing Renee Good—killed by an ICE official on Jan. 7—as a “domestic terrorist” despite ongoing disputes over the circumstances.

The Stock Market Rose Under Trump, but Lagged Other Presidents’ First Years

The stock market in President Donald Trump’s first year back in office posted the weakest first-year performance for a new term since 2005. From his inauguration day to January 20, 2026, the S&P 500 gained 13.3%, a solid increase but the poorest first-year start to a presidency in two decades.

Snow-covered steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art attract early visitors

Philadelphia was still digging out after a snowstorm, with conditions gradually improving but slick spots remaining and drivers urged to be cautious. Despite the hazards, some residents used the snow day to visit the snow-covered steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Tucker Carlson Lets an Unchallenged False Claim Go in an Interview

In a recent interview, Tucker Carlson did not push back when Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback claimed that Florida law allows public-university students to be disciplined or expelled for criticizing Israel. The claim is presented as legally and factually wrong, highlighting Carlson’s decision to let a major constitutional assertion pass without scrutiny.

UK borrowing costs fall after Labour blocks Andy Burnham from contesting by-election

UK government borrowing costs eased after Labour’s National Executive Committee voted 8–1 to bar Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, reducing market concerns about renewed leadership uncertainty. The 10-year gilt yield fell to about 4.47% from Friday’s 4.51% peak, after yields had risen on speculation Burnham’s candidacy could position him for a future challenge to Keir Starmer and signal looser fiscal policy. Analysts said Monday’s move reflected a partial unwinding of a political risk premium, though investors remain sensitive to further Labour leadership developments ahead of May’s local elections.

Azerbaijan plans to reduce reliance on neighboring countries for water security in 2026

Azerbaijan is preparing to overhaul its national water management system, rolling out an integrated, digital, and climate-adaptive framework aimed at strengthening water security and reducing reliance on water from neighboring states.

Cleanup Continues After Snowfall as Refreezing Causes Slick Roads

The morning after steady snowfall across the Delaware Valley, crews in Philadelphia are plowing, salting, and hauling snow while residents dig out cars and try to get moving. With temperatures staying cold, refreezing is creating slippery conditions and keeping travel hazardous.

Scottie Scheffler opens 2026 with another win, because of course he did

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler kicked off his 2026 PGA Tour season by winning The American Express in California by four strokes, closing with a 66 to finish at 27 under. He chased down Si Woo Kim with nine birdies, and even a late double bogey at 17 could not stop him, securing his 20th Tour title and lifetime membership. Since 2022 he has piled up 20 wins, putting him in the annoyingly elite category of “historic pace before 30.”

National Lottery app and website go down after “24-hour” maintenance turns into “whenever”

National Lottery players could not access the app or website Monday morning after a scheduled 24-hour maintenance window over the weekend appeared to overrun. Reports rose from before 6am to more than 340 by 7:30am on Downdetector, with people unable to check results, enter draws, or claim prizes. Operator Allwyn said upgrades were meant to improve the digital experience, including a redesigned payment interface, while results and prize info were still available via YouTube and retail outlets, because nothing says “modernized” like “try the shop.”

UK banks dangle switch bonuses, hoping you will treat admin hassle like a hobby

Three major UK banks are offering cash incentives for switching current accounts via the Current Account Switch Service. HSBC is offering £250 for its Premier account, with at least £100,000 annual income, plus an extra £500 for moving and holding £100,000 or more in savings or investments for three months, ending February 23. Lloyds is offering £250 to switch to Club Lloyds, with the fee waived if £2,000 is paid in monthly, and requires three direct debits to be moved, closing February 3. TSB is offering up to £230 via its Spend and Save account, including £150 after switching, a possible extra £50 for depositing £1,000 in April, plus optional monthly cashback, running until March 20.

Brooklyn hosts a snowball fight while a major winter storm blankets the US

New Yorkers gathered in McCarren Park in Brooklyn for a snowball fight as a major winter storm swept across large parts of the United States. Humanity remains undefeated at finding recreation inside inconvenience.

Davos asks if the golden age of global health is over, in a room full of people who fly private

At Davos 2026, health experts met to assess major challenges and emerging opportunities shaping global health, focusing on where progress is stalling, where momentum still exists, and what priorities should guide the next phase. It is a serious question, even if it is being discussed in the alpine headquarters of “we are very concerned, please pass the canapés.”

Lightning strike injures 89 at pro–Jair Bolsonaro rally in Brasilia

A lightning strike injured 89 people at a pro–Jair Bolsonaro rally in Brasilia, where demonstrators had gathered to call for the former president’s release from prison. The incident turned a political demonstration into a mass-casualty emergency, underscoring how quickly large outdoor events can become dangerous when weather, crowd density, and limited shelter collide.

Former officer warns diversity drives could weaken police vetting, as reforms loom

Former police officer Oliver Laurence warned that efforts to increase diversity in policing could lead to weaker vetting if forces feel pressured to hit recruitment targets, arguing national vetting standards already exist and should be enforced to protect public safety. His comments come ahead of a policing reform white paper from the Home Secretary, which argues the 43-force model in England and Wales is outdated. The Metropolitan Police says it is tightening recruitment and vetting after past failures.

Jet carrying eight crashes during takeoff in Maine, shutting down Bangor airport

A jet with eight people on board crashed during takeoff Sunday evening in Maine, leading officials to close Bangor International Airport.

Iran Unveils Tehran Billboard Warning the US Against Military Action

Iranian authorities have put up a new billboard in Tehran warning the United States against military action, days after President Donald Trump said ships were being moved into the region as a precaution. Iran responded by saying its forces are on heightened readiness and prepared to respond.

Snow totals across the Philadelphia region from the Jan. 25 snowstorm

Heavy snow covered the Philadelphia region on Sunday, producing some of the highest snowfall totals the area has recorded in years.

Deposit-backed loans increase as a stock market rally draws cash away from banks

Deposit-backed lending at South Korea’s five largest banks has risen over the past year as more investors seek short-term funds to invest in a rallying market while keeping their time deposits intact.

Brax Technologies Announces the Open Slate, a Linux and Android 2-in-1 Tablet

Brax Technologies has announced the Open Slate, a privacy-focused 2-in-1 tablet designed to run multiple Android-based operating systems and native Linux distributions. The company says the device will emphasize modularity, including a user-replaceable battery and an M.2 expansion slot, hardware kill switches for components like radios, sensors, microphones, and cameras, and long-term software support. Planned pricing is $599 for the base model and $799 for Pro, with IndieGoGo pre-orders expected in February, starting at discounted prices for limited quantities.

AccuWeather: Icy Conditions Followed by a Deep Freeze

AccuWeather reports that slippery, icy conditions will continue into Monday, with temperatures staying well below freezing in the aftermath of the winter storm.

Private jet with eight people on board crashes during takeoff at Maine airport

A Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet carrying eight people crashed Sunday around 7:45 p.m. EST while taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine, according to the FAA. The condition of those on board was not immediately known Sunday night.

Rep. Maxwell Frost says he was assaulted at the Sundance Film Festival; suspect arrested

Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost reported that he was assaulted at the Sundance Film Festival. He said the man told him President Donald Trump was going to deport him, and the suspect was arrested.

Super Bowl 60 Set for Patriots vs. Seahawks Rematch 11 Years Later

Super Bowl 60 will feature the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch from 11 years ago, highlighted by a Drake Maye vs. Sam Darnold quarterback matchup, two strong defenses, and a coaching contrast between a second-year head coach and a veteran coach in his second stint.

Walz Urges Americans to Take a Moral Stance After Minnesota Shooting

After the latest shooting in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz called on Americans to reconsider their views on the federal immigration crackdown, arguing it should be treated as a moral question rather than a political one. He asked viewers to reflect on where they stand, saying, “What side do you want to be on?”

Snow in King of Prussia Forces Drivers to Slow Down

Snow blanketed King of Prussia on Sunday, creating hazardous conditions along Route 202. Video showed multiple cars spinning out and getting stuck as drivers struggled to maintain control.

South Jersey Residents Clear Snow After Heavy Storm

South Jersey residents are digging out after heavy snowfall. For 5-year-old Anthony, it was his first experience of a major winter storm.

Philadelphia residents enjoy a winter storm with sledding, fresh snow, and $1 beers

Philadelphia made the most of the winter storm, with people sledding in fresh snowfall outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art using improvised gear like air mattresses and other inflatables.