Ukraine skeleton racer barred over “helmet of memory”

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was removed from the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after refusing to stop wearing a “helmet of memory” showing images of Ukrainians killed since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The IOC said it violated rules banning political demonstrations at competition venues, revoked his accreditation shortly before the men’s skeleton event, and offered alternatives like a black armband. Heraskevych condemned the decision and said the rule was being applied inconsistently.

Danny Murphy’s “keep Dyche” take ages like warm milk

BBC pundit Danny Murphy was criticised after saying on Match of the Day that Nottingham Forest should keep Sean Dyche, shortly before Dyche was sacked. Owner Evangelos Marinakis made the call after a 0–0 home draw with Wolves, leaving Forest 17th and marking their third managerial change of the season. Dyche leaves after 114 days, with six wins from 18 league matches and two victories in his final 10 games.

Spanish farmers flood Madrid with tractors over EU–Mercosur deal

Hundreds of tractors and thousands of farmers drove into Madrid to protest the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement with Latin American countries.

Trump orders Pentagon to buy coal power

President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to purchase electricity produced by coal-fired power plants as part of a broader push to support domestic coal production.

James Van Der Beek dies at 48

Actor James Van Der Beek, known for Dawson’s Creek, Varsity Blues, and The Rules of Attraction, died at 48 after bowel cancer. Celebrities posted tributes on social media following the news.

Speed skating chaos, Wennemars derailed, Stolz wins gold

Dutch champion Joep Wennemars had his men’s 1,000 metres medal hopes disrupted at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics after contact with China’s Lian Ziwen during a lane change. Wennemars finished fifth in 1:07.58, then reacted angrily and pushed Lian when he approached. Officials disqualified Lian for impeding and granted a re-run, but Wennemars skated slower, in 1:08.46, leaving his original time as his final result. American Jordan Stolz won gold in an Olympic record 1:06.28, with the Netherlands’ Jenning De Boo taking silver and China’s Ning Zhongyan bronze.

Varoufakis warns EU faces federation or euro unravelling

Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis said the EU is stuck between moving toward a federation and the euro unravelling, arguing that weak fiscal policy and limited investment capacity are fueling Europe’s gradual disintegration.

Australia’s Liberals brace for another leadership knife fight

Sussan Ley, widely viewed as a stopgap Liberal leader, is under pressure and could lose the leadership ballot, with Angus Taylor seen as the likely successor. Ley has struggled to project authority amid ideological divisions, worsening polls, and internal undermining from conservative factions, while tensions with the Nationals have added strain. Taylor would inherit the same unstable landscape, with powerbrokers and rivals, including Andrew Hastie, positioned to challenge if support slips.

Team GB figure skating medal drought continues

Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson fell from fourth to seventh in the Olympic ice dance final in Milan after Fear stumbled during the twizzle sequence in their Scottish-themed free dance. France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron won gold, ahead of Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates, with Canadians Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier taking bronze.

Remembering the 2009 Buffalo plane crash

On Feb. 12, 2009, a Continental Airlines turboprop commuter plane crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York, killing 50 people, including one person inside the home.

Cisco raises hardware prices to offset higher memory costs, says demand is steady

Cisco has raised prices on its hardware to cover higher memory costs and says customers have not changed their purchasing behavior despite the increases. The company notes it is seeing limited direct benefit from the AI boom, but expects a wave of campus network upgrades to drive demand.

AccuWeather: Brief cool spell before milder weather returns this weekend in the Philadelphia region

The Philadelphia region will see temperatures in the 30s over the next two days, then a shift to milder, above-average temperatures this weekend.

Philadelphia Controller Review Finds Widespread Issues With Speed Cushions Near Schools

A review by Philadelphia’s controller found widespread problems with the speed cushions installed near schools.

Green councillor says she and her grandchildren wrote Valentine’s Day cards for asylum seekers in Crowborough

Anne Cross, a Green councillor on East Sussex County Council, said she and her grandchildren made Valentine’s Day cards they planned to give to men housed at the Crowborough asylum seeker site as a welcome gesture. Nusrat Ghani, the local MP and Deputy Speaker, criticised the idea as inappropriate and said it raised safeguarding concerns. The site currently houses 27 people and is expected to accommodate hundreds of single adult men as part of a wider move to use military facilities instead of hotels.

Police Seek Man Suspected of Multiple Lewd Acts at South Jersey Apartment Building

Police in Washington Township, Gloucester County, are searching for a man suspected of committing lewd acts multiple times in the common areas of the Washington Way Apartments. Investigators say he was caught on camera and that the incidents typically occurred between 3 and 4 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cody Evanko or the Washington Township Police Department.

Longview Service Issue Resolved

Linode reported that the Longview graph dashboard became unavailable around 11:04 UTC on February 10, 2026, due to an internal certificate expiry. Access to existing reporting data was affected, but there was no permanent data loss. The certificate was rotated, and the issue was mitigated by 23:44 UTC on February 10. Monitoring continued until the incident was declared resolved at 04:23 UTC on February 12.

Montgomery County Man Arrested in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

A man in Montgomery County has been arrested after being accused of hiring a hit man as part of an alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

Russia Moves to Block WhatsApp as Part of a Messaging App Crackdown

Russia is taking steps to block WhatsApp in a broader crackdown on messaging services. WhatsApp says the goal is to steer its roughly 90 million users in Russia toward a state-owned app that enables government surveillance.

Police say the same gunman carried out two fatal shootings on Florida’s coasts

Authorities are investigating two fatal shootings on opposite coasts of the Florida Peninsula and say both attacks were carried out by the same shooter.

Trump and Netanyahu Meet at the White House to Discuss the Iran Nuclear Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss the Iran nuclear deal.

Philadelphia Extends Warning Period for New Red-Light Cameras in Southwest Philadelphia

Philadelphia has extended the warning period for newly installed red-light cameras in Southwest Philadelphia, delaying the start of ticketing while drivers continue to receive warnings.

Police ask for help identifying suspect after reports of lewd behavior at Washington Township apartment complex

Police in Washington Township, New Jersey, are asking residents to provide tips to help identify a suspect accused of committing lewd acts outside an apartment building, raising concerns among neighbors.

Nottingham Forest dismiss head coach Sean Dyche for the third time this season

Nottingham Forest announced it has dismissed head coach Sean Dyche, marking the club’s third managerial change this season.

Anthropic says it will cover any consumer energy price increases linked to its data center power use

AI company Anthropic says it will pay for any rise in consumer electricity costs attributable to the energy demand of the data centers it uses. The company noted that much of its computing capacity is leased through major cloud providers, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

Joe Frazier statue approved to move from South Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia’s Art Commission unanimously approved moving the “Smokin’” Joe Frazier statue from outside Xfinity Live!/Stateside Live! in South Philly to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, replacing the Rocky statue that has been there since 2006. Rocky is set to go inside for an exhibition and then move to a permanent spot at the top of the steps later this year. The $150,000 city-funded relocation is backed by the mayor, the museum, the sculptor, and Frazier’s family and foundation, though some of Frazier’s granddaughters questioned why a real boxing champion would be placed lower than a fictional character. The commission added requirements for informational rails around the Frazier statue and for signage directing visitors to it, aiming to better recognize Frazier’s legacy alongside Rocky’s.

Brendan Fraser praises his co-star as "Rental Family" prepares to stream on Hulu

Brendan Fraser, Shannon Gorman, and director Hikari discuss themes of family, the filming experience, and human connection in “Rental Family,” which arrives on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ on Feb. 18.

Philadelphia region to see brief cool spell before milder weekend

The Philadelphia region will stay in the 30s for the next two days, then warmer, above-average temperatures are expected to return this weekend.

What causes the feeling of “butterflies in your stomach”?

“Butterflies in the stomach” is a common fluttery sensation that can show up with excitement or anxiety, such as before an interview, public speaking, or early romance. It’s part of the fight-or-flight response: the brain detects a potential threat, triggers stress hormones like adrenaline, increases heart rate and blood flow, and temporarily deprioritizes digestion by reducing gut activity and blood flow. The sensation likely reflects changes in gut movement and signaling along the vagus nerve within the gut-brain axis, though the exact mechanism isn’t fully proven. Gut microbes may influence stress responses, but there’s limited human evidence linking them directly to the sudden “butterflies” feeling. Managing it can include mindful observation, practical preparation, reframing the situation, acceptance-based approaches, and seeking therapy such as acceptance and commitment therapy if anxiety is frequent or disruptive.

House Republicans propose requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote ahead of the midterm elections

House Republicans are advancing a bill that would require people to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, primarily by presenting a valid U.S. passport or a birth certificate.

House Passes Trump-Backed Election Integrity Bill With Support From Only One Democrat

The House of Representatives passed a revised, Trump-backed election integrity bill, the SAVE America Act, by a 216–213 vote, with Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar as the only Democrat to support it. The measure would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, mandate voter ID at the polls, and ban mail-only voter registrations. Democrats said the requirements could block eligible voters who lack documents or have name changes, while Republicans argued voter ID is already common and popular. The bill is expected to face steep opposition in the Senate, including from some Republicans such as Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Board Keeps Casey Wasserman as LA28 Chair After Reviewing Epstein-Related Allegations

Casey Wasserman will remain chair of LA28 after the board reviewed his mention in newly released Jeffrey Epstein-related files and decided he should continue leading the Los Angeles Olympic organizing committee.

Father Accused of Stabbing Infant and Leaving Him in Snow in Coatesville

A father in Coatesville is accused of stabbing an infant and leaving the child in the snow. Police said they took the baby’s father, Michael Phillips, into custody when they arrived.

Alex Murdaugh maintains innocence as South Carolina Supreme Court hears appeal

Alex Murdaugh continues to deny killing his wife and son as his attorneys argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court, urging the justices to overturn his two murder convictions and life sentence.

Linux kernel graphics driver development begins experimenting with AI-assisted code review

David Airlie of Red Hat, a co-maintainer of the Linux Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) graphics and display drivers and the “accel” accelerator drivers, announced experimental work to use AI to assist with reviewing code and patches for these open-source kernel driver projects.

Actor James Van Der Beek Dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in “Dawson’s Creek,” “Varsity Blues,” and “The Rules of Attraction,” has died at age 48.

Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe says immigration is creating major challenges for the UK

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Britain has seen a “profound and unprecedented” rise in net migration and argued it is creating serious political, social, and economic pressures. Speaking to Sky News, the Ineos owner—who now lives in Monaco—claimed the country cannot sustain high immigration alongside large numbers of people on benefits, and said tougher, potentially unpopular choices are needed. He also praised both Nigel Farage and Keir Starmer as well-intentioned, but suggested the situation requires more political toughness.

Bucks County Couple Donates Thousands to Help Struggling Families

A local couple in Bucks County donated thousands of dollars to support families struggling financially.

Sabayon Linux creator begins work on matrixOS, a Gentoo-based immutable distribution

Fabio Erculiani, the creator of the Gentoo-based Sabayon Linux distribution known for its out-of-the-box experience from the mid-2000s through 2019, announced he is developing a new Linux distribution called matrixOS, described as Gentoo-based and immutable.

Russian drone strike kills three young children and their father in Ukraine

A Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region killed three young children and their father, and injured the children’s pregnant mother.

Beyoncé’s Latest Product Launch Falls Short

“Blind Items Revealed #7 - Mr. X” claims that Beyoncé’s newest product venture failed to gain traction, suggesting her fans primarily support her by buying concert tickets rather than purchasing her branded merchandise.

Walz says Minnesota immigration crackdown may end within days

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis is expected to end within days. He told reporters he discussed the situation with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles that morning and spoke Monday with border official Tom Homan.

LGBTQ+ Business Leaders Join City Hall Roundtable on Supporting Diverse Businesses

LGBTQ+ business leaders took part in a roundtable discussion at City Hall to discuss ways city officials can better support diverse businesses.

Trump says he urged Netanyahu to keep U.S.-Iran nuclear talks going

Trump said he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue U.S. talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Netanyahu’s office indicated ahead of their meeting that Israel wants the negotiations to also address limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for groups including Hamas and Hezbollah.

Grand Jury Rejects Indictments of Six Democratic Lawmakers

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina praised a Washington, D.C., federal grand jury’s decision to reject prosecutors’ attempt to indict six Democratic lawmakers over a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. Nothing says “respect the troops” like trying to criminalize a civics lesson, then celebrating when the jury refuses to play along.

London School Stabbing, Suspect Is Former Pupil

Police say the suspect in the stabbing of two children at a north-west London school is a former pupil. A 13-year-old was arrested later at a mosque some distance from the school and is identified as a British national born in the UK. The Metropolitan Police said it will not release further details on ethnicity or religion to avoid identifying a child.

Mitch McConnell Released From Hospital, Will Work From Home

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was released from the hospital after flu-like symptoms and will stay away from the Capitol for the rest of the week, working from home after missing votes. The Senate’s most consistent product remains absence, now available in both in-person and remote formats.

Spotify Shares Rise on Record Results

Spotify’s shares climbed after the company reported record results, nearly doubling year-on-year profits in the final quarter of 2025 and logging its second consecutive profitable year to date. Apparently the subscription economy is alive and well, and your “free trial” is once again paying for someone’s yacht fuel.

Europe Marks 112 Day, Spotlighting the EU Emergency Number

European 112 Day highlights the EU-wide emergency number, urging people to remember what to dial in a crisis and recognizing call operators who respond quickly to help save lives. A rare public service message that isn’t asking you to buy something—just to not panic incorrectly.

Penn State Men’s Basketball Heads to Seattle to Face Washington

Penn State travels to Seattle to play Washington, looking to rebound after a close loss to USC that ended on a game-winning layup by Alijah Arenas.

Pennsylvania Man Charged Over Threats to Gov. Shapiro’s Family

A Carlisle, Pennsylvania man, George Brown Jr., faces charges after authorities say he sent a webmail message to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office threatening to “stalk” and “hurt” the governor’s family. Court documents say Capitol Police were notified on February 5, 2026.

EU Approves Initial €38 Billion in SAFE Defence Investments

The EU approved €38 billion in initial defence investments under its €150 billion SAFE scheme, though three member states seeking funding are still waiting for the European Commission to approve their national plans—the first of two required steps. Nothing says “urgent security” like a two-step process and some enthusiastic waiting.

PennDOT Puts $13 Million From Speed Camera Fines Into Philly Safety Projects

PennDOT announced a $13 million investment through its Automated Speed Enforcement program for six traffic safety projects in Philadelphia, including expanded speed camera coverage, intersection upgrades, corridor improvements, and traffic calming near about 100 schools. Funding comes from speed enforcement fines, with allocations including $500,000 for additional cameras, $1.5 million for planning permanent improvements, $5 million for upgrades on Frankford Avenue, 52nd Street, Hunting Park Avenue, and Germantown Avenue, plus $2 million each for intersection improvements, corridor upgrades, and school-area traffic calming. PennDOT has not provided timelines or a full list of the schools involved.

Penn Engineers Use AI and Radio Waves to Help Robots See Around Corners

Penn Engineers developed a system using radio waves interpreted by AI to help robots detect what’s hidden around corners, potentially improving autonomous vehicle safety and making indoor robots more effective in cluttered spaces like warehouses and factories. Finally, a tech breakthrough aimed at preventing crashes, not just keeping you scrolling until your soul files a noise complaint.

Rio Rico man detained, then released, in Nancy Guthrie disappearance probe

Carlos Palazuelos says authorities detained him for questioning after searching the Rio Rico property where he lives as part of the investigation into missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. He told Telemundo the search was done under a warrant and that agents said he resembled someone seen in newly released FBI doorbell-camera images showing a masked, armed person at Guthrie’s home the morning she vanished. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the search is over and the investigation continues, but declined to comment on reports that Palazuelos was released.

Apple pushes Creator Studio subscription tier, users grumble about paywalls

Apple’s Creator Studio is adding a new subscription tier for productivity and creator-focused apps, moving features some users expected at no extra cost into a paid plan. Some Mac users are unhappy, seeing it as another turn of the monetization crank in Apple’s software ecosystem.

Philadelphia to honor Boyz II Men with a new mural

Philadelphia plans to celebrate the legendary R&B group Boyz II Men with a new mural in South Philadelphia this summer.

FAA temporarily grounds flights at El Paso International Airport

The FAA temporarily grounded all flights to and from El Paso International Airport early Wednesday, issuing a NOTAM stating pilots may not operate aircraft in the affected areas. The order took effect at 1:30.

UK drivers face higher costs as Vehicle Excise Duty rises in April

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is moving ahead with Vehicle Excise Duty increases from April, raising the standard annual rate for light passenger vehicles from £195 to £200 and the Expensive Car Supplement for cars over £40,000 from £620 to £640. Analysis using Office for National Statistics data suggests drivers now pay about £2,190 more per year on car tax and insurance than a decade ago, with combined costs up more than 210% since 2016. First-year VED for the most polluting vehicles is set to reach £5,690, while electric vehicles will face a £10 charge. The government is also launching a Fuel Finder tool to help drivers locate cheaper petrol.

British Pullman unveils new Baz Luhrmann-designed onboard events space

The British Pullman has introduced a new onboard events space designed by Baz Luhrmann with costume and production designer Catherine Martin. The interiors are inspired by the British countryside and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Idaho teacher sues over “Everyone Is Welcome Here” poster ban

Former West Ada School District sixth-grade social studies teacher Sarah Inama filed a federal lawsuit arguing the district’s ban on her “Everyone Is Welcome Here” classroom poster violates the Constitution. Administrators allegedly said the message and multiracial hands were a political opinion and ran afoul of Idaho’s 2025 law, HB 41, restricting school displays deemed ideological. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador reportedly advised such posters qualify as prohibited banners, calling them part of post-2016 anti-Trump political resistance. Inama, who resigned in May 2025, seeks orders declaring the law vague and overbroad and blocking enforcement, naming state education agencies, the district, and officials as defendants.

Netflix to release recorded version of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”

Netflix confirmed it will release a recorded version of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a stage prequel focused on Henry Creel (Vecna) and the origins of his powers. The production is expected to be filmed with its original cast, but no release date is set. The play, launched in London in 2023 and developed with input from the Duffer Brothers and franchise writers, also features younger versions of characters such as Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers as Netflix continues expanding the “Stranger Things” universe.

Police release man held in Nancy Guthrie disappearance probe

Police released a man detained during a traffic stop connected to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Officers also searched his home as part of the case.

London school stabbing, 13-year-old questioned as counter-terror police lead

A 13-year-old boy is being questioned after two students were stabbed at a London school. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation, because apparently we now need specialist units to deal with children turning schools into crime scenes.

Europe’s Ariane 64 rocket set for key launch milestone

Ariane 64, described as Europe’s most powerful rocket yet, is scheduled to lift off from French Guiana this week. The launch is a major test of Europe’s ability to reach space independently, which is the polite way of saying, “We would like our own ride, thanks.”

North Korea slams Japan-Canada defense equipment deal

North Korea condemned Japan’s new defense equipment agreement with Canada, accusing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government of accelerating militarization and issuing warnings aimed at Japan. The usual routine, more outrage, fewer actionable details.

UK power bills could be higher in 2030 than the energy shock peak, Centrica CEO warns

Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea said projections indicate UK electricity prices could be higher by 2030 than during the peak of the Russia-Ukraine energy shock, driven mainly by rising “system costs” rather than wholesale power prices. He blamed years of underinvestment and said tens of billions are needed for grid upgrades, while opposition politicians and Reform UK figures blamed net zero policies and pushed to scrap measures like carbon taxes and some wind subsidies. Other energy leaders warned data-centre demand could add further strain, because nothing says “future” like paying extra so servers can keep recommending you videos you did not ask for.

Clashes erupt in Tirana at anti-government protest

Violence broke out in Tirana during an anti-government protest as opposition supporters clashed with police while demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Trump-approved NATO command reshuffle shifts more leadership to Europe

Donald Trump approved a reshuffle of senior NATO command responsibilities, giving European allies leading roles at three commands, with the UK leading Allied Command Atlantic, Italy overseeing the southern flank, and Germany and Poland rotating leadership of Joint Force Command Brunssum. NATO officials said the changes are meant to push European members to carry more responsibility while the US keeps top posts including Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and takes charge of NATO’s maritime forces based at Northwood in the UK. Separately, the UK plans to boost its Arctic posture by doubling troops in Norway and joining NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission amid concerns about Russian activity in the High North.

Germany probes exam stand-in ring for language and citizenship tests

German authorities say they uncovered a nationwide scheme where paid stand-ins allegedly took German language and naturalization exams for migrants using forged IDs combining the substitute’s photo with the applicant’s personal data. Prosecutors say applicants paid about €2,500 to €6,000 per exam, producing legitimate certificates later used for residence permits or citizenship, because nothing screams “integration” like outsourcing your ability to say “Guten Tag.” Two suspects are in custody, including a 39-year-old Iraqi man described as the main intermediary and a 22-year-old German man arrested in January while allegedly attempting to sit an exam for someone else.

UK to double troops at Norway’s Camp Viking and join NATO Arctic Sentry

The UK plans to boost its presence at Norway’s Camp Viking from roughly 1,000 to 2,000 personnel over the next three years, commit forces to NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission, and expand joint drills like Cold Response and the UK-led JEF exercise Lion Protector. Translation: Britain is reinforcing the High North because Russia keeps auditioning for the role of “neighbor who never respects property lines.”

“Smiles of a survivor as Starmer attempts his latest reset,” Chris Mason

Chris Mason argues some pressure has eased for Sir Keir Starmer, giving him room for yet another relaunch, while the core problems remain basically the same. Politics remains the only industry where “reset” means “say the same things again, but with fresher fonts.”

China edges the US in humanoid robot startups as investment surges

China now has 23 specialized humanoid robot startups versus 22 in the US, with $2.65 billion invested in 2025 alone—more than the combined total from 2018 to 2024. Chinese firms like Unitree and Agibot are producing thousands of units in 2025, while US players like Boston Dynamics and Tesla target scale in 2026. The arms race is now: who can mass-produce the most expensive way to drop your groceries.

Flooding concerns persist as colder weather is expected later this week

Flooding worries remain, but forecasters expect a pattern shift with colder conditions later in the week. Not exactly “problem solved,” more “problem changes outfit and comes back with different accessories.”

UK unveils 10-year plan to fix “ageing and fragile” schools after Raac crisis

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says a new 10-year strategy will mark a turning point for repairing and improving school buildings following the Raac concrete crisis. Bold plan, and by “turning point” we can all hope they mean fewer classrooms held together by hope, warning signs, and a caretaker with superhuman patience.

Rep. Jamie Raskin urges Maryland Democrats to pass new redistricting map

Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin sent a late-night letter pressing state Democrats to approve a new redistricting map. It passed the House but faces Senate resistance, with Senate President Bill Ferguson not bringing it forward. Nothing says “healthy democracy” like politicians fighting over who gets to choose their voters with the most artistic precision.

Open Compute Project targets specs for distributed data centers, the “computing continuum,” and AI beyond hyperscale

The Open Compute Project wants to develop standards for distributed data centers and a broader computing continuum to support AI workloads outside hyperscale campuses. It’s also looking at the all-optical IOWN stack to enable fast, low-latency connectivity. In other words, the cloud is getting stretched across the map because AI is hungry and the electricity bill is calling from inside the house.

Iceland labels possible AMOC collapse a national security risk

Iceland has classified a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, the AMOC, as a national security risk, citing research suggesting greater vulnerability than previously thought. Some scenarios include extreme winters approaching minus 50 degrees Celsius and sea ice returning around Iceland, with a national strategy due by 2028. The country also flagged worries about possible staffing and budget cuts at NASA Goddard, a key AMOC modeling source—because nothing screams “responsible governance” like cutting the people whose job is to tell you whether the ocean is about to flip the climate table.

First Dancing with the Stars Fan Convention to Be Held in Palm Springs This Summer

Dancing with the Stars Con will debut in Palm Springs this summer with a three-day fan event featuring professional dancers, judges, and celebrity participants including Robert Irwin and JoJo Siwa. Tickets go on sale Feb. 14.

Rally Urges Restoration of Signs on Enslaved People’s History at the President’s House

A rally called for the return of interpretive signs highlighting the history of enslaved people at the President’s House, as a court battle continues over the Trump administration’s removal of the signs.

ICE chief defends officers before Congress after two protesters die

The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Congress he stands by his officers’ actions following the deaths of two protesters, insisting agents will not be intimidated as they continue implementing President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa and the Red Sox finalize a one-year, $6 million contract

Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa finalized a one-year, $6 million deal with the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday and addressed an offseason play that has been repeatedly discussed in recent months.

Super Bowl averages 124.9 million U.S. viewers; Bad Bunny halftime draws 128.2 million, both below records

Sunday night’s Super Bowl averaged 124.9 million viewers in the United States, while Bad Bunny’s halftime performance drew 128.2 million. Both audience figures fell short of the all-time records for the most-watched U.S. broadcast and halftime show.

Super Bowl LX peaks at 137 million viewers during Bad Bunny halftime show

NBC, citing Nielsen data, reported that Super Bowl LX averaged more than 124 million viewers—one of the largest audiences in TV history—and reached a record peak of 137 million during Bad Bunny’s halftime performance. The network also said viewership climbed to its high point during the second quarter of the game.

Google Chrome 145 Adds JPEG XL Image Support

Google has released Chrome 145 on the stable channel with JPEG XL image decoding enabled again. The format was deprecated and removed from Chrome and Chromium in 2022, but decoding support was recently merged back and is now rolling out with this release.

Researchers find Google Calendar-based zero-click RCE risk in Claude Desktop Extensions

Security firm LayerX reports a zero-click remote code execution vulnerability in Claude Desktop Extensions that can be triggered when the software processes a Google Calendar entry. The company says the extension container falls short of typical sandbox expectations, potentially allowing an AI calendar connector to be abused as a malware delivery path.

DHS officials defend immigration enforcement practices at oversight hearing

During a congressional oversight hearing on Tuesday, Trump administration officials testified that federal immigration officers are enforcing U.S. immigration laws appropriately and in accordance with established procedures.

An illegal biolab was found in a Las Vegas garage, raising concerns for Australia

An illegal laboratory in a Las Vegas suburban garage was shut down after two people were hospitalized, described as “deathly ill,” following exposure to possible biological material, including vials of unknown liquids. The FBI is investigating and says the site may be linked to a California lab closed in 2023 that reportedly held hazardous pathogens and genetically modified animals, and received funding traced to Chinese banks. The incident is presented as a warning for Australia, where cheaper tools, AI assistance, and publicly available genetic data can lower barriers to creating or acquiring dangerous organisms, while regulation is fragmented and list-based, potentially missing novel pathogens, and lacking transparency. The piece argues Australia should tighten oversight of synthetic DNA and dual-use AI tools, improve coordination and reporting through the new Australian CDC, and encourage public reporting of suspected illegal labs.

Snowboarding lessons offered at Jack Frost Mountain in the Poconos

Deanna Fontanez heads to Jack Frost Mountain, one of six Pocono ski resorts, for a snowboarding lesson, because sometimes personal growth involves strapping planks to your feet and politely negotiating with gravity.

“18 must-have essentials” for healthy eating resolutions

This is marketing dressed up as self-improvement, the content equivalent of a salad that somehow costs $39.

Mark Carney says Trump call was “positive” after bridge threat, then talks Olympics

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said a call with President Trump went well after Trump threatened to block a new US-Canada bridge from opening. The conversation then apparently pivoted to the US-Canada Olympic matchup, where Carney confidently predicted a Canadian win—diplomacy with a side of scoreboard energy.

Trump administration proposes restricting EV charger funds to 100% US-made components

The Transportation Department is proposing tighter rules so federal EV charging money would only go to chargers whose components are entirely made in the United States, because nothing says “accelerate adoption” like adding an extra obstacle course.

Plane overruns runway in Somalia, ends in shallow water, no deaths

A plane made an emergency landing at Somalia’s main airport, overran the runway, and came to rest in shallow water near a beach. No one was killed, which is the only detail that matters when aviation decides to get creative.

EU announces action plan to combat cyberbullying, including an online safety app

The European Commission unveiled an EU-wide cyberbullying plan, including support for rolling out an online safety app so children and young people can quickly report abuse and get practical help—a rare case of policymakers noticing the internet has kids on it.

Noel Clarke reportedly arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and other offenses

Noel Clarke, known for Doctor Who, was reportedly arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and also detained on suspicion of exposure and sexual assault by touching, according to The Sun.

US drops to 29th in Corruption Perceptions Index, its worst ranking yet

The United States fell to 29th place in the global Corruption Perceptions Index, a survey based on expert and business views of public-sector corruption. America is still number one, just not in the category it screams about at fireworks shows.

NHS-linked database warns against blanket discouragement of cousin marriage

The government-funded National Child Mortality Database advised NHS hospital staff that blanket discouragement of close-relative marriage is “unacceptable,” arguing the genetic-disorder risk is only slightly higher and most children in consanguineous families are unaffected. The advice is not official NHS guidance, but it has intensified scrutiny of other NHS materials and fueled political debate, including a Conservative MP pushing to ban cousin marriage and government plans to expand genetic-risk support pilots.

Kid Rock denies lip-syncing at Turning Point USA halftime show

Kid Rock rejected claims he lip-synced during “Bawitdaba” at Turning Point USA’s All-American halftime show, saying the set was “pre-recorded but performed live,” which is a wonderfully Zen way of saying it was live, except for the parts that were not.

Unsealed FBI affidavit details Fulton County 2020 election probe built on discredited claims

An unsealed FBI search-warrant affidavit says a criminal investigation into 2020 election results in Fulton County, Georgia, began after a senior Trump administration official who disputed the outcome raised concerns, and that the inquiry relied heavily on ballot claims that have since been widely discredited.