Police conducted a search at a residence two miles from Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home and questioned an individual, though no arrests were made in the ongoing investigation into her disappearance. Authorities have confirmed finding unidentified DNA at the 84-year-old's address, which has been sent for laboratory analysis, indicating a person unknown to her or her immediate circle was present. The FBI previously released a physical description of a male suspect, seen wearing a specific backpack, and has doubled the reward for information to $100,000. This article details the latest investigative steps as law enforcement intensifies efforts to locate the missing mother of news anchor Savannah Guthrie, who is believed to have been abducted two weeks ago.

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Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has publicly denied Brooklyn Beckham's claims of inappropriate behavior by his mother, Victoria Beckham, at Brooklyn's wedding to Nicola Peltz Beckham. Ramsay, a long-time friend of the Beckham family, stated that Victoria's dancing was not "salacious" or "inappropriate," and everyone was simply enjoying themselves. His comments follow Brooklyn's Instagram post, which confirmed a years-long family feud and alleged that his parents controlled him and Victoria "hijacked" his first dance. This article highlights Ramsay's defense of the Beckhams and his belief that Brooklyn will eventually reconcile with his family, despite the ongoing public dispute.

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Burglars successfully ransacked 14 out of 728 safe-deposit boxes at a bank in Stuhr, northern Germany, though police have not yet identified the perpetrators or determined the stolen contents. The break-in occurred between noon and 2 p.m. local time, with witnesses reporting three men in blue overalls near the bank. A bank employee later discovered an unknown, pungent liquid at the scene, which emergency services deemed non-hazardous after two employees received treatment. This article details the latest significant bank heist in Germany, following a similar €30 million theft in Gelsenkirchen last month, raising concerns about bank security in the region.

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Authorities in Southern California have successfully dismantled a sprawling brothel network operating across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, leading to the arrests of Kebin Dong and Wei Nie. A year-long investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit identified the pair as alleged owners and operators of a sex services website, facilitating appointments at over 30 residential and hotel brothels. During search warrant executions, more than 60 female sex workers were found, and potential human trafficking victims were provided with critical support services. This article highlights the significant law enforcement action against organized sexual exploitation and the efforts to assist those exploited.

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Great Britain's women's curling team achieved a significant upset victory, defeating world champions Canada 7-6 in their Winter Olympics campaign. After surrendering meekly in their opening two matches, Rebecca Morrison's rink dramatically elevated their performance, with Morrison making crucial shots to overcome a Canadian side that appeared fragile. This win marks a strong turnaround for the British team, boosting their chances in the competition's round-robin stage. The men's team also posted a 7-4 victory against the Czech Republic, taking their record to three wins and one defeat, positioning them well to reach the semi-finals.

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Former President Barack Obama criticized recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, including shootings that resulted in two deaths and an operation dubbed "Operation Metro Surge." In a wide-ranging interview, Obama described the deployment of over 2,000 agents without clear guidelines as "deeply concerning and dangerous," citing agents pulling people from homes and using tear gas. He praised Americans for pushing back against these actions, stating, "This is not the America we believe in," and expressed hope that sustained citizen engagement, even in subzero weather, would restore norms, rules of law, and decency.

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Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen became a focal point at the Munich Security Conference, asserting his country's sovereignty amidst President Trump's continued interest in acquiring the autonomous Danish territory. Nielsen firmly stated, "That's a red line. We will not give away territory and compromise our integrity," despite White House officials indicating Trump remains fixated on the idea. While rejecting outright acquisition, Nielsen expressed openness to increased US military presence and cooperation, emphasizing a desire for mutual respect and coordinated approaches to the island's natural resources. This article highlights Greenland's unexpected prominence in global geopolitical discussions and its firm stance.

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American speedskater Jordan Stolz won his second Olympic gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, dominating the men's 500 meters and setting a new Olympic record of 33.77 seconds. This achievement places him alongside Eric Heiden as the only skaters to win both the 500 and 1,000 meters at the same Games. The article also highlights Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who secured South America's first Winter Olympics gold in giant slalom, and Norway's Maren Kirkeeide, who won gold in the women's 7.5-kilometer biathlon sprint. Norway further claimed gold in the women's cross-country relay after a Swedish mishap.

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Figure skater Ilia Malinin's unexpected struggles at the Milan Olympics, where he dropped from favorite to eighth place, underscored the immense psychological stress of competing on the world stage. Malinin, known as "the Quad God," failed to land his signature quadruple axel and made multiple errors, a stark reminder that even top athletes can be overwhelmed by Olympic pressure. The article draws parallels to Nathan Chen's past Olympic difficulties and eventual comeback, suggesting Malinin's experience, though heartbreaking, could be a catalyst for future dominance. This article explores the mental toll of the Olympic spotlight, with Malinin himself acknowledging a lack of experience in such an environment.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference, assuring European leaders that the US remains committed to the transatlantic alliance despite ongoing tensions and criticisms. Rubio emphasized that the US and Europe's destiny is "intertwined," aiming to revitalize their friendship rather than separate. While repeating criticisms of European immigration, trade, and climate policies, his overall tone was more conciliatory than previous Trump administration speeches, which was welcomed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This article highlights Rubio's efforts to project unity, even as he stressed the need for allies to invest more in defense and for a rebuilt international cooperation system.

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Scotland's rugby team delivered a rampant performance to defeat England 31-20, regaining the Calcutta Cup in a thrilling Six Nations match at Murrayfield. Orchestrated by the brilliant Finn Russell, the Scots quickly established a stunning 17-0 lead, capitalizing on two yellow cards for England's Henry Arundell, which proved highly damaging. Despite England's attempts to rally, Scotland maintained their intensity and ruthlessness, with Huw Jones scoring a crucial second try after a charged-down drop goal. This article celebrates Scotland's impressive bounce-back victory after a previous defeat, highlighting their lethal execution and leaving England with significant improvements to make.

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The Olympic Villages at the Milan Cortina Winter Games experienced a temporary shortage of free condoms, prompting organizers to promise a restock by Valentine's Day weekend. The Italian organizing committee attributed the depletion to "higher-than-anticipated demand" among the 2,800 athletes. International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams humorously noted it showed "Valentine's Day is in full swing," with athletes often taking them as "a kind of gift." This article highlights a lighthearted, recurring fascination surrounding the Games, where mascots also proved more popular than expected, and assures continuous replenishment of supplies until the closing ceremony.

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Palmerston, the beloved rescue cat who served as the UK Foreign Office's chief mouser, has passed away peacefully in Bermuda at the age of 10. After retiring from Whitehall in 2020, Palmerston was brought out of retirement in 2025 for a new diplomatic posting as a "feline relations consultant" to the Governor of Bermuda, where he had been living. Tributes poured in on his X account, remembering him as a "diplocat extraordinaire" and a "special member of the Government House team." This article marks the end of an era for the popular feline, who had garnered nearly 99,000 social media followers and enjoyed a relaxed life away from the limelight.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban controversially stated that the European Union poses a greater threat to Hungary than Russia, accusing Brussels of undermining his government by supporting the opposition. Speaking to supporters, Orban claimed the rise of his main challenger, Tisza party leader Peter Magyar, was orchestrated by EU figures like Manfred Weber and Ursula von der Leyen. He vowed to "clean up" foreign influence on Hungarian civil society if re-elected in April, praising US President Donald Trump for rebelling against "liberals' global-scale business." This article highlights Orban's escalating rhetoric against the EU and his confrontational stance.

20/100

Cuba's annual Festival del Habano in Havana has been postponed indefinitely due to a severe fuel shortage, exacerbated by the ongoing US oil blockade and the seizure of oil shipments from Venezuela. The organizing committee cited the "complex economic situation" and the "economic, commercial and financial blockade" as reasons for the decision, which impacts over 1,300 attendees from 70 countries. The island is also facing a shortage of aviation fuel, leading airlines to suspend services and some countries to issue travel warnings. This article highlights the significant economic challenges facing Cuba, preventing the celebration of its world-renowned cigars.

25/100

A growing number of Gen Z singles are seeking alternatives to dating apps, turning instead to traditional matchmakers amidst widespread dating app fatigue and declining user numbers. First-year medical resident Shardil Ahmad, 28, initially skeptical, embraced a matchmaker due to his demanding schedule and desire for intentional connections. Matchmaking agencies report a rise in younger clients craving in-person experiences, especially those who navigated high school or college via Zoom. This article highlights a societal shift, where Gen Z, despite delaying marriage, values authenticity and seeks curated matches that align with their deeper values, even at a significant cost.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Munich Security Conference, urgently calling on Western allies to accelerate weapons deliveries, particularly anti-aircraft missiles, to protect Ukraine's power supply during winter. He revealed Russia attacked Ukraine with an estimated 6,000 combat drones in January alone, emphasizing the critical timing of aid. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte supported Zelenskyy's appeal, noting Russia's significant troop losses and minimal gains. This article highlights Ukraine's desperate need for continued and timely military support, as Zelenskyy also described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "slave to war" who might attack other European countries.

15/100

England's cricket team, despite a nervy win against Scotland, needs significant improvement to contend for the T20 World Cup, according to captain Harry Brook and post-match analysis. Their campaign has been inconsistent, with a thrashing by West Indies and an unconvincing performance against Scotland. While past World Cup wins have included early losses, critics argue the team is far from its best, with individual batting errors and a lack of clear strategy. This article emphasizes that England must find its form and click as a cohesive unit soon, or risk an underwhelming run that mirrors past failures in major tournaments.

50/100

A US federal judge has ordered that some Venezuelan men, illegally deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador by the Trump administration, must be allowed to return to the United States to fight their cases. Luis Muñoz Pinto, one such deportee, expressed both hope for vindication and fear of renewed detention, stating, "I'm not over that nightmare yet." He was accused of gang ties without evidence and endured beatings in prison, highlighting the severe trauma. This article highlights the legal victory for due process, while also underscoring the deep trauma experienced by deportees and the Trump administration's strong opposition, calling the ruling "absurd" and "unlawful."

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Catholic Archbishop Richard Moth, the newly appointed leader for England and Wales, publicly acknowledged the Church's failures, "especially when the vulnerable have been abused," during his formal installation ceremony. He emphasized the Church's need to "listen to" and "learn" from those who have "suffered so grievously" due to past sexual assault. Moth also pledged a continuous focus on social justice, human dignity, and protecting the vulnerable, stating that the Church must not fear the "great questions of our time." This article highlights a significant statement from the new archbishop, signaling a commitment to accountability and healing within the Church, while addressing its "fragile" evangelical work.

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The stock market experienced significant volatility last week, driven by three main factors: growing AI fears, an "Olympic-sized rally" in industrials, and mixed economic signals. Concerns about AI's impact on wealth management crushed financial and tech stocks, with Wells Fargo and Capital One seeing substantial declines. Conversely, industrials like Eaton and Honeywell surged, reflecting investor confidence in the broader economy, which has been performing well. Mixed jobs and inflation data, however, reinforced expectations for the Federal Reserve to maintain steady interest rates in March, though rate cuts are anticipated later in the year. (not investment advice)

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The US military has launched over 30 airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, retaliating for a deadly ambush two months prior that killed two US soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. Between February 3 and Thursday, US Central Command reported hitting weapons storage facilities and other IS infrastructure in 10 separate strikes using precision munitions. This action, part of "Operation Hawkeye Strike," has reportedly killed or captured over 50 IS terrorists and struck more than 100 targets. This article details the ongoing US campaign to maintain relentless military pressure on the terrorist network, following the recent transfer of thousands of IS prisoners from Syria to Iraq.

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The UK and several European allies have publicly accused Russia of killing opposition leader Alexei Navalny using a poison developed from a dart frog toxin, epibatidine. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, stated that "only the Russian government had the means, motive and opportunity" to deploy the lethal toxin while Navalny was imprisoned. This accusation, two years after Navalny's death in a Siberian penal colony, is based on analysis of material samples from his body. This article details the grave international allegation, which Russia has dismissed as an "information campaign," and highlights the UK's intent to inform the Organisation on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

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Newly released Justice Department documents reveal that Tom Barrack, a longtime confidant of President Trump and current US ambassador to Turkey, maintained regular and close contact with Jeffrey Epstein for years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. The correspondence includes invitations, introductions to influential figures, and discussions of business opportunities, with Epstein at times attempting to use Barrack as a conduit to Mr. Trump. While no evidence suggests Barrack participated in or knew of Epstein's criminal conduct, this article highlights the continued social and professional ties between powerful figures and the convicted sex offender, underscoring concerns about accountability.

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One week into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Norway is leading the overall medal count, with Team USA making significant strides. The United States, fielding its largest-ever Winter Olympics team, has secured multiple golds, including Breezy Johnson in women's downhill and Jordan Stolz's two speedskating golds, setting Olympic records. Notably, Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen achieved a historic milestone by winning South America's first-ever Winter Olympics medal in giant slalom. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current medal standings and key athletic achievements, also noting Norway's historical dominance in Winter Games.

90/100

The investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, is drawing increasing scrutiny nearly two weeks after her disappearance, with no suspects in custody. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and his department face criticism for prematurely clearing the crime scene, leading to potential contamination, and for sending vital evidence out of state. Ransom notes demanding cryptocurrency also complicated the probe, and the FBI's involvement followed after initial local handling. This article highlights concerns about the investigation's pace and tactics, as authorities continue to search for the 84-year-old, believed to be without her heart medication.

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More than three dozen Democratic senators have launched an inquiry into the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to repeal a key measure that assigned monetary value to the health benefits of reducing air pollution. Critics view this policy change as a major setback to climate efforts and a failure to protect public health, eliminating a legal foundation for controlling planet-heating pollution. The senators, led by Sheldon Whitehouse, are demanding documents and explanations for the EPA's reasoning, questioning whether outside parties were consulted. This article highlights the political backlash against the Trump administration's anti-environmental agenda, which critics argue benefits fossil fuel industry donors and disregards scientific recommendations.

25/100

As the telephone marks its 150th anniversary, a YouGov survey reveals a significant shift in communication preferences, with texting and messaging now surpassing phone calls as the primary method for personal communication. This trend is particularly pronounced among Gen Z, often dubbed "the mute generation," who are accustomed to crafting messages and controlling response times. While older generations still favor calls, studies show that people across all ages anticipate phone calls to be more awkward than text-based interactions, despite actually forming stronger bonds through voice communication. This article explores the evolving landscape of how people connect, noting that while phone anxiety exists, voice remains powerful for emotional connection.

65/100

Stephen Miller has significantly increased his influence in the Trump administration's second term, becoming a key architect and enforcer of the president's controversial policies, particularly on immigration. Previously focused on the Department of Homeland Security, Miller is now actively working to change national perceptions toward immigrants, with a perceived greater tolerance for his proposed policies. Experts note his consistent ideology, which incorporates provocation and performance in politics, has found a more tolerant environment. This article provides an analysis of Miller's rise to a more visible and powerful role, shaping national discourse and policy, influenced by his childhood and college experiences.

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A Wall Street Journal report alleges that the US military utilized Anthropic's AI model, Claude, during an operation to kidnap Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela, which involved bombing and resulted in 83 deaths. This marks the first known instance of an AI developer's tool being used in a classified US defense department operation. Anthropic's terms of use explicitly prohibit Claude's use for violent ends or weapons development, raising significant ethical concerns. This article highlights the growing deployment of AI in military arsenals and the ongoing debate among AI companies and defense sectors regarding ethical boundaries, with Anthropic's CEO expressing wariness over AI in autonomous lethal operations.

20/100

Ireland's rugby team secured their first Six Nations victory, defeating Italy 20-13 in Dublin after surviving a major scare from the determined Azzurri. Despite taking an early lead, Ireland found themselves trailing at half-time after Italy's hooker Giacomo Nicotera scored, capitalizing on an Irish yellow card. Ireland rallied in the second half with tries from Jack Conan and Rob Baloucoune, but Italy continued to press, having a potential try ruled out for a forward pass. This article highlights Ireland's hard-fought return to winning ways, while acknowledging Italy's impressive and spirited performance that pushed the hosts to their limits and denied them a historic win.

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UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the Munich Security Conference, urging Europe to be ready to fight to protect its people and values, and to "stand on its own two feet" in defense. He announced the UK, with NATO allies, would deploy a carrier strike group to the Arctic and High North to counter Russian threats. Starmer also called for deeper economic alignment and cooperation between the UK and EU, signaling a shift in post-Brexit policy. This article highlights Starmer's emphasis on building "hard power" and collective security, while also touching on a recent "misjudgement" in appointing Peter Mandelson, despite his known links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

50/100

California Governor Gavin Newsom's international travel, including recent trips to Germany, Brazil, and Switzerland to position California as a global climate partner, is frequently funded by the California State Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit largely supported by corporate donations. While this arrangement lessens the burden on taxpayers, critics and watchdog groups raise concerns about corporate interests gaining influence through such contributions. The foundation, whose board members are appointed by Newsom, has received millions from inaugural charities and various corporations. This article highlights the long-standing practice of governors using nonprofits for official expenses and the ethical questions it poses.

30/100

Casey Wasserman, a prominent Hollywood talent agent, is selling his eponymous agency after suggestive communications with Ghislaine Maxwell from 2003 were exposed in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. The exchanges, which included offers of massages and inquiries about naked beach visits, prompted a client rebellion, with artists like Chappell Roan cutting ties due to a conflict with their moral values. Wasserman cited "past personal mistakes" and acknowledged becoming "a distraction" to his company, stating he would focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This article details another significant consequence of the Epstein files, highlighting accountability for public figures linked to the convicted sex offender.

10/100

Brazilian ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by winning South America's first-ever Winter Olympics gold medal in the giant slalom. Despite challenging conditions with snow and fog, the 25-year-old, who previously represented Norway, delivered a powerful final run to secure the top spot, beating defending champion Marco Odermatt. His victory, celebrated by Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marks a significant milestone for Brazilian sport and inspires new generations. This article highlights Braathen's remarkable achievement, adding to his list of "firsts" for Brazil since his return to the sport in 2024, including a World Cup podium finish and win.

95/100