Los Angeles County detectives are actively investigating a potential link between the death of former NFL player Kevin Johnson and three other homicides involving unhoused individuals in the Willowbrook community. Johnson, 55, was found dead in January 2026 from blunt head trauma and stab wounds, with all four victims discovered in encampments in the same vicinity between October 2025 and January 2026. Investigators are diligently pursuing all leads to determine if these cases are related and to identify those responsible for these tragic crimes. This series of deaths has raised significant concerns, prompting authorities to appeal to the public for any information that could assist in bringing resolution to these deeply concerning events.

5/100

Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran has officially resigned from his position as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, a move confirmed by CNBC. Miran, who joined the Trump administration's CEA in January 2025, had been on leave since September 2025 to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, filling an unexpired term. His resignation adheres to a pledge made to the Senate, indicating he would step down from the CEA if his Fed service extended past January 31. Miran consistently advocated for aggressive interest rate cuts during his time at the Fed, often voting for larger reductions than those implemented by policymakers, and his departure opens a potential vacancy for President Trump's proposed successor.

50/100

Nintendo's shares plunged over 10% following concerns about an unprecedented memory chip shortage, which could significantly impact future profitability, and after missing quarterly revenue estimates. Despite beating profit estimates with a 24% year-on-year jump, bolstered by strong Nintendo Switch sales, investors remain wary of rising component costs. The company maintained its full-year Switch 2 sales forecast, with new game releases like "Mario Tennis Fever" and "Pokémon Pokopia" planned, alongside "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," to boost sales. Analysts suggest 2026 will be a crucial "make-or-break" year for the Switch 2 to gain broader market appeal. (not investment advice)

30/100

Melinda French Gates has publicly stated that her ex-husband Bill Gates' inclusion in new files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced "painful times in my marriage," expressing "unbelievable sadness" about the allegations. She believes those named, including Bill Gates, need to address these issues. While Bill Gates has vehemently denied claims of sexually transmitted diseases as "absurd and completely false," he has not been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein's victims. Melinda French Gates had reportedly been upset by her ex-husband's association with Epstein prior to their 2021 divorce, and she is now "happy to be away from all the muck."

20/100

Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell has expressed "deep concern" over federal immigration agents' tactics in Minneapolis and the unclear timeline for a drawdown of forces. He criticized agents for appearing at bus stops and entering apartment buildings without targeted lists, stating the state seeks focused operations on public safety risks. Schnell also highlighted that despite federal claims, Minnesota has notified DHS of non-citizens in custody, but the federal government has not issued detainers for all. The state demands a "dramatic and sizable" reduction in personnel and a transparent investigation into recent fatal shootings by agents.

25/100

Pinterest CEO Bill Ready rebuked and fired employees who created an internal software tool to track company layoffs, labeling their actions "obstructionist." Pinterest announced layoffs impacting less than 15% of its workforce as part of a restructuring aimed at directing resources toward artificial intelligence projects. Ready defended the firings, stating the engineers violated company policy and former colleagues' privacy by improperly accessing confidential information. He emphasized that employees working against the company's direction should consider other jobs, highlighting Pinterest's critical moment in competing with larger tech firms amid slowing advertising sales and the impact of President Donald Trump's tariff policies.

40/100

A Utah prosecutor has denied allegations of a conflict of interest in the high-profile case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson's attorneys sought to disqualify local prosecutors, citing the deputy county attorney's daughter's presence at the rally where Kirk was shot and the office's swift decision to seek the death penalty. The prosecutor testified that his daughter's attendance did not influence the decision, which was based on sufficient evidence. The case also involves ongoing debates over showing graphic videos in court and banning cameras, with legal experts noting that extensive media coverage could potentially bias potential jurors and complicate ensuring a fair trial.

35/100

Federal lawmakers are probing the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) regarding its partnership with Syngenta Group, an agribusiness controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, and its embrace of DEI initiatives. The House Ways and Means Committee and Congressional FFA Caucus cite national security concerns and questions about FFA's tax-exempt status. Lawmakers are demanding documents and answers, arguing that Syngenta's access to FFA leadership, programming, and students raises red flags given China's documented history of economic espionage in agriculture. They also criticized DEI programs for potentially shifting FFA away from agricultural education towards identity-based priorities that could divide students.

30/100

Congressional Democrats, in a forum largely unattended by Republicans, heard harrowing testimony from US citizens who experienced violent encounters with federal immigration agents during the Trump administration's crackdown. Victims shared accounts of shootings, severe injuries, and alleged abuses, including an agent who reportedly circulated "trophy" pictures of a wounded woman. Democrats, including Representatives Ro Khanna and Robert Garcia, expressed anger and vowed to hold those responsible accountable, demanding justice and peace for the affected individuals. Senator Richard Blumenthal called the testimony a "defining moment," questioning the decency and shame of the Homeland Security Secretary and other administration members involved.

15/100

Private equity firm KKR and Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) will acquire the remaining 82% stake in data center operator ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) for S$6.6 billion ($5.1 billion). This deal, KKR's largest infrastructure investment in Asia Pacific to date, values STT GDC at S$13.8 billion. The acquisition reflects a significant jump in data center demand, largely driven by the boom in artificial intelligence, with global data center dealmaking reaching a fresh record last year. Following completion, KKR will hold a 75% stake and Singtel 25% in STT GDC, enhancing their global reach and exposure to new markets. (not investment advice)

80/100

The latest government shutdown ended with President Trump negotiating with Democrats, a departure from his previous stance, due to shifting public opinion on his administration's immigration crackdown. The political shift follows daily televised clashes between federal agents and Minneapolis residents, including two fatal shootings. Democrats are leveraging this moment to demand concrete changes in DHS operations, such as agents wearing body cameras and judicial warrants for immigration operations, before agreeing to further funding. This article highlights how recent events have reoriented the politics of government shutdowns, making them more politically costly for the administration.

45/100

BBC political editor Chris Mason suggests that recent revelations concerning Lord Mandelson indicate an emerging political scandal of significant magnitude. The gravity of the allegations, which cannot be dismissed as merely historical, raises questions about Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's vetting process when appointing Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States a year prior. Mandelson has a history of resigning from high office due to dealings with wealthy individuals. Downing Street is now proactively releasing information, signaling an attempt to manage the political fallout and pre-empt opposition attempts to force disclosures about the vetting.

25/100

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has accused Beijing of "weaponizing" its dominance in critical minerals and pledged that the US will use pricing, tariffs, and industrial policy to secure its entire critical minerals supply chain with allies. Speaking at a Washington think tank, Lutnick called for the US and its partners to mine, process, and refine these minerals to break China's chokeholds. He also criticized the previous Biden administration for "sleeping" while China opened new coal plants and pushed for electric vehicle production the US did not need. This article details a robust strategy aimed at ensuring supply chain trust and independence from foreign adversaries. (not investment advice)

55/100

Gold prices extended gains, breaking past $5,000 per ounce, while Asia-Pacific markets largely declined, tracking Wall Street losses driven by a sell-off in U.S. technology stocks. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell, with chip equipment makers and gaming companies like Nintendo seeing significant drops. Major tech names such as Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Nvidia were in the red, contributing to the Nasdaq Composite's decline. This article highlights a broader market trend where investors are shifting away from technology stocks towards assets more broadly linked to economic improvements, alongside the rising value of safe-haven assets like gold. (not investment advice)

40/100

Photos circulating on social media suggest China's advanced GJ-21 stealth attack drone may have been photographed on the deck of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan, indicating a new phase of sea trials. The Sichuan, China's first Type 076 vessel, is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system similar to its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This advanced system allows for faster and more frequent launches of aircraft, including potentially large drones. Observers believe this development marks another step towards the commissioning of the Type 076, which is expected to play a key role in the Taiwan Strait.

60/100

Donald Trump suggested on a conservative podcast that Republican state officials should "take over" and "nationalize" elections in 15 states, framing it as a measure against undocumented immigrants voting. This claim, which lacks evidence, has raised significant concerns among Democrats about potential efforts to interfere in upcoming midterm elections. Senator Mark Warner warned that this statement alone indicates a "forward looking" threat to election security and the basic premise of democracy. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump believes in addressing perceived fraud and irregularities through policies like voter ID, which he wants to implement nationwide.

20/100

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell was admitted to a local hospital on Monday night due to "flu-like symptoms," his office confirmed. The 83-year-old senator's prognosis is positive, and he is grateful for the care he is receiving. McConnell missed Senate votes on Monday and Tuesday. A polio survivor, he has faced mobility challenges in recent years, including a concussion from a fall in 2023 and multiple instances of becoming non-responsive during press conferences. This article highlights his ongoing health issues amidst a long and influential career in the Senate, where he led the Republican caucus from 2007 to 2025 and played a key role in reshaping the federal judiciary.

50/100

Ori Solomon, the property manager connected to a possible illicit biological lab operation in Las Vegas, has been arrested and faces a federal firearm charge. Authorities discovered numerous illegal firearms, ammunition, and accessories at his home during a search related to the suspected bio lab. Solomon, in the U.S. on a temporary work visa, is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. He also faces a state felony charge for the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste. Over 1,000 samples from the suspected lab, primarily found in a locked garage with various equipment, are currently being tested by the FBI, raising serious public safety concerns.

10/100

An American private investigator, Dan Portley-Hanks, has told the High Court he "did unlawful stuff" in relation to Prince Harry for the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, though he couldn't recall exact details. His statement supports a privacy lawsuit by Prince Harry and other public figures against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), which denies wrongdoing. Portley-Hanks, who worked for ANL titles from the 1990s to 2010s, detailed how he acquired private information, including phone records, for British tabloids. He also claimed he facilitated corrupt payments to a police officer for access to confidential files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

20/100

Elon Musk's decision to merge SpaceX with his AI venture xAI signals a significant shift in his corporate empire, with SpaceX's private market valuation now nearing Tesla's. Musk's 43% stake in SpaceX now accounts for over half his paper wealth, while Tesla's value has declined due to competition and political controversies. SpaceX, a leader in orbital launch services and Starlink, is reportedly pursuing an IPO. The merger, valuing SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion, aims to develop space-based data centers, but raises concerns about redirecting SpaceX profits and xAI's regulatory risks. (not investment advice)

60/100

A federal judge in Oregon has temporarily restricted federal officers from using tear gas and projectile munitions at protests near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland. The order, in effect for 14 days, mandates that such force can only be used if the targeted individual poses an imminent physical threat, and prohibits aiming at the head, neck, or torso unless deadly force is justified. The ruling responds to an ACLU lawsuit alleging excessive force and First Amendment violations, following incidents where agents used munitions against peaceful demonstrators, including children and elderly individuals.

55/100

A 13-year-old Australian boy, Austin Appelbee, is hailed as "superhuman" for swimming 2.5 miles to shore to raise the alarm, saving his mother and two younger siblings who were swept out to sea. The family, on vacation, encountered rough ocean conditions that dragged them 9 miles from the coast. Austin swam for four hours, abandoning his life jacket to improve his swimming, and focused on positive thoughts. His mother, Joanne Appelbee, made the difficult decision to send him for help. The family was rescued after spending up to 10 hours in the water, all medically assessed and unharmed.

95/100

NASA has delayed the Artemis II moon launch until March at the earliest after a dress rehearsal countdown encountered issues, including an out-of-limits hydrogen leak. The test, intended to clear the way for a February launch, was called off early after a leak was detected at an umbilical plate on the Space Launch System rocket's first stage. Despite engineers' efforts to manage the leak, an automated system halted the countdown. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that challenges were anticipated during the rehearsal, which is designed to identify problems before flight, and a second fueling test is planned.

65/100

NASA plans an on-pad repair for the hydrogen fuel leak that halted the Artemis II moon rocket's dress rehearsal, aiming for a second fueling test before a possible March launch. The leak, located at an 8-inch hydrogen fuel line, spiked during the final minutes of the practice countdown, triggering an automated shutdown. This article notes that while the test identified critical issues, it provided valuable data for the team. Meanwhile, a separate SpaceX Falcon 9 mission for Crew 12 to the ISS is pending FAA clearance after a second stage anomaly, adding to current space launch complexities.

60/100

Attorneys for Keith Porter, a Los Angeles man fatally shot by an off-duty federal agent on New Year's Eve, are urging California Attorney General Rob Bonta to take over the investigation. They cite a lack of confidence in the LAPD and Justice Department, alleging LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell shows bias towards the Trump administration. Witnesses claim Porter, 43, was returning to his apartment and posed no threat when shot, contradicting the DHS's "active shooter" characterization. The ICE agent involved, Brian Palacios, has previously faced child abuse allegations, which police deemed unfounded. Porter's mother seeks justice for her son, a Compton native and father of two.

15/100

Families across parts of the South, particularly in Mississippi, are facing a severe crisis as prolonged power outages, some lasting over a week, coincide with boil-water advisories. A historic winter storm caused extensive damage to power lines, leaving more than 36,000 homes and businesses without electricity. This situation leaves residents unable to boil water for safe consumption, forcing reliance on bottled water and gas heaters in freezing temperatures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed 90 generators, but full power restoration in some areas could take another ten days, highlighting significant infrastructure vulnerability and ongoing hardship for affected communities.

10/100

A ransom note, received by a local Arizona news station, is being investigated in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed the note contained specific details about Nancy Guthrie's home and attire, which investigators are taking seriously. Authorities believe the 84-year-old, who has limited mobility and requires daily medication, was abducted from her home. Efforts are underway to recover surveillance video, as the "clock is literally ticking" due to her critical medical needs, raising grave concerns for her safety and well-being.

5/100

Bill and Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, following a threat of criminal contempt of Congress. Hillary Clinton will appear for a deposition on February 26, and Bill Clinton on February 27. This marks a reversal for the Clintons, who had initially argued the subpoenas were "invalid and legally unenforceable." While they previously submitted sworn declarations denying knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities or visiting his island, their in-person testimony will now proceed behind closed doors, with the contempt proceedings temporarily on hold to ensure their compliance.

30/100

Prince Andrew has moved out of his Royal Lodge home in Windsor to a temporary property on the Sandringham Estate, with a permanent residence at Marsh Farm planned after renovations. This relocation follows Buckingham Palace's October announcement of his move and the removal of his princely title. Pressure continues to mount on Prince Andrew to give evidence in the US regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, with new allegations of a sexual encounter at Royal Lodge in 2010. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but his links to Epstein face heightened scrutiny with the release of millions of documents.

20/100

A tragic collision between a migrant speedboat and a Greek coast guard vessel off the island of Chios has resulted in at least 15 fatalities, with 14 bodies recovered from the sea and one injured woman later dying in hospital. Twenty-five individuals, including 11 children and two coast guard officers, were also injured and taken to the island's hospital. The migrant boat, traveling from Turkey, reportedly tried to escape after being spotted by the patrol, leading to the collision for reasons currently unclear. A search-and-rescue operation is underway for potentially missing individuals, highlighting the perilous nature of the Mediterranean migrant route and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

0/100

This article shares practical tips from individuals who successfully decluttered their homes, offering advice for tackling overwhelming accumulations of items. Angie found help from her daughter-in-law, breaking down the task into small, manageable boxes and donating or selling hundreds of items. Sarah, an auction enthusiast, limited sentimental items to two boxes and earned over £100 selling unwanted trinkets. Susan found taking photos of items, like ornaments and old cards, helped preserve memories while allowing her to let go of physical possessions. Jenni adopted a "one thing a day" approach, training her brain to declutter more easily over time.

85/100

Welsh hospice services, crucial for end-of-life care, are at risk of reduction without more funding, according to Hospice UK. Nine of Wales' 14 hospices face financial deficits in 2025-26, with one already closed and another temporarily shut due to rising costs and funding difficulties. Patients like Paul Thomas attest to the comfort and pain management hospices provide, highlighting their vital role compared to hospitals. Hospices Cymru states that only about 30% of funding comes from the Welsh government and NHS, with the rest from charitable donations. The Welsh government acknowledges the challenges and is working on a new commissioning approach.

30/100

Police have been ordered to reopen their investigation into the death of Scott Gough, who allegedly took his own life after being targeted by a gang on the gay dating app Grindr. A Professional Standards Department report found failures in the initial investigation, including not adequately investigating Gough's death as potential blackmail despite sufficient suspicion. The report also highlighted missed opportunities to gather evidence and criticized delays in addressing complaints. Gough's partner accused police of homophobia, a complaint not upheld. This article underscores systemic failures and the need for a thorough reinvestigation into the case.

20/100

The UK government has pledged to create 10,000 new foster care places in England by relaxing rules and cutting red tape, aiming to address a "critical shortage" of carers. An additional £88 million will overhaul the system, making it easier for full-time workers and people from diverse backgrounds to become foster carers. The number of foster carers has declined by 12% since 2021, leading to more children ending up in children's homes at significantly higher costs. This article highlights the urgent priority of providing stable family homes for vulnerable children and the profound positive impact fostering has on young lives, as shared by former foster children and carers.

75/100

An Indian village in Uttar Pradesh is grappling with the alleged honor killing of an interfaith couple, 19-year-old Kajal (Hindu) and 27-year-old Mohammad Arman (Muslim). Their bodies were found buried near a riverbank, and Kajal's three brothers have been arrested for allegedly beating them to death after catching Arman visiting her. The incident has shocked Umri village, previously known for its inter-community harmony. Police believe it to be an honor killing, a crime where relatives punish women for relationships outside their caste or religion. This article highlights the tension in the rural region where strong social hierarchies persist despite calls for reason and legal protections for inter-faith couples.

5/100

Los Angeles County has unanimously approved nearly $200 million in cuts to homeless services, a move advocates warn will push more people onto the streets. Despite voters approving a sales tax increase for homelessness, the county faces a $270 million budget shortfall due to rising operational costs and expiring state and federal funds. Cuts will significantly impact outreach, navigation programs, rental assistance, and the Pathway Home encampment cleanup initiative, which will see a $92 million reduction and a drop in new cleanups. This article highlights the difficult fiscal realities forcing these decisions, potentially threatening recent progress in housing the unhoused population.

15/100

Austin Reaves made his return to the Lakers lineup after a 5 1/2-week absence due to a left calf strain, playing on a minutes restriction in their dominant 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Reaves contributed 15 points, one assist, and four rebounds in 15 minutes, coming off the bench. His return helped the Lakers conclude their eight-game road trip with a 5-3 record. Coach JJ Redick emphasized Reaves' importance as an "All-Star level player" and connector, noting the team has missed his competitive spirit. The article also mentions the upcoming NBA trade deadline, raising questions about future lineup changes.

80/100

Senate Banking Committee Democrats are demanding a delay in Kevin Warsh's nomination to lead the Federal Reserve until ongoing investigations into Chair Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook conclude. The Department of Justice is probing Powell for potential criminal wrongdoing related to Fed headquarters renovations and Cook over mortgage fraud allegations. Democrats, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, argue that allowing President Trump to appoint a new Fed Chair while his DOJ investigates current members is "dangerous and unprecedented." Republican Senator Thom Tillis's similar stance ensures that the nomination faces significant hurdles. (not investment advice)

35/100

The US military shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that "aggressively" approached the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. A US Central Command spokesperson stated an F-35 fighter jet took down the drone in self-defense, with no US casualties or equipment damage. Iran's UN mission declined comment, while Iranian news agencies reported a drone lost connection in international waters after a surveillance mission. This incident occurred as diplomats attempt to arrange nuclear talks between Iran and the US, and President Trump warned of "bad things" unless a deal is reached, escalating regional tensions. Additionally, Iranian Revolutionary Guards harassed a US-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

25/100

Shanxi, China's traditional coal heartland, has achieved a historic energy transformation, with renewable power capacity officially surpassing coal-fired generation. In 2025, new energy installed capacity surged to 90.48 million kilowatts, accounting for 55.1% of Shanxi's total power-generation capacity. This pivot is seen as a crucial litmus test for China's broader energy overhaul, given Shanxi's vast coal reserves, which represent nearly a quarter of the nation's total. The provincial government's 15th five-year plan aims to transform Shanxi into a "comprehensive energy powerhouse," balancing coal's role for national energy security with aggressive scaling up of renewables.

80/100

Microsoft has promoted four sales executives, including Deb Cupp and Nick Parker to Executive Vice President roles, as the company intensifies its focus on AI growth. These promotions aim to free up commercial business CEO Judson Althoff to concentrate more on product strategy and strengthen the feedback loop between customers and AI product development. Investors are closely watching how Microsoft and other software giants will grow amidst the rapid adoption of generative AI models. This article highlights Microsoft's strategic realignment to capitalize on the extraordinary speed of AI adoption and meet evolving customer expectations. (not investment advice)

70/100