Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar officially launched his election campaign in Budapest, aiming to end Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year rule. Magyar, who leads the center-right Tisza party, pledged to combat corruption, improve the economy, and reorient Hungary towards Western Europe. His party garnered significant support in recent European Parliament elections, positioning him as Orban's strongest challenger in a decade. Despite some EU-skepticism, Magyar emphasizes strengthening democratic institutions to regain access to suspended EU funding.

65/100

The Met Office has issued new ice warnings for northern UK regions, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing overnight in parts of eastern Scotland and north-east England. This follows a weekend of snow and ice warnings as frosty Arctic air spreads south. Additionally, the Environmental Agency has issued 72 flood warnings and 191 flood alerts across England due to ongoing rain. Commuters are advised to be vigilant for icy untreated surfaces, which could cause travel disruption.

40/100

Actress Jennifer Aniston shared a heartwarming social media post celebrating her first Valentine's Day with boyfriend Jim Curtis, featuring a "Cutie Pie" candy box. This follows Curtis's affectionate birthday tribute to Aniston, including a photo of them sharing a kiss. The couple, who met through mutual friends and chatted for months before becoming close, have increasingly shared glimpses into their relationship. Curtis, a life coach and author, was also seen in Aniston's Christmas post, confirming their romance.

90/100

Peter Navarro, President Trump's trade adviser, stated that the administration may compel data center builders like Meta to fully absorb their utility and infrastructure costs. This proposal aims to address soaring electricity prices and public dissatisfaction with economic affordability. While Meta claims it already pays full energy costs and contributes to local infrastructure, the administration is pushing for tech companies to finance new power plants. This initiative comes amidst rising public blame on the Trump administration for increased living expenses and a focus on economic policy ahead of the 2026 midterms.

50/100

An article critiques Senator Marco Rubio's address at the Munich Security Conference, arguing he misunderstands Europe and global threats despite offering a more supportive message than his predecessor. While Rubio emphasized transatlantic ties and the need for Europe to invest in defense, the article asserts that Europe has already significantly increased spending. It highlights Rubio's omission of the growing alignment between Russia, China, and North Korea as the most profound threat, instead focusing on perceived European shortcomings. The analysis suggests the Trump administration's approach to allies is flawed and dangerously naive in a multipolar world.

45/100

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries insists on "dramatic change" for ICE, demanding reforms like judicial warrants and body cameras before DHS funding. He highlighted recent fatal shootings by ICE agents and criticized the administration for prioritizing a shutdown over reform. Separately, Rep. Robert Garcia, top Democrat on House Oversight, accused the White House and DOJ of a "massive coverup" regarding the Epstein files. Garcia called for full transparency, independent investigations, and accountability for powerful men involved, expressing no confidence in Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the release.

30/100

The UK and European allies assert that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed by epibatidine, a neurotoxin found in poison dart frogs. Traces were reportedly found in his body, with allies claiming only the Russian state had the means and motive for its deployment. Epibatidine, 200 times more potent than morphine, causes respiratory failure and is extremely rare in nature outside specific South American frogs. The Kremlin dismissed these findings as an "information campaign," maintaining Navalny died of natural causes.

5/100

Team GB secured a historic second Winter Olympic gold medal on a single day as Matt Weston and Tabitha Stoecker won the mixed team skeleton event. Weston became the first Briton to win two golds at a Winter Olympics, adding to his individual title. This victory followed Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale's earlier gold in snowboard cross. Weston's exceptional 58.59-second run secured the win, marking Great Britain's first time winning three golds at a single Winter Olympics.

95/100

White House border czar Tom Homan defended ICE officers wearing masks, citing a significant increase in threats and assaults against agents, despite his personal dislike for them. He called Democratic demands for body cameras, identification, and judicial warrants "unreasonable," stating ICE acts within federal law and does not racially profile. Homan also confirmed the drawdown of over 1,000 ICE agents from Minnesota following a controversial enforcement operation. His remarks come amidst a partial government shutdown over DHS funding and scrutiny of ICE's conduct.

35/100

The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its second week following her suspected abduction from her Arizona home. Authorities, including the FBI, have released a physical description of a male suspect and are investigating multiple ransom notes, with one offering a $100,000 reward for information. Blood confirmed to be Guthrie's was found at the scene, and surveillance images of a masked individual tampering with a doorbell camera have been released. The family has made emotional public appeals, offering payment for her safe return as law enforcement continues to pursue leads.

10/100

The US military has boarded a second oil tanker, the Panamanian-flagged Veronica III, in the Indian Ocean, after tracking it from the Caribbean. This action is part of the Trump administration's crackdown on sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports. The Pentagon stated the vessel attempted to defy President Trump's quarantine, emphasizing US global reach in enforcing sanctions. The Veronica III, which departed Venezuela in January, is under US Treasury Department sanctions and is suspected of transporting Russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan oil since 2023.

50/100

Republican Senator Thom Tillis publicly criticized two top Trump administration advisers, Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, for allegedly failing to protect President Trump's legacy on immigration and border security. Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, called them "amateurs" and accused them of incompetence that has damaged the Republican party's standing on an issue it should "own." His remarks follow scrutiny of Miller and Noem amidst the controversial "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis and the shooting deaths of two citizens by immigration agents.

40/100

Gisèle Pelicot, a survivor of horrific sexual assault, bravely shared her story in her first U.S. interview, detailed in her memoir "A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides." Her ex-husband was convicted in 2024 for drugging her and facilitating the sexual assault by dozens of men. Pelicot chose to testify publicly rather than anonymously, transforming her life into one of advocacy. Her courageous decision highlights the importance of survivors speaking out and shifting the burden of shame.

20/100

A UN Human Rights Office report reveals that over 6,000 people were killed in three days during a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attack on Sudan's el-Fasher in late October, describing the violence as "shocking in its scale and brutality." The offensive, aimed at capturing the city, involved mass killings, summary executions, widespread sexual violence, and abductions, with many attacks being ethnically motivated. The report suggests these atrocities amount to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, urging accountability and warning that impunity fuels continued violence in the ongoing conflict.

0/100

The wreck of the luxury steamer Lac La Belle, which sank in Lake Michigan in 1872, has been discovered by shipwreck hunter Paul Ehron. The 217-foot ship, a popular vessel, went down during a gale with 53 passengers and crew, resulting in eight deaths when a lifeboat capsized. Ehron, who has searched for the ship since 1965, used a clue to pinpoint its location 20 miles offshore. The discovery adds to the thousands of undiscovered shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, with preservation concerns due to invasive mussels.

70/100

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie voiced strong disapproval of Attorney General Pam Bondi's conduct regarding the Justice Department's release of Jeffrey Epstein files, stating he has no confidence in her. Massie criticized Bondi for what he termed "name-calling" during a hearing and her refusal to acknowledge Epstein survivors present. He accused the DOJ of exposing victim identities while over-redacting names of powerful men. The release of over 3 million pages has sparked criticism and resignations, with Massie claiming the DOJ improperly redacted documents and failed to provide context for unredacted names.

30/100

Dutch speed skater Femke Kok secured her first Olympic gold medal, dominating the women's 500m race with an Olympic-record time of 36.49 seconds. This victory follows her silver in the 1000m event and solidifies her two years of sprint dominance as a three-time world champion. Her teammate Jutta Leerdam took silver, while Japan's Miko Tahagi earned bronze. Defending champion Erin Jackson finished fifth, narrowly missing a medal. Kok's near-perfect race demonstrated explosive start, exact corners, and relentless speed, marking a significant achievement in her career.

95/100

India secured a decisive 9-wicket victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, extending their rivalry record to 8-1. The match, held in Colombo, was overshadowed by political tensions, with Pakistan initially boycotting in solidarity with Bangladesh. Off-field pageantry and polite formalities were noted, but on-field interactions remained cool, with captains avoiding handshakes. Despite efforts to downplay the political aspect, the article suggests the rivalry has become more political than sporting, with India consistently outclassing Pakistan, leaving little on-field jeopardy.

60/100

More than 1,000 ICE agents have departed Minnesota following the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge," a controversial immigration enforcement operation. White House homeland security secretary Tom Homan stated a small force would remain to protect agents and investigate fraud. The operation, which began in December, led to over 4,000 arrests but also sparked angry protests and resulted in the deaths of two US citizens during confrontations. Local officials, including the mayor and governor, have strongly criticized the heavy-handed tactics and called for the agents' withdrawal.

30/100

Vince Cable, former Secretary of State for Business and Trade, is calling for a police and government investigation into Prince Andrew's conduct as a UK trade envoy. Recently released US Justice Department files suggest the former prince forwarded sensitive UK government and commercial documents to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These alleged actions, including sharing information about the Royal Bank of Scotland and government reports from international visits, are deemed "totally unacceptable." Questions are being raised about his duty of confidentiality and whether criminal corruption occurred.

25/100

President Trump reportedly assured Israeli Prime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of US support for Israeli strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program if diplomacy fails. This comes as the Trump administration pursues nuclear negotiations with Tehran, despite Netanyahu's skepticism and demands for broader restrictions on Iran. The Pentagon is contemplating how the US might assist such strikes, including aerial refueling and securing overflight permissions. A second US aircraft carrier has been dispatched to the Middle East, signaling a visible show of force aimed at leveraging negotiations.

25/100

Ofelia Torres, a 16-year-old Chicago resident, has died of aggressive cancer after publicly advocating for her father's release from ICE custody. Her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado, was detained during a Trump administration immigration crackdown, despite being crucial for his family's support. A judge later ruled his detention illegal, leading to his release. Ofelia's story highlighted the human impact of aggressive immigration policies, drawing widespread condemnation. Her family's attorney noted her heroic fight for what was right, with her father's deportation recently blocked.

10/100

Jim Cramer examines the current perplexing phase of the AI trade, noting a significant sell-off in enterprise software stocks despite the rise of AI innovators like Anthropic and OpenAI. He questions the long-term winners, highlighting how hyperscalers are straining balance sheets with massive capital expenditures in the AI arms race. Cramer suggests that while AI helps with "dull" jobs, its current error rates make it unsuitable for critical tasks, rendering it "worthless" in some enterprise contexts. He points to traditional hardware and infrastructure companies as current beneficiaries of the AI boom. (not investment advice)

50/100

An off-trail avalanche on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif killed two skiers and injured one on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Couloir Vesses, a popular freeride route near Courmayeur. One of the victims initially hospitalized in serious condition later died. This tragedy follows a week where 13 backcountry enthusiasts died in Italian mountains, with 10 of those deaths attributed to avalanches caused by an exceptionally unstable snowpack. Rescue efforts involved fifteen rescuers, canine units, and two helicopters.

5/100

President Donald Trump announced that member states of his "Board of Peace" have pledged over $5 billion for Gaza's reconstruction and humanitarian aid. He will formally unveil these commitments at a Washington meeting, which expects delegations from over 20 countries. This initiative is part of a US-brokered ceasefire plan requiring an international force for security and Hamas disarmament. Indonesia has committed up to 8,000 troops, marking the first concrete military pledge. Trump also urged Hamas to disarm, a key part of the post-war plan.

40/100

An editorial criticizes the Trump administration's decision to eliminate the Obama-era endangerment finding, a move that underpins federal climate regulations, amidst a record-breaking surge in extreme weather events in the US. The article highlights that the US incurred $115 billion in losses from climate-related disasters last year, and scientists warn of nearing an irreversible global heating point. It contrasts US policy with China's efforts to curb emissions, despite China remaining the world's largest emitter. The editorial frames Trump's actions as a "reckless and destructive" assault on environmental controls.

15/100

Europe's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the urgent need for Europe to lead its own defense while maintaining reliance on NATO. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, she identified Russia as Europe's primary threat and outlined a new security strategy, including expanding the EU bloc and forging new trade and security agreements. European leaders highlighted increased defense spending, responding to US demands for greater burden-sharing. Despite US reassurances, Europe is prioritizing non-US partnerships, recognizing the need for stronger conventional capabilities and crisis management to complement the American nuclear umbrella.

55/100

Israel's government has approved a controversial plan simplifying land purchases for Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, further sidelining Palestinian authorities. The policy allows private Israeli citizens to buy land in areas designated for registration, a process not formally undertaken since 1967. This move, which shifts administration from military to civilian control, has drawn condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, the European Union, and Arab states, who view it as a step towards de facto annexation and a violation of international law. Far-right Israeli ministers welcomed the decision as restoring governance.

15/100

The long-standing tradition of free hot breakfast in the hospitality industry is facing new economic challenges and evolving business models. Hotels, grappling with thin margins, are increasingly viewing it as a cost center. Some brands, like Hyatt Place, have removed it from select properties, while Holiday Inn is shifting to buffet-only models to cut costs. Industry experts suggest the "free" breakfast, once a loyalty play, is becoming an expectation, diminishing its value as a differentiator. However, some chains like Best Western and Holiday Inn Express remain committed, citing guest satisfaction and loyalty benefits.

60/100

German Galushchenko, Ukraine's former energy minister, was detained while attempting to leave the country by train, amidst a corruption scandal involving an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme. Galushchenko was implicated in systematically collecting kickbacks from a national nuclear operator. This arrest is part of a massive anti-corruption probe, "Operation Midas," which has also led to other high-profile resignations and arrests. The scandal puts pressure on President Zelensky's administration, which came to power promising to root out corruption, and highlights US demands for elections.

30/100

France delivered a dominant 54-12 victory over Wales in the Six Nations, scoring eight tries and keeping their Grand Slam hopes alive. This marked a record win for France in Cardiff and a record points total against Wales. Woeful Wales suffered their 13th consecutive Six Nations defeat, facing a potential third successive Wooden Spoon. The match saw a notably low attendance, reflecting growing apathy and disarray within Welsh rugby. France, the defending champions, remains unbeaten and will host Italy next.

80/100

An Amazon delivery van became stuck on The Broomway mudflats in Great Wakering, Essex, known as "the deadliest footpath in Britain," after its driver followed a GPS route to Foulness Island. HM Coastguard Southend responded to reports of the vehicle, which is not permitted on the six-mile route managed by a defense company. The driver had already exited the van safely and reported the incident to Amazon. The vehicle remained stranded through high tide, with Amazon and a local farmer arranging its removal.

75/100

A man died after entering a flooded brook in Egginton, Derbyshire, during a police chase. Officers were pursuing a vehicle towing a suspected stolen caravan when two men fled; one was arrested, while the other entered Egginton Brook. After several hours, the man was recovered from the water and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Derbyshire Police have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Another man has been charged with dangerous driving and theft in connection with the incident.

5/100

Team GB's men's curling team moved closer to a Winter Olympics semi-final spot after a decisive 9-4 victory against Germany. Bruce Mouat's world champions have now won four of their first five matches, with six wins typically guaranteeing a place in the last four. In contrast, the British women's team faced a setback, losing 10-7 to unbeaten Sweden, leaving their semi-final hopes uncertain. The men's team will face unbeaten Switzerland later today, aiming to continue their strong performance.

85/100

New research indicates a deteriorating human relationship with nature, termed "biophobia," or the fear of nature. A Lund University study links this trend to increased urban living, warning of future generations' heightened risk of nature alienation. Psychologists note a lack of physical and sensory experiences in natural environments for many children, leading to unfamiliarity and even hostility towards nature. This detachment impacts mental health and willingness to protect the environment. Experts suggest education and direct experiences can help reconnect people with the natural world.

40/100

Federica Brignone of Italy won her second Winter Olympic gold medal, triumphing in the giant slalom by a significant margin. This victory, following her Super-G win, marks a remarkable return to form after a severe knee injury last April. Brignone's performance was met with ecstatic Italian fans, and she now holds the record for most Olympic medals by an Italian skier. American star Mikaela Shiffrin, still recovering from a past traumatic crash, finished 11th, highlighting the mental and physical challenges athletes face.

95/100

New renderings offer the most detailed look yet at President Donald Trump's proposed $400 million White House ballroom addition, depicting a vast 90,000 sq ft structure level with the mansion. The project has faced public backlash and lawsuits for starting demolition before obtaining necessary approvals. Financed by private donors and major corporations, Trump asserts it will be the "finest Ballroom ever built," also serving for future inaugurations. White House officials defend the demolition as a solution to longstanding issues and claim historical elements are preserved.

50/100

A "fast-spreading" measles outbreak has infected at least 34 children across several schools in North London, confirmed by laboratory tests in January. Health officials, including the UK Health Security Agency, are urging families to ensure children are fully immunized against the highly contagious disease. A local GP surgery reported that one in five infected children, all unvaccinated, required hospital admission. This outbreak contributes to rising measles cases in the UK and globally, attributed to poor vaccine uptake, and led to the UK losing its measles elimination status in 2024.

20/100

At the Munich Security Summit, numerous US Democratic legislators and governors sought to reassure European allies that the US-Europe partnership would endure beyond Donald Trump's presidency. Figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized Trump's temporary nature, contrasting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's more critical tone. Democrats underscored the importance of European allies and warned of domestic threats to US democracy, such as nationalizing elections. This collective effort aimed to calm European anxieties amidst Trump's "America First" foreign policy and desire to reshape the international order.

55/100