A federal judge has issued an order blocking the Pentagon from downgrading the military retirement rank and pay of Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, citing a violation of his First Amendment freedoms. Senator Kelly faced retribution from the Trump administration after he and other lawmakers urged military members to refuse illegal orders in a video. The ruling highlights that First Amendment limitations for active-duty military do not extend to retired service members, especially those serving in Congress. The Defense Secretary has indicated the ruling will be immediately appealed, suggesting the legal battle is not over.

65/100

New research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that US companies and consumers paid approximately 90% of the increased costs resulting from tariffs imposed by President Trump in 2025. The average tariff rate on imported goods rose significantly to 13% from 2.6%. Exporting countries maintained their prices, passing the tariff burden to US importers, who then increased prices for shoppers. This economic impact, including a reported $1,000 average cost to US households in 2025, mirrors findings from Trump's first term and highlights the direct financial burden on Americans.

30/100

Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat from Georgia, is facing criticism from Republicans for requiring photo identification at his political rallies, despite his public opposition to stricter voter ID laws. An attack ad highlights instances of rally staff requesting IDs, contrasting with Ossoff's previous statements calling such rules "nakedly partisan." Republicans argue this stance is hypocritical, suggesting a shift in his position due to perceived electoral advantages rather than principle. The debate comes as the House passed a bill requiring stricter in-person documentation for voting, intensifying the political discourse.

45/100

A dispute over pickleball rules escalated into a physical altercation at a central Florida country club, resulting in a 63-year-old man and his 51-year-old wife being charged with felony battery. The incident began with an argument about shots made in the "kitchen" area, leading to insults and a physical attack where the man hit his opponent with a paddle and punched him. The brawl eventually involved up to 20 players, highlighting an unusual level of aggression in a recreational sport. The charges specifically include battery on a person 65 or older.

15/100

China recorded a 10.8% increase in marriage registrations in 2025, reaching 6.76 million couples, which analysts view as a potential positive indicator for birth rates in 2026. This rise offers a glimmer of hope amidst the nation's shrinking and rapidly aging population, which poses significant economic challenges. Demographers caution that despite this rebound, deeper demographic headwinds persist and may require broader policy support to reverse the long-term trend. The population decline in 2025 was the steepest on record outside of a major famine, underscoring the urgency of demographic shifts.

55/100

This satirical article humorously critiques Gallup's decision to discontinue tracking presidential approval ratings, implying the timing is suspiciously convenient given persistently low approval numbers. Through a fictional dialogue between a pollster and "headquarters" representatives, the piece suggests a desire to avoid reporting negative data, despite the pollster's insistence on the importance of accurate numbers. The article uses a whimsical metaphor of "horse-sonifications" for past approval ratings, highlighting the perceived absurdity of abandoning data for "vibes." It questions the motives behind such a significant shift in public research priorities.

50/100

The U.S. men's hockey team secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Latvia in their Olympic opener, with Brock Nelson scoring two goals and making a significant mark in his debut. Despite two early goals being disallowed by challenges, the American team demonstrated resilience and outshot Latvia significantly, 38-18. The roster features prominent NHL players, marking their return to the Olympic stage after 12 years, adding to the excitement. Coach Mike Sullivan praised the team's talent and the difficulty of making the roster, while players expressed immense pride in representing their country.

85/100

Amazon-owned Ring has announced the cancellation of its partnership with Flock Safety, a police tech provider, amidst growing scrutiny and public backlash. The partnership, which allowed Ring users to share footage with law enforcement agencies utilizing Flock's license plate reader software, drew criticism from privacy advocates who labeled it a "surveillance nightmare." This decision follows increased pressure on tech companies to re-evaluate their collaborations with federal agencies like ICE and CBP. Ring stated the integration required more time and resources than anticipated, leading to the joint decision to cancel.

60/100

The California Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights investigation into whether Los Angeles County discriminated against the predominantly Black community of West Altadena during last year's Eaton wildfire. The inquiry will examine if delayed emergency notifications and disproportionate firefighting resources resulted in a "disparate impact" based on race, age, or disability. Residents in West Altadena received alerts eight hours later than their more affluent neighbors, leading to significantly higher casualties and property damage. The county has pledged full cooperation, stating responders did their best under extreme conditions, while community groups hail the investigation as a step toward justice.

40/100

This article provides a comprehensive timeline of the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, who was reported missing on February 1st from her Arizona home. Authorities suspect abduction, with evidence including a disconnected doorbell camera and blood found at the scene. The timeline details family pleas, ransom notes demanding Bitcoin, the brief detention and release of a person of interest, and the FBI's release of a suspect description. The reward for information has been increased to $100,000 as the search continues into its second week.

20/100

The FBI has released the first physical description of a male suspect in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, and increased the reward for information to $100,000. Forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage identified the suspect as a male, approximately 5'9" to 5'10" with an average build, seen wearing a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. This development follows the recovery of black gloves near Guthrie's home, which are being tested for DNA. Authorities continue to urge the public for tips, hoping these new details will help locate Nancy Guthrie or lead to arrests.

30/100

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City is slated to reopen after a fire necessitated the evacuation of 77 patients, including six ICU patients, Wednesday night into early Thursday. The blaze, which was contained to an outpatient orthopedic area, resulted in the orthopedic unit being a total loss and caused smoke and water damage to the main hospital building. All patients, staff, and visitors were safely evacuated, though one firefighter sustained chest pains. Emergency, surgical, and limited in-patient services will resume on February 13th, with ongoing efforts to restore additional campus services.

60/100

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, detailing key events and the ongoing investigation. It covers her disappearance from her Arizona home on January 31st, the discovery of blood evidence, and the subsequent police detention and release of a person of interest. The Guthrie family has made multiple public pleas, including offering payment for her safe return, and authorities are investigating several ransom notes. The FBI has since released a suspect description, intensifying the search and providing crucial new information in the case.

25/100

President Trump has nominated Scott Socha, a hospitality executive whose company once sued to trademark "Yosemite National Park," to lead the National Park Service. This nomination is controversial due to Socha's lack of public service or conservation experience, and his company's history of prioritizing profit from national parks. Critics argue this appointment comes at a critical time for the NPS, which has faced staffing cuts and efforts to alter historical narratives under the current administration. Conservation groups express strong skepticism regarding his suitability for a role focused on protecting public lands.

35/100

Sandy Steers, a biologist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, has passed away at 73, leaving a legacy as a dedicated conservation champion. Steers was renowned for her advocacy for bald eagles, particularly through the popular 24-hour webcam monitoring Jackie and Shadow, the local nesting pair. She also actively fought against large developments in the Big Bear Valley to protect wildlife habitat, even facing a lawsuit for her efforts. Her work brought widespread attention to the eagles and fostered a global community of nature enthusiasts, ensuring her impact endures.

70/100

Arsenal is experiencing increased pressure in the Premier League title race following a 1-1 draw at Brentford, reducing their lead over Manchester City. Despite being four points clear with only three losses all season, historical trends show Arsenal has struggled with end-of-season form, often finishing second. Manager Mikel Arteta emphasizes the need for focus and collective improvement, while players like Declan Rice urge the team to block out external noise. Injuries to key players like William Saliba and Kai Havertz further complicate their challenge, as they aim to avoid a repeat of past title near-misses and secure a championship score.

50/100

The Department of Homeland Security is poised for a shutdown as Senate Democrats and the Trump White House failed to reach an agreement on immigration enforcement restrictions. A House-approved funding bill stalled in the Senate, and a proposed two-week stopgap measure was also blocked. Democrats are demanding reforms for ICE, including body cameras and judicial warrants, citing recent incidents. While most DHS employees are deemed essential and will continue working, many will do so without pay, impacting agencies like TSA and FEMA. Negotiations are expected to continue during Congress's recess, with no immediate resolution in sight.

30/100

Asia-Pacific stock markets opened mostly lower, mirroring Wall Street's losses, as investor sentiment was hit by growing fears of artificial intelligence disruption. Concerns center on AI tools potentially replicating or eroding profit margins in various sectors, including trucking, logistics, real estate, and financial services. While Taiwan's market was closed, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 and Japan's Nikkei 225 saw declines. Investors are closely monitoring for spillover effects, as AI's transformative potential continues to create market uncertainty and sector-specific anxieties, impacting investment strategies across the region.

35/100

The UK government is proposing new legislation to ban vaping in cars carrying children, as well as in playgrounds and near schools across England. These plans, part of a 10-year health strategy, also aim to make indoor public spaces and areas outside hospitals vape and heated tobacco-free. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized protecting children and patients from the harms of second-hand smoke and vapor, promoting a healthier Britain. A public consultation will gather feedback to shape the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which seeks to create a smoke-free generation and reduce NHS pressures.

70/100

Researchers at the University of Zurich have found that stimulating specific frontal and parietal brain regions can temporarily make individuals less selfish. In an experiment, participants gave away more money when these areas were simultaneously stimulated with an electrical current. While the effects were modest, the findings offer insights into the neural mechanisms of human social behavior and decision-making. Scientists suggest this technique could potentially aid in treating brain disorders characterized by profound social behavior problems, with repeated stimulation possibly leading to longer-term changes in behavior.

75/100

This article delves into the scientific and psychological perspectives on the idea of a "soulmate," especially pertinent around Valentine's Day. Experts like Professor Viren Swami trace the concept of exclusive romantic love to medieval Europe, while Professor Jason Carroll distinguishes between "destiny beliefs" and "growth beliefs" in relationships. Research suggests that viewing love as effortless can lead to commitment doubts after conflict, whereas a growth mindset fosters resilience. The article also touches on the biology of attraction, hormonal influences, and mathematical algorithms suggesting multiple compatible partners exist, offering a nuanced view of enduring love.

60/100

China's Central Military Commission (CMC), the supreme decision-making body for the People’s Liberation Army, is undergoing a significant leadership reshuffle, with five of its six non-chairman members no longer active. President Xi Jinping chairs the seven-member committee, which dictates military strategy, development, equipment, personnel, and funding. This restructuring occurs amid an ongoing anti-graft drive within the military, highlighting efforts to consolidate power and ensure loyalty. The article explains the CMC's extensive functions, contrasting it with the largely diplomatic role of China's Ministry of National Defence.

50/100

A pair of black gloves has been found during the search for Nancy Guthrie, the abducted mother of Savannah Guthrie, and will be tested for DNA. The gloves, resembling those worn by a suspect seen in security footage outside Guthrie's Arizona home, were reportedly discovered about a mile and a half away. This potential breakthrough comes as the FBI released a physical description of the suspect and increased the reward for information to $100,000. Investigators continue to process thousands of tips, hoping this new evidence will provide crucial leads in the ongoing investigation.

35/100

Chipotle Mexican Grill recorded its worst year ever in 2025, with same-store sales declining for the first time since its IPO two decades ago, reflecting a broader slowdown in fast-casual dining. In a "K-shaped economy," Chipotle is struggling as consumers, anxious about rising prices, cut back on discretionary spending and seek better value. Despite opening 334 new locations, net income remained flat, and 2026 forecasts predict flat same-store sales. The company aims to cater to higher-income customers and has experimented with value offerings, but faces stiff competition from both fast food and full-service restaurants.

30/100

Apple experienced its worst stock market day since April, with shares dropping 5%, wiping out year-to-date gains. This decline follows reports of an internal delay for the anticipated AI update to Siri, now pushed back to May or potentially later. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission has raised concerns with Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding Apple News's terms of service and curation policies, citing reports of bias against conservative content. These issues, alongside broader Wall Street anxieties about big tech's AI spending, have contributed to investor caution and market instability.

30/100

Eight people were killed and 27 injured in two shootings at a school and a home in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, this week. The victims include Jennifer Jacobs, mother of the 18-year-old suspect, and several young individuals whose families shared poignant tributes, highlighting their lost dreams and vibrant lives. The rural community of just 3,000 people is deeply affected, with many residents knowing someone impacted by the tragedy. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police continue their investigation into the attacks, which have left the town in profound grief and shock.

0/100

This article challenges recent viral warnings about an imminent AI apocalypse, arguing that economic realities will temper the pace of AI integration into society. It contends that the leap from impressive AI models to widespread societal transformation overlooks significant bottlenecks, such as the decades-long process of deploying new technologies across industries. Factors like complementary investment in data infrastructure, process redesign, and worker retraining will slow adoption. The article also highlights that richer societies often choose more leisure over endless productivity, and that overall economic growth is limited by the slowest sectors, promoting a more measured outlook.

65/100

Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, a 21-year-old US Marine, has been pronounced dead after falling overboard from the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean on February 7th. His death marks the first known American casualty in the Trump administration's Operation Southern Spear, targeting drug-trafficking boats. The operation has involved numerous lethal strikes and played a role in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. While the military is investigating the incident, Oforah's commanding officer expressed deep grief, noting his dedicated service will not be forgotten by his unit and the nation.

10/100

Following a controversial ice dance outcome at the 2026 Winter Olympics, American skater Madison Chock has called for judges to be "vetted and reviewed" to ensure a fair and transparent playing field. Chock and partner Evan Bates, despite a seemingly cleaner performance, lost gold to France by a narrow margin, with questions raised about Cizeron's mistake and subjective scoring. The article highlights concerns about the French judge's scoring and the lack of clarity for viewers. Chock emphasized the high stakes for skaters who give their all, advocating for improvements in the judging score system.

40/100

Cisco Systems shares fell 12%, marking their worst day since 2022, as rising memory prices pressure the networking company's margins. Strong demand for AI data centers has created a global memory shortage, driving up costs for components across the industry. Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins stated the company plans to raise prices, revise contracts, and negotiate terms to address these evolving costs. Despite reporting better-than-expected quarterly results, a mediocre forecast, citing negative impacts from mix and higher memory costs, led to significant investor concern and a sharp stock decline.

30/100

Pinterest shares plummeted after hours as CEO Bill Ready attributed a fourth-quarter earnings miss and weak guidance to an "exogenous shock" from tariffs impacting top retail advertisers. The company's fourth-quarter sales rose 14% year-over-year, but net income significantly dropped by 85% compared to the prior year. Tariffs, part of President Trump's ongoing trade war, have led retailers to cut ad spending, directly affecting Pinterest's core business. The company expects these headwinds to continue and plans to diversify its revenue mix by targeting small-to-medium-sized and international advertisers to mitigate future risks.

25/100

Instacart shares climbed 14% during extended trading after reporting robust fourth-quarter revenue and issuing optimistic guidance for the first quarter. The grocery delivery company exceeded analyst estimates for revenue and gross transaction value, which saw its strongest growth in three years. CEO Chris Rogers highlighted the company's technology and customer-oriented approach as key drivers, along with gains in its enterprise platform. Despite a $60 million refund settlement with the FTC, Instacart is seeing contributions from future growth drivers like AI and international markets, positioning itself for continued expansion.

80/100

Parents have accused Bright Horizons nursery in north-west London of dismissing their concerns about Vincent Chan, who was later sentenced to 18 years for 56 sexual offences against children at the facility. The couple, Rachel and John, reported their son coming home with bruises and expressing fear of Chan, but felt their warnings were ignored by management. They later had to review distressing images to determine if their daughter was a victim. The nursery has since closed, and an independent review is underway, raising serious questions about safeguarding protocols and institutional accountability.

5/100

This article analyzes President Trump's recurring pattern of launching ambitious initiatives, encountering resistance, and then claiming success while effectively abandoning them. It highlights examples such as the Minnesota ICE surge, which concluded despite failing to achieve stated goals and drawing public condemnation. Other instances include the Kennedy Center takeover and foreign policy efforts that were dropped when difficulties arose. The piece characterizes this approach as a "You can't fire me—I quit!" presidency, driven by a reluctance to acknowledge setbacks or sustained commitment, leading to inconsistent governance.

45/100

Border czar Tom Homan announced the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, with a significant drawdown of federal immigration officers planned for the coming week. Homan stated the decision was based on numerous public safety threat arrests and a sharp decrease in the need for quick response force teams due leading to a safer environment. Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the long road to recovery for the community and businesses impacted by the operation. Homan expressed a desire to avoid further bloodshed and continue broader deportation efforts elsewhere.

55/100

AWS CEO Matt Garman has stated his belief that fears regarding artificial intelligence significantly slowing the growth of major software companies are "overblown." While acknowledging AI as a disruptive force, Garman argues that established SaaS providers are well-positioned to leverage AI, provided they innovate and adapt. He anticipates increased demand for compute technology and infrastructure, benefiting cloud providers like AWS as companies build new AI capabilities. This perspective comes as technology stocks have seen declines, with some analysts labeling it an "SaaS apocalypse," though software executives maintain core business metrics are stable.

65/100

President Trump has celebrated a significant rollback of federal climate change policy, framing it as a political victory against a "radical" environmental agenda. He announced the revocation of the 2009 Obama-era "endangerment finding," which served as the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Trump emphasized the economic benefits of boosting fossil fuels and ending an "electric vehicle mandate," despite no such mandate existing. Environmental groups and former President Obama have condemned the move, warning of severe consequences for public health and climate change efforts, highlighting a stark policy divide.

20/100

Traditionally considered safe-haven currencies, the U.S. dollar, Swiss franc, and Japanese yen have experienced significant volatility, prompting a market re-evaluation. The dollar declined sharply in 2025 and 2026, impacted by Trump's trade policies and debt concerns, leading some analysts to call its safe-haven status a "myth." The yen also seesawed due to fiscal policy and intervention rumors. While the franc strengthened, its appreciation poses challenges for Switzerland's export-driven economy and low inflation. This article examines how political turbulence and economic factors are undermining their perceived stability as reliable stores of value.

40/100

Rivian Automotive's stock surged after exceeding fourth-quarter expectations and projecting a significant increase in vehicle deliveries for 2026, driven by the launch of its R2 SUV. The company aims for 62,000-67,000 deliveries, a substantial jump from 2025. While anticipating continued pre-tax losses, Rivian achieved its first annual gross profit, largely due to a software and services joint venture. CEO RJ Scaringe described 2025 as a "foundational year" and 2026 as an "inflection point," focusing on cutting R2 production costs and expanding demand for its next-generation electric vehicles.

75/100

Gail Slater, head of the US Justice Department’s antitrust division, has been forced out following a turbulent tenure and escalating tensions with senior cabinet officials. Her departure stems from irreconcilable differences with Attorney General Pam Bondi and waning support from Vice President JD Vance. Slater reportedly opposed a $14 billion merger, citing duopoly concerns, which clashed with the administration's business-friendly stance and led to a dispute involving national security claims. Her ousting highlights internal conflicts over policy direction and management within the department, underscoring significant political friction.

35/100