The Toronto Blue Jays are considering their options regarding pitcher Kevin Gausman, who will be a free agent after the current season. Gausman has been a successful pitcher for the team, and the Blue Jays need to decide if they want to offer him a new contract. His performance has been strong, and he may receive offers for a multi-year deal.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays are evaluating whether to extend Kevin Gausman's contract.
Gausman will become a free agent after this season.
He signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Blue Jays starting in 2021.
Gausman has consistently performed well, with a 3.34 ERA and 1,020 strikeouts over his current contract.
Gausman is 35 years old but still considered an effective starting pitcher.
ESPN's Buster Olney suggests a potential contract extension for Gausman.
A new contract could be a three-year deal worth $50-55 million.
A major winter storm affected several states, including Louisiana. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem coordinated a federal response to help affected states. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided resources like food, water, and generators to support the recovery efforts.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump approved 12 federal emergency disaster declarations for several states.
The states affected include Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
FEMA deployed over 1,200 staff and provided supplies to affected areas.
Supplies sent by FEMA included 300 generators, 7 million meals, 3 million liters of water, and 650,000 blankets.
Interstate 20 in Louisiana faced impassable conditions due to freezing rain.
Emergency funds were secured to deploy sand for road treatment in Louisiana.
Residents are advised to visit warming centers if needed due to ongoing cold temperatures.
Jonah Tong, a pitcher for the New York Mets, has chosen not to play for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Instead, he will focus on earning a spot in the Mets' starting rotation during spring training. Tong sees this as a good opportunity for his career with the Mets.
Key Facts
Jonah Tong is a pitcher for the New York Mets.
He decided not to play for Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
Tong wants to focus on Mets' spring training to earn a spot in their starting rotation.
Last season, Tong made five starts for the Mets.
He recorded a 7.71 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings pitched.
Tong gave up 24 hits and walked nine batters in those games.
He is competing with two other players, Kodai Senga and David Peterson, for a spot in the Mets' rotation.
There will be opportunities in the future, such as the 2028 Olympics and future World Baseball Classics, where Tong can represent Canada.
President Trump implemented sanctions against Russian companies, including Lukoil, to apply financial pressure due to Russia's involvement in Ukraine. As a result, Lukoil agreed to sell its foreign assets, which are valued at approximately $22 billion, to a U.S. investment firm. This move significantly impacts Russia's economy, particularly its energy sector.
Key Facts
President Trump imposed sanctions on Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft in October 2025.
The sanctions block any Lukoil property and interests in the U.S., making them frozen and unusable.
Lukoil plans to sell its foreign assets, valued around $22 billion, to a U.S. firm.
Lukoil owns about 200 gas stations in the U.S., mainly in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Sanctions are part of efforts to reduce Russia's ability to finance its activities related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia’s tax revenue from oil and gas is heavily impacted, expected to drop by 46% compared to the previous year.
Revenue from oil and gas is a significant part of Russia's federal budget, accounting for roughly one-third of total receipts.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced she is running for governor of Minnesota after Governor Tim Walz decided not to seek another term. Klobuchar aims to address challenges in the state while opposing President Trump.
Key Facts
Amy Klobuchar is currently a U.S. Senator.
She announced her candidacy for Minnesota governor.
Governor Tim Walz decided not to run for a third term.
Walz faced criticism for issues with taxpayer money in child care programs.
Klobuchar mentioned Minnesota facing issues like Trump’s immigration policies and recent violence.
Klobuchar aims to find common solutions for the state.
Wael Tarabishi, who was disabled, died after spending weeks in intensive care. His father, who took care of him, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and was not allowed to be released or attend his son's funeral.
Key Facts
Wael Tarabishi was in intensive care for several weeks before he passed away.
His father was his main caregiver.
The father was detained by ICE, which is responsible for immigration enforcement in the U.S.
ICE did not grant the father's release despite multiple requests.
The father was also not allowed to attend Wael's funeral.
The United States and Iran are experiencing heightened tensions, with US warships moving into the Arabian Sea as President Trump calls for Iran to renegotiate its nuclear program. Iran's leaders have responded with threats of military action if attacked. The tension follows past conflicts, including a US bombing of Iranian facilities, and recent nuclear developments in Iran.
Key Facts
The US moved warships to the Arabian Sea, increasing military presence near Iran.
President Trump urged Iran to return to talks about its nuclear program.
Iran's Foreign Minister warned that Iran is prepared to respond military if attacked by the US.
Tensions have risen after previous US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites during a conflict with Israel.
Iran retaliated against US forces in the past by striking Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base.
The US withdrew from a nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, which are still largely in place.
Iran has been enriching uranium to levels considered close to what is needed for weapons, causing international concern.
A police officer named Jason Lentz from Elgin, Illinois, may be fired after a civilian review board recommended his dismissal. The board claims Lentz shared locations where illegal immigrants might be found, which violated police department policies. Officer Lentz is currently on paid administrative leave while this matter is under review.
Key Facts
The Elgin Civilian Review Board recommended firing Officer Jason Lentz.
Lentz allegedly posted locations of illegal immigrants on social media.
The posts were considered a violation of police conduct and social media policies.
Lentz is an officer with 28 years of experience in the Elgin Police Department.
He is on paid administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Previous incidents with Lentz involved a social media post about a controversial police shooting, leading to a prior six-month suspension.
The Department of Homeland Security has been conducting immigration operations in major cities, including Illinois.
Nicki Minaj stated she is President Trump's "number one fan" and showed her Trump "gold card" visa, which helps wealthy immigrants like her earn U.S. residency and citizenship. Minaj, who previously criticized Trump's immigration policies, appeared on stage with him at an event in Washington D.C. amid protests related to immigration enforcement actions.
Key Facts
Nicki Minaj called herself President Trump's "number one fan" at a Washington D.C. event.
She showed her Trump "gold card," a visa program for wealthy immigrants to fast-track U.S. residency and citizenship.
The gold card costs $1 million and requires a $15,000 processing fee.
Minaj, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, came to the U.S. as a child.
She previously criticized U.S. immigration policies, especially family separation.
Trump joked with Minaj on stage and commented on her nails.
There are protests over actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Harry Styles' planned tour has led to backlash from fans due to high ticket prices. Many fans have expressed anger and disappointment on social media, comparing the current prices to much cheaper past events.
Key Facts
Harry Styles announced a new tour called the "Together, Together tour."
The tour will have 50 dates in seven cities worldwide.
In the U.S., Styles plans to perform at Madison Square Garden in New York City from August through October.
Fans are upset about the high ticket prices, with some listed between $393 and over $3,000.
In 2024, the average concert ticket was $135.92, a significant increase from $25.81 in 1996.
Many fans compare the current ticket prices unfavorably to past concerts by Styles and other artists like Beyoncé.
Newsweek reached out to a disappointed fan and Styles’ publicist for comments.
President Donald Trump announced that he will open commercial airspace over Venezuela. This move is part of efforts to improve relations between the United States and Venezuela, and it may soon allow Americans to visit the country.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to open airspace over Venezuela for commercial flights.
He informed Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez about this decision.
Trump directed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and military leaders to action this by the end of the day.
The administration is considering reopening the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela.
This follows a U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power.
Trump claims Americans will soon be able to travel safely to Venezuela.
The deputy leader of Thanet District Council is urging the Culture Secretary to save Britain's oldest rollercoaster, the Scenic Railway, from closure. Dreamland Margate, the amusement park where the rollercoaster is located, has announced the ride is no longer viable and is considering new purposes for it. The rollercoaster, which opened in 1920, is a listed historical structure and has been out of action since 2024 due to structural issues.
Key Facts
Britain's oldest rollercoaster, the Scenic Railway, is located at Dreamland Margate and first opened in 1920.
The rollercoaster is a Grade II* listed structure, meaning it is protected due to its historical significance.
The rollercoaster developed a structural fault in 2024 and has been out of operation since then.
Helen Whitehead, deputy leader of Thanet District Council, is asking the Culture Secretary to get involved and help save the rollercoaster.
Dreamland Margate announced that the ride is no longer viable and is seeking ideas from the public for its future use.
The ride was severely damaged by an arson attack in 2008 and was restored in 2015 as part of a larger investment in the park.
Any changes to the rollercoaster would need planning permission and listed building consent.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been contacted for a response on the situation.
China's football association has banned 73 people for life, including former national coach Li Tie, due to match-fixing and corruption. Additionally, 13 top football clubs are being punished with fines and points deductions in ongoing efforts to clean up the sport. This is part of a broader anticorruption campaign under President Xi Jinping’s leadership.
Key Facts
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) imposed lifetime bans on 73 individuals.
Former national team coach Li Tie is among those banned and is already serving a prison sentence for bribery.
13 prominent football clubs face penalties, such as point docks and fines, for actions related to match-fixing and corruption.
11 of the 16 clubs from the 2025 Chinese Super League (CSL) season will start the 2026 season with negative points due to these penalties.
Top clubs like Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Shanghai Shenhua face the heaviest penalties, including a 10-point reduction.
The CFA mentioned punishments are to maintain fairness and discipline in the sport.
The campaign against corruption in Chinese football is part of a larger effort led by President Xi Jinping.
China did not qualify for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, responded to doubts about an upcoming winter storm forecast from a former GOP district secretary. This storm, expected to hit the Carolinas, follows Winter Storm Fern, which caused significant damage and fatalities last weekend. The NWS shared on social media the expected impacts, including heavy snow and strong winds.
Key Facts
The NWS office in Greenville-Spartanburg responded publicly to skepticism about a forecast for an upcoming winter storm.
The new storm is expected to bring heavy snow and gusty winds to the Carolinas.
Winter Storm Fern, last weekend, resulted in at least 45 deaths and left many without power.
The NWS post on social media showed confidence in the forecast, expecting significant snow accumulation.
Some people questioned the accuracy of forecasts after preparing for Winter Storm Fern.
Winter storm watches are in effect across parts of North and South Carolina, which may escalate to warnings.
Expected snow in the region could range from 2 to 7 inches, potentially making roads impassable.
The heavy snow and wind might cause power outages and difficult travel conditions over the weekend.
New claims suggest that the water-borne bacteria stenotrophomonas maltophilia, linked to an investigation in Scotland, might support Lucy Letby's appeal. Her legal team argues this bacteria was found in a baby she was convicted of murdering, possibly implicating issues with hospital hygiene rather than direct action by Letby. The hospital in question had a history of plumbing problems that could have contributed to the spread of infections.
Key Facts
Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder another seven as a neonatal nurse in England.
Letby’s defense claims a bacterium found in a baby she was convicted of killing is linked to other fatalities in Glasgow, Scotland.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a bacteria, was found at both the Chester and Glasgow hospitals.
Investigations into the Glasgow hospital link poor water systems to recent deaths there.
Letby’s legal team suggests similar water and plumbing issues existed at the Countess of Chester Hospital where she worked.
Evidence from Letby's trial showed the Chester hospital had several plumbing issues, including blocked drains and sewage leaks.
Detectives are investigating whether these conditions contributed to the infections and deaths for which Letby was convicted.
The Dallas Cowboys have not made it to the NFC Championship Game in 30 years, yet they remain the most valuable NFL team at $13 billion. In the 2025 season, they led the league in attendance with an average of 92,991 fans per home game.
Key Facts
The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record.
They have not reached the NFC Championship Game for 30 years.
The Cowboys' last Super Bowl win was after the 1995 season.
The franchise is valued at $13 billion, making it the most valuable in the NFL.
For the 17th straight year, the Cowboys led the NFL in total attendance.
In 2025, their home games had an average attendance of 92,991, leading the league.
AT&T Stadium, their home stadium, is the largest in the NFL with a capacity of over 100,000.
The Cowboys played seven primetime games in 2025, reflecting their popularity.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen commercial airspace over Venezuela, allowing Americans to visit the country. He directed U.S. officials to make this change by the end of the day.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump plans to open Venezuela's airspace for American visitors.
Trump spoke with Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez about this decision.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary and military officials were directed to implement the change.
President Trump announced this plan would be done by the end of the day.
Trump assured that Americans would be safe when visiting Venezuela.
The article discusses Chelsea's upcoming match against Women's Super League leaders Manchester City and highlights Lucy Bronze's role and achievements. Bronze talks about her experiences and confidence gained over the years playing for top clubs, and her continued influence on and off the field.
Key Facts
Chelsea needs to win their match against Manchester City to stay in the title race.
Chelsea is nine points behind Manchester City in the league.
Lucy Bronze plays for Chelsea and is also an England international.
Bronze has won two European Championships with England and domestic treble with Chelsea.
She previously played for Manchester City and Barcelona.
At 34, Bronze continues to be a key player for club and country.
Bronze also serves on the players' union FifPro and the board of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).
She has raised awareness about her autism and ADHD diagnosis and is a spokesperson for England on various issues.
Taylor Swift is not scheduled to perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards. A rumor started from an industry newsletter falsely suggested she might attend or perform. The Grammy executive producer denied these rumors, highlighting that Swift's latest album wasn't eligible for this year's awards.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift is not appearing at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
An industry newsletter mistakenly included her name, sparking rumors.
Grammy executive producer Ben Winston confirmed the rumors were false.
Swift is not nominated for any awards this year.
Her latest album, "Life of a Showgirl," was released too late for 2026 Grammy eligibility.
Swift performed last at the Grammy Awards in 2021.
There is public speculation about Swift's absence and her focus on privacy.
Swift's album will be eligible for the 2027 Grammys.
Flights between Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, and the Tigray region have been cancelled due to concerns about potential conflict. Reports indicate clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigray fighters, complicating a fragile peace agreement from 2022. The situation involves disputes over territories and political tensions as Ethiopia approaches upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Passenger flights from Addis Ababa to Tigray have been cancelled amid fears of renewed conflict.
Ethiopian Airlines cited "unplanned circumstances" but did not provide further details.
Tensions have been rising over disputed territory and pending elections in June.
Clashes are reported between federal forces and Tigray fighters in the Mai Degusha area.
A peace deal from 2022 is under strain due to disagreements and political issues.
Approximately one million people displaced during the previous conflict remain in difficult conditions.
There is new military activity in southern Tigray, causing further concern of conflict.
The TPLF has faced issues with legal status and election participation, increasing tensions.
