The Miami Dolphins have hired Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. They might release or trade wide receiver Tyreek Hill to save money. Hill's future with the team is uncertain as he recovers from knee surgery, and he's on a costly contract.
Key Facts
The Miami Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley as the new head coach.
Tyreek Hill is under a three-year, $90 million contract.
Cutting ties with Hill could save the Dolphins $22.9 million.
Hill recently had knee surgery and will be 32 years old.
Hill's performance declined in 2025 due to injury, playing only four games.
Hill has over 11,000 yards and more than 80 touchdowns in his NFL career.
President Donald Trump announced that he will reveal his choice for the new Federal Reserve chair next week. He has been critical of the current chair, Jerome Powell, for not lowering interest rates as much as he desires. Powell's current term as chair ends in May, but he could remain on the board until 2028.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to announce his selection for the new Federal Reserve chair next week.
Jerome Powell is the current chair of the Federal Reserve.
President Trump has criticized Powell for not reducing interest rates enough.
Jerome Powell wants the Federal Reserve to remain independent and base decisions on economic data, like inflation and jobs.
Powell's term as chair ends in May, but he can stay on the board of governors until 2028.
President Trump wants the Federal Reserve to lower rates when the economy shows growth signs.
Tiffany Stratton, a WWE wrestler, is set to make a surprise return at the Women's "Royal Rumble" match in Saudi Arabia after a three-month absence due to an injury. Her break started after losing the WWE Women's Championship in November 2025. Stratton has been keeping her fans engaged through social media during her recovery.
Key Facts
Tiffany Stratton will return to WWE television during the Women's "Royal Rumble" match in Saudi Arabia.
She had been absent for three months due to an undisclosed injury.
Her absence began after losing the WWE Women's Championship on November 1, 2025.
Stratton was recovering from a medical issue, not just taking a break for storyline reasons.
She was spotted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, further confirming her return.
During her time away, Stratton has been active on social media to keep fans engaged.
Her potential participation in the "Royal Rumble" could make her a favored contestant.
The article discusses the Australian Open where Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are favorites to meet in the men's final. Alcaraz plays against Alexander Zverev, while Sinner faces Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. This is the first time since 2013 that the top four men's seeds are in the semi-finals.
Key Facts
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have won the last eight Grand Slam titles between them.
Alcaraz won both the French Open and US Open, and Sinner won Wimbledon.
Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic are the only players left who could stop Alcaraz and Sinner from meeting in the final.
The semi-final matchups are Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner vs. Novak Djokovic.
Jannik Sinner is a two-time defending champion at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic is dealing with foot blisters and has not played much recently due to a walkover and a match cut short by injury.
Carlos Alcaraz, now 22, is set to complete a career Grand Slam if he wins in Melbourne.
Sabato’s Crystal Ball has changed its forecast for the Georgia Senate race, now favoring Democrat Jon Ossoff. This race is seen as a key opportunity for Republicans to gain a Senate seat in a state where President Trump won by a small margin in 2024. Georgia's political landscape is competitive, with Democrats having recently won Senate seats, but Republicans control other major state offices.
Key Facts
Sabato’s Crystal Ball reclassified the Georgia Senate race from a "toss-up" to "Leans Democrat."
Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection in Georgia.
Republican contenders include Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, and Derek Dooley.
Georgia was narrowly won by President Trump in the 2024 election.
The state requires a majority to avoid a December runoff, with the general election set for November 3, 2026.
Georgia has historically leaned conservative but has become a battleground in recent elections.
If Democrats win, it could affect their chances for a Senate majority.
Republicans view Georgia as a key opportunity to flip a Senate seat.
A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina due to an expected major snowstorm. Coastal areas from Georgia to central Virginia remain under a winter storm watch. Cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings are also in place as far south as Tampa, with concerns about hypothermia from cold wind chills.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Up to 10 inches of snow is expected in some areas, and winter storm watches cover regions from Georgia to central Virginia.
Warnings and watches are in effect from late Thursday and will continue through at least Saturday.
The storm could make roads impassable and cause power outages due to heavy snow on trees and power lines.
Cold advisories and extreme cold warnings are issued as far south as Tampa, Florida.
Knoxville can expect the coldest weather from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning.
Winter storm warnings are given when heavy snow of at least 6 inches in 12 hours is expected.
The difference between a warning and watch is that a warning means the weather event is imminent or occurring, while a watch signals potential occurrence.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are not planning to include pitcher River Ryan in their Opening Day rotation despite his strong 1.33 ERA performance due to a backlog of other experienced pitchers. Ryan had limited playtime because of an injury, but he is preparing for a possible return in 2026.
Key Facts
River Ryan is a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 1.33 ERA in major league games.
Ryan is not expected to be part of the Dodgers' Opening Day rotation.
Ryan sustained a significant injury in 2024 and has been recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Dodgers' current rotation includes stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow.
Ryan is considered one of the top pitching prospects but faces competition from other established pitchers on the team.
He hopes to make an impact in 2026 after additions to his pitching skills during recovery.
President Donald Trump commented on a recent Cabinet meeting, saying it was boring but denying he fell asleep. He explained that he closed his eyes during the meeting because he found it dull.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump spoke about his last Cabinet meeting.
He described the meeting as boring.
Trump denied falling asleep during the meeting.
He explained that he closed his eyes because he found the meeting dull.
Dean Phillips, a former representative from Minnesota, has urged Governor Tim Walz to work with federal immigration officials, ICE, especially after two Minneapolis citizens died in an ICE operation. There's a lawsuit in Minnesota to prevent the destruction of evidence related to one of the shootings. The incident has led to increased scrutiny and tensions around ICE's activities in the area.
Key Facts
Dean Phillips is a former representative from Minnesota's third Congressional district.
Phillips called on Governor Tim Walz to support federal cooperation with ICE to deport undocumented criminals.
Two people, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, died during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.
Minnesota officials filed a lawsuit and temporary restraining order to preserve evidence of the shooting incident involving Pretti.
Pretti had a permit for a firearm, and there is a discrepancy between official reports and bystander videos regarding his actions during the shooting.
Phillips has criticized DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and called for better leadership in immigration enforcement.
Governor Walz compared ICE operations to historical events involving Anne Frank during the Holocaust, which sparked controversy.
Prosecutors charged a man named Anthony Kazmierczak for throwing a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar on Rep. Ilhan Omar at an event in Minneapolis. The incident adds to existing tensions in the city, where recent federal actions have led to protests. Kazmierczak allegedly supports President Donald Trump and has a criminal record.
Key Facts
Anthony Kazmierczak was charged for splashing liquid on Rep. Ilhan Omar.
The liquid was a mix of water and apple cider vinegar.
Kazmierczak allegedly shouted at Omar during the incident.
He has a criminal record and has posted pro-Trump messages online.
Omar blamed President Trump for contributing to threats against her.
The incident occurs amid recent protests in Minneapolis.
President Trump suggested the attack might have been staged by Omar herself.
Jefferson Valladares, a former baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins, has retired at age 23. He will now work as a coach for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, a team connected to the Washington Nationals.
Key Facts
Jefferson Valladares is a former catcher who played in the minor leagues for the Dodgers and Twins.
Valladares, at 23 years old, is joining the Wilmington Blue Rocks as a coach.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks are part of the Washington Nationals' minor league system.
Valladares started his career with the Dodgers in 2019 as an amateur from Venezuela.
In 2024, he played for the Dodgers' Class-A affiliate in California and had a batting average of .271 in 15 games.
Valladares spent 2025 playing for two minor league teams after the Twins picked him in the Rule 5 draft.
The Blue Rocks' coaching staff is part of the rebuilding process of the Nationals' farm system.
Aryna Sabalenka won against Elina Svitolina with scores of 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the Australian Open final. During the match, the umpire called a hindrance on Sabalenka for grunting during play. Sabalenka will compete against Elena Rybakina in the final.
Key Facts
Aryna Sabalenka is the world number one tennis player.
Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina with scores of 6-2, 6-3.
The match was part of the Australian Open.
Umpire Louise Azemar Engzell called a hindrance on Sabalenka for grunting.
Sabalenka will play against Elena Rybakina in the final match.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen confirmed he underwent surgery after breaking a bone in his right foot late in the season. Allen got hurt during a game against the Cleveland Browns and says he's on crutches now but hopes to recover in 8 to 10 weeks. Despite the injury, Allen expressed determination to play if needed, as the Bills prepare for the next NFL season with a new head coach.
Key Facts
Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, broke a bone in his right foot.
The injury happened during a game against the Cleveland Browns.
Allen had surgery and is now using crutches and a walking boot.
The expected recovery time for Allen is 8 to 10 weeks.
The injury did not stop Allen from playing in the playoffs, where he helped lead the Bills to a 12-5 season.
Despite their strong season, the Bills lost to the Denver Broncos in the playoffs and missed the Super Bowl.
The Bills hired a new head coach, Joe Brady, and are preparing for the next season.
Allen indicated he would play if the team needed him, despite not being at full health.
Starbucks is changing its loyalty program, Starbucks Rewards, starting March 10. The new program will have three tiers and offer more perks and ways to earn rewards for its 35.5 million U.S. members.
Key Facts
Starbucks Rewards will be restructured into three tiers: Green, Gold, and Reserve.
Members earn Stars faster in higher tiers: 1 Star per dollar at Green, 1.2 Stars per dollar at Gold, and 1.7 Stars per dollar at Reserve.
New members automatically start at the Green tier.
Stars for Gold and Reserve members will not expire if their status is maintained.
In Green tier, Stars expire after six months but can extend by one month with monthly activity.
Rewards include 25 Stars for drink customization, 100 Stars for brewed coffee or certain bakery items, and 400 Stars for select merchandise.
Members will have access to Free Mod Mondays, where they get one free customization up to $2.
Members can earn extra Stars by using personal cups or reloading their app with specific amounts.
Ukraine and Russia have recently exchanged the bodies of soldiers who died during their conflict. Ukraine received 1,000 bodies from Russia, while Russia received 38 bodies in return. Talks continue between the two countries, but no significant breakthroughs have been made.
Key Facts
Ukraine received 1,000 bodies of its soldiers from Russia.
Russia received 38 bodies in exchange.
The exchange agreement was reached in Istanbul during talks in 2025.
The agreement includes the return of 12,000 soldiers' bodies and the release of certain prisoners.
No prisoner exchange has occurred since October 2025.
Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the US met recently in the UAE for talks.
Despite negotiations, drone attacks continue between both countries.
A recent Russian drone strike in Kharkiv killed five people.
A review of surgeries performed by Dr. Yaser Jabbar at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London found that nearly 100 children were harmed. The hospital's investigation revealed issues with his surgical practices between 2017 and 2022, including premature removal of devices and inappropriate operations. The hospital is now under further review by NHS England for its handling of the situation.
Key Facts
Dr. Yaser Jabbar worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital from 2017 to 2022.
The review found that 94 out of 789 children treated by Jabbar were harmed.
Most harm came from surgeries he performed, specializing in limb reconstruction.
Common issues included premature removal of bone devices and improper surgeries.
35 children suffered severe harm, with one girl's leg amputated after multiple surgeries.
Concerns were raised by a staff member in 2021, but the hospital did not act immediately.
NHS England is currently reviewing the hospital's response to the concerns raised.
Dr. Jabbar no longer practices medicine in the UK and reportedly lives abroad.
Rugby player Uini Atonio, a prop for the French national team, retired due to a heart condition. He was hospitalized in La Rochelle but is now stable. Atonio's teammate Gael Fickou paid tribute to him, highlighting their friendship and Atonio's contribution to French rugby.
Key Facts
Uini Atonio retired from rugby because of a heart problem at age 35.
Atonio was hospitalized in intensive care but is now stable.
He played as a prop for France and won 68 caps, participating in significant tournaments like the Six Nations.
Gael Fickou described Atonio as the best prop France has ever had and emphasized their personal friendship.
Atonio had to leave the Six Nations squad and a club match due to chest pains.
Heart problems in athletes can become noticeable through sports, as explained by a sports cardiology expert.
Modern communication highlights issues like heart conditions in sports more quickly than before.
Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's Border Czar, announced changes in immigration enforcement in Minnesota. This follows two incidents where immigration agents killed U.S. citizens. Homan criticized past policies and plans to remain in Minnesota until issues are resolved.
Key Facts
Tom Homan is President Trump's Border Czar.
Homan announced a new approach to immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
The changes come after immigration officers killed two U.S. citizens in Minnesota.
Homan blames past policies from President Joe Biden’s administration and local officials for current issues.
He plans to stay in Minnesota until the perceived problems are resolved.
Homan spoke of targeting individuals who are seen as threats to public safety and national security.
Some local officers and community members have been stopped and asked for identification, mostly affecting people of color.
Protests have occurred following the recent enforcement operations and incidents.
A winter storm may bring snow to parts of the southeastern United States, including tropical areas like Tampa, Florida, and even the region near the Bahamas. Meteorologists are paying attention because snowfall in these regions is extremely rare. The storm might grow into what's called a "bomb cyclone," causing severe weather along the Eastern Seaboard.
Key Facts
A winter storm is forecasted to bring snow to southeastern U.S. areas that haven't seen snow in nearly 50 years.
Places like Tampa, Florida, could experience snow flurries this weekend, which is an unusual event.
The National Weather Service is providing forecasts with increasing certainty about this storm.
A "bomb cyclone," which is a rapidly intensifying storm, might occur, leading to significant weather impacts.
The snow is a result of cold Arctic air passing over warm ocean waters, similar to lake-effect snow.
This weekend's cold air could damage crops in Florida, impacting fruits and vegetables.
Winter storm watches are issued along the Eastern Seaboard, which may convert to warnings.
The last time snow was reported in some of these areas was during a cold outbreak in January 1977.
Some Social Security recipients will get their payments on different dates in February due to the calendar. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or who got Social Security before May 1997 will see these changes. Payments will come earlier or on different days because the usual dates fall on weekends.
Key Facts
Social Security payments for some recipients will shift in February.
This change affects people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and those who started getting Social Security before May 1997.
Payments are changing because the 1st of February is a Sunday.
SSI recipients will get their February payment early, on Friday, January 30th.
March payments will also be early, on Friday, February 27th, since March 1 is a Monday.
People who retired before May 1997 will get their checks on February 3.
The regular payment schedule continues for other retirees with payments on February 11, 18, and 25.
