A sports columnist predicts that baseball player Eugenio Suarez might sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason. Suarez is considered a strong hitter, but his defensive skills are less impressive. The Pirates had a poor offensive season but were strong in defense at third base, making Suarez a potentially impactful addition to their lineup.
Key Facts
Eugenio Suarez is an All-Star third baseman and free agent.
Suarez hit 49 home runs in the 2025 season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been active in free agent signings this offseason.
The Pirates finished 2025 with the second-worst offensive ranking in terms of wRC+.
Suarez's defensive stats are low, with a minus-3 fielding run value and minus-6 outs above average.
The Pirates had the best defense at third base last season, with 22 outs above average and 19 fielding run value.
Suarez made his second All-Star appearance last season.
Four people were found guilty of killing a woman named Joanne Penney during a drug gang conflict in south Wales. Penney was accidentally shot and killed when one of the gang members, Marcus Huntley, fired a gun at a property in Talbot Green. The defendants will be sentenced later.
Key Facts
Joanne Penney was shot dead in Talbot Green, south Wales.
Marcus Huntley admitted to firing the gun that killed her.
Four people, including Huntley, were found guilty of murder.
A drug turf war between gangs from Cardiff and Leicester led to the shooting.
The shooting happened when Penney answered the door of a flat where she was visiting.
Huntley tried to hide the gun and bullets in a park after the shooting.
A fifth person, Tony Porter, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of being part of a crime gang.
Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set tennis match, advancing to the Australian Open final. Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in the final match, aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title.
Key Facts
Novak Djokovic played against Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open.
Djokovic won the match after five sets.
Jannik Sinner was the defending champion.
Djokovic's victory sets him up for the final match against Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic is competing for his 25th Grand Slam title.
The event took place at the Australian Open, a major tennis tournament.
"The Wrecking Crew" is a new action movie on Prime Video featuring actors Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa. The film is about two brothers who reunite after their father's death and uncover a larger conspiracy linked to a secretive item. The movie has many action scenes and uses Hawaii as a backdrop.
Key Facts
"The Wrecking Crew" is a straight-to-streaming action movie on Prime Video.
It stars Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa as brothers.
The film involves a conspiracy they discover after their father's death.
The main plot revolves around a secret flash drive with important information.
The movie includes scenes with gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and a freeway chase.
The movie is set in Hawaii and involves a real estate tycoon and the yakuza.
The direction and cinematography aim for detailed action sequences without quick cuts.
In June 2025, the US attacked Iranian nuclear sites, and President Donald Trump later urged peace. Now, Trump is threatening a bigger attack, using military pressure to push Iran into ending its nuclear program and reducing its military activities. This approach, referred to as the "madman theory," aims to make US rivals uncertain about Trump's limits, hoping to extract concessions without prolonged conflict.
Key Facts
In 2025, the US hit Iranian nuclear sites but President Trump called for peace afterward.
Trump is moving US military forces, including an aircraft carrier, closer to Iran.
He aims to negotiate with Iran to end its nuclear program and reduce military support in the Middle East.
This strategy, called the "madman theory," makes opponents wonder how far Trump might go.
Trump's actions in his first term, like the assassination of Iranian General Soleimani, follow this theory.
Trump also abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to strengthen his foreign policy approach.
The US is pressuring Iraq over its leadership choices, using economic threats rather than military force.
Luigi Mangione will not receive the death penalty if found guilty of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A federal judge dropped two charges, including one that could have led to a death sentence.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
A federal judge decided Mangione won't face the death penalty if convicted.
Two federal charges against Mangione were dismissed, one of which involved murder with a firearm.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including stalking and state murder charges.
Jury selection for the federal trial is set to begin on September 8, with the trial starting on October 13.
State prosecutors aim to start Mangione's trial as soon as July 1.
Evidence from Mangione’s backpack, found during his arrest, can be used in court.
Items found included a ghost gun, fake IDs, and a notebook with personal grievances about the healthcare system.
The article discusses a promotional offer from Chalkboard, a fantasy sports platform, where users can sign up using the promo code NEWSWEEK to receive $20 in free picks and up to $100 in bonuses. It highlights the night's NBA games, specifically the Pistons vs. Warriors game, and suggests player statistics for users to consider when making their picks.
Key Facts
Signing up with Chalkboard using the promo code NEWSWEEK provides a $20 free pick and up to $100 bonus from a deposit match.
The promotion is intended for daily fantasy sports fans.
The NBA game between the Pistons and Warriors is featured as a major event for the night.
Users can choose their bonuses based on a 100% deposit match offer.
Notable players like Cade Cunningham and Stephen Curry are highlighted for the Pistons vs. Warriors game.
The article suggests specific betting picks involving NBA players, such as Paolo Banchero and Jamal Murray.
Participants must make picks for two or more players, from at least two different teams.
Newsweek earns an affiliate commission if readers sign up through links provided in the article.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a key pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, may not be ready for the start of the 2026 baseball season. He pitched many innings in 2025 and will participate in the World Baseball Classic before the season begins, which may affect his readiness for Opening Day.
Key Facts
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His availability for the 2026 season's Opening Day is uncertain.
He pitched the most innings for the Dodgers in 2025, including in the World Series.
Yamamoto will pitch for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
This extra pitching may mean he starts the regular season later than normal.
The Dodgers may give Yamamoto extra rest to ensure he is fit for the playoffs.
He is expected to be the team's Opening Day starter if he is ready.
The United Nations (UN) is facing a serious financial crisis because many member countries are not paying their required fees. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the situation could lead to "imminent financial collapse" unless member states pay what they owe or change the UN's financial rules. This issue has become more serious as the United States, the UN's largest financial contributor, has reduced its funding and withdrawn from several UN agencies.
Key Facts
The UN is at risk of running out of money by July due to unpaid fees from its member countries.
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, has stressed the urgent need for member countries to pay their dues.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has refused to contribute to the UN's regular and peacekeeping budgets.
The UN faces a unique financial crisis that Guterres says is unlike past situations.
In 2025, member states had not paid 77% of what was owed to the UN.
The UN must return any unspent money to member states, complicating its financial situation further.
The US had contributed $2 billion to UN humanitarian efforts, a decrease from previous funding levels.
President Trump has criticized the UN for not supporting US-led peace efforts and has made moves to reduce US involvement in international organizations.
An analysis by Impact Social shows that President Donald Trump is facing increased negative sentiment from swing voters during his second term. This report suggests that dissatisfaction may affect the Republicans' prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. The report highlights growing discontent with Trump's handling of immigration enforcement and other issues.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump faces increasing negative perceptions from swing voters, according to an Impact Social report.
The report looks at social media discussions and finds 59% of sentiment towards Trump is negative.
The report covers opinions from swing voters, including disillusioned supporters and centrists.
Recent negative events include reactions to federal immigration agents' actions in Minneapolis.
Allegations of corruption and authoritarianism against Trump have intensified.
Concerns among voters include foreign policy and handling of the Epstein files.
Trump’s approval among swing voters could impact Republican performance in the midterm elections.
Journalist Don Lemon has been charged with federal civil rights crimes after an anti-immigration protest disrupted a church service in Minnesota. Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles while covering an event and is expected to appear in court soon. He faces charges related to his involvement in the protest at a church where an ICE official is a pastor.
Key Facts
Don Lemon is charged with federal civil rights crimes due to a protest at a church.
The protest took place in St. Paul, Minnesota at a church linked to an ICE official.
Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the charges.
Lemon is charged with conspiracy and interfering with First Amendment rights.
He said he has no ties to the group that protested and was there as an independent journalist.
Lemon was previously fired from CNN in 2023.
Other individuals, including another journalist, were also arrested related to this protest.
Newsweek is hosting a webinar to discuss the issue of managing chronic diseases, which affect a large number of people in the U.S. The webinar will take place on February 3, 2026, and will feature experts who will talk about using technology to improve chronic disease management. This is part of a series of discussions on important health care topics.
Key Facts
About 76% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease, based on CDC data.
Almost half of U.S. adults have multiple chronic conditions.
Treating chronic and mental health conditions accounts for 90% of annual U.S. health care spending.
Newsweek's webinar will occur on February 3, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
Participants include Dr. Kevin Pantalone, Dr. Lakshmi Halasyamani, Dr. Richard Milani, and Dr. Ricky Bloomfield.
The discussion will focus on how technology, like AI and wearable devices, can improve patient care.
The webinar is free to register and will include a live chat for attendees to interact.
The military government in Burkina Faso has dissolved all political parties and taken their assets. This move is part of the government's efforts to control political activity and address issues it claims are caused by the proliferation of political parties.
Key Facts
Burkina Faso's military government has dissolved all political parties.
Captain Ibrahim Traore leads the military government that issued the decree.
The government claims political parties were not following established guidelines.
Burkina Faso has experienced coups and unrest, with Traore taking power in 2022.
The country faces violence from groups linked to ISIL and al-Qaeda.
The military government's actions limit political and civic freedom.
Burkina Faso had over 100 political parties before the military takeover.
Gold prices recently hit record highs, passing $5,000 per ounce, due to global political uncertainties and economic policies under President Trump. Investors have been buying gold as a safe investment, but recent news about a potential Federal Reserve chairman has slightly lowered the prices. Central banks and countries like China have also influenced gold demand by purchasing large amounts.
Key Facts
Gold prices reached over $5,000 per ounce for the first time, peaking at $5,500.
Silver prices also rose, from $35 to around $98 per ounce in a year.
President Trump's trade policies and threats of tariffs have increased demand for gold as a safer investment.
Political uncertainties, including wars in Ukraine and Gaza, are contributing to the rise in gold prices.
Central banks and countries like China are purchasing large amounts of gold, which has affected prices.
Reports of President Trump potentially nominating Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chairman have eased gold price rises.
Companies like Tether have also acquired significant amounts of gold, boosting market demand.
The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran pitcher Martín Pérez to a minor league deal. Pérez, who has played for several MLB teams, is expected to attend big league camp with the Braves in the spring. His performance and health will determine his role with the team.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Braves signed Martín Pérez to a minor league deal.
Pérez has played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).
He has previously pitched for teams including the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres.
Last season, Pérez experienced elbow inflammation and a flexor strain but recovered and returned in August.
He pitched 11 games for the Chicago White Sox in the last MLB season with a 3.54 ERA.
During the 2024 season, he made 26 starts with a 4.53 ERA over 135 innings.
Pérez is expected to participate in the Braves' big league camp in the spring.
The Braves see Pérez as a potential addition to their pitching rotation or as a future trade option.
Joe Brady has been promoted to head coach of the Buffalo Bills, replacing Sean McDermott. Brady previously worked as an offensive coordinator for the Bills and had a successful coaching stint at LSU, where he helped the team win a national championship.
Key Facts
Joe Brady is now the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
He replaced Sean McDermott, who was head coach for nine seasons.
Brady's first head coaching job in the NFL comes at the age of 36.
Brady was previously the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills.
He worked with Ed Orgeron at LSU, where the team won a national championship in 2019.
Brady helped develop star players like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson at LSU.
Prior to joining the Bills, he was the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.
Brady has a five-year contract with the Buffalo Bills as head coach.
The Seattle Mariners have signed 27-year-old third baseman Will Wilson from the Cleveland Guardians to a minor-league deal. Wilson has played in the major leagues before, but this move aims to add more depth to the Mariners' roster for spring training.
Key Facts
The Mariners signed third baseman Will Wilson to a minor-league deal.
Will Wilson is 27 years old.
Wilson played 34 games with the Cleveland Guardians last year.
He batted .192 and did not hit any home runs during his time with the Guardians.
Wilson became a free agent after being taken off the Guardians' 40-man roster.
He was a first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Angels in 2019.
Wilson was traded to the San Francisco Giants before being picked by the Guardians in a minor-league draft last year.
Novak Djokovic won a five-set match against Jannik Sinner to reach the Australian Open final. This victory makes him the oldest man to reach the final in the event's professional era. Djokovic will now face Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Key Facts
Novak Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set match at the Australian Open.
The match ended with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Djokovic, close to his 39th birthday, is now the oldest man to reach the Australian Open final in the professional era.
Djokovic will play against Carlos Alcaraz, the current world number one, in the final.
Djokovic is competing for his 11th Australian Open title and his 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic managed to beat Sinner, who had won their last five encounters.
The match ended past midnight, demonstrating high intensity and skill from both players.
Crystal Palace's striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will not play against Nottingham Forest due to being "not in the right place," says coach Oliver Glasner. Mateta has been linked with a possible transfer to AC Milan while Crystal Palace seeks a replacement for recently transferred captain Marc Guehi.
Key Facts
Jean-Philippe Mateta is a striker for Crystal Palace, and he will not play against Nottingham Forest.
Mateta is linked with a potential transfer to AC Milan; AC Milan showed renewed interest in him.
Crystal Palace rejected a $35 million bid for Mateta from Nottingham Forest.
Palace wants $40 million for Mateta's transfer.
Mateta has scored eight goals for Crystal Palace this season.
Crystal Palace is 15th in the Premier League standings.
The club recently sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City but has not found a replacement yet.
Coach Oliver Glasner mentioned that the club is working to fill squad gaps before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Manchester United's interim head coach, Michael Carrick, has not ruled out the possibility of new player signings ahead of the transfer deadline. Carrick remains open to changes and has highlighted the ongoing situation with players, such as Joshua Zirkzee's recovery from injury and potential interest in new midfielders. Manchester United recently moved into the Premier League top four after recent key victories.
Key Facts
Michael Carrick is Manchester United's interim head coach.
Carrick did not rule out new signings before the transfer deadline.
Manchester United had interest in Antoine Semenyo, who joined Manchester City instead.
The club is considering players to cover for injured Patrick Dorgu.
Joshua Zirkzee has recovered from an injury and will be available for the next game.
Bruno Fernandes' future at Manchester United will be addressed at the end of the season.
Manchester United successfully moved into the Premier League's top four.
Manchester United will play against Fulham and previously drew 1-1 in their last meeting.
