Aaron Rodgers considered joining the Minnesota Vikings by accepting a lower salary than usual. The deal did not happen because the team's general manager decided to stick with a rookie quarterback. This decision contributed to the Vikings missing the playoffs, resulting in the general manager losing his job.
Key Facts
Aaron Rodgers was interested in playing for the Minnesota Vikings.
He was willing to accept a lower salary to join them.
The Vikings did not proceed with the deal.
The team's focus was on developing a rookie quarterback named J.J. McCarthy.
The Vikings missed the playoffs that season.
The general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, was fired, partly because of the decision not to sign Rodgers.
Rodgers ended his season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after losing a playoff game.
There are rumors Rodgers might return for another NFL season.
The Philadelphia Eagles announced that quarterback Jalen Hurts, despite not originally being selected, will join the NFC team for the Pro Bowl after some players dropped out. Hurts had a productive season with 25 passing touchdowns and eight rushing touchdowns. Fans had mixed reactions to Hurts making the Pro Bowl, reflecting ongoing debate about the game's selection process.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Eagles lost in the first round of the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers.
Jalen Hurts completed 64.8% of his passes, threw for 3,224 yards, and had 25 passing touchdowns in the season.
Hurts also rushed for 421 yards and scored eight touchdowns on the ground.
Hurts was not initially chosen for the Pro Bowl but was added as a replacement after player dropouts.
Fans reacted strongly to Hurts' Pro Bowl selection, with opinions both supporting and criticizing the decision.
The Pro Bowl has faced criticism over the years for its selection process and relevance.
The National Weather Service issued cold weather alerts for almost all of Florida as an arctic blast is expected to bring record-breaking cold temperatures. The warnings focus on protecting vulnerable groups, especially seniors, from potential health risks like frostbite and hypothermia. Florida has around 4.8 million seniors, making up about 20% of the state's population.
Key Facts
Florida is under cold weather alerts from the National Weather Service due to an approaching arctic blast.
Record-breaking cold temperatures and possible snow are expected in places like Tampa and near the Bahamas.
Seniors are especially at risk in cold weather due to physical changes like less body fat and reduced blood flow.
Over 1,000 people in the U.S. died from cold and hypothermia in 2023, with the most deaths in January.
Florida has about 4.8 million seniors, approximately 20% of its population.
Extreme cold warnings will start on Saturday and last through Sunday afternoon.
Orlando could experience a wind chill as low as 12 degrees, with Jacksonville reaching as low as 5 degrees.
Mike Bates, known for being a three-time first-round MLB draft pick, recently passed away at the age of 67 after battling leukemia. Although he never played professional baseball due to injuries, he became well-regarded for his contributions to the Arizona community through his billiards and darts business.
Key Facts
Mike Bates was selected in the first round of the MLB draft three times.
He never played professional baseball, despite being highly drafted.
Bates focused on darts and billiards, building a business in these sports.
He owned Bull Shooters Billiards and Sports Bar in West Phoenix.
Bates used his business to support local athletes, raising $250,000 through tournaments.
He passed away at 67 years old, two years after being diagnosed with leukemia.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has decided not to share the personal details of its staff with Israeli authorities due to safety concerns and a lack of assurance on the use of such information. Israel had requested this information from aid organizations as part of new "security and transparency standards." MSF's decision follows criticism after initially saying it might share some names under strict conditions.
Key Facts
MSF, an aid organization, will not provide Israeli authorities with details of its staff in Gaza and other Palestinian areas.
The decision comes after Israel demanded detailed staff information from several aid groups last year.
Critics warn that sharing this information could endanger aid workers.
More than 1,700 health workers have died in Gaza since October 2023, including 15 from MSF.
Israel recently revoked licenses of 37 aid organizations for not complying with its new requirements.
MSF initially considered sharing a limited list of names under specific conditions but could not secure necessary safety assurances.
Israel's rules require organizations to submit sensitive data like passport copies and family details.
Humanitarian groups fear misuse of the data could lead to targeting of aid workers.
The article lists movies available to watch on Netflix during a winter storm. It highlights three films: "Sing Street," "Upgrade," and "The Dirt," providing brief descriptions of each.
Key Facts
The article suggests movies to watch at home during a winter storm.
"Sing Street" is a story about a teenager forming a band in 1980s Dublin.
"Sing Street" features real musicians performing in the band.
"Upgrade" is a sci-fi/action movie about a man gaining ability to move after paralysis through a chip implant.
"The Dirt" is a biopic about the rock band Mötley Crüe.
"The Dirt" explores both the highs and lows of the band's career.
All these films are available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
Several notable movies will leave and arrive on Netflix during the week of January 28, 2026. Popular films like "Parasite," "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," and "Anaconda" will leave the streaming service on January 31. New arrivals on February 1 include "Independence Day," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Ghosts of Mississippi."
Key Facts
"Parasite," a 2019 Best Picture Oscar winner, will leave Netflix on January 31.
"Mr. & Mrs. Smith," an action romance film from 2005, will also leave on January 31.
The 1997 action-horror film "Anaconda" is departing Netflix on the same day.
"Independence Day," a popular alien invasion movie from 1996, will arrive on Netflix on February 1.
"Mrs. Doubtfire," a comedy featuring Robin Williams, will be available starting February 1.
"Ghosts of Mississippi," a legal thriller from 1996, will also become available on February 1.
Additional titles like "Alex & Emma" and "LBJ" are set for release on Netflix.
The Minnesota Vikings fired their general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, after the team finished the 2025 season with a record of 9 wins and 8 losses. The decision followed disagreements over offseason choices and problems with player selections. The team aims to find new leadership to guide future football operations.
Key Facts
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was the general manager of the Vikings since 2022.
He was fired in 2025 after the team achieved a 9-8 season.
Disagreements and offseason mistakes led to his dismissal.
Adofo-Mensah struggled to repeat the team's past free-agent successes.
The team spent a lot on older players, using much of their budget.
The Vikings missed securing certain players, like Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers.
The team is considering quarterback options for the next season, with limited choices in free agency and the draft.
The entry list for the women's figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano, Italy, has been announced. Anna Shcherbakova, the previous gold medalist, will not compete due to injuries. Top contenders include Japan's Kaori Sakamoto and the United States' Alysa Liu.
Key Facts
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milano, Italy.
Women's figure skating is a popular event and will have new competitors this year.
Anna Shcherbakova, the reigning gold medalist, has retired because of injuries.
Kaori Sakamoto from Japan, who won bronze in the last Olympics, is a favorite to win.
Alysa Liu from the United States is another strong contender for the gold medal.
Amber Glenn, another U.S. skater, recently won against Liu at nationals.
The list includes athletes from countries like Japan, Belgium, China, South Korea, and the United States.
President Donald Trump's Department of Justice arrested journalist Don Lemon in Los Angeles for reporting on a protest. This incident has raised concerns about press freedom as it involved arresting a journalist and conducting a high-profile law enforcement action.
Key Facts
President Trump's Department of Justice arrested Don Lemon while he was in Los Angeles.
Lemon was reporting on civil unrest in Minneapolis when arrested.
At the time of his arrest, Lemon was no longer employed by CNN.
The arrest has sparked discussions about the freedom of the press.
The Department of Justice also charged activists involved in the protest.
The arrest of a journalist for covering a protest raises serious civil liberties issues.
The Associated Press reported similar actions against another journalist, Hannah Natanson, whose home was searched by FBI agents as part of a leak investigation.
Concerns over the treatment of journalists and potential threats to press freedom have been voiced.
Israel announced that it will reopen the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday. This reopening is part of President Donald Trump's plan for peace in the region. Only a limited number of people will be allowed to cross at first.
Key Facts
Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday.
This crossing has been closed for nearly two years.
The reopening is connected to President Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza.
The Rafah crossing is the main route for Gazans to travel outside.
Israel's COGAT agency oversees aid coordination to Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Ali Shaath discussed the reopening.
"Limited movement of people" will be allowed through the crossing initially.
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.
