Lindsey Vonn suffered a knee injury after crashing during her last downhill race before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Despite the setback, Vonn hopes to recover and compete in the upcoming Olympics. The race in Crans-Montana was canceled after her crash due to difficult conditions.
Key Facts
Lindsey Vonn crashed and injured her left knee in a downhill ski race in Crans-Montana.
The crash happened one week before the opening of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Vonn was airlifted off the course for medical checks but remains hopeful of competing in the Olympics.
The race was canceled after Vonn's crash due to low visibility and dangerous conditions.
Vonn had shown a strong performance this season, with podium finishes in seven out of eight races.
She was preparing for multiple events at the Winter Olympics, including the women’s downhill and super-G events.
Two other skiers also crashed on the same course before Vonn's accident.
The Department of Justice released records that include an alleged email exchange between Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell from 2002. The emails reportedly discuss a magazine story and travel plans, with no accusations of wrongdoing against President Trump or Melania related to the Epstein investigation.
Key Facts
The records are part of the Department of Justice's files on Jeffrey Epstein.
An alleged email from 2002 shows Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell discussing travel and a magazine story.
In 2002, Melania Trump was not yet married to Donald Trump.
President Trump and Melania Trump have not been accused of any wrongdoing in the Epstein case.
The Department of Justice released over 3 million pages of documents along with videos and images related to the Epstein investigation.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
President Trump ended his relationship with Epstein years before Epstein's death.
Representative Ro Khanna raised concerns about the DOJ withholding over two million pages from full release.
A podcast linked to the Boston Red Sox suggested the team trade their top prospect, Franklin Arias, to the Miami Marlins in exchange for second baseman Xavier Edwards. Edwards would provide immediate infield help, while Arias is not expected to be ready for major league play until 2027. The proposal comes as the Red Sox look to strengthen their infield after improving their starting pitchers.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox improved their pitching by acquiring Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo.
Their outfield has many players, but the infield still has some uncertain spots.
A podcast suggested trading Franklin Arias to Miami for second baseman Xavier Edwards.
Franklin Arias is a 20-year-old prospect signed from Venezuela by the Red Sox in 2023.
Arias has improved significantly in rookie leagues, winning awards for his hitting.
Xavier Edwards was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres and later traded to the Miami Marlins.
Edwards was valued for his skills and defense, despite not playing much in the major leagues yet.
The trade would address Boston's current infield needs, considering Trevor Story and other prospects already in the system.
The Los Angeles Dodgers consider pitcher Roki Sasaki, age 24, to be a key factor for the upcoming baseball season. Although Sasaki missed much of his rookie season due to a shoulder injury, he played an important role in the playoffs. This season, his main challenges are staying healthy and proving he can succeed in the starting rotation.
Key Facts
Roki Sasaki is a 24-year-old pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sasaki missed most of his rookie season last year because of a right shoulder injury.
He returned late in the season and became a valuable bullpen player during the playoffs.
The Dodgers view Sasaki as a starting pitcher for the upcoming season.
Last year, he had a 4.46 ERA, which is a statistic that measures a pitcher's performance.
Sasaki needs to stay healthy and improve his effectiveness this season.
Edwin Diaz is set to be the Dodgers' main closing pitcher, which means Sasaki will focus on starting pitching.
The Seattle Mariners have signed veteran catcher Brian O'Keefe to a minor-league deal. O'Keefe, who has some experience with the Mariners, will compete for a backup catcher position during spring training. The team aims to strengthen its roster behind their main catcher, Cal Raleigh.
Key Facts
The Seattle Mariners signed Brian O'Keefe to a minor-league contract.
O'Keefe was a former backup catcher for the Mariners in 2022 and 2023.
He has played 10 major league games, all with the Mariners.
O'Keefe is competing for a backup position behind Cal Raleigh.
Cal Raleigh was a contender for the Most Valuable Player award this season.
O'Keefe's signing includes a non-roster invitation to spring training.
O'Keefe previously played in Triple-A for the Kansas City Royals and an independent league team.
The article discusses a BetRivers promotion for sports betting, especially for NBA games and the upcoming Super Bowl, available in several U.S. states. People in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia can access various bonus offers. BetRivers offers both sports bets and casino games through its app.
Key Facts
BetRivers has special promo offers for people in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
In Pennsylvania, there is a bonus of up to $250, and in Michigan, up to $500 is available, with additional bonus spins.
New Jersey offers a bonus refund on bets up to $250 if the initial bet loses.
West Virginia offers up to $500 back and 250 bonus spins in the casino section.
NBA games available for betting include Raptors vs. Magic, Pistons vs. Warriors, and Trail Blazers vs. Knicks, among others.
BetRivers provides specific bets like player point predictions called Same Game Parlays (SGP).
Users can also play casino games and access exclusive games in the BetRivers app.
To sign up, users need to provide personal information and deposit money using accepted payment options, with NEWSWEEK as the promo code.
South Africa has asked Israel's envoy, Ariel Seidman, to leave the country, accusing him of violating diplomatic norms and disrespecting South Africa. In response, Israel has ordered South African diplomat Shaun Edward Byneveldt to leave Israel. These actions come amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over Israel's actions in Gaza.
Key Facts
South Africa expelled Ariel Seidman, Israel’s envoy, giving him 72 hours to leave.
The expulsion was due to alleged violations of diplomatic norms by Seidman.
Seidman was accused of making insulting remarks about South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
South Africa's action was based on a failure to inform them of visits by senior Israeli officials.
Israel reciprocated by expelling Shaun Edward Byneveldt, South Africa's diplomat, from Israel.
South Africa has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, filing a case with the International Court of Justice.
The diplomatic conflict adds to existing tensions related to Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
The article discusses a sports betting offer from theScore Bet, where users can receive a $100 bonus by betting $10 on NBA games. It highlights the Pistons-Warriors matchup and provides suggestions for betting markets that could be beneficial for users.
Key Facts
theScore Bet offers a $100 bonus when users bet $10 on NBA games using the promo code NEWSWEEK.
Users need to pick a betting market they believe will win to receive the bonus.
One highlighted game is the Pistons-Warriors, featuring Cade Cunningham and Stephen Curry.
The offer includes specific player performance bets, like points and rebounds.
Suggested betting markets include individual player predictions such as points scored or rebounds.
To access the bonus, users must create an account, enter personal details, and deposit funds.
The bonus, if won, must be used within one week before expiration.
Manchester Pride will continue this year with a new management team after the previous operator went out of business. A new community-focused organization will run the event, aiming to support LGBTQ+ charities and include a variety of community voices in planning. Local venues have contributed funds to help the event proceed.
Key Facts
Manchester Pride will happen this year after a new group took over the event.
The previous company running Manchester Pride went bankrupt owing over £1 million.
A new not-for-profit organization called Manchester Village Pride will manage the event.
The event will include the parade, village party, and a vigil for those lost to HIV.
Local venues loaned the new organizers £120,000 for event planning and delivery.
Profits from the event will support LGBTQ+ charities and community services.
A Community Advisory Board will be formed to include LGBTQ+ community perspectives.
Manchester City Council supports the continuation of Pride as essential for the city.
Florida announced that driver's license tests will only be given in English starting February 6. This means no interpreters or translations will be allowed during the tests.
Key Facts
Florida's driver's license tests will be conducted only in English from February 6.
The change means there will be no interpreters or language translations available for the tests.
The policy change was announced by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department.
Previously, non-commercial driver's license tests were offered in several languages, with some commercial tests available in Spanish and English.
This decision is in line with federal pressure on states to enforce English proficiency for commercial drivers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation warned states about losing federal funds if they do not enforce English proficiency.
The policy aims to enhance road safety and ensure clear communication and understanding of traffic laws.
The U.S. Justice Department has finished reviewing the Epstein files and will release 3.5 million records. This release fulfills the requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but it comes more than a month after the deadline.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is releasing over 3 million pages of Epstein files.
The release includes 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
The U.S. Deputy Attorney General, Todd Blanche, announced the completion.
The DOJ examined more than 6 million records in total.
The files were reviewed and checked for quality multiple times.
Members of Congress can ask to see un-redacted (uncensored) parts of the files.
The release is part of the DOJ's obligations under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
A new documentary about Melania Trump, "Melania," opened in theaters, exploring her activities before President Donald Trump's second inauguration in 2025. The documentary emphasizes her fashion sense, her late mother's influence, and her "Be Best" initiative for children's well-being. The documentary had a substantial production and marketing budget, but early audience numbers have been low.
Key Facts
The documentary "Melania" opened the day after its Kennedy Center premiere.
It covers Melania Trump's life during the 20 days before President Trump's second inauguration in January 2025.
Amazon spent a total of $75 million on the documentary's production and marketing.
The film highlights Melania Trump's fashion choices and design interests.
Melania discusses her late mother's influence and her legacy throughout the film.
The documentary shows Melania's commitment to her "Be Best" initiative, aimed at children's welfare.
Early audience attendance in theaters has been low, with few sold-out locations in the U.S.
On Friday, January 30, 2026, Bryan Flores and Starling Castillo will face off in a 10-round boxing match. The event will take place at Live! Casino Hotel in Hanover, Maryland, and will be available to watch on the fubo Sports Network.
Key Facts
Bryan Flores has a record of 27 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.
Starling Castillo has 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.
The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds in the super lightweight category.
The event will happen at Live! Casino Hotel in Hanover, Maryland.
Viewers can watch it on fubo Sports Network starting at 7:00 PM ET.
The undercard features other matchups, including Sulaiman Segawa vs. Rene Palacios and Francois Scarboro Jr. vs. Humberto Galindo.
A welterweight bout features Elijah Flores against Thanjhae Teasley, both undefeated.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, warned that the U.N. could run out of money by mid-year if member countries, including the United States, do not pay their dues on time. He sent a letter to the governments of all 193 member states, highlighting the U.N.'s shrinking cash reserves and record outstanding payments.
Key Facts
U.N. Secretary-General is António Guterres.
There is a warning about the U.N. potentially facing a financial collapse by mid-year.
All 193 member states must pay their dues in full and on time to avoid this problem.
The U.N.'s cash reserves are currently very limited.
Outstanding payments from member countries have reached record levels.
The United States, the largest contributor, owes significant dues.
Urgent action is required to support U.N. finances or change budget rules.
Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles after covering the Grammys, in connection with a protest against President Trump's immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The protest occurred in a church where demonstrators disrupted a service due to the pastor's affiliation with ICE. Lemon faces charges related to his presence at this protest and has stated he will fight these charges in court.
Key Facts
Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles linked to a protest in Minnesota against immigration policies.
The protest took place in a church in St. Paul, affiliated with a pastor who has ties to ICE.
Lemon was in Los Angeles to cover the Grammy Awards at the time of his arrest.
The U.S. Department of Justice had indicated they would pursue charges against Lemon for attending the January 18 protest.
Lemon has been a journalist for 30 years and was previously fired from CNN in 2023; he now works as an independent journalist.
Other people were also arrested related to the protest, including fellow journalist Georgia Fort and activists Jamael Lydell Lundy and Trahern Jeen Crews.
Press freedom groups condemned the arrest, calling it a threat to press freedom.
Lemon's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, highlighted the First Amendment's protection for journalists, asserting Lemon's rights were not violated.
David Robertson, a relief pitcher with a 17-year career in Major League Baseball, has announced his retirement. He won a World Series with the New York Yankees and had a career record of 68 wins to 46 losses.
Key Facts
David Robertson played Major League Baseball for 17 years.
He won a World Series with the New York Yankees in his second season.
Robertson announced his retirement through an Instagram post.
He played for several teams, including the Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.
His career record is 68 wins, 46 losses, a 2.93 Earned Run Average (ERA), and 179 saves.
Robertson also pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Miami Marlins, and Texas Rangers.
He represented the United States in international competitions, winning a World Baseball Classic Gold and an Olympic silver medal.
South Africa told Israel's deputy ambassador, Ariel Seidman, to leave the country within 72 hours due to social media posts that allegedly insulted President Cyril Ramaphosa. In response, Israel expelled a senior South African diplomat from its country. Tensions were already high between the two nations due to South Africa's support for Palestinians and a legal case accusing Israel of genocide.
Key Facts
South Africa ordered Ariel Seidman, Israel's chargé d'affaires, to leave within 72 hours.
Seidman is accused of using social media to insult South African President Ramaphosa.
Israel responded by expelling South African diplomat Shaun Edward Byneveldt.
South Africa has supported Palestinians, escalating tension with Israel.
South Africa accused Israel of genocide at the United Nations' top court, which Israel denies.
The U.S. under President Trump has been critical of South Africa, accusing it of supporting Iran and Hamas.
South Africa's Foreign Ministry cited breaches of diplomatic norms by Israel.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry mentioned an official was in South Africa without prior notification.
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.
