The New York Yankees are exploring the possibility of adding free agent pitcher Nick Martinez to their team. Martinez, who is 35 years old, pitched both as a starter and in the bullpen last season and could provide valuable depth for the Yankees’ pitching rotation.
Key Facts
The Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger but have not made other significant moves this offseason.
The team is considering Nick Martinez, a 35-year-old pitcher, to strengthen their pitching staff.
Martinez played for the Cincinnati Reds last season, making 26 starts and appearing in a total of 40 games.
He pitched 165 2/3 innings with a 4.45 ERA (a measure of how many earned runs a pitcher gives up per nine innings).
Martinez has played in 280 Major League Baseball games over eight seasons.
From 2018 to 2021, he played in Japan and has a 3.67 ERA since returning to MLB.
The Yankees are seeking additional pitching options due to the current health of key starters like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt.
There is a possibility that LeBron James might return to the Cleveland Cavaliers if he leaves the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent. Issues with the Lakers' management might influence his decision, and Cleveland appears ready to welcome him back.
Key Facts
LeBron James might leave the Los Angeles Lakers to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James is originally from Akron, Ohio, and played 11 seasons with the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers are interested in having James back if he becomes a free agent.
There have been tensions between James and the Lakers' top management.
James' representation, Klutch Sports Group, has had conflicts with the Lakers.
Cleveland's team has promising young players, and James could help them in playoffs.
James previously led the Cavaliers to their only NBA championship in 2016.
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is visiting China, marking the first such visit in eight years. This visit is part of a series of diplomatic engagements by various leaders to strengthen ties with China. The UK aims to negotiate deals that could help its economy, while China seeks to present itself as a stable partner amid global competition.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer is the first British Prime Minister to visit China in eight years.
The UK recently approved plans for a large Chinese embassy in London, facilitating Starmer's visit.
China's recent diplomatic engagements include visits from leaders of France, South Korea, Ireland, Canada, Finland, and a planned visit from Germany's Chancellor.
The UK hopes to secure several deals with China to boost its economy.
China aims to be seen as a stable and predictable partner compared to other global powers.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced a new strategic partnership with China during his visit.
The US has shown concern over other countries making trade deals with China, as seen in its reaction to Canada's actions.
President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of Senator Ted Cruz becoming a Supreme Court justice during a speech. President Trump joked that both Democrats and Republicans would support Cruz's nomination because they want him out of the Senate.
Key Facts
President Trump talked about nominating Ted Cruz for the Supreme Court.
The comment was made during a "Trump accounts" speech with Ted Cruz in attendance.
President Trump called Ted Cruz a "brilliant legal name" and a "brilliant man."
Trump joked that both political parties would support Cruz's nomination to remove him from the Senate.
The context was informal and included lighthearted remarks.
The U.S. Census Bureau released data showing which states experienced the largest population growth from 2024 to 2025. Southern states like South Carolina, Texas, and Florida are growing quickly, partly due to lower taxes, warmer weather, and business-friendly policies. Population changes affect political representation and funding.
Key Facts
South Carolina's population grew by 1.5% from July 2024 to July 2025.
Idaho experienced a 1.4% increase in the same period.
North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Delaware, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, and Tennessee also saw population growth.
Texas is expected to have a population of 32,463,602 by 2030, showing an 11.4% growth rate over the decade.
Utah is forecast to grow by 13.1% and Idaho by 12.4% this decade.
Southern states' populations are increasing, while northeastern states are declining in percentage of the national total.
Population growth can lead to more political power and government funding for states.
Economic factors and affordability influence internal migration to states like Texas and Florida.
The Boston Red Sox are considering trading with the Washington Nationals to acquire All-Star infielder C.J. Abrams. In this potential deal, the Red Sox would send two pitchers, Connelly Early and Kyson Witherspoon, to the Nationals. This trade could help both teams by addressing their respective needs before the upcoming baseball season.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox need an infielder and are considering C.J. Abrams from the Washington Nationals.
C.J. Abrams hit 19 home runs and drove in 60 runs last season.
The proposed trade would involve the Red Sox acquiring Abrams in exchange for pitchers Connelly Early and Kyson Witherspoon.
Connelly Early could become an important starting pitcher for the Nationals by 2026.
Kyson Witherspoon was the Red Sox's first-round draft pick last summer.
The Red Sox have a strong pitching lineup, making the trade feasible for both teams.
The Nationals recently traded pitcher MacKenzie Gore and need additional pitching support.
The article discusses Israel's plans to build a large facility in Rafah, Gaza, which is reportedly a military-controlled camp for Palestinians. Satellite images show land clearing in Rafah, supporting claims of preparation for this facility. The reopening of the Rafah border crossing comes with strict conditions enforced by Israel.
Key Facts
Israel plans to build a large facility in Rafah, Gaza, which could hold hundreds of thousands of people.
Retired Israeli General Amir Avivi mentioned that the facility will include identification checks and facial recognition.
Satellite images confirm that land clearing in Rafah has been extensive, clearing about 1.3 square kilometers.
The cleared area is next to Israeli military posts, indicating ongoing military control.
The facility is perceived as a controlled camp rather than a shelter for humanitarian aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on security control over the Rafah border crossing.
This project is part of a broader Israeli military presence in Gaza, occupying significant parts of the area.
Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall in Minneapolis, and a man named Anthony Kazmierczak has been arrested for the assault. His ex-wife, Patrice Benoit, expressed her sadness over the incident and wished well for everyone affected.
Key Facts
Ilhan Omar, a U.S. Representative, was attacked at a town hall event in Minneapolis.
Anthony Kazmierczak, age 55, was arrested in connection with the attack.
Kazmierczak's ex-wife, Patrice Benoit, shared her sorrow about the incident.
Benoit and Kazmierczak divorced in March 2017, about six years ago.
The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed his arrest for third-degree assault.
This story is still developing, and more information may come out later.
People are using Instagram to share posts that seem shocking at first, but actually lead to information on opposing ICE. This trend includes instructions on how to contact senators about a bill for more ICE funding. The movement gained momentum after controversial ICE-related deaths.
Key Facts
A new Instagram trend involves posts that appear shocking but redirect to "Abolish ICE" information.
Posts include guides on contacting senators about stopping additional ICE funding.
The trend started following national backlash over ICE's actions, including the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed Pretti was armed, but video evidence suggests otherwise.
Notable figures like Ariana Madix and Preston Mitchum have participated in the trend.
Posts use sensational headlines to attract attention, then provide details on ICE issues.
There are allegations of poor conditions and abuse in ICE facilities, contributing to the opposition.
AJ Styles may end his WWE career at the "Royal Rumble" event this weekend. WWE has filed a trademark for the name "Career Killer," which is speculated to be used for Gunther, Styles' opponent. Shinsuke Nakamura hinted on social media that Styles told him he planned to retire after the event.
Key Facts
AJ Styles will compete against Gunther in a high-stakes match at the "Royal Rumble."
WWE filed a trademark for the name "Career Killer," possibly for Gunther.
Gunther has previously retired well-known wrestlers John Cena and Goldberg.
Nakamura shared a social media post hinting Styles might retire at this event.
Styles suggested in a speech on "Monday Night Raw" that he could remain in WWE until 2026.
The "Royal Rumble" event, featuring this match, happens this weekend.
A federal class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California, alleging inadequate access to clean drinking water and unsafe living conditions. The lawsuit claims these conditions violate constitutional and federal laws and highlights concerns as the U.S. government continues strict deportation policies.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
It names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and two ICE officials as defendants.
The plaintiffs include detained individuals and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
Adelanto is a large immigration detention center located in the Mojave Desert.
The facility's population allegedly increased rapidly, reaching nearly 2,000 detainees.
Detainees reportedly face issues with limited, dirty, or bad-tasting water.
Other claims include overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions and inadequate medical care.
Two detainees recently died, and 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025.
Republican Senator Rand Paul questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela. Paul compared these actions to acts of war. Rubio disagreed with Paul's definition.
Key Facts
Senator Rand Paul is from Kentucky.
Marco Rubio is the Secretary of State.
The discussion involved President Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela.
Paul asked if such actions against the U.S. would be considered acts of war.
Rubio replied that the actions do not meet the definition of war.
The story is labeled as breaking news, meaning more updates might come.
Novak Djokovic is preparing for the semi-finals of the Australian Open after advancing due to his opponents withdrawing or retiring. He is aiming for a 25th Grand Slam title but expresses concern about not playing enough sets in recent matches. Djokovic has dealt with minor injuries and plans to step up his game against upcoming competitors Jannik Sinner and possibly Carlos Alcaraz.
Key Facts
Novak Djokovic has advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
His earlier opponents withdrew due to injuries, giving him more rest time.
Djokovic is 38 years old and aims for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
He has only played 11 sets in the tournament, creating concerns about his readiness.
His next match is against Jannik Sinner, a 24-year-old Italian player.
Djokovic has had minor injuries, like a blister, but is currently feeling fine.
He believes he needs to improve both technically and mentally to win.
In previous years, Djokovic played and won with significant injuries.
Flooding in southern Mozambique has caused many families to leave their homes. They have moved to temporary camps for safety. A reporter is observing the situation in one of these camps.
Key Facts
Flooding is happening in southern Mozambique.
Many families have been displaced due to the floods.
People are moving to informal camps for safety.
A journalist from Al Jazeera is reporting from a camp in Chokwe.
Women and children are among those affected by the floods.
The UK government is offering free and subsidized online courses to help adults learn about artificial intelligence (AI) for use at work. The goal is to reach 10 million workers by 2030, with courses covering basics like using chatbots. Tech companies like Amazon and Google helped create these courses, which aim to boost confidence in using AI at work.
Key Facts
The UK government has launched free and subsidized AI training courses online.
The goal is to train 10 million UK workers by 2030.
Courses include topics on using chatbots and aiding admin tasks.
Tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft contributed to the course design.
Participants who complete courses receive a virtual badge.
The program aims to boost confidence in using AI in the workplace.
Some organizations, like the NHS and the British Chambers of Commerce, support the initiative.
Courses vary in length, starting from 20 minutes to several hours.
Congress is being urged to end "extrajudicial executions" in the U.S. after the shooting of nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Abraham Bonowitz from Death Penalty Action has asked Congress to make it clear that using deadly force when there is no threat is illegal and should be prosecuted. There are ongoing protests and calls for investigations into Pretti's death and another similar incident in Minneapolis.
Key Facts
A nurse named Alex Pretti was fatally shot by law enforcement in Minneapolis.
Abraham Bonowitz, a leader of Death Penalty Action, sent a letter to Congress asking to end undue use of deadly force.
The letter was addressed to Rep. Jamie Raskin, a key figure in the House Judiciary Committee.
Videos reportedly show Pretti was not a threat when shot, sparking public outrage.
This is the second such incident in Minneapolis this month, after the shooting of Renee Good.
Protests have increased following Pretti's death, with demands for a thorough investigation.
There are conflicting reports from government officials about the circumstances of Pretti's shooting.
Bonowitz calls for new laws to prosecute unwarranted lethal force and to ban certain police practices like chokeholds.
The Philadelphia Phillies are considering a trade to improve their pitching rotation by swapping their top prospect, Andrew Painter, for Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan. They aim to strengthen their roster to better compete in the World Series with an already strong team. Joe Ryan is an experienced pitcher with good performance last season, while Andrew Painter is a promising young talent.
Key Facts
Ranger Suárez left the Phillies for the Boston Red Sox in free agency.
Andrew Painter is the Phillies' top prospect and is expected to make his major league debut soon.
Joe Ryan, a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, was an All-Star last season.
Ryan had a 3.42 ERA last season and is under team control for two more years.
Painter had a 5.40 ERA in Triple-A, indicating he needs more development.
The Phillies aim to enhance their chances for the World Series by adding another proven pitcher like Joe Ryan.
If the trade happens, Taijuan Walker may move to a bullpen role for the Phillies.
Scientists found 90 new species from 512 million years ago in a fossil-rich area in southern China. These fossils provide new insights into life after a major extinction event known as the Sinsk event. The discovery helps researchers understand how ancient species were distributed and survived in different environments.
Key Facts
Researchers discovered fossils of 90 previously unknown species in southern China.
The site, called the Huayuan biota, contains 153 species from 16 major animal groups.
These species lived around 512 million years ago, after a major extinction event.
The extinction event, called the Sinsk event, happened 513.5 million years ago due to low oxygen in the oceans.
The fossils give clues about the Cambrian period, a time of rapid evolution known as the "Cambrian explosion."
The findings suggest deep-water areas were less affected by the extinction and may have sheltered surviving species.
The new fossil site helps link ancient marine life to other regions like North America.
A new documentary about "America's Next Top Model" is set to release on Netflix, exploring the show's impact and controversies. Tyra Banks, the show's creator, is under scrutiny for comments made in the documentary trailer, which some viewers found provocative.
Key Facts
Netflix will release a three-part documentary about "America's Next Top Model" on February 16.
The show, created by Tyra Banks, aired from 2003 to 2016.
The series followed aspiring models competing for magazine features and modeling contracts.
Controversial aspects of the show included extreme photo shoots and harsh critiques.
Tyra Banks expressed regret about some methods used on the show in the documentary trailer.
Some viewers criticized Banks for seemingly blaming the audience for the show's practices.
The show had over 100 million viewers at its peak.
The documentary will include interviews with former contestants and judges.
The Houston Astros are considering a trade that involves exchanging shortstop Jeremy Peña for the Boston Red Sox's outfielder Jarren Duran. Jeremy Peña is noted for his achievements, including All-Star appearances and MVP titles, while Jarren Duran is highly rated as a left fielder and has been part of trade discussions due to Boston's surplus of outfielders.
Key Facts
The Houston Astros missed the postseason last year for the first time in eight years.
Jeremy Peña is an accomplished player with titles like Gold Glove, World Series MVP, and American League Championship Series MVP.
A proposed trade would swap Peña with the Boston Red Sox's outfielder, Jarren Duran.
Jarren Duran was an All-Star in 2024 and is ranked as the best left fielder by MLB Network.
The Red Sox need an impact player in the infield, especially after losing Alex Bregman.
The trade would involve moving Isaac Paredes and Carlos Correa to different positions to accommodate new players.
Boston has a high price tag on Duran but considers him for trade due to other talented players in their roster.
