The Toronto Blue Jays spent $337 million on free-agent contracts to improve their team. They have a strong group of starting pitchers, but analysts suggest signing Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher, could make their rotation even stronger. Valdez's contract could cost around $199.9 million over six years.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays spent $337 million on free-agent contracts recently.
They signed two starting pitchers for $240 million of that total.
The team already has six strong starting pitchers for five spots.
Analysts suggest signing Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher.
Valdez is projected to cost $199.9 million for six years.
Blue Jays' current starters are all right-handed pitchers.
Valdez has a career ERA of 3.36 and has pitched in 17 postseason games.
Signing Valdez would make the Blue Jays' rotation more balanced and potentially one of the strongest.
Chinese airlines have canceled flights to Japan on 49 routes due to tensions over Taiwan, impacted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments. The cancellations affect Japan's travel sector and come before a snap election in Japan. China has also announced restrictions on exports of important materials to Japan.
Key Facts
Chinese airlines canceled flights on 49 routes to Japan.
The cancellations impact over 47% of China-Japan flight routes.
Cancellations followed travel warnings from China's Foreign Ministry.
Chinese airlines extended deadlines for refunds and rebooking until March 28.
Japan was a top destination for Chinese travelers last year during this peak season.
China restricted exports of rare earth elements to Japan, used in technology and military systems.
Tensions rose after Japanese PM Takaichi remarked on potential military interventions related to Taiwan.
China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its claim over Taiwan, citing Japan's actions as antagonistic.
The New York Yankees traded with the Miami Marlins to acquire Ryan Weathers, a left-handed pitcher. With some of their key pitchers currently sidelined, Weathers has a chance to join the Yankees' starting rotation and is predicted to have a breakout season. Despite past injuries, Weathers showed strong performance when healthy last season.
Key Facts
The Yankees traded four prospects to the Miami Marlins to get Ryan Weathers.
Weathers is 26 years old and throws left-handed.
Some key Yankees pitchers are currently out, giving Weathers a chance to start.
MLB.com predicts Weathers could have a standout season in 2026.
Weathers is noted for his fast pitches and effective changeup and sweeper.
Despite injuries in previous seasons, he posted a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts in eight starts last year.
Weathers needs to perform well at the beginning of the season to secure his place as a starter.
An iPhone user noticed that the delete button designs are not consistent across Apple apps. They shared this on Reddit, and many users agreed, saying similar design issues exist in the new iOS 26 update. Despite these comments, Apple has not changed its new design, leaving some users hoping for improvements in future updates.
Key Facts
An iPhone user highlighted inconsistent delete button designs across Apple apps.
The user shared a screenshot on Reddit, receiving over 3,000 upvotes.
Many Reddit users commented, agreeing that iOS 26 has several design inconsistencies.
The "Liquid Glass" design in iOS 26 has been unpopular for being visually confusing.
The new design changes have led to lower adoption rates of iOS 26, despite important security updates.
Apple has not provided an option to switch back to the previous design.
Users are hoping for changes or a redesign in the next iOS update, iOS 27.
Global music star Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl LX halftime show in 2026, marking the first time a solo Latino and Spanish-speaking artist has headlined this event. He is also releasing a special collection of NFL merchandise featuring his "Sapo Concho" mascot, with items like hoodies and caps available for pre-order.
Key Facts
Bad Bunny will perform at Super Bowl LX's halftime show.
The event will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
He is the first solo Latino and Spanish-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
Bad Bunny is releasing an NFL merchandise collection called "Concho."
The collection includes hoodies, graphic tees, New Era caps, and plushies.
Items feature the "Sapo Concho" mascot in uniforms of all 32 NFL teams.
Merchandise from the collection is available for pre-order on Fanatics.
The New York Mets signed shortstop Grae Kessinger to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training. Kessinger, who previously played for the Houston Astros, will compete for a spot in the Mets' infield.
Key Facts
The New York Mets signed Grae Kessinger to a minor-league deal with a spring training invite.
Kessinger is 28 years old and has played 49 major league games.
He previously played for the Houston Astros but batted .131 in the majors.
In the minors, he had an OPS of .826 in 2023.
Kessinger was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in January but was released in April.
The Mets' infield already includes players like Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Francisco Lindor.
Kessinger will compete with other players during spring training for a spot on the team.
The Football Association of Malaysia's entire executive committee resigned due to a scandal involving foreign-born players using forged documents. FIFA had suspended seven players and fined the association $400,000. The players' suspensions are temporarily lifted as the appeal is reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Key Facts
The executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia resigned over a document forgery scandal involving foreign-born players.
FIFA suspended seven foreign-born players for a year and fined the Malaysian football association $400,000.
The controversy sparked intense scrutiny of Malaysia's football governance.
The players involved come from Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Spain.
FIFA overturned the results of three Malaysian matches due to player ineligibility.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport paused the FIFA-imposed player bans during the appeal process.
The scandal led to criticism from fans and lawmakers in Malaysia.
President Donald Trump is facing criticism for his comments after a protestor, Alex Pretti, was fatally shot in Minnesota. Trump distanced himself from his aide's description of Pretti while also questioning the presence of guns at protests, marking a change in his previous support for armed civilians. This has led to backlash from his political base and groups like the NRA.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota, who was shot by federal officers.
Trump disagreed with an aide labeling Pretti a "would-be assassin."
Pretti had a legal permit to carry a concealed gun, but Trump criticized him for having a firearm at the protest.
Trump stated that people should not bring guns to protests, which differs from his past statements.
The criticism of Trump stems from his previous support of Kyle Rittenhouse and the McCloskeys, who used firearms at protests.
Trump's comments drew backlash from gun rights advocates and groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA).
The NRA disagreed with authorities who suggested that having a gun could justify shootings by law enforcement.
The U.S. government faces a possible partial shutdown as Democrats and Republicans disagree over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Tensions grew after incidents involving federal agents in Minneapolis, leading Democrats to demand reforms before they support funding. Without an agreement, several government agencies could lose funding after January 30, 2026.
Key Facts
The disagreement is mainly over funding for ICE within the Department of Homeland Security budget.
Fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis have led to increased tensions and calls for reform.
State-level actions, like a Colorado bill allowing citizens to sue federal agents, are part of the pushback against current immigration enforcement.
Democrats, including Senators Amy Klobuchar, Adam Schiff, and Chris Murphy, oppose DHS funding without changes to current practices.
Republicans argue that Democrats' refusal to support the spending package is reckless.
Prediction markets indicate a 75% chance of a government shutdown.
If no deal is reached by January 30, agencies like Defense and Treasury will lose funding, but some parts of DHS might continue to operate.
Essential government employees will work without pay if a shutdown occurs, while nonessential staff will be furloughed.
A man shared on TikTok that his first date with a woman took an unexpected turn when her entire family appeared at the same coffee shop and joined their table. Despite being surprised and caught off guard, the man continued the date as her family members asked personal questions. The encounter left him in shock and questioning future dating plans.
Key Facts
A man met a woman for the first time after connecting online.
During their date, the woman’s family appeared and sat at a nearby table.
Her mother and father joined them at the table without asking.
The family asked the man personal questions about his work and beliefs.
His date’s mother mentioned future holidays together after just a few minutes.
The encounter ended with the family leaving together and the man sitting alone.
Reactions on TikTok were mixed, with some users expressing sympathy and others amusement.
NASCAR driver Austin Cindric talks about his experiences and preferences at Dover Motor Speedway. He describes the track's unique features and his achievements there. Dover is set to host the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time.
Key Facts
Austin Cindric is a NASCAR Cup Series driver for Team Penske.
Cindric prefers to take a passenger at Dover Motor Speedway due to its unique features.
Dover Motor Speedway is called the "Monster Mile" because of its one-mile oval shape and steep turns.
Cars can reach speeds of around 170 mph on the track.
Cindric won at Dover in 2021 during the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Dover will host the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time on May 18.
Cindric is unsure if Dover is the best track for the All-Star Race but finds it fun to race there.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to announce ways to strengthen the country's nuclear forces at an upcoming party meeting. This news follows a recent missile test that was conducted under his supervision. Kim has called for the expansion and modernization of missile production to enhance North Korea's strategic deterrent.
Key Facts
Kim Jong Un will present plans to improve North Korea's nuclear capabilities at a party meeting.
This announcement comes after a missile test that aimed to enhance North Korea's defense strategy.
The planned meeting is the first of its kind since 2021, where a five-year defense and economic plan will be revealed.
Kim described the recent missile test as a significant step in advancing their strategic deterrence.
The launched missiles successfully hit a target over 358.5 kilometers (222.7 miles) away in the Sea of Japan.
Japan reported that two missiles landed outside North Korea’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
South Korea detected several short-range ballistic missiles launched from North Korea.
Analysts suggest that the missiles may use a new system to avoid interference with their navigation during flight.
Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned against a US attack on Iran and proposed that the US and Iran resolve their issues through diplomacy. He pointed out that Iran is open to negotiating its nuclear program again and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation. President Donald Trump has shown military strength in the region while indicating a willingness for diplomatic talks.
Key Facts
Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan advised against a US attack on Iran, suggesting diplomatic solutions.
Fidan mentioned that Iran is ready to discuss its nuclear program again.
The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.
President Trump has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf and acknowledged military strength.
Trump indicated support for Iranian antigovernment protesters and suggested help might come.
Fidan recommends dealing with Iran's nuclear issues separately from other topics like missiles or regional influence.
Regional cooperation and understanding are emphasized by Fidan as vital for stability.
President Donald Trump said Alex Pretti shouldn't have had a gun, though Pretti was legally allowed to carry one. Pretti was shot by a federal agent during an immigration raid in Minneapolis, and President Trump promised a fair investigation.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump commented on the shooting of Alex Pretti.
Alex Pretti was shot by a federal agent during an immigration raid.
The incident happened in Minneapolis.
President Trump said Pretti shouldn't have had a gun, even though it was legal.
He described the event as a 'very unfortunate incident.'
President Trump promised an 'honest' investigation into Pretti's death.
The Philadelphia Eagles continue searching for a new offensive coordinator to replace Kevin Patullo. Despite Brian Daboll being a top candidate, he chose to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The Eagles are still interviewing other candidates.
Key Facts
The Eagles have not officially offered the offensive coordinator job to anyone yet.
Brian Daboll was considered a leading candidate but decided to join the Tennessee Titans.
Kevin Patullo, the previous offensive coordinator, is no longer with the Eagles.
The Eagles have interviewed several candidates for the position.
Candidates like Mike McDaniel, Zac Robinson, and Bobby Slowik reportedly talked to the Eagles but are not taking the job.
The Eagles are looking at candidates including Frank Smith, Jerrod Johnson, and Josh Grizzard.
Newcastle United is struggling to win games when playing away from their home stadium. They have only won three away games this season and need to improve quickly, especially with challenging matches ahead.
Key Facts
Newcastle United has won only one of their previous nine away games in Europe against French teams.
This season, Newcastle has won three away games in all competitions.
Their win rate at home is 62%, but only 21% in away games this season.
They scored an average of 1.2 goals per game away, compared to 2 goals per game at home.
Defensive player Sven Botman stated it's difficult to determine why their away performance is poor.
Player Nick Woltemade has not scored in his last nine games.
Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, Yoane Wissa, and Bruno Guimaraes have scored few goals away this season.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among low-income Americans has varied recently, according to several national polls. These polls show that his support within this income group has ranged from 34% to 38%, while disapproval has stayed mostly between the mid-50s and low 60s. These changes reflect how this group responds to economic conditions and perceptions of the president's performance.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval among low-income voters was between 34% and 38% in recent polls.
Disapproval ratings for Trump among these voters were generally between 54% and 61%.
These polls took place from late December to late January and involved large national samples.
The margin of error for the polls was around 3 percentage points, allowing tracking of real changes.
Low-income voters can be sensitive to economic factors like job security and cost changes.
Recent polls show these voters have a stable but mostly disapproving view of Trump's performance.
Poll results suggest little dramatic change, despite small fluctuations over time.
Puma has launched Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal jerseys for the 2026 World Cup. The jerseys are available for purchase online in various styles and sizes. Ronaldo's participation in the 2026 World Cup would mark a significant milestone in his career.
Key Facts
Puma released jerseys for Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal 2026 World Cup participation.
The jerseys are available for sale on Fanatics.
They come in different styles including authentic, replica, short sleeve, and long sleeve.
Jersey sizes are available for men, women, and youth.
Cristiano Ronaldo, by 2026, will be 41 years old.
If he plays, it will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, a record for a men’s outfield player.
The number 7 jersey is symbolic for Ronaldo, representing excellence and his influence in football.
A TikTok video shares a story about a neighborhood dispute involving a stolen package. The video uses doorbell camera footage to accuse a neighbor's roommate of taking a package. The situation has attracted comments urging the package owner to involve the police.
Key Facts
A woman named Alexandria posted a TikTok video about a neighbor's stolen package.
The original dispute began with a handwritten note asking for the package's return.
Doorbell camera footage allegedly shows a woman taking the package.
The package supposedly contained a $99 Lululemon jacket.
Additional footage suggests the same person later wore the jacket.
In Kentucky, stealing a package can be a felony.
The video led to comments urging the package owner to contact the police.
There is an increase in package theft complaints, particularly during busy shopping times.
A woman named Deanna Bellomo suffered from severe menstrual pain and other symptoms for years without a clear diagnosis. During a visit to her dental hygienist, she was introduced to the possibility of having endometriosis, which was later confirmed by a gynecologic surgeon.
Key Facts
Deanna Bellomo began experiencing painful symptoms related to her menstrual cycle at age 14.
Initially believed to have rheumatoid arthritis, her symptoms included colon spasms, ovary pain, and acne.
After visiting six gynecologists over five years, Bellomo struggled to find an accurate diagnosis.
The turning point came when her dental hygienist suggested she might have endometriosis.
The dental hygienist shared personal experience with endometriosis and provided helpful advice and contacts.
A gynecologic surgeon confirmed Bellomo had an endometrioma, leading to her endometriosis diagnosis.
Bellomo focused on lifestyle changes and self-advocacy while seeking medical help.
