The New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. The game is a rematch of their 2015 Super Bowl, which the Patriots won. Former Patriots player Rob Gronkowski predicts the Patriots will win again with the same score as before.
Key Facts
The Patriots and Seahawks will play in Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco.
This game is a rematch of the 2015 Super Bowl where the Patriots beat the Seahawks.
Rob Gronkowski, a former Patriots player, predicted the Patriots will win 28-24.
Gronkowski has made Super Bowl predictions on "The Tonight Show" each of the last three years but has been incorrect each time.
The Patriots recently beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 to win the AFC Championship.
The Seahawks won against the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 to secure their spot in the Super Bowl.
DraftKings Sportsbook currently favors the Seahawks to win, with the Patriots as 4½-point underdogs.
Mike Vrabel, in his first year as head coach, leads the Patriots this season.
Scientists from the University of Florida are warning about two viruses—influenza D virus and canine coronavirus—that could lead to future epidemics or pandemics. These viruses, which originate in animals, could evolve to spread easily among humans, posing a public health threat. The researchers emphasize the need for better monitoring, testing, and treatment development.
Key Facts
Influenza D virus was discovered in 2011 and mainly infects pigs and cows, though it has been found in other animals.
Influenza D poses a risk to human health as it shows signs of evolving to spread between people.
A particular strain of influenza D found in China can now potentially transmit between humans.
Canine coronavirus, different from the COVID-19 virus, generally causes stomach issues in dogs but has been shown to affect humans in rare cases.
Human cases of canine coronavirus have been reported in Southeast Asia, leading to pneumonia.
Efforts are needed to improve virus monitoring, testing, and develop vaccines and treatments to prevent potential epidemics.
Some cattle workers in the U.S. have antibodies against influenza D, indicating past exposure.
The extent of canine coronavirus in the human population is not well-documented as regular testing is not performed.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting China to improve economic and security relationships. This is the first UK prime minister trip to China since 2018, and Starmer's visit aims to create better dialogue and cooperation between the two nations.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the UK Prime Minister visiting China for three days.
The goal is to improve economic and security ties between the UK and China.
Starmer's visit is the first by a UK prime minister to China since 2018.
Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing.
The UK delegation includes representatives from major companies and cultural organizations.
Starmer aims to establish a strategic partnership with China despite past tensions.
The trip addresses Britain's need for stable relations with China due to economic considerations.
China's human rights record and security concerns are acknowledged but not ignored by the UK.
NBA star LeBron James was moved to tears by a tribute video played during the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. James, who has a long history with the Cavaliers, watched highlights of his past achievements with the team. There is ongoing speculation about his possible retirement at the end of the season.
Key Facts
LeBron James became emotional watching a tribute video during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The tribute included highlights from James' performance in the 2007 Eastern Conference finals.
James is 41 years old and returned to his former team, leading to discussions about retirement.
He won the NBA title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
In previous visits to Cleveland, James had nine wins and three losses with different teams.
This season, James has made 28 appearances for the Lakers and is the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
He missed the start of the season due to sciatica but returned, marking his 23rd NBA season.
In June, James signed a one-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.
A video showing a miniature dachshund named Alfie hanging from a bathroom stall door at Kansas City Airport went viral on TikTok. The clip amused many viewers who related to the challenges of traveling alone with a pet. Alfie's owner, Sammi Syse, shared that the dog has already traveled to seven U.S. states.
Key Facts
A video of a dachshund named Alfie hanging from a bathroom stall door went viral on TikTok.
Alfie is an 8-month-old miniature dachshund.
The video was recorded at Kansas City Airport and shared on TikTok under the username @littlealfiebaby.
The clip received over 1.1 million views and 198,000 likes on TikTok.
Alfie was in a carrier that also served as a travel organizer.
The video resonated with many pet owners who have also faced challenges while traveling.
Alfie's owner, Sammi Syse, mentioned that the dog has visited seven U.S. states.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina is criticizing some officials from President Trump's administration after two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota. Tillis and Senator Lisa Murkowski are calling for Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to resign. President Trump criticized Tillis and Murkowski for their stance.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis criticized Trump administration officials after two people were killed by federal agents in Minnesota.
The people killed were Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both American citizens.
Tillis and Senator Lisa Murkowski called for Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, to step down.
Tom Homan, Border Czar, announced plans to reduce the number of ICE agents in Minnesota.
President Trump called Tillis and Murkowski "losers" for their criticism.
Tillis is not seeking re-election for his Senate seat.
Palestinians in Gaza are waiting for the Rafah border crossing to reopen. This crossing is important as it connects Gaza to the outside world. Many hope to reunite with family members when it opens.
Key Facts
The Rafah border crossing is in Gaza.
Israel plans to partially reopen this crossing.
The crossing connects Gaza to the outside world.
Many Palestinians have not seen family members for two years.
Al Jazeera reported on the situation through journalist Hani Mahmoud.
The UK's advertising watchdog banned Coinbase ads because they suggested that cryptocurrency could help with cost of living concerns. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found the ads irresponsible because they downplayed the risks of crypto investments. Coinbase disagreed with the decision but stated their intention to communicate responsibly.
Key Facts
The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned ads from Coinbase.
The ads implied that cryptocurrency could help with living costs in the UK.
ASA said the ads made crypto risks seem less serious than they are.
Coinbase disagreed but said it aims for responsible communication.
Cryptocurrency investments are mostly unregulated in the UK.
The Financial Conduct Authority has advised people about risks in crypto investments.
Previous crypto ads have also been banned for not clearly showing risks.
A father's post on Threads went viral after his young son claimed there were no words ending in 'c'. The father eventually spoke with the teacher, who initially agreed with the child before acknowledging that most such words are unusual. The post also highlights broader issues about the quality of education and teacher preparation in the U.S.
Key Facts
A father's Threads post about his son’s school lesson drew 1.7 million views.
The child claimed there are no words ending in 'c', which the father corrected.
The teacher initially supported the child's claim before acknowledging exceptions.
Words like "music" and "lyric" are examples of words ending in 'c'.
The post sparked discussions about education quality and teacher training.
A Pew Research Center survey found declining enrollment in teacher prep programs.
Teacher certification can occur through traditional degrees or alternative routes.
The Buffalo Bills have a new head coach, Joe Brady, who quickly needs to find a replacement for the wide receivers coach after Adam Henry was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Henry, who had been with the Bills for three years, will join the Steelers under their new head coach, Mike McCarthy.
Key Facts
Joe Brady is the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Brady signed a five-year contract to lead the Bills.
Brady must replace Adam Henry, the Bills' former wide receivers coach.
Adam Henry has been hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers as their wide receivers coach.
Mike McCarthy is the new head coach of the Steelers.
Adam Henry worked with the Bills' receivers for three years, developing player Khalil Shakir.
While with the Bills, Stefon Diggs achieved a notable season with 107 catches and 1,183 yards in 2023.
Adam Henry's challenge at the Bills was the development of former second-round pick Keon Coleman.
Israeli forces have conducted raids in multiple areas of the occupied West Bank, detaining several individuals. These actions come after increased tensions, including the death of a Palestinian man in Bethlehem and settlers storming a religious site in Nablus. The United Nations reports that attacks on Palestinians by settlers have reached very high levels.
Key Facts
Israeli forces raided various towns in the West Bank, detaining dozens of people.
A Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli forces in Bethlehem.
Raids included towns such as Attil, Deir al-Ghusun, Sa’ir, and ash-Shuyukh.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are expanding, which is considered illegal under international law.
Israeli settlers have been involved in violent activities, including arson in several villages.
Settlers stormed Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, a site of religious significance.
The United Nations reports unprecedented levels of attacks on Palestinians and their property.
Israeli forces have occupied a residential building in Hebron, forcing residents to leave.
In Utrecht, Netherlands, two Muslim women have filed a formal complaint against a police officer. They allege the officer physically assaulted them and acted with racial bias.
Key Facts
Two Muslim women were involved in a physical altercation with a police officer in Utrecht.
The women claim the officer kicked and hit them.
They have formally complained about the officer's behavior.
The complaint includes accusations of racism against the officer.
The incident has attracted public and media attention.
Two California shoppers have sued Costco, claiming that the company's $4.99 rotisserie chicken is falsely advertised as having "no preservatives." The lawsuit argues that the chicken contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan, which they consider to be preservatives.
Key Facts
A lawsuit was filed by Bianca Johnston and Anatasia Chernov, two California residents, against Costco over its rotisserie chicken.
The plaintiffs say Costco's signs and website incorrectly claim the chicken has "no preservatives."
Sodium phosphate and carrageenan, found in the chicken, are called preservatives by the plaintiffs.
The lawsuit was filed on January 22, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
The lawsuit represents all U.S. shoppers of Costco's rotisserie chicken, with a special subgroup for California customers.
The suit claims Costco breached consumer protection laws in California and Washington.
Sodium phosphate and carrageenan are approved for use in food by U.S. regulators but may have potential health risks.
Costco has removed the "no preservatives" label from signs and online, affirming the use of the additives for product quality.
A woman admitted in court to killing a security guard at an Asda store in Scotland during a struggle as she tried to escape with stolen alcohol. The guard, Alun Harris-Richards, died after hitting his head and suffering a heart attack. The incident occurred in June 2024, and the woman will be sentenced in March 2025.
Key Facts
The incident took place at an Asda store in Arbroath, Scotland.
The security guard was named Alun Harris-Richards, aged 61.
The shoplifter, Natasha Smith, is 38 years old.
Smith confessed to causing Harris-Richards’ death during a struggle.
Harris-Richards fell and struck his head, leading to a fatal heart attack.
The altercation was recorded on Harris-Richards' body-worn camera.
Smith is also admitted to assaulting another Asda employee during the struggle.
A video showing a pet raccoon named Rolo and his morning routine went viral on Instagram, sparking a lot of discussion online. Experts caution against keeping raccoons as pets due to legal issues and health risks, as they are wild animals. The video has received millions of views and an enthusiastic response from social media users.
Key Facts
A video of a pet raccoon named Rolo has gone viral on Instagram, showing him waking up and being cuddled by his owner.
Raccoons don't fully hibernate; they go into a lighter sleep called torpor, where they still wake for food and play.
Experts advise against keeping raccoons as pets because some states, like New York, do not allow it legally.
Raccoons can carry rabies, a dangerous disease, and can also damage property.
Wildlife experts stress that feeding raccoons and other wild animals can lead to unhealthy dependencies on human food.
The video of Rolo has been viewed over 2 million times and liked nearly 200,000 times on Instagram.
Comments on the video highlight users' fascination with raccoons and their behavior.
A former deputy sheriff in Illinois, Sean Grayson, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting and killing Sonya Massey. Massey had called 911 about a possible prowler near her home in Springfield.
Key Facts
Sean Grayson was a deputy sheriff in Illinois.
He was found guilty of fatally shooting Sonya Massey.
Massey had called 911 to report a suspected prowler outside her home.
The court sentenced Grayson to 20 years in prison.
He has been in jail since he was charged.
Grayson faced a maximum of 20 years but was also eligible for probation.
After the sentencing, Massey's family reacted emotionally in the courtroom.
A 41-year-old man was arrested for allegedly handling stolen items after a raid at Bristol Museum. Many valuable objects like military memorabilia and jewellery were stolen, and police are still looking for four other suspects.
Key Facts
A man, aged 41, was arrested for dealing with stolen goods.
The arrest is related to a burglary at Bristol Museum's archive.
Over 600 items, including military memorabilia and jewellery, were taken.
Police started a large search after the incident on September 25.
Detectives are still looking for four other men involved in the raid.
The stolen items include natural history pieces and carved figurines.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order to end birthright citizenship, which automatically grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. Republican Thomas Massie, previously critical of Trump, supports this order, arguing it stops incentives for illegal immigration. A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's order, but the case may proceed to the Supreme Court.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order to end birthright citizenship.
Birthright citizenship currently grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' status.
Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky and prior Trump critic, supports the executive order.
Massie argues that current birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Trump's executive order, labeling it unconstitutional.
Any change to this aspect of the Constitution typically requires significant bipartisan support.
Italy has announced a detailed security plan for the upcoming Winter Olympics, emphasizing that it will maintain control over security operations. The United States' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will assist the U.S. delegation in an advisory role, focusing on intelligence and cybersecurity. Italy will deploy 6,000 law enforcement officers to secure the event, which is set to take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in February.
Key Facts
Italy will manage all security operations for the Winter Olympics, with ICE only providing advisory support.
The Olympics will occur from February 6 to February 22, with events in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Approximately 3,500 athletes and around two million visitors are expected to attend the Games.
6,000 Italian law enforcement officers will be deployed to ensure safety.
U.S. agencies, including ICE, will focus on intelligence related to cybersecurity and national threats, without direct patrolling duties.
The event will include drone surveillance and a cybersecurity command center to monitor threats.
Italian authorities will enforce "red zones" to prevent access to individuals with public-order convictions.
ICE's involvement has led to planned protests in Milan, with a rally set for the opening ceremony.
President Donald Trump said that Cuba is close to failing as a nation, partly due to the U.S. stopping the flow of resources from Venezuela to Cuba. The U.S. has a long history of opposing Cuba's communist government since 1959. Other countries, especially in Latin America, have shown minimal support for Cuba amid U.S. actions.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that Cuba might fail soon, citing reduced support from Venezuela.
The U.S. has opposed Cuba since its 1959 communist revolution.
The Trump administration recently took action against Venezuela, which supports Cuba.
Mexico has faced U.S. pressure and has stopped an oil shipment to Cuba.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claims Mexico supports Cuba but refers to oil shipment decisions as "sovereign."
The U.S. embargo on Cuba has led to shortages of basic goods on the island.
Many countries in Latin America and the Global South have not strongly opposed U.S. actions against Cuba.
