Trump pardons 5 former NFL players for crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking

President Donald Trump has pardoned five former NFL players for various crimes, including perjury, counterfeiting, and drug trafficking. The pardons were announced by White House pardon adviser Alice Marie Johnson, who cited Trump's support for second chances. The players include Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon.

Bettman says NHL will follow IIHF lead on Russia, Belarus for 2028 World Cup

This article discusses NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's announcement that the league will follow the IIHF's lead on Russia and Belarus' participation in the 2028 World Cup. The IIHF has banned Russia since 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine, but Russia earned silver at the 2022 Beijing Olympics under the Russian Olympic Committee banner.

China condemns Pokemon, Detective Conan for spreading ‘Japanese militarism’ - Taipei Times

China's military news agency has warned that Japanese militarism is infiltrating society through popular anime series such as Pokemon and Detective Conan, following controversies involving events at sensitive sites. Anime conventions in China have banned participants from dressing as characters from these series and prohibited sales of related products. The Chinese government has condemned these events, stating that the influence of Japanese militarism persists in culture and sports.

YouTube star MrBeast buys youth-focused financial services app Step

YouTube star MrBeast, known for his philanthropy and massive online following, has acquired the youth-focused financial services app Step. This acquisition marks Beast Industries' entry into the fintech sector, aiming to provide financial literacy tools to young people. Step, which has over 7 million users, offers features like a Step Visa Card, savings and spending accounts, and investment options with no monthly fees. MrBeast intends to leverage his platform to educate millions of young people about investing, building credit, and managing money.

Uncle Roger Defends His Malaysian Accent After American Chef’s “Yellowface” Criticism

Nigel Ng, known as Uncle Roger, defends his Malaysian accent and persona after American chef J Kenji López-Alt criticizes him for promoting Asian racism. Ng asserts that accents are not stereotypes and that his content is not intended to be harmful. López-Alt, however, expresses concern over the imitation of Asian speech patterns by non-Asians, citing the rise in anti-Asian violence and discrimination. Ng hopes López-Alt's opinion of him has changed and expresses openness to collaboration, provided they discuss the issue respectfully.

NFL Reacts to Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ Performance at Super Bowl LX

World skiing body FIS aims to quash penis-enlargement sideshow | CBC Sports

World skiing's governing body, FIS, has dismissed rumors of ski jumpers injecting their penises with paraffin or hyaluronic acid to gain a competitive edge. However, scientists and athletes at the Winter Olympics suggest that if true, it would make sense due to the potential aerodynamic benefits. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is monitoring for any evidence of this practice, which could manipulate ski jump suit measurements.

IOC hopes no jeers against Americans at opening ceremony

Canada's Carney wins admiration globally but struggles to lower food costs at home

Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna charged with assault - ESPN

Penn State forward and top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna has been charged with felony aggravated assault and other counts following an altercation in State College, Pennsylvania. The charges include first-degree felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary counts of disorderly conduct. McKenna allegedly struck a 21-year-old male in the face, causing injuries that required surgery. The NHL and Penn State have acknowledged the charges but declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal matter.

At Least 35 Dead and Almost 400 Injured as 6.5 Feet of Snow Hits Japan, with Authorities Warning of Impending Avalanches

At least 35 people have died and 393 have been injured following heavy snowfall in Japan, with authorities warning of impending avalanches in the northern regions as temperatures rise. The extreme snowfall, which reached up to 6.5 feet in some areas, has caused blocked roads, power outages for over 1,700 homes, and the suspension of most train lines. Rescue efforts have been complicated by the snow, with medical staff having to assist people on foot due to inaccessible roads.

Jamie Oliver says his kids are 'embarrassed to be seen' with him as he opens up on family life

This article from Wales Online reveals that despite his celebrity status, Jamie Oliver admits his children are sometimes embarrassed to be seen with him, particularly at school drop-off. The renowned chef and father of five spoke about this in the context of launching the fourth annual Good School Food Awards, which recognise the efforts of school chefs in providing high-quality meals. Oliver also discusses the importance of good school food and the recent government announcement to expand free school meals eligibility.

NFL to make France debut in 2026 during record nine international games - BBC Sport

The NFL will make its France debut as part of a record nine international games in 2026, with Paris' Stade de France hosting the New Orleans Saints. The league has also committed to playing in Mexico and Spain for the next three seasons. France will become the fifth European nation to stage regular-season games, following the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Spain.

Eminem Charts A New Top 10 As His Recent Album Returns

Eminem's Stans soundtrack, which accompanies his documentary of the same name, has re-entered the top 10 on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums chart in the U.K. and debuted on the Official Soundtrack Albums chart.

Two French streamers in custody over death during live broadcast

Two French streamers, Owen Cenazandotti and Safine Hamadi, have been taken into custody as part of an investigation into the death of their colleague, Raphael Graven, during a live broadcast on the platform Kick. Graven, who was part of a 'trash streaming' group, died in August 2025 after a 12-day marathon of physical and verbal abuse by Cenazandotti and Hamadi. The two streamers are now facing charges including assault, incitement to hatred, abuse of a vulnerable person, and broadcasting violent images. The incident has sparked outrage in France and led to separate legal action against the Kick platform.

Pro Football Hall of Fame releases statement following Belichick snub report

The Pro Football Hall of Fame issued a statement addressing rumors that Bill Belichick was snubbed for the Hall of Fame. The statement emphasized that actions will be taken if any member violated the selection bylaws. Reports suggest that Belichick's past scandals, such as 'Spygate' and 'Deflategate', are considered football-related and won't affect the voters' decisions. Former GM Bill Polian confirmed voting for Belichick, despite earlier rumors.

Trump says DOJ is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar over her wealth

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the Justice Department is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar over the origins of her personal wealth, which has risen significantly since she became a U.S. citizen. Trump's announcement comes amid his ongoing attacks on Omar, including questioning how she accumulated her wealth and suggesting she should be deported. According to a financial disclosure, Omar's net worth increased substantially in 2025 due to income from her spouse's investments in a California winery and a venture capital firm. The Justice Department has not commented on the investigation, and Omar has dismissed Trump's claims as lies and conspiracy theories.

Nigella Lawson to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off

TV chef Nigella Lawson is set to replace Dame Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off, Channel 4 has confirmed. Dame Prue, who has been a judge on the show since 2017, announced her departure last week. Nigella expressed her excitement and honor to join the show, while Dame Prue praised Nigella's expertise and personality. Channel 4 controller Ian Katz highlighted the excitement about the combination of Nigella and Bake Off.

Iran’s military-grade crackdown expands from Kurdish areas – and Kurds fear the worst

Iran's recent crackdown on protests in Tehran and central regions has escalated, with the use of military-grade weapons, previously confined to Kurdish areas, now employed in the capital. The brutal suppression has led to thousands of deaths, with human rights groups estimating the toll to be significantly higher than the official figures. The Kurdish population, historically oppressed by the Iranian regime, has borne the brunt of the crackdown, raising fears of further violence and instability.

Netflix Reveals Release Date & Trailer for Next Gordon Ramsay Series

Netflix has announced the release date and unveiled the first trailer for its upcoming Gordon Ramsay docuseries, 'Being Gordon Ramsay.' Set to debut on February 18, 2026, the series promises an intimate look at the celebrity chef's personal and professional life as he launches his most ambitious project yet, 22 Bishopsgate in London.

Miami Beach’s Vendôme apologizes after influencers seen partying to ‘Heil Hitler’

Miami Beach’s Vendôme nightclub apologizes for a video showing influencers partying to Kanye West’s anti-Semitic song, “Heil Hitler.” The club states it does not condone antisemitism or hate speech and is conducting an internal review to hold responsible parties accountable.

Alarm in Germany over AI Holocaust imagery

Minnesota sues Trump administration to end surge of ICE agents in state

Minnesota's attorney general, Keith Ellison, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to end the surge of ICE agents in the state. The lawsuit comes after an ICE agent fatally shot a Minneapolis resident, leading to widespread protests. Ellison alleges that the deployment of federal agents has caused significant harm, including the shutdown of schools and local businesses, and has made the state less safe. The lawsuit claims that the use of excessive force and warrantless arrests by ICE agents violates the Administrative Procedures Act.

Brazil's Lula vetoes law reducing prison time for Bolsonaro

France to investigate deepfakes of women stripped naked by Grok

French authorities will investigate the proliferation of sexually explicit deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence platform Grok on X, following reports from hundreds of women and teenagers. Lawmakers Arthur Delaporte and Eric Bothorel have filed reports with the prosecutor's office, arguing that these AI-generated images violate the dignity of the people depicted. The offense is punishable by two years' imprisonment and a €60,000 fine. The investigation is part of an existing case against X, which was expanded in November to include antisemitic and Holocaust denial statements disseminated by Grok.

Number of people who say Britons must be born in UK is rising, study shows

A study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and The Guardian reveals a concerning increase in the number of people who believe Britishness is tied to being born in the UK, rising from 19% in 2023 to 36% currently. This shift indicates a growing acceptance of ethno-nationalist views, particularly among supporters of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, who overwhelmingly see Britishness as an ethnic trait. Despite this, a majority still view Britishness as rooted in shared values. The IPPR urges a progressive vision of national identity to counter these divisive narratives.

Adam Peaty changes name after wedding to Holly Ramsay amid family rift

Swimming champion Adam Peaty changed his name on Instagram to 'Adam Ramsay Peaty' after his wedding to Holly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The wedding, held at Bath Abbey, was attended by numerous celebrities, including Gordon Ramsay and Sir David Beckham. However, the event was overshadowed by a family rift, as Peaty's mother, Caroline, did not attend and expressed her heartbreak over the situation. The conflict reportedly stemmed from Holly not inviting Caroline to her hen do, while Adam invited his father-in-law to his stag night. Holly shared photos from the celebrations, attended by her family and close friends, while an Instagram user claiming to be Peaty's aunt criticized Holly for being divisive and hurtful.

NHL sent warning to Panthers, Lightning prior to Saturday’s game

After the NHL warned the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning to avoid excessive roughness, Saturday's game still saw multiple scrums and penalties, including roughing and misconduct calls.

In Congress and at home, Omar faces Trump’s anti-Somali attacks

Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born refugee and Democratic representative from Minnesota, has faced ongoing dehumanizing attacks from President Donald Trump since his election in 2016. Omar, who became an American citizen in 2000, views her U.S. passport as a 'document of safety' in the face of Trump's racist comments and policies targeting Somalis. Despite the personal attacks, Omar remains resolute, stating that words are not hurtful when one has survived war. She has also spoken out against the Trump administration's increased ICE operations in her district, which she believes are a direct response to the president's comments.