Key Facts

• Two hikers found dead near Wilson Glacier: Search and rescue crews located two non-ambulatory climbers near Wilson Glacier after discovering their overdue vehicle in the Paradise parking lot. Weather limited air support on Monday, but ground teams reached the site on Tuesday and confirmed the two were deceased. The two climbers were recovered and transported to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office. Park officials had not publicly confirmed their identities, though social media posts identified them as Watson and Richter. [1]
• Watson failed to check in Sunday night: Ben Watson, 35, did not check in with the park service Sunday night as expected, according to his family. The missed check-in was reported on Monday, prompting concern and a search that brought relatives from the East Coast to Washington. The family says they were informed of the missed check-in on Monday. [1]
• Park initiated inquiry after overdue permits: Rangers identified overdue climbing permits on Jan. 18 and initiated an inquiry into the missing climbers. Emergency contacts told KING 5 the climbers had not been in contact since the previous day. The inquiry preceded the search effort. [1]
• Vehicle located in Paradise parking lot: Rangers found the climbers' vehicle in the Paradise parking lot. They used spotting equipment to locate two non-ambulatory climbers near Wilson Glacier. Weather prevented aviation access on Monday; ground teams reached the site on Tuesday and recovered the dead climbers. [1]
• Identities circulated but not confirmed: Social media posts identified the two climbers as Ben Watson and Jiri Richter, about 50, though park officials had not publicly confirmed their identities. Family information placed Watson at 35, creating confusion about ages. [1]
• Park posted winter safety reminder prior to disappearance: Days before the hikers were reported missing, Mount Rainier National Park posted a winter safety reminder on social media. It warned about rapidly changing conditions that can force overnight stays in extreme terrain and urged carrying avalanche safety gear, navigation tools, and emergency supplies. [1]

Key Facts

• Dense fog blankets Western Washington this morning: Fog and freezing fog were reported as temperatures dropped into the 20s to 30s. The forecast notes patchy fog may persist on the following mornings with continued freezing conditions expected. A ridge of high pressure combines with a weak disturbance to shape the trend for the week, with only minimal precipitation anticipated later on. [1]
• Weak disturbance could trigger light coastal showers: The ridge weakens on Thursday and a disturbance to the west may bring cloud cover and a few showers mainly along the coast and Olympic Peninsula. Any accumulation is expected to be minimal, only hundredths of an inch. Temperatures are forecast to dip into the low 40s in most areas, with most locations staying dry outside of the coast and peninsula. [1]
• Ridge rebuilds Friday for more sunshine: After the disturbance passes, the high-pressure ridge rebuilds, bringing more sun across Western Washington. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the mid to upper 40s as skies clear. Forecasters expect a continuation of drier, sunnier weather through the weekend. [1]
• Sunday Seahawks game expected dry with highs in 40s: The forecast calls for a dry Sunday for the Seahawks game, with highs around the mid 40s. Clouds could increase toward the evening, but rain is not expected at this time. The dry period is part of a broader pattern of mainly dry conditions before another system approaches later. [1]
• Next week could bring light showers; ridge may weaken: Forecasts show a possibility of light showers Monday near the coast, though models have backed off this potential. The ridge is expected to stay in place through early next week, with guidance suggesting a weakening pattern and precipitation returning by mid to late week, though forecasters caution it could change. [1]
• Snow levels vary through the forecast period: Snow levels are listed as high as 5,500 feet on Thursday and dropping to around 1,500 feet on Friday, with about 3,500 feet over the weekend and 1,500 to 3,000 feet Monday into Tuesday, then around 4,000 feet on Wednesday. These shifts reflect the alternating dry and wet patterns described in the forecast. [1]

Key Facts

• Darnold played through oblique injury in divisional win: Seattle defeated San Francisco 41-6 in the divisional round as Darnold played through an oblique injury. He completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown before being pulled in the fourth quarter. The victory kept Seattle on track for the NFC Championship and added context to his postgame assessment of his health. [2][3]
• Darnold says he feels 'really good' after the win: In the days after the victory, Darnold said he has felt 'really good' and is attacking rehab while preparing for Sunday. He described the rehab process as ongoing and said his focus remains on getting his body right for the next game. [1]
• Warmups convinced Darnold he could play: Looking back, Darnold said that once warmups showed he could throw well, he was confident enough to go out there and play aggressively, letting it rip. [1]
• Macdonald outlines plan for limited practice before NFC title: Coach Mike Macdonald said Darnold’s health is improving but he will not be a full-go in practice all week. The plan is to evaluate day by day and adjust as needed ahead of the NFC Championship. [1]
• Holani could back up Walker if activated: Reserve running back George Holani was designated for return to practice and could be activated for the NFC Championship, potentially serving as the backup to Kenneth Walker III. [1]
• Charbonnet out for remainder of playoffs with knee surgery: Zach Charbonnet is out for the remainder of the playoffs due to a knee injury that requires surgery, elevating the running back workload on Seattle’s roster as the team prepares for the title game. [4]

Who Said What

• Sam Darnold, Seahawks quarterback: Just attacking rehab these last couple days. Obviously will be throughout the week. Like I said, just got to continue to prepare and get my body right for Sunday. [1]
• Sam Darnold, Seahawks quarterback: once I came out in warmups and felt good throwing the ball, I was confident about going out there and letting it rip. [1]
• Mike Macdonald, Seahawks coach: We have a plan. We’re going to work through it; see how the day goes; then kind of take it day by day and take it to tomorrow. But he won’t be like throwing every ball every play for the whole week, no. [1]
• Mike Macdonald, Seahawks coach: Yeah, George is in great shape. Working his tail off. Excited to get him out there. [1]

Key Facts

• Wetmore to headline Seahawks NFC Championship halftime: Washington country singer Tucker Wetmore, 26, will headline the Halftime Show presented by Columbia Bank at Lumen Field during Seattle's NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams. The showcase is part of a high-stakes weekend that could send the team to the Super Bowl. Wetmore is described as a rising star from the state, with the show serving as a major platform in his career. The game is scheduled for Jan. 25 with a 3:30 p.m. start in Seattle. [1]
• Wetmore's Kalama roots and debut album: Wetmore grew up in Kalama, Washington, and is a Kalama High School alumnus. He released his debut album What Not To in April 2025, marking his breakout on the country scene. The article notes his rising status and recent CMA Awards appearance as part of his momentum. [1]
• CMA Awards nomination and streaming success: He was nominated as New Artist of the Year and performed his single Wind Up Missin’ You at the CMA Awards in November 2025. He has about 8.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his single Wine Into Whiskey charted on Billboard's Hot Country Songs and the Hot 100, illustrating his growing audience ahead of the halftime slot. [1]
• Lil Jon previously performed at Seahawks halftime: Last weekend, Lil Jon performed during the Seahawks' divisional playoff halftime show. Seattle subsequently defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 to advance, marking a high-profile build-up to the conference championship performance. [5]
• Transit advisory tied to weekend events: Fans are urged to take public transit to avoid massive traffic chaos on Sunday as Seattle hosts multiple events. The Kraken also play earlier in the day, with the Seahawks game following later in the afternoon. KING 5 will offer exclusive pregame and postgame Seahawks coverage on its app to help fans navigate the day. [6][1]
• Kickoff details for the NFC Championship: The Seahawks host the Rams in the NFC Championship at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 in Seattle, with streaming options for pregame and postgame coverage available on the KING 5 app. [1]

Key Facts

• Magnitude 3.0 quake near Carnation: The USGS says the tremor struck just after 8:20 p.m. near Carnation, Washington, at a depth of 27.1 kilometers. It was a small event, but dozens of residents reported feeling it. The strongest reports came from Carnation and nearby Monroe, and shaking was described as weak. [1]
• Dozens felt tremor in Carnation Monroe: A large number of people reported feeling the tremor, with most responses coming from Carnation and nearby Monroe. Shaking was described as weak in intensity. The reports illustrate how a small quake can be widely perceived in local communities. [1]
• Quake linked to Cascadia Subduction Zone: Experts note that many Washington earthquakes arise from the Juan de Fuca Plate sliding beneath North America, a process that forms the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This connection helps explain why earthquakes occur in the region and how they are generated. [1]
• DNR: daily earthquakes, high regional risk: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources says earthquakes occur in Washington daily, but most are too small to feel. The state faces a high risk of a large, damaging quake due to its geologic setting. This context helps frame the broader seismic hazard in the region. [1]
• Three Pacific Northwest quake types highlighted: The article outlines three main quake types: shallow fault quakes near the surface with localized shaking, deep earthquakes from plate collisions that can affect larger areas, and subduction zone quakes from oceanic plates slipping beneath the continent. The Cascadia Subduction Zone has ruptured in the past and remains a major hazard. [1]

Key Facts

• Armed suspect dies after Lacey standoff: The Thurston County sheriff confirmed the suspect died after a standoff at the College Pointe Apartments in the 4600 block of 45th Avenue Southeast. The incident involved an active shooter, with gunfire exchanged between SWAT and the shooter as officers evacuated residents. No officers were injured during the shooting. [1]
• Responders converge on College Pointe around 3:30 p.m: Lacey Police Department officers, SWAT and Thurston County deputies responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m. Authorities described the situation as an active shooter and began evacuating residents as the standoff unfolded. No officers were hurt during the shooting. [1]
• Earlier reports described barricaded gunman in apartment: Police had said earlier that a suspect with a gun was barricaded in an apartment, signaling the potential for a prolonged encounter before the shooting occurred. The situation evolved into gunfire between responders and the suspect. [1]
• Officer-involved shooting to be investigated: At 7:30 p.m., authorities said the officer-involved incident will be investigated by the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations, indicating independent review of potential use-of-force elements. [1]
• Bystander reports shattered Tesla windows: A man told KING 5 that his Tesla back windows were shattered by the gunfire while he was driving to work; he was not injured. He described the moment as frightening. [1]
• Area remains secure; avoid College Street area: Police said the scene is secure but law enforcement will stay in the area, and residents were urged to avoid the intersection of College Street and 45th Avenue Southeast. [1]

Who Said What

• Derek Sanders, Sheriff, Thurston County: The incident involved an 'active shooter'. [1]
• Anonymous Tesla driver, Unidentified motorist: It's scary, very scary. I didn't know whether to cry. Tears were rolling and I'm like, 'did I just get shot at?' [1]

Key Facts

• Two big home games draw near 90,000 attendees: The Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams at 3:30 p.m. and the Kraken host the New Jersey Devils at noon, creating a high likelihood of heavy traffic. Officials say capacity and attendance averages point to roughly 90,000 fans in the city for the doubleheader. The combined crowd underscores why transit options are being highlighted for game day. [1]
• Left I-5 northbound lanes closed near Ship Canal Bridge: The left two lanes north of Mercer Street to 45th Street are closed for Ship Canal Bridge work. A concrete barrier remains in the northbound lanes, and Revive I-5 crews will continue work this weekend, meaning the lanes will not reopen until the project is finished. [2][1]
• Officials urge fans to use public transit amid closures: Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit urged fans to take public transportation to mitigate congestion as game day traffic increases around Seattle. [2][1]
• Sound Transit alters service plans for the event: Sound Transit has adjusted its plans to reduce service on the Link Light Rail, while signaling upgrades continue in downtown Seattle. The 1-Line is affected by weekend work and trains will run on Sunday with changes to the schedule. [3][1]
• Shuttle buses and special schedules deployed for transit: During the work window, shuttle buses replace trains between Capitol Hill and SODO, and the Sounder commuter rail operates on a special event schedule from late morning to evening. [1]
• Fans express reliance on transit to avoid traffic: Fans voiced optimism about transit as a solution, including a Kraken supporter who said he walks to games and another who said he took the train on purpose to avoid road chaos. [1]

Who Said What

• Kraken fan, Fan: "It's gonna be intense, just massive, massive chaos. That's why I walk!" [1]
• Kraken fan, Fan: "I took the train here on purpose." [1]
• Tom Pearce, WSDOT spokesperson: "Even if we said we're not going to work this weekend because there's a big playoff game in town, that's not going to help traffic, because we have a concrete barrier down the middle of the northbound lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge." [1]

Key Facts

• Thurston County judge dismisses Sig Sauer lawsuit: Thurston County Judge Carol Murphy dismissed Sig Sauer's lawsuit against the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission over the P320 ban. The ruling found Sig Sauer lacked standing to sue the academy. Sig Sauer had argued improper procedures, while the state contended the academy does not owe corporate interests consideration when evaluating firearm safety. The decision ends the legal challenge and leaves the ban in place. [1]
• P320 banned from Washington training facilities in early 2025: Following a safety review, the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission banned the Sig Sauer P320 from its training facilities in early 2025 due to concerns the weapon could discharge without a trigger pull, even when holstered. The move followed investigations into the P320's safety and prompted agencies to adjust training to different weapon models. The ban reflects the academy's shift to prioritize safety over continuity of existing equipment. [3]
• Spokane 2024 incident triggers investigation: An incident at a Spokane firing range in 2024 where the P320 discharged without pulling the trigger prompted the academy to review the weapon's safety. An instructor said the recruit handling the weapon had not pulled the trigger. While no injuries occurred in Washington, similar incidents in other states have caused injuries to officers and civilians. [1]
• Attorney General argues against corporate interests: The Attorney General's Office countered that the academy is not obligated to consider Sig Sauer's corporate interests when evaluating firearm safety. [1]
• Ban triggers ripple effects across state training: The ban has forced several police agencies to transition to other firearm models so recruits can continue training at the state's only police academy. [1]
• Sig Sauer maintains P320 safety; no comment: Sig Sauer has consistently maintained that the P320 is safe and cannot fire without a trigger pull, but the company did not respond to requests for comment following the judge's decision. [1]

Key Facts

• Seattle Children's Theatre pulls Bruce Lee play at Kennedy Center: Seattle Children's Theatre announced it would withdraw the production Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story from the Kennedy Center's April premiere in Washington. The move comes a month before Seattle's scheduled February 20 premiere. The project was developed over two years in collaboration with the Kennedy Center, which co-commissioned the work. The theater says the final call followed intensive conversations with staff, performers, the Kennedy Center, and Bruce Lee's family. [1]
• Playwright Green describes withdrawal as complicated and disappointing: Green described the choice as complicated and said timing did not allow the project to move forward. She noted that she had viewed the work as activism but, after discussions with Seattle Children's Theatre leadership, the cast, crew, and Lee's family, they concluded that withdrawing was the right call. [1]
• Artists distance from Kennedy Center widens amid leadership changes: The withdrawal is framed as part of a broader trend as performers distance themselves from the Kennedy Center amid debates over the venue's political alignment and leadership changes. More than 20 performances have been canceled recently, with high-profile artists among those withdrawing in protest of leadership removal and the venue's renaming to the Trump-Kennedy Center, a change scholars say requires Congress. [1]
• The theater's leader says values no longer align with moment: Malgesini said the decision reflected a shift since the project began, and that the theater's values no longer aligned with the present moment. He described the move as the right choice after weighing perspectives from staff and partners. [1]
• Green remains hopeful the production will continue elsewhere: Green noted that other theaters have already expressed interest in staging the play, and she believes the story will have a future beyond this withdrawal. [1]

Who Said What

• Keiko Green, Playwright: "Getting the commission from the Kennedy Center, when it first came, was a really exciting point of my career." The moment marked a milestone for her. [1]
• Keiko Green, Playwright: "Not get to see that through at this time is really disappointing." [1]
• Keiko Green, Playwright: "It was a really complicated choice that had to be made." [1]
• Kevin Malgesini, Managing Director, Seattle Children's Theatre: "It reached a point where our values didn't align." [1]
• Keiko Green, Playwright: "If Bruce Lee was on the street today, would he be safe?" [1]

Key Facts

• Nearly 3,900 homes damaged statewide: An estimated 3,891 homes were damaged during December flooding across Washington. The floods spanned multiple rivers exceeding flood stage, and the disaster included one death and 383 emergency rescues. More than 100,000 residents were evacuated over the two-week storm. [1]
• About 440 homes destroyed or major damage after 33 rivers rose: Approximately 440 homes were destroyed or sustained major damage as 33 rivers exceeded flood stage. The flooding also contributed to one death and hundreds of rescues. [1]
• Ferguson seeks federal disaster declaration, FEMA funds: Governor Ferguson sent a letter to President Trump requesting a federal major disaster declaration and asking FEMA to open individual assistance funds for affected communities, with damage estimates at $21.3 million. [1]
• Counties and tribes would access federal help: If approved, residents in Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties would qualify for FEMA assistance, with 15 federally recognized Tribal nations also eligible. [1]
• February infrastructure funding separate: A separate request for funding to repair the state's infrastructure will be submitted in February after damage assessments are complete. [1]
• Emergency declaration and state aid in place: The federal government had previously granted an emergency declaration enabling federal resources to assist, while Washington allocated $3.5 million in state emergency funds and its Disaster Cash Assistance Program provided nearly $1 million in direct aid to more than 2,600 households. [1]

Who Said What

• Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington: "The scale, duration, and severity of this disaster overwhelmed local and state response capabilities." [1 mine]
• Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington: "Thousands of families experienced devastating loss. Federal assistance is essential to help Washingtonians recover from these historic floods." [1 mine]

Key Facts

• FBI offers up to $10,000 reward: The reward is for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Besalynn James's disappearance. The effort is part of a broader investigation led by federal and local partners spanning multiple states over the past year. [1]
• Besalynn James last seen Jan 20 at Lummi Nation home: Authorities say she was seen at approximately 1:16 p.m. on January 20, 2025, at her home on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation in Whatcom County. She was officially reported missing five days later, on January 25, 2025. [1]
• James left belongings and dogs behind: Investigators say she left behind personal belongings and her dogs, did not depart in a vehicle, and she was believed to be wearing a black jacket at the time she vanished. [1]
• Investigation spans multiple states, ongoing: The FBI says the search has involved steps across several states in the past year as agents work to locate James, who has ties beyond Washington. [1]
• Agencies leading the probe: The FBI Seattle Field Office leads the investigation alongside the Lummi Nation Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Bellingham Police Department and additional partners. [1]
• Tips welcomed via FBI channels: People with information can contact the FBI toll-free tip line, reach the Seattle Field Office, or submit tips online at the FBI tips site. [1]

Who Said What

• Miranda Noland, Daughter-in-law of Besalynn James: "It has devastated us. It has ripped out our hearts." [1]

Key Facts

• Mama Blue's family attends NFC Championship: Close to 70,000 fans will fill Lumen Field for the NFC Championship, and Patti 'Mama Blue' Hammond's relatives are among them. They carry on her tradition of being 12s and remain deeply connected to Seahawks games. [1][2]
• Family preserves six lower-bowl season seats: When Mama Blue died, the Seahawks ensured the family could keep the same seats, and six season tickets in the lower bowl are now filled by relatives at each home game. [1]
• Mama Blue died at age 92: Mama Blue passed away at age 92. The Seahawks reached out to help the family keep the seats she and her kin used for years. [3][1]
• Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame fan section: The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted her into its fan section in recognition of her status as a Seahawks supporter. [1]
• First fan to raise Seahawks' 12 Flag: She became the first fan ever chosen to raise the Seahawks' 12 Flag before a home game, cementing her iconic status among the team’s supporters. [1]
• Great-grandson reinforces family Seahawks tradition: Steven Maynard describes how family gatherings center on the Seahawks and how his great-grandmother inspired ongoing fandom. [1]

Who Said What

• Steven Maynard, great-grandson: "Any family gathering, that's all we talk about — what's going on with the Seahawks." This shows how the family keeps the team's culture alive in daily life. [1]
• Steven Maynard, great-grandson: "She is still there with us when we go to games." This conveys the sense of Mama Blue's presence continuing at games. [1]
• Steven Maynard, great-grandson: "She seemed like the only one in the whole section cheering as loud as she could." This memory captures her iconic enthusiasm at pivotal moments. [1]

Key Facts

• Duclair opens scoring early for Islanders: Anthony Duclair scored on the Islanders' power play 2:38 into the game, giving New York a 1-0 lead. Ilya Sorokin stopped several Kraken chances as Seattle pressed to answer. The Islanders carried the early advantage before Seattle tied it later in the period. [1]
• Beniers deflects Dunn shot to tie on five-on-three: With 9:20 left in the first, Matty Beniers redirected a shot from Dunn on a five-on-three power play to tie the game at 1-1. The first period featured six penalties between the teams. Seattle carried momentum into the second, where the Kraken would take the lead. [1]
• Dunn wrist shot puts Kraken ahead in second: Dunn scored on a wrist shot with 6:23 left in the second to put Seattle ahead 2-1. Ryan Winterton and Ben Meyers assisted on the goal. The Kraken kept pressure on the Islanders through the middle frame. [1]
• Grubauer, McCann connect on late empty-net: Grubauer stopped 24 shots and earned the secondary assist on Jared McCann's empty-net goal late in the third, sealing the 4-1 win for Seattle. McCann has a point in 17 of 25 games this season. Seattle's offense added one more late tally to reach four goals. [1]
• Islanders finish road trip 3-3-1: The Islanders wrapped up a seven-game road trip with a 3-3-1 record. They had a 1-0 lead early but Seattle answered to win. They return home to face Buffalo on Saturday. [1]
• Kraken trailing early again; seven of eight: It was the seventh time in their last eight games that Seattle gave up the first goal. The Kraken recovered to win anyway, illustrating resilience this season and snapping a four-game skid. [1]

Key Facts

• Outage hits Microsoft 365, Outlook, Teams: Thousands report issues across Microsoft products. DownDetector logged about 15,000 users reporting Microsoft 365 problems around 3 p.m. Eastern, with roughly 12,000 problems tied to Outlook and 500 to Teams. [1]
• Microsoft Support teams investigating the outage: Microsoft said its support teams are examining the disruption as investigators point to issues in the service infrastructure. [1]
• North America infrastructure issue confirmed by Microsoft: The company stated that a portion of its North America service infrastructure is not processing traffic as expected and that engineers are working to restore the system to a healthy state. [2][3]

Who Said What

• Microsoft, Microsoft Support / MSFT365Status: "We've identified a portion of service infrastructure in North America that is not processing traffic as expected. We're working to restore the infrastructure to a healthy state to achieve recovery." [2]

Key Facts

• Winter storm prompts waivers and advisories: A major winter storm is forecast to hit southern states, bringing heavy snow, ice and freezing rain from Texas to the Carolinas. Meteorologists warned travelers to expect delays and hazardous conditions. In response, several airlines announced travel advisories and began waiving rebooking fees to ease disruptions. The U.S. Department of Transportation says refunds are required for cancellations or significant changes, including nonrefundable tickets if the passenger declines an alternative offered by the airline. [1][2][8]
• American waives change fees for Jan 23-25 travel: American Airlines issued a travel alert for flights between Jan 23 and Jan 25, offering free rebooking within a window of Jan 21 to Jan 28. The waiver applies to travelers to or from 34 eligible airports. [1][3]
• Delta waives rebooking fees for changes by Jan 28: Delta announced it will waive rebooking fees for changes on or before Jan 28 for travel to or from 41 eligible airports, with the same cabin requirement. [1][4]
• Southwest allows free rebooking at 46 airports: Southwest offered free rebooking for customers at 46 airports traveling Jan 23-26. [1][5]
• United waives rebooking at 35 airports: United dropped rebooking fees for travelers at 35 affected airports traveling Jan 24-26. [1][6]
• JetBlue waives rebooking at 11 airports: JetBlue waived rebooking fees for customers at 11 affected airports traveling Jan 24-26. [1][7]

Who Said What

• U.S. Department of Transportation, federal regulator: "If you have a problem obtaining a refund that you believe that you are entitled to receive, you may file a complaint with the DOT." [8]

Key Facts

• House votes on Venezuela war powers resolution: The House was voting Thursday on a resolution directing Trump to remove U.S. military forces from Venezuela. Democrats press the Republican-led Congress to curb the president's aggression in the Western Hemisphere. The move follows the U.S. raid against Maduro and signals concerns about future military actions. [1]
• Administration says no troops on ground, will seek approval for major ops: The Trump administration told senators there are no U.S. troops on the ground in Venezuela and pledged to obtain congressional authorization before launching major operations. Republicans have largely resisted such checks in past war powers votes, while Democrats say Congress must assert its role. [3]
• Democrats tie resolution to Maduro raid and oil ambitions: Democrats argue the resolution is necessary after the Maduro raid and as Trump has voiced plans to control the country's oil industry. They frame the president's actions as an expanding use of force abroad without parliamentary consent. The argument is that Congress must reclaim its wartime powers. [4]
• Senate Republicans narrowly dismiss resolution after backsliding support: Senate Republicans narrowly dismissed a Venezuela war powers resolution after the Trump administration persuaded two Republicans to back away from their earlier support. As part of that effort, Secretary of State Marco Rubio committed to a briefing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. [5][6]
• Three Republicans previously backed similar measure: When a Venezuela war powers resolution was considered last month in the House, Rep. Don Bacon, Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene joined Democrats in supporting the legislation. [1]

Who Said What

• Rep. Brian Mast, Republican chair of the House Armed Services Committee: "It’s about the fact that you don’t want President Trump to arrest Maduro, and you will condemn him no matter what he does, even though he brought Maduro to justice with possibly the most successful law enforcement operation in history." [1]
• Rep. Gregory Meeks, Top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee: "Donald Trump is reducing the United States to a regional bully with fewer allies and more enemies. This isn't making America great again. It’s making us isolated and weak." [1]
• Rep. Don Bacon, Republican from Nebraska: "I'm tired of all the threats." [1]

Key Facts

• Arctic cold spreads across the United States: The piece notes that extreme low temperatures are affecting pets and livestock, prompting fresh safety guidance for owners. The advisory emphasizes indoor shelter and monitoring for signs of cold distress as bitter air arrives. [1]
• Millions under cold weather alerts prompt questions about safe thresholds for pets: Officials note that temperature tolerance varies by breed and size, and public advisories urge precautions and protective gear during cold periods as forecasts linger. [2]
• Tufts' 2018 guidelines tailored to dog breeds: The guidance from Tufts University’s veterinary program uses breed-based considerations to outline when to bring pets indoors and how to manage exposure to cold. [3]
• Indoor advice when freezing; many dogs stay comfortable above 45°F: Experts say temperature tolerance varies by pet, but keep indoors when it is freezing, with smaller, elderly, or thin-coated dogs aided by sweaters as temperatures dip below 45°F. [1]
• Frostbite and hypothermia risk rises 20°F to 32°F: The guidance recommends coats, booties, and shorter walks as temperatures fall within this range to mitigate cold-related injuries. [1]
• Below 20°F outdoor exposure should be limited: Outdoor time should be brief and supervised, with protective gear, to reduce the risk of cold injury. [1]

Key Facts

• Cinemark and Regal unveil Oscar movie weeks: Cinemark launches Oscars Movie Week, running March 9 through March 15, to spotlight nominated titles. Regal will bring back 10 Best Picture nominees for screenings across March 6 to March 15, creating a theater-focused countdown to the ceremony. AMC plans to share information on its Best Picture Showcase on Friday, signaling broader participation in the in-theater event. [1][5][7][6]
• Nomination announcements crown Sinners with most nods: The Academy released the nominations, with Ryan Coogler's Sinners receiving more nominations than any film before, surpassing the 14-nomination mark. One Battle After Another trails with 13 nominations, and four Sinners stars — Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn — are nominated, while Chase Infiniti misses a Best Actress nod. [2][4]
• Oscars date set for March 15 at 7 p.m. ET: The Oscars ceremony is scheduled to begin on March 15 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, marking the culmination of awards season. [1]
• Festival pass and ticketing details for the weeks: Audiences can buy a festival pass for 40 dollars to access all showings, with a 50 percent popcorn discount per visit. Individual tickets may be purchased online or at the box office, and showtimes will be announced later. Pass buyers receive instructions by email after purchase. [1][5]
• Regal schedules Best Picture screenings and pricing: Regal will show 10 Best Picture nominees from March 6 to March 15, with tickets priced at 7.99 dollars per title. The chain also runs the And the Award Goes to series through March, highlighting one Oscar-worthy film per day, including past winners and this year’s nominees. [7]
• Complete Regal Best Picture lineup by date: Regal lists showings for Sinners, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, The Secret Agent, Bugonia, Train Dreams, One Battle After Another, F1, and Frankenstein across March 6 to March 15. [7]

Who Said What

• Brooks LeBoeuf, Senior vice president of U.S. content at Regal: "The nominated titles represent the best of what appeared on big screens in 2025, and leading up to the biggest awards night in entertainment, these movies deserve to be appreciated again with in-theatre moviegoing experiences," LeBoeuf said in a news release. The statement underscores Regal's rationale for the in-theater showcase ahead of the Oscars. [7]

Key Facts

• Gibson shifts from trail running to ski mountaineering: Anna Gibson, a 26-year-old from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, pivots from elite trail running toward ski mountaineering after a conversation with Cameron Smith. Her diverse background in alpine racing, cross-country skiing, and trail running makes the switch plausible, even with a tight timeline. The move sets her on a path toward the U.S. Olympic team in the new sport. [1]
• June race sparks partnership with Cameron Smith: During a June trail race, Smith proposed teaming up to pursue the U.S. mixed relay in ski mountaineering. Gibson weighed the idea against her endurance strengths and fast ascent skills, eventually agreeing to form a partnership. The collaboration would later prove pivotal in earning an Olympic spot. [1]
• First World Cup win secures Olympic berth: Gibson and Smith won their World Cup mixed relay in Utah, finishing ahead of Canada and securing a spot at the Milan Cortina Games. The win marked the United States’ first gold in a World Cup mixed relay event, underscoring the team’s rapid rise in the sport. [1]
• USA Skimo hails Gibson as a seasoned pro: Sarah Cookler, head of sport for USA Skimo, described Gibson as calculated, calm, experienced, and easy to work with. Her assessment reflected the sense that Gibson could quickly elevate her performance at the highest level. [1]
• Gibson’s skiing lineage and endurance path: Gibson’s story includes a family history in skimo and a personal evolution from a junior national cross-country champion to an endurance-focused trail runner who found a new path in ski mountaineering. The trajectory highlights her versatility and long-standing goal of becoming an Olympian. [1]

Who Said What

• Anna Gibson, Olympic ski mountaineer: "We were just trying to beat Canada and make it to the Olympics. There was also an element of just full on disbelief because it just felt so unreal what we had just done." [1]
• Sarah Cookler, Head of sport for USA Skimo: "like a seasoned pro." She looked, like a seasoned pro. Gibson’s performance was convincing, and Cookler emphasized Gibson’s calculated, calm, and experienced approach that makes her a strong teammate. [1]
• Sarah Cookler, Head of sport for USA Skimo: "Anna is calculated, calm, experienced, and absolutely easy to work with." [1]

Key Facts

• Storm triggers 132 million alerts: The National Weather Service warned a major winter storm could bring snow, sleet or freezing rain across the central and eastern United States this weekend. An Arctic airmass is expected to bring freezing rain from Texas to the Carolinas and heavy snow from Kansas to New York, creating conditions that could cause widespread power outages, hazardous travel, and tree damage. In total, about 132 million people were placed under alerts ahead of the storm. [2][3]
• Arctic air brings widespread ice and snow: Forecasters expect a broad zone of freezing rain in the southern and eastern states and heavy snow across the central and northeastern U.S., raising the risk for travel disruption and outages as the storm moves in. [3]
• 106 million under extreme cold alerts: The National Weather Service said roughly 106 million people could face extremely cold temperatures as the storm develops, with forecasts indicating the cold air could expand south and east over time. [4]
• Rock salt loses effectiveness below 15F: Rock salt is generally most effective at melting ice and snow at temperatures down to around 15 degrees. As temperatures drop below that threshold, its melting speed slows, making it less practical for rapid deicing on highways. [5]
• Improper salt use can worsen icing: Salt Institute's Snowfighter’s Handbook warns that using too little salt can lead to refreezing of melted liquid, while using too much can cause salt crystallization, potentially worsening ice conditions. [6]
• Best practice: use salt before it is too cold and after snow removal: Experts advise applying rock salt before temperatures become very cold and after snow has been cleared, using only enough to break up ice and supplementing with other removal methods. [7]

Who Said What

• Cargill, salt producer and multinational food corporation: "Salt’s ice-melting action slows as the temperature drops. This would be less of an issue for applications where time is not critical ... but in applications where removal of the snow is desired as soon as possible, such as highway deicing, the ice melting speed of rock salt becomes impractically slow at colder temperatures." [5]

Key Facts

• Massive winter storm barrels toward two-thirds of U.S: A massive storm is barreling toward the eastern two-thirds of the United States, with forecasts calling for a crippling ice storm from Texas through the South and up to a foot of snow in corridors including Oklahoma, Washington, D.C., New York and Boston. Forecasters warn the damage could be severe, and about 140 million people were under winter storm or cold-weather watches or warnings. The system is expected to begin in New Mexico and Texas before marching east toward the Deep South and the Northeast. [2][1]
• Forecasters warn damage could rival a hurricane: Forecasters said the ice buildup and potential outages could resemble the impact of a hurricane in some areas. The storm is expected to deliver a dangerous mix of rain, ice and snow as it moves from the Southwest toward the East Coast, with heavy ice cited as the greatest threat. [3][1]
• Extreme cold and wind chills threaten frostbite risk: Wind chills may plunge to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit in Chicago and reach similarly extreme readings in the North and Midwest. Officials warn frostbite could occur within 10 minutes under the coldest conditions, raising concerns about exposure and transport. [1]
• Officials declare emergencies and urge preparedness: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, acknowledging that forecasts show potentially disastrous winter weather for Atlanta and the Deep South. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein urged residents to plan for possible power outages and to prepare supplies for staying warm and fed. [1]
• Public reaction includes stockpiling and event changes: Residents stocked up on supplies as salt shortages emerged and brine trucks began treating roads. Some events were altered or canceled, including sports schedules and other gatherings, while others went ahead, such as a major hunting and fishing show that anticipated thousands of attendees. [1]

Who Said What

• Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia: "That line could move north or south depending on what the temperatures do and what that could throw at us." [1]
• Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina: "think about what you may need to stay warm and fed if you lose power." [1]
• Glen Jarrell, Spokesperson, West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association: "We’re not thinking about stopping. We don’t care if it’s rain, snow or high water." [1]
• Wendy Chambers, Store customer: "We’re gonna be prepared, aren’t we? We’re going to be able to read, do things, play games." [5][1]

Key Facts

• Charter-boat captain arrested after cocaine found at sea: The Monroe County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 65-year-old Bradford Todd Picariello on Jan 19. Officials described the case as part of an undercover operation connected to a cocaine sale. The sheriff's office said the incident stems from investigators pursuing trafficking activity tied to items found at sea. Picariello faces trafficking and related charges, and federal prosecutors are expected to handle the case. [1]
• 65-year-old Picariello identified as arrestee: The sheriff's office identified Bradford Todd Picariello, a Marathon, Florida Keys resident, as the person arrested on Jan 19. The agency announced the information in a social media post. Authorities did not specify where the arrest occurred. [1]
• Undercover sting details $10,000 kilogram sale: Officials said the operation involved a sale of a kilogram of cocaine for $10,000. USA Today, citing an arrest report, said Picariello told a law enforcement source to bring a cooler to the drug sale to make it look as though he was getting fish and claimed there was an additional 100 pounds of cocaine available in the future. The case confirms the undercover nature of the investigation. [1][2]
• Seizure tally includes 23 kilograms and more: Approximately 23 kilograms of cocaine were seized, along with $8,000 in cash, and a 38-foot vessel. A .40-caliber handgun was also taken. The sheriff's office noted that 23 kilograms equates to about 50 pounds. [1]
• Picariello faced trafficking, possessing and selling cocaine: Picariello was charged with trafficking, possessing and selling cocaine. Officials said he is expected to be prosecuted federally. [1]
• Arrest location not disclosed; Marathon resident: It is not disclosed where the arrest occurred. Picariello is described as a Marathon resident in the Florida Keys. [1]

Who Said What

• Bradford Todd Picariello, charter boat captain: "make it look as though he was getting fish." His remark demonstrates his attempt to disguise the drug sale as a fishing expedition, reflecting the undercover nature of the operation. [2]

Key Facts

• Snohomish family sues Tesla over autopilot crash: The Nissen family filed a lawsuit accusing Tesla of misrepresenting autopilot capabilities and using the public as guinea pigs. They allege the company failed to adequately test self-driving cars before placing them on roads. The action follows the death of Jeffrey Nissen Jr., a Snohomish County man. [1]
• Fatal autopilot crash killed Jeffrey Nissen Jr: In April 2024, investigators say a Tesla in autopilot mode struck Nissen from behind while he was stopped in traffic on Highway 522 near Woodinville. He died after the vehicle dragged him. The family has pursued legal action alleging the crash demonstrates broader safety concerns. [2]
• Attorney describes testing as public guinea pigs: Sim Osborn, the Nissen family's attorney, says Tesla is using the public as test subjects, arguing the driver, other road users, and pedestrians are put at risk by inadequately tested technology. [1]
• NHTSA investigating thousands of incidents: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is examining more than 8,000 incidents involving Tesla's self-driving technology, underscoring regulatory scrutiny around autopilot deployments. [1]
• Florida autopilot verdict cited as precedent: The article notes a Florida jury awarded a family $240 million after finding Tesla partially responsible for an autopilot fatality, illustrating ongoing legal exposure for the company. [1]
• Family seeks market removal until reliability improves: The Nissen family asks that Tesla autopilot cars be taken off the market until the technology is deemed 100% reliable. [1]

Who Said What

• Jeffrey Nissen Sr, father: It's just like a big nightmare and I just want to wake up and have him back. [1]
• Carrie Nissen, mother: Around 10 p.m., a police officer came to my house and handed me his things and told me he was gone. It kind of blew my mind. I never thought I'd hear my child was gone. [1]
• Sim Osborn, attorney for the Nissen family: The driver is a guinea pig, persons on the road are guinea pigs, pedestrians are guinea pigs. [1]
• Sim Osborn, attorney for the Nissen family: If you market it as full self-driving and have the owner of the company say you can drive this from coast to coast without ever touching the wheel, that's a problem. [1]

Key Facts

• Fire destroys Lynnwood duplex; landlord dies: The blaze erupted around 8:30 p.m. Monday at a duplex just south of the Whole Foods on 28th Avenue West. Heather Cromwell, a single mother of three, escaped with her family as the upstairs burned. The landlord, Ken, did not survive the flames. The property was left a charred shell and the family has been displaced. [1]
• Cromwell family evacuates with pets; landlord inside: Cromwell said she rushed to evacuate everyone, including her 25-year-old son with special needs, her 19-year-old twin daughters, the boyfriend, and two dogs. She recalled screaming for Ken as flames surged from the door. Despite their efforts, Ken was unable to escape. [1]
• Ashes shelf of Cromwell's parents survives: Among the ashes, a small beacon of hope remained: a shelf holding Cromwell’s parents’ ashes was untouched by the flames. The contrast underscored how the destruction unfolded around personal belongings. [1]
• Cause under investigation by South County Fire: Officials with South County Fire say the cause of the fire is still under investigation as investigators gather information from the scene. [1]
• Fundraiser launched to aid family: Cromwell’s family has launched an online fundraiser to help them start over. The GoFundMe campaign is part of the community response to the displacement and loss of property. [2]

Who Said What

• Heather Cromwell, Lynnwood single mother of three: "It’s terrible," she said. "I don’t really like coming in here because it’s really hard for me… we had a home and now we have this. It’s really hard to process." [1]
• Heather Cromwell, Lynnwood single mother of three: "We were screaming for him," she recalled. "But the amount of flames coming from that door… clearly someone didn’t make it. Unfortunately, Ken did not." [1]
• Heather Cromwell, Lynnwood single mother of three: "Something good is going to happen," she said. "I just know it." [1]

Key Facts

• Adams pursues first Super Bowl after four NFC title losses: Adams reached the NFC Championship four times with the Packers but never won the title. Now with the Rams, he has another chance against Seattle in the NFC Championship. [1]
• Rams star remains league TD receptions leader amid top offense: The 33-year-old Adams is the league's leader in touchdown receptions and is a central part of the Rams' league-leading offense as they chase a title. [1]
• Hamstring injury sidelined Adams late in the season: A hamstring injury sidelined Adams in December, contributing to the Rams losing the No. 1 seed late in the regular season. [1]
• Only a few 2021 Super Bowl contributors remain with Rams: Among players who contributed to the 2021 title run, only a handful remain in the current Rams, including Matthew Stafford and Tyler Higbee. [1]
• Rams notes: limited practice; Young knee soreness; Lake illness: The team held a walkthrough and reported Byron Young knee soreness and Quentin Lake illness ahead of the game. [1]
• Adams emphasizes gratitude for return to title chase: Adams says being back with a great team has deepened his appreciation for moments like this and the pursuit of a championship. [1]

Who Said What

• Davante Adams, Rams wide receiver: "It just feels almost like a mythical thing to me at this point. You do everything you can to get there, and it’s been so hard. Been working so hard at it." [1]
• Davante Adams, Rams wide receiver: "Forgive me if I’m not smiling ear-to-ear after the first win or the second (playoff) win, having been here so many times and understanding what it takes to get where we’re ultimately trying to go. We’re close, and we’ve just got to finish it off." [1]
• Davante Adams, Rams wide receiver: "Being back in a position where you’re with a great team and a great situation, you definitely have a greater appreciation for times like this, for sure." [1]

Key Facts

• No. 7 Nebraska defeats Washington to extend streak to 23: Pryce Sandfort scored 23 points as the Huskers beat Washington 76-66. Nebraska improved to 19-0 overall and 8-0 in the Big Ten, remaining alone atop the conference. The win stretched Nebraska's 23-game winning streak and showcased a controlled performance against an injury-plagued Huskies team. [1]
• Sandfort posts third straight 20-point game: Sandfort added to his string of 20-plus points with a 23-point night. Sam Hoiberg contributed 14, Rienk Mast 12, and Jamarques Lawrence 11, helping Nebraska maintain its lead throughout the game. [1]
• Steinbach 21 points, 12 rebounds as Huskies contend with injuries: Hannes Steinbach tallies his 11th double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Washington has used nine different starting lineups in the last 15 days because of injuries, while Zoom Diallo chipped in 18 points and six assists in the loss. [1]
• Arizona beats Cincinnati 77-51; Krivas 17 points: Motiejus Krivas scored 17 for Arizona as the Wildcats pulled away late. Cincinnati, coming off a 79-70 win over No. 2 Iowa State, was limited in this matchup, with Arizona building a 58-44 lead in the second half after a close first half. [1][2]
• Cincinnati had just defeated No. 2 Iowa State prior to this game: Cincinnati’s momentum included a 79-70 upset of the then-No. 2 team in the country, illustrating how quickly one-week narratives can shift in a college basketball season. [2]
• Gonzaga defeats Pepperdine 84-60 amid injuries: Davis Fogle scored 17 as Gonzaga won its 51st straight against Pepperdine. The Bulldogs improved to 20-1, 8-0 in the West Coast Conference, while missing top scorers due to injuries. The win extended Gonzaga’s streak to 29 consecutive 20-win seasons. [1]

Key Facts

• Johnson scores 28 to lift San Diego: Ty-Laur Johnson had 28 points, seven assists and three steals as the Toreros defeated Washington State 96-92 on Wednesday night. [1]
• Toreros climb to 9-12, 3-5 in WCC: San Diego moved to 9-12 overall and 3-5 in West Coast Conference play with the win. [1]
• Glass tops Cougars with 29: Aaron Glass scored 29 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead Washington State, with ND Okafor at 21 and Rihards Vavers at 16. [1]
• Gorosito and Lane contribute for San Diego: Juan Sebastian Gorosito went 5-for-7 from the field for 12 points, and Toneari Lane added nine in the first half to help San Diego build a 42-32 halftime lead. [1]
• Johnson's 26-point second half seals win: Johnson scored 26 in the second half to help seal the four-point victory for San Diego. [1]

Key Facts

• Gonzaga defeats Pepperdine 84-60 for 20th win: Davis Fogle scored 17 points to pace Gonzaga, which improved to 20-1 overall and 8-0 in the West Coast Conference. The Bulldogs extended their streak of 29 straight seasons with at least 20 wins and kept their long series dominance over Pepperdine at 51 consecutive wins. [1]
• Gonzaga missing top two post players Ike and Huff: Graham Ike and Braden Huff, who average 18 and 17.8 points per game, are sidelined with leg injuries. Ike is expected to return soon, while Huff is projected back near the end of the regular season. The absence tests Gonzaga's depth as it pursues continued success. [1]
• Gonzaga opens with 13-5 run to lead 25-16: Consecutive 3-pointers from Mario Saint-Supery, Davis Fogle and Steele Venters sparked a 13-5 burst early. A 10-0 run later extended the lead to 37-20, setting the tone for the first half. Grant-Foster added eight points to push Gonzaga ahead. [1]
• Pepperdine shoots 38% and goes eight minutes without a field goal: The Waves shot 38 percent from the floor and were unable to sustain offense, including a stretch of nearly eight minutes without a field goal in the second half. Styles Phipps led Pepperdine with 13 points and Aaron Clark added 10. [1]
• Pepperdine at Washington State; Gonzaga hosts San Francisco: Pepperdine travels to Washington State next, while Gonzaga hosts San Francisco at home. The outcomes keep Gonzaga undefeated in league play and extend Pepperdine's road trip in search of an upset. [1]

Key Facts

• Heated Rivalry stars named torchbearers for Milan Cortina: HBO Max's Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie were selected as official torchbearers for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Williams and Storrie portray Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov on the series. HBO Max announced the selection via a social post and did not disclose the specific day or location for their torch run. The pair are slated to carry the flame sometime between Jan 23 and Feb 6. [1][2]
• Show rise tied to HBO Max acquisition and top rating: The series began on Crave in Canada but surged in popularity after HBO Max picked up the rights in late November. It went on to become the top-rated non-animated acquired series since its 2020 launch, according to Variety. [1][3]
• Show rooted in Game Changers books: Heated Rivalry is based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series, which follows a romance between two pro hockey players. [1]
• Guerin sets gold as goal after 4 Nations Face-Off: USA Hockey General Manager Bill Guerin told the team that nothing but gold would suffice after the team fell short at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February. The 4 Nations Face-Off is a major international event involving the United States and Canada. [1][4]
• U.S. gold history adds context to expectations: The United States has not won a best-on-best adult international title in about three decades and has not claimed Olympic men’s hockey gold since 1980, highlighting the stakes as the Milan Cortina Games approach. [1]