/Top Stories/ Last Updated: Fri, Feb 7th, 2025 @ 5:00pm EST

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Javier C. Hernández

A 311-Year-Old Stradivarius Violin Sells for $11.25 Million at Sotheby’s

The money from the sale of the violin, which was once owned by the 19th-century virtuoso Joseph Joachim, will benefit a scholarship program at the New England Conservatory.

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Lola Fadulu

New York Live Bird Markets Ordered to Close After Bird Flu Is Found

The order affects roughly 80 markets in New York City and in several nearby counties. Gov. Kathy Hochul described it as a “proactive” step to help curb the spread of bird flu.

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Kate Christobek

2 Killed as Tornadoes Sweep Through East Tennessee

The tornadoes, which also injured three people and caused widespread damage, reached wind speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

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Genevieve Glatsky

Ecuador’s Leader Has Had a Year of Chaos. He Is Still Favored to Win Sunday’s Election.

President Daniel Noboa is favored to win Sunday’s presidential election as many voters embrace his heavy-handed tactics to fight violence and corruption.

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Trish Bendix

Jimmy Kimmel Has Doubts About Trump’s Religious Convictions

According to Kimmel, “MAGA Teresa” only attended the National Prayer Breakfast “because he doesn’t like it when people worship anyone other than him.”

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Ross Douthat

My Favorite Argument for the Existence of God

We, ourselves, are part of the proof.

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Jennifer Pahlka

This Is How Democrats Can Counter Elon Musk

Recklessness will not get us to a revitalized government, but neither will excessive caution and addiction to procedure.

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Congo Buries Its Dead After Rebel Assault

A single image captures the grim task facing those who needed to find space for the dead after a spasm of violence in Central Africa.

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Alexandra Alter

Barbara Kingsolver Uses ‘Demon Copperhead’ Royalties to Build Rehab Center

Barbara Kingsolver has put royalties from her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to work in the region it portrayed, starting a home for women in recovery.

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Christopher Damien

Sacramento County Jail Death Leads to Accusations of Neglect

Court-appointed monitors of Sacramento County jails say a man’s fatal overdose was one of multiple deaths in which deputies and nurses exhibited a “callous” indifference toward detainees.

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Jessica Testa

How Emily Sundberg’s ‘Feed Me’ Newsletter Made Her Into a Rising Substack Star

Emily Sundberg’s business newsletter, Feed Me, has made her a rising Substack star.

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Vjosa Isai

Behind Closed Doors, Trudeau Says Trump Threat to Take Over Canada Is Real

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a talk with business leaders, said Canada’s wealth of critical minerals are behind Mr. Trump’s comments about making its northern neighbor a U.S. state.

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Colby Smith

Job Market Gives Fed Cover to Extend Interest Rate Pause

The central bank is grappling with how quickly to lower interest rates after pausing cuts last month.

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Aaron Boxerman

Hamas Names 3 Hostages to Be Released in Next Cease-Fire Exchange

The Israelis were identified as Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben-Ami, all of whom were abducted during the 2023 Hamas-led attack. Israel is expected to let dozens of Palestinian prisoners go in return.

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Maya C. Miller

As Trump and Musk Upend Washington, Congressional Phones Can’t Keep Up

In the three weeks since President Trump took office and gave Elon Musk free rein inside the federal government, millions of calls have poured in to members of Congress, jamming the system.

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Theodore Schleifer, Nicholas Nehamas, Kate Conger and Ryan Mac

Young Aides Emerge as Enforcers in Musk’s DOGE Team Efforts

Much of the billionaire’s handiwork — gaining access to internal systems and asking employees to justify their jobs — is being driven by a group of engineers operating in secrecy.

Fast Company

Associated Press

Trump administration asks federal agencies for lists of underperforming workers

The Office of Personnel Management directed federal agencies to submit names of every worker who has received less than a ‘fully successful’ performance rating in the past three years and to note if any have been on performance plans.

President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered all federal departments and agencies to provide lists of employees who are underperforming, as it seeks to shrink the workforce and awaits a court ruling related to its deferred resignation offers.

SBNation.com

RJ Ochoa

Ricky Williams doesn’t believe we’ll see a resurgence in the NFL’s RB market

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ricky Williams believes we will not see a resurgence in the running back market

Sunday will see Saquon Barkley lead the Philadelphia Eagles into Super Bowl LIX, the final act in an incredible season for Saquon.

Elsewhere in the NFL we saw Derrick Henry almost do the same with the Baltimore Ravens. While they did not reach that level specifically there were also great seasons authored by Aaron Jones with the Minnesota Vikings and Josh Jacobs with the Green...

Wired Top Stories

Louise Matsakis

Trump's FBI Pick Kash Patel Took Up to $5M in Stock from Chinese Ecommerce Giant Shein

Donald Trump’s pick for FBI director told senators he has no plans to divest his shares, which his financial disclosure form says were received in exchange for consulting services.

Mashable

Super Bowl 2025 cheat sheet: Everything you need to know for Chiefs vs. Eagles

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and even if you're not a football fan, you’re still pretty much required to watch the showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Super Bowl Sunday has become as much of a U.S. tradition as the Fourth of July.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or someone who actively avoids the sport, we've got you covered with a cheat sheet to help you follow along. From the star players to the halftime show and all the online buzz, here’s everything...

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