Inter Miami has become the most valuable football club in the United States, with an estimated valuation of $1.45 billion ahead of the 2026 season. The Florida-based team, led by Argentine captain Lionel Messi, has seen its brand value and revenue surge following his arrival. According to a survey by sports business outlet Sportico, Inter Miami has overtaken Los Angeles FC, which now ranks second with a $1.4 billion valuation.

The club’s market value has grown by about 22 percent in just one year, marking a significant rise for Messi and teammate Luis Suárez’s side. In contrast, Los Angeles FC recorded only a 9 percent increase, allowing Miami to surpass it in overall worth. The top five most valuable MLS clubs now include Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion), Atlanta United ($1.14 billion), and New York City FC ($1.12 billion).

The report highlights how Messi’s influence has extended beyond the pitch, transforming Inter Miami’s financial and competitive standing within Major League Soccer.

The United States House of Representatives has voted 219–211 to repeal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian goods. The resolution, introduced by Democrats and supported by six Republican lawmakers, seeks to withdraw the trade duties enacted by the Trump administration last year. Although passed in the House, the measure remains symbolic for now, as it must also pass the Senate and receive the president’s signature to become law. Analysts cited in the report suggest that Trump is unlikely to approve it.

Since his re-election, President Trump has continued to impose tariffs on Canada and recently threatened a 100 percent import duty in response to Canada’s potential trade deal with China. During the House vote, Trump warned on his social media platform Truth Social that any Republican voting against tariffs would face serious political consequences. He defended the tariffs as essential for protecting US economic and national security.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, attempted to block debate on the resolution but failed. Despite a narrow Republican majority, the defection of six members allowed the proposal to pass easily.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that discussions with Iran must continue. He made the remarks on social media after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. According to Arab News, Netanyahu spoke about taking action against Iran during the three-hour meeting.

Trump stated that he emphasized the need to keep negotiating with Iran to see if a deal could be reached. He told Netanyahu that achieving such a deal was a priority for his administration, adding that if it was not possible, the outcome would be observed. This was the seventh meeting between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to office as president.

Netanyahu’s office said that during the talks, the Israeli leader stressed the importance of Israel’s security. The meeting followed Trump’s earlier indication of possible military action against Iran after the government’s crackdown on protesters, while Washington and Tehran resumed nuclear discussions last week.

Democratic lawmakers sharply questioned United States Attorney General Pam Bondi during a House Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Oversight of the US Department of Justice,” focusing on her handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Representative Jamie Raskin accused Bondi of siding with perpetrators and running a cover-up, while Representative Pramila Jayapal demanded an apology to Epstein’s victims. Survivors of Epstein’s alleged sex-trafficking ring attended the hearing, raising concerns about heavy redactions in the released documents.

The hearing followed the passage of the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act in November, which requires the Justice Department to release all six million pages of Epstein-related evidence. Democrats argued that Bondi’s department had released only half of the required materials and had redacted names of powerful figures. Bondi defended her record on fighting sexual abuse and rejected accusations of shielding abusers, calling the criticism politically motivated. She also dismissed calls to investigate former President Donald Trump’s links to Epstein, accusing Democrats of deflection.

The dispute underscored broader tensions over transparency and alleged politicization within the Justice Department, as Democrats pressed for full disclosure and accountability under the new law.

The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its 10-year fiscal outlook on Wednesday, projecting that federal deficits and debt will worsen over the next decade. The report attributes the deterioration mainly to increased spending on Social Security, Medicare, and debt service payments. The deficit for fiscal 2026, President Donald Trump’s first full fiscal year, is expected to be about 5.8 percent of GDP, similar to 2025’s $1.775 trillion shortfall. The deficit-to-GDP ratio is forecast to average 6.1 percent over the next decade, reaching 6.7 percent in 2036, far above Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s goal of 3 percent.

The CBO factored in recent policy changes, including the Republican “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” higher tariffs, and the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. These measures are projected to raise total deficits from 2026 to 2035 by $1.4 trillion and push public debt from 101 percent to 120 percent of GDP. Although higher tariffs are expected to generate $3 trillion in additional revenue, they also contribute to inflation through 2029. The CBO projects inflation will not reach the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target until 2030.

The report contrasts with the Trump administration’s more optimistic growth forecasts, as the CBO expects real GDP growth to slow from 2.2 percent in 2026 to an average of 1.8 percent later in the decade.

The United States House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass a bill reversing President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, marking a rare bipartisan challenge to his administration. The measure passed 219–211, with several Republicans joining Democrats to end Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose the tariffs. The vote comes as the US enters its midterm election season, with all House seats up for contest.

Democrats urged Republicans to prioritize lowering costs for American families over loyalty to Trump, while the former president warned that any Republican supporting the bill would face electoral consequences. Trump defended the tariffs, accusing Canada of exploiting the United States in trade. Despite the House approval, the bill faces a likely veto from Trump even if it passes the Senate, where similar measures have already been approved.

Public opinion polls show widespread disapproval of Trump’s tariffs, which many voters blame for higher prices. The Supreme Court is also reviewing the legality of the tariffs after lower-court defeats for the administration, adding further uncertainty to the policy’s future.

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States would take a tough path if no agreement is reached with Iran. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday, he said that either a deal will be made or the US will have to take very tough action as before. Trump also mentioned the possibility of a second round of talks next week.

The warning comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high over Iran’s nuclear program and its recent crackdown on protests. Tehran has maintained that it will only discuss its nuclear program and will not give up its right to enrich uranium. Reports from Axios and Channel 12 indicated that Trump is considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, quoting him as saying that one fleet is already heading there and another may follow.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that he hopes talks with the United States will resume soon while reaffirming Tehran’s red lines and warning against any US attack.

US President Donald Trump has indicated plans to strengthen military readiness around Iran by considering the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Trump said Washington is evaluating additional military assets for the region as part of broader preparations. He confirmed that discussions between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, with both sides seeking to avoid military conflict, but reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump referred to last summer’s US strikes on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, saying Tehran had misjudged his resolve at that time. He described the current talks as “very different” from previous ones, suggesting Iran is now more eager to reach an agreement. Trump also claimed that Iran is desperate for a deal but warned that the United States is prepared to take tough measures if diplomacy fails.

According to Trump, sending a second carrier group is being seriously considered as part of overall US military preparedness in the Middle East.

Leqaa Kordia’s family has demanded her release after the 33-year-old was hospitalised following a seizure while in immigration detention in Texas. For over 12 hours, her relatives and lawyers said they received no information about her condition or whereabouts. Kordia, who has been detained for nearly a year, was among protesters targeted by immigration officials after participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations at Columbia University in 2024. She remains the only person from that group still in custody.

Amnesty International joined calls for her release, arguing that she has been arbitrarily detained for exercising her right to free speech. Her lawyers said federal judges twice ruled she was eligible for bond, but immigration officials blocked her release through discretionary stays. The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that Kordia was detained for overstaying her student visa, though its earlier statement linked her arrest to pro-Palestine advocacy.

Kordia’s family and advocates have described deteriorating health and poor conditions at the Prairieland Detention Facility, where she is held far from her family in New Jersey. Supporters say her case highlights broader concerns about the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists under current immigration policies.

United States President Donald Trump has warned Iran of potential military action if Tehran fails to meet Washington’s demands on nuclear enrichment and ballistic missiles. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 published Tuesday, Trump said, “Either we reach a deal, or we’ll have to do something very tough.” His comments came as Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani met Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to discuss recent US-Iran talks. The US has also warned its commercial ships to avoid Iranian waters amid a growing military buildup that includes the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, with reports suggesting a second carrier may be deployed.

Trump’s renewed threats follow his administration’s three demands: ending uranium enrichment, cutting ties with regional proxies, and limiting missile stockpiles. Since returning to office in January 2025, he has reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign involving sanctions and military posturing. The escalation coincides with widespread anti-government protests in Iran, which were met with a violent crackdown that reportedly killed thousands. Analysts note that US military action could align with long-standing US and Israeli goals of curbing Iran’s military power, though its impact on Iran’s internal unrest remains uncertain.

The United States Southern Command launched a new strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, according to a statement released on Monday. The operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals, while one survivor was rescued. The command confirmed the incident in a post on social media platform X, describing the deceased as 'narco-terrorists' and noting that the U.S. Coast Guard had been tasked with search and rescue efforts for the survivor.

The Southern Command reported that this latest strike brings the total number of anti-drug trafficking operations to 38, with at least 130 people killed so far. The command stated that maritime surveillance and military operations have been further intensified to curb drug smuggling through sea routes.

The statement underscores Washington’s continued focus on maritime interdiction efforts in the Pacific region as part of its broader campaign against transnational narcotics networks.

US President Donald Trump has again made controversial remarks about his country’s election system, alleging regular fraud and vote theft. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, he called for the implementation of a proposed 'Save America Act' to reform the voting process. Trump warned that without such reforms, the nation would be at risk and urged Republican Party members to unite on the issue.

According to Axios, Trump has asked Congress to pass new legislation introducing three strict measures. These include mandatory voter identification during voting, in-person registration with proof of US citizenship, and a complete ban on mail-in ballots except for cases involving illness, disability, military service, or travel. He argued that the current system has become a global embarrassment for the United States.

The call for reform comes ahead of the US congressional midterm elections scheduled for November 3 this year.

The United States Navy has seized a large oil tanker named ‘Aquila 2’ in the Indian Ocean for allegedly transporting Venezuelan oil to China in violation of sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump. According to Al Jazeera, the vessel was en route from Venezuela to a Chinese port when it was intercepted. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation in a post on social media platform X on Monday, February 9, stating that the Navy had been monitoring the ship since it left the Caribbean Sea.

Hegseth said the Defense Department strictly enforces any sanctions or quarantines it issues, adding that the ‘Aquila 2’ was seized after an overnight operation in the Indian Ocean. He noted that the tanker had continued its journey despite restrictions on Venezuelan vessels under Trump’s sanctions. The defense secretary emphasized that no one could evade US defense systems by air, land, or sea and warned that the Pentagon would take a firm stance against those violating international maritime laws.

Hegseth further stated that the United States would maintain a strict and negative approach toward any misuse of rights in global maritime zones.

US President Donald Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the White House later this year, marking a significant step toward improving relations between the world’s two largest economies after years of trade tensions and diplomatic strain. Trump made the remarks in an interview with NBC News, recorded on Wednesday, the same day the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on trade, Taiwan, the Ukraine war, and the situations in Russia and Iran.

Trump also indicated he may visit China in April, with Xi’s US trip expected to follow. He described his recent talks with Xi as positive and productive, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties between Washington and Beijing. Since returning to the White House, Trump’s administration has taken a tough stance on tariffs, imposing duties on steel, cars, and other sectors, though both sides reached a broad understanding last spring after heightened tensions.

Xi, who last visited the US in 2023, urged caution over US arms sales to Taiwan and expressed hope that bilateral issues could be resolved amicably through dialogue, according to Chinese state television CCTV.

An intense Arctic cold wave has swept across the eastern United States, placing about 80 million people under weather alerts. According to ABC News, extreme cold warnings have been issued across most of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The combination of frigid air and strong winds has driven wind chills far below freezing, with dangerous conditions reported from the Great Lakes to the Carolinas since early Saturday.

In coastal New England, snowfall has begun to ease, though an inverted trough caused heavy snow in some areas, with rates reaching up to 2.5 inches per hour. Temperatures across much of the Northeast have dropped into single digits, and wind chills are expected to remain below zero. Major cities such as New York, Boston, and Buffalo may experience wind chills near minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, while parts of upstate New York and northern New England could see readings between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees Celsius.

The weather service indicated that conditions may gradually improve from Monday as winds weaken and temperatures begin to rise across the eastern region.