This oil plays an important role in infant development and is added to formula to ensure babies who are not breastfed receive it.
Jodie Wild, head of incidents unit at the FSA, said: “Ongoing investigations have identified that the contamination originated from a shared, third-party, ingredient supplier.
“The affected ingredient is an oil called arachidonic acid (ARA).
“We are urgently tracing all products that may have used ingredients from this supplier to make sure any affected products are removed from sale.”
Nestle has recalled several batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula milk (PA Wire)
Nestle products affected by the recall include: SMA Advanced First Infant Milk; SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk; SMA Anti Reflux; SMA Alfamino; SMA First Infant Milk; SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk; SMA Comfort; and SMA Lactose Free.
On 23 January, Danone also recalled a batch of its Aptamil baby formula product over concerns it could contain cereulide.
At the time, the FSA said only one batch sold in the UK was affected, but additional batches in other countries were also affected.
It emerged earlier this week that the contamination that led to both recalls originated from a shared, third-party, ingredient supplier.
Ms Wild added: “Both recalls are due to the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and nausea. If further recalls are needed, we will announce them immediately.”
The FSA urged people with any affected products to stop using them and switch to an alternative, and to contact their GP or NHS 111 if their baby has already consumed the formula.
If formula is prescribed, parents should speak to a pharmacist or doctors before switching, the FSA said.
More detail about which batches have been recalled can be found on food.gov.uk or on the Nestle website.
Kylie Kelce reveals shocking name her daughters has given her
Kylie Kelce recently got candid and revealed what her kids call her when she is being mean.
For those unaware, the American podcaster and media personality shares her four daughters, Finnley, 9 months, Bennett, 2, Elliotte, 4, and Wyatt, 6, with her husband Jason Kelce.
During the January 29 episode of her Not Gonna Lie podcast, Kylie unveiled that her children call her a “baddie” when they think she gets a little harsh on them.
The 33-year-old jokingly noted that she will “keep pretending that they’re hyping me up” even when it is clear they do not compliment her while uttering the word.
She explained, “My daughters sometimes call me ‘a baddie’ when they think I’m being mean, so it’s not quite what they think it means, but I’m gonna keep pretending that they’re hyping me up.”
“You’re a baddie. Yes, I am. Mhm Got it. That’s literally what happens. That was a perfect reenactment. Clock it,” Kylie repeated, making fun of how her daughters say it to her.
In the same episode, she opened up about how she approaches work as a mother in her “Ask Me Some Things” segment.
Kylie stated that she tries her “very best not to get in my head” about maintaining a strict schedule.
“The last time I worked out was three weeks ago in the living room. I think I AirPlayed my Peloton app to the TV, and then I used my children as weights. So, that was fun. Maybe I’ll do that today,” the doting mother elaborated.
YouTube is rolling out new parental controls designed to give families more say over how much time teens spend scrolling through Shorts.
Parents can now set daily time limits or block Shorts entirely, depending on what works best for their household. The update comes as concerns grow around endless scrolling and its impact on teens.
YouTube says these tools are meant to support healthier viewing habits while still allowing young users to enjoy the platform in a more balanced way.
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Why YouTube is focusing on Shorts
Parents can now set a daily time limit for YouTube Shorts, including an option to block Shorts entirely. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin, File)
Short-form video has become one of the most addictive parts of social media, especially for teens. The constant scroll can make it hard to stop watching, even when kids are supposed to be studying or winding down for bed. YouTube says the new controls respond to feedback from parents, advocates, and lawmakers who want stronger safeguards for young users. The goal is to give families flexibility instead of forcing an all-or-nothing approach.
What parents can now control on YouTube
If you supervise a teen’s Google account, you can now:
Set a daily time limit for YouTube Shorts
Block Shorts entirely by setting the limit to zero minutes
Turn on bedtime reminders
Enable take-a-break alerts
Manage supervised teen accounts across multiple devices
YouTube also says it is adjusting how content is recommended to teens, placing more emphasis on videos tied to curiosity, life skills, inspiration, and credible information that supports well-being.
How parents limit or block YouTube Shorts for teens
Before you start, make sure:
Your teen is using a supervised Google account
You have access to Google Family Link
Your teen is signed into YouTube on their device with that supervised account
Step-by-step instructions
Open the Google Family Link app on your phone or tablet (iPhone or Android).
Tap your teen’s profile.
Tap Controls, then select YouTube.If YouTube does not appear, confirm the account is set up as supervised.
If YouTube does not appear, confirm the account is set up as supervised.
Tap Screen time or Shorts settings.
Find the option labeled Shorts daily limit.
Choose how much time your teen can scroll Shorts each day:Set a time limit to allow limited scrollingSet the limit to zero minutes to block Shorts entirely
Set a time limit to allow limited scrolling
Set the limit to zero minutes to block Shorts entirely
In the same section, turn on:Take a break remindersBedtime reminders
YouTube’s supervised account settings let parents choose age-appropriate content and manage how teens experience the platform.(StockPlanets/Getty Images)
What happens when your teen reaches the Shorts limit
Once the daily limit is reached:
The Shorts feed locks
A message explains that the daily limit has been reached
Shorts unlock automatically the next day
Regular, long-form YouTube videos remain available unless you restrict them separately through screen-time controls.
Important things parents should know
Teens cannot change or bypass Shorts limits on their own
Limits apply across all devices signed into the supervised account
Shorts controls are separate from overall YouTube screen-time limits
Blocking Shorts does not block standard YouTube videos
Other parental tools worth checking
Beyond Shorts, parents can also:
Turn off autoplay
Review watch and search history
Adjust content recommendations
Pause YouTube during homework or sleep hours
These options are managed through Google Family Link, with guidance and account setup available in YouTube’s Family Center.
What this means to you
If you are a parent or guardian, these controls give you more practical ways to manage screen time without banning YouTube entirely. You can limit Shorts during school nights, allow more time on long trips, or block them when focus matters most. Instead of relying on willpower alone, families now have built-in tools that help reinforce healthy habits.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Short-form video is not going away, but the way teens interact with it can change. YouTube’s new parental controls show a shift toward giving families more flexibility and clearer boundaries. Used alongside conversations about online habits, these tools can make a real difference. Oh, and be sure to check out my new “Beyond Connected” podcast on YouTube.
YouTube says these new parental controls are designed to reduce endless scrolling and support healthier viewing habits for teens.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How much control do you think parents should have over teens’ screen time, and where should the line be drawn? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
Tax reliefs are deducted from your total annual income, while a tax rebate is applied after the tax is calculated.
As Budget 2026 nears, here’s how tax relief and Section 87A rebate work. (Representative Image)
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on Sunday, February 1. This presentation will bring Sitharaman closer to the record of 10 budgets that were presented by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai over different time periods.
With just a few days till the Union Budget 2026, income taxpayers are bracing for significant decisions that might change the tax environment of the country. Following last year’s landmark relief under the new tax regime, the debate has switched to whether the old tax regime will be preserved, improved, or eventually phased out.
In the 2025 Union Budget, taxpayers were provided significant relief by making income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free, increasing the standard deduction to Rs 75,000 and boosting the Section 87A refund to Rs 60,000. While these modifications altered tax consequences for those choosing the new regime, taxpayers under the old regime were unaffected—no changes to slabs, deductions, or exemptions.
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, understanding the distinction between tax relief and tax rebate is essential.
Tax Relief Vs Tax Rebate
Both tax relief and tax rebates are designed to reduce your overall tax burden, but they operate differently and provide benefits at different stages of the tax filing process. Tax reliefs are deducted from your total annual income, while a tax rebate is applied after the tax is calculated.
What Is Income Tax Relief?
Income tax relief provides taxpayers with several alternatives to legally decrease their tax burden. These relief measures allow individuals to keep more of their hard-earned money while stimulating investment in vital economic areas. The Indian tax system offers numerous types of income tax relief through deductions, exemptions, and rebates under different sections of the Income Tax Act.
Who Can Benefit From Income Tax Relief?
Income tax relief is available to almost all Indian taxpayers. There are special relief options for first-time taxpayers, professionals, business owners, salaried workers, and older residents. Benefits offered are determined by factors such as:
Investment options and financial commitments
Income levels and tax brackets
Housing and Property Investments
Age and residence status
What Is The Income Tax Rebate Under Section 87A?
An income tax rebate is provided to taxpayers that allows them to reduce their total tax liability. It is the reduction in the amount of tax to the taxpayers by the government to promote savings and investment. A tax rebate essentially entails a reduction in the tax amount that individuals are required to pay.
Who Is Eligible For An 87A Rebate?
The Section 87A rebate applies to Indian residents depending on the tax regime you choose. This benefit cannot be claimed by non-resident individuals (NRIs), Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), companies, or partnership firms.
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Newsbusiness Tax Relief Vs Tax Rebate: What Actually Puts More Money In Your Pocket
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Renowned match referee Ranjan Madugalle (second from left) looks on ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between New Zealand and Ireland at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on November 4, 2022. — ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday announced the match officials for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stage matches, as the tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7 in India.
A total of 24 officials have been appointed as on-field umpires, while six will serve as match referees during the group stage. Officials for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be confirmed at a later date.
For the tournament opener between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo, Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights will serve as on-field umpires.
The match will mark the Knights’ first appearance at a Men’s T20 World Cup, while Dharmasena continues to build on his extensive tournament experience.
Dharmasena, a member of Sri Lanka’s 1996 Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning team, has officiated in 37 matches at the Men’s T20 World Cup, including the finals in 2016 and 2022, ranking him fourth on the all-time list for matches officiated in the competition.
Knights, meanwhile, will reach a milestone, standing in his 50th T20 International during the Group A clash.
On the opening day in Kolkata, Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski will officiate the Group C encounter between Scotland and the West Indies.
Menon was part of the on-field umpiring team for the first semi-final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup between Afghanistan and South Africa, while Nogajski officiated four group matches at the previous edition, including India’s game against the USA.
Later on 7 February, India will face the USA, with Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker appointed as on-field umpires.
Tucker, who leads the list of officials with the most ICC Men’s T20 World Cup appearances at 46, is set to reach his 50th match during the tournament.
The Australian umpire will also oversee matches including England and Nepal, India and Namibia and South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth, who officiated together in the 2024 final, will reunite for the Group B clash between Australia and Ireland on 11 February.
Illingworth will also stand alongside Dharmasena for the high-profile group-stage match between India and Pakistan in Colombo on 15 February.
Match Officials for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Match Referees:
Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath.
Umpires:
Roland Black, Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Wayne Knights, Donovan Koch, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, KNA Padmanabhan, Allahuddien Paleker, Ahsan Raza, Leslie Reifer, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Gazi Sohel, Rod Tucker, Alex Wharf, Raveendra Wimalasiri and Asif Yaqoob.
The US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Health costs have emerged as the top financial anxiety for U.S. households, according to a new survey. It’s a dynamic that experts say could pose a threat to the Republican majority in Congress during this year’s midterm elections, in which affordability is expected to be a key focus for voters.
Two out of 3 Americans surveyed, 66%, are worried about paying for health care — more than other household necessities such as utilities, food and groceries, housing and rent, and gasoline and transportation, according to a poll published Thursday by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group.
Health care includes the cost of health insurance and out-of-pocket expenses for office visits and prescription drugs, for example, according to KFF.
Among those concerned about health costs, 32% said they are “very worried” and 34% are “somewhat worried.” KFF surveyed 1,426 U.S. adults earlier this month.
“This could very well be the No. 1 issue for Americans at the polls in November,” said Nick Fabrizio, a health policy expert and associate teaching professor at Cornell University.
Health care perceptions come as ACA subsidies expire
About 22 million people — over 90% of ACA enrollees — received those enhanced subsidies in 2025. KFF estimates the average recipient will see their insurance premiums more than double this year as a result, to $1,904 per month from $888.
Democrats have pushed to extend the subsidies, but a majority of Republicans in Congress have so far stymied those efforts.
Health care typically ranks as a “second-tier election issue” in KFF’s regular polling, said Shannon Schumacher, a senior survey analyst.
But not this year, she said.
One likely reason: Most adults said their health-care costs have risen in the past year, including a “substantial share” — over 20% — who said their health costs have grown at a faster rate than other expenses like utilities or food, KFF found.
Read more CNBC personal finance coverage
Majorities of people with employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare and those who self-purchase their insurance, most of whom buy coverage on the ACA marketplace, report rising health costs over the past year, the poll found.
“Health care has always been top of mind and a top-five issue for Americans for the past 20 years,” Fabrizio said. “It only makes sense that concerns would rise to the top now, with all the attention to overall rising [health-care] cost.”
Cost concerns cross party lines
Perceptions about health-care affordability are largely consistent regardless of surveyed voters’ party affiliation, Schumacher said.
For example, 57% of people surveyed who identify as Republicans said they were worried about affording health-care costs, compared with 68% of independents and 71% of Democrats, according to KFF.
“What’s striking to me is that health-care costs are the top economic concern for everyone, whether Democrats, independents or Republicans,” Schumacher said.
The issue is shaping up to be a key factor in November’s midterm elections, experts said.
Republicans currently have a trifecta in the federal government, controlling the House of Representatives, Senate and White House. However, Republicans have a razor-thin majority in the House.
More than 4 in 10 voterssurveyed — 43% — said the cost of health care will have a major impact on which candidate they support in the midterms, according to KFF.
Democrats have ‘advantage’ on most health cost issues
The U.S. Capitol at sunset in Washington, D.C., U.S. December 23, 2025.
Tyrone Siu | Reuters
Democrats currently “have the advantage over Republicans” on health-care cost issues, Schumacher said.
They have a double-digit edge over the Republicans regarding who voters said they trust on determining the future of Medicaid (43% vs. 25%), addressing the future of the ACA (42% vs. 26%), determining the future of Medicare (40% vs. 26%) and addressing the cost of health care (40% vs. 27%), according to the KFF survey.
Importantly, while surveyed independents, a key voting bloc, said they generally trust Democrats more on most health-care issues, “sizeable shares of independent voters (between about one-third and four in ten) said they trust ‘neither’ party,” according to KFF’s survey analysis.
“This is still an issue that could be a battleground issue among independent voters,” Schumacher said.
Erika Slezak opens up about her return to General Hospital
Erika Slezak has talked about her return to daytime television for the first time in ten years.
The 79-year-old American actress just completed filming a story arc as Veronica “Ronnie” Bard, the sister of Monica Quartermaine, portrayed by Leslie Charleson, on General Hospital.
Charleson played the role from 1977 until her death at the age of 79 in January 2025. Ronnie came to the town soon after Monica passed away on the show.
While conversing with PEOPLE magazine, Slezak revealed that GH executive producer Frank Valentini made a phone call to her to ask her if she was willing to join the show.
She said, “I thought, ‘Wow, can I still do this?’” and showed her interest immediately.
Valentini then told the Emmy-winning actress, “Frank said, ‘You’re going to be working with Jane Elliot a lot,’ and I went, ‘Yep, I’ll do it,’ because she is probably one of the best actresses I’ve ever worked with in my life. She’s amazing.”
Notably, General Hospital, which debuted in 1963, released its 63rd season on September 8, 2025. The latest season is still airing new episodes on ABC network.
For the first time since 2005 and in nearly two decades, the US passport has found itself ousted from the top ten most powerful passports of the world, and was ranked at 12th position by late 2025. However, in the latest rankings, it’s in 10th position. In 2014, the US was in the first position, and provided visa-free access to more destinations than any other country, as per the press release by Henley & Passport. By 2026, that ranking fell to 10th place, with visa-free access to 179 destinations; although still strong, but outshone by passports extending even further. According to the experts, this sliding can be attributed to visa reciprocity, whereby the number of countries allowing US citizens entry without a visa is declining just as the US remains strict in its entry policies for foreigners, and countries around the globe are modifying visa policies that bar US citizens from entry. This historic decline demonstrates how shifts in immigration policy and diplomatic relations can reshape global mobility power.
Jeff Borzello is a basketball recruiting insider. He has joined ESPN in 2014.
Multiple Authors
Through the first half of last season, Illinois looked like a legitimate Final Four contender. The Fighting Illini started 12-3, with wins over Wisconsin, Missouri, Oregon and Arkansas. But they would go 5-8 in their next 13 games, proving to be something of a paper tiger. In games against Quad 4 opponents, they had the best defensive rating in the country at CBB Analytics. In Quad 1 games, they were 82nd.
This season feels different, and it’s why Illinois is knocking on the door of the top five of this week’s Power Rankings.
The Illini’s 88-82 win at Purdue on Saturday gave them some separation at the top of KenPom’s offensive ratings — in fact, they now have the highest offensive rating in the history of KenPom (since the 1996-97 season). They’ve won nine games in a row dating back to mid-December, and their only three losses this season have come by 3 points to Nebraska, 4 to Alabama and 4 to UConn at Madison Square Garden.
Brad Underwood’s group can beat teams in different ways now. The Illini still have plenty of perimeter shooters, but they’re also the biggest team in the country by average height, and they’re one of the elite offensive rebounding teams in the country. Defensively, they protect the rim and they don’t foul.
The schedule gets more difficult in the next few weeks, and Illinois is without Kylan Boswell for several more games, but there appears to be more staying power for the Illini than a year ago.
Previous ranking: 1
Outside of about 65 seconds’ worth of brain lapses down the stretch, Arizona was completely untouchable in its impressive Monday night road win at BYU. The Wildcats set the tone at both ends of the floor from the opening tip with their physicality and toughness while the backcourt of Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries combined for 55 points, 7 assists and 5 steals.
The individual defensive ability of Arizona’s perimeter group — Bradley, Burries and Ivan Kharchenkov — caused nightmares for perhaps the most offensively talented perimeter trio in the country. Richie Saunders was efficient, too, though Robert Wright III and AJ Dybantsa combined to shoot 9-for-40 from the field and 2-for-13 from 3.
Next seven days: at Arizona State (Jan. 31)
play
0:34
Brayden Burries makes game-saving block for Arizona
Brayden Burries comes out of nowhere for a pivotal block to help Arizona fend off a late surge from BYU.
Previous ranking: 2
The Huskies continue to play with fire. They’ve won just one of their past six games by double digits, needed overtime to close out two of those five single-digit victories, and won the other three by an average of 4.3 points.
The defense has continued to be the best in the Big East, but UConn is now 40th in KenPom’s offensive rating and just fourth in the Big East in points per possession in league play. The Huskies are shooting just 50% inside the arc in their past six games and are turning it over at a high rate. It’s also worth noting they’ve been absolutely obliterated on the defensive glass over that stretch, ranking No. 332 nationally in defensive rebounding rate at BartTorvik.
Next seven days: at Creighton (Jan. 31), vs. Xavier (Feb. 3)
Previous ranking: 3
During a 10-game stretch between Nov. 19 and Jan. 2, Michigan went 10-0, with all 10 wins coming by an average of 34.5 points. Since then, the Wolverines are 6-1, with their victories coming by an average of 8.5 points. What’s changed? They’ve been forced to become more of a half-court team.
During their early-season 10-game winning streak, they were playing with the No. 1 pace in the country. They were also scoring 17.5 fast-break points per game, sixth in the nation at CBB Analytics. Since then, they are playing at the 159th fastest pace and averaging 10.3 fast-break points, 161st in the country.
Next seven days: at Michigan State (Jan. 30)
Previous ranking: 4
Duke’s defensive performance against Louisville on Monday was sensational, particularly in the second half. The Cardinals had three separate field goal droughts of at least five minutes, and after Ryan Conwell‘s 3-pointer to put Louisville ahead with 4:30 remaining in the first half, Duke allowed just seven made field goals the rest of the game.
The Blue Devils held Mikel Brown Jr. to 1-for-13 shooting from the field, and Louisville as a team was 5-for-20 inside the arc. Duke has now held three of its last four opponents to fewer than 0.87 points per possession.
Next seven days: at Virginia Tech (Jan. 31), vs. Boston College (Feb. 3)
Previous ranking: 5
Nebraska suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday, falling by three points at Michigan after leading the Wolverines by double digits. Still, it was hard not to come away incredibly impressed with the Cornhuskers. They were on the road in Ann Arbor and were without two of their top three scorers — Rienk Mast had a stomach flu and Braden Frager was out with a sprained ankle — yet they went toe-to-toe with one of the elite teams in college basketball. There’s a reason they rose from No. 12 to 10 at KenPom and from No. 13 to 9 at BartTorvik following the game.
Next seven days: vs. Illinois (Feb. 1)
Previous ranking: 11
It’s unlikely we see a more impressive individual performance than what Keaton Wagler did last weekend in Illinois’ road win at Purdue. The freshman guard finished with 46 points and 4 assists. He was 13-for-17 from the field, 9-for-11 from 3 and 11-for-13 from the free throw line. Over his past 12 games, Wagler has averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 47% from 3. Illinois has won nine in a row and looks like a legitimate Final Four contender.
Next seven days: vs. Washington (Jan. 29), at Nebraska (Feb. 1), vs. Northwestern (Feb. 4)
Previous ranking: 8
Michigan State won its past two games in very different ways: The Spartans throttled Maryland at home by 43 points last Saturday, but needed overtime to escape Rutgers on the road Tuesday. The common thread in both contests, however, was that Jeremy Fears Jr. was at the heart of everything. Against the Terrapins, Fears posted 17 points and 17 assists; against the Scarlet Knights, he went for 29 points and 9 assists, shooting 16-for-17 from the free throw line and making a litany of clutch plays down the stretch.
Fears is averaging 16.8 points and 8.0 assists in Big Ten games while turning it over just 2.4 times per game. He’s playing like a legitimate All-American.
Next seven days: vs. Michigan (Jan. 30), at Minnesota (Feb. 4)
Previous ranking: 9
Milan Momcilovic‘s shooting is simply outrageous, especially when factoring in his 6-foot-8 size. After Saturday’s 5-for-9 effort from 3 against Oklahoma State, he’s 54.1% on 3-pointers for the season — and it’s somehow a tick better in Big 12 play at 54.5%. He’s been arguably the best shooter in the country, and he’s doing it at significant volume, ranking second nationally in 3-pointers made per game. In Momcilovic’s last three games, he’s averaging 27.7 points with 17 total made 3s.
Next seven days: vs. Colorado (Jan. 29), at Kansas State (Feb. 1)
Previous ranking: 6
Gonzaga has been without Braden Huff for the past four games and Graham Ike for the past three, and while Ike isn’t expected to be out long term, it’s still interesting to dive into Mark Few’s rotation changes with his two star bigs sidelined. Ismaila Diagne has started all three games that Ike has missed, while Jalen Warley replaced Huff in the starting lineup four games ago. From a production standpoint, freshman Davis Fogle has seen the biggest boost, however. The top-50 recruit barely had a role for the first two-and-a-half months of the season, but he’s averaged 27 minutes in three games, putting up 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds.
Next seven days: vs. Saint Mary’s (Jan. 31), at Portland (Feb. 4)
Previous ranking: 12
Tech has now won nine of the past 10 games, with its lone loss coming by four points on the road at Houston. The Red Raiders got their revenge last weekend, however, with their own four-point victory over the Cougars at home. They’re producing some of the best offense in college basketball of late, becoming just the third team to score 90 points in regulation against Houston since Kelvin Sampson took over in 2014. They also scored 92 the game prior, against Baylor.
While Christian Anderson and JT Toppin are the stars, the supporting cast is stepping up more consistently lately. This month, it’s been Donovan Atwell, who is averaging 14.4 points and shooting 46.6% from 3 over his last eight games.
Next seven days: at UCF (Jan. 31), vs. Kansas (Feb. 2)
Previous ranking: 7
As mentioned above, Houston’s defense completely fell apart against Texas Tech this past Saturday — and the Cougars have now given up 70 points in three straight games for the first since November 2020.
The story out of Houston these days, though, is all about Kingston Flemings. The freshman guard had 42 points and 6 assists in the Tech loss, tying the program record for most points against a ranked opponent. Per ESPN Research, Flemings was also the first player to score 40 points for a Kelvin Sampson-coached team since 1989. Flemings then went out on Wednesday and had 25 points and 5 assists.
Next seven days: vs. Cincinnati (Jan. 31), vs. UCF (Feb. 4)
play
1:59
Kingston Flemings drops historic 42 points in Houston loss
Houston freshman Kingston Flemings becomes the first player since 1989 to score 40+ points under a team coached by Kelvin Sampson.
Previous ranking: 19
Vanderbilt’s three-game losing streak seems to be squarely in the rearview mirror with the Commodores righting the ship with two thoroughly convincing wins: the Commodores beat Mississippi State on the road by 32 this past Saturday, then Kentucky at home by 25 on Tuesday. The defense was much improved in the two games, holding both opponents to below 50% from inside the arc (Kentucky shot 37.1% on 2s) and 25% or below from 3. They also forced a combined 32 turnovers, after they forced the same number in the three games prior. Tyler Tanner returned to form, averaging 21.5 points, 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals in the two games after struggling in losses to Arkansas and Texas.
Next seven days: at Ole Miss (Jan. 31)
Previous ranking: 14
During this recent four-game winning streak, the Jayhawks are ranked fourth nationally at BartTorvik, with the fifth-best defense in the country. They’ve allowed their last four opponents to shoot just 37.6% from inside the arc and attempt just 51 free throws. Flory Bidunga continues to be a consistent inside option, averaging 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in that stretch, shooting nearly 79% from the field, while Melvin Council Jr. is coming off a 17-point, 7-rebound, 12-assist performance with Darryn Peterson sidelined.
Next seven days: vs. BYU (Jan. 31), at Texas Tech (Feb. 2)
Previous ranking: 13
Coming off Monday’s loss to Arizona, BYU is now nearly three months into the season without a Quad 1A win. In fact, the Cougars are the only team in the top 15 of the NET without a Q1A win. Huge second-half comebacks came up just short against both UConn and Arizona, meaning their best wins thus far are against Villanova and Clemson. Fortunately, they will have plenty more opportunities, beginning this Saturday at Kansas, where most of the hype will center around a matchup between projected top-two NBA draft picks Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa.
Next seven days: at Kansas (Jan. 31), at Oklahoma State (Feb. 4)
Previous ranking: 10
Purdue’s losing streak reached three games at Indiana on Tuesday, three days after falling at home to Illinois. There are clear issues on the defensive end of the floor, where the Boilermakers allowed each of those three opponents to score at least 1.17 points per possession. But on the other end, the supporting cast is struggling.
In the first 18 games of the season, Fletcher Loyer was averaging 13.4 points and shooting 38.6% from 3. During the three-game losing streak, he’s averaging 6.3 points and shooting 26.7% from 3. Oscar Cluff was averaging 12.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in the first 18 games, shooting better than 76% from the field. In these last three, it’s 5.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 57.1% from the field.
Next seven days: at Maryland (Feb. 1)
Previous ranking: 17
Darius Acuff Jr. has received endless plaudits for his incredible play — he did have 21 points, 9 assists, 0 turnovers and the game-winning basket in Tuesday’s win at Oklahoma — but fellow freshman Meleek Thomas has provided a boost since being inserted into the starting lineup. After proving himself as one of the best bench players in the country for the first two-and-a-half months, John Calipari has given Thomas three straight starts. He has made the most of it, averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and shooting 41.7% from 3.
Next seven days: vs. Kentucky (Jan. 31)
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Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas swishes a 3
Meleek Thomas hits a triple to give Arkansas a 20-point lead.
Previous ranking: 15
We wrote about Rueben Chinyelu‘s recent dominance last week, but he just went for 14 points and 11 rebounds against South Carolina on Wednesday, making all seven attempts from the field. It was his 12th double-double of the season, which leads the SEC and is the most by a Florida player since Al Horford in 2006-07, per ESPN Research.
Chinyelu is nearly doubling his scoring average from last season (6.0 to 11.9 PPG) and ranks in the top five nationally in rebounding (11.0 RPG), while playing a little more than 24 minutes per game. He’s averaging 15.8 points and 12.8 rebounds in his last six games, shooting 67.3% from the field.
Next seven days: vs. Alabama (Feb. 1)
Previous ranking: 23
After the 1-3 stretch that included back-to-back losses at Stanford and California, the hope was that the Tar Heels would see some regression to the mean when it came to 3-point shooting defense. They had allowed an average of 14.0 3s over a five-game stretch, with SMU, Stanford and Cal all shooting better than 50% from beyond the arc. And they did bounce back, with wins over Notre Dame and Virginia, which combined to shoot 16-for-52 from 3 (30.8%). They also got a breakout performance from Alabama transfer Jarin Stevenson, who had his best game in a Carolina uniform against Virginia: 17 points, all in the second half.
Next seven days: at Georgia Tech (Jan. 31), vs. Syracuse (Feb. 2)
Previous ranking: 16
Virginia narrowly avoided a two-game losing streak after blowing a 16-point lead against North Carolina. The Cavaliers bounced back from their surprising home loss to the Tar Heels with a double-overtime win at Notre Dame on Tuesday.
Thijs De Ridder had his highest-scoring outing of the season against the Fighting Irish, finishing with 32 points and 8 rebounds — but former Toledo transfer Sam Lewis was the star, making big play after big play down the stretch and in the extra periods. He finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. In Virginia’s 17 wins this season, Lewis is averaging 11.3 points and shooting 41.6% from 3. In its three losses, he’s averaging 5.7 points and shooting 14.3% from 3.
Next seven days: at Boston College (Jan. 31), vs Pittsburgh (Feb. 3)
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Sam Lewis drills 3, ties score late in OT for UVA
Sam Lewis drills 3, ties score late in OT for UVA
Previous ranking: 18
With Charles Bediako‘s preliminary injunction hearing delayed, it seems the former G Leaguer will be with the Crimson Tide for the foreseeable future. And Nate Oats is certainly using Bediako like he’s going to be a mainstay in the lineup. He played 25 minutes in his first game back, finishing with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals in Saturday’s loss to Tennessee. Oats moved him into the starting lineup for Tuesday’s win over Missouri, and Bediako responded with 14 points and 6 boards. He’s shooting 9-for-11 through two games.
Next seven days: at Florida (Feb. 1), vs. Texas A&M (Feb. 4)
Previous ranking: Unranked
Saint Louis needed a 3-pointer from Robbie Avila in the final seconds Tuesday to beat George Washington and run its winning streak up to 14 games. Avila finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals — but the recent play of Trey Green has provided a different dimension to the Billikens’ offense. The sophomore guard finished with 23 points and 6 made 3s in the win over GW. He has also averaged 17.3 points over his last three games, including shooting 15-for-27 from 3. He leads the Atlantic 10 in 3-point shooting, making better than 52% of his 3s in league play.
Next seven days: vs. Dayton (Jan. 30), at Davidson (Feb. 3)
Previous ranking: Unranked
Ja’Kobi Gillespie playing arguably his best basketball of the season and Nate Ament‘s emergence as a legitimate all-conference player happening at the same time has been welcome news for Rick Barnes, who has guided the Vols to back-to-back road wins at Alabama and Georgia. Gillespie has scored at least 20 points in three straight games, averaging 23.0 points and 6.0 assists during that stretch. And Ament has been much more assertive in recent weeks, showing the shotmaking ability that made him a top-five recruit coming out of high school. He’s averaging 21.0 points in his last five games, including 29 at Alabama last weekend.
Next seven days: vs. Auburn (Jan. 31), vs. Ole Miss (Feb. 3)
Previous ranking: 20
St. John’s extended its winning streak to seven games with Wednesday’s victory over Butler, separated itself as the clear-cut second-best team in the Big East and a legitimate threat to UConn, which comes to town next Friday. The key to the Red Storm’s recent play has been Dillon Mitchell, who moved into the starting lineup following the Jan. 3 home loss to Providence; they haven’t lost since. He’s posted three double-doubles in his last four games, averaging 14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 steals over that span.
Next seven days: at DePaul (Feb. 3)
Previous ranking: 22
After going just 4-4 in Mikel Brown Jr.’s absence, it looked like his return was going to be a panacea for everything that ailed Louisville. He had 20 points and 6 assists in his first game back from injury against Virginia Tech, making three 3-pointers en route to a 14-point win. Things were back to homeostasis for the Cardinals. That didn’t last long, however, as they had their worst game of the season Monday night against Duke, losing by 31 and seeing Brown go 1-for-13 from the field. This team is still obviously so much better with him on the floor, but it’s clear the problems are much deeper than just not having the star freshman healthy.
Next seven days: vs. SMU (Jan. 31), vs. Notre Dame (Feb. 4)
Previous ranking: 25
The RedHawks’ past three games: an overtime comeback win over Buffalo at home, an overtime comeback win at Kent State, at double-digit comeback win over UMass at home. They have become incredible escape artists, and despite the last-minute drama are now one of just two unbeaten teams remaining in college basketball. Next week might feature their two most likely opportunities for a defeat the rest of the way, with road trips to Buffalo and Marshall, the latter as part of the Sun Belt-MAC Challenge.
Travis Steele will hope Luke Skaljac is healthy for those games, after missing Tuesday’s win over UMass with an illness. Prior to his one-game absence, Skaljac was averaging 12.8 points and 5.9 assists in eight straight games as a starter.
Next seven days: vs. Northern Illinois (Jan. 31), at Buffalo (Feb. 3)
The Princess of Wales, was never going to let rain, wind or even a storm warning keep her indoors.
On Wednesday, Kate revealed that great outdoors is her happy place as she joined charity Mind Over Mountains for a wellbeing walk in the Peak District village of Curbar, cheerfully pressing on despite wild conditions brought by Storm Chandra.
While others joked about the “awful” weather as the group gathered, she urged everyone forward with a grin, rallying the walkers to keep moving and turning a soggy start into a shared adventure.
Walk organiser Helen Wooldridge said the Princess led by example, lifting spirits from the outset and making it clear she was more than happy to be out in the elements.
Kate even teased the group on arrival, asking if they still wanted to continue before declaring that nothing would put her off.
The walk was one of three engagements that day, alongside visits to Family Action in Bradford and Wakefield Rugby Club, all taking place under a yellow weather warning yet Kate remained unfazed.
At the end of the route, walkers were invited to sum up the experience in three words.
Kate didn’t hesitate, offering “mind, body and soul,” before reflecting on how being outside helps put life into perspective.
During an early discussion about “being grounded,” attention was drawn to the Princess and the walk leader standing ankle deep in a muddy puddle she found hilarious.
Helen described her as warm, curious and genuinely interested in everyone she met, particularly those who had come to share deeply personal stories.
