Inflation slowed more than analysts predicted in January, offering an encouraging signal for the economy and easing some of the political pressure surrounding rising prices. The latest Consumer Price Index report released Friday showed that prices increased 2.4% compared with a year earlier — slightly below expectations and down from 2.7% in December. This marks the smallest annual rise since May.

The moderation in inflation was largely driven by noticeable drops in energy costs and prices for used cars and trucks. Gasoline prices, which fall under the energy category, declined by 3.2% during the month, helping to offset increases in other areas and contributing to the overall slowdown in price growth.

Here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day:

1. Braves getting down to business:

Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has long been known for his desire to move quickly during the offseason, and yesterday saw him kick off Atlanta’s offseason in a big way. The team re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias on a one-year deal worth $16MM and followed that move up by swinging a trade with the Astros for utilityman Mauricio Dubon. Iglesias helps to steady a bullpen mix that bid farewell to righties Tyler Kinley and Pierce Johnson when their club options were declined. Dubon gives the club a viable answer at shortstop should they fail to find an upgrade elsewhere and an excellent bench piece if he does wind up squeezed out of the starting lineup. In addition to further exploring the shortstop market, Atlanta will be on the hunt for rotation help and another reliever or two.

2. Trade market heating up?

The Dubon deal was the second notable trade in as many days, joining the surprise swap of Taylor Ward for Grayson Rodriguez between the Angels and Orioles. Neither Ward nor Rodriguez was a potential non-tender candidate, but Dubon and Nick Allen (whom the Astros acquired in exchange for Dubon) both might have been on their previous teams. MLBTR’s list of non-tender candidates released yesterday, and GMs around the league will surely be focused on trying to work out trades for any of their players who they don’t plan to tender a contract to tomorrow over the next day. Some notable trade candidates on that list include Jonah Heim, Adolis Garcia, Jonathan India, Alec Bohm, Jesus Sanchez, and Bailey Falter.

3. Could Iglesias spark more relief market movement?

Iglesias re-upping with the Braves wasn’t exactly a shocking move, given Atlanta’s proclivity towards familiar faces and a need for help at the back of a bullpen that lacked certainty outside of Dylan Lee and Aaron Bummer. Even so, there have been indications this winter that the market for relief arms could move more quickly than other parts of free agency. Iglesias is far from the only interesting name available in a market led by Edwin Diaz. Robert Suarez, Ryan Helsley, and Devin Williams are all notable names who should get strong contracts this winter, while Brad Keller, Pete Fairbanks, and Luke Weaver might lack that star power but would still be exciting additions to the back of virtually any bullpen. Who will be the next to sign?

Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva engage in heated clash with Portugal fans after Ireland defeat

Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva appeared to be involved in a heated clash with Portugal fans following their 2-0 defeat against Ireland on Thursday night.

Portugal arrived in Dublin with many expecting them to confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but instead delivered one of their most disappointing performances under manager Roberto Martínez.

The night unravelled early when Troy Parrott struck twice before half-time, capitalising on defensive faults and punishing a strangely passive Portugal. Matters worsened after the break when Cristiano Ronaldo – on his 226th international appearance – was dismissed following a VAR review for an elbow on Dara O’Shea – his first-ever red card at international level.

The defeat not only delayed Portugal’s qualification hopes but also intensified frustration in the stands, and while Irish supporters celebrated a famous victory, the visiting section grew increasingly vocal about their own team’s lacklustre showing and the missed opportunity to secure progression with a game to spare.

After the full-time whistle in Dublin, Portuguese fans at the Aviva Stadium made their feelings known over a drab performance that ended in defeat as players came over to applaud them and thank them for their support.

However, Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva appeared to take issue with the reception they received as the former became furious having initially clapped fans, gesturing to his eyes before pointing towards certain supporters with his fingers.

Bernardo Silva would then be left incensed by the actions of some fans, as the City captain pushed away Joao Felix and marched over towards supporters while throwing his hands in the air, moving to within earshot of those in the stands and making his own feelings known.

Reactions to the exchange have widely circulated on social media, with Ruben Dias – normally composed and controlled – showing rare signs of visible anger; perhaps an indication of just how much the defeat stung the senior core of the team.

Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, has often been one of Portugal’s calmest figures but appeared unwilling to tolerate criticism he felt was unfair or excessive.

Attention now turns to how Portugal respond as Roberto Martínez’s squad remain in control of their qualification destiny and will be expected to bounce back on home soil against Armenia on Sunday afternoon.

SOURCE : sports.yahoo

How each senator voted on step to end government shutdown

The Senate on Sunday advanced a deal that would bring an end to the shutdown by extending government funding through January that would be tied to a larger package to fully fund several key agencies.

The weekend vote tees up another vote in the chamber this week to pass it and send it the House. After the House gives it final passage, President Donald Trump can sign it into law to officially end the longest shutdown in US history.

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