MON SIX

There's finally NBA buzz in Charlotte again. That's because the Hornets, amid the league's longest active playoff drought, have won eight games in a row for the first time since the 1998-99 season.

They extended that head-turning streak with a109-99 road winover the Houston Rockets, despite Kevin Durant scoring at least 30 points for the fifth time in his past eight games.

In their first game sinceacquiring Coby White in a trade with the Chicago Bulls before the deadline, the Hornets (24-28) pulled away from the Rockets (31-19), causing the Western Conference's fourth-place team to pull its starters for the back half of the fourth quarter in a game that wasn't even as close as the 10-point differential suggests.

Continuing his standout rookie campaign, Kon Knueppel poured in a team-high 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting. LaMelo Ball made five 3s and wasn't far behind with 20 points.

White didn't play, and he's not expected to until after the All-Star break due to a lingering calf injury, but the former UNC star is excited for this new chapter of his career.

"Every time I come back to Charlotte to play, I would just tell people it just felt different,"White, a Goldsboro, North Carolina, native told The Charlotte Observer on Thursday.

"I just felt the love every time I was in the building just being there, it was just weird. ... Something triggers every time I was in there. So I'm excited I get to play there more."

White was talking about the Spectrum Center. The guard averaged 22.5 points per game in his two outings there with the Bulls earlier this season.

Advertisement

It's also where Hornets fans will anxiously await their up-and-coming squad on Monday, when Charlotte returns home to host the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons.

That matchup will mark the first of four consecutive home contests for the Hornets.

But first they'll head to Atlanta to play the Hawks on Saturday. With a win there, they'll officially match that 1999 surge, which occurred during a strike-shortened season that saw the late Paul Silas take over as interim head coach afterDave Cowens resigned in the wake of a 4-11 start.

That Hornets team lost eight of its first nine games. Similarly, the 2025-26 Hornets recorded only three victories in their first 10 games and were a meager 4-14 by late November.

This time, a coaching change hasn't precipitated the turnaround.

In his second year on the job, Charles Lee has overseen the midseason transformation.

The Hornets are getting production from an assortment of young players. In addition to the 20-year-old Knueppel and 24-year-old Ball, Brandon Miller is making a sizable impact. In his third season, Miller, 23, is leading the team in scoring at 20.4 ppg. Plus, it helps that big man Moussa Diabaté, 24, has become a reliable rebounder for the group.

Miles Bridges is still doing his thing, too. The Hornets' future is bright, and they're suddenly 1.5 games back of the Hawks for ninth place in the East — prime play-in position.

Charlotte plays Atlanta twice in the next three games, starting on Saturday night.

The head of the coordinating committee for the 2028Olympic Games in LosAngeles is facing calls to step down after emails released by the Justice Department last week show he exchanged racy messages with Ghislaine Maxwell more than 20 years ago.

The messages between Casey Wasserman – who, along with chairing LA28, is also a prominent entertainment and sports agent – and Maxwell were included in themillions of documents released by DOJlast week related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

They show that the pair exchanged several intimate messages in 2003, prompting calls from city officials that Wasserman step down.

Duringone exchange in March, Wasserman asks Maxwell: "So what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?"

In another email, datedApril 1, 2003,Wasserman, who was married at the time, says to Maxwell: "Where are you, I miss you," before asking to book a massage.

Wasserman has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Messages for Wasserman left through his talent management company and a crisis public relations firm that represents him were not immediately returned on Thursday.

In a statement to other news outlets, Wasserman apologized for his communications with Maxwell while adding he "never had" a personal or business relationship with Epstein.

Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend, was convicted of sex trafficking and other crimes in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.

While some aspects of Wasserman's association with Epstein were already known, the emails show a deeper and far more intimate relationship with Maxwell than had previously been revealed.

Wasserman's communications with Maxwell took place years before she was convicted of a crime.

Advertisement

The messages between the pair threaten to create a major distraction as Los Angeles gears up to host the 2028 games, whichare forecasted to generatebetween roughly $13.6 billion and $17.6 billion in additional gross domestic product for the region and create tens of thousands of new jobs.

Several local officials in Los Angeles have called for Wasserman to step away, describing the stakes of the Olympics as too great to be put at risk.

"Los Angeles cannot trust our financial future to someone connected with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell," City Controller Kenneth Mejia said in a post on X, calling for Wasserman to "take accountability and resign."

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who also called for Wasserman to step aside, saidin an interview with Spectrum Newsthat she was "incredibly disappointed" to learn of Wasserman and Maxwell's close relationship, adding it "really undermines the legacy of what these Games are supposed to represent."

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, also calling for Wasserman to resign, said her opposition to his leadership in LA28 was "not about shaming him for his past indiscretions."

"This is about the message we are sending to Epstein survivors and to the world about our values — especially as we work to combat any sex trafficking associated with the Games," Hahn told CNN. "I worry Casey Wasserman's continued leadership almost guarantees that our Los Angeles Olympic Games will be tied in subsequent press coverage to his association with a notorious sex trafficker."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that it is "critical to be 100% focused on making our city shine and ensuring the 2028 Games are the best in Los Angeles' history," but did not go as far as asking for Wasserman's resignation. Instead, the mayor added that any decision pertaining to the leadership of LA28 must rest with its board.

Several members of the LA28 board, which includes nearly three dozen prominent names in business, entertainment, sports and politics, also did not respond to requests from CNN asking if they maintain confidence in Wasserman's ability to lead.

Both the International and US Olympic committees did not respond to requests for comment, but when asked during recent press conferences about Wasserman, leaders of both committees referred to his earlier statement and said they would have nothing to add.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

A charge of felony aggravated assault against Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna has been withdrawn by the Centre County, Pennsylvania district attorney.

McKenna, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the2026 NHL Draft, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault and a misdemeanor charge of simple assault, plus summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment following an altercation Saturday,according to Onward State.

The 18-year-old Penn State freshman forward was reportedly at a downtown State College, Pennsylvania, bar with the team and friends and family following theNittany Lions' outdoor game at Beaver Stadium against Michigan State. It's unknown how the altercation began, but McKenna reportedly broke the jaw of an unidentified individual.

Advertisement

"A review of the video does not support a conclusion that Gavin McKenna acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to the value of human life," District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said during a press conference on Friday,via StateCollege.com.

"In order to establish probable cause for the crime of Aggravated Assault, the Commonwealth must establish that a person acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or acted recklessly under circumstances showing an extreme indifference to the value of human life," Cantorna explained.

According to thePennsylvania court docket, McKenna is awaiting a preliminary hearing on Feb. 11 at Centre County Courthouse.The State College Police Department confirmed the charges in a statement released Wednesday night, adding that McKenna was released on $20,000 bail.

The Penn State athletic department released the following statement to Onward State a few hours after the arrest was reported:

"We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment."

In July, McKenna announced that he would be attending Penn State following three seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, one of three leagues that makes up the Canadian Hockey League. The move was made possible after theNCAA's ruling that allowed CHL players to play collegiately.

Through 24 games this season, McKenna has 11 goals and 32 points for the Nittany Lions, who are in third place in the Big Ten. He was recently ranked as theNo. 1 North American skater by NHL Central Scoutingahead of June's NHL draft.

Kim Kardashiancontinues to push the limits of activewear with her latest creative venture. For her new Complex cover story, she showcased the highly anticipated Spring 2026NikeSKIMScollection. This partnership between the fitness giant and her shapewear empire has officially moved beyond basic gym clothes.

Kim's appearance in the shoot is a masterclass in "foundational fashion," where accessories are transformed into bold clothing. It is a look that feels both futuristic and incredibly athletic.

Kim Kardashian layers NikeSKIMS belts as top over high-waisted leggings for Complex shoot

View this post on Instagram

The most talked-about image from Kim's Complex feature shows her wearing a top made entirely of woven NikeSKIMS belts. This experimental piece is constructed from multiple black belts layered both horizontally and vertically across her chest. The belts feature a repeating pattern of the iconic Nike Swoosh and theSKIMSlogo. This creates a structured, harness-like effect that acts as a powerful statement piece. It is a daring fashion choice that blurs the line between high-performance gear and avant-garde couture.

She paired this industrial top with charcoal gray high-waisted leggings from the NikeSKIMS "Matte" collection. These leggings are designed with advanced Dri-FIT technology and high-level compression to sculpt and support the body. To add to the athletic vibe, she wore matching fingerless gloves and draped a small gray workout towel over her shoulders.

This 2026 collection marks the first time the partnership has offered a complete wardrobe, moving beyond leggings and bras to include footwear, modular accessories, and professional-grade dancewear such as leotards and leg warmers.

Her footwear was just as unique, featuring the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin in a black-and-pink colorway. This split-toe shoe is a reimagined version of a classic Nike silhouette. It is updated with a ballet-inspired satin finish for the modern athlete. With her hair pulled back in a sleek style, Kim looked like a "modern ballerina" ready for high-intensity movement. The look is a bold reminder that her influence on the fashion world remains completely unmatched.

Originally reported by Samridhi Goel onThe Fashion Spot.

The postKim Kardashian Wears NikeSkims Belts as Top for Complex Shootappeared first onReality Tea.

Madelyn Clinemade a striking red-carpet appearance at the 15th Annual NFL Honors. She stepped out in a fluid, turquoise gown that quickly drew attention for its daring neckline. The actress, best known for her role as Sarah Cameron on Netflix's Outer Banks, attended the ceremony honoring the NFL's top players and performances, where fashion moments shared the spotlight alongside football accolades.

Madelyn Cline's draped Christopher Esber dress has a dramatically bold neckline

madelyn cline attends the 15th annual nfl honors.pic.twitter.com/2ItK9QszEH

— ? (@metgalacrave)February 6, 2026

For the event, Cline wore a Christopher Esber Ripple Drape Gown, a design defined by soft gathers and an exceptionally plunging neckline. It extended down the centre of the bodice. The gown's elegant draping balanced the bold cut, wrapping across her torso before falling into a floor-length skirt with a relaxed, fluid finish. The fabric's rippled construction created movement as she walked the red carpet, giving the look both drama and restraint.

Cline kept the rest of her styling minimal, allowing the neckline to remain the focal point. She paired the gown with sculptural Doric earrings by Kinraden. These added a subtle metallic contrast to the dress' vibrant blue tone. Her hair was styled in a sleek, shoulder-length bob with a soft side part. While her makeup stayed understated, emphasising natural skin and softly defined eyes.

Photographers captured the look on the red carpet at the NFL Honors ceremony. A fan page later shared the images onInstagram, identifying both the designer and the accessories. The post offered a clear breakdown of the outfit, highlighting the gown's distinctive neckline and draped detailing.

Cline's appearance underscored her growing presence on high-profile red carpets. She continues to expand her career beyond television and film to fashion-forward settings. At the NFL Honors, the Christopher Esber gown delivered a confident, modern statement, relying on colour and precise draping rather than excess embellishment.

Originally reported by Viha Shah forTheFashionSpot.

The postMadelyn Cline's Christopher Esber Dress Features Ridiculously Bold Neckappeared first onReality Tea.

By Gianluca Lo Nostro

PARIS, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Pressure rose on Friday on former French culture minister Jack Lang to resign as president of the Arab World Institute over his ties to late ​convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after the foreign ministry summoned him to discuss the matter.

Lang said earlier ‌this week he had been unaware of Epstein's 2008 sex-offence conviction when they met in around 2012, describing the financier as an acquaintance ‌interested in art and cinema introduced to him by U.S. film-maker Woody Allen.

The 86-year-old former minister, head of the Arab World Institute since 2013, has not been accused of wrongdoing. Lang told BFMTV on Wednesday that Epstein was not a friend, that he knew little about the convicted sex offender, but had found him to be "passionate about art, culture and ⁠cinema."

But files released by the U.S. Department ‌of Justice last week raise questions about Lang's characterisation of his relationship with Epstein.

They show Epstein and Lang corresponding intermittently between 2012 and the financier's 2019 death by suicide in ‍jail.

In an email sent by Lang to Epstein on April 7, 2017, nearly a decade after the financier was convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, he thanked Epstein for a "splendid time" the previous day.

"Your friendship, the amazing pl=ne (sic)m and your extraordinary ​generosity really touched us," Lang wrote.

Lang, who served multiple terms as culture and education minister between 1981 and ‌2002, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Advertisement

LANG URGED TO 'THINK ABOUT THE INSTITUTION'

A source close to President Emmanuel Macron said the presidency and prime minister's office had asked relevant ministers to summon Lang and encourage him to "think about the institution." The foreign ministry said it had summoned Lang to a meeting on Sunday.

The Arab World Institute is a cultural and research institution that promotes understanding of the Arab world and is located in Paris ⁠on the banks of the Seine river.

Lang's name appears over 600 ​times in the Epstein files, according to a Reuters review of the ​documents.

"I fear nothing, and I am clean as a whistle," Lang told French radio RTL on Wednesday.

The files dump has heightened scrutiny of Epstein's global connections with public figures, including Britain's ‍Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother ⁠of King Charles, and Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States.

On Monday, Lang's daughter Caroline resigned as head of France's Independent Production Union after her own links to Epstein surfaced.

Both father and ⁠daughter deny wrongdoing, with Caroline telling BFMTV on Thursday she only knew about Epstein's 2008 conviction after he told her to look ‌him up on Google in 2014.

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro, Elizabeth Pineau, John Irish and Dominique ‌Vidalon in Paris; editing by Richard Lough and Mark Heinrich)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — It was designed to be as simple as buying airtime: a quick tap on the dispenser, a few shillings and a cooking canister refilled. Now, more than 3,000 Koko fuel supply points across Kenya sit idle, with no fuel and no clear answers for the households that relied on them.

Kenya Koko Fuel

For more than a decade, Koko Networks helped shift over 1.5 million Kenyan homes without access to public gas systems away from smoky charcoal stoves to bioethanol, marketed as a cleaner, modern way to cook. The steady blue flame became a symbol of Kenya's push toward cleaner household energy.

That promise has dimmed.

After failing to win government letter of authorization that would allow them to sell carbon credits — permits that allow holders to emit certain amount of greenhouse gases — Koko abruptly shut down its fuel distribution network, bringing to a halt a model once hailed as a poster child of Africa's green transition.

Stoves shut down as Koko closes

In Kibera, Nairobi's largest informal settlement, most Koko Networks outlets have closed, and some have removed the bioethanol dispensers altogether. Since 2014, Koko had imported bioethanol products. That ended abruptly in 2023 when the government withheld its import permit, forcing Koko to use local sources that were erratic and more expensive.

That reality is setting in for Fredrick Onchenge. He used to serve up to 50 Koko customers a day. Now his machines are silent.

"Initially, I was confused," Onchenge said. "Then it dawned on me what had just happened. My livelihood was gone. I tried calling the salesperson, but their phone was switched off."

For many customers, their access ended with a text message announcing the shutdown. Kitchens that once cooked meals without smoke now have idle double-burner stoves — reminders of a system that stopped overnight.

Grace Kathambi is weighing her options.

"This was a life changer for me," Kathambi said. "I could not afford the $8 needed to refill a gas cylinder, and Koko was my best alternative. With about 30 U.S. cents, I could buy enough Koko fuel to cook."

With the bioethanol supply cut off, households like hers must now choose between returning to charcoal or finding money for more expensive liquefied petroleum gas.

"I cannot afford to use gas," said Margaret Auma. "Koko made life very easy for those of us who earn little from casual jobs. We feel abandoned, yet it's not our fault."

Koko collides with approval problems

For weeks, Koko and the Kenyan government haggled over a crucial letter authorizing carbon credits and import permits for bioethanol made from molasses, a sugarcane by-product. The company needed those approvals to unlock millions of dollars in international financing that helped keep fuel prices low. Kenyan authorities held back, citing broader concerns about the credibility of carbon credits.

Advertisement

Koko — which counted the Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, and South Africa's Rand Merchant Bank as its investors, announced on Jan. 30 that without the approvals its business model was financially unsustainable and it was shutting down.

"Koko's case is uniquely multidimensional," said David Ndii, Kenya's presidential advisor on economic affairs. Ndii cited issues including the Paris Agreement framework, questions around the credibility of cookstove carbon credits, Kenya's climate policies, carbon market regulations, the transparency of Koko's business model and diplomatic considerations.

He dismissed the prospect of state intervention, saying, "Even good doctors lose patients."

Kenya's energy and treasury officials have declined to comment on the closure, which energy analysts say exposes weaknesses in how clean cooking is financed across Africa.

"The clean cooking situation in Kenya, and across Africa is a serious crisis," said Amos Wemanya, a senior analyst on renewable energy at Power Shift Africa. "This is not just about emissions or climate targets. It is about development, health, dignity and household survival."

Carbon credits compete with green power

Wemanya said models heavily reliant on carbon credits risk prioritizing markets over people.

"We are not going to solve the clean cooking challenge through carbon math or carbon credit spreadsheets," he said. "Carbon markets allow polluters to continue emitting while households, who are supposed to be the beneficiaries, still pay for the stoves and bear the risks when projects fail."

When such systems collapse, he added, it is households that suffer most.

"They are the ones forced to revert to harmful alternatives like charcoal and paraffin," Wemanya said.

He said the Koko episode shows the priority should shift toward affordable electricity, especially in rural areas.

"Clean cooking will not be solved through carbon credits," he said. "The reality is that gas-based solutions were never a long-term climate solution. They simply shift households from firewood to imported fossil fuels. So, the bigger lesson here is that we need to move toward systems that truly work, primarily electricity powered by renewable energy."

For now, households like Auma's must now choose between returning to charcoal or finding money for more expensive LPG.

"What are we supposed to do? Go back to using charcoal in our one-room houses?" Auma asked. "That is the smoke and sickness we were trying to escape."

The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP'sstandardsfor working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas atAP.org.