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Moguls skiing typically struggles for attention at the Winter Olympics, overshadowed by figure skating, alpine skiing, and hockey. However, American freeskier **Jaelin Kauf** may change that narrative at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. **Key Points:** - Kauf's exceptional performance on the moguls course is drawing increased interest to the sport - The 2026 Olympics could mark a breakthrough moment for moguls racing in U.S. viewership - This follows a pattern of emerging American winter sports stars, including speed skater Jordan Stolz The shift in attention reflects how individual athlete excellence can transform public perception of niche Olympic events. [Read the full interview with Jaelin Kauf](https://time.com/7360770/jaelin-kauf-olympics-2026-interview-freeski/)

President Donald Trump publicly criticized Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance, calling it "absolutely terrible" and "one of the worst ever" in a lengthy statement. **Key Points:** - Trump issued harsh criticism of the historic performance - The statement was described as lengthy and direct - Bad Bunny's appearance marked a significant cultural moment at the Super Bowl The criticism adds to Trump's history of public commentary on entertainment figures and major cultural events. The performance itself was noted as historic, though Trump's response focused on his negative assessment. Read more: [TIME Article](https://time.com/7373048/trump-bad-bunny-super-bowl-performance-criticism/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=090226)

**Trump Closes Kennedy Center Through End of Term** Donald Trump announced via social media that he will shut down the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.'s leading performing arts venue, for two years—effectively the remainder of his presidential term. **Key Developments:** - Trump recently took control of the institution by ousting its leader and installing loyalists - Named himself chairman of the board - Closure framed as reconstruction period - Decision follows [earlier controversy](https://time.com/7364391/trump-kennedy-center-closure-july-renovations-controversy/) about the planned shutdown TIME senior correspondent Philip Elliot provides analysis of the president's decision to shutter the capital's dominant cultural institution.

**Prince William and Kate Middleton have issued their first public statement regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files**, addressing the ongoing scandal involving Prince Andrew. The statement comes after years of controversy surrounding Prince Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In November 2025, King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal title amid mounting pressure over the Epstein connections. **Key developments:** - First direct comment from William and Kate on the Epstein matter - Follows previous action by King Charles removing Andrew's title - Addresses documents that have kept the scandal in public view The royal couple's decision to speak publicly marks a significant shift in how the younger generation of royals is handling the fallout from the Epstein affair. The statement represents an attempt to distance the future of the monarchy from the controversy that has plagued Prince Andrew. Read the full statement: [TIME Magazine](https://time.com/7373053/prince-william-kate-middleton-address-epstein-files-andrew-scandal/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=090226)

**Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show delivered layers of cultural significance beyond its surface spectacle.** The performance followed Kendrick Lamar's 2025 show, which previously redefined halftime show conventions. Bad Bunny's appearance continued this trend of artists using the massive platform to convey deeper messages. **Key aspects:** - The performance contained symbolic elements that resonated beyond entertainment - Built on the precedent set by previous culturally significant halftime shows - Demonstrated how artists use mainstream platforms for meaningful expression The show exemplifies how major cultural moments can carry multiple layers of meaning, rewarding closer examination beyond initial impressions. Read the full analysis: [TIME's coverage](https://time.com/7373018/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show-analysis/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=090226)

**Thailand's Political Landscape Shifts** Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's recent election marks a significant moment for Thailand's political direction. The Bhumjaithai Party leader has secured his position with a clear message of continuity and stability. **Key Takeaways:** - Anutin emphasizes his commitment to serving the Thai people, stating he has no plans to step down - His election represents a consolidation of power for the Bhumjaithai Party - The new administration's policies will have implications both domestically and internationally **What This Means:** The Prime Minister's approach signals a focus on maintaining political stability while navigating Thailand's complex relationship with regional and global partners. His administration faces challenges including economic recovery and balancing various political factions. Read the full interview to understand how Thailand's new leadership plans to shape the country's trajectory. [Read more at TIME](https://time.com/7373034/prime-minister-anutin-charnvirakul-thailand-election-result-bhumjaithai-interview-takeaways/)

The **Seattle Seahawks** defeated the New England Patriots on Sunday to win the Super Bowl, marking the franchise's second championship title in team history. The matchup featured contrasting styles between the two teams: - Seahawks relied on **defensive pressure** and balanced offensive play - Patriots brought playoff experience and disciplined situational football The game drew significant attention from sports bettors, with key markets including spread, total points, quarterback props, and defensive turnovers. [Read more at TIME](https://time.com/7372995/super-bowl-winner-2026-seattle/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=090226)

**Historic Victory for Team USA** Breezy Johnson has claimed gold in the women's downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a significant milestone for American skiing. **Breaking a 16-Year Drought** - Johnson is the first American woman to win Olympic downhill gold since Lindsey Vonn's victory in 2010 - The achievement ends a lengthy gap in U.S. dominance in this alpine skiing event - Her performance adds to the legacy of American women's skiing on the world stage This victory comes as the U.S. continues to field competitive athletes in winter sports, with other notable skiers like three-time Olympic medalist Eileen Gu also competing in the 2026 Games. [Read the full story](

**Bad Bunny became the first artist to win Album of the Year for a fully Spanish-language album** at the Grammys last week. The Puerto Rican artist is set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday. The global superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has maintained his commitment to helping others throughout his rise from grocery bagger to international fame. In a 2023 TIME interview, he described this drive as coming "from wanting to be empathic with people, to help people, lend a hand." **His activism and choice to perform primarily in Spanish have drawn criticism** from some fans and politicians, including President Donald Trump. Bad Bunny has been particularly vocal on immigration issues. In 2024, he publicly backed Kamala Harris after racist comments about Puerto Rico were made at a Trump rally.

**Lindsey Vonn's Olympic return ended abruptly** after the legendary skier crashed during competition at age 41, suffering a torn ACL. The injury marks a devastating conclusion to Vonn's attempt at an unprecedented comeback. She had returned to competitive skiing after previous retirement, aiming to add to her already historic medal collection. **Key Details:** - Vonn crashed while competing in the 2026 Olympics - Sustained a torn ACL from the fall - At 41, she was attempting to become one of the oldest Olympic medalists in alpine skiing Meanwhile, **Breezy Johnson made history** by becoming the first American woman to win Olympic downhill gold since Vonn's victory in 2010, marking a symbolic passing of the torch in American skiing. Read more: [Lindsey Vonn Olympics Crash](https://time.com/7372933/lindsey-vonn-olympics-crash/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=080226)