The Wild Card And X-factor On The Mavericks This Season

Student-athletes at Colorado colleges and universities could soon be paid directly by their schools under a bill in the state legislature that would build on their ability to profit from their name, image and likeness. The proposal, House Bill 1041, reflects the seismic shifts running through college athletics since the NCAA’s authorization of name, image and likeness, or NIL, payments in 2021.

Skiing is often a family affair, and those looking to bring the little ones to the slopes might want to consider finding a resort with amenities that cater to that age group. The good news for Coloradans is they don’t have to travel far to find mountains for all ages. The app OnTheSnow recently ranked the top 19 skiing destinations in North America for families based on user reviews.

After leading the Broncos to their first playoff appearance since the 2015 season, Sean Payton has been named a finalist for the Associated Press Coach of the Year award. Dan Campbell (Lions), Kevin O’Connell (Vikings), Dan Quinn (Commanders) and Andy Reid (Chiefs) were also nominated for the award. The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors on Feb.

Coral bleaching on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef reaches ‘catastrophic’ levels, study finds CNNCoral bleaching on Great Barrier Reef reaches 'catastrophic' levels Oceanographic MagazineClimate Chaos Reshapes Life on the Great Barrier Reef SciTechDaily‘Catastrophic’: Great Barrier Reef hit by its most widespread coral bleaching, study finds The GuardianEmergent patterns of reef fish diversity correlate with coral assemblage shifts along the Great Barrier Reef Nature.com

Earth's Magnetic North Pole Is Officially Moving – Scientists Just Updated Its Location ScienceAlertEarth’s magnetic north pole is on the move, and scientists just updated its position CNNEarth’s north magnetic pole is on the move again The Washington PostEarth's Magnetic North Pole Shifts Toward Russia, Scientists Update Its Location Nature World NewsEarth's Magnetic North Pole Is On The Move, This Is How Far It Has Shifted NDTV

Bird flu detected at Suffolk’s oldest and last large commercial duck farm News 12 Long Island‘Bird flu’ outbreak shutters Long Island’s last duck farm, as culling of 99,000 birds is underway RiverheadLOCALBird flu outbreak hits Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue; 99,000 birds being euthanized NewsdayCrescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, LI forced to kill 100,000 ducks amid bird flu outbreak ABC7 New YorkBird flu ravages Long Island’s last major duck farm; 100,000 birds to be killed New York Daily News