Actress Odessa A'zion decided not to be part of the new film "Deep Cuts" after facing criticism for her casting. She was going to play a character named Zoe Gutierrez, who has Mexican and Jewish heritage, sparking backlash because the role was expected to go to a Latin American actress. A'zion, who did not initially read the book, agreed with the concerns raised and withdrew from the project.
Key Facts
Odessa A'zion was originally cast in A24's film "Deep Cuts."
The film is based on a novel that features a character named Zoe Gutierrez.
Zoe is described in the book as having Mexican and Jewish heritage.
A'zion faced criticism online for taking a role that some believed should go to a Latin American actress.
She announced her withdrawal on Instagram, agreeing with critics and expressing regret for not reading the novel beforehand.
A'zion is known for her role in "Marty Supreme" with Timothée Chalamet and has been nominated for an award this year.
The film "Deep Cuts" is set to start filming next month, but A24 has not commented on the situation yet.
The Seattle Seahawks are set to play against the New England Patriots in the upcoming Super Bowl. Sam Darnold, the Seahawks' quarterback, is making his first Super Bowl appearance as a starter after a notable career journey. Travis Kelce and Michael Strahan praised Darnold's perseverance on a podcast.
Key Facts
The Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
This matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl 49.
Sam Darnold is the Seahawks' quarterback and will start in his first Super Bowl.
Darnold was drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018.
He has played for five teams over eight years.
Darnold led the Minnesota Vikings to the postseason last season.
Kansas City Chiefs' player Travis Kelce spoke positively about Darnold on a podcast.
NFL legend Michael Strahan also praised Darnold's journey during the podcast.
The UK announced that China will allow British citizens to visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa, following a meeting between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The UK hopes this change will boost economic ties with China and bring travel rules in line with countries like France and Germany. Discussions also included a potential services agreement to ease business operations and a reduction in import taxes on UK whiskey.
Key Facts
China will permit British citizens to visit for up to 30 days without a visa.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The UK seeks to strengthen economic ties with China to support growth.
There is no confirmed start date for the new visa-free travel rule.
The UK aims to align its visa rules with over 50 other countries.
The UK and China are considering a services agreement to help UK businesses.
China agreed to lower import taxes on UK whiskey from 10% to 5%.
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca plans a $15 billion investment in China by 2030.
A 15-year-old boy admitted to killing 12-year-old Leo Ross while he was walking home from school in Birmingham, UK. The incident happened in January 2025, and the teenager entered his guilty plea in Birmingham Crown Court.
Key Facts
A 15-year-old boy confessed to murdering 12-year-old Leo Ross.
The incident occurred on 21 January 2025.
Leo Ross was stabbed while walking home from school in Yardley Wood, Birmingham.
He is considered the youngest knife crime victim in the West Midlands.
The attack happened during Leo's 10-minute walk home.
Bystanders tried to help Leo and called emergency services, but he died in the hospital.
The murderer’s name is not disclosed for legal reasons.
The Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed two top baseball free agents, Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker, despite initially not expecting to secure either player. These signings have sparked debate over the team's financial power in Major League Baseball.
Key Facts
The Dodgers have won the World Series for two consecutive years.
They have the highest payroll in Major League Baseball.
Edwin Díaz signed a three-year contract for $69 million, setting a record for relief pitchers.
Kyle Tucker signed a four-year deal for $240 million, with options to exit the contract early.
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes shared that the team did not think landing Díaz or Tucker was likely.
The Dodgers' financial strength comes from high merchandise sales and a beneficial TV deal.
Other teams are unhappy with the Dodgers' ability to sign top free agents easily.
Israel has returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of a swap deal to recover the final Israeli captive. This exchange is a part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Hamas and includes a transition plan for governance in Gaza. The situation remains tense with humanitarian challenges and long-standing issues concerning Palestinian detainees in Israel.
Key Facts
Israel exchanged 15 Palestinian bodies for the final remains of an Israeli captive.
This event is connected to a ceasefire agreement in place since October 10.
All Israeli captives held in Gaza have now been returned.
Thousands of Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons, with many held without charges.
Reports indicate significant deaths and abuses of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 70,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began.
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is expected to reopen as part of the ceasefire.
A committee of Palestinian technocrats is set to govern Gaza under a plan led by US President Donald Trump.
The Senate failed to advance a government funding package due to a procedural vote where seven Republican senators joined Democrats. This disagreement is mainly about funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid calls for reforms after recent federal enforcement incidents. The Senate needed 60 votes to break a filibuster, but the motion did not pass.
Key Facts
The Senate vote ended 45–55, blocking the government funding package from moving forward.
Seven Republican senators voted with Democrats to stop the bill.
The Republicans who voted against the bill are Rand Paul, Ted Budd, Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Ashley Moody, Rick Scott, and Tommy Tuberville.
The funding package includes money for the Department of Homeland Security, particularly ICE.
Democrats demand significant reforms to ICE after recent enforcement actions resulted in fatalities.
The Senate needed 60 votes to overcome a filibuster and proceed with the funding package.
Senate Majority Whip John Thune voted against the bill to enable a quick reconsideration vote.
The Trump administration is considering using a building in Washington, which used to house the U.S. Institute of Peace, as the location for the newly planned Board of Peace. The building name and its use are currently being decided in court following a dispute over its takeover by the government.
Key Facts
The Trump administration wants to base the new Board of Peace in the former U.S. Institute of Peace building.
This Board is connected to the Gaza ceasefire and international interests.
The decision on the building's use has not been finalized yet.
The building was previously taken by the government, leading to a lawsuit from former staff and executives.
The building is now called the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace but faces legal challenges about its name and ownership.
A judge ruled the takeover illegal as the institute was an independent group and not under government control.
The enforcement of the judge's decision is on hold because the government appealed.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is talking with the White House to prevent or shorten a partial government shutdown. The proposed deal aims to fund most government departments and use a temporary fix for the Department of Homeland Security. However, both the Senate and the House must agree to the plan.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer is working with the White House to avoid a partial government shutdown.
They are discussing a plan to fund most of the government and use temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
The government is at risk of running out of money by Friday night.
The Senate and the White House have not finalized an agreement.
The House of Representatives would also need to approve the plan.
Schumer wants changes to the funding bill that include reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is supporting the negotiations and is open to compromises.
The head of Fujitsu's European operations, Paul Patterson, will step down in March to become the non-executive chairman of Fujitsu's UK business. He has been involved in addressing the outcomes of the Horizon IT system scandal, which wrongly led to the prosecution of over 900 sub-postmasters due to system errors. Fujitsu has agreed to contribute to compensation for the victims but will finalize payment after the inquiry's final report is released.
Key Facts
Paul Patterson, Fujitsu's Europe chief, will leave his current role in March and become a non-executive chairman.
The Horizon IT system by Fujitsu falsely showed financial shortfalls, leading to over 900 wrongful prosecutions.
The scandal is considered one of the largest miscarriages of justice in British history, with some victims passing away before being cleared.
Fujitsu will contribute to victim compensation but is waiting for the final inquiry report to decide on how much.
Patterson joined Fujitsu in 2010 and became the Europe chief executive in 2019.
The inquiry report suggests that bugs in the Horizon IT system were known "right from the very start."
Patterson has been criticized for delaying compensation until the inquiry's report is completed.
Mikihito Saito will replace Patterson as the head of European operations.
Sir Jonathan Pryce stars in a new TV drama, "Under Salt Marsh," set in a fictional Welsh town. The series involves solving a mystery around the death of a young boy before a major storm hits. The show highlights Pryce's personal connection to Wales and features well-known actors, including Kelly Reilly.
Key Facts
Sir Jonathan Pryce plays a farmer named Solomon Bevan in the series.
"Under Salt Marsh" is set in a fictional Welsh town called Morfa Halen.
The plot centers on solving a schoolboy's death before a big storm arrives.
Filming took place in Gwynedd and Anglesey, Wales, in 2025.
The series also stars Kelly Reilly as a former detective.
Pryce has a personal connection to Wales, having grown up nearby.
The show is a six-part thriller set to release at the end of January.
Pryce enjoyed working with new Welsh talent in the drama.
The United States has moved military forces closer to Iran, raising tensions in the Middle East. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of possible strikes, while Iran has threatened retaliation. The situation could impact ongoing protests in Iran and may lead to further violence.
Key Facts
The U.S. has positioned military forces, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, near Iran.
President Donald Trump warned Iran of a potential attack, claiming it could be more severe than previous strikes.
Iran has threatened retaliation using missiles and drones if attacked by the U.S.
Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are worried about being targeted in retaliation.
The U.S. removed troops from a base in Qatar due to fears of Iranian retaliation.
Iranian protesters demand change due to economic struggles; the U.S. actions could affect the protest movement.
Human rights groups report around 6,000 protesters were killed by the Iranian government during protests.
Any U.S. strike on Iran could lead to a larger regional conflict.
President Donald Trump said he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold off on attacking Kyiv, Ukraine, for a week due to freezing temperatures. Trump made this request during a Cabinet meeting at the White House as Russia continues to target Ukrainian infrastructure.
Key Facts
President Trump asked President Putin to pause attacks on Kyiv for one week.
The request aimed to protect Kyiv during extremely cold weather.
Russian attacks on Kyiv have damaged vital infrastructure.
The damage has left many Ukrainians without heat in winter.
Trump discussed this request during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
Microsoft experienced a significant drop in its stock value, which affected the U.S. stock market negatively. At the same time, gold prices, which had hit an all-time high, started to decrease. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq saw declines as a result of these shifts.
Key Facts
Microsoft's stock fell by 12% during trading.
The S&P 500 index decreased by 1.3%.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 307 points, or 0.6%.
The Nasdaq composite was down by 2.3%.
Microsoft's profits and revenue were higher than expected.
Investors were concerned about Microsoft's spending on investments.
Questions were raised about the future growth of Microsoft's Azure cloud service.
Gold prices decreased after previously reaching an all-time high.
The Buffalo Bills have officially announced Joe Brady as their new head coach. During a press conference for this announcement, quarterback Josh Allen appeared on crutches and in a walking boot due to injuries. Allen has been facing multiple injuries this season, including issues with his foot, knee, and hand.
Key Facts
Joe Brady is now the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Brady was promoted from his previous role as the team's offensive coordinator.
Quarterback Josh Allen attended the press conference on crutches and in a walking boot.
Allen has been dealing with a foot injury since a game against the Browns and has other injuries to his knee and hand.
Allen's injuries have persisted throughout the 2025-2026 NFL season.
For the season, Allen threw for 3,668 yards and 25 touchdowns and also ran for 579 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Brady plans to build the team's offensive strategy around Allen's strengths.
Rhys Davies, a player from the Ospreys team, has been added to the Wales squad for the Six Nations Championship. This brings the total squad to 39 players. Wales will begin their tournament by playing against England in February.
Key Facts
Rhys Davies is a lock player from the Ospreys team.
Davies was not in the original squad but is now added, making him the eighth player from Ospreys in the team.
Davies has played in four international matches before.
The Wales squad now has 39 players in total.
Wales will face England on February 7th at Allianz Stadium.
There are injuries in the team including players like Captain Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau.
This is the second recent squad change, following the replacement of injured Keiron Assiratti with Sam Wainwright.
The Wales team finishes the Six Nations tournament with a home game against Italy on March 14th.
President Donald Trump stated that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on Kyiv for one week due to extremely cold weather. Trump said that Putin agreed to the request, but Russia has not confirmed any such promise.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump asked Vladimir Putin to pause attacks on Kyiv for a week.
The request is due to dangerously cold temperatures affecting the region.
Russian military actions have damaged vital infrastructure in Ukraine.
Many Ukrainian residents are without heat in the middle of winter.
Trump made the request during a White House Cabinet meeting.
Putin allegedly agreed to the pause, but Russia has not confirmed it.
Bangladesh has approved its shooting team to travel to India for the Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi. This decision follows the Bangladesh cricket team's refusal to play in India due to safety worries, leading to their removal from the T20 World Cup.
Key Facts
Bangladesh's shooting team will compete in the Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi.
The Bangladesh cricket team was replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup due to safety concerns about traveling to India.
The T20 World Cup takes place from February 7 to March 8.
The International Cricket Council rejected Bangladesh's request to play matches in Sri Lanka instead of India.
The National Rifle Association of India confirmed Bangladesh's shooting team will participate.
This shooting event is scheduled from February 2 to 14 in New Delhi.
Bangladesh's shooting team did not request extra security for their visit.
The Toronto Blue Jays are considering their options regarding pitcher Kevin Gausman, who will be a free agent after the current season. Gausman has been a successful pitcher for the team, and the Blue Jays need to decide if they want to offer him a new contract. His performance has been strong, and he may receive offers for a multi-year deal.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays are evaluating whether to extend Kevin Gausman's contract.
Gausman will become a free agent after this season.
He signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Blue Jays starting in 2021.
Gausman has consistently performed well, with a 3.34 ERA and 1,020 strikeouts over his current contract.
Gausman is 35 years old but still considered an effective starting pitcher.
ESPN's Buster Olney suggests a potential contract extension for Gausman.
A new contract could be a three-year deal worth $50-55 million.
A major winter storm affected several states, including Louisiana. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem coordinated a federal response to help affected states. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided resources like food, water, and generators to support the recovery efforts.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump approved 12 federal emergency disaster declarations for several states.
The states affected include Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
FEMA deployed over 1,200 staff and provided supplies to affected areas.
Supplies sent by FEMA included 300 generators, 7 million meals, 3 million liters of water, and 650,000 blankets.
Interstate 20 in Louisiana faced impassable conditions due to freezing rain.
Emergency funds were secured to deploy sand for road treatment in Louisiana.
Residents are advised to visit warming centers if needed due to ongoing cold temperatures.
