A millennial fitness coach named Tara LaFerrara shared on social media three things she will never say to her teenage niece. She emphasized body positivity and rejected unrealistic beauty standards like "skinny culture." Her message drew support from many, who also shared their positive views on body image.
Key Facts
Tara LaFerrara is a fitness coach who posted a viral message about body positivity.
She shared three phrases she would never say: "skinny is beautiful," "Pilates arms," and "thigh gap."
The post sparked a conversation about the pressure of "skinny culture" and "Skinny Tok" on social media.
LaFerrara shared her own experience of striving to be smaller and realizing that true happiness was not tied to size.
Her message, "smaller is not a flex, stronger is," received wide support and encouraged others to share their thoughts.
Social media users responded with their own stories and emphasized teaching children to appreciate all body types.
Comments highlighted the importance of strength and self-acceptance over conforming to societal beauty standards.
The New England Patriots are considering adding wide receiver Mike Evans, currently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to their team. Evans has a strong track record, but recent injuries might influence his decision to move. The Patriots aim to support their quarterback Drake Maye, who has performed well in his early career.
Key Facts
Drake Maye, the Patriots' quarterback, has led them to the Super Bowl in his second season.
Maye threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns in the regular season.
The Patriots signed Stefon Diggs, who gained 1,013 yards in the regular season, to help Maye.
Mike Evans, a potential target for the Patriots, has played his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Evans has been to the Pro Bowl six times and has significant career stats, including 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns.
Evans missed several games last season due to injuries but played well in the games he participated in.
There's speculation Evans might not re-sign with the Buccaneers and could become a free agent.
Adding Evans to the Patriots could bolster their offense for another strong playoff run.
A golden retriever named Reef tried hard to make friends with another dog at a park. After initially being ignored, the other dog eventually decided to play with Reef as they were leaving. The interaction was shared in a viral Instagram video, which received a lot of attention and comments online.
Key Facts
A golden retriever named Reef tried to befriend another dog at a park.
Initially, the other dog did not respond to Reef's attempts to play.
Reef's owner, Grace, filmed the interaction and shared it on Instagram.
The video reached over 736,000 views and 121 comments by Friday.
As Reef and Grace were leaving, the other dog finally showed interest and wanted to play.
Viewers expressed mixed emotions, with some feeling sad and others sharing similar experiences with their pets.
The Justice Department has started a federal civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Pretti. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced this and mentioned that they are examining all details related to the incident.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is investigating a civil rights case.
The investigation concerns the death of Alex Pretti.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche made the announcement.
Blanche stated they are examining all aspects of the incident.
The story is still developing, meaning more information may come later.
A strong winter storm is expected to affect the East Coast and nearby Atlantic waters, possibly causing rare snowfall on cruise ships near Florida. Ships are adjusting their routes to avoid the storm that resembles a Category 1 hurricane.
Key Facts
A winter storm is expected to hit the East Coast and Atlantic Ocean this weekend.
The storm could bring rare snowfall to cruise ships at sea near Florida.
The storm is expected to be equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane.
Ships may experience 20-foot waves and gusty winds.
Some cruise ships have changed their routes to avoid the storm.
Norwegian Breakaway and Carnival ships are modifying their schedules.
Temperatures in Florida could feel much colder than usual, with wind chill as low as 9 degrees in Orlando.
The U.S. National Weather Service has advised mariners to avoid the storm.
Over 150 Democratic politicians support a proposal to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She faces charges of obstructing Congress, abusing public trust, and using her position for personal benefit. The impeachment is unlikely to succeed due to Republican majorities in Congress.
Key Facts
Democratic Representative Robin Kelly introduced three impeachment articles against Kristi Noem on January 14.
The articles accuse Noem of obstruction, violating public trust, and self-dealing.
156 Democrats have co-sponsored the impeachment resolution.
Homeland Security claims the impeachment effort is "silly."
In history, only two Cabinet members have been impeached—none were removed by the Senate.
The impeachment stems partly from the federal agents' fatal shootings of two citizens in Minneapolis.
Some believe President Trump should fire Noem instead of impeachment.
The White House maintains confidence in Noem, according to the press secretary.
The Green Party has selected Hannah Spencer to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election on February 26. Spencer, a plumber and council leader from Trafford, aims to address local issues and bring the community together.
Key Facts
Hannah Spencer is the Green Party candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
She currently leads the Greens in Trafford Council and represents the Hale ward.
The by-election takes place on February 26 and was called due to Andrew Gwynne's resignation.
Spencer also participated in the 2024 Greater Manchester mayoral elections.
Spencer has worked as a plumber since she was 16 and is training to be a plasterer.
She emphasizes bringing the community together as part of her campaign.
Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader, supports Spencer, calling her committed to the community.
A dog named Queeni was left at a South Carolina shelter with a note from her owner who couldn't care for her anymore. The shelter shared her story online, and people responded with support. The shelter is looking for foster volunteers to help Queeni adjust.
Key Facts
Queeni is a dog left at the Darlington County Humane Society in South Carolina.
Her previous owner left a note saying they couldn't take care of her anymore.
The note described Queeni as a loving dog that enjoys playing and watching TV.
Queeni will undergo health checks and meet other dogs at the shelter.
In 2025, U.S. shelters saw 2.8 million dogs and cats enter, but adoptions have slightly decreased.
The shelter posted about Queeni on Instagram, gaining over 14,000 likes.
The shelter is asking for volunteers to help care for Queeni.
President Donald Trump introduced a plan to create investment accounts, called "Trump Accounts," for American children born between 2025 and 2028. Each child would get $1,000 in a government-funded account that can grow over time, and families can add more money yearly. Experts have mixed feelings, citing both potential benefits and challenges.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed "Trump Accounts" for children, starting with those born from 2025 to 2028.
Each child would receive a $1,000 investment account funded by the government.
Parents can contribute up to $5,000 each year to grow the account.
The money in these accounts can grow due to compound interest, which means earning interest on interest.
Experts highlight that investment accounts work best when started early, but they emphasize the need for financial education.
Challenges include questions of whether teenagers can manage the money wisely once they turn 18.
Some experts caution that such programs could favor higher-income families if not correctly managed.
Existing savings programs like 529 plans offer tax benefits and flexibility, which Trump Accounts might not replace.
The Justice Department has started a federal civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Pretti. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the probe, mentioning that they are examining all aspects of that day.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is conducting a civil rights investigation.
The investigation is about the death of an individual named Alex Pretti.
Todd Blanche, the Deputy Attorney General, communicated the start of this probe.
Blanche stated they are reviewing all details that can clarify what happened.
The announcement was made on a Friday.
This information is part of a breaking news story, and more updates will be provided later.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are set to face off in the Australian Open final. Both players are known for their strong serving and powerful hitting on the tennis court. The match will take place at Rod Laver Arena.
Key Facts
Aryna Sabalenka is the world number one tennis player.
Elena Rybakina is the fifth seed at the Australian Open.
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head record with eight wins to six losses.
The final match will occur at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Sabalenka has won two Grand Slam singles titles in Melbourne previously.
Rybakina won the Wimbledon title in 2022.
This final will be Rybakina's first Grand Slam final since losing to Sabalenka three years ago.
Sabalenka has reached her seventh consecutive final at a hard-court major.
"The Housemaid," a movie starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, will be released digitally on February 3, 2025. It will be available to rent or buy on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. The movie is based on a book by Freida McFadden and has earned $246.3 million at the box office.
Key Facts
"The Housemaid" stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.
The film is set for digital release on February 3, 2025.
It will be available on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.
The movie is based on a book by Freida McFadden.
The film has made $246.3 million worldwide so far.
It cost an estimated $35 million to make.
Bonus features will differ by format and retailer, including audio commentary and behind-the-scenes content.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services against Dr. Mehmet Oz, who is part of President Trump's administration. The complaint is about a video where Dr. Oz claims that some members of the Armenian community in Los Angeles are involved in health care fraud.
Key Facts
Governor Newsom is taking legal action against Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The issue stems from a video made by Dr. Oz in Los Angeles.
In the video, Dr. Oz makes claims about health care fraud involving the Armenian community.
Newsom's complaint accuses Dr. Oz of discrimination.
The complaint was filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This event is part of an ongoing dispute between Governor Newsom and the Trump administration.
A Syrian camp holds the wives and children of suspected Islamic State (IS) fighters after the group's fall in Syria. Kurdish prisons and camps detain around 8,000 suspected fighters and 34,000 family members. Tensions rise as Syria's government seeks to control the Kurdish regions traditionally held by the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Key Facts
After the Islamic State's defeat in Syria, Kurdish-run prisons hold 8,000 suspected fighters.
An additional 34,000 family members of these fighters live in nearby camps.
The Syrian government aims to expand its control over areas run by Kurdish forces.
Government troops recently displaced the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces from some regions.
The camp mentioned is named Roj and is near the borders of Turkey and Iraq.
Concerns increase about potential conflict if the Syrian government takes control over these areas.
The article discusses how people's treatment of animals can reveal aspects of their personality, such as empathy and emotional maturity. Psychiatrist Vinay Saranga explains that being kind to animals usually indicates positive traits, while cruelty can be a warning sign of potential psychological issues.
Key Facts
Psychiatrist Vinay Saranga says treating animals well shows empathy and kindness.
People who care for animals are seen as responsible and reliable.
Being gentle with animals shows respect for those who can't defend themselves.
Positive animal care is linked to emotional sensitivity and good coping skills.
Abusing animals may indicate psychological problems and a risk for violent behavior.
Research suggests animal abuse is often present in homes with domestic violence.
Around 10 million animals die from abuse or neglect in the U.S. each year.
97% of U.S. pet owners consider their animals as family, according to a 2023 survey.
Wrestler Carmelo Hayes will defend his WWE United States Championship against Rey Fenix on an upcoming episode of "SmackDown" just before the "Royal Rumble 2026". This will be Hayes' fifth defense of the title since he won it in late 2025.
Key Facts
Carmelo Hayes is the current WWE United States Champion.
Hayes will face Rey Fenix in a title match on "SmackDown" before the "Royal Rumble 2026".
This is Hayes' fifth title defense.
Hayes has previously defended his title against Johnny Gargano, Shinsuke Nakamura, Leon Slater, and Ilja Dragunov.
Hayes was promoted to WWE’s main roster during the 2024 WWE Draft.
Rey Fenix will attempt to win his first main roster singles title.
The professional wrestling community highly rates both Fenix and Hayes.
A video by Emma Greenebaum on TikTok shows her writing a phone number on her daughter's stomach as a safety measure before visiting Minnesota. This action is a response to recent tensions and incidents involving U.S. citizens and immigration agents in the area. The video has sparked a lot of discussion online, with some supporting her cautious approach and others questioning its necessity.
Key Facts
Emma Greenebaum posted a video on TikTok using the handle @emma_bomb_.
She wrote a phone number on her daughter's stomach for safety reasons.
Greenebaum was preparing for a trip to Minnesota amid concerns over immigration tensions.
A recent incident in Minneapolis involved the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.
Another U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, was killed at a protest in the city.
Greenebaum's video was viewed over 3.5 million times.
Some viewers compared her actions to those of families in Gaza during conflicts.
The video received mixed reactions, with some viewers supportive and others skeptical of the necessity.
Newcastle will face Qarabag in a two-legged play-off for a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League. The first matches will occur on February 17-18, 2026, with the return games a week later. Qarabag has never beaten a Premier League team in previous matches.
Key Facts
Newcastle will play Qarabag in the Champions League play-offs.
The play-offs determine who reaches the last 16, featuring teams placed 9th to 24th.
Newcastle recently drew 1-1 with Paris St-Germain.
Qarabag finished 22nd in the league phase.
The first legs of the play-offs are on February 17-18, 2026.
The second legs will be played one week after the first.
Qarabag drew 2-2 with Chelsea, marking their best result against an English team.
The 2025-26 Champions League final will be held at Puskas Arena in Budapest.
An Italian court started a trial for four police officers and two coastguard members over their actions during a 2023 shipwreck that killed at least 94 migrants. The trial, taking place in Crotone, involves charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligent handling of the shipwreck. The boat was coming from Turkiye and carried people from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria when it crashed.
Key Facts
The trial is happening in the southern Italian city of Crotone.
The shipwreck took place on February 26, 2023.
At least 94 migrants died in the crash, including 35 children.
The accused face charges of involuntary manslaughter and "culpable shipwreck."
Prosecutors say police failed to provide the coastguard with important information.
The European Union's Frontex agency saw the ship struggling and alerted authorities.
The boat was carrying migrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria.
The trial is viewed as a broader critique of the Italian government's immigration policies.
President Donald Trump is seeing a drop in support among Republicans, based on new polling data. The Pew Research Center conducted a broad national survey showing that fewer Republicans are backing Trump's policies and leadership.
Key Facts
The Pew Research Center conducted a national survey involving 8,512 adults.
Support for all or most of Trump's policies among Republicans dropped from 67% to 56%.
Pew Research findings indicate a decline in confidence in Trump's ethical behavior, from 55% to 42% among Republicans.
Republican belief in Trump's respect for democratic values fell from 60% to 52%.
Only 27% of all Americans support all or most of Trump's policies, down from 35% last year.
Confidence in Trump's mental fitness among Republicans decreased from 75% to 66%.
61% of Republicans now say GOP lawmakers do not have to automatically support Trump's policies, up from 55% last year.
The survey was conducted in January 2026 with a 92% response rate.
