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.
In Spartanburg County, South Carolina, a measles outbreak has emerged, marking one of the largest in the U.S. since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. The outbreak involves mostly unvaccinated school-aged children, and has stirred concerns as vaccination rates decline, potentially jeopardizing herd immunity.
Key Facts
A measles outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, involves 789 cases, primarily in unvaccinated children.
It's the largest U.S. measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
The U.S. could lose its "eliminated" status due to outbreaks in several states.
Measles vaccination rates in Spartanburg are about 90% for school-aged children, with some schools having lower rates due to religious exemptions.
The U.S. recommends two MMR vaccine doses for children, which are 97% effective at preventing measles.
Two children died in a Texas measles outbreak last year.
Herd immunity requires about 95% of the population to be vaccinated to prevent the disease's spread.
State Senator Josh Kimbrell has voiced concerns over the outbreak threatening vaccinated individuals.
The Trump administration arrested journalist Don Lemon during a protest in Minnesota, leading to claims that this action violated the First Amendment, which protects press freedom. Lemon was detained with other individuals, but there are disputes about whether he was acting as a protester or reporter at the event.
Key Facts
Journalist Don Lemon was arrested during a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Federal agents connected his arrest to a protest where an ICE office director serves as pastor.
Lemon's attorney argued he was there as a journalist, not as a protester.
Two courts have dismissed charges against Lemon due to lack of evidence.
Legal and media voices claim the arrest threatens press freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
President Trump and his administration have criticized media outlets in the past.
No specific charges against Lemon have been announced.
Democratic lawmakers and fellow journalists have expressed concern over the arrest.
The U.S. Department of Justice released more documents from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. These documents are part of ongoing disclosures required by law to reveal what the government knew about Epstein's activities and his connections to influential people. The process involves reviewing millions of pages, with some content redacted to protect sensitive information.
Key Facts
The Justice Department released more records related to Epstein, meeting legal requirements.
The release is under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which demands the government reveal what it knew about Epstein.
There are about 5.2 million pages of records being reviewed, including duplicates.
A recent release included photos, interview transcripts, phone logs, and court records.
Documents confirmed Donald Trump traveled on Epstein's private jet in the 1990s.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges.
Epstein previously served jail time in Florida after a guilty plea to state charges in 2008-2009.
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a large set of its investigative records on Jeffrey Epstein after delays. The release follows the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the DOJ to publish all unclassified materials related to Epstein. The DOJ did not meet the initial deadline, releasing only a small fraction of the documents by that time.
Key Facts
The DOJ released new investigative records on Jeffrey Epstein.
These documents are required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The Act became law on November 19 and set a 30-day deadline for releasing documents.
The DOJ missed the deadline and has so far released 12,285 files.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for the slow release of these files.
The documents include millions of pages of records.
Calls for investigations and penalties against the DOJ and its leadership have arisen due to delays.
A study by Cloudwards has identified the top 10 U.S. cities for watching the Super Bowl, based on factors like local football culture, social settings, and food and streaming options. The cities vary in their mix of strengths, such as strong fan culture, bar availability, and internet quality. Atlanta, Georgia, ranks as the top city due to its robust football culture and numerous sports bars.
Key Facts
Cloudwards conducted a study to find the best U.S. cities to watch the Super Bowl.
The study considered football culture, social settings, food access, and streaming quality.
Atlanta, Georgia, ranked first, praised for its strong football culture and sports bars.
Glendale, Arizona, known for hosting Super Bowls, ranked second.
New Orleans, Louisiana, is highlighted for its nightlife and bar scene.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known for its strong local football identity.
Tampa, Florida, benefits from recent Buccaneers' success.
Internet speed varied, with Arlington, Texas, having one of the best infrastructures.
Hasan Piker, a streamer known for progressive views, was suspended from Twitch after making comments about ICE actions related to anti-Israel sentiment. It is unclear why Twitch banned him or how long the ban will last. Piker plans to stream on YouTube during the Twitch suspension.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker was suspended from Twitch, a popular streaming platform.
The suspension relates to comments he made linking ICE actions to anti-Israel protests.
Piker used inflammatory language, including phrases like "Zionist pigs."
It is not clear which Twitch rules Piker violated.
Piker plans to stream on YouTube while banned from Twitch.
Twitch's rules prohibit hateful or inflammatory content.
Piker claims he was banned for criticizing Israel.
ICE’s involvement in U.S. immigration actions has been controversial.
