UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a former prince, should help U.S. authorities with their investigation into files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The U.S. Justice Department plans to release a large number of documents related to Epstein. The focus of the investigation includes high-profile figures and connections Epstein had.
Key Facts
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer advised Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with U.S. authorities concerning Epstein investigations.
The U.S. Department of Justice is releasing over three million documents related to Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, lost his royal title due to his relationship with Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor has not yet responded to a request for an interview about his ties to Epstein.
Slovak official Miroslav Lajcak resigned after emails showed he had interactions with Epstein.
Epstein had email contacts with several prominent individuals, including Steve Bannon, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk.
Epstein's victims have requested that investigators prioritize them over secrecy around Epstein’s associates.
Aden, a city in southern Yemen, is experiencing improved electricity supply after years of blackouts. This change follows the re-establishment of Yemen's government in the city with Saudi support. Saudi-UAE tensions have affected their roles in Yemen, with Saudi Arabia taking a more dominant position.
Key Facts
Aden's electricity supply has improved significantly, with about 20 hours of continuous service daily.
The improvement in power supply is due to a fuel grant from Saudi Arabia for power stations.
Yemen's government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has returned to Aden after the Southern Transitional Council (STC) was pushed back.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over control in Yemen have influenced recent changes, with the UAE withdrawing.
Falah al-Shahrani from the Saudi-led Coalition has been influential in security and military arrangements in Aden.
Some leaders of the STC have moved to Saudi Arabia after Saudi military action, while others continue activities in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia is now seen as taking a leading role in Aden, possibly leading to broader recovery for Yemen.
A series of coordinated attacks in Balochistan, Pakistan, led by the Balochistan Liberation Army, resulted in nearly 200 deaths. The Pakistani government attributes these attacks to separatists and foreign interference, particularly from India. Long-standing local grievances over political and economic issues continue to fuel unrest in the region.
Key Facts
The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Nearly 200 people died in the conflict, including civilians, security forces, and BLA fighters.
The Pakistani government accused India of involvement in these attacks.
Balochistan has long-standing issues like political marginalization and economic injustice.
The region is rich in minerals, but many residents feel they do not benefit from its wealth.
The $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is centered on Balochistan, aiming for economic development.
The Gaza peace plan has similarities to the peace agreement used in Bosnia and Herzegovina after its war. Both plans involve significant external control over local governance. The new structure in Gaza includes oversight by international figures, similar to how Bosnia was managed.
Key Facts
The Gaza peace plan aims to end attacks but promises external control over governance.
The plan involves creating a governance system based on "best international standards."
The Bosnia peace agreement converted the region into a semi-protectorate with external control.
Bosnia's constitution was drafted by international mediators, not its citizens.
The proposed Gaza administration will consist of a Board of Peace led by President Trump.
The Gaza plan includes two executive boards and a technocratic administration.
These governing bodies in Gaza, like in Bosnia, operate with limited local accountability.
In Bosnia, the real power lies with international bodies like the Office of the High Representative.
Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are becoming popular platforms for spreading false or misleading information online. These platforms are gaining traction in politics and media but often share unverified claims, which can spread quickly. They lack the rules that typically govern journalism, leading to misinformation reaching a large audience.
Key Facts
Prediction markets are online platforms where people bet on future events, combining elements from crypto and gambling.
Kalshi and Polymarket are two major players in this field, partnering with media and influencers as their popularity grows.
These platforms can quickly spread misinformation without the checks that traditional news sources have.
Polymarket falsely attributed comments to public figures, such as Jeff Bezos, requiring public denials.
Kalshi and Polymarket have shared unverified claims about global events, including content about U.S. politics and other global crises.
Kalshi is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, while Polymarket's main exchange operates outside U.S. regulation.
Both companies face criticism for promoting engagement-driven content that may not be accurate.
The Department of Homeland Security is buying commercial warehouses to convert them into ICE detention centers, causing protests in multiple states. These new centers aim to increase capacity for detaining people before deportation but have faced backlash from local communities and officials.
Key Facts
The Department of Homeland Security plans to turn commercial warehouses into ICE detention centers.
The largest of these centers could house up to 9,500 people.
ICE's budget increased with $45 billion from a bill, allowing large property purchases.
Protesters have opposed these plans in places like Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas, New Hampshire, and New York.
The Trump administration's strict immigration enforcement has lowered public support for ICE.
The government has already spent over $170 million on properties in Maryland and Arizona.
Some private prison contractors have unused capacity, indicating possible over-purchase.
Almost 70,000 people are currently held by ICE, according to January figures.
HBO Max will add over 60 new movies and several new TV series to its streaming catalog throughout February 2026. Popular titles include "Love & Basketball," "The Shape of Water," and "Malcolm X." New series and continuing shows are also scheduled for release during the month.
Key Facts
HBO Max is adding more than 60 new movies on February 1, 2026.
Some of the popular movies include "Love & Basketball," "The Shape of Water," and "Malcolm X."
Other films being added include "Life of Pi," "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," and "Wuthering Heights."
New TV series and additional seasons of existing shows will be released during February.
Continuing series include shows like "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms."
Notable releases on specific dates include "Madam Beja" on February 2 and "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" on February 15.
Lou Holtz, a longtime college football coach, is currently in hospice care at the age of 89. His son, Skip Holtz, confirmed that his father is still fighting the health issues. Lou Holtz coached several college football teams and became a television analyst after retiring from coaching.
Key Facts
Lou Holtz is 89 years old and in hospice care.
Skip Holtz, his son, shared that his father is still battling health challenges.
Lou Holtz coached college football teams, including Notre Dame, Arkansas, and South Carolina.
He retired from coaching in 2004.
After retiring, he worked as a TV analyst for ESPN until 2015.
There were false reports about Lou Holtz's passing, which his son denied.
Lou Holtz has two sons and two daughters.
His wife, Beth, passed away in 2020 after a long illness.
A woman named Izabel Rose went to Japan hoping to quit her ketamine addiction, but instead, she ended up in prison for five months. She tried to get ketamine sent to her hotel in Japan, but the package was intercepted by customs. This led to her arrest and imprisonment, which she describes as a significant but difficult turning point in her life.
Key Facts
Izabel Rose wanted to quit using ketamine and went to Japan for a change.
She was in Japan for a month to try and stop using ketamine.
Despite her intentions, she attempted to get ketamine sent to her hotel in Osaka.
The ketamine package was intercepted by Japanese customs.
Police arrested her, and she was held in Osaka Detention Centre.
She spent five months in solitary confinement in a Japanese prison.
Izabel had initially used ketamine in London's rave scene and became addicted over a year.
She described her time in prison as both traumatic and ultimately beneficial.
Casey Wasserman, the chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, expressed regret over old emails he sent to Ghislaine Maxwell, a jailed associate of Jeffrey Epstein. These emails surfaced in files released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Wasserman stated he had no personal or business ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Casey Wasserman is the chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
He sent flirty emails to Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein.
The emails were released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Wasserman said he regrets the emails and has no ties to Epstein.
He participated in a trip with the Clinton Foundation on Epstein's plane in 2002.
The release of the emails has led to more questions about Epstein's associates.
Wasserman founded a sports and entertainment agency and is involved with the Clinton Foundation.
People in Tampa, Florida, reported snow flurries for the first time in 16 years. The National Weather Service issued cold weather warnings across Florida, as a strong winter storm moved through the area. The last time Tampa saw snow was in January 2010.
Key Facts
Snow was reported in Tampa and Saint Petersburg, Florida.
The National Weather Service warned of very cold temperatures across Florida.
Residents were warned about risks like frostbite and hypothermia due to the cold.
Meteorologist Matt Yarosewick confirmed the snow on social media.
In South Carolina, a snowfall record from 1977 was broken.
Charleston International Airport recorded 0.7 inches of snow.
The cold air is part of a winter storm that affected the East Coast.
Temperatures in Florida were expected to be the coldest since December 1989.
A woman shared her story on Reddit about her boyfriend repeatedly canceling plans to play video games. This situation led her to feel upset and supported by others online who suggested that gaming could negatively impact relationships. Many people on Reddit advised her on how to handle her boyfriend's gaming habits.
Key Facts
A woman posted on Reddit about her boyfriend canceling plans to play video games with a friend.
She expressed disappointment that he preferred gaming over spending time with her.
The boyfriend canceled to play a new series of the game "Deep Rock Galactic."
Some Reddit users felt the boyfriend's behavior showed he prioritized gaming over her.
Gaming addiction is recognized as an issue that can affect relationships.
Common signs of gaming addiction include playing for long hours and neglecting important life aspects.
A therapist mentioned that long-term gaming might affect emotional connections in relationships.
Many online commenters suggested she re-evaluate the relationship.
Amtrak has introduced a limited-edition "Trak Suit," a two-piece outfit designed in collaboration with the New York School of Design. The launch coincides with the debut of the NextGen Acela service, and the suit is being sold online until February 2.
Key Facts
Amtrak's "Trak Suit" is priced at $279 and is available online.
The design collaboration was with a student from the New York School of Design, Anastasiia Lukinskaia.
The "Trak Suit" includes a hooded sweatshirt and pants with Amtrak logos and other features.
The material is microfiber fleece poly fabric, chosen for its softness and comfort.
The suit is linked to the launch of the NextGen Acela service in the Northeast Corridor.
It was unveiled during New York Fashion Week with limited availability.
Once ordered, it takes approximately 60 business days to produce.
President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is in serious discussions with Iran amid rising military tensions. Iran plans to conduct naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transportation. The U.S. military has warned Iran against any unsafe actions in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump confirmed ongoing serious talks with Iran.
The U.S. has increased military presence in the Gulf, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
Iran plans a two-day naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz, starting Sunday.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for oil, with about 20% of the world's oil trade passing through it.
Trump has set conditions for avoiding U.S. military action: no nuclear activities and stopping the crackdown on protesters.
Recent explosions in Iran were reported, with local authorities attributing them to gas leaks.
President Trump warned against Iran's unsafe actions near U.S. forces.
Wolves are finalizing a loan deal for England midfielder Angel Gomes from Marseille. The deal includes an option for Wolves to buy him later. Gomes, who played for Manchester United and has represented England, has not been a regular starter at Marseille.
Key Facts
Wolves are arranging a loan for Angel Gomes from Marseille.
The agreement may include an option to purchase the player.
Gomes moved from Lille to Marseille but hasn't started a Ligue 1 match since November.
He made 20 appearances for Marseille, scoring four goals.
Gomes played for Manchester United, debuting at 16 years old.
He has four caps playing for England's national team.
His last international game for England was in October 2024.
Protesters in Italy expressed opposition to a plan involving U.S. ICE agents coming to the Winter Olympics in Milan. Italy's government clarified that these agents would work only at U.S. diplomatic locations and not patrol the event. The Winter Olympics in Milan starts on Friday.
Key Facts
Several hundred people in Italy protested against ICE agents being present at the Milan Winter Olympics.
ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is a U.S. agency involved in immigration and border security.
The Italian interior ministry stated that ICE agents will stay within U.S. diplomatic offices.
The agents will not have any role in patrolling the Olympic events.
The Winter Olympics in Milan are set to begin on Friday.
Keon Ellis, a basketball player, has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team trade involving the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls. Ellis shared his reaction to the trade on Instagram and is now set to play a bigger role with the Cavaliers, who are in contention for the playoffs.
Key Facts
Keon Ellis was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team deal.
The trade also involved the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls.
Ellis shared a post on Instagram expressing a positive outlook about the trade.
He joins the Cavaliers in the final year of his current contract, which pays $2.3 million.
Ellis, along with Dennis Schroder, is expected to be part of the Cavaliers' playoff push.
The Kings have been struggling, currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
The Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-21 record.
India has announced its budget for 2026-27, focusing on increasing infrastructure spending and supporting domestic manufacturing. The budget aims for fiscal responsibility while emphasizing sectors like rare earths and semiconductors. India expects slightly slower economic growth next year as global tensions, including U.S. tariffs, impact its economy.
Key Facts
India's budget for 2026-27 focuses on infrastructure and domestic manufacturing.
The country plans record spending on infrastructure projects such as roads, ports, and railways.
Defence spending will increase by over 20% due to global geopolitical tensions.
India aims to boost manufacturing in sectors like semiconductors and rare earths.
No new personal tax cuts were announced; previous tax relief measures remain.
India offers tax benefits for foreign cloud companies investing in data centers.
The government targets reducing its fiscal deficit, the gap between its spending and income.
Economic growth is projected to slow slightly next year due to tariffs and global uncertainties.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that any U.S. attack on Iran could lead to a regional war. This comes after President Donald Trump mentioned negotiations with Iran amidst military tensions. Protests continue across Iran, with significant casualties reported due to government crackdowns.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that a U.S. attack on Iran would start a regional war.
President Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations with Iran and the presence of U.S. military forces nearby.
Trump outlined two conditions for avoiding U.S. military action: no nuclear weapons and stopping the killing of protesters in Iran.
Protests in Iran have resulted in thousands of reported deaths, with international concerns about the accuracy of these numbers.
The U.S. opposes Iran developing nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran nuclear deal) was exited by the U.S. under Trump's administration during his first term.
Iran plans to conduct naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The European Union, U.S., and Canada have labeled Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group.
A woman named Louisa Crook rescued a street dog named Winston in Qatar after he spent about eight years living in an industrial area. Despite Winston's severe health issues, he lived with Crook for five years before he had to be put to sleep due to declining health. Crook expressed gratitude for the time she spent with Winston.
Key Facts
Louisa Crook rescued a street dog called Winston who lived in an industrial area in Qatar for about eight years.
Winston had several health problems, including a skin infection and leg injuries, when Crook found him.
It took Crook about two months to capture Winston because he was very distrusting.
A veterinarian determined Winston's leg injury was likely from being hit by a car as a puppy.
After being rescued, Winston lived with Crook for five years until his health worsened in 2024.
On March 8, 2024, Crook decided to euthanize Winston due to his increasing pain.
Winston had a strong bond with Crook's rescue cat Tilly, and both were put to sleep together.
Crook has expressed gratitude for the time she was able to spend with Winston.
