Bank statements released by the U.S. Department of Justice suggest Jeffrey Epstein sent $75,000 to accounts linked to Peter Mandelson, a former UK politician. Mandelson said he does not remember receiving the money and apologized for his past association with Epstein. Images and emails involving Mandelson have surfaced, but there is no proof of wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein allegedly sent $75,000 to accounts associated with Peter Mandelson between 2003 and 2004.
The payments were in three separate $25,000 transactions.
These transactions were part of files released by the U.S. government concerning Epstein.
Mandelson claimed no recollection of the payments and questioned the documents' authenticity.
Images of Mandelson from Epstein's files have been discovered, showing him alongside an unidentified woman.
Mandelson apologized for his past relationship with Epstein and denied knowledge of any illegal activities.
The UK government was unaware of Mandelson's connections with Epstein at the time.
Mandelson was removed as the UK ambassador to the U.S. after more revelations about his friendship with Epstein were made public.
The Atlanta Hawks traded Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers for Duop Reath and two second-round picks. Earlier this season, the Hawks traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards and received CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in return.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers completed a trade involving player Vit Krejci and Duop Reath.
Vit Krejci, a guard from the Czech Republic, joined the NBA in 2021 and played for the Oklahoma City Thunder before joining the Hawks.
Krejci has participated in 46 games this season, averaging 9.0 points per game.
Earlier, Trae Young, a notable Hawks player, was traded to the Washington Wizards.
In exchange for Young, the Hawks acquired CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Corey Kispert is currently playing for the Hawks, contributing 9.6 points per game.
Duop Reath, traded to the Hawks, is injured and not expected to play this season.
A 50-year-old woman was stabbed to death on a street in Willesden, north-west London. The police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder and believe he knew the victim. Officers say the murder appears to be an isolated incident.
Key Facts
A woman, aged 50, was stabbed and died on Pound Lane in Willesden, London.
The incident occurred around 4:00 PM GMT on a Saturday.
Emergency services arrived, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man, whom they suspect knew the victim.
Detectives believe the attack is an isolated case, with no broader threat to public safety.
Local police are patrolling the area to reassure residents and gather information.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford is leading the investigation.
Fela Kuti, a pioneer of Afrobeat music, has been honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the first African artist to receive this award, recognized in Los Angeles for his contributions to music and his role in political activism.
Key Facts
Fela Kuti was a pioneer of Afrobeat, a genre that combines African music with jazz, funk, and highlife.
He was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
This makes Fela Kuti the first African artist to receive this honor.
The award ceremony took place in Los Angeles.
Kuti was known for both his music and his political activism.
His work often challenged government authority and addressed social issues in Nigeria.
Allan Saint-Maximin has decided to leave Club America shortly after joining due to racist attacks on his children. Saint-Maximin, a French soccer player, signed with the Mexican club in August but left after only a few months. Club America and Saint-Maximin did not give specific details about the incident but expressed support for him and condemned the attacks.
Key Facts
Allan Saint-Maximin signed a two-year contract with Club America in August worth about $10 million.
He played 15 matches for the Mexican club before leaving.
Saint-Maximin announced his departure after his children faced racist attacks.
Club America expressed solidarity with Saint-Maximin and condemned discrimination.
Saint-Maximin emphasized protecting his family as his top priority.
He shared his thoughts about the incident on Instagram, stating he will fight to protect his children.
Club America's manager, Andre Jardine, expressed regret over Saint-Maximin's departure and praised his abilities as a player.
Roman Reigns is expected to main event WrestleMania for the 11th time, but it is unclear when he will appear on WWE TV to choose which title to challenge for. Triple H, the WWE's Chief Content Officer, stated that he does not know when Reigns will decide. The event will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19, 2025.
Key Facts
Roman Reigns will main event WrestleMania for the 11th time in his career.
Triple H does not know when Reigns will decide which title to go for at WrestleMania.
Reigns won his second Royal Rumble recently, the first in over ten years.
Despite fan hopes, Reigns is not expected to appear full-time at WWE events before WrestleMania.
Reigns previously lost the WWE Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes and has made brief returns since.
WrestleMania 42 will occur at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19, 2025.
Reigns has options to challenge Drew McIntyre or CM Punk for titles at WrestleMania.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned that if the United States attacks Iran, it could lead to a regional conflict. This warning comes amid increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran and efforts to open communication to avoid military confrontation. The warning follows antigovernment protests in Iran and U.S. military deployments in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Ali Khamenei is Iran's Supreme Leader.
Khamenei warned the U.S. against attacking Iran, claiming it could start a regional war.
The U.S., led by President Donald Trump, has increased military presence in the Middle East.
Iran recently experienced antigovernment protests with thousands of reported deaths.
Khamenei accused foreign agents of instigating the protests.
The U.S. and Iran are in talks to prevent military conflict.
Both nations have discussed a possible nuclear agreement.
President Trump mentioned Iran is serious about engaging in talks with the U.S.
A judge ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from an ICE detention center in Texas. They were detained in Minnesota and have now returned to their home state following the intervention of a Texas congressman. The situation drew criticism of immigration enforcement practices.
Key Facts
Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained by immigration officers in Minnesota.
They were held at a detention facility in Dilley, Texas.
A judge ordered their release, and they have returned to Minnesota.
Texas Representative Joaquin Castro was involved in escorting them back home.
Images of the boy with immigration officers sparked public criticism.
Immigration enforcement practices during their detention were disputed.
The Department of Homeland Security denied certain claims about the arrest events.
A man fell 30 feet down a well in Cheadle, Staffordshire, and emergency services rescued him. He suffered only minor injuries, and officials advised people to stay away from the area.
Key Facts
A man fell 30 feet (9 meters) down a well in Cheadle, Staffordshire.
Emergency services, including the police, responded at 8:37 AM GMT.
The rescue operation concluded at around 10:35 AM.
The man had only minor injuries, according to West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service advised people to stay away from Cheadle's High Street.
The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event was held outside the United States. Roman Reigns won the men's match by eliminating GUNTHER, while Brock Lesnar's unexpected elimination drew criticism and sparked discussions among fans.
Key Facts
The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This was the first Royal Rumble event held outside the United States.
Roman Reigns won the men's Royal Rumble match by eliminating GUNTHER.
Brock Lesnar was eliminated before the final four contestants.
Lesnar's elimination was a surprise and sparked reactions from fans online.
LA Knight and Cody Rhodes were involved in Lesnar's elimination.
Some fans were upset that Lesnar's elimination wasn't more significant or memorable.
Previously, Lesnar participated in John Cena’s retirement tour at another WWE event.
Images showing director Brett Ratner sitting with Jeffrey Epstein and others have been made public by the U.S. Department of Justice. These images are part of a large number of files related to Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges when he died in 2019. There is no proof of illegal activity by Ratner in these files, and the images include concealed identities to protect victims or ongoing investigations.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Justice released images of director Brett Ratner with Jeffrey Epstein and others.
The images were part of a large number of files about Epstein.
The files relate to Epstein, who died in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.
There is no evidence of wrongdoing by Ratner in these files.
Identities in the images are hidden to protect victims or investigations.
Brett Ratner directed a documentary about US First Lady Melania Trump.
The documentary followed Melania Trump before her husband's 2025 inauguration.
Ratner previously faced sexual misconduct allegations, which he denied.
Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is set to reopen for limited travel. Israel announced the reopening as a ceasefire with Hamas continues. Initially, only a small number of people can cross, with priority for medical evacuations.
Key Facts
Rafah border crossing will reopen for limited travel on Monday.
The reopening follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Only a small number of people can cross at first, with many seeking medical care.
About 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza need to leave for medical reasons.
Israel allows 50 patients needing medical evacuation to leave Gaza daily.
People will be vetted by Israel and Egypt before crossing.
Israel plans to end the operations of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza by February 28.
The decision affects several hospitals and health centers run by the organization in Gaza.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is releasing a small set of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein after already publishing over 3 million pages. These documents were originally collected during an investigation into Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, and will be made public as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Key Facts
The DOJ released over 3 million pages related to Jeffrey Epstein.
A small collection of additional documents is set to be released.
The documents relate to an investigation into Ghislaine Maxwell.
The release is part of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The DOJ is required to publish all unclassified records about Epstein.
The DOJ previously missed a deadline to release the documents.
Over 6 million pages were initially identified as potentially relevant to the case.
Survivors of Epstein have expressed concerns regarding the disclosure of their identities in the released materials.
The article discusses a promotion by bet365, where users can unlock $200 in bonus bets by placing a $5 wager on any NBA or college basketball game using the bonus code WEEK365. The offer is available through the bet365 app and includes additional features like early payout promotions for basketball games.
Key Facts
Users must bet $5 on any NBA or college basketball game to receive $200 in bonus bets from bet365.
The bonus code to use is WEEK365.
The outcome of the initial $5 bet does not affect receiving the bonus.
There are nine NBA games available to bet on, including Lakers-Knicks and Thunder-Nuggets.
The promotion also applies to select college basketball games.
Bet365 includes early payout options for certain sports if a team leads by a significant margin.
Users must complete the account sign-up and verification process to participate.
Bonus bets must be used within seven days or they will expire.
Los Angeles Dodgers player Freddie Freeman announced that he plans to retire after four more years, aiming to complete a 20-year career. Freeman, known for his effective hitting technique, has faced some injuries and could potentially work in the Dodgers' front office after retiring.
Key Facts
Freddie Freeman plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a first baseman.
He is planning to retire after playing four more years, making it a 20-year career.
Freeman is appreciated for his skillful hitting, not just power or speed.
Injuries, like an ankle issue, could affect his playing timeline.
A possible MLB lockout might also change when he retires.
Freeman hinted he might work with the Dodgers' management after his playing days.
He moved to the Dodgers from the Atlanta Braves, where he was initially closely associated.
The Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide are set to play a college basketball game. Florida recently defeated South Carolina, while Alabama won against Missouri. The game will be broadcast on ABC and available for live streaming on Fubo.
Key Facts
The game between Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide is on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
It will be broadcast on the ABC TV channel and can be streamed live on Fubo.
Florida defeated South Carolina 95-48 in their last game.
Alabama beat Missouri 90-64 in their previous match.
Florida has won the last four games against Alabama.
Florida's Thomas Haugh averages 17.4 points per game.
Alabama's Labaron Philon Jr. leads the SEC with an average of 22.0 points per game.
Regional restrictions may apply for live streaming.
Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open, beating Novak Djokovic. This victory made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, having won all four major tennis tournaments.
Key Facts
Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open to achieve a career Grand Slam.
He is the youngest man to win all four major tennis tournaments.
Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic with scores of 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
Alcaraz, at 22 years old, has won seven major titles.
Djokovic was attempting to win his 25th major title but remained tied with Margaret Court.
Alcaraz is only the ninth man to win all the Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic's chances are limited as he seeks to break the major win record.
A judge ordered the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father from a Texas detention center. They returned to their home in Minnesota after being detained during an immigration enforcement operation. The incident gained attention because of concerns about how Liam was used by federal agents.
Key Facts
Liam Ramos, 5 years old, and his father were released from a detention center in Texas by a judge's order.
They were detained in a Minneapolis suburb during an immigration enforcement surge.
Congressman Joaquin Castro escorted them back to Minnesota.
The child was allegedly used to gain entry into their home by federal agents.
The judge criticized the government's handling of the case.
Liam's father has an asylum claim pending, allowing them temporary stay.
Authorities claim the family overstayed their immigration parole.
The case is part of broader increased immigration enforcement efforts.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for a change in drug policy, advocating for the legalization of drugs and a public health approach to drug problems. He argues that current policies push drug use into dangerous, illegal areas and that a discussion based on evidence is needed. He also shared that he has not used drugs or alcohol, and focuses on increasing support for safe use and intervention.
Key Facts
Zack Polanski is the leader of the Green Party for England and Wales.
He supports legalizing drugs and adopting a public health approach to drug issues.
Polanski argues current drug policies push drug use into illegal markets.
He believes a national conversation about drug policies is needed.
He has never taken drugs or alcohol himself.
Since becoming leader, 130,000 new members have joined the Green Party.
The Green Party may consider coalition opportunities with other left-leaning parties.
Polanski's focus includes implementing a wealth tax and tackling the climate crisis.
TheScore Bet is offering a $100 bonus to new users who sign up using the promo code "NEWSWEEK" and place a $10 bet on NBA or college basketball games. This offer includes bets on specific NBA and college matchups happening today. Participants can also explore prop bets and alternate lines to increase their chances of winning.
Key Facts
TheScore Bet offers a $100 bonus with the promo code "NEWSWEEK" for new user sign-ups.
Users need to place a $10 bet on any NBA or college basketball game today to qualify.
Key NBA games include Lakers-Knicks and Thunder-Nuggets.
College basketball matchups include Alabama vs. Florida and Illinois vs. Nebraska.
Prop bets and alternate lines can help improve chances of winning the initial $10 bet.
Bonuses must be used within one week or they expire.
Sign-up requires providing personal information and an initial deposit with a secure payment method.
