A sequel to the popular 1987 film "Dirty Dancing" is being made, and Jennifer Grey will reprise her role as Frances "Baby" Houseman. The movie will be produced by the same team behind "The Hunger Games" and is expected to start production later this year.
Key Facts
The sequel to "Dirty Dancing" was announced by Lionsgate on January 27.
Jennifer Grey will return as the character Frances "Baby" Houseman.
The movie will be produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, known for "The Hunger Games" and "Crazy Rich Asians."
Kim Rosenstock, known for the series "Dying for Sex," will write the screenplay.
Production is expected to begin later in 2023.
Patrick Swayze, who played Johnny Castle in the original film, passed away in 2009.
A previous attempt at a "Dirty Dancing" sequel, "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights," was released in 2004 but did not succeed with critics or fans.
The original "Dirty Dancing" film came out in 1987 and quickly became a fan favorite.
A CNN analysis shows President Donald Trump's approval rating on the economy has dropped to minus 20, slightly worse than Joe Biden's rating at the same time in his presidency. This decline in public confidence, partly due to a focus on issues like immigration over economic concerns, is viewed as a potential problem for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's net approval rating on the economy is now at minus 20 according to CNN.
This rating is slightly worse than Biden's economic approval at the same point in his presidency, which was minus 19.
Trump's approval on the economy has declined from an earlier positive rating of plus 6.
Historically, when a president's economic approval is negative, the president's party can lose an average of 28 seats in the House during midterms.
Many voters feel Trump focuses too much on immigration and not enough on lowering costs.
Three in four Americans believe Trump is not focusing enough on reducing prices.
In Iowa, where Trump has previously been strong, there's a decrease in the Republican chances of winning an open Senate seat.
CNN's Harry Enten highlighted that negative economic approval ratings could jeopardize the Republican majority in the House and possibly the Senate during the midterms.
A woman in Texas decided to keep a single kitten from her cat's litter to allow the cat to experience motherhood. A TikTok video showing the cat cuddling and interacting with her kitten went viral, with over 6.1 million views. Single kitten litters are unusual due to various reasons like fertilization issues or prolonged birth.
Key Facts
A Texas woman kept the only kitten from her cat's litter to let the cat be a mother.
The mother cat is seen cuddling and teaching her kitten in a popular TikTok video.
The video has gained more than 6.1 million views and 1.1 million likes.
Cats usually have between four and ten kittens per litter.
Single kitten litters can happen due to fertilization issues or challenging births.
After a single kitten birth, it is important for a vet to check the health of the cat and kitten.
Social media users shared experiences of keeping kittens and their effects on the mother cat.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), which oversees major car racing events like Formula One, sees the United States as a key area for growth. They plan to expand their racing series, including the World Rally Championship, in the U.S., building on rising American interest and viewership.
Key Facts
The FIA is responsible for major race series like Formula One, World Rally Championship, and Formula E.
The FIA views the U.S. as a major growth opportunity.
Interest in car racing in the U.S. is growing, partly due to the popularity of the "Drive to Survive" Netflix series.
A 2025 survey showed 70% of Gen Z engage with F1 content daily.
F1 reported an audience of 52 million in the U.S. in 2025, a 10% rise from 2024.
The FIA plans a candidate event for the World Rally Championship in Tennessee and Kentucky in June.
If successful, the WRC event could join the calendar in 2027.
A DoorDash customer was charged over $34 for three cups of instant ramen that typically cost less than 40 cents each. After the issue gained public attention on Reddit, DoorDash refunded the customer and provided $90 in app credit. This incident has sparked discussions about pricing practices on delivery apps.
Key Facts
A DoorDash customer noted an unusually high charge of $34.77 for three cups of ramen, each normally priced under 40 cents.
The customer initially received a partial refund offer from DoorDash, which increased after the issue caught public attention.
The actual charge was significantly higher than the requested price for the ramen, which should have been $1.56 in total.
The customer shared evidence from a retailer’s app showing the typical cost of the ramen as $0.39 per cup.
Following public attention, DoorDash provided a full refund and an additional $90 in app credit to the customer.
DoorDash stated they would investigate the issue and explained the process for customers to report incorrect orders via their support site.
The incident led to discussions about the accuracy and fairness of pricing on delivery platforms.
Israeli settlers set fire to three villages in Masafer Yatta, a region in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations reports that attacks against Palestinians and their property in this area are happening more than ever before.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers targeted three villages in Masafer Yatta.
These villages are located in the occupied West Bank.
The United Nations is monitoring the situation.
It reports that violence against Palestinians and their property is at very high levels.
The context is part of a larger conflict in the region between Israeli settlers and Palestinians.
Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, called for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be defunded and disbanded. This statement followed the shootings of two individuals by federal agents, which led to nationwide protests. There is ongoing debate about ICE's role and its future.
Key Facts
Ben Cohen is a co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
He called for ICE to be defunded and disbanded on social media.
His statement followed the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot by federal agents.
The events have led to protests across the U.S.
ICE was founded after 2001, replacing the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Social media reactions to Cohen’s statement were mixed.
The backlash includes debates in Congress on Homeland Security funding and possible impeachment efforts.
A woman sought advice online after discovering her brother-in-law's plan to move into her father's house after the father's death and raise rents on the family's rental properties. She expressed concern because her father wanted the rents to remain low to help tenants. Many people online suggested she talk to her father about these plans and ensure a will is in place.
Key Facts
A woman heard that her brother-in-law plans to move into her father’s house after the father dies.
The brother-in-law also wants to raise the rent on the father's rental properties.
The woman’s father is 81 years old and wants the rent to stay low to help tenants.
The woman shared her concerns online using the name KitThorne on Reddit.
Online advice included telling the father about the brother-in-law’s plans.
The woman talked to her mother, who assured her that a will was in place.
Writing a will is important to prevent family disputes over inheritance.
The article mentions that inheritance disputes can be common and cause emotional strain.
The Seattle Seahawks will play in Super Bowl LX after winning the NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams. Fans can now buy official Seahawks jerseys with Super Bowl LX patches from Fanatics.
Key Facts
The Seattle Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game.
This victory earned the Seahawks a spot in Super Bowl LX, happening on February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California.
Quarterback Sam Darnold threw three touchdown passes in the championship game.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba made 10 catches for 153 yards and scored one touchdown.
The Seahawks finished their 2025 season with a 14-3 record and won the NFC West title.
This marks the Seahawks' fourth appearance in a Super Bowl in franchise history.
They will face the New England Patriots in a rematch of the 2015 Super Bowl.
Fanatics offers a variety of Seattle Seahawks jerseys featuring the Super Bowl LX patch.
Several states led by Republicans are limiting the hiring of foreign workers through H-1B visas at public universities and state agencies. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has frozen new H-1B petitions until May 31, 2027, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stopped H-1B hiring at public universities. Governors say the aim is to prioritize jobs for U.S. workers.
Key Facts
Texas and Florida are restricting H-1B visa use for hiring at state agencies and public universities.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's freeze on H-1B petitions lasts until May 31, 2027.
Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis ended H-1B hiring at public universities.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty jobs.
Texas officials said the freeze aims to prioritize employment for U.S. workers.
Abbott requires detailed reports on H-1B visa use by March 2026.
Current H-1B holders and public K-12 schools are not affected by the freeze.
South Sudan's army has launched a major military operation against opposition forces after losing territory. The operation, called Operation Enduring Peace, urges civilians and aid groups to evacuate certain areas. The situation in South Sudan has raised fears of increased violence and civilian harm.
Key Facts
South Sudan's army announced Operation Enduring Peace against opposition forces.
Civilians in three counties in Jonglei state were told to leave immediately.
Aid groups were given 48 hours to evacuate.
The army aims to recapture towns taken by opposition forces.
The government said the country is not at war, but rather stopping opposition advances.
A senior army commander encouraged violence against civilians, causing international criticism.
Opposition forces, including those loyal to Riek Machar, have taken government positions.
There are claims that charges against Machar are politically driven, conflicting with a peace agreement.
A new indoor virtual golf league for women is set to start in Florida, backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. World number two Nelly Korda expressed disappointment that the league will not be mixed-gender like the men's league happening in the same venue. The women's competition is planned to launch in the winter of 2026-27.
Key Facts
Nelly Korda is the world number two female golfer.
A new women's indoor virtual golf league will start in Florida.
The league is backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The men's league, TGL, is already ongoing at the same venue.
Korda believes not combining the men's and women's events is a missed opportunity.
The women's league will occur in the winter of 2026-27, but details are still pending.
The league features golf played with simulators and a rotating green for various shots.
Korda has not yet decided to enter the competition.
Southwest Airlines announced a change in its seating policy, moving from open seating to an assigned seating system. This change, starting in January 2026, will also come with modifications to Southwest's baggage policy.
Key Facts
Southwest Airlines is ending its open seating policy and switching to assigned seating in January 2026.
The change allows passengers to pay to choose their seats when booking.
The assigned seating will be part of different fare bundles offering various seat types like Extra Legroom and Preferred.
Southwest Airlines will replace numbered boarding stanchions with digital display screens at gates.
The airline will also stop its "Bags Fly Free" policy, introducing bag fees for most passengers.
Southwest's decision aims to give customers more options tailored to their preferences.
Some loyal Southwest customers are concerned about losing the airline's traditional open seating and baggage policies.
Southwest Airlines has changed its seating policy by introducing assigned seating for the first time since the 1970s. This move has received mixed reactions, with some travelers upset about losing the open seating model and others appreciating the more orderly boarding process.
Key Facts
Southwest Airlines used to let passengers choose any seat on the plane (open seating).
On January 27, Southwest introduced assigned seating for its flights.
The change includes new fare bundles and rules for travelers needing extra space.
Some passengers criticized the change on social media, saying it made the boarding process slower.
Southwest responded to critique, stating they aim to provide the best customer service and are open to feedback.
Other travelers appreciated the orderliness brought by assigned seating.
Southwest passengers now get a boarding group number instead of the old letter and number system.
Concerns were raised that passengers might have to pay more to sit with their companions.
A teacher in Northern Ireland used a 40-year-old law to stop teaching religious education and attending religious assemblies, citing personal beliefs. The teacher, Javed Love, is the first in a decade to use this legal option, which applies only to controlled schools. The law allows teachers to opt out of religious activities for reasons of conscience.
Key Facts
Javed Love is a primary school teacher in Northern Ireland.
He used a legal clause from the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 to withdraw from teaching religious education (RE).
The law allows teachers to opt out of RE and religious assemblies on "grounds of conscience."
Love believes teaching should involve multiple perspectives, not just one dominant worldview.
The law is applicable only to controlled schools managed by boards and the Education Authority.
Parents can also withdraw their children from RE and religious assemblies by law.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the RE in Northern Ireland is not taught in a "pluralistic" way and suggested it might be "indoctrination."
The recent court decision did not directly affect Love's case but suggested changes to the RE curriculum might be needed.
Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals after Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury. Musetti was leading by two sets when he had to stop playing because of a leg injury.
Key Facts
Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open semifinals.
Lorenzo Musetti retired due to a leg injury while leading by two sets.
Musetti withdrew with the score at 6-4, 6-3, 1-3.
Djokovic is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic's win set a new record of 103 singles wins at Melbourne Park, surpassing Roger Federer.
Djokovic will play either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the semifinals.
Djokovic has reached 54 Grand Slam semifinals in his career.
The Toronto Blue Jays spent $337 million on free-agent contracts to improve their team. They have a strong group of starting pitchers, but analysts suggest signing Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher, could make their rotation even stronger. Valdez's contract could cost around $199.9 million over six years.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays spent $337 million on free-agent contracts recently.
They signed two starting pitchers for $240 million of that total.
The team already has six strong starting pitchers for five spots.
Analysts suggest signing Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher.
Valdez is projected to cost $199.9 million for six years.
Blue Jays' current starters are all right-handed pitchers.
Valdez has a career ERA of 3.36 and has pitched in 17 postseason games.
Signing Valdez would make the Blue Jays' rotation more balanced and potentially one of the strongest.
Chinese airlines have canceled flights to Japan on 49 routes due to tensions over Taiwan, impacted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments. The cancellations affect Japan's travel sector and come before a snap election in Japan. China has also announced restrictions on exports of important materials to Japan.
Key Facts
Chinese airlines canceled flights on 49 routes to Japan.
The cancellations impact over 47% of China-Japan flight routes.
Cancellations followed travel warnings from China's Foreign Ministry.
Chinese airlines extended deadlines for refunds and rebooking until March 28.
Japan was a top destination for Chinese travelers last year during this peak season.
China restricted exports of rare earth elements to Japan, used in technology and military systems.
Tensions rose after Japanese PM Takaichi remarked on potential military interventions related to Taiwan.
China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its claim over Taiwan, citing Japan's actions as antagonistic.
The New York Yankees traded with the Miami Marlins to acquire Ryan Weathers, a left-handed pitcher. With some of their key pitchers currently sidelined, Weathers has a chance to join the Yankees' starting rotation and is predicted to have a breakout season. Despite past injuries, Weathers showed strong performance when healthy last season.
Key Facts
The Yankees traded four prospects to the Miami Marlins to get Ryan Weathers.
Weathers is 26 years old and throws left-handed.
Some key Yankees pitchers are currently out, giving Weathers a chance to start.
MLB.com predicts Weathers could have a standout season in 2026.
Weathers is noted for his fast pitches and effective changeup and sweeper.
Despite injuries in previous seasons, he posted a 3.99 ERA with 37 strikeouts in eight starts last year.
Weathers needs to perform well at the beginning of the season to secure his place as a starter.
An iPhone user noticed that the delete button designs are not consistent across Apple apps. They shared this on Reddit, and many users agreed, saying similar design issues exist in the new iOS 26 update. Despite these comments, Apple has not changed its new design, leaving some users hoping for improvements in future updates.
Key Facts
An iPhone user highlighted inconsistent delete button designs across Apple apps.
The user shared a screenshot on Reddit, receiving over 3,000 upvotes.
Many Reddit users commented, agreeing that iOS 26 has several design inconsistencies.
The "Liquid Glass" design in iOS 26 has been unpopular for being visually confusing.
The new design changes have led to lower adoption rates of iOS 26, despite important security updates.
Apple has not provided an option to switch back to the previous design.
Users are hoping for changes or a redesign in the next iOS update, iOS 27.
