The documentary "Melania" had a successful opening weekend, earning $7.04 million in North American theaters. The audience was mainly older white women, a group significant in elections, and the film did well in areas where President Trump is popular.
Key Facts
"Melania" is a documentary about Melania Trump.
It earned $7.04 million in its opening weekend in North America.
The audience was 72% older than 55, 72% female, and 75% white.
Amazon spent $40 million to buy the film and $35 million on promotion.
The documentary performed best in Republican-leaning states like Texas and Florida.
Only 2% of the audience identified as Democrats.
"Melania" has a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes despite negative critic reviews.
The film's CinemaScore, based on viewer feedback, is an "A".
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A passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise left a $200 massage after not wanting to listen to a lengthy sales pitch for skincare products. The passenger shared their story on Reddit, prompting comments from others who had similar experiences on cruises. Cruise ship spas are often managed by third parties, which may explain the strong focus on selling products.
Key Facts
A cruise passenger stopped a $200 massage due to an aggressive sales pitch.
The incident happened on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
The passenger shared their experience on Reddit, receiving support from others.
Many cruise passengers say similar sales pitches happen often in onboard spas.
Spas on cruise ships often have sales goals, leading to strong sales tactics.
Princess Cruises notes passengers can request not to hear sales pitches.
A sales expert advises saying a clear "no" to unwanted sales offers.
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The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened after being closed for several months due to an ongoing conflict. While the reopening allows some people to cross for medical reasons, there are still limits on who can cross and what can be brought into Gaza. Essential supplies like humanitarian aid and construction materials cannot yet enter the area, which remains heavily damaged.
Key Facts
The Rafah crossing connects Gaza and Egypt.
The crossing was closed because of the conflict involving Israel.
It has now reopened but only allows limited movement primarily for medical purposes.
Israel has imposed strict rules on who can cross the border.
Humanitarian aid and construction materials are still not allowed into Gaza.
The area remains in need of aid and rebuilding after the conflict.
The situation in Gaza is still challenging despite the border reopening.
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A complaint against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has not been forwarded to Congress for eight months due to a claimed legal review. The complaint was deemed not credible by the inspector general's office, but there is concern about why it hasn't reached the Congressional intelligence committees.
Key Facts
Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence.
A complaint was made about her conduct eight months ago.
The complaint has not yet been shared with Congress.
Gabbard's office says the delay is due to a legal review.
The Inspector General reviewed the complaint and found it not credible.
The complainant wants the intelligence committees in Congress to see it.
Andrew Bakaj is the attorney representing the person who made the complaint.
Details about the complaint or the complainant are not disclosed.
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Florida is experiencing unusually cold weather, with temperatures falling below freezing for several nights. The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings for many areas in the state, which is not used to such cold temperatures. This unusual cold snap is due to arctic air covering the eastern United States.
Key Facts
Florida is under freeze warnings, with temperatures below 32 degrees.
The freeze warning impacts areas from Jacksonville to parts of Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
Temperatures could drop to 26 degrees in some northern parts and 29 degrees in central Florida.
The warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Tuesday.
This cold weather was caused by a bomb cyclone, bringing arctic air to the region.
Cities like Vero Beach, Daytona Beach, and Melbourne set record-low February temperatures.
Forecasts suggest temperatures will warm up slightly by midweek.
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A man shared online that his parents want him to take care of his younger sister after she caused a kitchen fire in her college home. The sister was not hurt, and the man does not want to take on this responsibility as he is expecting a child with his fiancée. The situation has sparked a discussion about family roles and independence.
Key Facts
A 24-year-old man is asked by his parents to look after his 20-year-old sister after a kitchen fire.
The sister, Cleo, caused the fire by falling asleep while baking cookies.
The fire did not harm anyone, and insurance covered the damages.
The parents want Cleo to move in with her brother and his fiancée, as they're concerned about her living alone.
The brother refuses, citing his own family responsibilities and the need for Cleo to learn independence.
Online comments largely support the brother's decision, emphasizing personal responsibility and growth.
Experts note that sibling roles can become complicated and cause tension when family expectations differ.
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The U.S. Justice Department has released 3 million new files about investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who is now deceased. People are questioning how the release was managed and whether enough is being done to investigate Epstein’s connections with other important people.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice released 3 million files related to Jeffrey Epstein's investigations.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died while awaiting trial.
The files include details about Epstein's network and connections with key individuals.
The release has led to criticism about the department's transparency.
Advocates are concerned if Epstein’s associates are being properly investigated.
There is public pressure for more accountability from those tied to Epstein.
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The article discusses Lord Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, focusing on potential sharing of sensitive government information. It also highlights calls for a thorough investigation into these matters, with political implications for Sir Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The situation raises questions about Mandelson's conduct and the decisions surrounding his appointments.
Key Facts
Lord Mandelson is facing scrutiny over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted criminal.
Files suggest Mandelson shared government emails with Epstein during his time as a business secretary.
There are calls for a criminal investigation into Mandelson's actions from various political figures.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has requested a public inquiry into the matter.
Current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to investigate Mandelson's past roles and appointments.
Mandelson's past career included serving as an EU commissioner, business secretary, and ambassador to the US.
His connection with Epstein could have been politically damaging for Starmer if not addressed properly.
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A winter storm in the southern U.S. has caused severe power outages, particularly in Nashville, Tennessee, and parts of Mississippi. The storm has led to at least 37 deaths and left tens of thousands of people without power. Emergency efforts are underway, with President Trump approving federal resources to assist affected areas.
Key Facts
The winter storm has resulted in at least 37 deaths: 21 in Tennessee and 16 in Mississippi.
As of Monday morning, over 50,000 people in Mississippi and 28,000 in Tennessee are without power.
Power in Nashville is expected to be restored by February 9.
President Trump has approved 12 emergency declarations to provide federal help.
More than 5,300 National Guard members have been deployed to handle the storms in 15 states.
FEMA's response is challenged by workforce cuts and pending disaster declarations.
The Nashville Electric Service faced criticism for its pace of power restoration.
Historically, winter storms have caused significant power outages, as seen in Texas in 2021.
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The Rafah crossing, a border point between Gaza and Egypt, has reopened for the first time in over a year and a half. Only a small number of sick and wounded people from Gaza were allowed to leave following recent conflict.
Key Facts
Rafah crossing connects Gaza with Egypt.
It reopened on a Monday after being closed for more than 18 months.
The reopening follows a recent period of violence in Gaza.
Only a limited number of people, mainly those who are sick or injured, were permitted to exit.
This event marks the first time in over a year that the crossing has been operational.
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The article focuses on Jamal, a nine-year-old in Gaza experiencing severe muscle spasms due to a lack of medicine, which is blocked by Israel. It discusses how this situation relates to broader narratives around how events in Gaza are remembered and narrated, particularly in the context of international viewpoints.
Key Facts
Jamal is a nine-year-old boy living in Gaza experiencing severe muscle spasms.
He needs a drug called baclofen to control his spasms, but it is not available in Gaza.
Medicines, including baclofen, are reportedly blocked by Israel.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed views on how the situation in Gaza should be remembered, focusing on Israeli, not Gazan, narratives.
The United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees is facing challenges.
Social media restrictions are reportedly affecting Palestinian voices.
Certain laws in the U.S. and United Kingdom affect how Israel and Palestine topics are discussed and taught.
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Elizabeth Tsurkov, a doctoral student, was kidnapped by an Iran-linked militia while researching in Baghdad in 2023. She was held captive for over 900 days and released last September after international efforts.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Tsurkov is a Russian-Israeli doctoral student at Princeton University.
She was kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023.
The captors were linked to Iran.
Tsurkov was held for more than 900 days.
She was released in September following international cooperation.
This was Tsurkov's first American television interview about the ordeal.
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Ghana has temporarily stopped processing citizenship applications for people of African descent to improve the process. More than 1,000 individuals, including musician Stevie Wonder, have gained citizenship under this program. The suspension addresses concerns about the application process's complexity and cost.
Key Facts
Ghana paused its citizenship process for people of African descent to make it more user-friendly.
The program started in 2016 for those who can prove African ancestry.
Over 1,000 applicants, including Stevie Wonder, have become Ghanaian citizens.
Applicants have complained about the complexity and high costs of the process.
DNA evidence submission and a short timeframe are part of the application requirements.
The cost includes a $136 application fee and a $2,280 payment for shortlisted candidates.
Successful candidates attend a citizenship orientation and ceremony.
The initiative aligns with Ghana's Pan-African vision to connect with the global African diaspora.
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The Studio Museum in Harlem, which highlights Black artists, has reopened in a new building after being closed for seven years. The museum has played a role in changing and diversifying the art world, and its reopening is part of a special arts and culture series.
Key Facts
The Studio Museum in Harlem has reopened after a seven-year closure.
The museum features Black artists and their history.
It is located in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City.
The reopening took place in a brand-new building.
The museum is credited with helping diversify the art world.
The reopening is part of an arts series called CANVAS.
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Visitors to the Trevi Fountain in Rome now have to pay a fee of two euros to get closer to the landmark. The money collected will help with the preservation of the fountain.
Key Facts
Visitors must pay two euros to approach the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
The fee in U.S. dollars is approximately $2.36.
Officials expect the fee to bring in up to six million euros.
Six million euros is about $7.1 million.
The money will be used to maintain and preserve the Trevi Fountain.
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An animal shelter in South Florida found a cat abandoned outside its door with a note saying it was unsafe for him at his previous home. The shelter took in the cat, named Georgie, and after making sure he was healthy, he was adopted by a new owner in Buffalo, New York.
Key Facts
The cat, named Georgie, was left outside a rescue center in South Florida in a carrier.
A note with Georgie said it was unsafe for him at his previous house.
The shelter found no signs of physical harm on Georgie.
Animal cruelty in the U.S. is linked to broader patterns of violence against people.
After being cared for by the shelter, Georgie was moved to Ten Lives Club in Buffalo, New York.
Georgie was adopted five days later and is now the sole pet of his new owner.
The incident raised concerns online about the safety of Georgie's previous owner.
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Baroness Doreen Lawrence is taking legal action against the Daily Mail's publisher, alleging the newspaper illegally accessed her private information. She claims the Daily Mail hacked her phone and gathered information unlawfully over 20 years. The newspaper, along with other high-profile figures, denies these allegations.
Key Facts
Baroness Lawrence claims the Daily Mail hacked her phone and voicemails.
She alleges the newspaper used illegally obtained information for articles between 1997 and 2007.
The allegations involve spying, monitoring bank accounts, and making corrupt payments to police for information.
Baroness Lawrence is part of a larger case with other public figures against the Daily Mail's publisher.
Associated Newspapers denies all allegations and claims their articles were the result of legitimate reporting.
Stephen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence's son, was murdered in 1993, and the case is a well-known example of police misconduct.
The case revisits past claims of racial bias and mishandling of her son's murder investigation.
The issue is being heard in the High Court, with Baroness Lawrence feeling betrayed by the newspaper she once trusted.
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In January 2026, parts of the UK experienced record-breaking rainfall, with Northern Ireland having its wettest January in 149 years. Some regions had much more rain than usual, while others saw less rainfall. The Met Office has issued flood warnings as heavy rain and snow continue in some areas.
Key Facts
Northern Ireland had the wettest January in 149 years, with 70% more rain than usual.
Cornwall saw more than twice its average January rainfall, while Aberdeenshire had nearly four times the amount.
In north-west England and west Scotland, rainfall was below average.
A high-pressure system over Scandinavia has kept areas of low pressure, causing more rain in parts of the UK.
The Met Office issued a yellow rain warning for south-west England with potential further flooding.
Yellow snow warnings are in place for north-east Scotland with expected snow accumulation.
The weather pattern is likely to remain until mid-February because of the stable high-pressure system.
Despite the heavy rainfall, a hosepipe ban is still in effect in parts of southern England.
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Marius Borg Høiby, Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son, has been arrested in Norway for alleged assault, adding to various legal charges including rape. He has been detained multiple times and has admitted some minor charges but denies the serious ones. The royal family faces scrutiny partly due to past contacts Crown Princess Mette-Marit had with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess, is under arrest for suspected assault.
He faces 38 charges, including the rape of four women.
This arrest is his fourth in 18 months; previous charges include assault and drug-related offenses.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit admitted to "poor judgement" for previously communicating with Jeffrey Epstein.
The Crown Princess had corresponded with Epstein from 2011 to 2014, which has caused controversy.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre criticized the Crown Princess's actions with Epstein as poor judgment.
The royal family is trying to separate itself from Høiby's legal issues, emphasizing his status as a private citizen.
Høiby's upcoming trial will take place in Oslo, and his detention aims to prevent further offenses.
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The Department of Justice released many documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which include mentions of various celebrities, including Bravo TV stars. These documents, made public as part of an act signed by President Trump, do not accuse any Bravo stars of any crimes related to Epstein. The files include emails and information about social interactions between Epstein and some of these TV personalities.
Key Facts
The DOJ released millions of documents about Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
The documents mention celebrities, including Bravo television stars.
No Bravo stars have been accused of wrongdoing connected to Epstein.
The release includes 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
The documents include 3.5 million pages from cases in New York and Florida.
The files were released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by President Trump.
Bravo star Whitney Sudler-Smith is mentioned for a dinner meeting relayed to Epstein.
Carole Radziwill from "Real Housewives of New York City" is mentioned multiple times in emails and documents.
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