A year after expressing her desire, pop star Chappell Roan will feature in the video game Fortnite. Players will be able to dress their characters in Roan's outfits and listen to her songs as part of the game's upcoming festival season, starting on Thursday.
Key Facts
Chappell Roan is now featured in the video game Fortnite.
Players can dress their in-game characters in Roan's outfits.
Some of Roan's songs, like "Pink Pony Club," will be part of the game's music library.
The collaboration begins with Fortnite's next festival season on Thursday.
Roan previously expressed a wish to be part of Fortnite during a BBC Radio 1 interview.
This is part of Fortnite's 13th festival season, which combines music and gaming.
Other celebrities like Billie Eilish also have Fortnite skins.
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The Nintendo Switch has become the best-selling Nintendo console in history, surpassing 155 million sales since its launch in 2017. Despite its success, Nintendo's shares fell by 11% due to investor concerns about software sales and memory chip costs. The new Switch 2 has sold 17 million units as of the end of 2025.
Key Facts
The Nintendo Switch has sold over 155 million units since 2017, making it Nintendo's best-selling console ever.
The Switch has now surpassed the Nintendo DS in sales, and is second only to Sony's PlayStation 2 in global gaming console sales.
Nintendo shares dropped by 11% after the latest financial report raised concerns about software sales and memory chip prices.
The sequel, Switch 2, was released in June 2025 and sold 17 million units by the end of the year.
Popular Nintendo games like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon contributed to the original Switch's success.
The COVID-19 pandemic boosted Switch sales as more people stayed at home and played games.
Nintendo boss Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned that rising memory chip prices might affect future profits.
Economic factors, such as US tariffs and market conditions, could impact the success of the Switch 2.
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A dog owner shared a video on TikTok where she realized she forgot to put a ramp back in place for her dachshund to access the couch while she was at work. This video resonated with many pet owners who feel anxious about leaving their pets alone.
Key Facts
A dog owner noticed her puppy couldn't reach the couch while she was at work.
She shared a video on TikTok, which has over 70,000 views.
The video gained attention with viewers expressing understanding and empathy.
A survey found that 57% of pet owners feel anxious when leaving pets alone.
31% of pet owners have missed social events to stay with their pets.
29% of Gen Z pet owners seek remote jobs to be with their pets.
39% of pet owners have left work early to check on their pets.
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A dog's unusual behavior led its owner to visit a veterinarian, who suggested the owner might be pregnant due to the dog's behavior. Dogs have a strong sense of smell that may allow them to detect changes in humans, such as pregnancy, although this is not scientifically proven.
Key Facts
A viral video showed a cane corso acting strange, prompting its owner to visit a vet.
The vet asked the owner if she might be pregnant, suggesting the dog's behavior change related to this.
Dogs have a powerful sense of smell and can detect many odors, including potential hormonal changes during pregnancy.
While not scientifically confirmed, experts think dogs might notice when a person is pregnant.
Dogs may change their behavior based on their owner's pregnant state, showing different reactions such as being more protective or attentive.
The video received over 2 million views and more than 138,000 likes on Instagram.
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An explosion of a rare type of black hole might explain a high-energy neutrino detected in 2023 and possibly shed light on dark matter. Physicists suggest that these black holes, called quasi-extremal primordial black holes, could be responsible for this phenomenon. The idea is that these black holes lose mass over time and explode, releasing detectable energy.
Key Facts
A high-energy neutrino was detected on Earth in 2023.
This neutrino had 100,000 times more energy than particles made by the Large Hadron Collider.
Researchers believe this might come from an exploding black hole called a quasi-extremal primordial black hole.
Primordial black holes are thought to have formed soon after the Big Bang.
They lose mass and eventually explode, a process linked to something called Hawking radiation.
Existing instruments like the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope can detect these explosions.
The concept of a "dark charge" is introduced, which might explain inconsistencies in data and link to dark matter.
The study could help verify new particles beyond the known Standard Model of physics.
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A California realtor noticed that a home's listing photos were heavily altered using AI, removing key features like sinks. This raised concerns about misleading AI-modified images in real estate, leading to a new California law requiring real estate agents to disclose if listing photos have been digitally changed from 2026 onwards.
Key Facts
A realtor in California discovered AI-altered photos in a property listing, which significantly changed the images.
The listing agent used AI to remove elements like sinks and other home features, leading to concerns about misrepresentation.
The realtor called for more rules to prevent such misleading alterations in real estate listings.
The incident was highlighted in a social media post that gained over 420,000 views.
Light editing of photos is common and accepted, but the extent of these changes was unusual.
California passed a new law, effective January 2026, requiring clear disclosure of digitally altered real estate images.
The law mandates providing access to the original unedited photos for transparency.
The bill defines "digitally altered images" as those modified with software to change home elements like appliances and walls.
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Physicists at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York have studied how matter can form from what appears to be "nothing" in a vacuum. They discovered that during high-energy collisions, some particles keep certain properties related to their origin in the vacuum. This work provides new insights into how visible matter forms in the universe.
Key Facts
Scientists conducted research at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) in New York.
They looked at high-energy collisions of subatomic particles.
The study focused on particles called "lambda hyperons" and their antimatter versions, "antilambdas."
Researchers found that these particles' spin is aligned, suggesting a connection to the vacuum from which they came.
In general, quantum vacuum is not empty; it contains fluctuating energy fields that can briefly form particles and their antimatter pairs.
The RHIC provides enough energy for some virtual particles to become real particles.
This study offers new insights into the quantum vacuum, a concept where energy and matter can momentarily appear and disappear.
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A Senate hearing is being held to discuss the future of self-driving cars, with executives from companies like Tesla and Waymo speaking. Waymo has raised $16 billion, raising its valuation to $126 billion, as it plans to expand its fleet of self-driving taxis worldwide.
Key Facts
Waymo raised $16 billion to expand its self-driving car services.
The new funding values Waymo at $126 billion.
Waymo started as a project inside Google 17 years ago.
The company now plans to operate its robotaxi fleet globally.
A Senate Commerce Committee hearing is discussing self-driving car safety.
Waymo and Tesla are significant players in the self-driving car market.
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OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, plans to start testing ads within the chatbot to increase revenue. This move mirrors Facebook's approach of using ads heavily to generate income. OpenAI has brought in former Facebook executives to guide this initiative.
Key Facts
OpenAI will test ads in ChatGPT, charging premium rates initially.
The company previously viewed ad-based revenue with suspicion.
Roughly 20% of OpenAI's workforce has experience at Facebook/Meta.
Fidji Simo, a key figure in Facebook's ad success, is now at OpenAI.
OpenAI seeks to generate revenue to support AI infrastructure and cover costs.
Current revenue mainly comes from ChatGPT subscription fees.
Ads aim to broaden usage without making users pay more.
Some OpenAI employees are concerned about the shift toward ad-based models.
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Tech billionaire Elon Musk criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for proposing new social media restrictions for children under 16. The proposed changes include holding tech leaders accountable for illegal content on their platforms and collaborating with legal authorities to ensure compliance. This is part of a wider European effort to regulate social media access for minors due to concerns about mental health and safety.
Key Facts
Elon Musk called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez a "tyrant" for new social media regulations.
Spain plans to ban social media use for children under 16.
The proposal includes making tech leaders liable for illegal content.
Spanish authorities will work with prosecutors to enforce these rules.
Several European countries are pushing similar social media restrictions for minors.
The move is part of efforts to address mental health and safety concerns related to social media use by children.
Spain is leading a coalition of European governments for stricter digital regulations.
Australia was the first country to ban social media for minors under 16.
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Nintendo announced a Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase scheduled for February 5, 2026. This online event will feature updates and new releases from third-party video game developers for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Key Facts
The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase is on February 5, 2026.
The event will be streamed live globally on Nintendo’s YouTube and Twitch channels and in the Nintendo Today app.
This showcase will primarily feature third-party video games.
The event will not focus on first-party Nintendo games like Mario or Zelda.
Games for the Nintendo Switch 2, including "Duskbloods," may be featured.
The first game in the series "Final Fantasy VII Remake" has been released, and there is speculation about "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" appearing in the showcase.
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A Samsung phone user from the Philippines shared dissatisfaction about recurring issues with their family's Galaxy phones on Reddit. They reported screen problems and connectivity issues across several models, prompting frustration with the brand.
Key Facts
A Reddit user from the Philippines reported recurring problems with Samsung Galaxy phones in their family.
Issues included screen malfunctions, such as flickering and vertical lines.
The user's S23 had a problem connecting to a watch and later developed a screen issue.
The user’s sister switched from Samsung to an iPhone due to these problems.
Some Reddit users disagreed with the OP, suggesting careful phone usage could prevent issues.
One person claimed regional issues in Asia might affect phone performance.
The OP stated that heat during updates damaged the display wires, causing issues.
Newsweek tried to verify these claims but could not confirm the details.
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Elon Musk caused controversy online when he criticized filmmaker Christopher Nolan over rumors that actress Lupita Nyong’o was cast as Helen of Troy in Nolan's new movie, "The Odyssey." Musk, commenting on the potential casting, suggested that Nolan had lost integrity. The response online included debates over historical accuracy and the mythological elements of the story.
Key Facts
Elon Musk commented critically about the rumored casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, "The Odyssey."
Nyong’o's specific role in the movie has not been officially confirmed.
The movie is an adaptation of the ancient Greek story by Homer, featuring mythological elements.
Some people online argued against the casting based on supposed historical reasons, while others defended the choice, pointing out the story’s mythological nature.
Musk's comment, stating Nolan had lost "integrity," was viewed over 517,000 times.
The character Helen of Troy is traditionally depicted with European features, but this portrayal is not definitively described in Homer’s work.
"The Odyssey" movie, planned for release on July 17, 2026, includes a large cast featuring many well-known actors.
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Netflix users noticed that Michelle Obama's documentary "Becoming" is listed in the platform’s kids category. This has sparked questions about how Netflix categorizes content and whether the placement affects who sees the movie. The interest follows the release of a new documentary about Melania Trump.
Key Facts
Michelle Obama's documentary "Becoming" is listed in Netflix's kids category.
The film documents Michelle Obama's 34-city book tour in 2020.
Recently, "Becoming" ranked No. 4 in the U.S. Kids Top 10 on Netflix.
This categorization has led to discussions about how streaming services classify content.
The attention on "Becoming" follows the release of Melania Trump's documentary.
Melania Trump's documentary had a high opening weekend box office earning of $7 million.
Netflix has not commented on why "Becoming" is in the kids category.
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Pinterest fired two engineers for using company tools to track employees who were laid off after the company announced job cuts. The layoffs affected about 15% of Pinterest's workforce, but the company did not specify which teams were impacted. The engineers used a script to gather information on dismissed employees, which violated company policy.
Key Facts
Pinterest fired two engineers for creating a tool to track employees who lost their jobs.
The company recently announced layoffs affecting about 15% of its workforce.
The engineers used a script to access company tools and identify fired employees.
The script violated Pinterest's privacy policy by revealing names and locations.
The layoffs are part of a trend in the tech industry, which has seen many job cuts recently.
Amazon and Meta also announced job cuts around the same time.
Over the past four years, the tech industry has laid off about 700,000 people according to Layoffs.fyi.
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A Super Bowl ad featuring the original Jurassic Park cast promoted Xfinity Wi-Fi, but viewers criticized the ad for using de-aging effects on the actors. Xfinity clarified that no artificial intelligence was used in creating the ad, relying instead on traditional movie effects.
Key Facts
The original Jurassic Park cast reunited for a Super Bowl ad for Xfinity Wi-Fi.
The ad depicted a version of Jurassic Park where everything works smoothly, thanks to Xfinity Wi-Fi.
Viewers noticed that the ad used effects to make the actors look younger (de-aging).
Xfinity stated they did not use artificial intelligence for the ad's effects.
The ad used practical sets, a green screen, and CGI, similar to the original movie production.
Some fans enjoyed the ad, while others criticized the visual effects and felt the de-aging was distracting.
Xfinity commented on Instagram, correcting assumptions about using AI in the ad creation.
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The article discusses the current state of autonomous taxis in some cities and explores the future potential of self-driving car technology. It also covers how scientists use quantum sensing technology to study soldiers' brain activity during military training.
Key Facts
Autonomous taxis are already operating in some cities around the world.
The article examines the potential future advancements in self-driving car technology.
Scientists are using a technology called quantum sensing to look at brain activity.
Quantum sensing helps study soldiers' brains while they are on a firing range.
The presenter of this episode is Chris Vallance, and the producer is Tom Quinn.
A photo credited to Zoox, Inc. shows a robotaxi in San Francisco.
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A new book called "Meat" by Bruce Friedrich discusses the need for a change in how meat is produced. The book suggests that alternatives like lab-grown meat and plant-based products offer a solution to the problems caused by current meat production methods.
Key Facts
The book "Meat" is written by Bruce Friedrich.
It argues that current meat production methods are harmful to the climate, planet, and public health.
Friedrich suggests that creating meat differently, rather than eating less, can be a solution.
The book highlights lab-grown meat as an alternative.
Plant-based meat products are also discussed as part of this change.
Friedrich believes a food revolution is already happening.
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Health experts say that new technologies act like "guardian angels" for people with chronic pain by helping to monitor their health conditions. These tools provide comfort by sharing detailed health information with doctors more often, improving care and patient understanding.
Key Facts
Over three-quarters of Americans have at least one chronic illness, with over half having multiple conditions.
New tech tools help monitor health conditions outside of the doctor's office.
These technologies provide more frequent health data to doctors, improving treatment.
Patients feel comforted knowing technologies keep an eye on their health.
Artificial intelligence (AI) helps sort through health data to spot concerning results.
The tools help patients better understand their own health information.
Primary care doctors can use technology to offer broader care, reducing the need for multiple specialists.
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The Artemis II Moon mission, run by NASA, has been delayed. The mission, which involves sending astronauts around the Moon, will happen later than originally planned.
Key Facts
Artemis II is a mission by NASA to send astronauts around the Moon.
The mission has been delayed, but no new date is given.
Artemis II is part of NASA's larger Artemis program, which aims to explore the Moon.
The mission will be the first to carry astronauts that far since the Apollo missions.
NASA has not stated the specific reasons for the delay.
The Artemis program's long-term goal is to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
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