'Wicked: For Good' breaks records, Mamdani meets Trump, Hilary Duff's new music

‘Wicked: For Good’ breaks box office record

Wicked: For Good is off to a spellbinding start at the box office, soaring past expectations and claiming the biggest opening day of 2025. 

The sequel to 2024’s blockbuster musical scored a massive $68.6 million domestically on its first day, setting a new high for the year. Globally, the film is expected to reach $228 million by Sunday, earning its place in history as one of the top international debuts for a musical.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the sequel reunites the powerhouse duo Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, whose performances in the first film sparked widespread acclaim. 

They lead a returning ensemble that includes Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh, each expanding their characters’ arcs as the prequel timeline intersects with the familiar mythology of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Donald Trump meets NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

President Donald Trump and New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met at the White House on Friday for what had been widely expected to be a tense encounter following weeks of campaign-trail clashes. Instead, the meeting unfolded with both leaders emphasizing cooperation and shared priorities, particularly on New York City’s affordability issues.

Mamdani, who had referred to Trump as a “despot” during his election night speech, and Trump, whose spokesperson had described the incoming mayor’s visit as “a communist coming to the White House,” set aside those remarks as they addressed reporters from the Oval Office.

Standing beside the president after a private discussion, Mamdani maintained a reserved posture while Trump repeatedly expressed confidence in the mayor-elect’s potential performance. 

Trump said he hoped Mamdani would be “a really great mayor” and later added that he was “confident that he can do a very good job.”

“I'll be cheering for him," Trump noted.

Hilary Duff announces comeback album

Hilary Duff is officially returning to music. After years of hinting at a creative comeback, the singer and actress confirmed she will release a brand-new album titled Luck…or Something, marking her first full-length project in nearly eleven years.

The announcement came Friday, along with a February 20 release date. In a statement, Duff said the album’s title reflects the question she has been asked throughout her career.

“I am often asked how I still have my head on straight after growing up in this industry,” she explained. “The album title is my way of answering that question.”

She added that the name holds a layered meaning. “It’s luck, but there’s also a lot of weight in the ‘… or something.’ Many of the things I’ve been through along the way are held there, and I feel like ultimately that’s what’s shaped me.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns from Congress

Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will step down from Congress. 

Greene made the announcement in a video posted to social media, confirming she will leave office on January 5, 2026.

Greene’s resignation follows a weeks-long public dispute with President Donald Trump. Once one of Trump’s most loyal defenders, Greene had recently clashed with him over policy differences and her repeated demands for the release of long-sealed documents connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein. 

The disagreement escalated after Trump publicly called her a “traitor” and said she had “gone bad.”

In her announcement, Greene said she would not remain in a political environment defined by escalating conflict. 

“I refuse to be a ‘battered wife’ hoping it all goes away and gets better,” she said. 

Greene added that she wanted to spare her district what she described as a looming, divisive primary fight encouraged by the President.

ICYMI:

• Taeyeon is adding a special touch to her upcoming best album Panorama with the newly announced “MY VOICE” version, unveiled today by her label. The limited edition package stands out for its unique collectible: a themed Bluetooth microphone designed to match the album’s concept.

• NCT member Jungwoo has unveiled his upcoming solo project: SUGAR. The album is set to arrive on November 28.

• Gal Gadot is open to stepping back into villain mode for Disney. The Wonder Woman star, 40, revealed she would “love” to reprise her role as the Evil Queen in a potential spinoff film. “I would love to do that. Yes,” she said, adding a direct message for Disney’s CEO: “Tell Bob. Bob, I’ll do that.”

— Bea Bertuldo

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