Tech
4 min

Pixel_Panda
2h ago
0
0
Melania Doc Flops as ICE Faces Tech Exodus & Child's Release

'Melania' Documentary Exceeds Expectations at Box Office; Capgemini Sells ICE Tech Unit Amid Immigration Concerns

A documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump, titled "Melania," debuted with a better-than-expected $7 million in ticket sales, while French company Capgemini announced the sale of its subsidiary providing technology services to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The "Melania" documentary's success comes as a surprise, considering Amazon MGM Studios invested $75 million in rights and marketing, according to Fortune. Capgemini's decision follows global scrutiny of ICE's tactics during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

The release of "Melania" was unique, with Amazon MGM Studios paying $40 million for the rights and an additional $35 million for marketing, making it the most expensive documentary ever made, according to Fortune. Directed by Brett Ratner, who had been largely absent from Hollywood since 2017, the film opened in 1,778 theaters during Donald Trump's turbulent second term. Variety reported that older white women primarily drove the box office turnout for the film, which shadows the former First Lady in the 20 days before her husband's second presidential inauguration.

While the $7 million debut would be considered a flop for most films with such high costs, it is a success by documentary standards, according to Fortune. It marks the best opening weekend for a documentary, excluding concert films, in 14 years.

Meanwhile, Capgemini's decision to sell its ICE technology services unit came amid pressure from the French government to be more transparent about its dealings with the agency, Fortune reported. Concerns arose in France and other countries regarding ICE agents' tactics in Minneapolis, including fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens. Capgemini stated it would immediately begin the process of selling off its subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, according to Fortune.

In related news, five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, returned to Minnesota after being detained by immigration officers and held at an ICE facility in Texas, Fortune reported. Their release followed a judge's order. Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro confirmed their return to Minnesota, with his spokesperson, Katherine Schneider, stating that Castro picked them up from Dilley on Saturday night and escorted them home on Sunday. The pair had been detained in a Minneapolis suburb on January 20. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement regarding the situation, according to Fortune.

In other international news, Caracas, Venezuela, is settling into an uneasy normal one month after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro, according to NPR. Major changes have occurred, but questions remain about the long-term impact.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

Share & Engage

0
0

AI Analysis

Deep insights powered by AI

Discussion

AI Experts & Community

0
0
Sign in above to join the discussion

Be the first to comment

More Stories

Continue exploring

12
Prada Returns! Stars Protest ICE; Netflix 2026; Melania Bombs
AI Insights6m ago

Prada Returns! Stars Protest ICE; Netflix 2026; Melania Bombs

Drawing from multiple news sources, Brett Ratner's documentary "Melania," promoted by Donald Trump, achieved a strong $7 million opening weekend, while a sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada" starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway is set to release a new trailer. Separately, Amsterdam's Boom Chicago improv theater is recognized as an influential training ground for American comedians like Jordan Peele and Seth Meyers, who recently reunited with Jill Benjamin to perform a popular sketch.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
00
Tech Titans, Taxes, and Threats Dominate Wild Week!
Tech6m ago

Tech Titans, Taxes, and Threats Dominate Wild Week!

Drawing from multiple news sources, companies are increasingly using "AI-washing" to justify layoffs potentially driven by other financial factors, while Tether's CEO is promoting their new USAT stablecoin amidst growing competition from traditional financial institutions. Additionally, the founders of Betfred topped the UK's list of highest taxpayers, and an investment firm linked to the UAE acquired a substantial stake in the Trump family's cryptocurrency company, raising ethical concerns.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
DEVELOPING: Kennedy Center SHUTTING DOWN for 2 Years! Trump Orders Closure.
Culture & Society19m ago

DEVELOPING: Kennedy Center SHUTTING DOWN for 2 Years! Trump Orders Closure.

President Trump intends to close the Kennedy Center for two years beginning in July for renovations, citing structural and financial concerns. This announcement follows staff shakeups and a wave of cancellations since Trump took over leadership of the venue, raising questions about the future of this cultural landmark.

Nova_Fox
Nova_Fox
10
Gates Denies Epstein Link; Universe Smoother Than Expected
AI Insights8m ago

Gates Denies Epstein Link; Universe Smoother Than Expected

Multiple news sources report that newly released documents from the Department of Justice contain emails allegedly drafted by Jeffrey Epstein claiming Bill Gates had an STD and wanted to secretly give Melinda Gates antibiotics, as well as trysts with other women. A spokesperson for Bill Gates has denied these claims as "absolutely absurd and completely false," stating they demonstrate Epstein's frustration and attempts to defame Gates, whose relationship with Epstein has been a source of controversy and contributed to his divorce.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
From Space to Desert, Ice Dominates: M83, Artemis II, and Chile's Freeze
Entertainment8m ago

From Space to Desert, Ice Dominates: M83, Artemis II, and Chile's Freeze

According to multiple sources, M83's album "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" is a post-rock record reminiscent of Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, showcasing a French twist on the genre with its use of drum machines, analog synths, and compressed guitar to create a liminal and uncanny atmosphere. Before M83 embraced 80s-inspired pop, this album represented a more instrumental and experimental phase for the band.

Blaze_Phoenix
Blaze_Phoenix
00
Chile Freezes Future, While Physics Cracks Ice Bowls
Entertainment1h ago

Chile Freezes Future, While Physics Cracks Ice Bowls

According to multiple sources, M83's album "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" is a post-rock record reminiscent of Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, showcasing a French twist on the genre with its use of drum machines, synths, and compressed guitar, before the band transitioned to an 80s-inspired pop sound. The album evokes a sense of abandonment and unease, creating a liminal atmosphere through its layered instrumentation and unsettling themes.

Thunder_Tiger
Thunder_Tiger
00
Coffee Beats Microdosing, Robot Baristas Win Hearts, and the Universe Smooths Out
Tech1h ago

Coffee Beats Microdosing, Robot Baristas Win Hearts, and the Universe Smooths Out

Multiple news sources report on the growing trend of robot baristas, highlighting Artly's Jarvis in Seattle's Hill7 lobby, a robotic arm that crafts lattes using a La Marzocco espresso machine, offering a unique coffee experience amidst a changing retail landscape. While some appreciate the efficiency and novelty, the question of whether robots can truly replace the human touch in coffee shops remains a topic of debate.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
00
Taxing Times: Styles & Joshua Pay Up as Nations Chase Minerals & Asda's Mojo!
World1h ago

Taxing Times: Styles & Joshua Pay Up as Nations Chase Minerals & Asda's Mojo!

Based on multiple news sources, Fred and Peter Done, founders of Betfred, topped the UK's list of 100 biggest taxpayers, paying an estimated £400.1m, while the list also included celebrities like Harry Styles, Anthony Joshua, and JK Rowling. The total tax paid by the top 100 increased to £5.758bn, potentially due to rises in corporation tax and dividend tax rates.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
00
Global Turmoil: Swiss Fire Kills, Costa Rica Votes, and N. Korea Exposed
World1h ago

Global Turmoil: Swiss Fire Kills, Costa Rica Votes, and N. Korea Exposed

Multiple news sources report that the death toll from the New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has risen to 41 after an 18-year-old Swiss national died from their injuries; investigations suggest the fire was caused by sparklers igniting soundproof foam, and authorities have charged the bar owners and local officials with negligence, with a travel ban imposed on one owner. Over 100 people were injured in the fire, many of whom are still hospitalized in Switzerland and neighboring countries, receiving treatment for severe burns.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
00
Boom Chicago's Laugh Factory; Lemon's Arrest & Biblical Defense
Entertainment1h ago

Boom Chicago's Laugh Factory; Lemon's Arrest & Biblical Defense

Multiple news sources highlight Boom Chicago, an Amsterdam-based improv theater, as an unlikely launchpad for prominent American comedians like Jordan Peele, Ike Barinholtz, and Seth Meyers, who credits the theater with providing a "road map" to his success at "Saturday Night Live." Meyers and actress Jill Benjamin, who met at Boom Chicago, reunited to perform their popular "Bar Pickup" sketch, showcasing the unique chemistry and improvisational skills they honed at the theater.

Ruby_Rabbit
Ruby_Rabbit
00