On your next trip to Japan, check out the new all-digital museum, where the exhibits can really move you. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. (You can also get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. FBI
The White House denies it had anything to do with FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe’s surprise move to step down. President Trump’s near-constant lambasting of him — and other top FBI officials over the Russia investigation — was no secret, but the White House insists Trump didn’t push McCabe out. CNN’s Chris Cillizza says this whole episode shows the President thinks anyone who hasn’t shown loyalty to him is part of the “deep state.”
Meanwhile, the House Intelligence Committee voted to release a classified memo, written by the GOP, which alleges FBI wrongdoing. Democrats say the memo is a mischaracterization of the facts. They were blocked from releasing their own competing version.
2. State of the Union
President Trump has mostly played to his base during his first year in office. But tonight’s State of the Union, his first, gives him a chance to reach out to the whole nation. It’ll be a heavy lift. His approval ratings are stuck in the high 30s, and some Democratic lawmakers are so ticked at him they’re skipping the speech. (Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg won’t be there either.) The Dems and the GOP may want to hear different things from this President, but they both seem receptive to getting more info on his infrastructure proposals. So, at least that’s a start at bipartisanship. CNN’s coverage of the speech — on all of our platforms — starts at 5 p.m. ET.
3. Ireland
Abortion is a crime in Ireland’s constitution. But the country’s cabinet OK’d a referendum, to be held in May, that could relax its strict abortion laws. Ireland, with its mostly Catholic population, is among just 50 countries that allow abortions only when a woman’s life is at risk. No exceptions are made for incest and rape. But the public’s opinion on this stance seems to be changing. In a poll, 56% of Irish voters support changes to the law. A majority of lawmakers support that, too, according to the same poll.
4. Cambodia
Ten foreigners are in trouble in Cambodia. They’re accused of violating the country’s anti-porn laws after police raided a party. Cambodian authorities say the group — made up of Britons, Canadians, Norwegians and a New Zealander — was “preparing pornographic materials.” Police sent out pics of what they say is the group simulating sexual positions (everyone is clothed). But those arrested reportedly said it’s not them in the pictures, and they don’t know why they were picked up. If convicted, they could face a year in jail.
5. 5G network
The FCC’s chairman is not a fan of the Trump administration’s inclination to nationalize a secure 5G network. And that’s a problem because the proposal would need the FCC’s OK. The National Security Council told the White House the government should take over the network to fight Chinese hackers and other threats. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai says these decisions should be driven by the market, not the government.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
People are talking about these. Read up. Join in.
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Tom Hanks, the nicest man in Hollywood, will be the nicest guy in the neighborhood when he stars in a Fred Rogers biopic.
Wear shoes
A Canadian couple found dozens of parasitic worms in their feet after visiting a beach. We’ll never look at the sand the same again.
State of the typo
Some folks who thought they were going to the President’s big speech tonight instead have tix for something called the “State of the Uniom.”
See ya, chief
The Cleveland Indians’ divorce from the Chief Wahoo logo is nearly complete, now that it’s been dropped from the team’s jerseys.
Toon cruise
It’s a cruise built around cartoon characters. So heaven for the little ones — and a certain kind of hell for their parents.
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH
Presidential address
President Trump’s first State of the Union address is tonight. Coverage starts at 5 p.m. ET on CNN.
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH
False alarm facts
Hawaii officials today will release the results of their investigation into that false missile alert.
NUMBER OF THE DAY
25%
That’s how much Liberia’s new President, George Weah, will cut his own salary as part of an effort to confront his country’s “broken economy”
AND FINALLY …
Miles and milesd
Some guy stapled together scenes from 127 movies to create this cover of The Proclaimer’s 1988 song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” Because when you have the internet and (obvious) time on your hands, that’s what you do (Click to view.)