President Trump is supporting the SAVE America Act, a bill that aims to require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. The act does not end mail-in voting, but it includes new identification requirements. The proposal is part of Trump's broader push to change how U.S. elections are conducted.
Key Facts
President Trump supports the SAVE America Act.
The act requires voters to show proof of citizenship to register for federal elections.
Types of accepted IDs include a REAL ID, passport, or military ID with birth proof.
The bill does not end mail-in voting.
The House has passed earlier versions of this bill before, but they stalled in the Senate.
The White House press secretary mentioned the bill last week.
There is a separate bill that aims to stop universal mail-in voting.
Some people support voter ID requirements, while others worry it may make voting harder for eligible voters.
In Spain, a series of storms has led to severe flooding, displacing more than 11,000 people in the southern region of Andalucia. The storms, named Marta and Leonardo, have caused extensive damage to crops, particularly in Córdoba, where olive trees were flooded.
Key Facts
Storms Marta and Leonardo caused flooding in Spain.
The southern region of Andalucia saw over 11,000 people displaced.
In Córdoba, drone footage showed flooded olive trees.
Spanish farmers reported millions of euros in crop damage.
The Iberian Peninsula is still recovering from these storms.
The flooding followed rains and high winds from these storms.
Morgan McSweeney, a key political adviser to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, quit after a controversial suggestion to appoint Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to Washington. McSweeney's departure raises questions about how the Prime Minister will manage without his top aide. Starmer appointed McSweeney's deputies as acting successors to address the situation.
Key Facts
Morgan McSweeney was a top adviser to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
He resigned after advising the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, which led to controversy.
McSweeney did not speak publicly about his role and avoided the media.
He played a crucial part in Starmer's political strategy and past successes.
Starmer has appointed McSweeney's deputies, Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson, as acting successors.
Some believe McSweeney was responsible for creating a "boys' club" atmosphere in government.
His resignation may impact Starmer's leadership and his party's future strategies.
In a Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool, a late goal by Manchester City was disallowed after a video review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The decision to overturn the goal was due to a foul that occurred just before the ball crossed the goal line, ensuring fair play according to the rules.
Key Facts
Manchester City and Liverpool played a Premier League match.
Manchester City thought they scored a third goal late in the game.
The goal was ruled out after a VAR review due to a foul before the goal.
The foul involved City player Haaland pulling back Liverpool's Szoboszlai.
The referee initially allowed play to continue but VAR intervened.
Referee Craig Pawson announced the decision to the teams and fans.
Some fans and pundits were unhappy with the decision, calling it a "killjoy".
The decision maintained the match's final score: Manchester City 2, Liverpool 1.
Morgan McSweeney resigned as chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. His departure followed scrutiny over his role in appointing Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US, despite controversy surrounding Mandelson's past associations. This has led to tension within the Labour Party, with calls for Starmer to resign.
Key Facts
Morgan McSweeney quit as Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff amid controversy.
The controversy involves Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US.
Mandelson had a known past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Sir Keir Starmer fired Mandelson in September after emails linked him to Epstein.
There are police investigations into Mandelson possibly leaking sensitive information.
Some Labour MPs and a union leader have called for Starmer to resign.
McSweeney admitted responsibility for advising Mandelson's appointment but did not oversee the vetting process.
Deputies Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson have become acting chiefs of staff.
Manchester City won against Liverpool with a last-minute penalty goal by Erling Haaland. Liverpool ended the game with 10 players because Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off near the end of the match.
Key Facts
Manchester City beat Liverpool with a score of 2-1.
Erling Haaland scored the winning goal with a penalty in the 93rd minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai from Liverpool was sent off in stoppage time.
The match took place at Anfield, which is Liverpool's home stadium.
The game was part of the Premier League competition.
Liverpool finished the game with only 10 players on the field.
In Tripoli, Lebanon, two buildings collapsed, killing at least six people and injuring seven others. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving civil defense and local residents, while nearby buildings have been evacuated as a precaution.
Key Facts
Two buildings collapsed in Tripoli, Lebanon, causing at least six deaths.
Seven people were injured, and search and rescue efforts are underway.
Civil defense teams and the Lebanese Red Cross are leading rescue operations.
Local residents helped in removing debris and searching for survivors.
Nearby buildings were evacuated due to safety concerns.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ordered all emergency services to assist in rescue operations.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated the government will provide housing allowances for evacuated residents.
Lebanon faces infrastructure issues due to neglect, economic problems, and past conflicts.
Brenton Tarrant, who attacked two mosques in New Zealand in 2019, is trying to change his guilty plea. He claims he was not in a clear state of mind when he admitted to the crimes. The appeal is taking place in New Zealand’s Court of Appeal, where Tarrant is also seeking to challenge his life sentence.
Key Facts
Brenton Tarrant killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in March 2019.
He initially pleaded guilty to the murders, attempted murders, and a terrorism charge.
Tarrant is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
He is appealing to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming he was under duress in prison.
The appeal hearing is scheduled for a week and Tarrant will give evidence via video link.
Victims’ families can watch the proceedings through a delayed broadcast.
The attack previously led to stricter gun laws in New Zealand.
The Court of Appeal hearing could lead to a trial if his plea change is allowed.
Manchester City won a dramatic football match against Liverpool 2-1, with Erling Haaland scoring a crucial penalty in stoppage time. The win helps Manchester City stay close to Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Key Facts
Manchester City beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.
Erling Haaland scored a penalty in stoppage time to secure the win.
The victory reduced the gap between Manchester City and first-place Arsenal to six points.
Dominik Szoboszlai initially scored for Liverpool with a free-kick.
Bernardo Silva equalized for Manchester City with a goal.
Rayan Cherki’s goal for Manchester City was overturned by VAR for a foul.
Szoboszlai was sent off after a foul on Haaland during Cherki's disallowed goal.
The win keeps Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.
Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, received an additional seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence in Iran. She was convicted of charges including "gathering and collusion" and "propaganda activities" by a court in Mashhad. Mohammadi has spent more than 10 years in prison and remains an active human rights activist.
Key Facts
Narges Mohammadi is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and a human rights activist from Iran.
An Iranian court sentenced her to a further seven-and-a-half years in prison.
The charges include "gathering and collusion" and "propaganda activities."
She was first arrested in December for making "provocative remarks" at a memorial.
Her family reported she was beaten during the arrest and needed hospital care.
Mohammadi began a hunger strike on February 2.
She faces a two-year ban on leaving Iran and two years of forced exile in the Khusf region.
Her total prison sentences now add up to 44 years.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 19-year-old student named Carla Georgescu was found dead at the University of Lancashire in Preston. The police have stated that the man knew the victim, and they are not looking for any other suspects. The university is cooperating with the police and providing support to those affected.
Key Facts
Carla Georgescu, a 19-year-old student, was found dead in a dormitory at the University of Lancashire.
The police were called to the scene at 13:15 GMT on Thursday.
A 34-year-old man from Hartlepool has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The man arrested is said to have known Carla Georgescu.
The university confirmed that the man is not connected to the institution.
Police have indicated that no other suspects are being sought in connection with the case.
The university is prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff.
Support is being offered to individuals at the university who are affected by the incident.
Ethiopia's Foreign Minister has accused Eritrea of sending troops into Ethiopia and supporting armed groups there. This has caused tensions between the two countries, which had been at peace since a 2018 agreement but are now facing disagreements after Eritrea was not included in a 2022 peace deal.
Key Facts
Ethiopia's Foreign Minister claims Eritrea has sent troops into Ethiopian territory.
Eritrea is accused of helping armed groups inside Ethiopia.
Ethiopia and Eritrea had a peace agreement in 2018.
Eritrea was not part of the 2022 peace deal that ended the Tigray conflict.
Ethiopia is open to talks if Eritrea respects its borders.
Ethiopia seeks dialogue on issues like maritime affairs and access to the Red Sea.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993.
Eritrea has not commented on Ethiopia's recent accusations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized protesters in Milan who opposed the Olympics, referring to them as adversaries of Italy. The protests, which became violent, included sabotage to rail infrastructure and clashes with police. An investigation into these incidents has been initiated, and the International Olympic Committee condemned the violence.
Key Facts
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke against anti-Olympics protesters in Milan.
Protests led to violence and the sabotage of train infrastructure near Bologna.
The International Olympic Committee criticized the violent behavior linked to these protests.
Thousands participated in the protests, objecting to the Olympics' environmental and social impact.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to manage the crowds in Milan.
The Italian government has launched a terrorism investigation concerning the train sabotage.
Some protests also targeted Israel’s participation in the games and U.S. immigration agents.
Vice President JD Vance faced a negative reception at the Olympics' opening ceremony in Milan.
In France, a murder trial involving identical twin brothers is challenging because they have the same DNA, making it difficult to determine which brother committed the crime. Both twins are on trial for a double murder and attempted killings that took place in 2020. The court is using other evidence, like phone records and surveillance, to try to solve the case.
Key Facts
Identical twins in France are on trial for murder, causing issues because they have the same DNA.
Both twins are accused of a double murder and multiple attempted killings from 2020.
DNA found on an assault rifle is linked to one twin, but it’s unclear which one.
Only their mother can tell the twins apart, complicating the investigation.
Tensions are high in the courtroom, and the twins were once removed for not complying with courtroom behavior.
Police report the twins frequently swapped clothes, phones, and IDs to confuse investigators.
Identical twins have the same DNA because they come from the same fertilized egg.
The court is also looking at phone records, video footage, and other evidence, but hasn’t yet determined who fired the weapon.
The article highlights a special program about the 2026 Six Nations Rugby tournament. It includes extended coverage of matches between England and Wales, as well as other matches from the tournament.
Key Facts
The program offers highlights from the 2026 Six Nations Rugby tournament.
It features extended analysis of the England vs. Wales match.
The Six Nations includes teams from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy.
The Italy vs. Scotland match receives live coverage from Rome.
The program has a total duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The special aired for the first time on February 8, 2026.
President Trump criticized U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess after Hess said he had "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. at the 2026 Olympics. Hess explained he represents the values and people he believes are good about America, despite issues he disagrees with. Trump has previously clashed with athletes who use their platforms to criticize his administration.
Key Facts
President Trump called skier Hunter Hess "a real loser" for his comments about representing the U.S.
Hess described having "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. due to disagreements with the country's current state.
Hess said he represents his friends, family, and positive values of the U.S.
Trump criticized Hess on Truth Social, saying it was unfortunate he's on Team USA.
Team USA did not comment on the issue when asked.
Other athletes have also spoken out against the administration, including Jessie Diggins and Amber Glenn.
Trump has a history of disputes with athletes who criticize or protest his administration, like the U.S. women's soccer team.
Recent files suggest that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy in 2010 and 2011. The emails show Andrew sending Epstein details about his government trips and investment opportunities, despite regulations requiring confidentiality for trade envoys.
Key Facts
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor served as a UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.
Emails show Andrew shared confidential trip details with Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 and 2011.
Trade envoys must keep sensitive information confidential according to official guidelines.
Andrew sent Epstein reports about visits to Asian countries and investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Epstein, by this time, was a convicted sex offender.
Andrew did not respond to requests for comments about the email revelations.
Andrew lost his royal titles in October last year due to his connections with Epstein.
He recently moved to a new residence, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, faced controversy after his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned. The resignation followed backlash over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, due to Mandelson's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision to appoint Mandelson has received criticism from within the Labour Party and affected Starmer's political standing.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the British Prime Minister, and Morgan McSweeney was his chief of staff.
McSweeney quit because of the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the U.S.
Mandelson had known links with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
The U.S. Department of Justice released documents showing Mandelson's involvement with Epstein.
Labour Party members and lawmakers criticized McSweeney for his role in the appointment.
Peter Mandelson was removed from his position as ambassador and left the Labour Party and House of Lords.
The UK government is reviewing Mandelson's exit payment after his dismissal.
Starmer's popularity and political future are under scrutiny following these events.
Ebo Taylor, a well-known Ghanaian musician known for his influence on the highlife genre, has died at age 90. His innovative work blending Ghanaian rhythms with other styles like jazz and funk impacted musicians worldwide.
Key Facts
Ebo Taylor was a famous Ghanaian guitarist, composer, and band leader.
He was born as Deroy Taylor in Cape Coast, Ghana, in 1936.
Taylor became prominent in the 1950s and 1960s as the highlife music genre grew in Ghana.
He played with major bands like the Stargazers and the Broadway Dance Band.
Taylor combined Ghanaian rhythms with genres like jazz, funk, and early Afrobeat.
In the 1960s, he studied music in London, collaborating with musicians like Nigerian artist Fela Kuti, which influenced Afrobeat.
His music gained international attention again in the last 25 years, with tracks sampled by artists such as Usher and the Black Eyed Peas.
Taylor's work helped connect traditional and modern sounds in African music, influencing genres like afrobeats.
Jeff Narvil, a 57-year-old from Mississippi, traveled over 4,000 miles to Cardiff, Wales, to take an A1 Welsh-language exam. He has been learning Welsh on his own for 14 months, using online tools and attending lessons at odd hours due to time differences. While in Wales, Jeff enjoyed visiting different towns and practicing his Welsh with locals.
Key Facts
Jeff Narvil is an administrative law judge from Jackson, Mississippi.
He traveled over 4,000 miles to Cardiff, Wales, to take a Welsh-language exam.
Jeff learned Welsh mostly by himself using apps, textbooks, and online resources.
He had to study during the early morning hours due to time differences.
Jeff and his wife visited several places in Wales, like Caerphilly castle and St Davids.
The exam tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in Welsh.
Jeff hopes to become fluent in Welsh and plans to continue learning.
