Italian cricket is facing a difficult time after a senior official was investigated for a sexual assault allegation involving a team member. This situation has led to resignations within the Italian cricket board and concerns about potential damage to the sport's reputation in Italy.
Key Facts
Italian cricket is dealing with a crisis following sexual assault allegations against Prabath Ekneligoda, a women's cricket coordinator.
The allegation was made by a national team player in Rome in March last year.
Multiple board members of the Italian Cricket Federation have resigned due to this and other governance issues.
Ekneligoda denies the allegations, claiming ulterior motives with a supporting witness.
The Italian Cricket Federation is cooperating with the investigation and emphasizes its commitment to ethics and transparency.
Ekneligoda was suspended in November but has remained active in the Italian cricket scene.
The controversy has emerged just after Italy's participation in the T20 World Cup, which was their debut in the tournament.
Concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact on the sport’s growth in Italy.
A rape suspect was mistakenly released from a UK prison and has left the country. The man was supposed to remain in custody but got released after a court official incorrectly said he could be granted bail. Efforts are underway to bring him back for trial.
Key Facts
A man accused of rape and other charges was accidentally set free from HMP Wormwood Scrubs.
The man left the UK shortly after his mistaken release.
The error happened because a court official wrongly said he could be released on bail.
The suspect, in his forties, cannot be named due to legal reasons.
He was initially supposed to stand trial in June, but the court considered moving the date to March.
The released man traveled using one of his two passports; the police held the other one.
A judge has called on the UK government to ensure the man returns for trial.
There was a significant rise in prisoners mistakenly released in the year leading to March 2025.
Violence erupted in Mexico after a government raid killed a top drug cartel leader, "El Mencho" of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This led to clashes in which 25 National Guard soldiers and 30 suspected criminals were killed. Mexican officials are working to restore calm and have removed roadblocks set up by cartels following the raid.
Key Facts
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed public fears after the raid that killed a major drug leader.
The raid led to violent responses from drug cartels across Mexico.
25 National Guard soldiers were killed in clashes following the raid.
Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch reported additional clashes and deaths in the states of Jalisco and Michoacan.
An extra 2,500 security force members are being sent to Jalisco.
Over 250 roadblocks set up by cartels have been cleared by the authorities.
Flights in Puerto Vallarta were disrupted, but most airports in Mexico remain unaffected.
The Mexican embassy denied any attacks on civilians at Guadalajara airport and said rumors of US tourists being held hostage are false.
The U.S. military reported another strike in the Caribbean Sea targeting drug smugglers, resulting in the deaths of three people. The U.S. Southern Command shared a video of the attack and stated that the boat was part of narco-trafficking operations. Concerns have been raised about the legality of these actions, with claims of extrajudicial killings.
Key Facts
The U.S. military conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea against drug smugglers.
Three individuals were killed in the attack.
The U.S. Southern Command provided a video showing the boat exploding.
The campaign of strikes began last year and has reportedly killed about 150 people.
UN experts and rights advocates have raised concerns over possible violations of international laws.
The U.S. government claims the targeted boats were involved in drug carrying, but provided limited evidence.
President Trump supports the military campaign as a war on drugs.
Mexico is also taking action against drug cartels following the death of a cartel leader.
A children's home in Yorkshire, called Skircoat Lodge, was the site of sexual and physical abuse from 1976 to 1994. Malcolm Phillips, the home's manager, was responsible for abusing several children, while his assistant, Linda Brunning, also participated in the abuse. Phillips was found responsible for the abuse in a trial of facts, but due to his age, he did not stand trial.
Key Facts
Skircoat Lodge was a children's home in Yorkshire where abuse occurred between 1976 and 1994.
Malcolm Phillips, the manager, sexually abused multiple children at the home.
Phillips was found responsible for rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child during a trial of facts.
Linda Brunning, Phillips' assistant, was convicted of indecent assault and facilitating abuse.
Two women, Karen Bentham and Kelly Lees, waived their anonymity to share their abuse stories.
Bentham and Lees described the fear of hearing footsteps at night, indicating potential abuse.
The police frequently returned runaway children back to the home, where they faced further abuse.
The BBC faced criticism for editing out a filmmaker's "Free Palestine" message from its BAFTA Awards coverage, although a racial slur was aired. Amnesty International and others criticized the move as censorship. The BBC explained that the slur was an unintended result of Tourette syndrome and apologized for not removing it from the broadcast.
Key Facts
The BBC removed a "Free Palestine" message from its BAFTA Awards coverage.
Akinola Davies Jr made the statement during his acceptance speech.
Davies Jr won for his film "My Father’s Shadow."
A racial slur was heard in a different part of the broadcast.
The slur was due to a guest with Tourette syndrome, the BBC stated.
Amnesty International criticized the BBC for not airing the "Free Palestine" message.
The BBC has faced criticism before for handling sensitive issues related to Israel and Gaza.
The broadcaster declined further comment on their editorial choices for the event.
British tennis player Jack Draper returned to the ATP Tour after an injury, defeating Quentin Halys in the Dubai Tennis Championships. Draper had been out since August due to a left arm injury but showed strong performance in his comeback match.
Key Facts
Jack Draper is the British number one tennis player.
Draper won his return match against Quentin Halys in two sets: 7-6 (10-8), 6-3.
This was Draper's first tour match since the US Open in August, where he withdrew due to an arm injury.
Draper is currently ranked 15th in the world, down from his career-high of fourth.
He missed the Australian Open to focus on recovering from his injury.
Draper had issues with a bruised bone in his service arm, which worsened earlier in the year.
He successfully converted a set point while down in the first set against Halys.
Draper had a strong win rate of 86% on his first serve during the match.
The European Union imposed sanctions on eight Russian officials accused of human rights abuses, while Hungary blocked new sanctions against Russia and a financial loan for Ukraine. Hungary claimed a dispute over a damaged oil pipeline was affecting its energy security and used this to veto the measures.
Key Facts
The EU sanctioned eight Russian individuals for alleged human rights violations.
These individuals include members of the judiciary and prison officials.
The sanctions prohibit them from traveling to the EU and freeze their assets.
Hungary blocked further EU sanctions against Russia and a $106 billion loan for Ukraine.
Hungary's veto is linked to a delay in oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a drone strike.
Ukraine states it is repairing the pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Europe.
EU decisions require unanimous approval from all member countries.
Criticism arises as Hungary is accused of using the situation for political gain.
Anger is increasing in Lebanon after the government raised taxes on petrol and value-added taxes (VAT). Protests erupted in response, with many people criticizing these tax increases as unfair and harmful to the economy.
Key Facts
Lebanon's government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, announced new tax increases on petrol and VAT.
The price of 20 liters of petrol increased by 300,000 Lebanese pounds ($3.35).
The VAT rate was increased from 11% to 12%.
These changes sparked protests in Beirut on February 17, 2026.
Protesters and some government members argue that these taxes are unfair and worsen economic hardships.
The government claims the taxes are needed to pay public salaries and pensions.
Lebanon's Finance Minister stated that the petrol price increase is immediate, but the VAT change needs parliament's approval.
The right-wing Lebanese Forces bloc, part of the government, opposed the tax hike, asking for further study on its effects.
A mosque in the village of Tell, located in the occupied West Bank, was vandalized and set on fire by Israeli settlers. This incident was reported by the Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers vandalized a mosque in Tell, a village in the West Bank.
The mosque was set on fire by the settlers.
The event occurred early on a Monday.
The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Religious Affairs reported this incident.
The location involved is in the occupied West Bank.
Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police suspect he passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a government minister. The investigation led to his recent arrest at his home in London.
Key Facts
Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The arrest took place at his home in Camden, north London.
Allegations relate to him passing sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
The investigation began after documents from the US Department of Justice were released.
The documents included emails where Mandelson allegedly shared government plans.
He became the UK ambassador to the US in February 2025 but was removed in September.
The UK government plans to release documents related to his appointment.
The Met Police are involved in the consultation about document releases.
US skier Lindsey Vonn shared that she had a severe leg injury after an Olympic crash. The injury was so bad that she almost had to have her leg amputated, but her doctor managed to treat it.
Key Facts
Lindsey Vonn is a professional skier from the United States.
She was injured during an Olympic event.
Her leg injury was very serious.
Amputation of her leg was considered as a treatment option.
Her doctor was able to help her avoid amputation by treating the injury effectively.
A Ukrainian negotiator discussed peace talks with Russia about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Talks have been difficult, with little progress after four years of Russia's large-scale invasion. The United States, including officials from President Trump's administration, plays a significant role in these discussions.
Key Facts
Serhii Kyslytsia is a negotiator for Ukraine in talks with Russia.
These peace talks focus on finding a resolution to the war in Ukraine.
The talks are described as business-like, without much political posturing.
President Trump's administration, including Jared Kushner, is involved in helping with the discussions.
The US assists by monitoring and asking questions during meetings.
A future ceasefire would use satellite and high-tech methods for monitoring.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe previously handled this monitoring role.
The conflict involves a complex battlefield situation in eastern Ukraine, making resolution difficult.
The United States has told non-essential staff to leave its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, due to security concerns. This decision follows rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with the U.S. warning of possible military actions if Iran does not agree to a nuclear agreement. The embassy continues to operate with essential staff, while U.S. military presence in the Middle East remains strong.
Key Facts
The U.S. has ordered non-essential staff to leave its embassy in Beirut.
This is due to security concerns amid rising tensions with Iran.
President Trump has threatened military action against Iran over its nuclear program.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio postponed his trip to Israel without a stated reason.
Approximately 50 U.S. embassy staff and their families have left Beirut.
Iran has threatened potential retaliation if attacked.
The U.S. maintains a significant military presence near Iran, including the USS Gerald R Ford.
Talks between U.S. and Iranian officials suggest some progress toward a possible deal.
Israeli settlers damaged a mosque in the West Bank by setting it on fire and writing offensive graffiti during Ramadan. This is part of ongoing violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians. The United Nations has reported numerous similar incidents, raising concerns about forced displacement in the region.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in the West Bank and wrote graffiti on it.
The attack happened during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Security footage shows two people carrying petrol and spray paint to the mosque.
The slogans defaced the mosque with offensive language and messages.
The attack is part of a larger trend of violence in the West Bank.
The UN reports over 1,094 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.
UN and human rights organizations warn of possible ethnic cleansing due to these acts.
Israeli military and police are looking for suspects, but rights groups say there is impunity for settlers.
An inquiry into the Nottingham attacks revealed that Valdo Calocane, who killed three people, had watched shooting videos online. Calocane had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and is now serving a hospital order after admitting to manslaughter and attempted murder due to his mental condition. The inquiry is examining his past actions and care and aims to identify any system failures.
Key Facts
Valdo Calocane watched videos of shootings in Buffalo and New Zealand before the Nottingham attacks.
He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia three years before the attacks.
Calocane killed three people and injured three others in June 2023.
He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility.
Calocane researched "mind control technology" and reported hearing voices.
A judge-led inquiry is investigating his care and the events leading to the attacks.
The inquiry started in February last year and will report its findings within two years.
Over 100 witnesses will provide evidence during the inquiry.
Israeli politicians are focusing on Turkiye as a possible new threat while working on building alliances in the region. This comes as tensions with Iran remain high, and Israeli leaders seek to strengthen their regional influence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to create a new alliance with countries like Greece and Cyprus.
Key Facts
Israeli politicians are concerned about Turkiye, viewing it as a growing threat.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett highlighted Turkiye's potential threat similar to Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to create regional alliances to boost Israel's influence.
The proposed alliance may include countries like Greece and Cyprus, historically opposed to Turkiye.
The discussion about Turkiye comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
Israel's strained relations with Turkiye are complex due to their long-standing ties and Turkiye's NATO membership.
Peter Mandelson, a former UK Ambassador to the US, was arrested by London police. The arrest is related to an investigation into his actions in public office and his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson is a former UK Ambassador to the United States.
He was arrested by London police.
The arrest is part of an investigation into misconduct in public office.
The investigation is linked to Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a billionaire known for criminal activities, including being a sex offender.
Barcelona has signed 16-year-old Ajay Tavares from Norwich City's academy. Tavares, who previously played for Norwich's under-18 team and England's youth teams, attracted interest from various European clubs.
Key Facts
Barcelona signed Ajay Tavares from Norwich City's academy.
Tavares is 16 years old and played for the Norwich under-18 team.
He has represented England at the under-15, under-16, and under-17 levels.
Norwich City will receive compensation, but the financial details are not disclosed.
Tavares debuted as a substitute in a pre-season friendly for Norwich at 15.
He follows other young English talents signed by Barcelona, like Louie Barry.
Iranian officials are using unofficial networks to sell oil and bring in goods to counter U.S. sanctions and potential conflict. Authorities are concerned these secret deals have led to corruption and missing funds. Billions of dollars from oil sales have not returned to Iran's economy, raising transparency and accountability issues.
Key Facts
Iran is using unofficial channels to sell oil due to U.S. sanctions.
These deals are managed by “trustees,” who are individuals linked to the government.
Billions of dollars made from oil sales have not been returned to Iran.
Concerns about corruption have arisen due to these shadowy dealings.
Iran's judiciary is pursuing the trustees to recover the funds.
The Iranian economy is suffering from inflation and a weak currency.
The Iranian Petroleum Ministry has lost its control over oil money management.
Trustees have reportedly used neighboring countries to handle these funds.
