Chelsea soccer player Cole Palmer scored three goals in a match against Wolves, which boosted his chances of being selected for England's World Cup team. Despite battling a groin injury, Palmer's performance increased his season goal tally and drew attention from national team selectors.
Key Facts
Cole Palmer plays for Chelsea and scored a hat-trick (three goals) against Wolves.
Two of Palmer's goals in the match were penalties.
His total goals for the season went from four to seven after this match.
Palmer has dealt with a groin injury, affecting his playtime this season.
Liam Rosenior is the new head coach at Chelsea and manages Palmer's playing time.
Palmer previously played for Manchester City and faced difficulties adjusting at Chelsea.
Former players and analysts discuss his potential inclusion in the England World Cup team.
England's coach, Thomas Tuchel, will have two friendlies to observe potential players before the World Cup.
Syria and Saudi Arabia have signed a large investment agreement covering areas like aviation, energy, real estate, and telecommunications. These deals are part of Syria’s efforts to rebuild after a long civil war. Saudi Arabia is providing significant financial support as Syria's new leadership takes steps to improve its economy.
Key Facts
Syria and Saudi Arabia signed investment deals in aviation, energy, real estate, and telecommunications.
The deals include building a new airport in Aleppo and starting a Syrian-Saudi airline.
Saudi Arabia pledged $2 billion for projects in Aleppo.
Syria plans to receive $1 billion in telecommunications investment to improve connectivity between Asia and Europe.
The new airline, Flynas Syria, will be mostly owned by the Syrian side and is expected to start in late 2026.
Saudi's ACWA Power signed a water agreement with Syria’s Ministry of Energy.
This is Saudi Arabia's biggest investment in Syria since U.S. sanctions on Syria were lifted.
There has been criticism of the Syrian government for not turning foreign investment promises into actual contracts.
Journalist Chris Hedges discusses concerns about President Trump's increased power during his second term. With upcoming midterm elections, there is speculation on whether Republicans will maintain control of Congress. Hedges talks about the possible impact on U.S. democracy.
Key Facts
President Trump returned to office for a second term.
There have been reports of more aggressive actions by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Concerns are rising about political influence on the media.
The U.S. midterm elections are approaching.
There is debate about whether Republican control of Congress will continue.
Journalist Chris Hedges shares his views on President Trump's second term.
The discussion also covers potential effects on U.S. democracy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with President Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing discussions with Iran about a possible nuclear deal. The meeting was moved up after Trump’s representatives had talks with Iran's foreign minister in Oman. Netanyahu wants to make sure that any deal addresses Israel's concerns about Iran's missiles and support for certain groups.
Key Facts
Netanyahu is visiting Washington to meet President Trump about Iran talks.
Trump’s envoys met Iran’s foreign minister in Oman to discuss a nuclear deal.
Trump claims recent talks with Iran were positive.
Netanyahu is worried the U.S. deal with Iran might not address Israel’s concerns.
Netanyahu wants the deal to include limits on Iran’s missile program and support for certain groups.
Netanyahu originally planned to visit on February 18 but moved the visit earlier.
The meeting allows Netanyahu to skip a domestic political event in Israel.
Kushner and Witkoff visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. aircraft carrier, to show military readiness near Iran.
A French bakery brand, Brioche Pasquier, has recalled some chocolate-and-hazelnut brioches due to concerns they might contain hard plastic, posing a choking hazard. The recall affects six-packs of Pitch Chocolate and Hazelnut Brioches with a specific best-before date, available in several UK supermarkets.
Key Facts
Brioche Pasquier issued a recall for some chocolate-and-hazelnut brioches due to possible hard plastic pieces.
The recall affects six-packs of Pitch Chocolate and Hazelnut Brioches with a best before date of 4 March.
The product is sold at UK retailers like Asda, Tesco, and Ocado.
The hard plastic poses a choking hazard and could harm the digestive system if eaten.
Only the batch code UK 034 is under recall; no other products or batches are affected.
Consumers are advised not to eat the affected brioches and to contact Brioche Pasquier for assistance.
Other recalls mentioned include similar issues with baby formula and other food items for various safety concerns.
Italy has decided not to join President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” because of conflicts with its constitution. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained that Italy's laws prevent joining organizations that do not offer equal conditions to all member states. Despite this, Italy remains open to discussing peace efforts.
Key Facts
Italy cannot join President Trump's "Board of Peace" due to constitutional issues.
Italian law requires equal conditions for all member states in international organizations.
Other European countries like France, Germany, and the UK also declined to join the board.
The "Board of Peace" was approved by the UN for post-war Gaza governance but has plans to expand beyond that.
The board requires a $1 billion payment for a permanent member seat.
Italy's Foreign Minister met with US officials and is open to training police in Gaza.
President Trump plans to hold the board’s first meeting in Washington, DC, on February 19.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the board, reaffirming the UN's role in global peace and security.
England defeated Wales 48-7 in a Six Nations rugby match at Allianz Stadium. Henry Arundell scored three tries for England, contributing significantly to the victory. Wales scored only one try, while England dominated the game throughout.
Key Facts
England won against Wales with a score of 48-7 in the Six Nations tournament.
Henry Arundell, playing for the first time in two years, scored three tries for England.
England led 29-0 at halftime.
Josh Adams scored the only try for Wales early in the second half.
England's Tom Roebuck and Tommy Freeman also scored tries.
England has now won 12 consecutive matches.
Wales has won only 2 of their last 24 Test matches.
India beat the United States in their first match of the Twenty20 World Cup by 29 runs. Suryakumar Yadav led India by scoring 84 runs without getting out, helping the team recover from a poor start. The United States put up a good effort but was unable to reach the target set by India.
Key Facts
India won their opening Twenty20 World Cup match against the USA by 29 runs.
Suryakumar Yadav scored 84 not out from 49 balls, crucially aiding India's recovery.
India was struggling at 77-6 before reaching a final score of 161-9.
The United States scored 132-8 in their run chase.
India's top-order batsmen struggled, with notable early dismissals.
Shadley van Schalkwyk from the US took three wickets in five balls during the Powerplay.
India’s bowler Mohammed Siraj was effective, taking three wickets for 29 runs.
Key Indian player Jasprit Bumrah missed the match due to illness.
Four people have been arrested in Pakistan, including an Afghan national accused of planning a mosque bombing. The attack during Friday prayers killed over 30 people and injured more than 160. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, while Pakistan and Indian officials exchanged accusations regarding involvement.
Key Facts
Four suspects were arrested for their role in a mosque suicide bombing in Pakistan.
The bombing killed more than 30 people and injured over 160 during Friday prayers.
An Afghan national is alleged to be the mastermind of the attack.
The bombing was the deadliest in Islamabad in over ten years.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Pakistan's interior minister accused India of funding the attack, but India denied involvement.
Pakistani officials suggested Afghanistan's involvement, which Afghan officials refuted.
Pakistan plans to increase security in Islamabad by hiring more police and improving security systems.
France is looking into former Culture Minister Jack Lang's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Lang is being investigated for possibly hiding money from tax fraud, following U.S. release of Epstein-related documents. Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline both deny any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.
Key Facts
France has started an investigation into Jack Lang, a former Culture Minister.
The investigation is about possible money laundering linked to tax fraud.
The probe follows the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by U.S. authorities.
Lang's daughter, Caroline Lang, is also being investigated.
Lang is accused of asking Epstein for favors, like using his car and private plane.
Lang denies knowing the extent of Epstein's criminal activities.
Caroline Lang says she met Epstein regarding investment in artists but claims no involvement in his crimes.
The files released do not suggest they were involved in Epstein's sexual crimes.
Italy's railway network in the north faced disruptions due to suspected sabotage as the Winter Olympics began. Authorities reported fires and damage to rail lines, which they believe are linked to the Games. No one has claimed responsibility yet, and investigations are ongoing.
Key Facts
Suspected sabotage affected rail services in northern Italy as the Winter Olympics started.
Three incidents involved damage to railway lines.
A fire between Bologna and Venice caused delays of up to two-and-a-half hours.
Severed cables and an explosive device were found near Bologna.
The incidents are compared to similar sabotage during the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Bologna's rail station is an important transport hub in Italy.
Rail services were temporarily paused but began returning to normal by Saturday afternoon.
No group has claimed responsibility for the sabotage.
The Super Bowl is taking place at Levi's Stadium in California, featuring the Seattle Seahawks versus the New England Patriots. The event brings significant economic benefits to host cities, with the Bay Area expecting substantial financial gains. However, hosting the event also incurs expenses, as seen in past examples from different cities.
Key Facts
The Super Bowl will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
This event involves the Seattle Seahawks playing against the New England Patriots.
Economists forecast that the game will generate between $370 million and $630 million in economic benefits for the Bay Area.
Last year, the Super Bowl in New Orleans attracted 115,000 visitors and generated $658 million.
The cost for hosting cities includes expenses for increased visitor management; Santa Clara expected costs of $6.3 million.
Hosting events like the Super Bowl can lead to new infrastructure projects, as seen in places like Houston.
The economic impact of hosting is often short-term and benefits specific sectors like food and hospitality.
Global sports leaders have agreed on new eligibility rules for transgender athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) plans to introduce this policy in the first half of the year. The policy may limit transgender athletes who have completed male puberty from competing in women's categories.
Key Facts
The IOC has reached a consensus on new eligibility criteria for transgender athletes.
The policy will apply to major sports events including the Olympics and world championships.
Currently, individual sports federations have their own rules for transgender athletes.
The new policy might restrict transgender athletes who completed male puberty from competing in women's sports.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry plans to protect the female sports category.
The IOC set up a "Protection of the Female Category" working group to study this issue.
Under existing rules, only a few transgender athletes have participated in the Olympics, such as Laurel Hubbard of New Zealand.
President Donald Trump banned transgender athletes from competing in female categories in the US with an executive order.
Italy defeated Scotland 18-15 in their opening match of the Six Nations rugby tournament held in Rome. This result puts pressure on Scotland's coach, Gregor Townsend, as they start the tournament with a loss.
Key Facts
Italy won against Scotland with a final score of 18-15.
The match took place in Rome and was affected by rainy weather.
This was the opening match for both teams in the Six Nations tournament.
The loss adds pressure on Scotland's coach, Gregor Townsend.
The game was reported to be available only to UK users online at the time.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TV presenter Savannah Guthrie, has gone missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Police suspect she was taken from her home against her will, and investigations are ongoing, including analyzing ransom notes demanding payment in bitcoin.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of 1 February.
Police found signs of forced entry and blood confirmed to belong to Nancy Guthrie at the scene.
Investigators removed a security camera from the property as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not yet identified a suspect but are looking into ransom notes sent to media outlets.
The ransom communication demands payment in bitcoin, a digital currency that is hard to trace.
A person was arrested for sending a fake ransom note, but police continue to investigate other messages.
Local places of worship held candlelight vigils in support of Nancy Guthrie and her family.
A Russian general, Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev, was shot several times in Moscow but is now conscious after surgery. Two suspects have been arrested, and Russian officials have blamed Ukraine for the attack, though Ukraine denies involvement.
Key Facts
Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was shot in Moscow and taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Alexeyev underwent surgery and is now conscious; doctors say the threat to his life has passed.
Russian authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting.
Russian officials blame Kyiv for the attack, but Ukraine's foreign minister denies their country's involvement.
Alexeyev, a high-ranking Russian military intelligence officer, holds significant roles in the conflict with Ukraine.
Investigators have opened a criminal case for attempted murder.
The attack took place in Alexeyev's apartment building, where he was shot three times.
This incident follows other attacks on Russian military officials since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Italy defeated Scotland 18-15 in a Six Nations rugby match in Rome, facing challenging weather conditions. Italy took an early lead and held on despite a late comeback attempt by Scotland, who made several errors.
Key Facts
Italy scored two tries, one by Louis Lynagh and another by Tommaso Menoncello.
Paolo Garbisi contributed with two penalties and one conversion for Italy.
Scotland's tries were scored by Jack Dempsey and George Horne, with Finn Russell converting and adding a penalty.
The match was played in heavy rain, causing slippery conditions and frequent mistakes.
Scotland struggled with their lineouts and made several errors, particularly in the first 15 minutes.
Italian players showed strong discipline and made a fast start, taking a 12-point lead early on.
Scotland missed an opportunity to narrow the lead even further as mistakes increased their challenges.
The Pentagon is ending its academic connections with Harvard University. The decision is due to claims that the university promotes anti-American ideology and partnerships with foreign entities. The Pentagon's action includes stopping military training programs at Harvard.
Key Facts
The Pentagon is cutting ties with Harvard University.
Secretary Pete Hegseth said Harvard promotes "hate-America activism."
The Pentagon will stop programs like military training and fellowships with Harvard.
President Trump is seeking $1 billion in damages from Harvard for various grievances.
The Pentagon criticized Harvard's partnerships with Chinese organizations.
The decision allows current military students at Harvard to finish their studies.
Secretary Hegseth has a history with Harvard but returned his diploma over disagreements.
England and Nepal will face each other in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. The match will take place on Sunday, February 8. England, with Harry Brook as their captain, are coming off a winning series in Sri Lanka.
Key Facts
The match is part of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup and will be played in Mumbai, India.
The game between England and Nepal will start at 3 pm local time on February 8.
Harry Brook is the captain of England's T20 team and has been in the news for personal issues.
England won their T20 series against Sri Lanka 3-0 recently.
England are in Group C, along with West Indies, Italy, and Scotland.
England won the T20 World Cup twice, in 2010 and 2022.
Nepal debuted in the T20 World Cup in 2014 and played again in 2024.
Nepal was eliminated in the early stages in both their previous T20 World Cup appearances.
Emma Raducanu lost in the Transylvania Open final to Sorana Cirstea. Raducanu, who was not feeling well, was defeated in straight sets by the Romanian player. This marks another setback for Raducanu as she seeks to win her first title since the US Open in 2021.
Key Facts
Emma Raducanu was defeated by Sorana Cirstea in the Transylvania Open final.
The final score was 6-0, 6-2 in favor of Cirstea.
Raducanu felt unwell, battling a chest infection during the match.
The match lasted just over an hour.
Raducanu previously won the US Open in 2021.
She has been struggling with injuries and consistency since her US Open win.
Raducanu’s next scheduled match is at a tournament in Qatar against Camila Osorio.
