Elena Rybakina won the Australian Open, marking her second Grand Slam victory. She defeated top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek on her way to the title, reaching a career-high third place in world rankings. Rybakina has shown strong performance, winning her last 10 matches against top-10 players.
Key Facts
Elena Rybakina won the 2024 Australian Open, her second Grand Slam title.
She beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final with scores of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Rybakina also defeated Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula during her tournament run.
The victory returned Rybakina to a career-high third place in the world rankings.
She has won her last 10 matches against players ranked in the top 10.
Rybakina has the highest winning percentage against reigning world number ones since 1975.
She started playing professional tennis at age 17 and represents Kazakhstan.
Rybakina's first major win was at Wimbledon in 2020.
The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a well-known wrestler, Becky Lynch, was unexpectedly eliminated from the event by WWE legend Natalya. This surprise elimination has started a new rivalry between Lynch and Natalya, drawing various reactions from fans.
Key Facts
The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 happened on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Becky Lynch, a fan favorite, was unexpectedly eliminated by Natalya, also known as Nattie.
Lynch was surprised by the elimination, claiming her feet had not touched the ground.
This event sparked a new rivalry between Lynch and Natalya.
Lynch had previously expressed intentions to eliminate many competitors but was defeated earlier than expected.
Fans reacted strongly to Lynch's quick elimination on social media, expressing disbelief and support for Lynch.
During the Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia, WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella returned to the ring after four years. Her return was one of the surprises in the women's Royal Rumble match, where Liv Morgan emerged victorious. The event sets up potential future matches, including WrestleMania in Las Vegas and Riyadh.
Key Facts
WWE held the Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The women's Royal Rumble match featured a surprise return by WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella after four years.
Liv Morgan won the women's Royal Rumble match.
Winning the Royal Rumble gives Morgan a match at WrestleMania 42 against a champion of her choice.
Brie Bella and her sister Nikki eliminated competitors Lyra Valkyria and Bayley in the match.
The commentary team speculated if Brie Bella might return to WWE full-time.
WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia, the first time outside North America.
WrestleMania in Las Vegas is two months away, with possible matches involving the Bella twins.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has invited Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the UK after their talks in Tokyo. They discussed strengthening trade, security ties, and defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit to the UK depends on the results of Japan's upcoming snap elections.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister of the UK and Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister of Japan.
They met in Tokyo to discuss trade and security partnerships.
The UK wants to strengthen ties with Japan, especially in defense and trade.
Japan's Prime Minister may visit the UK, depending on upcoming elections in Japan.
Discussions included responding to global instability and supporting Ukraine.
They talked about improving supply chains for important materials.
Japan is a major investor in the UK outside of Europe.
The trip was part of Starmer's efforts to balance relations in East Asia, including with China.
Liv Morgan won the 2026 WWE Women's Royal Rumble match, securing a spot for a world title match at "WrestleMania 42." During the match, she eliminated her teammate Raquel Rodriguez. Morgan now has the chance to face one of the current WWE women's champions in April.
Key Facts
Liv Morgan won the 2026 WWE Women's Royal Rumble match.
Morgan eliminated her teammate Raquel Rodriguez during the match.
She earned a spot in a world title match at "WrestleMania 42."
Morgan can choose to challenge either Stephanie Vaquer or Jade Cargill, who are the current WWE women's champions.
The Royal Rumble featured well-known WWE stars and returning personalities like Brie Bella.
WrestleMania 42 will take place in April in Las Vegas.
The BYU Cougars will play against the Kansas Jayhawks in a college basketball game. The game will happen at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Key Facts
BYU is ranked 13th with a record of 17 wins and 3 losses.
Kansas is ranked 14th with a record of 15 wins and 5 losses.
Kansas recently won against Kansas State with a score of 86-62.
Flory Bidunga from Kansas had notable performance with 21 points in their last game.
BYU narrowly lost to Arizona with a score of 86-83 in their recent game.
Darryn Peterson is a key player for Kansas, averaging 21.6 points per game.
AJ Dybantsa from BYU is leading the Big 12, averaging 23.6 points per game.
The game will be available to watch on ESPN and can be live-streamed on Fubo.
Pakistan's cricket team defeated Australia by 90 runs in the second T20 International match in Lahore. This win gave Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the series ahead of the T20 World Cup, where they scored their highest-ever T20I total against Australia.
Key Facts
Pakistan beat Australia by 90 runs in the second T20 International match.
Salman Ali Agha scored 76 runs from 40 balls, his highest in T20 cricket.
Usman Khan contributed 53 runs from 36 balls.
Pakistan scored 198-5, their highest T20I total against Australia.
Pakistan's spinners took all 10 Australian wickets, with Abrar Ahmed getting 3-14 and Shadab Khan 3-26.
Australia scored 108 runs in 15.4 overs.
Pakistan secured a 2-0 series lead with this win.
This is Pakistan's first T20I series win over Australia since 2018.
The New York Yankees are looking for a right-handed outfielder to balance their lineup, which currently has many left-handed batters. They are considering several veteran players, including Randal Grichuk, although no decision has been made yet. The Yankees are also exploring options for a right-handed first baseman to complement existing players.
Key Facts
The Yankees want to add a right-handed outfielder to their team.
Randal Grichuk is one of the players they are considering.
Starling Marte and Tommy Pham are also potential options.
The team recently signed left-handed outfielder Cody Bellinger.
The Yankees might also consider a right-handed first baseman.
Ben Rice, a left-handed hitter, is expected to play often against left-handed pitchers.
Last season, Paul Goldschmidt, a right-handed first baseman, was part of the team but is currently a free agent.
The Yankees' lineup currently has more left-handed hitters, creating an imbalance.
The German football federation, known as the DFB, decided not to boycott the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The decision came after discussions about a potential boycott in response to actions by U.S. President Donald Trump. The DFB emphasized the importance of sports as a unifying force.
Key Facts
The German football federation considered and then ruled out a World Cup boycott.
The World Cup will occur in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
DFB Vice President Oke Gottlich initially proposed the idea of a boycott.
President Donald Trump's actions, including a Greenland takeover bid and tariffs, raised concerns.
The DFB prefers internal discussions on sports policy rather than public debates.
Sepp Blatter, a former FIFA president, advised fans to avoid the tournament.
German fans worry about high ticket prices and travel bans affecting attendance.
Germany's team plans to participate and aims to compete fairly in the tournament.
A new documentary about Melania Trump is expected to perform well in its opening weekend, potentially ranking in the top five at the box office. The film attracted criticism due to its high costs and the involvement of director Brett Ratner, but early ticket sales suggest it could earn around $8 million in North America.
Key Facts
The documentary is titled 'Melania' and covers 20 days in Melania Trump's life leading up to President Trump's second inauguration.
It faced initial low expectations and criticisms due to the high costs and director Brett Ratner's past allegations.
Amazon invested $75 million in the film, making it one of the most expensive documentaries ever.
Some countries, like South Africa, have decided not to show the film.
The documentary may earn over $8 million in North American theaters during its opening weekend.
'Melania' has received mixed reviews, with low critic ratings but high audience approval on review sites.
Final box office numbers will be confirmed on Monday.
A federal judge has ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father from immigration detention. The judge's decision came after a case involving the Department of Homeland Security was filed.
Key Facts
A federal judge, Fred Biery, ordered the release of a father and his 5-year-old son from immigration detention.
The case involved the Department of Homeland Security.
Federal immigration agents had used the 5-year-old, Liam Conejo Ramos, in an arrest operation in a suburb near Minneapolis.
The boy was asked to knock on his own home's door while agents waited outside.
The boy and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were detained in their driveway after returning from school.
Judge Biery ruled that the father and son should not be removed while the father pursues a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration.
King Charles III surprised runners and walkers at a Parkrun event on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk for the second year in a row. The event was part of the 5K Your Way group organized alongside the Move Against Cancer charity. The King is currently receiving cancer treatment as an outpatient.
Key Facts
King Charles III visited a Parkrun event at Sandringham in Norfolk.
The event was organized with the Move Against Cancer charity's 5K Your Way group.
This was the second consecutive year King Charles surprised participants at this event.
The King is undergoing cancer treatment as an outpatient.
Parkrun is a weekly, free running event occurring in parks across 22 countries.
Participants ran or walked 5 kilometers, completing a course that includes permanent and trail paths.
The event took place just before World Cancer Day on February 4th.
Senator Mark Kelly expressed concerns about the language used by White House official Tom Homan, who compared Minneapolis to a "war zone" while discussing federal immigration enforcement activities. This comment followed the shooting of a protestor by federal agents in Minneapolis. President Trump plans to involve Homan in immigration operations in Minnesota to manage "criminal illegal aliens."
Key Facts
Senator Mark Kelly criticized Tom Homan's comparison of Minneapolis to a "war zone."
Homan's comments came after federal agents shot a protestor named Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
President Trump plans to send Homan to Minnesota for immigration enforcement.
Videos showed Pretti did not reach for his legally-carried gun before being shot by agents.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and adviser Stephen Miller described Pretti negatively after the incident.
Homan has agreed with Minnesota leaders to potentially reduce federal immigration presence.
Homan referred to ICE and CBP agents' rotation in Minnesota using military terminology.
Kelly has a legal dispute with the Pentagon related to political speech and military orders.
A new online platform called Moltbook allows artificial intelligence (AI) agents to talk to each other without human help. The platform is stirring interest and concern as AI agents begin to interact in surprising ways, including creating a new religion and using cryptocurrencies.
Key Facts
Moltbook is a social network where AI agents communicate without human intervention.
Tens of thousands of AI agents use Moltbook to discuss their tasks and solutions.
An AI agent reported that humans are taking screenshots of their interactions.
AI agents on Moltbook have created a religion called Crustafarianism, with the belief that "Memory is sacred."
A cryptocurrency named MOLT, linked to Moltbook, increased significantly in value recently.
The concern is that AI agents might establish businesses and manage funds using cryptocurrencies without human input.
Skeptics point out AI agents on Moltbook are not superintelligent; they rely on human direction.
The situation raises questions about AI oversight and future security implications.
The article describes a promotion from Betr using the promo code NEWSWEEK, which offers new users a $210 bonus for NBA betting. This includes a $10 bonus upon registration and a 50% deposit match up to $200, available for new customers meeting specific requirements.
Key Facts
A $210 bonus is available for new Betr users with the code NEWSWEEK.
The bonus includes a $10 credit for signing up and a 50% deposit match up to $200.
To get the full $200 deposit match, a user must deposit $400.
This promotion is for new Betr customers who fulfill age and location requirements.
The offer applies to NBA games, including the Mavericks vs. Rockets game.
Users can use the bonus to bet on player performance projections, such as points scored.
Recently revealed emails show Prince Andrew had ongoing contact with Jeffrey Epstein even after 2010, contradicting his claim of cutting ties. U.S. authorities have repeatedly asked Andrew to provide evidence related to Epstein's activities. These communications show a closer relationship between Andrew and Epstein than previously acknowledged.
Key Facts
Emails revealed Prince Andrew communicated with Jeffrey Epstein in 2011.
Andrew thanked Epstein for helping resolve an issue for his ex-wife.
The U.S. Department of Justice has tried to get Andrew’s evidence in Epstein’s case.
Andrew visited Epstein in New York in December 2010 despite claiming he went there to end their relationship.
The emails suggest Epstein's influence involved both personal and business matters.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence.
Photos in the press show Andrew in public, including driving and horseback riding.
River Ryan, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, gained 30 pounds while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He is now ready to return to play after missing the entire 2025 season due to his injury.
Key Facts
River Ryan plays as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He gained 30 pounds during his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Ryan's weight increased from 195 pounds to 225 pounds.
He missed the entire 2025 season due to his elbow injury and subsequent surgery.
Ryan was originally injured in August 2024 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Ryan is eager to return to the team and participate in Major League Baseball.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed excitement about Ryan's return.
Ryan has a record of 4 wins and 0 losses with a 1.33 ERA in his initial MLB games.
A group of people in Kyiv, Ukraine, gathered on the frozen Dnipro River to dance and show their resilience despite ongoing challenges like power cuts from Russian attacks and cold weather. They aimed to send a message that Ukrainians remain strong.
Key Facts
Residents of Kyiv held a dance party on the frozen Dnipro River.
The gathering was to show resilience despite power outages caused by Russian strikes.
The event took place in freezing winter temperatures.
The dance party aimed to send a message of strength to the world.
The BBC covered the event, highlighting the locals' message of perseverance.
The New York Mets are considering signing pitcher Framber Valdez from the Houston Astros. Valdez is looking for a long-term contract, but might join the Mets if they offer a short-term deal with options to leave early.
Key Facts
Framber Valdez is a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros.
Valdez had a productive 2025 season, pitching over 190 innings with a 3.66 ERA.
The New York Mets are interested in signing him, even after trading for another pitcher, Freddy Peralta.
Valdez wants a long-term contract, but no team has offered it yet.
The Mets might attract Valdez with a short-term deal and opt-out options.
The Mets' current pitching lineup includes Freddy Peralta, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, and others who had varied performances in 2025.
The article explains a promotion by Chalkboard, allowing users to receive a $20 free pick and a 100% deposit match up to $100 for sports betting on NBA games and the upcoming Super Bowl. It provides steps on how to sign up and make picks using the promo code NEWSWEEK.
Key Facts
Chalkboard offers a $20 free sports betting pick and a 100% deposit match offer up to $100.
Users must use the promo code NEWSWEEK to access these offers.
The promotion is timed with a busy NBA schedule and the Super Bowl.
To make a first entry, users must make picks for at least two players from different teams.
The article lists potential betting choices for NFL players in the Super Bowl.
It provides detailed steps for using the promo code and making bets.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through their article link.
