The United States, represented by envoy Steve Witkoff, held discussions with Russia about the war in Ukraine. The talks aimed at finding a peaceful resolution and involved members from President Donald Trump's administration. Plans for more negotiations to continue in Abu Dhabi were also mentioned.
Key Facts
US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Florida to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
The meetings were described as "productive and constructive."
President Trump is involved in efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
Officials at the meeting included US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Jared Kushner.
Follow-up talks with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are scheduled in Abu Dhabi.
Trump announced an agreement with President Putin to temporarily stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed discussions about a ceasefire on energy attacks.
Some key issues in negotiations include troop withdrawal and potential peacekeeper deployment.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic for Team Japan. Ohtani decided to participate only as a designated hitter to avoid additional stress on his body during the offseason.
Key Facts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared the news at DodgerFest.
Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
Ohtani has opted to play as a designated hitter instead.
The decision was made to avoid pushing his body to the limit, as he did in the postseason.
Ohtani will prepare for the MLB season and prioritize the durability of his arm.
Roberts mentioned Ohtani would get more rest compared to a regular pitcher.
The Dodgers' pitching rotation details, including Ohtani's role, are still being finalized.
Chris Mazza, a 36-year-old pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for four seasons, announced his retirement from professional baseball on Instagram. He played for the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays during his MLB career.
Key Facts
Chris Mazza played in Major League Baseball for four seasons with three different teams.
He announced his retirement in an Instagram post.
Mazza's MLB career included time with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.
His career record in MLB was 3 wins, 3 losses, one save, and a 5.35 earned run average (ERA).
Mazza was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2011.
He also played in minor leagues and independent baseball teams before his MLB debut.
Mazza appeared in nine MLB games for the Mets in 2019 and nine for the Red Sox in 2020.
His final MLB stint was with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021-2022.
WWE is planning two main events for WrestleMania 42 after the Royal Rumble. Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns, who both won their respective matches, are expected to headline the events scheduled for two nights in Las Vegas.
Key Facts
The Royal Rumble winners, Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns, are now set for WrestleMania 42 main event matches.
WrestleMania 42 will take place over two nights in Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.
Liv Morgan might aim for the "Raw" women's championship, facing Stephanie Vaquer, Raquel Rodriguez, or both.
On the men's side, Drew McIntyre, who holds the WWE undisputed title, may face Cody Rhodes or Jacob Fatu in a match.
Roman Reigns is likely to face CM Punk in Sunday’s main event, continuing their storyline for the heavyweight championship.
WrestleMania is a major annual event in the WWE, with the Royal Rumble serving as a lead-in to its storylines.
A federal judge decided not to stop the ongoing immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota while a lawsuit against it continues. The lawsuit claims that the federal government’s actions violate constitutional protections, but the judge did not find enough support to halt the operation for now.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Minneapolis declined to stop the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota.
The lawsuit against the surge argues it violates the Constitution's 10th Amendment.
The federal government calls the lawsuit "legally frivolous."
The operation, called "Operation Metro Surge," aims to remove criminal immigrants from the streets.
State officials say the operation harms local resources and has shuttered schools and businesses.
The judge was influenced by a recent appeals court decision related to immigration enforcement.
Despite denying the injunction, the judge noted the operation's significant impact on Minnesota residents.
U.S. Attorney General and the Homeland Security Secretary praised the court ruling.
Roman Reigns won the men's Royal Rumble match at WWE's 39th annual event in Riyadh. With this victory, Reigns can choose which world title to challenge for at "WrestleMania 42" in Las Vegas.
Key Facts
The Royal Rumble event took place in Riyadh and it was WWE's 39th annual show.
Roman Reigns won his second men's Royal Rumble match.
Reigns can now decide which championship title to compete for at "WrestleMania 42."
The current champions are Drew McIntyre with the Undisputed WWE Championship and CM Punk with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Bron Breakker, one of the match favorites, was quickly eliminated after being attacked by a masked man.
Reigns' final opponent in the match was Gunther, whom he eliminated by delivering a move called the Spear.
Former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs, now known as Royce Keys, also participated in the match.
The event featured several surprises, including the involvement of former rivalries and unexpected eliminations.
The exact number of deaths from recent protests in Iran is disputed. Official reports from Iran say 3,117 people were killed, while estimates from outside sources claim figures as high as 36,500. These differing reports highlight the challenges in verifying death tolls and the potential for using such figures to sway international opinion about Iran.
Key Facts
Iran's official report claims 3,117 deaths during protests in early January.
External estimates range from 5,000 to 36,500 deaths.
Verification is difficult due to restricted internet access in Iran.
HRANA, a US-based organization, estimates over 6,000 deaths.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Iran estimates around 5,000 deaths.
Some media outlets reported much higher figures without independent verification.
These high figures often cite anonymous or confidential sources.
Hulu has announced its list of movies and TV shows coming in February 2026. Over 50 new films and many complete TV series will be available throughout the month. Highlights include romantic comedies for Valentine's Day, all seasons of a popular reality show, and a revival of a medical comedy series.
Key Facts
More than 50 new films will be added to Hulu starting February 1, 2026.
Romantic films like "27 Dresses" and "When Harry Met Sally" will be available for Valentine's Day.
The 1984 film "Ghostbusters" and other notable movies are included in the lineup.
All 20 seasons of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" will be released on February 17.
"Scrubs," a medical-themed comedy series, will have a revival series available to stream on February 26.
Other TV series like various "Kourtney & Kim" shows and "The Good Place" will also be released in February.
New episodes and premieres of other shows will roll out throughout the month, including anime and reality TV series.
The Buffalo Sabres will play against the Montreal Canadiens in an NHL game this Saturday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The game will be available to watch on MSG Western New York, NHL Network, and can be live-streamed on Fubo. This is the last matchup between the two teams this season.
Key Facts
The Buffalo Sabres have won five games in a row.
Alex Tuch from the Sabres scored a hat trick in the recent game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Nick Suzuki from the Canadiens scored two goals and had an assist in a win against the Colorado Avalanche.
The Sabres beat the Canadiens in their last two meetings in January.
Tage Thompson leads the Sabres with 28 goals and 55 points this season.
Cole Caufield is the top goal scorer for the Canadiens with 30 goals.
The game on January 31, 2026, begins at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Viewers can watch the game live on Fubo with a free trial available.
President Donald Trump announced that his administration will only assist with managing protests and riots in Democrat-led cities if local authorities request help. Federal forces will protect federal buildings during demonstrations but will not be involved with state or local property unless asked. This decision comes amidst national protests and incidents involving federal agents.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that federal involvement in Democrat-led city protests requires a local request for help.
Federal forces will focus on protecting federal buildings during protests.
The announcement follows nationwide protests against immigration policies and recent shootings by federal agents.
Trump emphasized that cities must explicitly ask for assistance by using the word "PLEASE."
Demonstrations occurred in various states, including Minnesota and Oregon, with instances of property damage reported.
Schools and businesses in some states closed or adjusted operations in response to the protests.
President Trump’s policy signals a shift in how the federal government will engage with local protests.
A heavy fog on Highway 99 in California led to a massive 150 vehicle crash, closing the highway in both directions. The incidents happened near Earlimart, with authorities warning drivers about the dangerous conditions.
Key Facts
The pile-up involved 150 vehicles.
The crash occurred on Highway 99 in California.
Heavy fog was the primary cause of the dangerous conditions.
The highway was closed in both directions.
The first crash took place near Earlimart.
Local authorities had warned drivers about the hazardous conditions.
Assistance came from multiple fire departments and the California Highway Patrol.
The Atlanta Hawks will play against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. Viewers can watch the game on the FanDuel Sports Network or stream it on Fubo.
Key Facts
The Atlanta Hawks have a record of 24 wins and 26 losses.
The Indiana Pacers have a record of 12 wins and 36 losses.
Some key Atlanta players like Jalen Johnson might return for the game.
Atlanta won two previous matches against Indiana this season.
The game will air on the FanDuel Sports Network and is available for live streaming on Fubo.
The Pacers recently won against the Chicago Bulls with a close score of 113-110.
During a Mardi Gras parade in Clinton, Louisiana, a shooting injured at least five people, including a 6-year-old child. The event was stopped, and authorities, including the Louisiana State Police, are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
A shooting took place at the "Mardi Gras in the Country" parade in Clinton, Louisiana.
Five people were injured, including a 6-year-old child.
The event occurred near the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse.
Police halted the parade immediately after the shooting started.
Three suspects were taken into custody by law enforcement.
Authorities are searching for a vehicle related to the shooting.
The Louisiana State Police are leading the investigation.
Injured individuals were believed to be bystanders.
A federal judge ordered the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father from an immigration detention center in Texas. They were detained by immigration officers in Minnesota and then held in Texas. The judge criticized the enforcement practices of President Trump's administration in this case.
Key Facts
A 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father were detained in a Minneapolis suburb.
The detention took place on January 20 and they were moved to a Texas facility.
A federal judge in San Antonio ordered their release by Tuesday.
The judge criticized the detention, linking it to Trump administration immigration policies.
Two Texas Democratic Congress members protested at the detention center.
The judge previously ordered that the boy and father not be removed from the U.S.
The boy's father, Adrian Conejo Arias, has a pending asylum claim.
A protest and a photo of the boy in detention sparked public outcry.
The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a key venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, is not yet finished. With only five days before the first scheduled match, organizers are rushing to complete the stadium. Concerns have been raised about safety and readiness, affecting the upcoming games.
Key Facts
The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is still under construction with five days left until its first use.
It has a seating capacity of 11,800 and is one of two new venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Many parts of the arena, including hospitality areas and seating, are incomplete.
Key utilities like electricity and water are operational, but elevators and restrooms are not ready.
The arena is supposed to host major ice hockey events, including gold medal matches.
The NHL has expressed concerns about the rink’s size and ice quality, affecting player safety.
A test event in January had issues, including an ice repair delay.
A boycott warning was issued due to safety concerns with the ice rink's dimensions.
Former AEW wrestler Powerhouse Hobbs, now known as Royce Keys, debuted at the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 event in Riyadh. Fans are discussing his move and new name on social media. Keys left AEW on good terms before joining WWE.
Key Facts
Royce Keys, previously Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, debuted at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
The event took place in Riyadh.
Keys' debut caused buzz on social media among wrestling fans.
There is no information yet on which WWE brand Keys will join.
Before leaving AEW, Keys lost a championship match on "Collision."
Keys reportedly received a substantial offer to remain with AEW but chose to join WWE.
He left AEW with positive relations according to reports.
Some people are puzzled by the name change from Powerhouse Hobbs to Royce Keys.
An explosion in Bandar Abbas, Iran, was likely caused by a gas leak. Residents were evacuated, and at least one person was reported killed with several others wounded.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in a residential building in Bandar Abbas, Iran.
A gas leak was reported as the initial cause of the explosion.
Residents of the building were evacuated by the fire department.
State and local reports gave differing accounts of casualties; at least one person was killed, and 14 were wounded.
The explosion destroyed parts of an eight-story building and damaged nearby vehicles and shops.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied that any military buildings were targeted.
Bandar Abbas is located on the Strait of Hormuz, a significant global oil transit route.
A separate gas explosion killed four people in Ahvaz, Iran, on the same day.
Paul George, a player for the Philadelphia 76ers, received a 25-game suspension for breaking the NBA's Anti-Drug Program rules. The specific details of the drug violation were not shared by the NBA. George will return to play on March 25, missing games which affect his team's performance and his salary.
Key Facts
Paul George plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.
He has been suspended for 25 games due to a drug violation.
The NBA did not share what substance was involved in the violation.
This suspension implies it was George's first drug violation.
George will lose approximately $11.7 million of his salary due to the suspension.
He is eligible to return on March 25 against the Chicago Bulls.
The 76ers currently rank sixth in the Eastern Conference.
George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season, which is the third-highest on his team.
Protesters in Milan gathered to express their opposition to the presence of ICE agents during the upcoming Winter Olympics. The protest focused on concerns about ICE's involvement, despite assurances that agents would operate only in a control room for security purposes. Local politicians and organizations voiced their disapproval, linking the situation to broader concerns about growing authoritarian influences.
Key Facts
Demonstrators in Milan protested against the presence of ICE agents at the Winter Olympics.
The protest took place in a square linked to Italy’s history of anti-fascist resistance.
Participants included members from the Democratic Party, trade unions, and other groups.
The protest objected to ICE's involvement in security for the US delegation at the Olympics.
Milan's Mayor and local officials have expressed opposition to the ICE agents' presence.
Protesters were concerned about ICE's reputation in the US regarding immigration enforcement.
ICE agents involved in the Olympics security are part of a unit that focuses on international crime, not immigration enforcement.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the Olympics opening ceremony.
A federal judge decided that the increased presence of immigration agents in Minnesota can continue. The judge said that the potential harms of the operation do not clearly justify stopping it, even though there are claims of racial profiling and excessive force by agents. The operation, known as "Operation Metro Surge," has led to thousands of arrests and has caused concern among local residents and officials.
Key Facts
A judge ruled that the increased number of immigration agents in Minnesota can continue operating.
The operation, called "Operation Metro Surge," is supported by President Trump's administration.
The ruling followed an incident where a 37-year-old nurse was killed by federal agents.
The judge acknowledged claims of racial profiling and excessive force by federal agents.
The lawsuit argues the operation violates the Tenth Amendment, which protects state authority.
The state of Minnesota claims the surge frightens residents and disrupts local governance.
The federal government considers the lawsuit's arguments as legally unfounded.
