António José Seguro, a centre-left candidate, is expected to win the Portuguese presidency against André Ventura from the far-right. With most votes counted, Seguro has 66% of the vote, while Ventura stands at 34%. Despite being primarily ceremonial, the Portuguese presidency holds significant powers, such as dissolving parliament.
Key Facts
António José Seguro is a centre-left candidate in Portugal.
Seguro is expected to win the presidency with 66% of the vote.
André Ventura, a far-right candidate, has 34% of the vote.
The presidential role in Portugal is mostly ceremonial but allows dissolving parliament.
Seguro has support from politicians across different parties, including conservative figures.
Ventura's Chega party became Portugal's second largest in parliament in 2022, after being founded in 2019.
Severe storms and flooding have affected voting in some regions.
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Israel's conflict in Gaza has led to significant changes in the Middle East. A new group is being set up to manage Gaza, with oversight from a board led by President Donald Trump. Experts are discussing these changes at a forum in Doha.
Key Facts
Gaza is in a rebuilding phase following a ceasefire agreement.
An event called the Al Jazeera Forum is taking place in Doha.
Discussions at the forum are about power shifts due to the conflict in Gaza.
A new committee of experts, known as technocrats, will handle governance in Gaza.
The new governance structure will report to a Board of Peace.
President Donald Trump leads this Board of Peace.
Important guests at the forum include Mustafa Barghouti, Abdullah Al Shayji, and Ziad Majed.
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Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison. Her charges include gathering and colluding to commit crimes and spreading propaganda. Her health deteriorated during a recent hunger strike to protest her imprisonment conditions.
Key Facts
Narges Mohammadi received a sentence of over seven years in prison.
Mohammadi was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her human rights work.
Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, shared news of the sentence over a phone call.
Charges against Mohammadi include "gathering and collusion" and "propaganda activities."
Mohammadi will be exiled to Khosf for two years after serving her sentence.
She is banned from leaving Iran for two years.
Mohammadi began a hunger strike on February 2 to protest prison conditions.
Her health worsened during the hunger strike, requiring hospital treatment.
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Venezuelan opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa has been released from jail. The Venezuelan government is under pressure from the United States to release political prisoners and has recently freed 383 individuals. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez proposes an amnesty law for political prisoners.
Key Facts
Juan Pablo Guanipa, a Venezuelan opposition politician, was liberated from jail.
Guanipa was in hiding for 10 months and detained for almost nine months before his release.
The Venezuelan government has released 383 political prisoners since January 8.
His family denied allegations against Guanipa related to a "terrorist" plot.
An amnesty law has been proposed to grant clemency to political prisoners and was passed in an initial vote.
The Helicoide detention center in Caracas is planned to be turned into a facility for sports and social services.
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced these changes following US pressure.
Human rights groups claim the government uses detentions to suppress dissent, while the government denies holding political prisoners.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The 2026 Super Bowl ads include several on political and social topics. The ads discuss issues like artificial intelligence, the healthcare system, antisemitism, and the Jeffrey Epstein case. These ads show a trend of using the Super Bowl to address serious topics.
Key Facts
The 2026 Super Bowl features ads on political and social issues.
There is an ad from victims of Jeffrey Epstein calling for transparency in his case.
An ad about antisemitism shows a student facing bullying.
Amazon's ad plays on fears around artificial intelligence.
Svedka released an ad created mostly by AI.
Hims & Hers presented a commercial about concerns with the American healthcare system.
Super Bowl ads are increasingly addressing serious and political topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A storm called Marta caused flash floods in northern Morocco, leading to the deaths of at least four people. The storm resulted in heavy rain, damaged property, and forced many residents to leave their homes.
Key Facts
Flash floods in northern Morocco killed at least four people.
The victims included three children and one man.
The incident occurred in a village near Tétouan, which is north of Morocco's capital, Rabat.
One person is still missing as of the latest reports.
The floods were caused by Storm Marta, which brought up to 92 millimeters of rain.
Storm Marta also affected Spain and Portugal.
Prior to Marta, Storm Leonardo hit the region, causing rivers and dams to overflow.
Over 150,000 people in Morocco were evacuated due to the weather conditions.
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"The Day of the Jackal" Season 2 is currently being made and will answer several open questions from the first season. The show's new head writer is David Harrower, following Ronan Bennett's departure. The season will explore themes such as espionage, hidden alliances, and the Jackal's survival tactics.
Key Facts
"The Day of the Jackal" Season 2 is in production with no release date announced yet.
Eddie Redmayne stars in this spy drama about the character known as the Jackal.
Ronan Bennett, the first season's head writer, stepped down and was replaced by David Harrower.
Season 2 will address who the mole is and how the Jackal survived a previous attack.
The Jackal will face challenges from MI6 and try to protect his family.
Viewers can watch Season 1 on Peacock in the US with a Peacock Premium subscription.
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At least nine people died and six were rescued after an apartment building collapsed in Tripoli, northern Lebanon. Rescue teams are still searching for eight missing people. The government promised to help the affected families and inspect other buildings for safety.
Key Facts
A building collapsed in Tripoli, Lebanon, killing at least nine people.
Six people were rescued from the rubble.
Eight more people are still missing and rescue teams are searching for them.
The building was in a poor area known for weak building standards.
Lebanon's Health Ministry will cover the medical costs for the injured.
The national syndicate for property owners blamed the collapse on government negligence.
Government officials pledged to help with shelter and inspect other buildings for safety risks.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government will hold accountable anyone negligent in the matter.
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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.
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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.
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Venezuela's acting government released several opposition members from prison, including allies of political figure María Corina Machado. These releases occurred after international pressure from human rights bodies and political groups. The government continues to discuss an amnesty bill to free more prisoners, following a change in leadership earlier this year.
Key Facts
Venezuela released several opposition members from prison, including allies of María Corina Machado.
The releases happened after pressure from the United Nations and other international groups.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez leads Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Human rights groups say hundreds remain in detention due to political beliefs.
An amnesty bill is under discussion that could release more prisoners.
The U.N. offered support to Venezuela for ongoing dialogue and reconciliation efforts.
Machado currently lives in exile and communicates from abroad.
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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.
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