Iraq's main Shia group wants Nouri al-Maliki as prime minister again, even though President Trump warned that the U.S. might stop supporting Iraq if they choose him. Al-Maliki has dismissed Trump's warning, saying that Iraq should decide its own leaders without outside interference.
Key Facts
Iraq's main Shia alliance, the Coordination Framework, supports Nouri al-Maliki for prime minister.
President Trump threatened to end U.S. support if al-Maliki becomes prime minister.
Al-Maliki criticized the U.S. for interfering in Iraq's internal decisions.
Trump aims to reduce the influence of groups in Iraq linked to Iran.
Al-Maliki was Iraq's prime minister from 2006 to 2014.
During his time as prime minister, Iraq faced power struggles and tensions with the U.S.
Iraq's oil revenues are held in the U.S., giving the U.S. financial influence over Iraq.
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Lord Triesman, a former Labour minister and chairman of the Football Association, has died at the age of 82. He held roles in the Labour Party and was involved in politics and sports during his lifetime. He died peacefully at home.
Key Facts
Lord Triesman was a Labour peer and a former minister in the UK government.
He served as the chairman of the Football Association from 2008 to 2010.
He campaigned against racism in football and supported women's football.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair praised his contributions.
He held positions as the general secretary of the Labour Party and the Association of University Teachers.
Lord Triesman was born in London and joined the House of Lords in 2004.
He was a passionate supporter of the Tottenham Hotspur football team.
He is survived by his wife, Lucy, and their daughter, Ilona.
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Two gas explosions in Iran have killed five people. The blasts occurred in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz, both reportedly caused by gas leaks. This incident comes amidst ongoing regional tensions related to Iran's nuclear program.
Key Facts
Five people died in two gas explosions in Iran.
The first explosion in Bandar Abbas killed one person and injured 14.
A local fire department chief attributed the Bandar Abbas blast to a gas leak.
The second explosion in Ahvaz killed four people.
Emergency teams in Ahvaz rescued a child from the debris.
Tensions in the region are high due to U.S. military presence and nuclear negotiations.
President Trump has pressured Iran for a nuclear deal and mentioned potential military action.
Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful and open to talks if based on trust and respect.
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The article discusses the United States' recent actions in Latin America, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It questions whether President Donald Trump's policies represent a new form of U.S. intervention in the region or continue historical practices.
Key Facts
U.S. forces recently captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
President Trump is increasing U.S. power abroad through direct actions.
The article considers if Trump's actions represent a change or continuation of U.S. policy.
Cuba is potentially a new focus for U.S. actions under Trump.
Peter Kornbluh, a Senior Analyst at the National Security Archive, discusses these topics.
The discussion took place on the show "UpFront," hosted by Marc Lamont Hill.
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A senior Iranian official stated that progress is being made towards starting negotiations between Iran and the U.S. President Trump has ordered a military buildup in the Gulf, but he remains open to diplomatic talks with Iran.
Key Facts
An Iranian security official said negotiations with the U.S. are moving forward.
President Trump has ordered more military forces to the Gulf but is still open to talks.
Iran and the U.S. are reportedly using Russia and other countries to communicate.
President Trump mentioned that Iran is negotiating but has been critical of past talks.
The Iranian foreign minister said Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the U.S.
Iran wants the U.S. to stop threatening military action as a part of negotiations.
Turkey is involved in discussing possible locations and plans for the talks.
U.S. officials are cautious about the likelihood of a diplomatic resolution.
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Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," passed away at her home in Los Angeles at age 71 following a brief illness. Many colleagues and public figures have shared tributes to her life and work.
Key Facts
Catherine O’Hara was a Canadian actress born in Toronto.
She died at 71 in Los Angeles after a brief illness.
O'Hara starred in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek."
She began her career in the 1970s at The Second City theatre.
Her role as Moira Rose in "Schitt's Creek" won her an Emmy in 2020.
Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, and Macaulay Culkin shared tributes to her.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also paid their respects.
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The fourth season of the TV series "Reacher," based on Lee Child's books, will introduce a new villain named Lila Hoth. The season is expected to adapt the novel “Gone Tomorrow,” where Hoth is a terrorist who presents a significant challenge for the main character, Jack Reacher. There is no confirmed release date yet, but it is expected to be in mid-2027 on Prime Video.
Key Facts
"Reacher" Season 4 will introduce a new villain called Lila Hoth.
The season adapts the book “Gone Tomorrow” by Lee Child.
Lila Hoth is a terrorist and known for violent acts.
Agnez Mo, an Indonesian singer and songwriter, will play Lila Hoth.
The previous season's villain was Paulie, played by Olivier Richters.
There is no confirmed release date, but it is expected in mid-2027.
"Reacher" is a series on Amazon's Prime Video streaming platform.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A major winter storm is affecting the East Coast of the United States, bringing cold weather, strong winds, and heavy snow. Areas unaccustomed to such conditions, like parts of the Southeast, are experiencing blizzard-like conditions due to a "bomb cyclone". The storm has left many without power, and extreme cold poses risks such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Key Facts
Approximately 240 million people are under weather advisories and storm warnings due to a winter storm.
A "bomb cyclone" is causing strong winds and blizzards in the Southeast.
Some areas, like the Carolinas and Georgia, may receive 6 to 10 inches of snow.
Over 127,000 homes and businesses are without power in Mississippi and Tennessee.
Subfreezing temperatures and snow are expected as far south as Florida.
A low temperature of minus 27 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded in West Virginia.
Wyoming, the Carolinas, Virginia, and northeast Georgia could experience up to a foot of snow.
The storm has resulted in more than 100 deaths from Texas to New Jersey.
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Egypt and Qatar criticized recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed at least 30 people. The strikes happened after a ceasefire violation between Israel and Hamas. This situation occurs amidst ongoing efforts to maintain peace in the region with mediators like Egypt and Qatar involved.
Key Facts
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 30 people, according to Palestinian health officials.
Egypt and Qatar condemned the Israeli strikes, both acting as mediators in the ceasefire process.
The airstrikes targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad affiliates after a reported violation of the ceasefire.
The strikes occurred shortly before the planned reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt.
President Donald Trump's peace plan was part of the ceasefire agreement established in October 2025.
Past conflicts and attacks have led to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they struck "commanders and terror infrastructure" in Gaza.
Humanitarian concerns persist as many Palestinians remain displaced and in need of aid.
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More than three million documents related to Jeffrey Epstein were released, including pictures and emails involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The documents also mention President Donald Trump numerous times. All individuals mentioned in the records have denied any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Over three million pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein are now public.
New pictures show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in a questionable position.
Emails involving a person referred to as “The Duke” are included in the documents.
Jeffrey Epstein sent £10,000 to the husband of Lord Peter Mandelson in 2009.
President Donald Trump is mentioned hundreds of times in the documents.
All people named in the documents have denied any wrongdoing.
The information was discussed on a BBC podcast episode hosted by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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