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Seven weeks after a U.S. military operation on January 3 captured former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, killing 32 Cubans, interim President Delcy Rodríguez has dismissed Cuban advisers from key roles, turning to Venezuelan bodyguards only. This shift follows U.S. pressure, including blocked oil shipments to Cuba, and aligns with economic reforms like a new oil law granting America oversight of sales, which has funneled $1 billion in revenue. A recent poll shows 72% of Venezuelans feeling optimistic about the country's direction under Rodríguez, though opposition voices question her support and highlight fears of U.S. coercion amid calls for elections.

Key Takeaway

With Maduro in U.S. custody, Venezuela's interim leader ordered Cuban security teams out of her guard and intelligence units—a sharp break from years of close reliance on Havana's elite protection.

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The Gunners lead the Premier League with 58 points from 27 games, yet a late collapse in the 2-2 draw highlighted fatigue in Zubimendi (2,265 minutes) and Timber (2,182 minutes), who top outfield minutes. New signing Christian Nørgaard has played just 32 minutes despite strong international form, prompting journalist Ray Shiraz to challenge Mikel Arteta on his choices. Arteta insisted the players look great and selections follow condition data, but fans called it stubborn amid a packed schedule including Sunday's North London derby at Tottenham.

Key Takeaway

Arsenal blew a two-goal lead at Wolves, leaving fans worried about overworked stars Martin Zubimendi and Jurrien Timber running on empty.

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On March 8, 2005, in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg, Barcelona lost 4-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea advancing 5-4 on aggregate after a 2-1 first-leg defeat. Ronaldinho's jaw-dropping dead-ball strike from 35 yards silenced the home crowd, following his earlier penalty goal, though Chelsea responded with strikes from Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frank Lampard, Damien Duff, and John Terry. Fans who saw it live called it magical, with one behind the goal naming it the best ever witnessed, while others marveled at the technique and shared playground memories of kids trying to copy it. The clip revives nostalgia for Ronaldinho's flair, even as some gripe about modern football lacking that pure showmanship.

Key Takeaway

Ronaldinho grinned with his trademark braids, then curled a 35-yard free-kick over the wall and past Petr Cech into the top corner at Stamford Bridge.

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Fresh from strong Bahrain pre-season testing, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri posted a 66-second video playing 'Guess the Object: headset vs stapler.' Norris, the 2025 champion who topped Day 1 timesheets, hilariously fails at lying about his stapler, while Piastri nails Norris's headset guess and calls the bluff. Fans loved their bromance, with the clip drawing thousands of likes, though some preferred unscripted chats over TikTok trends. McLaren heads into next week's test with momentum after Norris's fastest lap and Piastri's 161 laps on Day 3.

Key Takeaway

Lando Norris swings a gold stapler like a gun while Oscar Piastri peers over the wall like a cat chasing a laser. Their 'Guess the Object' challenge from Bahrain testing turns into pure chaos and laughter.

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Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo made an exceptional defense-splitting pass to Pedro Neto, contributing to Joao Pedro's opening goal against Brighton. The sequence started with a progressive pass from Santos to Caicedo, who then found Neto leading to the finish.

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Fans express widespread excitement over Lando Norris achieving the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship title in the 2026 season with McLaren. Discussions highlight his podium celebrations, McLaren F1 content foreshadowing the championship, fan merchandise arrivals, and reaction videos. References include nostalgic nods to his past performances such as in Austria.

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Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in the Champions League play-off first leg on February 17 at Estádio da Luz, with Vinícius's 50th-minute goal and wild celebration earning a yellow card. Moments later, 20-year-old Benfica winger Prestianni allegedly called him 'mono'—Spanish for monkey—five times during a confrontation, prompting the anti-racism protocol and a UEFA probe. Prestianni denies racism, claiming he used a homophobic slur instead, while Mbappé backed Vinícius and called for a lengthy ban; both offenses carry a minimum 10-match suspension under UEFA rules. Benfica coach Mourinho criticized Vinícius's provocations and was sent off, as the investigation into videos and witness statements continues ahead of the second leg.

Key Takeaway

Vinícius Júnior scored and celebrated in front of Benfica's fans, but the match stopped for 10 minutes after he reported a racial slur from opponent Gianluca Prestianni.

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Supporters surround her vehicles at recent Morena gatherings, sharing images under #SiempreContigoPresidenta that highlight unity and commitment to Mexico's transformation. The moments build toward a December 6 Zócalo event marking seven years since the party's founding, where Sheinbaum has invited citizens to celebrate governance achievements. While her approval stands at 61% amid security concerns and youth protests, these interactions affirm her strong bond with loyalists since taking office in October 2024.

Key Takeaway

From her SUV, President Claudia Sheinbaum leans out with a smile, shaking hands and posing for photos with enthusiastic supporters in colorful Morena hats. These close encounters capture her approachable style amid party events.

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The record £125 million signing from Newcastle has missed 12 games since injuring his ankle while scoring against Tottenham in December. Friday's sessions alongside teammate Jeremie Frimpong showed real progress, with Sweden coach Graham Potter expecting a return before March. Arne Slot noted Isak isn't ready for grass training yet, but the momentum builds ahead of tonight's FA Cup clash with Brighton at Anfield, where league leaders Liverpool aim to stay sharp.

Key Takeaway

Alexander Isak flashed a smile while hitting light runs and gym drills at Liverpool's training ground, a welcome sight after months sidelined by a fractured fibula.

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Femi Dapson, an internet personality, and Simi Sanya exchanged vows in a private registry ceremony attended by close family and friends.

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Charlton Athletic beat Stoke City 1-0 on Wednesday night, easing their relegation fight with a goal from substitute Tyreece Campbell in the 81st minute. Despite Stoke dominating possession and firing off 14 shots, Charlton's defense held firm, led by captain Alex Docherty and keeper Kamil Kaminski. Manager Nathan Jones, who once led Stoke, celebrated passionately, even mouthing an expletive at away fans that drew attention online, before praising the electric home crowd and Campbell's potential.

Key Takeaway

With nine minutes left, Tyreece Campbell latched onto a flick-on and rounded the keeper to spark wild celebrations at The Valley.

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Samir Sobha, president of the Mauritius Football Association and CAF Executive Committee member, told The Guardian that Senegal's players should have received yellow cards for leaving the field during a crucial VAR penalty, halting play for 15 minutes. Senegal still won 1-0 on Pape Gueye's extra-time goal on January 18 in Rabat, securing their second AFCON title after Édouard Mendy saved the spot kick. Sobha stressed the result stands but called for accountability, while also criticizing CAF's general secretary for an illegal term extension. Sanctions followed, including bans for coaches and captains plus hefty fines, though Morocco rejected theirs.

Key Takeaway

In a candid interview, a top CAF official admitted Morocco's national team was robbed in the Africa Cup of Nations final, pleading for forgiveness over broken rules.

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Born in Dublin in 1956, Brady joined Arsenal at 15, made 307 appearances from 1973 to 1980, and scored 59 goals with his magical left foot. He starred in the 1979 FA Cup win over Manchester United and became the first non-British PFA Players' Player of the Year, forever etched in fans' minds with moments like his curling volley in a 5-0 thrashing of Tottenham. Supporters shared nostalgic posts about his elegance, his move to Juventus, and a recent photo of him with young star Ethan Nwaneri, while chants of 'Chip chip chip chip, Brady score a little goal for me' echo his lasting legacy.

Key Takeaway

A throwback photo of Liam 'Chippy' Brady in his red-and-white kit brought smiles and memories flooding back on his 70th birthday.

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At the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on February 14-15, Kenyan President William Ruto met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and former President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss bilateral ties. Back in Nairobi, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah praised Ethiopia's rapid urban renewal, from wide boulevards and high-rises to renovated squares like Meskel Square, achieved since Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018. The admiration highlights warming Kenya-Ethiopia relations in trade, security, and infrastructure, positioning Addis Ababa as a model for Africa's urban future.

Key Takeaway

Kenyan lawmakers returned from Addis Ababa beaming about the city's stunning makeover, with one calling it the new Dubai of Africa amid handshakes and summit talks.

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On February 17, 2026—Shrove Tuesday and the start of Ramadan—Labour MP Angela Rayner posted wishes for a peaceful Ramadan to voters in Ashton-under-Lyne, where 20% identify as Muslim, using a party graphic with crescents and minarets. Critics pointed out the timing, her lack of Shrove Tuesday mentions, and disabled replies, accusing her of prioritizing one faith over the Christian majority of 49%. While MPs like Sojan Joseph and Sadiq Khan sent similar Ramadan messages, Keir Starmer and the Conservatives acknowledged both holidays.

Key Takeaway

Angela Rayner shared a Ramadan Mubarak greeting to her constituents right on Shrove Tuesday, the Christian Pancake Day before Lent. With replies turned off, some saw it as overlooking local traditions.

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South Africans tuned into Moja Love at 21:00 for the ninth season of Uyajola99, where host Jub Jub exposed cheating partners in stories like Siphosethu's doubts since 2019 and Mpho's test of childhood sweethearts. Clips spread fast showing market chases, physical grabs, side chicks fleeing, and Xhosa women's sharp, vulgar insults that had viewers laughing and praising their flair. While Jub Jub stayed cool amid one cheater's attempted kick, some lamented women fighting over unapologetic men on national TV in 2026.

Key Takeaway

A man bolts in a blue tracksuit while women grab his belt to stop him—classic Uyajola99 chaos unfolded in tonight's Xhosa-packed episode.

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