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Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

Walt Disney has named Josh D’Amaro, the head of its amusement park business, as its new chief executive.

D’Amaro, a 28-year veteran of the company, will replace current boss Bob Iger. He is due to start in the new role on 18 March.

In selecting D’Amaro, Disney has turned to the leader of the part of its business that has delivered the most reliable profits in recent years, as the company works to find its way in the world of streaming.

The decision ends a succession puzzle for the entertainment giant, which Iger has led for roughly two decades, except for a brief interlude that ended in 2022 when the board ousted his successor and asked Iger to return.

Iger quickly set about restructuring the firm, aiming to tackle ballooning expenses in the streaming, television and film business, regain momentum for sports-focused ESPN and expand its parks and cruise lines.

In the announcement, Iger said he was “proud to step away at a moment when Disney’s future has never been brighter”.

D’Amaro joined the company in 1998 at Disneyland Resort, before rising to his current position as chairman of the Disney Experiences division, which has 185,000 employees and generated $36bn in revenue last year.

In the role, the 54-year-old oversees 12 theme parks and 54 resorts globally.

He has handled projects such as World of Frozen and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as well as managing digital ventures such as Disney’s collaboration with the firm behind Fortnite.

In an interview on CNBC, Disney board chair James Gorman said D’Amaro brought not just financial skills but “great creative touch”.

As chief executive, D’Amaro will be taking on the top role at a moment when media companies in the US are facing increased political pressure.

Disney itself has been a prime target, blasted in recent years by Republicans such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for promoting “woke” values.

The company most recently drew headlines when it temporarily suspended comedian Jimmy Kimmel, a decision linked to comments over the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Disney’s parks business in the US has also drawn attention for rising costs faced by visitors, while investors have been frustrated with its share price, which has lagged that of other publicly listed firms.

Shares dipped 1% in early trading after the announcement.

D’Amaro will receive a $2.5m base salary, as well as Disney shares worth at least $26.3m annually, according to company filings. The firm has also granted him a bonus award worth $9.7m this year for the new role.

Disney also named Dana Walden, currently co-chair of its entertainment business, to a new role as chief creative officer, reporting to D’Amaro.

Walden, who is known outside of work for her friendship with former Vice President Kamala Harris, had been seen as D’Amaro’s chief rival for the top job.

Disney is trying to avoid a repeat of 2020’s botched hand-off.

That year, it also elevated the successful head of the theme parks business, Bob Chapek, to chief executive. But within weeks, the Covid-19 pandemic had forced the company to shut its doors.

His tenure was marked by strains on the content side of the business, which saw costs rise, as well as the brand’s involvement in several high-profile public clashes, including with actress Scarlett Johansson.

Analyst Paolo Pescatore warned that, despite the profits delivered by parks, the key to Disney’s success lies in its content.

“Disney can ill afford another messy handover,” he said. “While it is a strong endorsement of D’Amaro’s abilities to elevate Experiences to the fore…. he should not lose sight of Disney’s core capabilities.” (BBC)

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Trump recognises Remi Tinubu at US national prayer breakfast

US President Donald Trump says Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of Nigeria, attended the country’s national prayer breakfast held in Washington DC on Thursday.

Recognising the first lady at the event,Trump described Oluremi as a “very respected woman” and a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria”.

“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria (Remi Tinubu), who also happens to be a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, very respected woman…. it’s a great honour. Thank you very much,” Trump said in a video of the event.

The national prayer breakfast is an annual event where people of different political beliefs come together to pray.

Oluremi was ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, in 2018.

The first lady’s presence at the event comes amid the stance of the US government on killings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

In October 2025, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to allegations of a Christian genocide in the country.

Barely a month later, Trump asked the United States department of war to prepare for “possible action” to wipe out Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.

On December 25, 2025, the US government launched a fusillade of air strikes on ISIS terrorists in the north-western Nigerian state of Sokoto.

Subsequently, the US and Nigerian governments formed a working group to address issues on counter-terrorism and religious freedom in Nigeria. (TheCable)

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Djokovic hints at retirement as time seeps away on history bid

Novak Djokovic leaves the Australian Open still stuck on 24 Grand Slam titles and with fresh doubts about how many more tries he will have at winning an outright-record 25th.

The 38-year-old has consistently dismissed talk of retirement and said he is eyeing the defense of his Olympic gold at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

But after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the final on Sunday, the Serb suggested he may not be back in Melbourne.

“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months,” he told the crowd at Rod Laver Arena. “So it has been a great ride. I love you guys.”

Djokovic has won a record 10 Australian Opens and until Sunday had never lost a final there.

But for all his success, Djokovic has not always had an easy relationship with the Melbourne fans.

“I want to just say in the end that you guys, particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia,” he said. “That much love, support, positivity. I tried to give you back with good tennis over the years.”

It had the ring of a farewell speech and did not appear to have been just an emotional response to defeat.

He said he had prepared two speeches, one for winning and the other for losing.

Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in 2023, drawing him level with the Australian Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list.

But age and injuries, plus the emergence of world number one Alcaraz and number two Jannik Sinner, have left him unable to win another.

Before Sunday, his previous Grand Slam final had been in 2024, when he lost the Wimbledon decider, again to Alcaraz.

Last year he reached the semifinals of all four majors but got no further, with Alcaraz and Sinner sharing the spoils.

He rolled back the years to defeat Sinner — 14 years his junior — in a five-set semifinal marathon in Melbourne.

But after Djokovic won the first set, the 22-year-old Alcaraz took a stranglehold on the final to sweep to victory 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.

Underlining where Djokovic is now in the pecking order of men’s tennis, he admitted he had not expected to reach another major final.

If the former world number one was going to win that elusive 25th, he may reflect that he has seen his best remaining chance come and go.

He is the undisputed king of Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena is the court where he has had the most success.

The fourth seed enjoyed two big pieces of luck in reaching the semifinals.

Djokovic enjoyed free passage through the fourth round when Jakub Mensik pulled out with injury.

He was then facing defeat at two sets down to Lorenzo Musetti, only for the Italian fifth seed to retire injured.

He rolled back the years to beat Sinner and make the final, but a repeat success so soon after playing five sets was beyond him.

“Overall, for sure it’s been a fantastic tournament,” he said. “I knew that I’d probably have to beat two of them (Alcaraz and Sinner) on the way to the title.

“I beat one, which is great, so it’s a step more further than I have gone in Grand Slams than last year. Very nice, encouraging. But, you know, not enough for me.”

So what next for one of the all-time greats?

For whatever time is left, he won’t give up on that 25th Grand Slam crown, even if the odds are now stacked against him.

“I always believe I can,” Djokovic said about finally eclipsing Court. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be competing.” (JapanToday)

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Kwara: Nigeria won’t surrender citizens to terrorism masquerading as faith – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has, for the umpteenth time, vowed that Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.

The President’s vow came on the heels of the recent attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by gunmen that led to the death of about 100 people.

President Tinubu condemned in the strongest terms “the cowardly and beastly attack”, describing the gunmen as “heartless for choosing soft targets in their campaign of terror.”

He said the actions of the gunmen offended humanity and Nigeria’s shared values as a nation.

The President, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday night after meeting with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go scot-free.

The statement read: “Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq @RealAARahman, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA.

“I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror. Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation.

“Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro.

“This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.

“It is particularly disturbing that the victims were killed because they rejected an attempt at forced indoctrination. As I said, it is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue. Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.

“I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free.

“I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State.

“The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror.” (Vanguard)

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Arsenal beat Chelsea to reach League Cup final

Arsenal reached the League Cup final for the first time in eight years as Kai Havertz sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side had put themselves in pole position in the first leg and Havertz came off the bench to finish the job in the closing moments at the Emirates Stadium.

It was a cathartic triumph for the Gunners, who had lost their previous four semi-finals in the 2025 Champions League and League Cup, the 2022 League Cup and the 2021 Europa League.

In their first final for six years, Arsenal will face Manchester City or Newcastle at Wembley on March 22.

City hold a 2-0 lead over Newcastle ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal haven’t won the League Cup since 1993, losing in their last three final appearances.

Now they have the chance to end that drought by winning the club’s first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.

That remains the sole silverware won by Arteta since he was hired in December 2019.

It is shaping up to be a memorable season for Arsenal, who are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and reached the Champions League last 16 by winning all eight of their group matches.

Despite their success, Arsenal have attracted criticism for their reliance on goals from corners and set-pieces.

Arteta launched a passionate defence of Arsenal’s style of play this week, revealing he has a “massive book of people” who feel his side are the “most exciting in Europe”.

Tuesday’s war of attrition will hardly silence Arsenal’s critics, but Arteta won’t care about that after leading his team to Wembley.

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior had won six of his seven matches in all competitions since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca.

But Rosenior was unable to solve his Arsenal conundrum, with the Gunners handing him the only two defeats of his brief reign.

Without captain Martin Odegaard, sidelined by a muscle problem, and winger Bukayo Saka, who was injured in the pre-match warm-up at Leeds on Saturday, Arsenal weren’t at their best but still ground out the win.

Rosenior left England forward Cole Palmer on the bench as he switched to a three-man central defence for the first time in his reign.

Rosenior’s tactics allowed Chelsea to stifle Arsenal in a scrappy first half.

The Gunners briefly shook off their shackles as Piero Hincapie’s curler from just inside the area was palmed away by Robert Sanchez. (Channels)

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FIFA president Infantino defends giving peace prize to Trump

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended his controversial decision to award a peace prize to U.S. President Donald Trump as he dismissed calls for a World Cup boycott.

Infantino was widely criticized for giving Trump the honor on behalf of his governing body at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC in December.

The move drew further scrutiny after U.S. forces seized Venezuelan president Miguel Maduro, while Trump caused more controversy with his desire to acquire Greenland for national security reasons.

However, Infantino insisted Trump was deserving of FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, telling Sky News on Monday: “Objectively, he deserves it.

“Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it, and for this reason, for some time we were thinking we should do something to reward people who do something.”

Infantino rejected suggestions there might be a boycott of this year’s World Cup — to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 — due to policies adopted at home and abroad by the Trump administration.

There has been unrest in a number of U.S. cities, most notably Minneapolis, over the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.

But Infantino said there were never calls for businesses to boycott a country, “so why football?”

The 55-year-old added: “In our divided world, in our aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come, can meet around the passion (for football).”

Infantino also said FIFA and UEFA — European football’s governing body — would “have to” look at allowing Russia back into international action.

Russia has been banned since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but the International Olympic Committee has now recommended sports federations allow Russian teams to compete at youth level.

“We have to(look at readmitting Russia. Definitely,” Infantino said. “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.

“Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.” (JapanToday)

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Gospel legend Ron Kenoly dies at 81

The celebrated American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter, Ron Kenoly, has passed away at the age of 81.

The news was confirmed by Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s longtime music director, in a statement shared on the singer’s official Instagram page. The statement revealed that Kenoly died on February 3, 2026, though the cause of death was not disclosed.

Miranda, who worked closely with Kenoly for more than 20 years, described him as not only a mentor but also a spiritual father, emphasizing Kenoly’s dedication to his calling.

“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” the statement read.

“For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world—not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness. Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant.”

Miranda elaborated on Kenoly’s philosophy of worship, highlighting that he viewed his role as guiding people into sincere reverence for God.

“A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to ‘enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise’ (Psalm 100:4, ESV). Worship, he would say, is always rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what we want Him to do.

“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.


“Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.

“Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.”

Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly moved to Hollywood, California, after high school and later served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968. During his military service, he performed with a cover band, the Mellow Fellows, which toured various military bases.

After his service, Kenoly returned to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time music ministry, eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in contemporary Christian worship music.

His breakthrough came in 1992 with the release of “Lift Him Up”, which became the fastest-selling worship album of its time.

Kenoly’s extensive discography includes:

  • Jesus Is Alive (1991)
  • Ancient of Days (1992)
  • God Is Able (1994)
  • Sing Out With One Voice (1995)
  • Welcome Home (1996)
  • High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly (Channels)

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Grammys 2026: Bad Bunny makes history with Album of the Year, Kendrick Lamar becomes most-awarded rapper ever

Bad Bunny made history at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Sunday night, becoming the first-ever artist to win the Grammy for album of the year for a non-English language album for his landmark DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.

“I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams,” Benito said.

Outside of album of the year, Kendrick Lamar, who was the most-nominated act coming into the evening with nine overall, went back-to-back for record of the year with “Luther,” his collaboration with SZA. The record of the year win, though, came with a bit of confusion as Cher, who’d just received a Lifetime Achievement Award, began to walk off stage before announcing the category, then announced “Luther Vandross” as the winner. Lamar earned five wins on the night, including for best rap album and best rap song, and he became the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history, surpassing Jay-Z as the new record-holder.

A full list of winners is available here.

This year’s Grammys — the final year the show airs on CBS and the last time Trevor Noah is hosting — carried a strong political undercurrent throughout the night as many of the industry’s biggest artists called out ICE amid the turmoil that’s rocked Minneapolis in recent weeks. Many of the evening’s winners either directly called out the government or voicing their support to immigrants.

SZA came backstage Sunday night after the “Luther” win, calling it “dystopian that we’re dressed up and able to celebrate accolades in the material world.”

“People are getting snatched up and shot in the face on the street, it just feels bizarre,” she said.

Billie Eilish had one of the bigger surprises of the evening as “Wildflower,” her hit off 2024 album Hit Me Hard and Soft, took home song of the year, winning out in a category that featured the likes of Kpop Demon Hunters smash “Golden,” Carpenter’s “Manchild” and Bad Bunny’s “DtMF,” among others. During her speech, alongside her brother Finneas, Eilish said “fuck ICE,” further adding that “no one is illegal on stolen land.”

Before the album of the year win, Bad Bunny began his acceptance speech for best música urbana album by saying “ICE out.” “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Meanwhile, Olivia Dean won out for best new artist, and during her acceptance speech, the “Man I Need” singer called herself “a granddaughter of immigrants.”

“I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated,” Dean said. “We’re nothing without each other.”

Bad Bunny, Lamar, Lady Gaga and Carpenter all came into Sunday with nominations across the major three categories, and while Gaga won for pop vocal album of the year, she was left out in the general field and is still yet to win a Grammy outside of the genre categories. Carpenter, who had six nominations this evening, came away empty-handed.

Rosé and Bruno Mars opened the show with global smash “Apt.,” itself a historic performance putting K-pop on music’s biggest stage. (While the song didn’t win for its record of the year nomination, another K-pop tune made history as “Golden” became the first K-pop song to ever win a Grammy). Carpenter followed soon after Mars and Rosé an instant classic “Manchild” performance that had Carpenter playing the role of pilot running through an airport.

Lamar started the night strong, winning the first award of the night for best rap album with GNX, beating out Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out and Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia. All three rap albums were up for album of the year. Clipse, meanwhile, took home a Grammy during the pre-telecast for best rap performance with “Chains and Whips,” which featured Lamar as well. (THR)

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More than 200 dead in landslides at rebel-controlled mine in DR Congo

At least 200 people were killed earlier this week when heavy rains triggered a series of catastrophic landslides at the Rubaya coltan mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The site has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since 2024.

“It rained, a landslide followed, and it swept people away. Some were swallowed up, others died in the wells. Many are still trapped inside,” said miner Franck Bolingo.

A spokesperson for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu province, Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, said the victims include “miners, children and market women”.

He added that at least 20 injured people are being treated, some in local health facilities, while others will be transferred to Goma, the nearest city around 50 kilometres away.

With search and rescue operations still continuing, officials say the death toll is expected to rise.

Muyisa said the governor has temporarily halted artisanal mining on the site and ordered the relocation of residents who had built shelters near the mine.

Rubaya produces about 15 per cent of the world’s coltan which is processed into a hard metal used notably to make smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines.

The United Nations says M23 has plundered the mine’s riches to help fund its insurgency

Rubaya lies in the heart of mineral-rich eastern DRC which for decades has been ripped apart by violence between government forces and different armed groups.

Since its resurgence in 2021, the M23 group has taken vast tracts of the eastern DRC.

Despite a US-brokered deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments and Kinshasa’s ongoing negotiations with the rebels, fighting continues on several fronts in the region. (AfricaNews)

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Tinubu Returns From Türkiye

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria from his state visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

Tinubu arrived at about 8:55 p.m.

He was received by senior government officials.

The President had departed Abuja for Türkiye on January 26, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

It follows an earlier official visit to Nigeria by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan between October 19 and 20, 2021, which reinforced diplomatic ties between Abuja and Ankara.

During the days-long trip, Tinubu and his Turkish counterpart signed nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

At the centre of this was the move to ramp up bilateral trade from $2 billion to $5 billion.

“We also discussed opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria. We believe that the joint Economy and Trade Committee, which we agreed to establish today, will be instrumental in this regard,” Tinubu had said in a joint briefing with Erdogan.

Other deals sealed during the trip ranged from energy cooperation, media, higher education, and Halal Quality Infrastructure, aimed at giving Nigerian agricultural products a competitive edge.

Erdogan said his country would support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, expressing readiness to deepen cooperation in military training and intelligence.

Speaking at a joint press conference, the Turkish president said that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is taking firm steps against terrorism, and Türkiye stands by the Nigerian people in this struggle.

“We are ready to share Türkiye’s significant experience in counterterrorism,” presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the Turkish leader as saying.

The Turkish president also said terrorist groups, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, pose a threat to the continent’s stability.

Nigerian officials held meetings with Türkiye’s leading defense industry firms during the visit and expressed confidence that the outcomes of those talks would be positive.

While Nigeria exports crude oil and agricultural products to Turkiye, the European country exports planes, iron and steel, chemical products, and helicopters to the West African country. (Channels)