This is The Loop, your quick catch-up for this morning's news as it happened.
Key events
Live updates
That's all for The Loop this morning
By Tom Williams
Thanks for joining me today. If you're catching up, here's a bit of what was covered this morning, as we head into the weekend:
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Search continues for Australians missing in Türkiye and Syria
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Artists pay tribute to Burt Bacharach, who has died aged 94
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Ukraine's president pleads for more weapons and EU membership
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Tennis player banned for life after being found guilty of fixing 135 matches
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Disgraced FTX crypto boss Sam Bankman-Fried's bail conditions extended
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Mouse called Sir Patrick Stewart declared oldest living mouse in human care
You can keep up-to-date with other news on the ABC's website, by subscribing to our mobile alerts, and by watching News Channel or listening to local radio here.
SpaceX test fires its huge Super Heavy rocket booster for the first time
By Tom Williams
SpaceX's towering Super Heavy booster — one half of the company's Starship rocket system — has briefly roared to life for the first time in a test-firing that puts the huge moon and Mars vehicle closer to its first orbital flight in the coming months.
Only 31 of the Super Heavy booster's 33 Raptor rocket engines fired for roughly 10 seconds at SpaceX's south Texas rocket facilities, Chief Executive Elon Musk tweeted shortly after the test.
"Team turned off 1 engine just before start & 1 stopped itself, so 31 engines fired overall," he said. "But still enough engines to reach orbit!"
The test kicks in about halfway through the below video.
Some of your weekly news quiz scores
By Tom Williams
Got 3/10 in the quiz. Apparently I only pay attention to China/US related drama, covid updates, and politicians quitting suddenly 😅
- Basia
I got 8/10 in the quiz which is my best performance ever!
- Emma
A valiant effort, Basia! There's always next week. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
And nicely done Emma! You really know your stuff.
If you haven't done this week's news quiz yet, you can tackle it here.
US congresswoman Angie Craig allegedly assaulted at Washington apartment
By Tom Williams
Democratic congresswoman Angie Craig of Minnesota was allegedly assaulted in her Washington apartment building on Thursday, suffering bruises while escaping serious injury in an attack that did not appear to be politically motivated, her chief of staff said.
Craig was assaulted in the elevator at about 7:15 am local time, and called 911 as the alleged assailant fled, Nick Coe said in a statement.
"Rep. Craig defended herself from the attacker and suffered bruising, but is otherwise physically okay," he added.
The attack follows an assault on the husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in their San Francisco home in October by a man who told police his motive was political and that his intended target was the speaker.
Members of US Congress have faced a sharp rise in threats since the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol building.
Capitol Police investigated nearly 10,000 threats to members last year, more than twice the number from four years earlier.
Elon Musk's Neuralink being investigated over hazardous pathogens
By Tom Williams
The US Department of Transportation says it is investigating Elon Musk's brain-implant company Neuralink over the potentially illegal movement of hazardous pathogens.
A department spokesperson has told the Reuters news agency about the probe after animal-welfare advocacy group the Physicians Committee of Responsible Medicine (PCRM) wrote to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg earlier to alert him of records it said it had obtained.
PCRM said it had emails and other documents which suggested unsafe packaging and movement of implants removed from the brains of monkeys. These implants may have carried infectious diseases in violation of federal law, PCRM said.
The Department of Transportation spokesperson said the agency took PCRM's allegations and the investigation "very seriously".
Representatives for Neuralink, including Musk, have not responded to comment requests.
It's Friday, so it's news quiz time!
By Tom Williams
It's been a busy news week that has included a Reserve Bank decision, an NBA record and a resignation in parliament.
Let's see how much you remember — and send me your scores in the comments if you're brave enough!
Australia's Sam Kerr scores four times to lead Chelsea into League Cup final
By Tom Williams
Sam Kerr has led Chelsea to the English League Cup final in emphatic fashion, scoring four times in a 7-0 demolition of hapless West Ham.
The Matildas skipper was bang on target yet again for the Blues, who will now meet London arch-rivals Arsenal for the silverware in the competition at Selhurst Park on March 5.
Kerr has been in prolific goalscoring touch for Chelsea this season, her quartet of goals bringing her tally to 20 in all competitions.
Rihanna discusses upcoming live return at Super Bowl halftime show
By Mawunyo Gbogbo
As fans ready themselves for pop star Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show, Rihanna herself is busy meticulously preparing for one of the biggest stages in music.
The national hero of Barbados knows there's a lot riding on her return to the stage during the Super Bowl LVII halftime show on Monday, Australian time, for her first public performance since the 2018 Grammy Awards.
At a press conference this morning Rihanna told Apple Music's Nadeska Alexis that she was not worried about coming off as bossy during rehearsals.
"At the end of the day, if it flops or it flies my name has to stand by that," Rihanna said. "And so, I really get involved with every aspect of anything that I do."
Rihanna has said no to performing the Super Bowl in the past. But she says now is the time.
"It feels like it could have only been now. I mean, when I first got the call to do it again this year, I was like, 'Psst, you sure? I'm three months postpartum, like, should I be making major decisions like this now?' Like I might regret this.
"But when you become a mum, there's something that just happens where you feel like you could take on the world, you could do anything. And the Super Bowl is one of the biggest stages in the world."
Rihanna also shared this teaser for the performance on Instagram:
Mouse called Sir Patrick Stewart declared oldest living mouse in human care
By Tom Williams
Here's a cute story for your Friday — if you don't have a fear of rodents …
A tiny pacific pocket mouse called Sir Patrick Stewart (named after the Star Trek actor) has been awarded the Guinness World Record as the oldest living mouse in human care at the ripe age of 9 years and 209 days.
And look how cute the little guy is!
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said Pat was born under a conservation breeding program, aimed at helping the endangered species.
"This recognition is so special for our team, and is significant for the species," says Debra Shier, who established and oversees the conservation program.
"It's indicative of the dedication and incredible care we as an organisation provide for each species, from the largest to the very smallest."
Crypto exchange Kraken agrees to shut down part of service, pay fine
By Tom Williams
Crypto exchange Kraken has agreed to shut down its cryptocurrency staking service and pay $US30 million ($43 million) in penalties as part of a settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the agency said.
Kraken offers its customers the ability to "stake" certain crypto tokens in order to earn rewards.
"Today's action should make clear to the marketplace that staking-as-a-service providers must register and provide full, fair, and truthful disclosure and investor protection," said SEC Chair Gary Gensler.
It was reported earlier this week that Kraken was under investigation by the SEC for the sale of unregistered securities.
Search continues for Australians missing in Türkiye and Syria
By Tom Williams
The families of three Australians still missing in the region impacted by this week's deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria are holding on to hope their loved ones will emerge from the devastation.
Can Pahali from Sydney was confirmed as the first Australian to have died in the disaster yesterday after his body was recovered from rubble in Türkiye.
A black ribbon was projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House overnight as a symbol of remembrance and mourning for the more than 20,000 victims.
There are 72 New South Wales emergency service personnel flying out of RAAF Base Richmond today to assist with search and rescue efforts.
The contingent includes 52 firefighters specially trained in urban search and rescue operations and disaster response and five special operations paramedics.
Up to four SA mayors allegedly caught up in disclosure debacle
By Tom Williams
South Australia’s local government minister says up to four mayors have allegedly been caught up in a disclosure debacle that could cost the jobs of almost 50 elected members across multiple councils.
Geoff Brock tells ABC News Breakfast that dozens of councillors failed to disclose their gift registry to the Electoral Commission of South Australia following last November’s elections.
“We have to have the transparency to ensure that communities can have full trust in local government across all of South Australia, but unfortunately this has happened at the moment and it is very frustrating. I'm very disappointed,” he says.
Under state law, councillors need to declare any gifts over $500, but those who don’t get any gifts still need to submit a declaration.
Artists pay tribute to Burt Bacharach, who has died aged 94
By Tom Williams
Artists from across the world have paid tribute to influential songwriter Burt Bacharach, who has died in Los Angeles at age 94.
The Oscar-winner is best known for hit songs like Alfie, I Say a Little Prayer, I'll Never Fall in Love Again and This Guy's in Love with You.
Here are some of the tributes:
You can read more tributes here:
Ukraine's president pleads for more weapons and EU membership
By Tom Williams
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked his Western allies for more weapons and said "a Ukraine that is winning" its war with Russia should become a member of the European Union, arguing the bloc won't be complete without it.
Zelenskyy made his appeal at EU headquarters in Brussels as he wrapped up a rare, two-day trip outside Ukraine to seek new weaponry to repel the invasion that Moscow has been waging for nearly a year.
As he spoke, a new offensive by Russia in eastern Ukraine was under way.
Zelenskyy, who also visited the UK and France, received applause and cheers from the European Parliament and a summit of the 27 EU leaders, insisting in his speech that the fight with Russia was one for the freedom of all of Europe.
"A Ukraine that is winning is going to be member of the European Union," Zelenskyy said, building his appeal around the common destiny that Ukraine and the bloc face in confronting Russia.
"Europe will always be, and remain Europe as long as we … take care of the European way of life."
EU membership talks should start later this year, Zelenskyy said, an ambitious request given the huge task ahead.
Such a move would help motivate Ukrainian soldiers in their defense of the country, he said.
Search for survivors continues in Türkiye and Syria, as death toll passes 20,000
By Tom Williams
The search for survivors continues following devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, where the death toll has now surpassed 20,000 people.
Middle East Correspondent Allyson Horn says people in Türkiye are trying to salvage whatever they can.
"The residents here tell us they know that in this building, for example, there is still a family buried there and yet there are no rescuers here," she says.
"The residents have been trying to claw through this rubble with their bare hands to reach this family, but, as you can see, it's an impossible task."
Australians in Türkiye have also spoken of experiencing survivor's guilt after losing friends in the earthquakes.
You can read their stories here:
NBA star Kevin Durant traded from Brooklyn to Phoenix
By Tom Williams
With trade deadline day arriving in the NBA, there's been news of a blockbuster trade.
The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to send Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns for a package that included Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation.
Another big name was moved a day earlier when the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to send Russell Westbrook to Utah as part of a three-way deal with Utah and Minnesota that brought D'Angelo Russell back to LA.
Here's how Sacramento Kings guard Terence Davis II reacted to all of the news:
Tennis player banned for life after being found guilty of fixing 135 matches
By Tom Williams
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) says Moroccan former tennis player Younes Rachidi has been banned from the sport for life after being found guilty of fixing 135 matches, the highest number of offences by one individual ever detected.
The 36-year-old was involved in match-fixing with two Algerian players recently banned by the ITIA, the independent body said, with the cases uncovered following law enforcement investigations in conjunction with the ITIA in Belgium.
"The case was ruled on by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Janie Soubliere who found all charges proved, the 135 breaches 'egregious' and imposed a fine of $US34,000 in addition to the life ban," the ITIA said in a statement.
Rachidi, who had a highest ATP doubles ranking of 473, is now permanently prohibited from playing in, coaching at or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis.
Disgraced FTX crypto boss Sam Bankman-Fried's bail conditions extended
By Tom Williams
A US judge has extended a ban on FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder Sam Bankman-Fried's ability to contact employees of companies he once controlled, and his use of encrypted messaging technology while out on bail awaiting trial on fraud charges.
A judge had temporarily barred Bankman-Fried from contacting any current or former employees of FTX or Alameda Research, his hedge fund, after prosecutors raised concerns that the 30-year-old former billionaire may be trying to tamper with witnesses.
As a condition of his release on $US250 million bond, the judge also prevented Bankman-Fried from using messaging apps such as Signal that let users auto-delete messages.
Defense lawyers have argued that Bankman-Fried's efforts to contact an FTX general counsel and its new chief executive John Ray were attempts to offer "assistance" and not interfere.
News Australia is searching for
By Tom Williams
Australia vs India
Australia's hopes of a breakthrough Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in India are in tatters after the hosts dominated day one of the first Test in Nagpur yesterday.
After electing to bat first on a turning pitch at VCA Stadium, the tourists were skittled for 177, before India raced to 1-77 at stumps.
India captain Rohit Sharma (56 not out) belted his Australian counterpart Pat Cummins for 13 runs off the first over in an ominous start to the home side's innings.
Play resumes today at 2pm AEST (3pm AEDT) — so keep an eye out for the ABC Sport live blog.
One more thing: Indian government asks people to hug cows on Valentine's Day
By Tom Williams
India's government-run animal welfare department has appealed to citizens to mark Valentine's Day this year not as a celebration of romance but as "Cow Hug Day" to better promote Hindu values.
Devout Hindus, who worship cows as holy, say the Western holiday goes against traditional Indian values.
In recent years, Hindu hardliners have raided shops in Indian cities, burned cards and gifts, and chased hand-holding couples out of restaurants and parks, saying that Valentine's Day promotes promiscuity. Hardline political groups say such actions pave the way to reassert Hindu identity.
Young educated Indians irrespective of their religion typically spend the holiday crowding parks and restaurants, exchanging gifts and holding parties to celebrate like any other Indian festival.
The Hindu nationalist government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing a Hindu agenda, seeking supremacy of the religion at the expense of a secular nation known for its diversity.
