Archive February 3, 2026

Gospel Legend Ron Kenoly Dies At 81

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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.

Will the US force regime change in Cuba?

US president wages maximum pressure campaign on Cuba’s already faltering economy.

Cubans are cooking on charcoal and facing worsening power blackouts after the US cut the island off of Venezuelan oil exports. US President Donald Trump promised Cuba will “fail” soon and threatened tariffs on any nations doing business with the island. Can Cuba’s communist government survive the latest US push for regime change?

In this episode:

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Haleema Shah and Melanie Marich with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Tuleen Barakat, Maya Hamadeh, and our host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Kylene Kiang. 

Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad, Vienna Maglio, and Munera AlDosari. Andrew Greiner is lead of audience engagement.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

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Electoral Act Bill Remains Inconclusive After Senate Closed-Door Session

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Passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, again remained inconclusive on Tuesday as the Senate stalled on a decision after spending over four hours considering the report of a seven-member ad hoc committee behind closed doors.

The upper chamber had commenced deliberations on the consolidated report of the committee, which was constituted last week to collate and harmonise lawmakers’ contributions on the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, before dissolving into a closed-door session to review the documents.

However, upon reconvening, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declined to comment on the outcome of the deliberations, effectively adjourning plenary to the next legislative day.

Last week, the Senate has constituted a seven-man committee to collate, harmonise, and distil lawmakers’ contributions and opinions on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, with a mandate to present a consolidated report to the chamber next Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Senate Sets Up Seven-Man Committee To Harmonise Views On Electoral Act Amendment Bill

The decision followed over two hours of consideration of the bill’s provisions during a closed-door session.

The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Niyi Adegbomore.

Other members are Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam.

The had commenced consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2026, moving into a closed-door session to review documents submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.

The closed session was convened to allow lawmakers to thoroughly examine the proposed amendments and supporting documents before engaging in further legislative debate on the bill.

England sweep Sri Lanka series in low-scoring thriller

Mike Peter

BBC Sport journalist
  • 172 Comments

Third T20 international, Pallekele

England 128-9 (20 overs): Curran 58 (48); Chameera 5-24

Sri Lanka 116 (19.3 overs): Kusal Mendis 26 (26); Bethell 4-11, Jacks 3-14

England won by 12 runs; won series 3-0

England successfully defended a target of 129 to win by 12 runs against Sri Lanka in an enthralling contest, completing a 3-0 T20 series sweep and entering the World Cup with momentum.

Sam Curran hit a career-best 58 after a top-order collapse as England finished on 128-9, before the tourists’ spinners took nine wickets to pull off an unlikely victory.

Will Jacks took 3-14, while Jacob Bethell secured the last four Sri Lankan wickets, including three in one over, to finish with 4-11 as the hosts were bowled out for 116.

Having chosen to bat, opener Ben Duckett was dismissed lbw for a golden duck, while Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and Harry Brook were all removed for single figures prior to Curran taking his side to a score that still looked challenging to defend.

Having already lost the series with defeat in the first two games, Sri Lanka bowled superbly, with seamer Dushmantha Chameera taking 5-24, including the wicket of Curran with the penultimate ball of the innings.

Luke Wood and Liam Dawson took early wickets on a worn pitch, before Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake fell to consecutive deliveries from Adil Rashid and Jacks.

Sri Lanka were still favourites and reached 90-4 before Jacks struck again, removing Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage in consecutive overs.

Part-time spinner Jacob Bethell then took control, dismissing Dunith Wellalage, Chameera and Dasun Shanaka in the 18th over.

Having been handed the final over, he wrapped up the match with the dismissal of Maheesh Theekshana, helping England set a record for the lowest total they have ever successfully defended in T20s.

England spin their way to victory

England's squad pose with a trophy, behind a banner saying championsGetty Images

Having won the preceding one-day series and taken the first two T20s, England risked stalling a successful build-up for the World Cup with a heavy defeat in the final fixture.

However, their spinners starred in Pallekele, offering promise for the upcoming tournament, which is to be staged in India and Sri Lanka.

Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson both performed well, each taking 1-25, but England will be especially delighted that all-rounder Jacks and occasional spinner Bethell stepped up to outshine the front-line twirlers.

On a pitch that offered the greatest level of turn in the series, Brook exclusively bowled spinners after the powerplay, and turned to Bethell and Jacks as his sixth and seventh bowlers.

Jacks broke a partnership of 28 that looked set to take Sri Lanka over the victory line, trapping Kamindu Mendis lbw and then having Linyage caught on his return to the attack.

Bethell then rattled through the Sri Lankan lower order, with the hosts losing their last four wickets for four runs to fall to defeat and extending their losing run against England in this format to 11 matches.

Curran salvages England innings

Sam Curran plays a shot for England against Sri LankaGetty Images

Having twice successfully chased to secure the series, England skipper Brook could be forgiven for experimenting with setting a target after winning his third toss in a row.

However his side were swiftly in trouble, with the out-of-form Ben Duckett, playing in his first game of the series thanks to a Phil Salt injury in the warm-up, trapped lbw from the third ball of the innings.

Bethell edged behind and Banton was bowled by Dunith Wellalage before Brook chipped a catch to Liyanage, with England finding themselves 34-4 inside the last over of the powerplay.

Jos Buttler was then bowled by spinner Theekshana while Jacks became Chameera’s second victim, before Curran began to rebuild the innings.

The Surrey all-rounder, who took a hat-trick in the first match of the series, reached his half-century from 44 balls, batting steadily on a difficult surface.

He added 47 with Dawson (14) before the Hampshire spinner was caught in the deep off Chameera, and the home seamer had Jamie Overton caught by Liyanage three balls later.

‘That was awesome’ – what they said

England captain Harry Brook: “That was awesome and one of the most fun wins I’ve been part of. We have shown we can adapt to different surfaces and tonight was difficult but the way Sam Curran batted was brilliant.

“The World Cup is going to be co-hosted here and when we get the opportunity to play here we can carry that experience over. It’s been an awesome tour and hopefully we’ll come back to Sri Lanka a few more times.”

England player of the match and series Sam Curran: “It was the third time on the same wicket. 130 felt a decent score. We had some spinners who made the difference. It was a fun game. A fantastic series win and off to Mumbai tomorrow.

“Great to be back in the side and contributing. We played well and the confidence is really good.”

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka: “Of course, very much disappointed. I think we could have taken it deep.

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  • Sri Lanka
  • Cricket

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England sweep Sri Lanka in low-scoring thriller

Mike Peter

BBC Sport journalist
  • 157 Comments

Third T20 international, Pallekele

England 128-9 (20 overs): Curran 58 (48); Chameera 5-24

Sri Lanka 116 (19.3 overs): Kusal Mendis 26 (26); Bethell 4-11, Jacks 3-14

England won by 12 runs; won series 3-0

England successfully defended a target of 129 to win by 12 runs against Sri Lanka in an enthralling contest, completing a 3-0 T20 series sweep and entering the World Cup with momentum.

Sam Curran hit a career-best 58 after a top-order collapse as England finished on 128-9, before the tourists’ spinners took nine wickets to pull off an unlikely victory.

Will Jacks took 3-14, while Jacob Bethell secured the last four Sri Lankan wickets, including three in one over, to finish with 4-11 as the hosts were bowled out for 116.

Having chosen to bat, opener Ben Duckett was dismissed lbw for a golden duck, while Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and Harry Brook were all removed for single figures prior to Curran taking his side to a score that still looked challenging to defend.

Having already lost the series with defeat in the first two games, Sri Lanka bowled superbly, with seamer Dushmantha Chameera taking 5-24, including the wicket of Curran with the penultimate ball of the innings.

Luke Wood and Liam Dawson took early wickets on a worn pitch, before Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake fell to consecutive deliveries from Adil Rashid and Jacks.

Sri Lanka were still favourites and reached 90-4 before Jacks struck again, removing Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage in consecutive overs.

Part-time spinner Jacob Bethell then took control, dismissing Dunith Wellalage, Chameera and Dasun Shanaka in the 18th over.

Having been handed the final over, he wrapped up the match with the dismissal of Maheesh Theekshana, helping England set a record for the lowest total they have ever successfully defended in T20s.

England spin their way to victory

England's squad pose with a trophy, behind a banner saying championsGetty Images

Having won the preceding one-day series and taken the first two T20s, England risked stalling a successful build-up for the World Cup with a heavy defeat in the final fixture.

However, their spinners starred in Pallekele, offering promise for the upcoming tournament, which is to be staged in India and Sri Lanka.

Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson both performed well, each taking 1-25, but England will be especially delighted that all-rounder Jacks and occasional spinner Bethell stepped up to outshine the front-line spinners.

On a pitch that offered the greatest level of turn in the series, Brook exclusively bowled spinners after the powerplay, and turned to Bethell and Jacks as his sixth and seventh bowlers.

Jacks broke a partnership of 28 that looked set to take Sri Lanka over the victory line, trapping Kamindu Mendis lbw and then having Linyage caught on his return to the attack.

Bethell then rattled through the Sri Lankan lower order, with the hosts losing their last four wickets for four runs to fall to defeat and extending their losing run against England in this format to 11 matches.

Curran salvages England innings

Sam Curran plays a shot for England against Sri LankaGetty Images

Having twice successfully chased to secure the series, England skipper Brook could be forgiven for experimenting with setting a target after winning his third toss in a row.

However his side were swiftly in trouble, with the out-of-form Ben Duckett, playing in his first game of the series thanks to a Phil Salt injury in the warm-up, trapped lbw from the third ball of the innings.

Bethell edged behind and Banton was bowled by Dunith Wellalage before Brook chipped a catch to Liyanage, with England finding themselves 34-4 inside the last over of the powerplay.

Jos Buttler was then bowled by spinner Theekshana while Jacks became Chameera’s second victim, before Curran began to rebuild the innings.

The Surrey all-rounder, who took a hat-trick in the first match of the series, reached his half-century from 44 balls, batting steadily on a worn pitch.

He added 47 with Dawson (14) before the Hampshire spinner was caught in the deep off Chameera, and the seamer had Jamie Overton caught by Liyanage three balls later.

‘That was awesome’ – what they said

England captain Harry Brook: “That was awesome and one of the most fun wins I’ve been part of. We have shown we can adapt to different surfaces and tonight was difficult but the way Sam Curran batted was brilliant.

“The World Cup is going to be co-hosted here and when we get the opportunity to play here we can carry that experience over. It’s been an awesome tour and hopefully we’ll come back to Sri Lanka a few more times.”

England all-rounder Sam Curran: “It was the third time on the same wicket. 130 felt a decent score. We had some spinners who made the difference. It was a fun game. A fantastic series win and off to Mumbai tomorrow.

“Great to be back in the side and contributing. We played well and the confidence is really good.”

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka: “Of course, very much disappointed. I think we could have taken it deep.

Related topics

  • England Men’s Cricket Team
  • Sri Lanka
  • Cricket

More on this story

    • 3 hours ago
    England captain Thomas Rew salutes the crowd after making a century
    • 8 hours ago
    A collection of cricket bats not yet finished in a workshop
    • 16 August 2025
    BBC Sport microphone and phone

Will Hezbollah continue to avoid responding to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon?

Beirut, Lebanon – The Lebanese group Hezbollah has launched only one attack in the 14 months since a ceasefire with Israel began – despite more than 11,000 Israeli violations.

The Israeli attacks continue to devastate parts of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley and are keeping approximately 64,000 Lebanese displaced.

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Hezbollah has not been in a position to respond after being weakened during the 2024 war, in which most of its military leadership was killed, including longtime Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, analysts say.

But the group hasn’t ruled out a response – especially as Hezbollah is increasingly under pressure to disarm.

“No one can predict when Hezbollah will respond,” Qassem Kassir, a journalist close to Hezbollah, told Al Jazeera. “It’s linked to the escalating Israeli aggression, [a Hezbollah response will happen] if a suitable opportunity presents itself, and in the event that diplomatic efforts fail.”

‘Hezbollah committed to the ceasefire’

When the ceasefire was announced between Hezbollah and Israel on November 27, 2024, the Lebanese group was badly weakened militarily and politically. The fall of its ally in Syria, the al-Assad regime, less than two weeks later, cut off a crucial land supply route used to transport financing and weapons from Iran.

The ceasefire stipulated that both Hezbollah and Israel would cease their attacks, Hezbollah would pull back its forces from south of the Litani River that runs across south Lebanon, and Israel would withdraw its forces from its northern neighbour.

But Israel has not stopped attacking Lebanon, and it continues to occupy five points in southern Lebanon. Other issues that are of importance to Hezbollah and the Lebanese state include the fate of Lebanese prisoners in Israeli jails and reconstruction, which Israel has prevented through the repeated targeting of construction equipment.

Still, Hezbollah has only attacked Israel once since November 2024. The lone strike was in December 2024, when Hezbollah responded to repeated Israeli attacks by firing at an Israeli military post. No one was harmed, but Israel responded to that attack by killing 11 people in Lebanon.

In the months since, Israel has killed more than 330 people in Lebanon, including at least 127 civilians, and a top Hezbollah commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai.

“Hezbollah committed to the ceasefire in order to give the Lebanese state, government, and army the opportunity to implement the ceasefire and achieve demands through diplomatic means, as promised by the President of the Republic [Joseph Aoun],” Kassir said. “Furthermore, it wants to take the time to rebuild and allow people to return to their villages and homes.”

‘No position to respond’

For years, Hezbollah’s military capacity acted as a deterrent to Israeli aggression. But that changed after the last war.

Analysts said that should Hezbollah respond, it would likely incur the wrath of Israel’s military, bringing back a scale of violence that displaced more than 1.2 million people and killed thousands.

“Hezbollah is simply in no position today to respond to Israel,” Lebanese political analyst Karim Emile Bitar told Al Jazeera. “Any retaliation from Lebanon would provoke an uproar in the domestic political arena, and it is also likely to be highly ineffective from a military standpoint. The party is simply too weak to enter into such an endeavour.”

“Israel has changed the rules of engagement through deep intelligence penetration, cyber-enabled targeting, AI-assisted surveillance, and precision strikes that degrade command, logistics, and leadership,” Imad Salamey, a political scientist at the Lebanese American University, told Al Jazeera.

There is, however, one scenario that might force Hezbollah’s hand, analysts said. An attack on Iran, Hezbollah’s longtime benefactor, could kick the group into action.

On January 26, Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem delivered a televised speech addressing his party’s position on US threats to attack Iran.

“We are determined to defend ourselves,” Qassem said. “We will choose in due course how to act.”

Hezbollah is a notoriously secretive group. And following a war where the group felt exposed by Israeli intelligence, their secretiveness has likely intensified. Still, reports in local media and some analysts have spoken about a potential divide in the group over its position vis-a-vis Iran, and how disarmament should proceed, if at all.

Iran’s survival

With that in mind, some members of Hezbollah may view the survival of the Iranian government as existential and push them to attack the US’s most fervent regional ally, Israel.

“The only scenario in which [Hezbollah may attack Israel] is if there is a genuine, clear and present existential danger to the very survival of the Iranian regime and if the Iranian regime orders all its regional proxies to go all in,” Bitar said. “Otherwise, I think Hezbollah is most likely to stay out of it.”

Salamey said that only a “dramatic external shock” like a regional war including Iran would draw in the group. Otherwise, any response “would likely require a clear crossing of red lines that directly threaten Hezbollah’s core survival, not symbolic or tactical losses.”