Need to Know News: Santorum jolts GOP presidential race with 3-state sweep; Appeals court rejects California's Proposition 8

Each day, we here at "Piers Morgan Tonight" put together the news you need to know – from what happened last night to what will happen today.

For February 8, 2012 – Rick Santorum jolts GOP presidential race with 3-state sweep, appeals court rejects California's Proposition 8 and Fox explains the 'X Factor' shakeup...

• Santorum jolts GOP presidential race with 3-state sweep: "Rick Santorum awoke to a new reality Wednesday after sweeping all three Republican presidential contests a day earlier, reshaping the contest that will decide who runs against President Barack Obama in November. Santorum won caucuses in Minnesota and Colorado, as well as a nonbinding primary in Missouri to energize his campaign and raise questions about front-runner Mitt Romney's ability to attract broad conservative support."

• Appeals court rejects California's Proposition 8: "A federal appeals court ruled against California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage Tuesday, arguing the ban unconstitutionally singles out gays and lesbians for discrimination."

• 'They want to finish us,' Syrian resident says: "A day after Russia's foreign minister touted the Syrian president's 'commitment' to ending violence, at least 47 people were killed in the Syrian city of Homs Wednesday, an opposition activist group said."

• Stocks to open higher on hopes for Greece: "U.S. stocks were set to take another step higher Wednesday, extending gains from the previous day, as hopeful investors continue to bet that Greece will soon secure the bailout it needs to avoid a disorderly default."

• Fox explains 'X Factor' shakeup, defends 'Idol' ratings: "After weeks of dramatic headlines about 'Idol's' slipping ratings and 'Factor's' talent departures, Fox's president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell spoke to EW about the challenges faced by 'American Idol' and 'The X Factor' - and his strategy for remaining on top."

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