The British Medical Association (BMA), representing doctors in the UK, is accused by the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, of behaving like a cartel and endangering the future of the National Health Service (NHS). His comments come as resident doctors prepare for a five-day strike in England due to unresolved pay issues.
Key Facts
The BMA is accused of acting like a cartel by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
A five-day strike by resident doctors in England is set to begin on Friday.
Talks between the government and the BMA broke down last week.
The government offered to cover exam fees and expand training places, but the BMA rejected it, insisting on addressing pay.
Resident doctors have received pay increases of nearly 30% over the past three years.
The BMA argues that real pay is still lower than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.
Streeting criticized the BMA's opposition to higher taxes for the wealthy as a means of investing in public services.
Streeting claims the BMA's actions threaten the NHS and cause disruptions for patients and other NHS staff.
Adele will make her acting debut in the upcoming film "Cry to Heaven," directed by Tom Ford. The movie is based on an Anne Rice novel about "castrati" singers in the 18th Century. Tom Ford will both direct and write the movie, and the film will include several well-known actors.
Key Facts
Adele will star in the film "Cry to Heaven," marking her first acting role.
Tom Ford, a former fashion designer, will direct, produce, and write the film.
The film is adapted from an Anne Rice novel about 18th Century "castrati" singers.
The cast includes actors like Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Colin Firth.
Tom Ford has directed two other films: "A Single Man" and "Nocturnal Animals."
Ford sold his fashion brand to Estee Lauder for $2.8 billion in 2022.
Adele announced plans to take a break from performing and do other creative projects.
At least 42 people are missing and likely dead after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Libya. Seven people survived and were rescued, while 42 others remain unaccounted for. The incident adds to the high number of deaths in the Central Mediterranean this year.
Key Facts
A boat with migrants capsized off the coast of Libya on November 3, 2025.
The boat's engine stopped working, leading to the accident in high waves.
Seven people survived the incident; 42 are missing and presumed dead.
The seven survivors were rescued and are receiving medical care in Tripoli.
The group included 47 men and two women; missing people are from Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
Libya is a frequent departure point for migrants heading to Europe.
Over 1,000 people have died in the Central Mediterranean area in 2025 alone.
Libya has been unstable since the overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa, died in police detention in 1977. The South African Justice Minister reopened an inquest into his death to determine if there is enough evidence for a murder charge. This action follows public calls for accountability for apartheid-era crimes.
Key Facts
Steve Biko was a well-known anti-apartheid activist in South Africa.
Biko was arrested in August 1977 and died in custody less than a month later.
The apartheid regime had restricted Biko's political actions and movements.
In September 2023, South Africa's Justice Minister ordered a new inquest into Biko's death.
The Eastern Cape High Court postponed the inquest hearings to January 30.
The National Prosecuting Authority identified two people of interest in Biko's death.
Biko's family welcomes the inquest but finds the wait for justice frustrating.
The inquest is part of broader efforts to address unresolved apartheid-era deaths.
An email from 2011, written by Jeffrey Epstein, claims that President Donald Trump spent hours with one of Epstein's victims. The email was released by the House Oversight Committee and has sparked more discussions about Epstein's connections. The White House dismissed the emails, stating there was no wrongdoing by President Trump.
Key Facts
A 2011 email from Jeffrey Epstein mentions President Trump spending time with an unnamed victim.
The email was shared with Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.
White House dismissed the emails, saying they are selectively released.
The alleged victim, Virginia Giuffre, stated Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing.
Trump reportedly removed Epstein from his club years ago.
Epstein's network included influential figures worldwide.
Epstein faced legal troubles for sex trafficking and was found dead in 2019.
Calls have been made for the release of government documents related to Epstein.
In Bangladesh, floating schools on solar-powered boats help children access education despite frequent floods. These boats serve as classrooms, libraries, and health clinics.
Key Facts
Bangladesh experiences frequent flooding.
Rising waters often cut off access to traditional schools.
Architect Mohammed Rezwan designed solar-powered boats.
These boats function as classrooms, libraries, and clinics.
The initiative helps educate children and provides medical services.
It addresses challenges linked to climate change, such as flood resilience.
A TikTok video showing a cat comforting its owner during a home birth has gained significant attention online. The cat, named Jack, was seen offering support and affection as the owner went through labor, a behavior it has shown during all her home births. The video's heartwarming nature resonated with many viewers, gathering millions of views and likes.
Key Facts
Maria shared photos on TikTok of her cat comforting her during a home birth.
The video gained over 4.2 million views and 1.2 million likes.
Maria noted that Jack, the cat, has been with her since it was a kitten.
The cat showed attentive and caring behavior during labor.
Jack has been present during each of Maria's three home births.
TikTok viewers reacted positively to the cat's affectionate actions.
Bunting, or headbutting, by cats is a sign of affection.
Jack is now 10 years old and has always been clingy and loving.
Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honor for her contributions to broadcasting. Daly dedicated the award to her late father and expressed her gratitude after attending the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also announced they are leaving the show after its Christmas special this year.
Key Facts
Tess Daly received an MBE for services to broadcasting.
She dedicated the honor to her late father.
The investiture ceremony took place at Windsor Castle.
Daly has been on television for 25 years and co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing since its first series, 21 years ago.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman served as co-hosts for Strictly Come Dancing since 2014.
Their last episode on the show will be this year’s Christmas special.
Tess Daly expressed excitement about potential new opportunities and having more free time after leaving the show.
The pair won a Bafta for their entertainment program in 2024.
A major corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector led to the resignation of top government ministers. The scandal involves a state-owned nuclear power company and has put several officials under investigation for embezzlement and kickbacks. The Ukrainian government is trying to manage these allegations amidst ongoing energy shortages caused by Russia's attacks.
Key Facts
Ukraine faces a corruption scandal involving its state-owned nuclear power company.
President Zelenskyy called for the dismissal of the justice and energy ministers.
The ministers have submitted their resignations.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) conducted a 15-month investigation.
NABU found evidence of $100 million in kickbacks within the energy sector.
Five people were detained, and seven others were linked to the scandal.
Ukraine is experiencing energy shortages due to Russian attacks on its infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy was elected on a platform to fight corruption in Ukraine.
A severe geomagnetic storm made the northern lights visible in Iowa and could allow them to be seen even further south. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a G4 storm watch due to solar activity, specifically coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun.
Key Facts
The northern lights were seen in Iowa due to a strong geomagnetic storm.
NOAA issued a G4 storm watch, indicating a severe level.
This storm may allow the northern lights to be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
Geomagnetic storms can disrupt communications infrastructure.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large bursts of solar energy that can cause these storms.
The highest level of geomagnetic storm is G5, which is called extreme.
A timelapse video captured the northern lights over Iowa during the storm.
President Donald Trump sent a letter to Israel's President Isaac Herzog asking for a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, but he says he has done nothing wrong. Herzog's office says anyone wanting a pardon must formally ask for it.
Key Facts
President Trump wrote to Israel's President Herzog, asking for Netanyahu to be pardoned.
Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three cases and says he is not guilty.
Trump stated he respects the independence of Israel's justice system but called the trial a "political, unjustified prosecution."
Herzog's office noted that a formal request is needed for a pardon.
Israel's law allows the president to pardon individuals even before conviction if specific conditions are met.
Some Israeli leaders, like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, support Trump's call for a pardon.
There is no formal request from Netanyahu or his family for a pardon at this time.
Amnesty International released a report stating that expanding fossil fuel infrastructure threatens billions of lives worldwide. The report highlights that a large portion of the global population lives near these sites, which pose health risks and are linked to human rights abuses. The findings were discussed at the COP30 climate conference, where leaders are urged to phase out fossil fuels to address climate change and related issues.
Key Facts
Amnesty International released a report on the dangers of fossil fuel infrastructure.
Around 2 billion people live near fossil fuel sites.
Over 3,500 new fossil fuel sites are being developed, affecting 135 million more people.
Living near these sites is linked to health issues like cancer and asthma.
Fossil fuel projects are associated with human rights abuses against activists and Indigenous people.
Indigenous territories host 16.1% of known global fossil fuel infrastructure.
COP30, a UN climate conference, took place in Brazil where these issues were discussed.
A vast majority of the global population wants stronger action on climate change.
Many families in Wales face financial difficulties due to high living costs. A report indicates that some financial pressures have eased, but families with children and disabled people still struggle significantly. Governments are working on strategies to reduce poverty.
Key Facts
Around a quarter of people in Wales are reducing or skipping meals due to financial struggles.
The Bevan Foundation report shows families with children and disabled people are especially affected.
Almost 40% of food parcels from Taff-Ely Foodbank were given to children in a six-month period.
Surveys suggest a slight decrease in people struggling to afford essentials, from 15% last year to 12%.
The number of children missing meals dropped from 21% in 2023 to 13% in 2025.
The UK and Welsh governments are planning strategies and investing in poverty reduction.
Volunteers and food banks are providing meals and support to those in need.
Discussion continues on government policies, such as the two-child limit on benefits, and their impact on poverty.
Algeria decided to release writer Boualem Sansal, pardoning him after he spent a year in jail for charges related to "undermining national unity." The pardon came after a request from Germany’s President, citing humanitarian reasons. Sansal's imprisonment and criticism of the Algerian government have strained Algeria's relations with France.
Key Facts
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune pardoned writer Boualem Sansal, who was jailed for a year.
Sansal faced charges of “undermining national unity” after criticizing Algerian authorities.
The German President requested Algeria to pardon Sansal on humanitarian grounds.
Sansal had been sentenced to five years in prison in March under anti-terrorism laws.
Tensions have grown between Algeria and France, particularly over territorial issues and deportations.
The case against Sansal is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Algeria following 2019 protests.
Other figures, including poet Mohamed Tadjadit and journalist Christophe Gleizes, have also faced jail time in Algeria for similar charges.
Amnesty International and other NGOs have criticized such charges as unfounded and repressive.
A suicide blast at a court in Islamabad, Pakistan, has heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, threatening recent peace efforts. Despite the Taliban's condemnation of the attack, Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militant groups responsible for increasing violence in the country. Ongoing security issues complicate peace talks between the two nations.
Key Facts
A suicide bombing occurred at a district court in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pakistan's defense minister, Khawaja Asif, emphasized the severity of the attack in a social media post.
Pakistan and Afghanistan recently agreed to a ceasefire, but the attack jeopardizes peace talks.
Relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have worsened over accusations of harboring militants.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering the TTP, BLA, and ISKP, though the Afghan Taliban deny these accusations.
Violence in Pakistan has risen, with over 2,500 people killed in 2024.
A major operation in Wana, South Waziristan, recently prevented a significant attack.
Analysts believe a full-scale war between Pakistan and Afghanistan is unlikely.
At least six people died, and 22 were injured in a crowd crush at a military recruitment event in Accra, Ghana. The crush happened because many applicants rushed into the stadium, breaking security measures. The event, held at El-Wak stadium, had attracted large crowds due to high youth unemployment.
Key Facts
Six people died at a military recruitment event in Accra, Ghana.
The crush was caused by a rush of applicants breaching security.
Twenty-two people were injured, five of whom are in critical condition.
The event took place at El-Wak stadium in Accra.
Ghana's youth unemployment rate is around 32%, leading to large numbers at such events.
The application deadline was extended by a week to allow more people to apply.
The crowd crush happened before the event officially started at 06:20 GMT.
Calm was restored, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
President Donald Trump sent a letter to Israel's President Isaac Herzog, asking him to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump called the corruption charges against Netanyahu political and unjustified. Herzog stated that a formal process is needed to request a pardon.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump asked Israel's President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump called the corruption charges against Netanyahu political and unjustified.
Herzog said a formal process is needed for a pardon request.
Netanyahu's leadership during a recent conflict, which caused significant casualties, was mentioned in Trump's letter.
The Israeli presidency, though mostly ceremonial, holds the power to grant pardons after a legal verdict.
Trump's letter emphasized his support for Netanyahu and the recent ceasefire in Gaza.
Israeli media shared copies of Trump’s letter on the issue.
Herzog expressed respect for Trump's support of Israel but reiterated the need for following established pardon procedures.
In a recent session, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated he never approved negative briefings against his cabinet ministers. Reports had suggested internal challenges to his leadership, prompting denials from Health Secretary Wes Streeting and related discussions on party culture. Speculation about potential successors also emerged.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denied authorizing any negative remarks about his cabinet ministers.
Concerns arose about Sir Keir potentially facing a leadership challenge from within his cabinet.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed rumors of his interest in leading a challenge against Sir Keir.
Streeting described the environment in Downing Street as "toxic" and not supportive.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the current government, saying confidence was lost.
Discussions about possible successors, including Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband, were reported.
The prime minister's press secretary said negative briefings came from outside Downing Street.
There was no confirmation of a leak investigation, but leaks would be addressed if necessary.
The article discusses emails that show author Michael Wolff advising Jeffrey Epstein on how to handle questions about his past friendship with President Donald Trump. Epstein and Trump had a close friendship for about ten years but fell out over a property dispute in 2004. The release of these emails by House Democrats has renewed focus on their relationship.
Key Facts
Michael Wolff advised Jeffrey Epstein on letting Trump "hang himself" regarding questions about their past friendship.
Epstein and Trump were close friends for ten years before they fell out in 2004 over a property bidding war.
Epstein passed away by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.
Emails released by House Democrats indicate Epstein wrote about Trump spending time at his house with one of Epstein’s victims.
Wolff noted that discussions about Epstein might be politically sensitive for Trump.
Michael Wolff has authored several books about Trump, including “Fire and Fury.”
Emails released stem from the period around Epstein’s 2008 legal issues.
There were concerns about the potential release of "Epstein files," but Wolff doubts they will be made public in full.
The number of people diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide increased in 2024, reaching a new record, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This rise is seen as an improvement in detection and treatment post-COVID-19 disruptions. However, TB-related deaths slightly decreased last year.
Key Facts
In 2024, about 8.3 million people worldwide were newly diagnosed with TB.
This number represents 78% of the estimated total of people who fell ill with TB globally.
The increase suggests better TB screening and treatment after disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TB-related deaths globally dropped to 1.23 million in 2024, from 1.25 million in 2023.
In the U.S., TB cases rose to the highest level in over 12 years.
Most U.S. TB cases occur in people born outside the country.
TB is a bacterial disease that attacks the lungs and can be spread through the air.
WHO's latest TB report used data from 184 countries.
