A new report says that seven hospitals in the UK, built with a concrete that isn't safe, won't be rebuilt by the government's original 2030 deadline. The revised completion dates are now set for 2032 and 2033, but the National Audit Office warns some projects might miss even these new deadlines. This delay results in rising maintenance costs and continued risks for the current buildings until the reconstruction is finished.
Key Facts
Seven hospitals were built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), which is not durable.
The UK government initially set a target to rebuild these hospitals by 2030.
The completion dates have now moved to 2032 and 2033.
Metal props are currently holding up some parts of these hospitals due to safety concerns.
These hospitals will need over £500 million in maintenance by 2025.
The NHS plans to remove all Raac concrete by 2035.
The government has allocated £1.6 billion for addressing these issues over the next four years.
Delays might continue due to a tight construction schedule and limited backup plans.
The death of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's young son in a Lagos hospital has sparked public debate over healthcare safety in Nigeria. Allegations of medical negligence have emerged, including the improper medical treatment of Adichie's son and other similar cases. The Lagos State Government has initiated an investigation into these incidents.
Key Facts
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie alleges her 21-month-old son died after being denied oxygen and excessively sedated in a Lagos hospital.
The hospital expressed sympathy but denied wrongdoing, claiming treatment met international standards.
The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into Adichie's son's death.
Another case involves Aisha Umar, who allegedly died due to surgical scissors being left in her abdomen after surgery.
Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended three staff members involved in Umar's case.
Public outcry has increased following these cases, with other families sharing similar stories.
The article mentions frustration with legal and response challenges faced by affected families.
There is widespread concern about healthcare negligence and systemic issues in Nigeria's medical facilities.
The UK government will start a new fund called the Crisis and Resilience Fund in April to help people with low incomes in England. It aims to provide an annual £1 billion over three years to offer emergency cash for unexpected financial difficulties. People can get this cash through their local councils, regardless of whether they receive other benefits.
Key Facts
The Crisis and Resilience Fund starts in April and runs for three years.
The fund provides £1 billion each year to help people on low incomes in England.
Councils can give emergency cash to people facing unexpected financial issues, such as a job loss or a sudden bill.
This fund replaces the temporary Household Support Fund that is ending in March.
Local councils can divide the fund for crisis payments, housing assistance, and resilience services.
The new fund aims to reduce reliance on food banks by offering direct cash support.
England's local councils will need to publish how they will use the funds by April 1.
Funding will also be allotted to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with local authorities deciding how to use it.
Israel has shifted concrete blocks marking the Yellow Line, deeper into Gaza, according to satellite images. The Yellow Line was part of a ceasefire arrangement with Hamas that Israel agreed to respect. Conflicts have occurred around these moved lines, with reports of Israeli troops engaging with people crossing them.
Key Facts
Israel agreed to mark a ceasefire boundary in Gaza with yellow blocks as part of a deal with Hamas.
Satellite images show these blocks have been moved deeper into Gaza at several points.
Israel's military sees the Yellow Line as a "new border line."
At least 16 block positions and hundreds of markers have been moved inside Gaza.
Some parts of the Yellow Line remain unmarked, leading to confusion for residents.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied claims of moving the Yellow Line deeper.
Since October, there have been numerous military incidents at the Yellow Line.
The movement of blocks has been described by a security expert as a way to change Gaza's territory without officially changing borders.
Scientists have created a new detailed map showing the landscape beneath Antarctica's ice. This research discovered many unknown hills and ridges, offering more insight into how Antarctica may respond to climate change and affect sea-level rise.
Key Facts
Researchers used satellite data and glacier movement physics to create the new map.
The map reveals thousands of previously unknown hills and ridges beneath Antarctica's ice.
It provides a clearer view of Antarctica's hidden mountain ranges than ever before.
Understanding the landscape can help predict how Antarctica might react to climate change.
Traditional methods used radar but left gaps due to spacing between survey lines.
The new approach combined satellite data and ice movement studies to fill in these gaps.
A significant discovery includes a deep, long channel in the Maud Subglacial Basin.
The new map is a significant advance but contains some uncertainties due to the assumptions in the methods used.
A young woman in China posted a request on social media for help with a traditional pig slaughter, as her father was too old to do it. Her plea received an overwhelming response, attracting thousands of people to her village. The event turned into a large feast and social gathering, drawing attention online and from local authorities.
Key Facts
A woman named Daidai asked for help on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, to slaughter pigs for a community feast.
Her father's age prevented him from handling the task, prompting her request.
Over a million people liked her post, and thousands came to her village, Qingfu.
The influx of people caused traffic jams and prompted a police response.
More pigs were provided by local tourism officials to accommodate the unexpected crowd.
The event was watched online by more than 100,000 people and gathered 20 million likes.
Daidai initially expected only a small number of helpers but was surprised by the massive turnout.
The event was seen as a way for people to reconnect with cultural traditions and community experiences.
Robert Jenrick, a member of the Conservative shadow cabinet, was removed from the party after a secret speech draft leaked, showing his plans to join the rival Reform party. Despite secret talks with Reform figures, no offers of a top government job were made to Jenrick. Jenrick claims his move will counter criticisms that Reform lacks serious political figures.
Key Facts
Robert Jenrick was part of the Conservative shadow cabinet before his removal.
Jenrick's secret plans to join the Reform party leaked to the Conservative leadership.
Jenrick had several private discussions with Nigel Farage and the Reform party over four months.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch acted quickly to remove Jenrick after the leak.
There is no confirmation that Jenrick was promised a top position in Reform.
Jenrick feels liberated by his defection to the Reform party.
Badenoch and her team believe her recent successes limited Jenrick's chances of becoming Tory leader.
South Korea's former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is awaiting a verdict for charges linked to an attempted martial law declaration in 2024. He faces charges including insurrection and abuse of power. The outcome of this legal process is significant as Yoon is involved in eight separate trials.
Key Facts
South Korea's ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol is facing his first verdict for charges related to martial law.
Yoon is involved in eight trials, with charges including insurrection and abuse of power.
Martial law was declared in 2024 without a war or emergency, leading to Yoon's impeachment.
Yoon is alleged to have mobilized military forces to prevent lawmakers from opposing his decree.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Yoon, although South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997.
There are historical precedents for pardoning leaders in South Korea after sentencing.
Yoon also faces charges for obstruction of justice and falsifying documents.
Wales will stop providing free baby books through a government-funded scheme, becoming the only UK nation to do so. The decision affects the Bookstart programme, which has distributed free books to babies and toddlers for 25 years. The Welsh government plans to work on new ways to support early years literacy without replicating the current model.
Key Facts
Wales will end its participation in the Bookstart programme, which offers free books to newborns.
Bookstart is run by BookTrust across the UK, and it offers two free book packs in Wales, one at 6 months and another at 27 months.
Families have received these book packs through health visitors for over 25 years.
The decision to stop direct funding is effective as of March 2026.
The Welsh government’s educational resources body, Adnodd, will now oversee early years literacy programmes.
Adnodd plans to find new methods to provide literacy materials without duplicating the current scheme.
Concerns have been raised about the impact on families, particularly those living in poverty.
The Bookstart programme aims to promote reading, family bonding, and skill development in young children.
A TV doctor and author, Dr. Alex George, shared how being diagnosed with ADHD and OCD in adulthood changed his life. He expressed concern over long waiting times for mental health assessments and called for better access and support. He highlighted the challenges he faced without a diagnosis in his childhood and noted that getting diagnosed earlier could have significantly improved his life.
Key Facts
Dr. Alex George was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022 and OCD in 2025.
He paid for private assessments due to long NHS waiting times.
Dr. George argued that an earlier diagnosis could have helped him significantly during his school years.
He mentioned a personal cost of £3,000 for these private assessments.
As of June 2025, over 236,000 people in England were waiting for an autism assessment.
Long waiting lists in the NHS lead some people to seek private diagnoses, although acceptance varies.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a review of mental health service demand, including ADHD and autism.
Dr. George disagreed with suggestions that ADHD and autism are over-diagnosed, asserting they are under-diagnosed.
A group of aid workers in Greece, including Sara Mardini and Sean Binder, were acquitted of human trafficking and other charges. They were initially arrested for helping migrants reach safety on the island of Lesbos and accused of various crimes that could have led to long prison sentences. The court found that their actions were aimed at providing humanitarian help, not committing crimes.
Key Facts
Aid workers were on trial in Greece accused of human trafficking.
They were involved in rescuing migrants on the island of Lesbos.
The charges included human trafficking, facilitating illegal entry, and being part of a criminal group.
The accused worked with an NGO from 2015 to 2018 to help asylum-seekers.
The court acquitted all defendants, stating their intention was humanitarian.
A judge said they did not attempt to help refugees evade authorities.
The trial was criticized for potentially criminalizing humanitarian aid.
Sara Mardini, one of the acquitted, is a former Syrian migrant and swimmer.
President Donald Trump has spoken about possibly intervening in Iran due to ongoing protests and responses by Iranian authorities. He initially suggested taking strong action if executions of protestors occurred but later indicated that killings in Iran had stopped, prompting a pause in any immediate military plans. Trump emphasized the need to assess the situation further before deciding on future actions.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to help Iranian protestors if violence continued against them.
There was concern about potential imminent U.S. military action due to movements at air bases and high alerts for U.S. personnel.
Trump later stated that executions were not planned, based on information from unspecified sources.
Some lawmakers and U.S. allies expressed worry that military action could harm protest movements and increase regional instability.
The Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have historical concerns about Iranian retaliation.
In the past, U.S. and allies have blamed Iran for attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Tensions rise and fall as Trump seeks to maintain strategic ambiguity in U.S.-Iran relations.
"The Traitors" Season 4 Episode 6 will be available for streaming on Peacock on January 22, 2026. The show is switching to releasing one new episode each week until the finale on February 26, 2026. To watch the episodes, a Peacock subscription is necessary.
Key Facts
"The Traitors" Season 4 Episode 6 streams on Peacock on January 22, 2026.
New episodes release every Thursday until the season ends on February 26, 2026.
Episode 6 becomes available at 6 pm Pacific Time/9 pm Eastern Time.
Watching "The Traitors" requires a Peacock subscription starting at $7.99 per month.
The runtime for Episode 6 is unknown, but past episodes have been 68 to 70 minutes.
Episodes began with three episodes on January 8, followed by weekly releases.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado met with President Donald Trump at the White House and presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, although it's unclear if he accepted it. Machado has called for Trump to recognize her movement as the leader of Venezuela instead of supporting Delcy Rodríguez, who is currently acting as head of state. Machado also met with U.S. senators during her visit to Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Machado presented her Nobel medal to President Donald Trump at a private meeting in the White House.
It is unclear if Trump accepted the medal, as Nobel medals are not transferable.
President Trump has not endorsed Machado's movement as Venezuela's new leadership.
Instead, Trump is dealing with Delcy Rodríguez, who is acting as Venezuela's head of state.
Machado's visit included meetings with U.S. senators and addressing her supporters.
Trump expressed interest in discussing Venezuela's current situation directly with Machado.
The U.S. has recently moved to change Venezuela's oil sector and has completed a sale of Venezuelan oil for $500 million.
Two unexploded World War Two bombs were found in Exmouth and Plymouth in the UK. Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents while military experts plan to safely dispose of the bombs at sea to prevent any danger.
Key Facts
A World War Two bomb was discovered in the water in Exmouth, UK.
Another WWII bomb, a 50kg German bomb, was found on a building site in Plymouth.
Around 5,000 people were evacuated from Exmouth due to safety concerns.
Plymouth has a 100-meter safety zone around the bomb site.
Evacuated residents have access to emergency shelters and support services.
Authorities plan to dispose of the Exmouth bomb at sea to minimize risk.
Enhanced scanning equipment is being used to make the bomb in Plymouth safe.
Troops and ships from several European NATO countries have arrived in Greenland. This deployment involves countries like Germany, France, and the UK. President Donald Trump mentioned the strategic importance of Greenland, stating that the U.S. should have control to counter Russia and China.
Key Facts
European NATO allies have deployed troops and ships to Greenland.
The involved countries are Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK.
President Trump expressed a desire for the U.S. to "own" Greenland for strategic purposes.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen commented on the geopolitical situation and expressed a preference for Denmark over the U.S.
The geopolitical focus is on preventing Russia and China from gaining influence in Greenland.
Israel killed at least eight Palestinians in Gaza as the United States announced a move to the second phase of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. This phase involves steps like demilitarizing Gaza and setting up a Palestinian administration. The situation remains tense with ongoing violence and political discussions.
Key Facts
Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in at least eight Palestinian deaths, including a teenage boy.
The Israeli military targeted a house and claimed a commander from Hamas's armed wing was among the dead.
The United States declared the start of phase two of a ceasefire plan to end conflict between Israel and Hamas.
This second phase includes Gaza's demilitarization and the establishment of a technocratic administration.
An international force is set to secure Gaza and train local police, aiming to stabilize the region.
A committee named the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza will manage local governance.
A senior Hamas official has shown support for this committee, viewing it as positive progress.
The ceasefire remains fragile, with violence continuing and international mediation efforts ongoing.
NATO allies, including Germany, Sweden, Norway, France, the U.K., and the Netherlands, are increasing their military activity in Greenland. This action comes as President Trump expresses interest in the U.S. taking control of Greenland, challenging NATO's principles. NATO members are training to operate in Arctic conditions to strengthen their presence.
Key Facts
NATO countries are boosting military presence in Greenland.
The move aims to prepare for threats in the Arctic region.
President Trump has expressed a desire for the U.S. to take control of Greenland.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally.
NATO's Article 5 requires members to defend each other against attacks.
There is no clear mechanism in NATO's rules to expel a member country.
NATO prefers diplomacy to solve disputes among its members.
Past disputes among members like Greece and Turkey have been settled diplomatically.
The United States has warned Iran of "serious consequences" if the killings of protesters continue. President Trump has indicated that military action is a possibility. Tensions remain high, with both countries making strong statements.
Key Facts
The White House stated that military action against Iran is a possibility if protester killings continue.
President Trump communicated to Iran there would be "grave consequences" if the violence doesn't stop.
Iran has seen large protests due to economic issues, with reports of over 1,000 protesters killed.
The Iranian government claims the protests are instigated by the U.S. and Israel, citing over 100 security officer deaths.
President Trump claimed executions in Iran were halted, though no evidence was provided to confirm this.
The protests, which began due to economic hardship, have spread across many Iranian cities.
An internet blackout in Iran makes it difficult to assess the situation.
Both Iranian and U.S. officials have made statements about being ready for military action.
Palestinians in Gaza expressed skepticism about improvements in their lives during the second phase of a ceasefire. They believe significant changes will only occur if Israel stops airstrikes and allows more humanitarian aid. The United States announced this second phase of the ceasefire on Wednesday.
Key Facts
Palestinians in Gaza shared concerns about the effectiveness of the ceasefire with Al Jazeera.
They believe that life will not improve without a halt in airstrikes from Israel.
Palestinians are also requesting increased humanitarian aid.
The United States announced phase two of the ceasefire on a Wednesday.
The situation involves ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine.
