A television presenter for Lebanon's Al-Manar TV was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tyre, southern Lebanon. The presenter, Ali Nour al-Din, also served as a preacher and was associated with Hezbollah. Lebanon's Minister of Information condemned the incident, urging international action to protect media professionals.
Key Facts
Ali Nour al-Din, a presenter for Al-Manar TV, was killed in an Israeli strike in Tyre, southern Lebanon.
Al-Din worked for Al-Manar, a TV station linked to Hezbollah, and also served as a preacher in Tyre.
Hezbollah described al-Din's death as a "treacherous assassination."
Lebanese Minister of Information condemned the attack and called for international protection for journalists.
Since 2023, at least six Lebanese journalists have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
A US-brokered ceasefire in 2024 ended over a year of conflict, but Israeli strikes have continued.
Israel admitted to the strike, referring to al-Din as a Hezbollah member.
The ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 350 people since the ceasefire.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans to strengthen ties with both the US and China during his upcoming visit to Beijing, the first by a British leader in eight years. He aims to explore business opportunities with China while maintaining strong security and business relations with the US. Starmer also intends to discuss human rights issues with China during the visit.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer will visit China, marking the first trip by a British leader to Beijing in eight years.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with both the US and China.
The UK recently approved the construction of a large new Chinese embassy in London despite some opposition.
Starmer plans to lead a delegation of UK business leaders to China to explore business opportunities.
He will address human rights issues with Chinese officials, including the case of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai.
US President Donald Trump has recently made headlines by threatening tariffs on allies and discussing NATO troop deployment.
There has been tension between the US and its allies concerning trade and foreign policy decisions.
A Russian negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, stated that Ukraine withdrawing from the Donbas region is key to peace between Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. reportedly linked Ukraine's security guarantees to its agreement to give control of Donbas to Russia. Ukraine controls 20% of Donetsk, and President Zelensky insists on peace through mutual compromise and adherence to Ukrainian legal processes.
Key Facts
Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region to make peace.
The Donbas region includes Donetsk and Luhansk, important industrial areas.
The U.S. is reportedly pressuring Ukraine to agree to Russia's terms concerning Donbas.
Ukraine still controls about 20% of Donetsk, including two major cities.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for mutual concessions for peace.
Ukraine requires a referendum to make territorial changes, which cannot happen during wartime.
Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, leading to ongoing conflict.
Grammy-winning artist Jacob Collier believes singing can help teenagers feel less isolated by overcoming digital barriers. The BBC launched a program called "BBC Get Singing" to encourage more UK teenagers to sing together, including providing free access to music resources online. Surveys show that many UK secondary schools do not prioritize singing activities.
Key Facts
Jacob Collier is a Grammy-winning artist who supports singing to reduce social isolation in teenagers.
The BBC started "BBC Get Singing," a program to get more 11-14-year-olds in the UK singing together.
The project provides free access to music resources and educational videos through BBC Bitesize.
A survey of around 10,000 teachers in England found that a third of state secondary schools do not have a choir.
Over half of the surveyed teachers said pupils never sang together in assembly.
The initiative will offer interactive workshops and teacher training over the next three years.
There are future plans to research the benefits of group singing for young people.
The article discusses personal stories of life-changing experiences from three individuals. Jacqui Furneaux, at 49, embarked on a seven-year journey after a divorce, leading to self-discovery. Angela Tilley overcame agoraphobia with the help of traveling in a motorhome.
Key Facts
Jacqui Furneaux, a nurse from Bristol, had an affair leading to divorce and used her settlement to travel the world.
Jacqui traveled for seven years through countries like Thailand, Laos, Pakistan, and India.
She began a significant relationship with a younger Dutchman during her travels, which lasted three years.
Jacqui realized her family's need for her after a conversation with her daughter, leading her to forgive herself.
Angela Tilley experienced panic attacks after being stalked at the age of 16.
She was later diagnosed with agoraphobia due to her fear of being in enclosed spaces.
Angela found relief and confidence when she started traveling in a motorhome with her husband in 2015.
A Tokyo court has ordered North Korea to pay compensation to four people who were promised a better life but ended up facing difficult conditions there. The court awarded these individuals 88 million yen ($570,000) as damages. However, there is no practical way to enforce the ruling, as North Korea has ignored the case.
Key Facts
A Tokyo court ruled North Korea must pay 88 million yen to four individuals.
These individuals moved to North Korea under a resettlement program promising a good life.
The program instead subjected them to forced labor and poor conditions.
The ruling is symbolic because North Korea has not engaged with the legal process.
This case marks the first time a Japanese court has formally recognized misconduct by North Korea.
More than 90,000 Zainichi Koreans relocated to North Korea from 1959 to 1984.
One plaintiff, Eiko Kawasaki, left North Korea in 2003 after arriving there in 1960.
The Tokyo High Court later determined the case fell under Japanese jurisdiction.
Fighting continues between Russia and Ukraine, involving drone and missile attacks. Talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are set to resume soon. The European Union plans to stop importing Russian gas by 2027.
Key Facts
Russian forces attacked Kharkiv, injuring at least two people and damaging buildings like apartments and a school.
Russian drones hit a building in Kryvyi Rih, causing a fire but no reported casualties.
In Kyiv, a Russian attack damaged a religious landmark known as Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Belgorod region killed one person.
Ukraine's military said it hit an oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region.
NATO reported that Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks is weakening because of fewer available weapons.
Czechs raised over $6 million to provide generators and heaters to Ukrainians affected by power outages.
Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia plan to meet for talks on February 1.
The European Union decided to ban Russian gas imports by 2027.
There is a growing backlash after Andy Burnham was blocked from running in a by-election, leading to increased pressure on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. In other news, the Beckham family was seen together at an award event in Paris, and the Conservative Party faced criticism over a mistakenly released statement about Suella Braverman. Global events included a rise in gold prices and security concerns over alleged Chinese phone hacking.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was blocked from running in a UK by-election, causing discontent among some government officials.
Fifty MPs signed a letter to protest the decision to block Burnham.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been criticized and is facing intensified pressure as a result.
The UK Labour Party is expected to lose the Gorton & Denton by-election.
Sir David Beckham and his family attended an event in Paris for Lady Beckham's knighthood in the arts.
The Conservative Party faced backlash for an incorrect statement suggesting Suella Braverman left due to "mental health" reasons.
Gold prices reached $5,000 per troy ounce, a new high.
China has been accused of hacking the phones of senior Downing Street officials, a claim China denies.
A U.S. official has stated that Hamas, a Palestinian group in Gaza, will disarm as part of a ceasefire deal and may receive amnesty in exchange. The announcement follows the recovery of the last Israeli captive's body from Gaza. Discussions continue among various international parties about the terms of the agreement.
Key Facts
A U.S. official mentioned that Hamas will disarm and could get amnesty as part of a ceasefire deal.
The official spoke anonymously after the body of the last Israeli captive in Gaza was recovered.
Hamas's agreement to disarm is part of fulfilling a ceasefire deal with Israel.
Amnesty means a promise not to punish Hamas members who give up their weapons.
The recovery of Israeli captives is part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel confirmed that the remains of the last captive, Ran Gvili, were returned.
Discussions about the ceasefire involve international parties like Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt.
President Trump's plan includes reopening a border crossing, allowing aid, and offering safe passage to Hamas members who disarm.
Fifty Labour MPs have signed a letter asking the Labour Party's leadership to reconsider blocking Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from running in a parliamentary by-election. They believe Burnham could be Labour's best chance to win the vacant seat, but Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision, saying resources should go to more essential elections.
Key Facts
Approximately 50 Labour MPs signed a letter objecting to blocking Andy Burnham from a by-election.
The MPs warned blocking Burnham could help Reform UK in the by-election.
The letter suggested there was no valid reason to stop Burnham from running.
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said the decision prevents resource diversion to non-essential elections.
The letter was sent to Sir Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and General Secretary Hollie Ridley.
The Labour Party's National Executive Committee voted to deny Burnham's candidacy for the seat.
Labour held the seat with a 13,000 majority, but new challengers could make it harder to win again.
Former Labour minister Harriet Harman suggested focusing on winning the by-election instead of the dispute.
The Bafta Film Awards are announcing their nominations, highlighting films and actors that may receive recognition. This event is significant in the film awards season, with a strong focus on British talent. Alan Cumming will host the awards ceremony.
Key Facts
The Bafta Film Awards nominations are being announced, following the Oscar nominations.
Bafta has more slots available in various categories compared to the Oscars, allowing for more nominees.
The ceremony takes place in London on 22 February, and Alan Cumming will host.
Films like "Hamnet," "Sinners," and "One Battle After Another" are expected to receive numerous nominations.
KPop Demon Hunters is ineligible for these nominations due to specific rules.
The Baftas have dedicated categories for British talent and films, providing more local representation.
British films like "I Swear" and "The Ballad of Wallis Island" are likely nominees.
Actors such as Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Jessie Buckley are potential nominees.
A study from the UK found that menopause is linked to brain changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease. The research showed a loss of grey matter in brain areas related to memory and emotion, which could partly explain why women have a higher risk of dementia compared to men.
Key Facts
The study involved nearly 125,000 women, with 11,000 undergoing MRI brain scans.
Researchers found a loss of grey matter in brain areas associated with memory and emotion during menopause.
Menopause may help explain why dementia is almost twice as common in women than in men.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) did not prevent grey matter loss in the study participants.
Key brain areas affected include the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex.
The study suggests a connection between menopause and increased vulnerability for dementia.
Additional factors like exercise and lifestyle can help reduce dementia risk.
Women account for about two-thirds of Alzheimer's cases in the UK, though the exact reasons are unclear.
Northern Ireland is introducing graduated driving licenses, making it the first area in the UK to implement such a system. The changes, effective from October, are aimed at reducing road accidents among young drivers aged 17 to 23. The new rules include waiting periods before taking a driving test, restrictions on night driving, and passenger limits.
Key Facts
Northern Ireland is the first in the UK to introduce graduated driving licenses.
The new rules target drivers aged 17 to 23 to improve road safety.
Graduated licenses include a six-month waiting period before taking the driving test.
Young drivers will face restrictions on night-time driving and the number of passengers they can carry.
The changes will take effect from October.
The new system aims to reduce fatal and serious road accidents involving young drivers.
Young drivers will need to complete 14 training modules with an approved instructor.
Graduated licenses include restrictions such as displaying an 'R' plate for 24 months after passing the test.
The government plans to announce a new rule to limit ground rents for leaseholders in England and Wales. Ground rents are ongoing payments made by people who own leases for their homes. This change aims to address high ground rents, especially for existing leasehold homes.
Key Facts
The new rule is intended to cap ground rents paid by leaseholders in England and Wales.
Ground rents are regular payments made by leaseholders to the owner of the land (freeholder).
There are about five million leasehold homes in England and Wales.
Ground rents for most new leases were stopped in 2022, but existing leases still have them.
There are discussions that the rent cap might be set at £250 a year.
Pension funds, which own many of the freeholds, are concerned about financial impacts from the cap.
The Labour party's 2024 election manifesto included a promise to address high and unregulated ground rents.
China has removed its top military general, Zhang Youxia, and another senior officer in what is being called an "anti-corruption" campaign. This has left a significant gap in leadership within the Chinese military, specifically the Central Military Commission, which is now mainly controlled by President Xi Jinping and one other general.
Key Facts
China removed its top military general, Zhang Youxia, and another senior officer, Gen Liu Zhenli.
Zhang was vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), an influential body overseeing the armed forces.
The CMC traditionally has around seven members, but now it has been reduced to just Xi Jinping and one other general.
The removals are part of an "anti-corruption" crackdown, although the specifics of the accusations are not detailed.
These actions have caused significant uncertainty and speculation about the stability and effectiveness of China's military leadership.
The official stance is that Zhang and Liu were involved in "serious violations of discipline and law," a term often used to mean corruption.
There is speculation about other possible reasons, including political motives, behind these high-profile purges.
The construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in England is a significant project and the first new nuclear plant in the UK in 30 years. It is part of a broader discussion in Scotland where there is political debate over new nuclear developments versus focusing on renewable energy. The Scottish government opposes new nuclear projects, preferring to invest in renewables, while some believe nuclear power can create job opportunities.
Key Facts
Hinkley Point C is the first new nuclear power plant built in the UK in 30 years.
It is located in the south west of England, along the Bristol Channel, and is the largest building site in Europe.
The project costs nearly £48 billion and is funded by EDF, a French state-owned energy company.
About 15,000 workers are involved in the construction, with support facilities like fire, ambulance stations, and a dedicated transport fleet.
The Scottish government, led by the SNP, opposes new nuclear developments and prefers renewable energy.
The UK Energy Minister argues that new nuclear projects could create jobs in Scotland.
The debate over nuclear power is a key issue in the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
Nicola Fauvel is the newly-appointed director of Hinkley Point C and the second woman to run a nuclear plant in the UK.
Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding has pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in a California court and is accused of running a large drug operation linked to the Sinaloa cartel. Authorities in both the U.S. and Canada have been searching for him, with recent arrests of associates linked to his alleged activities.
Key Facts
Ryan Wedding is a former Olympic snowboarder who competed in the 2002 Winter Games.
He faces 17 charges, including drug trafficking, witness tampering, and conspiracy to commit murder.
U.S. officials say Wedding ran a drug cartel importing cocaine from Mexico to Los Angeles.
Wedding was arrested in Mexico and appeared in a Santa Ana court in California.
He was on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list and is accused of ordering dozens of murders.
Authorities allege he lived under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.
The FBI seized Wedding's motorcycle collection in Mexico, valued at about $40 million.
Seven Canadians linked to the alleged cartel operations have been arrested and face extradition.
Sly Dunbar, a well-known reggae drummer, passed away at the age of 73. He was famous for being part of the duo Sly & Robbie and played on many hit songs, collaborating with artists from Bob Marley to The Rolling Stones. His death was confirmed by his wife and publicist.
Key Facts
Sly Dunbar was a prominent reggae drummer from Jamaica.
He was part of the famous production team Sly & Robbie.
Dunbar played on over 200,000 recordings throughout his career.
He worked with iconic musicians such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Grace Jones, and Bob Dylan.
Sly & Robbie founded Taxi Records in 1980, promoting new Jamaican artists.
Dunbar's wife, Thelma, found him unresponsive and confirmed his death.
He had been reportedly unwell for some time before his death.
The United States plans to move the captain and first officer of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera, from UK waters. The vessel was seized by the U.S. Coast Guard for reportedly breaching sanctions by carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. A Scottish court heard legal arguments about the U.S. removing the captain and crew, but a judge ruled that he could not prevent it.
Key Facts
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera south of Iceland on January 7.
The ship was later brought to the Moray Firth, off the coast of Scotland.
The U.S. plans to remove the captain, Avtandil Kalandadze, and the first officer from the vessel.
A Scottish court rejected a request to stop the U.S. from moving the captain due to the 1978 State Immunity Act.
The captain and first officer are believed to be on a U.S. Coast Guard vessel ready to depart.
The remaining 26 crew members were reportedly brought ashore and possibly held under UK immigration laws.
The U.S. accuses the tanker of violating sanctions related to carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
The UK government supported the U.S. operation, considering it lawful under international sanctions.
Verified videos from Iran show bodies in a hospital, snipers on rooftops, and protesters clashing with security forces. The videos follow a major government crackdown on protests, which started in late December. Human rights groups report thousands of people have died since the protests began.
Key Facts
Videos from Iran show bodies in a Tehran hospital and snipers on rooftops.
BBC Verify has confirmed the footage despite Iran's internet blackout.
Protests in Iran started in late December after a call for national demonstrations.
Human rights groups report nearly 6,000 protester deaths, with more deaths being investigated.
The internet blackout has made it difficult to get information out of Iran.
Protesters are actively disabling surveillance cameras to avoid being recorded.
Protests have spread to at least 71 towns and cities in Iran.
Some Iranians are using satellite internet and VPNs to access the internet during the blackout.
