A by-election to replace former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne in the Gorton and Denton constituency is set to occur at the end of February. Labour Party is facing concerns over the possibility of losing the seat, which has been under their representation for over 90 years, to Reform UK or the Greens. The rapid scheduling intends to minimize the time other parties have to campaign effectively.
Key Facts
The by-election writ was initiated by government chief whip Jonathan Reynolds in Parliament.
The by-election must occur between 21 and 27 working days after the writ is issued.
Sir Keir Starmer chose the fastest timetable for the by-election amidst Labour Party concerns.
The Gorton and Denton seat has been held by Labour for over 90 years.
Reform UK and the Green Party are seen as strong contenders for the seat.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, was blocked from being a candidate, leading to some criticism.
Losing the by-election could heighten leadership scrutiny for Sir Keir Starmer.
No party has officially announced their candidates yet, but selections are underway.
Sadie Frost is in court accusing the Daily Mail of violating her privacy by hacking her voicemail for stories. She claims reporters obtained personal information about her through unlawful means. The newspaper's publisher denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Sadie Frost testified that the Daily Mail hacked her voicemail to get stories about her.
She claims a reporter learned about her terminated pregnancy through a private investigator.
Frost says some news stories matched her voicemail messages exactly, suggesting they were hacked.
She accuses the newspaper of bugging a call with her then-husband Jude Law about an incident involving their child.
Frost is one of several claimants, including Prince Harry, alleging privacy violations by the newspaper.
The publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited, denies the allegations and claims the information was obtained lawfully.
Frost did not realize she had a potential legal claim until 2019 and insists the publisher should be held accountable.
The publisher argues that claims have been made too late, outside the usual six-year window for privacy cases.
A landslide in West Bandung, Indonesia, has left at least 80 people missing and 17 confirmed dead. The search operation involves thousands of rescue workers trying to find the missing individuals, including 19 elite marine force members.
Key Facts
A landslide occurred in West Bandung, Indonesia.
At least 80 people are missing.
Among the missing are 19 members of an elite marine force.
The confirmed death toll is currently 17.
Thousands of rescue workers are involved in the search operation.
The UK government plans to reform policing in England and Wales by creating a new National Police Service (NPS) to handle complex crimes. The number of local police forces may be reduced by about two-thirds. The reforms aim to improve police use of technology and local community protection.
Key Facts
The UK home secretary announced a plan to reform policing in England and Wales.
A new National Police Service (NPS) will be established to tackle complex cross-border crime.
The number of local police forces in England and Wales might be reduced by around two-thirds.
The reforms include deploying more technology, such as facial recognition.
The proposed NPS will combine roles from existing agencies like the National Crime Agency.
Officials expect the NPS to be fully operational in the next parliamentary term.
There is a proposal to introduce a license to practice for police officers, similar to doctors.
Public confidence in the police is reported to be falling, prompting these changes.
China and Canada made a trade agreement that lowers tariffs on certain goods, but China says it is not meant to affect the United States. President Donald Trump threatened to impose high tariffs on Canadian products if Canada proceeds with the deal. Canadian leaders insist they are not pursuing a free-trade agreement with China.
Key Facts
China and Canada have a new trade agreement that reduces tariffs on some goods, like canola oil and electric vehicles.
China says the agreement is not targeting any other countries, including the U.S.
President Trump threatened to apply 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada finalizes its deal with China.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Canada is not pursuing a free-trade agreement with China.
Carney emphasized that any free-trade deal with China would require notifying the U.S. due to USMCA rules.
Trump previously thought a Canada-China deal could be positive but has changed his stance, threatening tariffs.
There are growing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, partly due to Carney's recent critical remarks about the U.S.
Trump mentioned these tariffs could apply if Canada allows Chinese goods to enter the U.S. through its ports.
Gunmen fired at a soccer field in central Mexico, killing 11 people and injuring 12. The attack happened after a soccer match, and local authorities are investigating, while asking for help to manage the violence.
Key Facts
Gunmen attacked a soccer field in central Mexico.
11 people died, and 12 were hurt in the attack.
The attack occurred after a soccer match in the city of Salamanca.
A woman and a minor were among the injured.
Mayor Cesar Prieto called for help from President Claudia Sheinbaum to manage the violence.
Guanajuato is currently experiencing a high rate of homicides.
Local gang Santa Rosa de Lima is fighting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Mexico's murder rate in 2025 was claimed to be the lowest since 2016, but this is disputed by analysts.
An asylum seeker named Sheraz Malik has been convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman in a park in Nottinghamshire, England. The court found Malik guilty on two counts of rape and has scheduled a further hearing for sentencing. The case led to protests in the town regarding immigration rules.
Key Facts
Sheraz Malik, an asylum seeker, was found guilty of raping a young woman in a park.
The attack happened in Sutton Lawn park in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
The victim was attacked twice, first by another man and then by Malik.
Malik claimed the encounter was consensual, but the jury unanimously found him guilty of two rape charges.
The court has set a date in February for Malik's sentencing.
A reporting restriction on Malik's immigration status was lifted after the trial.
The case sparked protests in the town concerning immigration policy.
Malik is a Pakistani national who has lived in several European countries before moving to the UK.
France held a ceremony to honor its soldiers who died in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump claimed that NATO troops, except for Americans, avoided fighting on the front lines. A French official highlighted the importance of remembering the soldiers' sacrifices and disagreed with Trump's statement.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed non-U.S. NATO troops avoided front-line combat in Afghanistan.
France held a ceremony to honor 90 French soldiers who died in Afghanistan.
Alice Rufo, a French Defense Ministry official, spoke at the event.
The ceremony was quickly organized in response to Trump's statement.
Rufo emphasized remembering the soldiers' sacrifices and the bond between allied troops.
Trump's comments drew public criticism and led him to later praise British soldiers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the next step after the ceasefire in Gaza is to remove weapons from Hamas and to reduce military presence in the Gaza Strip. This follows the release of the last Israeli captive held in Gaza.
Key Facts
Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel.
He stated that the next phase of the ceasefire is to disarm Hamas.
The goal is to reduce military activity in the Gaza Strip.
This announcement came after the last Israeli captive in Gaza was returned.
The focus is on security measures rather than rebuilding efforts.
Iran has issued warnings of serious consequences if the United States carries out any military attacks. This comes as the U.S. positions military forces near Iranian waters. Additionally, Iran is experiencing ongoing protests, with numerous arrests reported and internet access disrupted.
Key Facts
Iran cautioned against possible U.S. military strikes, highlighting potential severe repercussions.
The U.S. has sent an "armada" including the USS Abraham Lincoln supercarrier near Iranian waters.
A billboard was displayed in Tehran showing a destroyed aircraft carrier, warning against U.S. aggression.
Iran has threatened a strong response to any attack involving the U.S. or Israel.
Iranian authorities have arrested many people linked to protests and disruptions.
A reported 41,283 arrests have occurred in connection with protests, according to HRANA.
The Iranian government attributed some protest actions to "terrorists" aligned with U.S. and Israeli interests.
There is an ongoing partial internet blackout in Iran amid the unrest.
A seven-month-old golden retriever named Enzo surprised his owners with his large size during a weigh-in. Despite being bigger than expected, Enzo is healthy and comes from a show line of golden retrievers, which are naturally larger and stockier than the field variety.
Key Facts
Enzo surprised his owners by weighing 85 pounds at seven months old.
Enzo is part of a family with multiple golden retrievers, including another new puppy named Rory.
Show golden retrievers like Enzo are naturally stockier and weigh more than field golden retrievers.
The average weight for show golden retrievers ranges from 75 to 85 pounds.
Enzo's family ensures he gets a balanced diet and regular vet checks for his health.
The video of Enzo's weigh-in gained significant attention on TikTok with over 61,700 views.
Three people in London have been charged with stirring up racial hatred due to chants at a pro-Palestinian protest. They allegedly called for an intifada, which is a term for uprising. The police are taking stronger action against such chants after recent attacks.
Key Facts
Three individuals have been charged with stirring up racial hatred in London.
They are accused of using threatening or abusive language at a pro-Palestinian protest.
The protest took place outside the Ministry of Justice.
The Metropolitan Police arrested the suspects on 17 December 2025.
The charges follow increased police action after a deadly attack at a Hannukah celebration in Australia.
The phrase "globalise the intifada" was specifically targeted by police for arrests.
Jewish community groups support the police's tougher approach.
Pro-Palestinian groups argue this suppresses freedom of speech.
The Crown Prosecution Service found enough evidence to take the case to court.
An explosion at a biscuit factory in Trikala, Greece, has resulted in the deaths of at least four workers. Investigators are looking into the cause, with some thinking it might have started near the factory’s ovens.
Key Facts
An explosion happened at a biscuit factory in Trikala, Greece.
The blast resulted in the deaths of at least four workers.
The explosion occurred overnight.
Investigators are trying to find out what caused the explosion.
Authorities suspect the explosion may have started near the ovens in the factory.
The World Health Organization announced that the UK has lost its measles elimination status due to a rise in cases. In 2024, there were 3,600 suspected cases, with vaccination rates falling below the target needed for widespread immunity.
Key Facts
The UK has lost its measles elimination status as declared by the World Health Organization.
In 2024, there were 3,600 suspected measles cases in the UK.
Measles elimination means no ongoing spread of the disease.
Vaccination rates in the UK are below the 95% needed for widespread community protection, known as 'herd immunity.'
The UK first gained measles-free status in 2017 but lost it in 2019, then regained it in 2021.
Social distancing during the pandemic temporarily reduced measles transmission.
In late 2023, increasing outbreaks led to a rise in cases by 2024.
The first dose vaccination rate was at 92% and the second dose below 85% in 2024.
Efforts to improve vaccination include offering the second MMRV dose earlier at 18 months.
A new winter storm is expected to hit the Southeast and Eastern Seaboard of the United States, following the recent impacts of Winter Storm Fern. The storm could bring more ice and cold weather to multiple states from Louisiana to Delaware, with meteorologists warning of possible severe conditions.
Key Facts
A winter storm is predicted to affect the Southeast and Eastern U.S. from January 30 to February 1.
The storm may bring snow and ice to 13 states, including Louisiana, Georgia, and Virginia.
Winter Storm Fern recently caused heavy snow and ice, leading to nine deaths and massive power outages.
Parts of the Southeast remain under extreme cold warnings and winter weather advisories.
AccuWeather warns of additional ice threats, although the exact storm path remains uncertain.
The previous storm, Fern, severely impacted northern Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Meteorologists caution about ongoing difficulties in restoring power and clearing roads due to ice.
Heating bills could increase by up to 35% for many Americans this month due to the cold weather impacts.
Israel retrieved the remains of Master Sgt Ran Gvili, the last hostage from Gaza. This retrieval followed a ceasefire agreement with Hamas and allowed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to claim that all hostages were successfully returned. The situation allows Israel and Hamas to move forward with President Trump's peace plan, focusing on Gaza's reconstruction and demilitarization.
Key Facts
Israel retrieved the remains of Master Sgt Ran Gvili from Gaza.
Hamas was supposed to return all hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire in October.
Prime Minister Netanyahu described the retrieval as a significant achievement.
The discovery opens the next phase of peace talks mediated by U.S. President Trump.
This phase involves Gaza's reconstruction and demilitarization of Hamas and Palestinian groups.
Israel had delayed further peace talks until Gvili was found.
The initial attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages.
Israel's military response led to the deaths of 71,660 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Gustavo Petro, a former rebel fighter, became Colombia's first left-wing president in 2022. He has focused on issues like land reform and environmental concerns, and he has openly criticized U.S. policies, including those of President Donald Trump. Despite challenges, he continues to work towards implementing his ideas for a more equitable Colombia.
Key Facts
Gustavo Petro was part of the M-19, a rebel group that aimed for a fairer Colombia.
He became a senator known for exposing connections between politicians and paramilitary groups.
In 2022, he was elected as Colombia's first left-wing president.
Petro has called for land reform and environmental initiatives in Colombia.
He has criticized President Donald Trump and responded to U.S. actions toward Venezuela.
Petro's early life included influences from literature, particularly Gabriel Garcia Marquez's works.
His father was a teacher who inspired him to read and question authority.
Petro continues to face challenges implementing his ideas as president.
China announced an investigation into two top military generals, Gen. Zhang Youxia and Gen. Liu Zhenli, for suspected serious breaches of discipline and law. This is part of a wider anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping, affecting China's military leadership. Experts suggest this may have implications for China's actions toward Taiwan.
Key Facts
China is investigating Gen. Zhang Youxia, a top military figure, and Gen. Liu Zhenli.
This affects the Central Military Commission, China's top military authority.
President Xi Jinping is leading an anti-corruption campaign that has seen 200,000 officials punished since 2012.
At least 17 PLA generals, including top commission members, have been removed since 2012.
The recent changes leave only one original member of the Central Military Commission intact.
China regards Taiwan as its territory and has increased military activities near the island.
Experts believe these military leadership changes might impact China's strategy toward Taiwan in the short and long term.
A federal judge in Minnesota is examining a request by Attorney General Pam Bondi for the state to provide voter rolls and public assistance records as part of an immigration enforcement effort by the Trump administration. This request is being challenged in court, with Minnesota and its cities arguing that it has led to dangerous situations, including fatal shootings by federal officers.
Key Facts
A judge is reviewing Attorney General Pam Bondi's request for Minnesota's voter rolls and public assistance records.
The request is part of a Trump administration immigration enforcement effort.
Minnesota and its cities are challenging this enforcement, saying it has caused dangerous conditions.
The enforcement in question has reportedly led to two fatal shootings by federal officers.
Minnesota argues that the operation could undermine trust in democratic institutions.
The case is against the Department of Homeland Security and began after a shooting by an ICE officer.
Other states and the District of Columbia support Minnesota's challenge, warning of potential wider implications.
Spain has lowered the speed limit on part of a busy high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona due to a track fault. This speed reduction follows a recent deadly train crash and ongoing disruptions in local train services in Catalonia. The Spanish government and Transport Minister Óscar Puente are under scrutiny due to recent rail incidents.
Key Facts
Spain reduced the speed limit on a high-speed rail line between Madrid and Barcelona because of a crack found in the tracks.
The fault is located 110 km west of Barcelona, between Alcover and l'Espluga de Francolí.
The speed limit for this track section is now 80 km/h instead of its usual 300 km/h.
This reduction follows a recent deadly train collision in southern Spain that killed 45 people.
Other parts of the Madrid-Barcelona route also had temporary speed limits due to reported vibrations but were later restored to normal speeds.
Catalonia's local Rodalies rail service experienced severe disruptions, including a trainee driver's death and service suspensions.
The Spanish government is investigating the cause of the disruptions and a recent crash; there is speculation about a cyberattack as a possible cause.
Opposition leaders are calling for the resignation of Transport Minister Óscar Puente, alleging misleading statements following the accidents.
