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Angela Rayner, UK Deputy Prime Minister, admitted she should have paid more stamp duty when buying a flat in Hove. She denied trying to avoid the tax and is being investigated for possibly breaking ministerial rules. The case involves a trust set up for her disabled son, which influenced her tax situation.
Key Facts
Angela Rayner is the UK Deputy Prime Minister.
Rayner bought a three-bedroom flat in Hove for £800,000.
She admitted she should have paid a higher stamp duty rate.
A trust for her disabled son affected her tax situation.
The Tories requested an investigation into her tax affairs.
Rayner's lawyer reviewed her tax position and gave a legal opinion.
Rayner referred herself for investigation by the Prime Minister's ethics adviser.
She claimed the initial legal advice she received was incorrect.
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Germany is leading a military exercise called Quadriga, involving more than 8,000 troops from 14 countries, focused on moving forces to Lithuania as tensions with Russia remain high. The exercise aims to demonstrate Germany's role as a key supplier for NATO, using various military forces like ships, aircraft, and ground vehicles. This exercise coincides with a planned Russian and Belarusian exercise named Zapad.
Key Facts
Germany is leading a military exercise called Quadriga in the Baltic region.
The exercise focuses on moving troops and equipment to Lithuania.
More than 8,000 troops from 14 countries are taking part.
Participants include NATO countries with Baltic Sea coasts, as well as the U.S., U.K., France, and Canada.
The exercise involves 40 ships, 20 aircraft, and over 1,800 vehicles.
Germany aims to strengthen its military and support NATO's eastern flank.
The exercise is happening as Russia and Belarus plan their own military exercise, Zapad, involving over 13,000 troops.
German leadership emphasizes the exercise is for deterrence, not escalation.
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CNN's medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta discusses pain management in his new book, "It Doesn't Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life." Gupta shares personal experiences and explains how the brain processes pain, and how it can be managed through techniques like meditation and distraction.
Key Facts
Sanjay Gupta is a neurosurgeon and CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent.
Gupta describes a personal injury where he felt little pain at the time, which he credits to the body's natural pain relief.
His book explores different causes of pain and treatments, including medication and mental techniques.
Techniques like distraction and meditation can help reduce the perception of pain.
The book highlights how the brain sometimes makes mistakes in processing pain, like with phantom limb pain.
Gupta explains the body's endogenous opioid system, which can naturally ease pain.
The book suggests that mental training can reduce pain perception.
Gupta also touches on how the brain can misinterpret pain signals, leading to chronic pain.
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A new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in 15 deaths, including four health workers. Tests have identified the Zaire strain of the virus in the central Kasai province, where there are 28 suspected cases. The World Health Organization and local teams are working to stop the outbreak.
Key Facts
A new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has killed 15 people.
The outbreak is in the central Kasai province.
28 suspected cases have been recorded.
Tests confirmed the presence of the Zaire strain of Ebola.
Four health workers are among those who have died.
DR Congo has a stockpile of Ebola treatments, including 2,000 doses of a vaccine.
The World Health Organization is involved in efforts to contain the virus.
The last Ebola outbreak in DR Congo occurred three years ago, resulting in six deaths.
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The U.S. announced its financial support for a new HIV prevention drug called lenacapavir. This drug, which only needs to be taken twice a year, aims to reach 2 million people by 2028, especially in countries heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. The U.S. will work with these countries to prevent the spread of HIV and focus on reducing mother-to-child transmission.
Key Facts
The U.S. is financially backing a new HIV prevention drug called lenacapavir.
Lenacapavir is an injectable drug that only needs to be administered twice a year.
The drug could reach up to 2 million people by 2028.
The U.S. plans to help countries with major HIV/AIDS epidemics reduce virus transmission.
Lenacapavir offers almost complete protection against contracting HIV, based on clinical trials.
The initiative is in partnership with the Global Fund and Gilead Sciences.
Results showed the drug could help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The U.S. leads global efforts against HIV/AIDS, largely through its PEPFAR program.
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Congo has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in its southern Kasai province, marking the country's 16th outbreak. So far, there are 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, with health teams from the World Health Organization helping to contain the virus.
Key Facts
Congo's health ministry confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in southern Kasai province.
The outbreak includes 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths.
Among the deceased are four healthcare workers.
The case fatality rate is currently estimated at 53.6%.
The confirmed case is a 34-year-old pregnant woman from Boulape.
The World Health Organization sent experts to help with surveillance and treatment.
Supplies, including protective gear and medical equipment, are being delivered.
Ebola spreads through bodily fluids and is often fatal.
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Israel has dismissed a proposal from Hamas for a comprehensive deal to end the war in Gaza. The proposal included hostage swaps and rebuilding efforts, but Israel's leadership is focused on military objectives in Gaza before agreeing to any deals. Families of hostages are concerned that upcoming military operations will endanger their loved ones.
Key Facts
Israel rejected Hamas's proposal for a comprehensive peace deal regarding the Gaza conflict.
Hamas proposed a swap deal involving hostages and Palestinian prisoners, along with rebuilding initiatives.
Israel insists the conflict will not end until specific conditions, like hostages' release and disarmament of Hamas, are met.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed military objectives, including the defeat of Hamas.
Israel's defense minister announced preparations for a full offensive on Gaza City.
Hostage families are worried that military actions could put hostages at risk.
Previous negotiation proposals have failed, with complicated terms regarding ceasefires and exchanges.
The Israeli military has increased operations in Gaza, resulting in further casualties.
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First Minister John Swinney has presented a plan for a new Scottish independence referendum, urging the UK government to allow a vote if the SNP wins a majority in the upcoming Holyrood elections. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer opposed the idea, saying the SNP would not secure a majority and criticized the push for a referendum as a distraction. Swinney argues that the growing number of young voters justifies a new referendum, referencing the 2011 SNP majority that led to the 2014 vote.
Key Facts
John Swinney is pushing for a Scottish independence referendum if the SNP wins a majority in the next election.
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, believes the SNP will not win a majority and critiques the referendum effort.
The Scottish government has released another paper on independence, continuing a series started in 2022.
Swinney emphasizes that by 2030, many young Scots who couldn't vote in 2014 will be eligible, suggesting this is a new generation.
A previous SNP majority in 2011 led to the 2014 referendum, which some consider a precedent.
The UK government has consistently refused to allow a second referendum, despite pro-independence majorities in 2016 and 2021.
The SNP plans to discuss its independence strategy at its upcoming party conference.
Recent polling shows support for independence is around 50%, but SNP support has declined since Nicola Sturgeon was leader.
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Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world but currently earns very little from oil exports. The country faces challenges such as tough-to-extract oil, ageing infrastructure, and international sanctions, which limit its oil production and sales.
Key Facts
Venezuela holds 303 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the largest in the world.
The Orinoco Belt, where most of Venezuela’s oil is located, contains extra-heavy crude oil, which is costly and difficult to extract.
PDVSA, Venezuela's state-owned oil company, manages most oil operations but struggles due to old equipment, lack of investment, mismanagement, and sanctions.
Venezuela's gasoline prices are extremely low due to government subsidies, costing about $0.04 per liter as of 2025.
In 2023, Venezuela exported $4.05 billion worth of crude oil, significantly less than countries like Saudi Arabia and the US.
Venezuela's oil output has dropped over the years because of infrastructure issues, technical challenges, and international sanctions.
Venezuela was a founding member of OPEC, created in 1960, and once one of the primary oil suppliers to the US.
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A film about the killing of a Gaza child, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," received a 23-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, reportedly a record. The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, recounts the story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, killed in Gaza in January 2024. Several Hollywood stars, including Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, are executive producers of the film.
Key Facts
The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" tells the story of a Gaza child killed in January 2024.
It received a 23-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
Director Kaouther Ben Hania, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara are involved with the film.
Actor Motaz Malhees displayed a Palestinian flag during the event, prompting chants.
No outcome has been published from the Israeli military's investigation into the incident.
The film may win awards in Venice and has been put forward for the Oscars by Tunisia.
A protest in Venice supported Palestinians and condemned actions in Gaza.
Ben Hania is previously known for Oscar-nominated films.
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The UK government is considering a digital ID system as a way to address illegal immigration, according to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This idea revisits the previous Labour government's attempts to introduce ID cards, which were stopped due to privacy concerns. Discussions on the new digital ID proposal reflect changes in public attitudes towards digital identities over the past 20 years.
Key Facts
The UK is looking into using digital IDs to manage illegal immigration.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer believes digital IDs could make the UK less attractive to illegal migrants.
The idea of digital IDs renews the past ID card debate postponed in 2011 due to privacy concerns.
Starmer notes that the public's views on digital IDs have shifted in the last 20 years.
The previous UK government under Tony Blair attempted a similar ID project, later canceled.
Starmer has not specified who would be required to obtain a digital ID in the proposed system.
Digital IDs refer to online representations of identification documents.
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Nepal's government announced it would block access to social media platforms like Facebook and X because they did not meet the government's registration requirements. The government wants these platforms to register locally to curb online issues such as hate speech and cybercrime. Despite the deadline passing, these platforms were still accessible on Thursday.
Key Facts
Nepal plans to block social media sites that did not register with the government.
Platforms like Facebook, X, YouTube, Reddit, and LinkedIn were asked to comply.
The registration deadline was Wednesday, but the sites were available on Thursday.
Only a few platforms, including TikTok and Viber, have registered with the government.
The government states that the registration is to reduce online hate, rumors, and cybercrime.
Critics say sudden platform closures affect fundamental public rights.
Similar social media oversight is happening in other countries like the US, EU, and Brazil.
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Fighting between Hamas and Israel has led to over 64,000 Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip, according to local health officials. Ceasefire talks have failed, with both sides unable to agree on terms to end the conflict. Israeli military actions continue, with significant control over parts of Gaza City.
Key Facts
Over 64,000 Palestinians have died in the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza.
Recent Israeli strikes killed 28 people, including women and children.
The Israeli military reports controlling 40% of Gaza City.
Shifa Hospital received 25 bodies from a strike on tents for displaced people.
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have broken down.
Hamas offered to return hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and other conditions.
Israel's government rejected Hamas's proposal, wanting all hostages returned and more security control.
Israel blames civilian casualties on Hamas using populated areas for military operations.
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Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, did not confirm if he would dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner after a review of her potential breach of the ministerial code. Rayner admitted to underpaying stamp duty on a property, which she claims was due to incorrect legal advice. Starmer stated he would decide on any action after receiving a full report from his standards adviser.
Key Facts
Angela Rayner reportedly underpaid stamp duty on an £800,000 flat.
Rayner attributed the underpayment to a legal advice error.
Sir Laurie Magnus is the adviser investigating if Rayner broke the ministerial code.
The ministerial code outlines expected standards for government ministers.
Sir Keir Starmer will decide on any action based on the report.
The report could be released as early as Friday.
Both Conservative and Reform UK parties have called for Rayner's resignation.
Stamp duty is a tax paid on property purchases.
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Giorgio Armani, a famous Italian fashion designer, passed away at 91 in Milan. Known for his elegant designs, Armani built a global fashion empire that included clothing, accessories, and other products.
Key Facts
Giorgio Armani died at the age of 91 in Milan, Italy.
He founded the Giorgio Armani fashion house known for elegant and understated designs.
Armani missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 due to health issues.
He planned to celebrate 50 years of his fashion house during Milan Fashion Week in October 2025.
Armani's designs became famous in the late 1970s with a relaxed style.
His fashion empire included clothing, accessories, home items, and more, valued over $10 billion.
He was one of the world's top 200 billionaires according to Forbes.
Armani was born in 1934 in Piacenza, Italy, and started his brand in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti.
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A former NHS surgeon, Neil Hopper, has admitted to insurance fraud and possessing illegal content. He falsely claimed his leg injuries were due to a health condition when they were self-inflicted for personal reasons. The fraudulent claims amounted to over £466,000.
Key Facts
Neil Hopper was an NHS vascular surgeon in Cornwall.
He had his legs amputated in 2019 after self-inflicting injuries.
The court revealed he had a sexual interest in amputation.
Hopper falsely claimed his injuries were due to sepsis.
He admitted to fraudulent insurance claims totaling over £466,000.
The money from the claims was spent on personal items like a camper van and home improvements.
He worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust from 2013 until his arrest in 2023.
The NHS Trust stated the charges do not relate to his professional conduct or patient safety.
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Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani passed away at the age of 91. Armani was known for modernizing suits and expanding his brand into several industries. He was also a prominent businessman, with his company earning over £2 billion annually.
Key Facts
Giorgio Armani was an Italian fashion designer who died at 91.
Armani is famous for reimagining men's and women's suits.
His fashion brand also expanded into beauty, fragrance, music, sport, and luxury hotels.
Armani's company generated more than £2 billion a year.
He banned underweight models from his runway shows after a model's death in 2006.
Armani dressed many Hollywood stars for events like the Oscars.
He was known for elevating red carpet fashion and designing costumes for films.
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The chief executive of Pride in London, Christopher Joell-Deshields, has been suspended due to internal investigations into allegations of bullying and misuse of donated vouchers. He is accused of purchasing luxury items and creating a toxic work culture. A new board has been established to handle the investigation, while Joell-Deshields disputes the board's authority over his suspension.
Key Facts
Christopher Joell-Deshields became head of Pride in London in 2021.
He is accused of using donated vouchers for luxury items like perfumes and electronics.
Allegations include bullying a disabled volunteer via WhatsApp.
Pride in London has over 100 year-round volunteers and relies on 1,000 event-day volunteers.
A new board of directors has been set up to investigate the claims.
Joell-Deshields disputes the authority of this new board and continues to claim his role as CEO.
The organization is dealing with reduced financial support and volunteer numbers.
Current volunteers worry the allegations may harm the event's reputation.
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President Trump held an online meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders to discuss how to push for peace between Ukraine and Russia. The meeting comes as Trump struggles to get Zelensky and Russian President Putin to meet directly. Ukraine's security plans involve support from European and U.S. forces through different means like military presence and intelligence sharing.
Key Facts
Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Zelensky and European leaders about the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Trump's efforts to bring Zelensky and Putin together have not succeeded.
Zelensky is willing to meet Putin, but there are safety concerns about meeting in Moscow.
Russian President Putin expressed readiness to meet Zelensky in Moscow, but conditions need setting first.
A coalition of Western countries is exploring security guarantees for Ukraine.
The security guarantees include having a strong Ukrainian military and support from European and U.S. forces.
Ukraine suggested that countries unable to send large troop numbers can help through other means like air support or intelligence.
The meeting followed a session in Paris with European leaders about Ukraine's security.
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Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness secured a third consecutive term in office after his party won the recent election. The Labour Party gained 34 seats compared to the opposition's 29 seats. Holness' campaign focused on economic growth and reducing crime rates.
Key Facts
Andrew Holness has been Jamaica's Prime Minister since 2016.
His Labour Party won 34 seats in the election.
The opposition People's National Party (PNP) won 29 seats.
Holness promised to lower the income tax rate from 25% to 15%.
Jamaica's murder rate fell to its lowest in 25 years during Holness' administration.
The low unemployment rate of 3.3% was highlighted as a government achievement.
PNP questioned Holness' financial declarations and criticized his administration's spending.
Voter turnout was low at 39.5%, but the election was peaceful and organized.
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