In 2024, widespread protests led by young people toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh. Many student leaders took roles in an interim government, but as elections near, older political parties like Jamaat-e-Islami are gaining support due to division among the new generation's political groups.
Key Facts
A protest movement led by young people in 2024 ended the rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh.
Up to 1,400 people died during the protests, mostly due to actions by security forces.
Student leaders initially took positions in the interim government.
The new political party formed by students is struggling with divisions and lack of experience.
The Awami League, Hasina's party, is banned from the upcoming election.
Jamaat-e-Islami, an older Islamist party, is gaining popularity among voters.
Jamaat promises to tackle corruption and restore the independence of the judiciary.
Jamaat's past involvement in Bangladesh's 1971 war does not concern many younger voters.
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The article discusses delays in the UK's Access to Work program, which supports disabled workers by providing resources such as support staff. These delays have resulted in workers, like Lauren Toovey, not being paid for weeks while performing crucial assistance tasks. The government has added more staff to handle the backlog, but many individuals continue to experience significant delays.
Key Facts
Lauren Toovey, a support worker, has not been paid for six weeks due to delays in the Access to Work program.
The Access to Work program helps disabled workers by funding resources like equipment and support workers.
George Baker, a manager at The Disability Union, relies on Lauren to assist with tasks he cannot perform due to muscular dystrophy.
The government has hired 55 more case workers to address the program's backlog.
Applicants currently face wait times of up to 30 weeks for their applications to be acknowledged.
Rosie, a driving instructor, has been waiting over a year for support to help her return to full-time work.
NHS clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Verity has reduced her clinic hours due to a cut in her assigned support worker's hours.
Dr. Shani Dhanda reports receiving numerous stories from those affected by the delays.
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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports a significant increase in measles cases across the Americas, urging countries to improve vaccination procedures. In early 2026, there were already over 1,000 reported cases, with key outbreaks in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, can be effectively prevented by the MMR vaccine.
Key Facts
PAHO is a United Nations agency responsible for health issues in the Americas.
They reported 1,031 measles cases in the first three weeks of 2026.
In 2025, there were 14,891 confirmed measles cases in the Americas.
Major outbreaks occurred in North America, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems, especially in children.
Vaccination is the primary way to prevent measles, usually with the MMR vaccine.
The U.S. had previously eliminated measles domestically by 2000.
Vaccination rates have fallen in some areas, partly due to misinformation.
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The article discusses relationship issues and how to identify if a partnership isn't working. It includes insights from professionals on signs of a troubled relationship and offers tips on improving communication and deciding whether to stay or leave.
Key Facts
Journalist Eve Simmons shared her experience of an unexpected divorce, which she later saw as positive.
She realized many others faced similar sudden break-ups.
Psychotherapist Lucy Beresford notes couples often lack genuine communication.
Recognizing and addressing changes in relationship behavior is important.
Using "I" statements can help communicate feelings without blaming.
Selecting a good time and using signals for heated moments can improve discussions.
Understanding each other's preferences for affection contributes to relationship health.
Therapy helped one couple improve their relationship by understanding mutual needs.
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British singer Robbie Williams talks about his music career, reflecting on his success and mental health challenges. He is celebrating his new album "Britpop" and preparing for a tour in smaller venues. Williams also shares his relief that social media was not around during the early years of his career.
Key Facts
Robbie Williams has been in entertainment for over 30 years and is releasing a new album called "Britpop."
"Britpop" is Williams's 16th album to reach number one, surpassing a record previously held by The Beatles.
His upcoming tour will feature smaller venues and includes collaborations with musicians like Gary Barlow and Tony Iommi.
Williams experienced depression during the successful Britpop era in the 1990s.
He overcame stage fright and found peace after the birth of his first child, Theodora, in 2012.
Williams has spoken about the challenges he faced with the British press early in his solo career.
He is pleased that social media was not present during the beginning of his career due to its potential negative impact.
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The global popularity of Korean dried seaweed, known as gim, has led to an increase in its price in South Korea. The demand for gim is growing worldwide due to cultural exports like K-pop and K-dramas, which is causing domestic price increases for this grocery staple.
Key Facts
South Korea is the biggest producer and exporter of dried seaweed, called gim.
Gim is commonly used in South Korean cuisine and is gaining popularity worldwide.
The price of gim has recently risen significantly in South Korea to over 150 won per sheet.
Exports of gim reached a record $1.13 billion in 2025.
The global demand is influenced by the popularity of Korean culture, such as K-pop and K-dramas.
The increasing demand is causing supply shortages and higher prices domestically.
Korean food products, including gim, are popular in international markets, such as the U.S. and Japan.
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Ukrainian and Russian officials held peace talks in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States, and are set to meet again. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov described the talks as "productive," although no major progress has been made to end the war. Despite ongoing Russian attacks, the discussions focused on practical solutions, with Ukraine hoping for a prisoner exchange soon.
Key Facts
Ukraine and Russia held peace talks in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States.
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov called the talks "substantive and productive."
The talks are set to continue into a second day.
Russia demands Ukraine withdraw from parts of eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine rejects this.
Ukraine wants the current front lines to remain unchanged.
The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, noted progress but highlighted unresolved issues.
President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for tangible results and hopes for a prisoner exchange.
Russia continues military activities until its demands are met, according to the Kremlin.
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Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's Crown Princess, is on trial in Oslo for rape and other alleged offenses. He has denied the allegations and has been providing evidence in court. The trial includes claims from a woman who says she was drugged and raped at an after-party at Høiby's parents' house in 2018.
Key Facts
Marius Borg Høiby, 29, is the son of Norway's Crown Princess.
He is being tried for rape and over 30 other alleged crimes.
He denies four allegations of rape.
The trial is taking place at a court in Oslo.
A woman claimed she was drugged and raped in December 2018 at an after-party.
Høiby grew up as part of the Norwegian royal family's wider circle.
The court hearings are being reported by the BBC from Oslo.
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Iran and the United States have confirmed they will hold nuclear talks in Oman this Friday. The discussions will address issues like uranium enrichment and ballistic missiles. The talks follow recent tensions in the region.
Key Facts
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks with the US in Oman on Friday.
The meeting was initially uncertain due to disagreements about details, but it is now scheduled for 10 AM in Muscat.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed for fair negotiations.
Mediators from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt have provided a discussion framework, which includes restricting Iran's uranium enrichment and missile use.
President Donald Trump has increased the US military presence near Iran.
The US seeks to address Iran's nuclear program and other concerns, like ballistic missiles, in the talks.
The US and Iran have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1980.
Previous talks in June in Oman were disrupted by attacks involving Israel and a brief US engagement.
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A new rule in the UK stops asylum seekers from using taxis for medical appointments, except in special cases like disabilities or pregnancy. This change happened after a report showed high costs from long taxi rides. The Home Office will decide on exceptions to this rule.
Key Facts
The UK government banned most taxi use for asylum seekers' medical appointments.
Exceptions are made for people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or pregnancy.
The change followed a report revealing high costs from long taxi trips.
Taxis can still be used for some other travel needs, like moving between accommodations.
A BBC investigation found taxi trips for asylum seekers cost millions annually.
Reports showed some taxi services were misused, leading to unnecessary costs.
The Home Office is responsible for approving exceptions to the taxi ban.
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Natalia, a war widow, moved her husband's grave from Slovyansk to Kyiv because of fears that Russian forces might advance and control the area. Her husband, Vitaly, was killed in 2022 while defending Ukraine against Russia. The situation underscores ongoing tensions as the conflict continues in eastern Ukraine.
Key Facts
Natalia moved her husband Vitaly's remains from Slovyansk to Kyiv to prevent the grave from falling into Russian-occupied territory.
Vitaly died fighting Russian forces in 2022 in the eastern Donbas region.
Eastern Ukraine, including Slovyansk, is currently under threat from advancing Russian forces.
The U.S. is trying to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, but tensions remain high.
Kyiv wants to maintain control over its territory, while Russia aims to expand its control in eastern Ukraine.
Slovyansk is near the frontline, facing frequent attacks.
Ukrainian forces are working on drone defenses and innovations to counter Russian advances.
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Elizabeth Kelly, a former actress on the British TV show EastEnders, passed away at the age of 104 on December 31 in Scarborough. She played the character Nellie Ellis on the show from 1993 to 2000, and her career in television lasted about 40 years.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Kelly died at 104 years old on December 31 in Scarborough.
She was best known for her role as Nellie Ellis on EastEnders.
Kelly's acting career began in the late 1960s.
She also appeared in shows like Coronation Street, The Bill, and Where the Heart Is.
Kelly played Nellie Ellis on EastEnders from 1993 to 1998, and she returned for a final appearance in 2000.
The BBC soap EastEnders paid tribute to her, noting her warmth and kindness.
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Rotana al-Raqab and her mother were among the first Palestinians allowed to return to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, but they faced long delays, searches, and interrogations by Israeli forces. The crossing partially reopened as part of a ceasefire deal, but movement remains highly restricted, with only a few people allowed to pass each day.
Key Facts
Rotana and her mother were stranded in Egypt seeking medical treatment and longed to return to Gaza.
The Rafah crossing is the only border from Gaza not involving Israeli territory.
The crossing has only partially reopened, allowing limited people to pass due to the ceasefire deal.
Israeli forces control the Gazan side of the crossing and conduct extensive searches and interrogations.
Reports indicate only about 12 people of the approximately 50 who reached the crossing were allowed into Gaza on a given day.
The crossing initially opened for a small number of people, such as Rotana and her mother.
Rotana expressed fear for her family in Gaza during the time she was stuck in Egypt.
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Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice suggest that Lord Mandelson offered to help Jeffrey Epstein get a Russian visa. The documents show that Epstein planned a trip to Moscow in 2010 to meet young women, but the trip was cancelled because the visa could not be obtained. It is unclear if Mandelson knew why Epstein wanted the visa.
Key Facts
Lord Mandelson offered to help Jeffrey Epstein obtain a Russian visa in 2010.
Epstein planned to travel to Moscow to meet young women, but the trip was eventually cancelled.
The U.S. Department of Justice released documents revealing this information.
Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019, was awaiting charges related to trafficking minors.
Mandelson recently resigned from the House of Lords after new details about his relationship with Epstein emerged.
Emails between Epstein and a modeling agent, Jean-Luc Brunel, show Epstein's intent to travel to Moscow.
There is no evidence that Mandelson knew Epstein's reasons for traveling to Russia.
Epstein asked a woman in Russia about potential introductions to young women during his planned visit.
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The Gaitanist Army of Colombia (EGC) paused peace talks in Qatar after President Gustavo Petro planned to target their leader. The suspension followed Petro's meeting with President Trump, where they discussed action against drug trafficking. This move might affect Petro's "Total Peace" policy aimed at negotiating with rebel groups.
Key Facts
The EGC is Colombia’s largest criminal group, also known as the Gulf Clan.
The group stopped peace talks after Petro's plan to target their leader, Jesus Avila Villadiego, was reported.
Petro met President Trump in the U.S., agreeing to focus on key targets linked to drug trafficking.
Jesus Avila Villadiego, also called Chiquito Malo, is among the targeted leaders with a $1.37 million reward for his capture.
Two other high-ranking rebel leaders, Ivan Mordisco and Pablito, are also prioritized targets.
The U.S. has labeled the EGC as a "foreign terrorist organization."
The peace talks aimed for the EGC to begin demobilization, which is now uncertain.
The Colombian Supreme Court okayed the extradition of Chiquito Malo to the U.S. if captured, but the final call is with the president.
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Emails between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein reveal a close and ongoing friendship. These emails occurred both before and after Epstein's conviction in 2008. The communications suggest that Mandelson valued Epstein's advice on both personal and political matters.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson had a friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
The US Department of Justice released emails showing the extent of their friendship.
These emails continued after Epstein's 2008 conviction.
In April 2009, Epstein was still in prison but was communicating with Mandelson.
The emails often had a jokey and informal tone.
Mandelson was receiving political advice from Epstein, including discussions about Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Mandelson sought Epstein's opinion on a draft of his memoir after leaving government in 2010.
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Russia announced it is no longer following the limits on nuclear warheads as the last nuclear arms control treaty with the U.S., called the New START treaty, is set to expire. President Trump is interested in negotiating a new nuclear agreement that may include China. The expiration raises concerns about a potential arms race.
Key Facts
Russia stated it is not bound by the New START treaty limits as it expires.
The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limits strategic nuclear weapons and expires on Thursday.
Russia claims the U.S. did not respond to a proposal to extend the treaty temporarily.
President Trump expressed interest in a new, possibly better, nuclear agreement.
Trump mentioned involving China in future nuclear discussions.
Experts warn that the treaty's expiration could lead to an increase in nuclear weapons and an arms race.
The treaty initially came into effect in 2011 after being signed by the U.S. and Russia in 2010.
New START was signed by then-U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
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A cold snap in Florida has caused iguanas to fall from trees because the cold temperatures make them unable to hold onto branches. This is a common occurrence when temperatures drop significantly in the state.
Key Facts
Cold weather in Florida caused iguanas to fall from trees.
Iguanas freeze due to the low temperatures but are not usually dead.
The cold affected areas including North, Central, and South Florida.
Temperatures reached lows in the 20s and 30s in certain parts.
"Cold-stunning" happens when iguanas lose muscle control in cold weather.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advised not to handle fallen iguanas.
Previously, people could take cold-stunned iguanas to certain locations, but this is no longer allowed.
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Bangladesh is preparing for an important election following the 2024 events that removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and reduced the influence of the Awami League. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is now leading in political influence. An interview with the BNP Secretary-General discusses Tarique Rahman's vision for Bangladesh's future.
Key Facts
Bangladesh is about to have an important election.
In 2024, a significant event led to the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
The Awami League, formerly a leading political party, has lost influence.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is now leading the political scene.
The BNP's Secretary-General is Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir.
The interview focuses on Tarique Rahman’s ideas for the country's future.
Tarique Rahman is highlighted as a key figure in Bangladesh's political changes.
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Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya's former leader Muammar Gaddafi, was reportedly killed by four masked individuals in his home in Zintan. His political team described the incident as a "cowardly and treacherous assassination."
Key Facts
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was the son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
He served as Muammar Gaddafi's second-in-command from 2000 to 2011.
Saif al-Islam was killed in his home in Zintan, Libya.
The attack was carried out by four masked men.
His political team condemned his death, calling it a "cowardly and treacherous assassination."
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