Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report that 2025 was the third consecutive year in which Israel was identified as the deadliest country for journalists; 29 Palestinian reporters were killed amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The organisation stated that 67 journalists were killed worldwide, noting that many deaths occurred in conflict zones where reporters were ‘targeted for their work’. It criticised what it called a failure of international bodies to protect journalists, and highlighted a global decline in governmental courage to defend press freedom. Mexico ranked second with nine journalist deaths, while Ukraine and Sudan also remained highly dangerous environments for media workers. RSF also said that 503 journalists are currently imprisoned globally, with China (121), Russia (48), and Myanmar (47) leading in detentions; 135 journalists are missing, and twenty are being held hostage. Press freedom groups continue to condemn Israel’s restriction of independent media access to Gaza, where monitoring groups claim that hundreds of journalists have been killed over the past two years.

US military strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats are facing intense criticism after reports that a ‘double tap’ attack on 2 September killed survivors clinging to a burning vessel. The White House confirmed a second strike was ordered by Admiral Frank Bradley, saying it was lawful and authorised by defence secretary Pete Hegseth, though officials denied he instructed forces to ‘kill everybody’. More than eighty people have died in similar Caribbean operations since September, yet the USA has provided little hard evidence of drug trafficking. Lawmakers from both parties are demanding investigations, with some Democrats arguing the second strike might constitute a war crime if incapacitated survivors were deliberately targeted. The administration insists it is acting in self-defence against ‘narco-terrorist’ groups, while Venezuela has condemned the strikes as unlawful aggression.

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated into a third consecutive day of violence, forcing more than half a million civilians to flee their homes. Both governments accuse each other of reigniting the conflict, which has already killed soldiers and civilians and triggered mass evacuations from border provinces. Reports describe rockets landing near hospitals, air raids conducted by Thai F-16 jets, and Cambodian artillery targeting Thai territory, leaving thousands in makeshift shelters with limited supplies. The clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July which killed dozens and displaced some 300,000 people on both sides of the border before a shaky truce was agreed, following an intervention by Donald Trump. Trump said late on Tuesday that he would make a phone call to stop the renewed fighting. Even so, analysts say that the lack of willingness to negotiate suggests the conflict may be prolonged. Latest news - three civilians have been killed inside Thailand: see

A confrontation between federal agents and residents in a Somali neighbourhood of Minneapolis has heightened fear and tension within the community. Witnesses reported that ICE agents used pepper spray to disperse a crowd of protesters after checking identifications in restaurants, on the streets, and at a senior housing complex. The crackdown follows the decision by Donald Trump to end temporary protected status for Somalis, calling them ‘garbage’ and saying he does not want them in the country. The move has drawn denunciations from leaders of the Somali community and governor Tim Walz. About 84,000 of the 260,000 Somalis in the country live in the Minneapolis-St Paul area, the overwhelming majority of them US citizens. Over half were born in the U.S., and 87 per cent of those born elsewhere are naturalised citizens. Federal officials justify the operation as targeting criminals, giving details of nine criminals who have been arrested recently, but local leaders argue that such actions unfairly stigmatise an entire community.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced former Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, better known as Ali Kushayb, to twenty years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur in 2003–04. Convicted on 27 charges, he is the first person tried by the ICC for atrocities linked to the Darfur conflict. Judges found that he both ordered and personally participated in attacks aimed at ‘wiping out’ non-Arab communities, including killings, mass displacement and widespread sexual violence. Survivors testified to villages being burned and families destroyed. The ruling comes as Sudan faces renewed conflict, with the Rapid Support Forces (successors to the Janjaweed) accused of carrying out similar abuses today. While the ICC hopes the sentence will offer justice and deterrence, experts question its immediate impact, noting that millions of survivors remain displaced and key figures, including former president Omar al-Bashir, are still wanted. The verdict nevertheless stands as a significant acknowledgment of long-ignored suffering.

Actor Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in the hit series ‘The Chosen’, says the show’s heartfelt depiction of Christ has led even lifelong atheists to embrace Christianity. He said that two men who had never believed in God were sent the series by friends. Unexpectedly, they were captivated by the first episode, began reading Scripture and attending church, and ultimately converted. He called their transformation remarkable, noting that many viewers express similar experiences. Roumie said his own deep relationship with Christ shaped the sincerity of his performance, helping him convey love, compassion, and authenticity. He also described the emotional and spiritual weight of filming Season 6 (to be released in 2026), which depicts Jesus’ crucifixion; he prayed for insight into Christ’s suffering and sensed God responding.

Joe Rogan has spoken openly again about his growing interest in Christianity, saying he finds the Bible deeply compelling and is moved by the kindness of believers he has met. He says he no longer believes Scripture is merely myth, but an ancient record conveying real truth, even if he is still discerning how literally to take its claims. He recently discussed Revelation with his daughter, acknowledging the mystery of how its prophecies will unfold. Rogan has been attending a non-denominational church in Austin, where the Christians’ sincerity and consistent kindness - even in the car park - have deeply impressed him. He described the Bible as 'fascinating,' and said Christianity 'works,' noting how the believers he knows live out their faith with remarkable grace. Over the past year he has been increasingly willing to explore faith publicly, hosting long conversations about Jesus, the supernatural, and the Resurrection, which he now finds more persuasive than secular explanations of the universe. Rogan’s journey continues to draw widespread attention. See

A major new report has confirmed extensive police failings before and after the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster, which killed 97 Liverpool fans - the UK’s worst sporting tragedy. After a decade-long investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct found that twelve officers would have faced charges of gross misconduct had they not already retired, leaving families devastated that no one will ever be held accountable. Those who lost loved ones in the crush condemned the outcome as another profound injustice. The report also criticised the initial police review as biased and found further evidence clarifying how police decisions, including the opening of an exit gate, led to the fatal overcrowding. Previous inquests concluded that supporters had been unlawfully killed and discredited early attempts to blame fans. Despite official apologies and admissions of catastrophic failure, no officer has ever been convicted. Families say the proposed ‘Hillsborough Law’ cannot compensate for truth acknowledged without accountability.

A deeply disturbing safeguarding scandal has unfolded in north London after nursery worker Vincent Chan admitted to 26 charges including sexual assault and creating severe indecent images of children in his care. The investigation began after a whistleblower raised concerns, leading police to uncover extensive, distressing evidence on Chan’s devices and on iPads at Bright Horizons nursery, which has since closed. Detectives described the case as among the most harrowing and complex they had encountered. Parents listened in tears as charges were read in court, later issuing a joint statement expressing shock, anger, and a sense of betrayal by the nursery’s management and safeguarding failures. Bright Horizons acknowledged that the abuse had occurred despite its procedures and has commissioned an independent review of its practices. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said that her department was working with Ofsted and local leaders to assess what more can be done to keep children safe. Chan, who had passed standard DBS vetting checks, will be sentenced on 23 January.

A row has erupted over England’s move to require all GP surgeries to offer online booking for non-urgent appointments, with Wes Streeting accusing the British Medical Association (BMA) of acting like ‘moaning minnies’. While he praised GPs for rapidly adopting the system - now used by more than 98% of practices - the doctors’ union is concerned that patient safety is at risk. The new method of booking, which all doctors have to provide on weekdays from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, also allows patients to ask questions, describe symptoms, and request callbacks. But the BMA says the software cannot differentiate urgent from routine needs, leaving surgeries overwhelmed and increasing the risk that serious issues will not be triaged properly. Healthwatch England raised concerns about limited patient awareness, difficulties for those less digitally literate, and some practices restricting online slots. Many GPs say they are already at capacity and fear unrealistic expectations without additional resources. The Government maintains it has invested extra funds and recruited more doctors.