Iran will not play in the World Cup finals in Washington on Friday because the United States refused to grant visas to several delegation members, according to the Iranian football federation.
The Iranian delegation’s representatives informed FIFA that the decisions made were unrelated to sports and that they would not play in the World Cup draw, according to the federation’s spokesperson.
Jessie J, a singer, has a brand-new opportunity to shine in a challenging role. The pop singer is the most recent celebrity to sign up for CBeebies Bedtime Story.
The mum-of-one will be reading a story to viewers on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. She will be reading an inspiring story which is about hope and being resilient.
Jana Curll’s book My Path is read by Jessie as she reads it. A little snail navigates life’s twists and turns in the story. Even when their future seems uncertain, the book encourages young readers to accept challenges and persevere even when their future is uncertain.
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Jessie said in a statement about her CBeebies appearance that she “follows our very own special path, which can lead us in many directions. I’ve come to this CBeebies Bedtime Story, where my path led me.
We might encounter bumps along the way and some significant mountains, but I tell myself, “keep going Jess!” and I hope that’s what children and adults alike take from “My Path.”
At the conclusion of her appearance, she continued to leave a sweet message. Every path is unique, so choose yours, and keep going, she said. A big, beautiful adventure is what life is all about. Choose a fulfilling life, make the most of magic, and live your best life.
CBeebies and BBC iPlayer air CBeebies Bedtime Stories every weekday at 6:50 pm. The program assists families in managing their daily bedtime routine and inspires the entire country to read together.
Jessie’s most recent employment comes after she has made breast cancer-related claims openly. The singer, 37, had surgery earlier this year and is awaiting a second round.
While Jessie waits for a second operation later this year, she has delayed her No Secrets UK and European tour until 2026. She remarked about her diagnosis, “I’m just grateful for the lessons and, honestly, I’m grateful for the connectivity that has given me with so many cancer patients.”
“I wouldn’t have had the lovely conversations I have had,” she said. Additionally, I’ve grown up better as a parent and a better person. I’ve never given a damn about the little things.
She continued, “Some things don’t stress me out anymore because you just need to sit the f*** down when life turns into something you feel like you can’t control.” After having a mastectomy and discovering a lump in her breast in March, Jessica was diagnosed with cancer. She remarked, “I had my surgery with little downtime.”
She described it as a “weird time” and continued, “When I had cancer and no one knew.” One orange is now hiding under a bedsheet, and the other is after the baby.
It’s still funny, but it’s not. However, it’s also quite funny. But I’m actually appreciative that I made it through. And I almost have to turn around, and I still have a little work to do. However, we all will experience or have experienced a very difficult situation that we feel we must carry on our own.
Tony Christie, the renowned singer behind the hit song “Is This The Way To Amarillo,” was diagnosed with dementia two years ago. Tony, 82, has recently been working on a tour and an album, and despite receiving a diagnosis, he continues to perform and record.
The singer, who spoke exclusively to the Mirror, discusses how music can be used as a tool to support those closest to him who is diagnosed with dementia and how you can do the same.
“Christmas has always been about music in my family. The carols, the records playing in the background, the songs that remind you of people you love. But since my dementia diagnosis in 2023, I’ve learned something important: the music is still there, but getting to it isn’t always easy.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I still get to sing almost every day – performing keeps me connected to the songs that have been part of my life for decades. But when it comes to just sitting down and listening to music?
My wife Sue and my granddaughter Deià enter that area. Deià assists with the technology while Sue suggests the songs. They jointly operate it.
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Deià recently purchased The Ink Spots, which my father used to play when I was a child. Hearing that song once more gave me a profound sense of emotion. When dementia is present, music serves that purpose.
It brings back memories that you initially lost. It provides instantaneous connection. When anxiety starts to creep in, it brings calm. And most importantly, it makes you remember who you are.
But most people with dementia can’t access their music as easily as I can. Not because the music isn’t there, but because modern technology has left them behind. Music for Dementia’s research found that only three in ten family carers can stream music with their loved one.
Age UK found that six in ten internet users over 65 never use the internet to stream music or videos. I’m 82 so this does not surprise me! The generation that grew up with The Beatles, Elvis, Motown, rock and roll – are now locked out of it. That’s a tragedy.
A new Christmas ad called Give the Music Back was just released this Christmas by Music for Dementia, which highlights how technology is lulling older people.
The gift of music, which instantly brings connection and joy to the family, is the gift of a six-year-old granddaughter. I urge you to watch it. I’m more emotionally invested in it than any big-budget retail campaign.
The ad promotes the charity’s m4dRADIO station – an invaluable resource for families impacted by dementia. It plays non-stop music without ads, presenters or news across six channels, from the 1940s through to the 1980s and a Mix channel. It’s completely free and it’s well worth a listen. You may even hear the playlist that Deià and I created together!
Families gather at Christmas, and music is all over. However, they are left on the sidelines of their own Christmas if their parents can’t access the songs that mean something to them.
I’ve seen the potential of music. It brings back memories that have been lost and strengthens my family’s bonds over time. There is no need to invest a lot. The newest technology is not necessary. What you need is something straightforward, accessible, and made for older people.
Give someone who has dementia access to their music if they are your friend. Listen while you sit together. Create a playlist. Install a voice-activated speaker, as Deià did for me. or tune into m4dRADIO.
Music is more than just entertainment. It is memory. It has its identity. Everyone should be able to access that. particularly at Christmas.”
Tony Christie is an ambassador for Music for Dementia. To request a free Yoto kit, visit musicfordementia.org.uk/yoto.*
Published On 28 Nov 2025
Since their invasion of the city more than five months ago, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have transformed a significant portion of Al-Nuhud Hospital in the wartorn south of Sudan into a military command center and barracks.
The RSF, the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces’ (SAF) bitter rival in the brutal three-year civil war, has been preventing the hospital from fulfilling its crucial role in providing healthcare to the population, according to the nongovernmental organization on Friday.
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According to the Facebook statement, “This military use of the health facility constitutes a flagrant violation of the sanctity of medical institutions and undermines civilians’ right to access treatment,” adding that some of the city’s doctors have been accused of working with the military before fleeing.
The hospital now has a “severe shortage of healthcare workers,” it continued, “making the remaining medical services extremely limited and unable to meet patients’ needs.”
The SAF and the RSF have been locked in a conflict that has not been resolved by regional and international mediation since April 2023.
The conflict, which the UN describes as the largest humanitarian disaster in the world, has resulted in the displacement of millions of people and the deaths of thousands of people.
Since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the city of El-Fasher last month, hundreds of Sudanese children have been arriving without their parents in the town of Tawila in western Sudan, according to a humanitarian organization.
At least 400 unaccompanied children had arrived in Tawila, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), but that number is likely much higher than that.
After an 18-month siege that had prevented residents of El-Fasher, Sudan’s capital, from receiving food, medicine, and other essential supplies, the RSF seized control of the city on October 26.
In its takeover of the city, the paramilitary group is accused of carrying out numerous sexual assaults, kidnappings, and mass murders. Sudan’s army is also accused of carrying out atrocities during the conflict.
No one side has formally agreed to a ceasefire proposal the United States has recently made to Sudan’s conflicting parties.
In accordance with US wishes, the RSF unilaterally ended hostilities on Monday.
The SAF, however, announced on Tuesday that it had resisted an attack on Babnusa, West Kordofan state’s newest front line, on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanded that US President Donald Trump intervene.
Sudan’s de facto leader wrote in an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal that “the Sudanese people now look to Washington to take the next step: to build on the US president’s sincerity and work with us and those in the region who genuinely seek peace.”
Over the course of the conflict, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people, displaced 12 million, and caused the largest hunger and displacement crises in the world, Burhan and his one-time deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, have repeatedly failed.
After a few frustrating nights in the Champions League, spanish champions Barcelona and current league leaders Real Madrid are looking to rekindle their resolve this weekend in La Liga.
The top two teams aim to defeat Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, who are currently in the lead, on Saturday when Barcelona hosts Alaves, while Madrid travel to Girona on Sunday.
Real Madrid’s defense wobbled alarmingly in also conceding three against Greek side Olympiacos, despite being able to claim a 4-3 victory thanks to four goals from Kylian Mbappe, while Barcelona suffered a morale-crushing 3-0 defeat by Chelsea on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge.
Hansi Flick, a coach for Barca, was perplexed and looking for some hope after the humiliating defeat in London.
“I notice the intensity, quality, and intensity of our training. He told reporters that it is “absolutely different” from what it was six weeks ago.
“Players are returning, enhancing the level of training.” I feel optimistic and have a good feeling about that.
For the first time in 2025, Flick’s Barca didn’t score a goal in the Chelsea defeat.
Raphinha has started a few substitute games since returning from injury, and Alaves may get a bigger role when they travel to the newly reopened Camp Nou.
“You can see I’m happy that Raphinha is back, and Pedri will follow soon from injury, as you can see,” said Flick.
A 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao last Saturday would help Barca’s first Camp Nou game in two and a half years, and a similar performance against Alaves would help patch up some gaps in the near future.
After losing points in both of their previous league games, including last weekend’s clash with promoted Elche, it would provably bring the champions of last season back to the top of La Liga.
After that disappointing 2-2 draw and 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano before the November international break, Alonso’s team now leads Barca at the top by one point.
After a subpar campaign start, Girona are 18th.
Real’s victory in Athens on Wednesday ended a three-game losing streak across all competitions thanks to superstar French striker Mbappe’s heroic run.
Alonso argued that a win was crucial for the team to regain its winning formula at Montilivi, which he hopes they can continue to build on.
Some Spanish reports suggest that the coach’s players, including winger Vinicius Junior, do not support him, which has raised questions about him.
The season will be long and demanding, the group says. “We are all united. There will be many different situations, but Alonso argued that the key is unity: having confidence in one another.
Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward, has been in excellent form recently, helping his team to rise to the top of the table after a poor start, and claiming to start as Spain’s starting striker at the World Cup in 2014. Villarreal’s top flight leader will make a Sunday appearance in San Sebastian to increase his La Real’s three goals and two assists in his previous four La Liga games.
Atletico Madrid has 12 league matches that are unbeaten.
Barcelona scored 53 games in a row before losing 3-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Alvaro Carreras, a Real Madrid defender, has 1125 touches on the ball, more than any other player in the league this season.
Friday (all times GMT)
Getafe v Elche (2000)
Saturday
Mallorca v Osasuna (1300), Barcelona v Alaves (1515), Levante v Athletic Bilbao (1730), Atletico Madrid v Real Oviedo (2000)
Sunday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (1300), Sevilla v Real Betis (1515), Celta Vigo v Espanyol (1730), Girona v Real Madrid (2000)
Monday
Rayo Vallecano v. Valencia (2000)
It’s officially Black Friday weekend, which means plenty of huge savings to get stuck into ahead of the festive season. Whether you’re hoping to snap up some Christmas presents whilst saving yourself money, or just want to treat yourself without breaking the bank, there’s plenty of great deals to be shopped.
One that caught our eye is the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler which has been given an impressive £100 price cut at Boots. Usually priced at £249, it’s now £149, and although we suspect the offer will last throughout Cyber Weekend, there’s no guarantee it’ll still be around once the savings event is over, so you might want to be quick if you want to snap it up.
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The Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler makes a great Christmas gift for beauty lovers, or makes a great alternative to Shark’s FlexStyle if you’ve been looking for an easy-to-use tool to keep your hair perfectly styled during the festive season. If you have been holding out for the Shark version, however, now is also your chance to get it for less.
Currently the Shark FlexStyle Build Your Own Air Styling and Hair Drying System also has £100 off, slashing it from £269.99 to £169.99. However, not only is the Bellissima Air Styler £20 cheaper, but it also comes with an additional attachment.
You get five different accessories with your multi-styler, including an air wrap curler, two round brushes, and an oval brush, which can create everything from effortless waves to sleek curls in minutes. The tool uses Ion Ceramic Hi-Pro technology to help keep hair sleek and frizz free, and minimises any damage caused by heat styling.
The Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler uses airflow with five times the pressure of a standard hairdryer to cut down on the time spent styling. This not only saves you time in the mornings, but minimises how much time your hair spends being styled – another great way to prevent damage.
It’ll also check the temperature 50 times a second to stop it from getting too hot, and offers you three different air flow settings, three temperatures and the option of a cool shot, so you can pick the right combination for your hair type. The one advantage Shark has over this is that it lets you choose which four accessories you want out of a possible nine, so you can make sure every single one you pick is suitable for your hair type.
However the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler actually has a higher rating with shoppers, with Boots customers ranking it 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews, whilst the Shark one has a 4.3 rating from 742 reviews on the Shark website.
Boots customers said about the Bellissima Italia Prodigy Air Styler: “I bought this for my daughter last year. It’s brilliant. Her hair is long and thick and when she uses this her curls always stay in all day.”
Another said: “This hot air brush is amazing and gives such a professional look! I researched for ages as to which to buy and so glad I went with this. The tongs wrap the hair around making it so easy to use and lots of other fab attachments!”
With a third raving: “I bought this last week and it’s AMAZING! Dries my (long and thick) hair within 10 minutes. Especially for this price it is the best out there! Additionally, this product simply looks beautiful and very aesthetically pleasing.”
In fact, the only negative review said: “This is probably a very good product, but I took one look at the size of the blow dry brush and curling barrels and knew they would be too big for my chin length hair. I returned the product unused.”
Another however praised: “LOVE THIS. Took a minute to get used to it verses a normal hair dryer. Lightweight and easy to swap the heads. I have long, thick hair (down to my hips) and it didn’t take longer than around 8mins to dry which is a record considering it doesn’t get as hot.”
Other great Black Friday deals on multi-stylers include the Beauty Works AERIS Multi-Styler which has been slashed from £220 to £154 over at LookFantastic. The retailer has also dropped the price of the BondiBoost Everlast Airstyler from £175 to £122.50.