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Arab League welcomes Sudanese gov’t peace plan presented at UN

The UN Security Council earlier this week received a positive report from Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris, according to Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the secretary-general of the Arab League.

The 22-member league praised its “highly significant political, humanitarian, and security messages” and demanded “positive engagement” with the plan, according to Gheit on Wednesday.

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Idris, the transitional civilian government in Sudan, had earlier told the UNSC on Monday that the government’s proposal was “homemade,” rather than “imposed on us,” in an indirect reference to the so-called Quad, which includes the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

He told the UNSC’s 15 members that a truce would have “no chance of success” unless the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were confined to camps and disarmed, and that the group had been in conflict with the military since April 2023.

Al-Basha Tibiq, an adviser to the RSF commander, rejected Idris’ plan, saying that the idea of the group withdrawing was “closer to fantasy than politics.” The RSF agreed to the request for a humanitarian truce back in November.

Tibiq was quoted as saying in an RSF statement that the plan was “nothing more than a recycling of outdated exclusionary rhetoric” that was unintelligible from General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan’s position in an RSF statement posted on Facebook.

Al-Burhan had previously rejected the Quad’s request for a humanitarian truce, claiming that UAE involvement meant the plan was biased and favored the paramilitaries over the army.

The UAE has long refuted claims that it funds and arms the RSF. It called the Sudanese decision to bring a case against it to the International Court of Justice a “cynical publicity stunt” in March.

In the Kordofan region, fighting reaches a high volume.

The conflict, which involved the army chief al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, erupted after a power struggle between the army chief al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and caused about 14 million people to flee.

After an 18-month siege that had been held there for an entire year, the RSF&nbsp finally took control of the city of el-Fasher in the western Darfur region in October.

In its takeover of the city, the paramilitary group is accused of carrying out numerous sexual assaults, kidnappings, and mass murders.

As fighting continued, Idris proposed a solution, with the RSF claiming that Alouba, a strategic town in the Kordofan region, had regained control of the town.

1,700 people had fled Sudan’s White Nile state, east of the Kordofan region, according to Sudanese officials, many of whom were heading to Kosti.

According to Mohamed Vall, a journalist from Kosti, the city was already home to about 2 million refugees and internally displaced people and was currently “under incredible, huge stress” trying to accommodate the new arrivals.

The authorities are urging the international community and any other local or international organizations to help with this situation, particularly [given] the severe cuts in funding for the UN organizations specialized in providing] aid in Sudan, Vall said.

The Sudanese army and its allies seized the areas of Abu Qamra and Ambro, which the RSF claimed had advanced in North Darfur, in addition to other developments.

The Sudanese army, for its part, claimed to have shelled two Kadugli, South Kordofan areas and that it had destroyed an RSF convoy in North Darfur state.

General Muawiya Hamad, the commander of the army’s 22nd Brigade, was killed in Babnusa earlier this month, according to a source from the army.

US deputy ambassador to the UN, Jeffrey Bartos, pleaded with “both belligerents” to accept the Quad’s request for a humanitarian truce as the fighting escalated on Monday in preparation for an UNSC meeting with Idris.

Test your knowledge in the rugby league quiz of the year

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How closely did you follow all the action and news this term as the 2025 Super League season came to an end?

Super League made its Las Vegas debut while Jake Connor earned his stripes as the Steve Prescott Man of Steel, Hull KR won the treble.

The important thing was, however, these were. What do you know that goes beyond the obvious?

What data are gathered from this quiz?

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David Walliams dropped from The Children’s Trust as downward spiral continues

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Harper Collins fired David Walliams after the former Britain’s Got Talent judge refuted allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female employees.

As a result of his ongoing downward spiral, David Walliams has been terminated from The Children’s Trust. The comedian recently faced criticism from his book publisher Harper Collins after allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female staff, which he denies.

He is alleged to have harassed employees and one woman reportedly then left the company with a five-figure settlement after raising concerns. Walliams, 54, was not informed of the allegations at the time and has denied any wrongdoing. He has now been axed as an ambassador for a leading children’s charity, which is said to have happened earlier this year. The former Britain’s Got Talent judge joined as a celebrity supporter in January 2018.

READ MORE: David Walliams’ four-word admission about his WhatsApp messages before harassment claimsREAD MORE: David Walliams suffers another career blow after publisher axe

The Daily Mail reported that a spokesperson from the charity said: “After a review of our ambassador programme earlier in the year, David Walliams is no longer an ambassador of The Children’s Trust.”

The Children’s Trust, a charity that deals with brain injuries and neurodisability, has long been a Walliams support. In 2007, he received an OBE for his contributions to the arts and charity.

This comes as Walliams said he was worried that his “very bad taste” WhatsApp messages could come out just months before he was axed by his publisher.

The actor claimed in a leaked recording that he was concerned that the public might be exposed to his “poor taste” messages. He claimed to be concerned about being exposed when speaking to a small convention audience that he frequently sends “very bad taste jokes” with friends and other famous comedians.

He once said, “Imagine if all of my WhatsApp messages came out,” at a cybersecurity event in February. there are inappropriate jokes exchanged between friends and other comedians. Always very offensive jokes and comments.

You might notice that many of the things you exchange with each other are rather tasteless, so I can’t imagine it’s just me, right?

People “sent you bizarre things,” they say. And I just picture what would happen. You don’t laugh at jokes about people you don’t like? My mother, you know what some friends do, but I wouldn’t send her anything, you know. I’m concerned about it.

Waterstones confirmed Walliams’ removal from the bookseller’s annual children’s festival on Sunday, but he won’t be there for the event in February. Customers who attempted to purchase tickets online over the weekend reported having issues as error messages appeared in their attempts to purchase the tickets.

A spokesman for the business said: “HarperCollins have confirmed that David Walliams will no longer be appearing at our festival in Dundee.

Continue reading the article.

The BBC has also severed ties with Walliams, confirming there are “no future projects directly involving him” but adaptations of his children’s books Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress were broadcast last week.

Medik8 ‘facial in a bottle’ line-smoothing peel has 35% off in early Boxing Day sale

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Medik8 is currently offering shoppers the chance to save 35% on its ‘facial in a bottle’ peel that ‘changes the appearance of skin after one use’, but only for a limited time

Beauty buffs are raving about a formula that promises to smooth and decongest skin overnight, and right now it’s up for grabs for a nifty 35% less, thanks to Medik8’s current sale. The Sleep Glycolic treatment is currently retailing at £39 for a 30ml tube, promising up to 60 uses. Using alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), the brand claims it ‘delivers fast results overnight, without the usual redness and irritation associated with peel formulas. ‘

READ MORE: Boots’ early Boxing Day sale slashes six-piece beauty bundle worth £130 to under £70

READ MORE: Amazon’s bestselling beauty products make great stocking fillers and will arrive tomorrow

Using AHA to exfoliate the skin, this skincare must-have promises a smoother texture, reduced lines, and potentially a brighter complexion. The inclusion of ‘crystal encapsulation technology’ means the AHA is delivered gradually, so it ‘remains comfortable and balanced during use’, according to the brand.

The key ingredients of this product include 10% active glycolic acid, Korean clover extract and glycerin. The brand touts this product as ‘more acidic than most’, but this is to ensure it delivers 10% of active acid, making it ‘very powerful’.

With a straightforward three-step process, Medik8 recommends using it two to three times per week. Start by cleansing in the evening, then apply a pea-sized amount to the face and neck, avoiding the eye areas. This can be followed by different serums and moisturisers before leaving it on overnight, and the brand advises users to wear sunscreen the following day.

The formula contains no artificial fragrances or synthetic colours and is also fully recyclable. Buyers will also be pleased to know it’s certified by the Vegan Society, meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products.

For an alternative, skincare lovers should consider Charlotte Tilbury’s Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial product, priced at £52. With the addition of salicylic acid alongside AHA, it offers a two-in-one action, working on the skin’s surface as well as pores.

Meanwhile, Boots offers this No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Face Exfoliator in 75ml, currently retailing at £9.95. This promises to ‘refine and renew’ skin for ‘incredible radiance from the first time you use it’, according to the brand. It employs micro-crystals to smooth, refine and renew the skin, eliminating ‘dull cells’.

Shoppers who have added this Sleep Glycolic treatment to their vanity can’t stop raving about its results. One 5-star reviewer raves: “My face skin responded very positively to Sleep Glycolic. After a month of use, I noticed several improvements: minimised pores, smoother forehead wrinkles, fewer comedones, and a gradual improvement in overall skin texture. I’m really impressed with the results!”.

Another shopper shares: “Absolutely incredible! Changed the appearance of my skin after one use.”

A third customer exclaims, “Transform and renew your skin while sleeping.”

This buyer beams: “Once again, I am truly amazed by the results Medik8 products deliver to my skin. I have tried many AHAs, but only with the Sleep Glycolic I see an immediate glow, rejuvenated and clear complexion in the morning. It is my true game-changer, with 0 irritation even when I use it in the same regimen with my CR10.”

However, one user shares their gripe, writing, “I like it, it definitely peels your skin, but I have not seen my blackheads go away and maybe it’s a bit aggressive for sensitive skins since I don’t heal as quickly, to use as often as the directions suggest.”

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Though the praise is overwhelming. Another 5-star reviewer gushes: “I’m really impressed with this product! It’s gentle yet very effective—my skin feels smoother and looks more radiant by morning. I love how it works overnight without irritation, giving me fresh and glowing skin the next day. A perfect weekly treatment!”

Mobile Courts Remand Six Over Assault On LASTMA Officials

During a midnight enforcement operation along Airport Road in Lagos, the Lagos State Mobile Courts ordered the remand of six of seven suspected miscreants for assaulting Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) employees and other sister agencies.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the general manager of LASTMA, collaborated with other government departments, including Lagos State Task Force, Lagos State Task Force, and security operatives.

Adebayo Taofiq, the director of LASTMA’s Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, stated in a statement that the exercise was necessary in response to formal complaints from the Nigerian Airport Authority (NPA), lamenting the ongoing and unlawful encroachment on its facilities by criminals and business bus operators, in violation of current laws.

According to Taofiq, the NPA’s management acknowledged the miscreants’ and illegal operators’ activities, which had allegedly caused nuisances at the airport, with frequent reports of harassment, intimidation, and the sequestering of unsuspecting passengers’ personal belongings.

Taofiq asserted that despite severe provocation and an imminent threat to their lives and public assets, its officers held a restraint during the assault, leading to an arrest.

The statement stated that the suspects were charged with four counts of arraignment on Tuesday in front of the Lagos State Mobile Court on the heels of their arrest.

One of the defendants, he claimed, was later granted bail while the remaining six were kept in custody.

The hearing has been moved to February 19, 2026.

The AFCON Quest starts in 2025 with Nigeria’s Super Eagles flying past Tanzania.

Bakare-Oki reiterated the State’s unwavering commitment to uphold law and order in the city and safeguard critical public infrastructure, ensure the safety of all road users, and protect critical public infrastructure.

He urged the government to not tolerate violent acts against criminals, stressing that the law’s full force would be used against them in all cases.

Chris Rea’s family joy shortly before triple tragedy and his heartbreaking death

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Chris Rea, the singer-songwriter behind Driving Home For Christmas, passed away on December 22 after a brief illness. His devastated family made the announcement earlier this week.

It has been revealed that Chris Rea’s family experienced both tragedy and joy in his final months. Following a brief illness, the Driving Home For Christmas star passed away on December 22 at the age of 74.

Early this week, the singer-songwriter’s family announced the depressing news in a statement. However, it has now been revealed that Chris’ passing was not the only tragedy the family has experienced recently because he was the third of his siblings to pass away in just three months.

Nicholas, Chris’ brother, was the youngest of seven when he was found dead in a hospital in October after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 66 years old. The family’s sister Geraldine, who was Chris’ older sister Camille Whitaker’s twin sister, passed away suddenly days after Nicholas’ funeral.

READ MORE: Chris Rea’s family expresses ‘awful pain’ as further tragic twist emergesREAD MORE: BBC’s moving tribute to Chris Rea leaves fans in tears after his death at 74

It is painful, according to Camille Whitaker of the Daily Mail. What transpired is absolutely devastating. It shocked the family a lot. However, Chris’s sad passing also brought some happy family news as he became a grandfather after his first grandchild was born recently.

Camille, Chris’ sibling, said: “He has two daughters and he recently became a grandfather, to a boy, and he was very, very pleased. She continued, “That was wonderful. One of his songs was inspired by his eldest child, Josephine.

And Julia, his second daughter, is the woman who wed and gave birth.

Before his death, singer Chris was alleged to have had “terrible, terrible health” and had been unwell for a while. His family reported the depressing news earlier this week via Press Association.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Chris, according to a statement from Chris’ family. He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully in a hospital earlier today after a brief illness.

Just hours before his death, a social media post was shared on Chris’s Instagram page – showing a snowy motorway as motorists made their way home for the festive period.

A highway sign read: “Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories.” Speaking on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing, Chris said of his huge single five years ago: “I just thought I’d drive home for Christmas, I was on the dole when I wrote that.

Continue reading the article.

My now wife Joan had to drive down to London, pick me up in the Mini, and drive me home after I had just left. And that’s when I created it.

When he described the iconic song as a “beautiful little holiday in the Maldives,” he expressed how he felt when he heard it. I wish I could be a better pop star because I’m not very good. When I look at Sting and other people like that, I think, “I wish I was like him.” He continued, “loved Christmas” and always planned out a large tree and a “fine assortment” of wines for the occasion.