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According to NHS surgeon Dr. Karan Rajan, over-the-counter probiotic drinks may not be as effective as one would think, as they often contain lower doses of live bacteria than what is needed for efficacy and may not survive the journey to the gut. Different bacterial strains in probiotics target different conditions, so one strain may not benefit all gut issues. Instead, Dr. Rajan recommends focusing on prebiotics like fibre-rich foods to support the existing bacteria in the gut for improved gut health. Full Article

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed regret over President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the global health body, citing concerns over funding and international health efforts. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of the US partnership in addressing global health emergencies and urged a reconsideration of the decision. China pledged continued support for WHO, while the US move to halt funding and explore alternative partnerships raises concerns about global health security and pandemic preparedness. Full Article

The Independent relies on donations to support their investigative journalism on topics like reproductive rights and Big Tech. Prince Harry is suing News Group Newspapers for alleged phone-hacking, alongside other high-profile figures who have settled similar cases. The trial is set to last 10 weeks, with the duke expected to give evidence over several days. Full Article

Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the significance of the Southport killings as a turning point for the UK, cautioning that terrorism has evolved and now poses a new threat from individuals fixated on extreme violence. The prime minister defended the government's handling of the case, stressing the importance of maintaining transparency to ensure justice is served in the trial of Axel Rudakubana, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges including murder and attempted murder at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. A public inquiry will investigate the murders of three young girls in Southport, as it was revealed that the perpetrator had been referred to the Prevent anti-extremism programme multiple times prior to the attack. Full Article

In an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, at least 12 Naxalites were killed, following the deaths of two women Naxalites and an injured CoBRA jawan in a previous operation. A fresh exchange of fire resulted in the additional deaths of 12 Naxalites in a forest along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The joint operation involved security personnel from DRG, CRPF, CoBRA, and SOG, leading to the neutralization of two women Naxalites and the recovery of a significant amount of firearms and ammunition. Full Article

Bradley Cooper brought girlfriend Gigi Hadid to watch the NFL playoff game in Philadelphia, where he enthusiastically supported his hometown team, the Eagles, in their victory over the Rams. The couple, romantically linked since 2023, have been seen together at various events and are also fostering a friendship between Cooper's daughter Lea and Hadid's daughter Khai, both daughters from previous relationships. Despite their busy schedules, they prioritize their relationship and family time. Full Article

SUNshine Girl Taylor is featured in a video that may have failed to load, but viewers can watch other videos from the team. The article apologizes for the technical issue and encourages readers to refresh their browsers or click a link to access additional content. The summary emphasizes the availability of alternative videos and the team's commitment to providing engaging content. Full Article

Zara McDermott appeared to address her split with Sam Thompson by sharing a cryptic TikTok post and nostalgic summer photos on Instagram, suggesting she's moved out of their shared home. The couple, who broke up after five years together, recently featured on Michael McIntyre's Big Show, creating an awkward situation as they had filmed the appearance before the split. Despite the breakup, both Zara and Sam have not publicly commented on their separation. Full Article

UK pay after inflation rose at its fastest rate in over three years, with a 3.4% increase in pay packets between September and November after accounting for price rises. Strong private sector wage growth outpaced public sector earnings, leading to expectations of a Bank of England interest rate cut to 4.5% in February despite concerns about potential inflationary pressures from rising wages. The UK's unemployment rate rose to 4.4% while vacancies decreased, with caution advised on interpreting jobs data due to low response rates, as businesses may face pressure to cut costs amid higher National Insurance bills, potentially impacting wage rises and staffing levels. Full Article

Donald Trump's return to the White House is expected to heighten tensions with China, given his past adversarial stance and inclusion of China hawks in his cabinet. However, Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy could lead to a surprise deal with Xi Jinping, potentially centered on agricultural products like soybeans. This "soybeans on steroids" scenario could offer short-term economic relief but risks alienating U.S. allies in Asia and emboldening Beijing's regional ambitions, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Trump's leadership. Full Article

In a prisoner swap between the United States and Afghanistan's Taliban, two Americans were freed in exchange for a Taliban figure imprisoned for life in California on drug trafficking and terrorism charges. The deal, praised by the Taliban as a step toward normalizing ties, involved the release of Ryan Corbett and another American, as well as Khan Mohammed, who was convicted in 2008. The swap follows efforts by both the Trump and Biden administrations to secure the release of American citizens held by the Taliban, highlighting ongoing negotiations and the Taliban's attempts to gain recognition and stabilize their rule. Full Article

In Europe, Elon Musk is seen as either a champion of free speech or a troublemaker. While some, like Ayaan Hirsi Ali, view him as a hero giving a voice to the voiceless, others, such as Ian Hislop, criticize him as immature and contradictory. Musk has sparked controversy in the UK by attacking Prime Minister Keir Starmer and spreading false information about grooming gangs. In Germany, he has endorsed the far-right AfD party and conducted an interview with its leader, Alice Weidel, causing alarm about his ability to shape public opinion. Full Article

President Trump signs executive orders on day one of his presidency to secure the southern border, pulling the security clearances of over 50 national security officials who claimed Hunter Biden's laptop had Russian ties. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham suggested withdrawing the security clearances of officials including James Clapper Jr. and John Brennan. Trump also signed over 200 executive orders, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and addressing the cost of living crisis. Full Article

In 2020, a family photo in Kabul, Afghanistan showed Ryan Corbett holding rabbits with his daughter Miriam and son Caleb. Recently, a prisoner swap between the United States and the Taliban led to the release of two Americans in exchange for a Taliban figure imprisoned in California. Ryan Corbett, abducted by the Taliban in 2022, was among those freed, with the Taliban praising the swap as a step towards normalization of ties between the U.S. and Afghanistan. Full Article

Westend61 via Getty Images features a personal story of a queer family considering moving abroad due to anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the United States post-election. The family's decision prompts discussions about safety, emotional well-being, and logistics of moving abroad for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Rainbow Relocation founder Jess Drucker discusses the increase in requests for help and advises on considering individual value when choosing a country to move to, highlighting options such as European Golden Visas and volunteer opportunities in queer and trans-friendly countries like Nicaragua and Bolivia. Full Article