Thousands of children in Wiltshire, England, who receive free school meals can swim for free during the school holidays. Wiltshire Council will offer one free swim per week at council-run pools for up to 13 weeks. The scheme was successful last year and aims to continue providing healthy activities for young people.
Key Facts
Wiltshire is offering free swimming to children eligible for free school meals.
The program is for primary and secondary school pupils.
Each child can swim for free once a week during school holidays for up to 13 weeks.
Last year's pilot saw over 5,000 visits with good participation rates.
Around 13,000 children in the county are eligible for the program.
The council incurs minimal extra cost by allowing a few more participants per session.
Pools at all council-run leisure centers, including Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, are included.
The scheme will be reviewed after each holiday period to assess its success.
Greenlanders have taken to social media to mock American culture in response to talks about the U.S. potentially acquiring Greenland. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in Greenland for security reasons, causing tensions between Greenland, Denmark, and the U.S. A video by Greenlanders joking about American culture went viral, reflecting widespread disapproval of the acquisition idea.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the U.S. to acquire Greenland for security purposes.
Greenland is part of Denmark and has some autonomy.
Only 6% of Greenlanders support joining the U.S., according to a survey.
A TikTok video mocking American culture has been viewed over 8 million times.
Viral content includes criticism of the U.S. and President Trump’s proposal.
Comments from both Greenlanders and Americans mock the acquisition idea.
Protests and online posts have shown Greenlanders’ discontent with the proposal.
President Trump stated he would not use force to acquire Greenland but believes the U.S. should have it.
California Governor Gavin Newsom attended the World Economic Forum in Davos to share his views on America's global role, contrasting those of President Trump. While discussing current international dynamics, Newsom emphasized that the Western alliance is not over but temporarily inactive. He criticized European leaders for their passive approach toward President Trump's policies.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Newsom aims to present an alternative U.S. perspective to that of President Trump.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, stated that the U.S.-led global order will not return.
Newsom described the Western alliance as "dormant, not dead."
President Trump has threatened tariffs against European countries and discussed Greenland.
Newsom criticized European leaders for their passive responses to Trump's policies.
Newsom is expected to consider a run in the 2028 U.S. presidential election.
European police broke up a major drug network that was making synthetic drugs in illegal labs across several countries. They arrested over 100 people and seized more than 9.3 tonnes of drugs in an operation coordinated by Europol. The operation also dismantled 24 labs and involved police forces from several European countries.
Key Facts
European police dismantled a major drug network running illegal labs.
They arrested more than 100 people and seized over 9.3 tonnes of narcotics.
The operation was coordinated by Europol and involved countries like Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Spain.
Police seized about 1,000 tonnes of chemicals used to make drugs like MDMA and methamphetamine.
The chemicals were legally imported from China and India and then used to produce street drugs.
24 industrial-scale drug labs were shut down during the operation.
Polish investigators began the operation after noticing suspicious chemical imports in 2024.
Two suspected leaders of the network, both Polish, were among those arrested.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has joined President Donald Trump's new Board of Peace. This international board aims to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected areas, notably focusing on the situation in Gaza. Among the countries agreeing to join are the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and several others, with some nations expressing reservations.
Key Facts
Benjamin Netanyahu will have a renewable three-year term on the Board of Peace.
The Board of Peace is chaired by President Trump and consists of global leaders.
Countries can secure a permanent place by contributing $1 billion to the board.
The board's charter focuses on promoting stability and governance in conflict zones.
Members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The initiative aims to help with the reconstruction and demilitarization of Gaza.
Some countries like Norway have declined to join, citing outstanding questions.
Iran's foreign minister warned that Iran would respond strongly if attacked by the United States. This statement came as the U.S. moved military forces closer to the Middle East. The warning follows internal unrest in Iran and a reported attack on a Kurdish group in Iraq.
Key Facts
Iran's foreign minister threatened to use all available force if the U.S. attacks Iran again.
The U.S. is moving military forces, including an aircraft carrier strike group, closer to the Middle East.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have increased due to these military movements.
An Iranian Kurdish separatist group in Iraq claimed Iran attacked one of its bases, resulting in casualties.
Iranian officials have not confirmed the attack on the Kurdish group.
Iran's warning coincides with ongoing unrest and protests within the country.
Kim Kardashian said she listens to music by Taylor Swift and praised her talent. This comes despite a long-running disagreement between the two celebrities.
Key Facts
Kim Kardashian admitted to listening to Taylor Swift's music.
She shared this information while talking with her sister, Khloe Kardashian, on a podcast.
Kim said she enjoys some of Taylor Swift's older songs.
She described Taylor Swift as a super talented artist.
There has been a long-standing feud between Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift.
The news was first reported as a breaking news story.
Bravo is bringing back the reality TV show "Ladies of London" with a new cast, set to premiere on March 5 at 9 p.m. The show originally aired from 2014 to 2017 and followed American expats and British socialites in London. The new season will feature a mix of British nobility, American expatriates, and international socialites navigating London high society.
Key Facts
"Ladies of London: New Reign" will premiere on March 5 at 9 p.m.
The show is a revival of the original "Ladies of London" that aired from 2014 to 2017.
The new cast includes Lady Emma Thynn, Martha Sitwell, Mark-Francis Vandelli, and others.
The storyline involves cultural clashes between American expats and British socialites.
The show maintains themes of status and social behavior in London society.
Caroline Stanbury and Juliet Angus from the original show moved to other "Real Housewives" franchises.
Researchers at McGill University discovered traces of pesticides and other chemical contaminants in human breast milk. The study analyzed samples from Canada and South Africa, finding low concentrations of these chemicals. Despite the findings, experts still consider breast milk as the best nutrition for infants.
Key Facts
Researchers found traces of pesticides, antimicrobials, and plastic additives in breast milk samples.
The study used samples collected from Canada and South Africa between 2018 and 2019.
Chemicals like antimicrobial preservatives and plastic-related additives were identified.
An herbicide called propanil and an antimicrobial called chloroxylenol were also found.
Scientists used a method called high-resolution mass spectrometry to detect these chemicals.
The study suggests potential links between some contaminants and altered infant growth.
Experts emphasize that breast milk remains the ideal nutrition source for infants.
Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, faces criminal charges in a U.S. court in New York for allegedly leading a drug trafficking operation with his wife, Cilia Flores, over the past 20 years. Prosecutors claim the Venezuelan government supported cocaine trafficking by working with groups labeled as terrorists by the U.S. Maduro has pleaded not guilty, and while the charges are serious, legal complications may lead to a plea deal instead of a trial.
Key Facts
Nicolás Maduro is being tried in a New York court for drug trafficking charges.
Maduro and his wife are accused of running a narco-terrorism conspiracy for over two decades.
The U.S. alleges the Venezuelan government helped traffickers by providing law enforcement protection and passports.
Maduro claims he is being treated like a "kidnapped president" and is a "prisoner of war."
Proving the charges is challenging because much of the evidence is classified and complex.
The charges against Maduro can still face legal challenges that might weaken the case.
U.S. courts don't recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president, affecting his immunity claims.
Other international bodies like Argentina and the International Criminal Court are interested in Maduro's actions for different crimes.
A legal case took place where a group of nurses from the NHS in Darlington felt discriminated against when their trans woman colleague was allowed to use the female changing room. An employment tribunal ruled that the NHS Trust had indirectly discriminated against the nurses by allowing this situation, but did not find any improper behavior by the trans woman, Rose Henderson.
Key Facts
The case involves nurses at Darlington Memorial Hospital who were uncomfortable sharing a female changing room with Rose Henderson, a trans woman.
The nurses first filed complaints in the summer of 2023, and 26 nurses expressed their concerns by April 2024.
Eight nurses took legal action, but one paused their case due to illness.
The employment tribunal found that the NHS Trust indirectly discriminated against the nurses but did not find Rose Henderson personally behaved improperly.
The tribunal highlighted that the NHS managers, who allowed Rose to use the female changing room, did not offer a suitable alternative for the nurses.
The environment was described as "hostile, humiliating and degrading" for the nurses, and their complaints were not taken seriously.
The NHS Trust is considering the tribunal's judgement, which emphasized the misinterpretation of equality laws by the Trust.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday. They aim to discuss a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, which Russia has not yet accepted.
Key Facts
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The meeting will discuss a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, which Russia hasn't accepted yet.
The U.S. has almost reached an agreement with Ukraine on the peace plan.
Russia's response to the plan has been less enthusiastic.
The Kremlin confirmed the meeting involving Witkoff and Kushner.
Witkoff and Kushner have already discussed the plan with Putin's envoy in Davos.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's team was informed about the Moscow visit.
Ukraine has been facing severe conditions after a significant Russian attack.
Researchers believe they have found the oldest cave art yet on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The handprints on cave walls have been dated to at least 67,800 years old. Scientists think these prints indicate a complex tradition of rock art among early humans.
Key Facts
The cave handprints were found in an unexplored area of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Researchers from Indonesia and Australia dated the art to at least 67,800 years ago.
The prints were created by blowing pigment over hands placed on the walls, leaving an outline.
Some fingertips in the prints were modified to appear more pointed.
The cave art helps establish a timeline for early human creativity.
Researchers are not yet sure which ancient group made the prints.
Other nearby drawings, including figures and animals, date back about 4,000 years.
Scientists believe there may be more ancient art on nearby islands.
A 23-year-old man named Melaku Gebresembet was charged with sexually assaulting a hotel worker at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton, which is currently housing asylum seekers. The police were informed of the incident and made an arrest after investigating the reported event.
Key Facts
An alleged sexual assault took place at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton.
The hotel is being used to house asylum seekers.
The arrested man is Melaku Gebresembet, who is 23 years old.
The police were informed of the incident on a Monday morning.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary investigated the matter.
Gebresembet will appear before Southampton magistrates.
The man who killed former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022 received a life sentence. The court's decision has led to mixed reactions among the public.
Key Facts
Shinzo Abe was Japan's former Prime Minister.
He was killed during a campaign event in 2022.
The man responsible for Abe's death has been sentenced to life in prison.
The sentencing has caused a split in public opinion.
A teenage boy found a large whale bone on a remote area of the Oregon coast during a family exploration trip. His mother accidentally shared the discovery on a social media platform, where it went viral. The post received significant attention, with many people expressing amazement at the find.
Key Facts
A 14-year-old boy found a large whale bone during a beach exploration.
The discovery took place off the coast of the Olympic Peninsula.
The boy's mother, Summer Levy, shared a photo of the find on Instagram and Threads.
The post quickly gained attention, amassing close to 30,000 likes.
Regulations may restrict collecting marine mammal parts, depending on the land ownership.
The family has frequently found fossils, but this was the boy's favorite discovery.
Initially, the boy left the whale bone where he found it due to uncertainty about removal rules.
Texas officials have advised residents to prepare for a major winter storm expected this weekend. This storm could bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, affecting areas from the Southern Rockies to possibly New England. Residents are urged to take safety measures at home and on the road.
Key Facts
A major winter storm is expected to hit Texas this weekend.
The storm is predicted to bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The Weather Prediction Center says it could be a potentially catastrophic event.
Texas Department of Public Safety advises checking cars for winter readiness.
Residents are urged to prepare an emergency kit with essentials.
Weather safety tips include monitoring local forecasts and avoiding travel during severe conditions.
People are advised to maintain safe home heating practices.
The storm could impact areas from the Southern Rockies to the East Coast.
The United States conducted a military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, capturing its leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. This action raised concerns about the violation of international laws and Venezuela's sovereignty. President Donald Trump stated the U.S. intends to control Venezuela's governance until it stabilizes, particularly in oil production.
Key Facts
The U.S. performed a military attack on Venezuela on January 3.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces.
This action is seen as a violation of international law, specifically the UN Charter.
The intervention followed years of U.S. sanctions and threats against Venezuela.
The U.S. aims to direct Venezuelan policy, mainly concerning oil production.
President Trump stated that the U.S. is in charge of Venezuela's governance until stabilization.
Maria Corina Machado was expected by some to lead Venezuela, but Delcy Rodriguez was installed as the new president instead.
China has discovered a large gold deposit in the Hunan province, with reserves estimated at over 1,000 tons, valued at approximately $85.9 billion. This discovery is among several recent findings in China, which are significantly increasing the country's gold reserves.
Key Facts
China found a “superlarge” gold deposit in Pingjiang County, Hunan province, with estimated reserves of over 1,000 tons.
The gold vein reserves are approximately 6,562 feet below the Wangu gold field.
The value of the discovered gold is about $85.9 billion.
Another major discovery in Laizhou, Shandong province, increased its gold reserves to over 3,900 tons.
In 2024, the U.S. produced 160 tons of gold, valued at around $12 billion.
Historical mining has produced around 216,265 tons of gold worldwide.
China is ramping up its gold reserves with recent finds in multiple provinces, including Liaoning and the Kunlun Mountains.
Two fatal train crashes occurred in Spain, one near Barcelona and the other in southern Spain. The crash near Barcelona killed one person and injured 37, while the southern crash involved two high-speed trains, raising the death toll to 43. Both incidents prompted a national mourning period and ongoing investigations to determine the causes.
Key Facts
A Barcelona commuter train derailed after hitting a fallen retaining wall, leaving 1 dead and 37 injured.
The southern Spain crash was a high-speed train collision, causing 43 fatalities and many injuries.
Rescue efforts in both regions continued, with search teams looking for victims amid wreckage.
Rainfall may have caused the retaining wall collapse in Catalonia.
Spain's Prime Minister expressed condolences to the victims' families.
Spain has declared three days of national mourning following the accidents.
Disruptions in train services led to traffic jams in Barcelona, prompting calls for remote work.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities exploring different reasons for these accidents.
