Hull City Council in the UK has launched a website to offer affordable funeral options to local residents. The council aims to provide respectful and professional funerals at lower prices than average, starting from £850.
Key Facts
Hull City Council launched a website for affordable funeral services.
These services are described as respectful, caring, and professional.
The prices for these funerals start at £850.
A bereavement officer will handle arrangements and offer financial advice.
Options include unattended or attended cremations; attended ones cost £975.
The average cost of a simple funeral burial in the UK is £4,758.
Average cremation costs in the UK are £3,518.
Cremations can take place at Chanterlands Crematorium in Hull.
A woman named Ashley Padon has been searching for her lost dog, Kikko, since July. Actress Amanda Seyfried shared Padon's story on social media and offered to increase the reward for Kikko's return, but there are still no leads.
Key Facts
Ashley Padon lost her toy Australian shepherd, Kikko, in July in Westlake Village, California.
Kikko disappeared while Padon was out at dinner, and her uncle tried unsuccessfully to catch him.
Padon has used flyers, posters, and social media to search for Kikko.
Actress Amanda Seyfried shared Padon's story and offered to triple the original $5,000 reward to $15,000.
Despite the increased reward and social media attention, there are no new leads on Kikko.
Padon has consulted with psychics who believe Kikko is still alive.
Seyfried's social media post about Kikko has been viewed over 1.7 million times.
Flowers and a note saying "Americans love Denmark" were placed outside the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C., showing support for Denmark amid discussions about Greenland's strategic importance. The U.S. interest in Greenland has sparked debate on security and diplomatic relations. President Trump has expressed a desire for U.S. control of Greenland, which has met with opposition from Denmark, Greenland, and NATO allies.
Key Facts
A note saying "Americans love Denmark" and flowers were left outside the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The flowers and note are seen as support amidst U.S. and international discussions over Greenland.
Greenland is an autonomous area within the Kingdom of Denmark.
President Trump wants the U.S. to gain control of Greenland for national security reasons.
Denmark and Greenland, along with NATO allies, oppose the idea of U.S. control.
Public support for Denmark highlights concerns over U.S.-Denmark relations.
NATO allies have rejected the use of force to acquire Greenland.
The topic remains under discussion as the U.S. focuses on Arctic security.
Many pets in the United States are overweight due to pet owners giving them too much food. Vets say overfeeding can shorten pets' lives and increase health risks. They suggest using tools like measuring cups and slow-feeder bowls to control portions.
Key Facts
More than half of American dogs and cats are considered overweight.
Overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to obesity in pets.
A 2018 survey showed 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the U.S. were overweight or obese.
Obesity in pets can lead to health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Vets recommend using measuring cups and pre-portioning meals to regulate food intake.
Scheduled feedings are advised instead of leaving food out all day.
Slow-feeder bowls can help slow down a pet's eating pace and prevent overeating.
Portion-control scoops and lick mats are tools that aid in controlling how much pets eat.
Iran and the United States have exchanged threats amid increasing tensions. Iran's Foreign Minister warned of retaliation if attacked, while President Trump reiterated threats against Iran. Tensions have also been affected by protests in Iran and foreign military movements.
Key Facts
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the U.S. of retaliation if Iran is attacked.
Araghchi's warnings were published in The Wall Street Journal.
President Donald Trump threatened to retaliate strongly against Iran if the U.S. President is harmed.
Iran recently closed its airspace, possibly expecting a U.S. attack.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is moving closer to the Middle East.
Protests in Iran have resulted in over 5,000 deaths, according to some reports.
Iranian authorities blame foreign powers, including the U.S. and Israel, for the unrest.
A dog named Hamm, a mix of Great Pyrenees and Pit Bull, has become popular online due to his unique ears. Hamm's ears are set wide and low, resembling tiny wings, which attract attention both online and in public.
Key Facts
Hamm is a mix of Great Pyrenees and Pit Bull.
His ears are wide, low, and fold outward, looking like tiny wings.
Hamm is 5 years old and was adopted at four months.
His owner, Madison, is from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Hamm's unique ears have attracted many viewers on Instagram.
Mixed-breed dogs like Hamm often have distinct features.
In the U.S., mixed-breed dogs make up about half of owned pets.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized President Donald Trump for changing his stance on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which are currently a British territory. The disagreement is linked to a broader U.S. pressure campaign over Greenland, which Trump views as strategically important. The Chagos Islands are significant due to the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
Key Facts
President Trump changed his position on the Chagos Islands, criticizing the transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius.
The Chagos Islands include Diego Garcia, a critical U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean.
Britain has agreed to transfer the islands to Mauritius, but the treaty is not yet ratified.
Keir Starmer accused Trump of using the Chagos Islands issue to pressure the U.K. on Greenland.
Trump believes acquiring Greenland is crucial to U.S. national security.
Trump has threatened tariffs against European allies opposing U.S. control over Greenland.
European allies, including the U.K., insist Greenland’s future is a decision for Denmark and the island itself.
A woman visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt shared a video on social media after feeling overwhelmed by the narrow interior passages. The video gained attention online, as it highlighted the discomfort some visitors experience when navigating the tight spaces inside the ancient structure.
Key Facts
A woman posted a TikTok video showing the narrow steps inside the Great Pyramid of Giza.
She expressed discomfort and decided to leave the pyramid due to the confined space.
The video warns people with claustrophobia about visiting the pyramid.
Claustrophobia is a fear of confined spaces, affecting about 12.5% of people.
The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the largest of the Giza pyramids.
The pyramid originally stood at about 482 feet tall but was reduced to 449 feet due to erosion.
Inside, visitors encounter tight spaces, such as the Grand Gallery and the King’s Chamber.
Much of the pyramid’s subterranean structure is unfinished, adding to its maze-like interior.
A London homeowner received a handwritten goodbye note from anonymous neighbors. The neighbors expressed their affection for the house, which they nicknamed "The Wizard’s House," before leaving London. The note gained attention online for its heartfelt message and reminder of kindness.
Key Facts
A London homeowner received a handwritten letter from neighbors.
The neighbors secretly admired the house and called it "The Wizard’s House."
They wrote the letter because they were moving out of London.
The note highlighted the home's unique charm, including its architecture and garden.
The letter thanked the homeowner for unknowingly adding magic to their daily walks.
The post about the letter has been viewed over 77,000 times on social media.
The note stood out for its kindness, contrasting typical neighbor disputes.
Many online users reacted emotionally to the thoughtful gesture.
A court in South Korea sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison. He was found guilty of supporting martial law declared by ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol. Han's conviction is linked to not holding a lawful government meeting as required by law.
Key Facts
Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister of South Korea, received a 23-year prison sentence.
He was found guilty of helping ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol declare martial law.
Han did not hold a required government meeting after the martial law order.
The court cited concerns about Han destroying evidence.
Han is the first cabinet member convicted in relation to this martial law case.
Ex-President Yoon was previously sentenced to five years for related charges.
A special prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for Yoon on more serious charges.
A TikTok video showing a man's unusual way of packing a suitcase went viral with over 2.2 million views. The man’s method, captured by his fiancée, involves placing folded clothes upright in the suitcase instead of laying them flat, which he claims helps fit more clothes.
Key Facts
The viral TikTok video was shared by Jennifer Williamson, who is the man's fiancée.
The video shows him packing clothes in an upright suitcase at a Florida resort hotel before they left for a cruise.
The packing method involves placing clothes upright, not using packing cubes.
The man is not in the military, despite some commenters thinking he might be.
A survey by Cheapflights found 81% of Americans believe they are good at packing.
The same survey shows 70% prefer folding clothes over rolling them to save space.
Comments on TikTok called the packing technique clever and smart.
Prince Harry testified in court as part of a phone hacking lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Ltd, the publisher of the Daily Mail. He claims the royal family's policy stopped him from complaining about intrusive articles that allegedly used illegal techniques to invade his privacy between 2001 and 2013. The newspaper denies these allegations.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is suing the publisher of the Daily Mail over claims of phone hacking and other illegal activities from 2001 to 2013.
He says the royal family's "never complain, never explain" policy prevented him from addressing the articles at the time.
The case involves 14 articles that Harry claims were sourced through unlawful means.
The publisher, Associated Newspapers Ltd, denies the allegations made by Prince Harry.
During his testimony, Prince Harry faced a brief delay due to technical audio issues.
Harry has previously brought legal action against another newspaper group, Mirror Group Newspapers.
Harry's lawyer, David Sherborne, mentioned last-minute updates were made to his witness statement.
A video featuring a golden retriever named River running his own bath has gained popularity online. Experts suggest that while golden retrievers like River have coats that require grooming, regular bathing should be done with care to avoid skin issues.
Key Facts
A video of a golden retriever named River went viral, showing the dog running his own bath.
The video has received over 1.7 million views and about 247,000 likes on TikTok.
Golden retrievers have a thick coat that requires regular grooming and occasional baths.
Experts, including Dr. Jerry Klein from the AKC, recommend bathing most dogs approximately once a month.
It's important to use less shampoo and rinse thoroughly to avoid skin problems.
Online commenters made light of River's actions, noting his suitability to play in water due to his name.
Newsweek could not verify details about River directly from the video creator's TikTok.
The United States has approved a $2.3 billion arms sale to Singapore, including surveillance aircraft, torpedoes, and air defense systems. The sale aims to strengthen security cooperation between the US and Singapore, enhancing Singapore’s ability to deter potential threats. The deal aligns with ongoing US-Singapore defense partnerships and includes plans to update Singapore's existing aircraft fleet.
Key Facts
The US approves a $2.3 billion weapons sale to Singapore.
The sale includes P-8A Poseidon aircraft, torpedoes, and air defense systems.
The State Department informed US Congress about the sale.
The deal aims to enhance Singapore's maritime defense capabilities.
It is part of Singapore’s plan to replace its older aircraft fleet.
Singapore's Defense Minister confirmed the purchase plans in September.
The US and Singapore conduct joint military training exercises.
The US has $8.38 billion in active defense deals with Singapore.
President Donald Trump's plane, Air Force One, had to turn back shortly after takeoff due to a minor electrical issue while heading to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The plane returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, and Trump continued his journey on a smaller Boeing 757 jet.
Key Facts
Air Force One carried President Trump and turned back due to a minor electrical problem.
The plane returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland around 11:00 pm local time.
President Trump continued the trip to Davos on a Boeing 757, departing after midnight.
The World Economic Forum is an international meeting where leaders discuss global issues.
Air Force One is one of the most well-known symbols of the U.S. presidency.
The current planes used as Air Force One are nearly 40 years old.
Boeing is working on new planes to replace the current Air Force One jets.
Last year, Qatar gifted a Boeing 747-8 to be added to the Air Force One fleet.
Sydney has experienced four shark attacks along the New South Wales coast within 48 hours after heavy rainfall. Authorities believe the weather conditions may have attracted sharks. Local residents in Sydney have shared their concerns about these incidents.
Key Facts
Four shark attacks occurred along the coast of New South Wales, Australia.
The attacks happened over a 48-hour period.
Heavy rain is thought to have created conditions favorable for sharks.
Three of the attacks took place near Sydney.
Local residents are expressing their concerns about the shark attacks.
The authorities are looking into how to protect beachgoers from future attacks.
Greenland's leader has warned that the territory must be ready for a possible armed attack from the United States. This follows President Donald Trump's arrival in Davos for discussions about Greenland's future. Although the Trump administration has not ruled out military action, they prefer to purchase Greenland, which Denmark and Greenland have said is not for sale.
Key Facts
Greenland's leader says they must be ready for a possible U.S. attack, although it's unlikely.
President Trump is in Davos discussing Greenland's future.
The Trump administration has not ruled out armed action to seize Greenland but prefers to buy it.
Denmark and Greenland have stated Greenland is not for sale.
An attack by a NATO member on another is seen as undermining NATO's collective defense principle.
Denmark's defense minister believes a NATO state attacking another remains hypothetical.
A Danish politician warned of conflict if the U.S. invaded Greenland.
President Trump has suggested that the situation will result in a satisfactory outcome for NATO and the U.S.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join a "board of peace." The board is part of a peace effort between Israel and Hamas and aims to help rebuild and improve the region. The initiative involves global leaders and focuses on governance and investment in the area.
Key Facts
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, will join the "board of peace."
U.S. President Donald Trump extended the invitation to Netanyahu.
The board is part of a peace effort following a ceasefire with Hamas.
It aims to rebuild and enhance regional governance and attract investments.
The board will also focus on funding and capital mobilization for the area.
Many world leaders have been invited to join this initiative.
President Trump will lead and control the board’s formation and activities.
A large part of Texas is preparing for a severe winter storm this weekend, which could bring heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for various regions in Texas, warning of potential hazards such as dangerous travel conditions and power outages.
Key Facts
A major winter storm is expected to hit Texas starting Friday.
The storm will affect northern, central, western, and eastern parts of Texas.
Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are predicted across different regions.
Temperatures are expected to drop to dangerously low levels, worsening from Saturday.
Travel conditions could become hazardous, particularly affecting commutes.
Power outages are possible due to ice accumulation on power lines and trees.
The National Weather Service warns residents to stay indoors and dress warmly if they need to go outside.
Regions like the Texas Panhandle and East Texas could see significant snow and ice accumulation.
The article discusses tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and highlights China's response to President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland. China criticized Trump's Greenland ambitions, while it continues activities in disputed regions, including in the Arctic and South China Sea. The situation reflects ongoing international disputes involving territorial claims.
Key Facts
A Filipino captain had a confrontation with the Chinese coast guard at Scarborough Shoal in January 2024, which is in disputed waters claimed by China.
President Donald Trump has shown interest in controlling Greenland, raising concerns from China.
China's Foreign Ministry criticized the U.S. for using "pretext" for its interests in Greenland.
In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that China's claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis, but China continued its activities there.
China has been involved in multiple territorial disputes, including over islands and land borders, with countries like the Philippines, Russia, and India.
In the past, China showed interest in Greenland through investment projects, including airport construction and mining ventures.
The article highlights China's pattern of asserting territorial claims while criticizing similar actions by others.
