The government in England and Wales plans to remove police and crime commissioners to save £100 million. Their role will transfer to an elected mayor or a policing committee. The change aims to increase investment in front-line policing.
Key Facts
Police and crime commissioners will be removed in England and Wales.
The move is expected to save £100 million during this parliament period.
Roles of the commissioners include budget setting and police force assessment.
Only 20% of voters can name their police and crime commissioner.
Responsibilities will shift to an elected mayor or a council-led committee.
The system was introduced 12 years ago under Prime Minister David Cameron.
Savings will go towards investing an extra £20 million annually in front-line policing.
Many millennials are reacting online to the realization that Kevin's mother in "Home Alone" was only 36, similar to their own ages. The 1990 film's depiction of a young mother managing a large family surprises modern viewers, reflecting changing social norms around age and parenthood.
Key Facts
"Home Alone" is a popular Christmas movie released in 1990.
The movie features an 8-year-old named Kevin McCallister who is left home alone.
Kevin's mother, Kate McCallister, was portrayed as a 36-year-old managing five children.
Catherine O'Hara, who played Kate, was around 35–36 during filming.
Millennials today often start families at older ages compared to the past.
The average age for a first-time mother in the U.S. was 23 in 1990 and has increased to 27.5 by 2023.
The meme about Kate's age went viral, receiving over 100,000 likes on Instagram.
Online, millennials shared humorous and existential reactions to this age comparison.
Pakistan's Interior Minister stated that the suicide bombers involved in attacks in Islamabad and South Waziristan were Afghan nationals. These attacks occurred at a judicial complex and a college, resulting in several deaths and injuries. Additionally, Pakistan's parliament passed a constitutional amendment giving lifetime immunity to the current army chief.
Key Facts
Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, reported that the suicide bombers were from Afghanistan.
A suicide bombing in Islamabad killed at least 12 people and injured over 30.
Police detained seven suspects related to the Islamabad attack.
Another suicide attack happened at a college in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been high, with accusations of cross-border attacks.
Pakistan's Defence Minister suggested possible strikes inside Afghanistan following the attacks.
Pakistan's parliament passed an amendment granting lifetime immunity to the army chief, Asim Munir.
The amendment allows military leaders to hold their rank and privileges for life with immunity from criminal charges.
Jessi Draper Ngatikaura and her husband Jordan remain together after Season 3 of the reality TV show "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." The show highlighted their struggles with infidelity, emotional abuse claims, and communication issues, yet ended with them reuniting.
Key Facts
Jessi and Jordan are featured in Season 3 of the TV show "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
The couple faced challenges like infidelity, emotional abuse allegations, and communication problems.
Jessi admitted to an "emotional affair" during a separation, but said it wasn't physical.
Jessi and Jordan used a "two nights on, two nights off" parenting arrangement.
The season showed Jessi's doubts about staying in the marriage, while Jordan wanted to reconcile.
By season's end, Jessi and Jordan resumed living together.
They have publicly shown their efforts to promote the new season together.
Amber warnings are in place as Storm Claudia is set to bring heavy rain across parts of the UK, potentially causing flooding and travel issues. The Met Office issued these warnings for England and Wales, where significant rainfall and strong winds are expected.
Key Facts
The Met Office issued amber warnings for heavy rain in parts of the UK due to Storm Claudia.
The storm is expected to affect England and Wales, with rain spreading quickly and becoming persistent on Friday.
Up to 150mm (about 6 inches) of rain could fall over high ground in east Wales.
Additional amber warnings cover the Midlands and eastern England.
Heavy rain and strong easterly winds are likely to cause difficult travel and possible flooding.
A wider yellow weather warning, covering more areas, will be in force from Friday to Saturday, predicting 30-50mm of rain.
Gusts of wind up to 70mph (113km/h) could cause minor disruption in some areas.
Storm Claudia was named by Spain's meteorological agency due to its impact in Spain and Portugal before moving towards the UK.
A golden retriever named Sydney captured online attention after her owner posted a video showing her protesting about not being fed at her preferred time. The video, which quickly gained thousands of views and likes, shows Sydney standing firm and refusing affection until her owner gave in and fed her earlier than planned. Experts explain that dogs have routines around meals, which can affect their behavior when hungry.
Key Facts
A video of a golden retriever named Sydney being upset over her meal schedule went viral on TikTok.
Sydney stood firm, refusing affection from her owner until she was fed early.
The video received nearly 160,000 views in just one day.
Golden retrievers, like Sydney, are known for their love of food and dramatic reactions when hungry.
Veterinarians say dogs have simple stomach structures and need meals at regular times to feel comfortable.
Dogs rely on routine, and their bodies trigger hunger signals when they anticipate mealtime.
Regular meal schedules can help detect health issues in dogs, according to experts.
Sydney's owner admitted they eventually fed her early due to her persistent behavior.
Morgan McSweeney is the chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer. He is involved in a political controversy due to anonymous briefings that have caused tension within the government. McSweeney previously played a key role in important Labour Party campaigns.
Key Facts
Morgan McSweeney is Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff.
He faces criticism for allegedly being involved in anonymous briefings causing tension in the government.
McSweeney played a part in Labour's 2024 election victory and Starmer's leadership win in 2020.
He has a background as a political strategist and worked on various Labour campaigns.
McSweeney was criticized for importing a culture of informal, off-the-record discussions with journalists into government.
The Electoral Commission fined McSweeney's former organization, Labour Together, for incorrect reporting of donations, but did not reopen an investigation despite calls from other politicians.
McSweeney's wife, Imogen Walker, is also a Labour MP.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for dangerous ocean conditions and storms along the California coast. An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding in various parts of California. The NWS urges caution for maritime activities and highlights the risk of bad weather affecting the area.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning for vessels near parts of the California coastline.
An atmospheric river is bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flash flooding to California.
Storm warnings apply to coastal waters from Point Arena to Point Reyes, with winds of 25 to 35 knots and gusts up to 55 knots.
Seas in the affected areas are expected to be 8 to 15 feet high, creating dangerous conditions.
The NWS advised mariners to stay in port or secure their vessels due to the severe weather.
Flood watches and winter storm warnings cover various parts of California, including central areas and the Sierra Nevada.
Southern California is predicted to receive between 2 to 8 inches of rain, leading to possible flooding and mudslides.
The weather alerts continue as the storm is expected to move through California until Sunday.
A dog named Hopeful was found tied to a trash can in Dallas, Texas, along with a note saying, "I need a good home." Rescued by Saving Hope Rescue, she is now in a foster home and will soon be available for adoption. This situation highlights a larger problem of stray animals in Texas shelters.
Key Facts
Hopeful, the dog's new name, was left tied to a trash can with a sign asking for a new home.
A passerby reported the situation to Saving Hope Rescue (SHR) in Fort Worth, Texas.
When rescuers arrived, Hopeful was still there, although the discarded household items were gone.
SHR took Hopeful in to prevent her from being harmed and to find her a permanent home.
In 2024, strays made up 60% of all cats and dogs entering U.S. animal shelters, according to the ASPCA.
SHR describes animal welfare in Texas as being in crisis due to a lack of accountability and resources.
Hopeful has been placed in a foster home where she is adjusting and playing with other dogs.
The plan is to eventually place Hopeful up for adoption to find her a permanent home.
Two best friends in Alabama, Madison and Jamesen, both became pregnant in 2024 and experienced unexpected surprises. Madison was expecting twins, while Jamesen discovered she was having triplets. Despite challenges, they supported each other through pregnancy and now continue to bond as parents to their five children.
Key Facts
Madison and Jamesen are longtime friends from Dothan, Alabama.
Both women learned they were pregnant in 2024, with Madison expecting twins and Jamesen expecting triplets.
Madison was pregnant first and found out in July 2024; Jamesen found out in October 2024.
Madison's pregnancy involved preeclampsia, leading to early delivery at 32 weeks.
Both Madison's twins and Jamesen's triplets spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The friends provided emotional support to each other during their pregnancies and NICU stays.
Currently, their children, Barrett and Sutton (twins) and Campbell, Bennett, and Graham (triplets), are 9 and 6 months old, respectively.
A Rottweiler named Ezio, owned by Ulyana Kupryievich in Athens, Greece, had a viral encounter with a yard tortoise. Despite the Rottweiler breed's reputation as brave guard dogs, Ezio was initially scared of the tortoise. The video of this interaction has gained 24 million views on TikTok.
Key Facts
Ezio is a Rottweiler, a breed known for being loyal and protective.
Ulyana Kupryievich lives in Athens, Greece, and recently moved to a new apartment with a yard.
In the yard, they found a tortoise believed to have been there for 10 to 15 years.
Ezio met the tortoise, appearing initially scared rather than confident.
The incident was captured on video and shared on TikTok, reaching 24 million views.
Audience reactions ranged from humorous comments to philosophical takes on courage.
Kupryievich notes that Ezio now seems excited about visiting the tortoise.
On November 13, 2015, coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in Paris, killing 132 people and wounding many others. France marked the 10th anniversary with tributes at the attack sites and the inauguration of a memorial garden. President Emmanuel Macron led the commemorations, emphasizing the lasting emotional impact on families and the nation.
Key Facts
The attacks happened on November 13, 2015, in Paris, involving shootings and bombings at multiple locations.
A total of 132 people were killed, with hundreds more injured.
France marked the 10th anniversary by holding tributes at the attack sites.
President Emmanuel Macron, along with other officials, attended the memorial events.
A "November 13 Memory Garden" was inaugurated to honor the victims.
The attacks have had a lasting effect on France's security measures and national solidarity.
The Eiffel Tower was lit in the colors of the French flag as part of the commemoration.
Church bells across Paris rang in memory of the victims.
A viral Reddit post shows a cat quickly regretting its decision to get a bath, sparking laughter online. The post highlights the general dislike many cats have for water due to past negative experiences and physical discomfort. It became popular on social media, with many users sharing similar experiences with their pets.
Key Facts
A Reddit post features a cat regretting asking for a bath.
The post shows the cat in the shower, trying to escape.
Many cats dislike water because of past bad experiences.
Water can cause discomfort as it makes their fur heavy and lowers their body temperature.
Despite disliking water, most cats are good swimmers.
The post quickly went viral, receiving over 15,000 upvotes and 241 comments.
Users shared personal stories about bathing their cats.
Newsweek reached out to the poster for comments but could not verify the details.
Joe Rogan's way of saying the word "ethanol" on his podcast led to many reactions on social media. The well-known podcaster has acknowledged having difficulty with certain pronunciations in the past. Reactions from fans ranged from amusement to frustration about his mispronunciation.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan pronounced "ethanol" as "Ethan-all" on a podcast episode.
This pronunciation received a lot of attention and comments on social media.
Rogan has a large following, with over 20.4 million subscribers on YouTube.
His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, often ranks high on Spotify's charts.
Rogan has previously mentioned difficulty with pronouncing some names, especially from foreign fighters in mixed martial arts.
Fans expressed both amusement and frustration over Rogan's pronunciation on YouTube.
Some fans joked or criticized Rogan's producer for not correcting him during the episode.
A car explosion in New Delhi, close to the historic Red Fort, killed 13 people. An investigation linked the attack to pamphlets from a group called Jaish-e-Muhammad in Kashmir, leading to a series of arrests. Indian police claim they uncovered an international terror network through these arrests.
Key Facts
A car bomb exploded near the Red Fort in New Delhi, resulting in 13 deaths.
Twenty-six days before the blast, a pamphlet from Jaish-e-Muhammad appeared in Kashmir.
The pamphlet warned local residents and shopkeepers against supporting Indian forces.
After India's changes to Kashmir's status in 2019, such threats had become less frequent.
Indian authorities conducted a manhunt that covered multiple regions following the pamphlet's appearance.
A Muslim scholar and a doctor were among those arrested in connection with the attack.
Police found an assault rifle and large quantities of explosive materials during the investigation.
The authorities claim to have discovered links to a broader "transnational terror module."
Over 200 Kenyans are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Some were former Kenyan security personnel and were allegedly forced into roles like assembling drones without proper training. The Kenyan government is working to secure the release of its citizens caught in the conflict.
Key Facts
Around 200 Kenyans are said to be fighting for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi stated that these include former security officials.
Some recruits reported being forced to work on tasks involving drones and chemicals without adequate training or safety gear.
Kenyan President William Ruto has asked Ukraine to help release Kenyans caught in the conflict.
An estimated 1,400 Africans are fighting for Russia, with some allegedly recruited under false pretenses.
The Kenyan government is concerned about the recruitment of its citizens into illegal activities like drug trafficking.
Over 20 Kenyans were recently stopped from joining the conflict and a suspect involved in recruitment was arrested.
Other countries like South Africa are investigating their citizens' involvement in similar recruitment schemes.
A video of Bailey, a golden retriever in the UK, went viral after he attempted to fetch a buoy from a lake, thinking it was a ball. His owner, Kathrine Jensen, shared the humorous yet initially concerning moment on Instagram, capturing the dog's determined nature.
Key Facts
Bailey is a 6-year-old English cream golden retriever from Wales.
The video shows Bailey trying to fetch a buoy, mistaking it for a ball, and has reached over 497,000 views on Instagram.
The incident occurred in May 2022, but the video became popular in September.
Golden retrievers have a natural drive to fetch, a trait developed for retrieving game birds.
Bailey's owner tried to call him back and even threw his real ball, but he did not let go of the buoy.
Jensen's partner had to enter the water to bring Bailey back to shore.
After the incident, Bailey was tired, but the family and viewers found the moment amusing.
The video attracted positive comments and jokes, adding to Bailey's popularity online.
A viral TikTok video shows a Maltese Shih Tzu, named Monsieur, who sits on a kitchen towel to watch his owner cook. The dog's behavior has gained attention online, highlighting some foods that are dangerous for dogs.
Key Facts
The TikTok video featuring the dog has gone viral with over 929,600 views.
Monsieur, the dog, is a Maltese Shih Tzu from Quebec, Canada.
The dog has a habit of sitting on soft things while watching his owner cook.
Monsieur is deaf from birth and likes to stay close to his owner.
The video has generated many comments and interactions from users on social media.
Foods that are toxic to dogs include chocolate, caffeine, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and more.
Owners are advised to be cautious about feeding dogs human food, with Thanksgiving approaching.
A video of a golden retriever performing a simple trick at a party went viral on TikTok. The video, posted by a user named Diana, captured the audience's delighted reaction, leading to over 266,000 views and 73,000 likes.
Key Facts
A TikTok user named Diana posted a video of a golden retriever doing a trick at a party.
The dog turned in a circle on command, surprising viewers with the audience's reaction.
The video has over 266,000 views since its posting on November 10.
Viewers reacted with gasps, applause, and smiles as the dog performed the trick.
Up to 30 people at the party watched the dog with delight.
The golden retriever video gained more than 73,000 likes on TikTok.
Golden retrievers are a popular breed known for being friendly and sociable.
In 2024, golden retrievers were the third-most popular dog breed in America according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
A video clip of Prince William and Princess Kate from their early years, where they are seen exchanging glances during an event at the Royal Air Force, has become popular online. The video gained attention due to the couple’s early relationship dynamics, and it shows a moment at Prince William's graduation ceremony. The video highlights the media interest in Kate's appearance at a public event with William before they were married.
Key Facts
A video of Prince William and Princess Kate making eye contact went viral online.
The clip shows them at Prince William’s Royal Air Force graduation in 2008.
Prince William and Kate met at the University of St Andrews, where they graduated in 2005.
William joined the military and received his RAF wings at a ceremony at RAF Cranwell.
The ceremony was the first major official event Kate attended with William after a brief breakup.
The media saw Kate’s presence as significant, sparking speculation about their relationship.
Prince William and Kate married in April 2011.
The video received over 593,000 views on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
