The NEPHRA Good Neighbours Repair Cafe in Manchester helps people fix broken household items instead of throwing them away. Volunteers with different skills, such as electrical repair and sewing, work to reduce waste and help the community save money.
Key Facts
The NEPHRA Repair Cafe aims to fix faulty goods to prevent them from being thrown away and ending up in landfills.
Volunteer James Wood has repaired around 50 appliances, focusing on electrical items like microwaves, kettles, and laptops.
The project includes more than 20 repair cafes across north-west England, run by the charity NEPHRA.
NEPHRA's mission includes reducing loneliness and offering education and training opportunities.
People benefit financially by repairing items instead of purchasing new ones.
The service relies on volunteers with specialized skills, such as electricians and sewing experts.
Retired electrician Bernard Crick and volunteer Angela Bourne-Griffiths are among those working at the cafe.
Emily Hilton, a community first responder with the Welsh Ambulance Service, was sexually assaulted by a patient while responding to a 999 emergency call in Cardiff, Wales. The man involved was arrested, found guilty of sexual assault, and received a community order and a requirement to remain on the sex offenders register.
Key Facts
Emily Hilton, a volunteer ambulance worker, was assaulted in March 2024 by a patient she was helping in Cardiff.
Hilton was assessing a man who had fallen when he grabbed her and attempted to kiss her.
The assailant, Craig Burgess, was arrested, found guilty, and received a community order in court.
Assaults against emergency workers in Wales totaled 3,000 between June 2023 and June 2024.
The With Us, Not Against Us campaign aims to reduce abuse against emergency workers in Wales.
Hilton's experience left her questioning whether to continue her volunteer work.
The law allows for increased penalties for assaulting emergency workers in the UK, with possible jail sentences up to two years.
Lily Allen reacted to Brooklyn Beckham’s public comments criticizing his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, highlighting a family dispute. Brooklyn accused his parents of trying to control him and his relationship with his wife, Nicola Peltz Beckham, which he has now publicly addressed. Allen shared an image relating to this situation on her social media.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Beckham, 26, made public statements against his parents, David and Victoria Beckham.
He accused his parents of controlling family narratives and interfering in his marriage.
Brooklyn claimed his mother, Victoria, canceled plans to make his wife’s wedding dress.
He alleged his parents prioritized the "Brand Beckham" image over personal relationships.
Brooklyn stated his family rejected reconciliation unless it benefited their public image.
Lily Allen shared a modified album cover image including Brooklyn Beckham on Instagram.
The family dispute escalated after Brooklyn's marriage to Nicola Peltz in 2022.
Bill Trotter, a 73-year-old man from Carlisle, died in a hospital after a series of medical treatments. His children, Mike and Kelly, believe there were medical mistakes that contributed to his death and are keeping his body in a mortuary until they get answers. The hospital involved stated that their review found no failings in his care.
Key Facts
Bill Trotter was admitted to Cumberland Infirmary with a toe infection in May 2024 and died two months later.
The hospital performed a procedure called angioplasty to improve blood flow and later decided on an amputation due to gangrene.
Trotter's family claims there were medical mistakes, including misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
They allege that necessary wound care was unavailable, and they had to purchase their own supplies.
The hospital's review stated there were no failings in Mr. Trotter's care.
His children want an inquest into his death, but the senior coroner has declined to investigate further.
The family claims errors in managing Mr. Trotter's insulin and other aspects of his care were not addressed by the hospital.
The family’s call for an investigation is supported by their local MP.
Russia is worried about the presence of the U.S. Typhon missile system in Japan. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concerns that these missile systems, though said to be temporary, might remain in Japan longer than expected. The deployment of these systems is part of the U.S. military exercises with Japan.
Key Facts
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced concerns over U.S. missile systems in Japan.
The U.S. deployed its Typhon missile system to Japan in August for the first time.
The Typhon system is capable of launching Standard Missile-6s and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The missiles were deployed at a U.S. Marine Corps base in Iwakuni, Japan.
The deployment was reportedly for temporary military exercises.
Lavrov suggested these systems might not have been withdrawn from Japan, causing concern.
Lavrov mentioned that other NATO allies are also involved in military activities near Russia's borders.
President Donald Trump has stated a desire for the U.S. to take complete control of Greenland, even though the U.S. already has considerable rights there under existing agreements with Denmark. This includes the right to build and operate military bases, such as the Pituffik Space Base, which currently requires runway repairs.
Key Facts
President Trump wants the U.S. to have full control over Greenland.
The U.S. already has rights to build and operate bases in Greenland based on a 1951 defense treaty with Denmark.
The Pentagon plans to repair the runway at the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, with a budget of tens of millions of dollars.
President Trump linked his demand to control Greenland with grievances about the Nobel Peace Prize and hinted at imposing tariffs on European countries that disagree.
European leaders are preparing for potential retaliatory actions due to Trump's tariff threats.
The U.S. has existing agreements that allow for infrastructure development in Greenland without needing to purchase the territory.
President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on NATO allies if they don't agree to sell Greenland to the U.S. European countries have responded by sending troops to Greenland for military exercises. Denmark, the current owner of Greenland, insists that the island is not for sale.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to buy Greenland and is threatening tariffs on NATO allies to secure the deal.
Tariffs would start at 10% and could rise to 25% by June if an agreement isn't reached.
European countries have sent troops to Greenland for exercises, responding to the U.S. pressure.
In Nuuk, Greenland's capital, locals protested Trump's actions, holding signs telling Americans to leave.
Denmark, which owns Greenland, has refused the sale and emphasized its military limitations against the U.S.
Trump appointed a special envoy to negotiate the purchase, but Denmark remains firm that Greenland is not for sale.
Germany's far-right leader criticized Trump's approach as violating international law.
Trump nominated Ken Howery as the U.S. ambassador to Denmark to aid in the Greenland acquisition efforts.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Tri-Union Seafoods expanded its recall of Genova Yellowfin Tuna because a distributor mistakenly shipped quarantined products. This recall warns people about potential contamination with a bacterium that can cause serious food poisoning. Consumers are advised to seek medical attention if they feel unwell after consuming the product.
Key Facts
Tri-Union Seafoods expanded its recall of Genova Yellowfin Tuna.
The recall is due to quarantined products being mistakenly shipped by a distributor.
The recalled tuna could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism.
Botulism is a serious form of food poisoning that can be fatal.
The FDA reported no illnesses from the initial recall linked to defective packaging.
The recalled products were distributed to several retailers in certain U.S. states.
Consumers should not eat the recalled tuna and can return it for a refund or disposal.
Customers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods for questions or retrieval of recalled products.
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham shared details online about family issues with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. He claims they interfered in his marriage and pressured him regarding the rights to his name. He says he doesn't want to reconcile and wants to reveal what he calls the truth about their family dynamics.
Key Facts
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham posted on Instagram about conflicts with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham.
He stated his parents have tried to disrupt his relationship since before his 2022 wedding.
Brooklyn claimed Victoria Beckham canceled Nicola's wedding dress last minute.
He said his parents pressured him to sign over the rights to his name before marrying.
His refusal to sign affected the relationship and led to a significant change in how they treated him.
Victoria reportedly called him "evil" over a seating plan arrangement at the wedding.
Certain family members told him that Nicola, his wife, was "not family."
He alleged his parents ordered attacks against him both publicly and privately.
Meghan Markle, known as the Duchess of Sussex, gave a thoughtful gift to Tan France during her Netflix show, which has gained significant attention online. The gift was a traditional Indian spice box called a masala dabba, and the clip of the moment went viral. Despite her declining popularity in the U.K., this moment shows she still has a strong fan base.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle gifted Tan France a masala dabba, a traditional Indian spice box.
The gift was given on Meghan's Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan.
A clip of the gift moment went viral, getting 1.4 million views and 206,000 likes.
Some people believe negative opinions about Meghan won't last, as seen in the clip's online comments.
Meghan's popularity dropped significantly in the U.K., with only 19% support according to a YouGov poll.
Individuals expressed appreciation for the thoughtful gift, with some describing their reactions in the clip's comments.
President Donald Trump criticized the United Kingdom's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He stated this move could harm U.S. national security due to the importance of the American military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island. The UK will transfer sovereignty in 2025 but lease back Diego Garcia for military use.
Key Facts
The Chagos Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, between Africa and Indonesia.
Diego Garcia, the largest island, hosts a major U.S. military base.
The UK separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius before Mauritian independence in 1968.
Thousands of indigenous Chagossians were expelled by the UK in the 1960s and 1970s.
A deal was made for the UK to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius in 2025.
The agreement includes leasing Diego Garcia back to the UK and U.S. for 99 years.
President Trump voiced concerns that this move weakens U.S. strategic interests.
Despite U.S. consultation, Trump believes the decision shows weakness to global adversaries.
A new "Board of Peace" has been announced to oversee post-war governance in Gaza, named by the White House. Despite the official announcement of "phase two" of the ceasefire, people in Gaza remain skeptical and struggle with ongoing instability and destruction. The hope for peace is overshadowed by everyday challenges and the lack of tangible changes on the ground.
Key Facts
A "Board of Peace" was announced to manage post-war governance in Gaza.
The committee will be led by Dr. Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian official.
There is mistrust among Palestinians about the committee due to some members' previous support for Israel.
Many areas in Gaza remain destroyed, and residents lack confidence in the announced plans.
Life in Gaza is still marked by drone activity and the risk of Israeli air attacks.
People in Gaza feel that official announcements do not match their daily realities.
The term "phase two" is viewed by locals as disconnected from their continued experiences of insecurity and trouble.
President Donald Trump will give a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. His address will focus on economic reforms and the "Board of Peace" initiative. The speech will be livestreamed on January 21, with interpretation available in several languages.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak at the WEF in Davos on Wednesday, January 21.
The speech will be livestreamed with translations in multiple languages.
Trump will address housing-market reforms and launch the "Board of Peace."
A large U.S. delegation will attend, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Denmark will not send representatives due to a dispute over Greenland.
Trump has previously spoken at Davos in 2018, 2020, and virtually in 2025.
Trump plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.
In Bangladesh, a significant number of young voters are preparing to participate in the upcoming national election for the first time, since many have never voted in a credible election. This follows a large student-led protest that ended the long rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faced criticism over election fairness. Young voters now make up a crucial part of the electorate and could heavily influence the outcome of the election.
Key Facts
Rafiul Alam, a 27-year-old from Dhaka, recently became engaged in politics after years of feeling his vote had no impact.
The political mood among Bangladeshi youth shifted after protests in 2024 led to the end of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rule.
The United Nations reported that approximately 1,400 young people may have died during the protests before Hasina fled the country.
Bangladesh's national election is scheduled for February 12, 2026, marking the first election since the protests.
There are about 127 million registered voters in Bangladesh, with nearly 56 million aged 18 to 37.
The young demographic is seen as the main force behind Hasina's removal from power.
Previous elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024 were criticized as lacking credibility and were plagued by boycotts and allegations of fraud.
The upcoming election is anticipated to be a significant democratic event.
Chinese authorities are blocking online searches about the country's decreasing birth rates to control the conversation on social media. China's birth rate has dropped to its lowest level since 1949, and while some discussions are allowed, specific searches are restricted. The aging population in China poses a challenge to its economic future.
Key Facts
Chinese officials are preventing online searches about the country's declining birth rate.
China's birth rate last year was 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest since 1949.
The country recorded 7.92 million births in 2025, a 17% drop from the previous year.
More deaths than births have been recorded for four consecutive years in China.
People over 65 now make up nearly 16% of China's population.
China's aging population is a growing concern for its social support systems and economy.
Despite policies to encourage more births, trends show a continued population decline.
Members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York have had contact with officials from China's Communist Party. They discussed visits to China and took positions favorable to China. However, the minutes from their meetings do not show any illegal activity.
Key Facts
The DSA members held discussions with Chinese Communist Party officials.
These discussions were about anti-imperialism and avoiding sensitive topics for China.
There were visits discussed, including plans to improve relations with China.
Chinese officials did not attend the DSA meetings but met members in China.
The group's activities do not indicate any illegal actions but raise questions about Chinese influence.
The internal documents revealing these details date back to 2021.
Zohran Mamdani, a New York City official and longtime DSA member, was not present at these meetings.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington emphasized the importance of local cooperation in China-U.S. relations.
People outside Iran are watching the ongoing protests with a lot of concern and sadness. The protests in Iran are challenging the government, and officials are responding with violence. Many Iranians who live abroad support actions to help people in Iran but worry about the consequences of foreign military involvement.
Key Facts
Protests in Iran are entering their fourth week and are considered the biggest challenge to the government since 1979.
The government is using force to stop the protests, and reports say at least 3,941 people have died.
Iran's internet is heavily restricted, making it hard to get accurate information.
The Iranian economy is struggling, with high inflation and a devalued currency affecting people's ability to buy basic goods.
Many Iranians abroad support U.S. actions to improve communication and document human rights abuses in Iran.
There are concerns about the negative impact of military action by foreign countries, though some believe limited strikes might encourage talks.
The protests are motivated by more than economic issues; they challenge the government's use of force and control over people.
Protesters feel they have nothing else to lose, fighting for fundamental changes in their country.
Weather warnings have been issued for parts of New York and Michigan due to expected heavy snow and strong winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has stated that these conditions could make travel dangerous due to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings for parts of New York and Michigan.
Heavy snow and strong winds are expected, making travel difficult.
Some areas in Michigan could receive up to 5 inches of snow by Tuesday morning.
Winds in Michigan could reach up to 25 mph, causing blowing snow.
Parts of New York might see up to 4 feet of snow and winds up to 35 mph until Wednesday afternoon.
Travel in areas of New York affected by the heaviest snow bands could be nearly impossible.
Residents are advised to check weather updates, limit outdoor time, and carry emergency supplies in vehicles.
President Trump shared private text messages with leaders from NATO and France on his social media platform. In these messages, French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed various international issues, praising Trump's work and addressing topics like Greenland. Macron suggested a meeting with other global leaders, and Rutte expressed willingness to discuss Greenland further.
Key Facts
President Trump shared private texts on his Truth Social platform.
Messages were from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Macron praised Trump's Middle East efforts but was confused about Trump's actions regarding Greenland.
Macron proposed a G7 meeting, including other international leaders.
Trump was invited to dinner with Macron after the proposed meeting.
Rutte commended Trump on Syria and planned to praise him at the World Economic Forum.
Rutte showed interest in discussing Greenland's situation further with Trump.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un fired Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho and criticized party officials publicly. Kim is dissatisfied with the progress of an industrial project and blames officials for delays and incompetence.
Key Facts
Kim Jong Un removed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho from his position.
Yang was in charge of economic policies, focused on machinery.
Kim criticized officials during a visit to the Ryongsong Machine Complex.
The criticism was aimed at officials responsible for delays in a key industrial project.
The ruling Workers’ Party is preparing for its Ninth Party Congress soon.
Public rebukes like this are rare in North Korea but have happened before.
Yang’s replacement has not been announced.
The news comes amid reports of changes in North Korea's top military guards.
