An 84-year-old woman named Sheila Underwood from Blackpool, UK, visits her local community center called the Grange Community Centre to stay warm and relieve loneliness. The center provides her with social interaction and practical help in reducing her energy bills through a charity program called Groundwork.
Key Facts
Sheila Underwood is 84 years old and lives in Blackpool, UK.
She visits the Grange Community Centre daily to warm up and socialize.
Sheila has experienced loneliness and financial stress after her husband's death five years ago.
She faced difficulties paying her energy bills and reduced her meals to save money.
Groundwork, a charity at the center, helps her save on energy costs with advice and tools.
Groundwork provides items like a heated electric throw and draft excluders to help reduce energy use.
Sheila now has a wide circle of friends at the center and volunteers there.
Groundwork's "green doctors" offer support that improves financial and mental well-being for many.
A senior dog named Bob spent over two years in a Portuguese animal shelter after his owner died. During a volunteer session, Charlotte Simon from Berlin took Bob for a walk, which led to her adopting him and bringing him to Germany for a new life. Simon hopes Bob’s story encourages others to adopt older rescue dogs.
Key Facts
Bob is a senior dog who lived in a shelter in Portugal for more than two years.
His struggles with adoption were due in part to being older and having some health issues, like lost teeth and a crippled ear.
Charlotte Simon, a volunteer from Berlin, met Bob while helping at the shelter during her vacation.
Simon initially did not plan to adopt a dog but was moved by Bob during a walk.
Bob showed significant improvement in behavior once outside the shelter.
Simon ended up adopting Bob and took him back to live with her in Germany.
She shares Bob’s journey and new life on TikTok to inspire others.
Simon believes adopting older dogs is beneficial due to their experience and ease of integration into a new home.
President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on European countries, affecting a trade deal with the EU. The tariffs are linked to President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, which has caused tensions between the U.S. and its European allies.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 10% tariff on several European countries, effective February 1, with a possible increase to 25% on June 1.
These tariffs are part of Trump's efforts to acquire Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark.
The Trump administration claims control of Greenland is important for U.S. national security.
Using military force to take Greenland would break international law and could harm NATO alliances.
Manfred Weber, a European political leader, stated the trade deal cannot proceed due to these developments.
The EU and the U.S. reached a trade agreement in July 2025, which has not yet been ratified.
European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, have criticized the tariffs, warning they could damage trans-Atlantic relations.
Heavy rains in Sydney, Australia, led to flash flooding, with an unusual scene of a man swimming in a submerged golf course. Over the weekend, parts of Sydney experienced 180mm of rainfall, causing evacuations in some areas.
Key Facts
An Australian man swam in a flooded golf course in Sydney's northern beaches.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms hit Sydney, causing coastal flooding.
Some suburbs saw evacuation orders due to flash flooding.
Sydney received 180mm of rainfall over the weekend.
Thousands of people in Serbia gathered to protest against government corruption, led by university students who aim to remove corrupt officials and restore the rule of law. The protests continue after the resignation of the prime minister following a tragic train station incident that highlighted issues of corruption. President Aleksandar Vucic denies the corruption allegations and accuses protesters of being influenced by foreign interests.
Key Facts
Thousands rallied in Novi Sad, Serbia, led by university students against corruption.
President Aleksandar Vucic is accused of allowing corruption and limiting democratic freedoms.
The protests were fueled by a train station collapse in November 2024 that killed 16 people.
The collapse led to the resignation of Serbia's prime minister and government officials.
Students propose banning corrupt officials from future government roles.
Protesters collected about 400,000 signatures supporting their election efforts.
Charges were dropped against a former Construction Minister over the collapse incident.
Vucic remains in office and accuses protesters of foreign-backed intentions.
A dog abandoned on a busy highway was rescued by a veterinary student named Amelia Brown in Philadelphia. The rescue story was shared on TikTok, gaining viral attention with millions of views and likes. Brown adopted the dog, named Hiccup, and hopes the story inspires more people to rescue animals.
Key Facts
A dog was abandoned on a highway in Philadelphia, as seen in security camera footage.
Amelia Brown, a veterinary student, rescued the dog and took him to safety.
The dog's previous owner was not found because the car used was stolen.
Brown named the dog Hiccup and started caring for him with proper food and medical attention.
The rescue story went viral on TikTok, with over 6.6 million views and 1 million likes.
Brown and her fiancé decided to keep Hiccup after initially planning to see how he adjusted.
Many people on TikTok reacted emotionally to the video, praising Brown's rescue efforts.
Brown hopes the story will encourage others to adopt and help animals in need.
Indonesian rescuers found wreckage from a small plane that went missing with 11 people aboard. The plane crashed on Sulawesi island while flying in cloudy weather. Rescue teams are now focusing on finding the people who were on the plane.
Key Facts
Indonesian rescuers found parts of a missing plane on Sulawesi island.
The plane had 11 people on board, including eight crew and three passengers.
It disappeared from radar while flying from Java to Makassar, South Sulawesi.
The wreckage was found on the slope of Mount Bulusaraung.
The plane was an ATR 42-500 operated by Indonesia Air Transport.
The passengers included crew from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry.
Rescue efforts are hampered by bad weather and tough terrain.
Indonesia frequently uses air and sea transport to connect its many islands.
The article discusses several travel destinations expected to gain popularity in 2026. These locations, which are currently less known to American travelers, include places in Europe, Mexico, and Central America. The article highlights new flight routes and unique cultural and scenic attractions as factors likely to increase visitors to these areas.
Key Facts
Delta Air Lines will start direct flights from the U.S. to Malta in June 2026.
Malta offers a mix of historic sites and natural beauty, including Mdina's historic streets and the Blue Lagoon.
New flights from New York City to Sardinia, Italy, will begin in May 2026, highlighting the island's natural beauty and cultural richness.
Budapest, Hungary, is recommended as a walkable city with views of the Danube River.
Biarritz in France offers an alternative to the French Riviera with its coastline and culinary traditions.
Alentejo in Portugal is noted for its serene landscapes and the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve.
Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico is a growing wine destination near San Diego.
El Salvador is becoming popular for its colonial towns, archaeological sites, and suitability for surfing.
A neurologist explains how modern lifestyle factors are affecting children's brain development, making it harder for them to focus and learn. Dr. Majid Fotuhi suggests that lifestyle changes over 8 to 12 weeks can help reverse these effects and improve children's attention and emotional stability. He offers practical steps for parents to support their child's brain health.
Key Facts
Children's brains are being affected by fast-paced media and constant notifications, which make focus difficult.
Factors like lack of sleep, poor diet, and stress negatively impact brain networks responsible for attention and emotional balance.
Dr. Fotuhi recommends five steps: consistent sleep schedules, nutritious meals, daily physical activity, structured routines, and brain exercises.
The brain can be trained and improved with consistency and proper care, similar to a muscle.
Parents can see improvements in their child's focus, school performance, and emotional well-being within 8 to 12 weeks by following these steps.
Modern challenges like less physical activity and more academic pressure contribute to issues with focus and learning in children.
A dog named Niko, who has a strong bond with his owner Nicolle Finn, briefly lost sight of her while playing in a park. The emotional moment when Niko finally found Nicolle and ran joyfully towards her was captured in a video that went viral on social media.
Key Facts
Niko is a dog owned by Nicolle Finn from New York City.
Niko lost sight of Nicolle while playing off-leash in a park.
The moment Niko found Nicolle again was filmed and shared on Instagram.
The video of the reunion has been viewed over 740,000 times.
Nicolle described feeling emotional when Niko spotted her and ran towards her.
The video received numerous positive comments from viewers online.
The National Committee for Gaza Management (NGAC), supported by the United States, has shared its mission statement for governing Gaza. This committee aims to rebuild Gaza's infrastructure and promote peace while facing challenges like Israeli control and skepticism from Palestinians about its autonomy. President Trump plays a key role in backing the committee's mission.
Key Facts
The NGAC is part of a US-backed ceasefire plan to manage Gaza's future.
The committee plans to restore essential services like electricity, water, healthcare, and education.
President Donald Trump supports the NGAC through a "board of peace."
The committee will focus on security and economic development in Gaza.
The NGAC aims to work with integrity and transparency.
Gaza has faced destruction from over two years of conflict with Israel.
Israeli restrictions limit aid into Gaza, affecting service delivery.
Some Palestinians worry the NGAC's approach might avoid important political issues.
A dog named Howie, who was previously thrown out of a moving truck in Los Angeles, has been adopted by a couple in California. The couple learned about Howie's story through a Newsweek article, and after meeting him, welcomed him into their family. Howie has now settled into his new home and enjoys spending time with his new family and their other pets.
Key Facts
A dog named Howie was thrown from a moving truck in Los Angeles.
Howie's story became widely known after it was featured in a Newsweek article.
Diane and David Singer, a couple from California, read the article and decided to adopt Howie.
The adoption took place after a brief meeting at a dog park in Escondido, California.
Howie initially struggled to adjust, especially with David, but eventually formed a strong bond with the family.
Howie is now part of the family's everyday activities and has bonded with their son’s rescue dog, Panda.
The Singers have a history of adopting rescue animals, which helped them connect with Howie.
Prisoners in Guatemala have taken 46 workers hostage during riots in three detention centers. Gang members, reportedly from the Barrio 18 gang, coordinated the unrest in response to moves by authorities to revoke their privileges. Officials stated there were no deaths or injuries among the hostages.
Key Facts
Prisoners in Guatemala took 46 workers hostage in three facilities.
The riots began on Saturday and involved coordinated actions by gang members.
The hostages include mostly prison guards and one psychologist.
The Barrio 18 gang is reportedly behind the disturbances.
Guatemala's Interior Minister denied any negotiations or restoring lost privileges for the gang members.
The riots are linked to gang leaders' demands for transfer to facilities with better conditions.
No deaths or injuries among the hostages have been reported.
Authorities have had difficulty controlling gang influence in the prison system.
A winter storm warning has been issued, predicting up to 20 inches of snow and strong winds in five U.S. states. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that the storm will affect areas in Michigan, New York, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, making travel dangerous. People are advised to stay informed about road conditions and have emergency supplies if they need to travel.
Key Facts
The storm could bring up to 20 inches of snow and 50 mph winds.
Affected states include Michigan, New York, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
In Michigan, some areas could have up to 6 inches of snow and 40 mph winds, with wind chills as low as -25°F.
Some parts of New York could see 2 to 3 feet of snow, with snowfall rates up to 4 inches per hour.
Georgia could experience between 1 and 3 inches of snow.
Southeast Alabama and the Florida Panhandle could also receive 1 to 3 inches of snow.
The NWS advises having food and water in vehicles for emergencies and checking road conditions before traveling.
A trend on social media features pet owners using red light therapy on dogs, hoping it benefits their pets' health. Experts say while clinical red light therapy can help with conditions like arthritis and wound healing in dogs, household devices may not be as effective or safe.
Key Facts
Pet owners are using red light therapy on dogs, inspired by viral social media clips.
Red light therapy uses low-level light wavelengths to stimulate cellular activity.
Clinical versions are used for managing pain, reducing inflammation, and aiding healing in dogs.
Experts warn that home-use devices vary in quality and might not be effective.
Some products could harm sensitive tissues, like eyes, if not used correctly.
Vet-administered therapy is significantly different from consumer gadgets.
There is some research supporting red light therapy's effectiveness for certain conditions in dogs.
Josh, a 27-year-old from Chicago, experienced uncontrollable arm movements, which led to a medical checkup revealing a large brain tumor. Surgeons removed about a third of his brain to treat the tumor and seizures. Brain tumors are common, affecting roughly 1 million people in the U.S.
Key Facts
Josh woke up with his left arm jerking uncontrollably.
Doctors found a large brain tumor causing repeated seizures.
Surgeons removed almost the entire right frontal-parietal lobe of his brain.
Josh initially thought he had a vitamin deficiency or cramp.
Approximately 1 million Americans live with primary brain tumors.
Astrocytomas are common brain tumors, affecting about 15,000 people in the U.S. annually.
The right frontal-parietal lobe controls the left motor system and spatial attention.
Recovery after such surgery depends on the brain's ability to adapt and anti-seizure treatments.
Residents in parts of California and Oregon have been advised to stay indoors due to high levels of air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that fine particle pollution levels have reached "unhealthy" levels, prompting warnings for people to limit outdoor activities.
Key Facts
The affected areas include Portola in California and John Day in Oregon.
The pollution involves fine particles called PM2.5, which are harmful when inhaled.
The EPA uses an Air Quality Index (AQI) to determine the safety of the air.
When the AQI indicates "unhealthy" levels, people, especially sensitive groups, are urged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Sensitive groups include the elderly, children, and people with heart or lung conditions.
The general population is also advised to limit intense outdoor activities during this time.
The information is based on data available as of January 18, early in the morning.
Mamady Doumbouya was sworn in as Guinea's president after leading a military coup in 2021. He won the recent presidential election with 86.7% of the vote. The election took place after a new constitution allowed military leaders to run for office.
Key Facts
Mamady Doumbouya led a military coup in Guinea in 2021.
He was sworn in as Guinea's president after winning a recent election.
Doumbouya received 86.7% of the vote in the election.
The election allowed military leaders to run due to a new constitution.
Doumbouya previously promised not to run for president but decided to enter the race.
His main opponents were in exile, and the opposition boycotted the election.
The new constitution extends presidential terms from five to seven years.
Doumbouya cited corruption and economic problems as reasons for the coup.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to create a “board of peace” with a broader mission than initially intended for managing conflicts in Gaza. This board aims to be an international group working on global conflicts and fostering peace, with initial efforts focused on Gaza. Key world figures, including Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, are part of this initiative.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has introduced a “board of peace” to address global conflicts, starting with Gaza.
This board will focus on regional relations and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, and several other international figures are included in the board.
Trump’s letters to leaders suggest that the board has wider aims beyond Gaza.
A charter reportedly details the board’s international goals for peace and governance.
The board is not meant to replace the United Nations but aims to work alongside global efforts.
The board includes an 11-member Gaza executive board involved in local governance setups.
World leaders from Argentina, Paraguay, Turkiye, and Egypt have been invited to join.
Prince Harry is involved in a new legal case against the Daily Mail's publisher. He accuses them of gathering information unlawfully. This is part of ongoing issues between Prince Harry and the press, but he is now focusing more on reconciling with his family.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is engaged in another court case against newspaper groups.
He accuses the publisher of the Daily Mail of using illegal methods to collect information.
This legal battle involves other claimants like Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley.
The publishers have denied the allegations and plan to defend their journalism.
Prince Harry has been involved in previous court battles with the press.
Recently, Prince Harry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his family.
He met with King Charles in September for the first time in 19 months.
His Invictus Games event is coming to Birmingham next year.
