Around 200 Victorian-era shoes were found on a beach in Wales. The shoes are stored while officials try to learn more about their origin, with interest from museums and academics around the world. A theory suggests the shoes might be from a shipwreck near the area.
Key Facts
About 200 shoes from the early 1900s were found on Ogmore-by-Sea beach in Wales.
The Beach Academy social enterprise discovered the shoes and is storing them in water.
The Receiver of Wreck, part of a UK government agency, is investigating the shoes' origins.
Worldwide interest has been shown, with museums and universities involved.
Cardiff University and other institutions have offered to help store or study the shoes.
A local theory suggests the shoes came from a nearby shipwreck approximately 150 years ago.
The Receiver of Wreck will determine ownership, and if none is found, the shoes may be distributed for educational and cultural projects.
Mary J. Blige recently discussed in a podcast interview a missed opportunity to record the song "Umbrella," which became a major hit for Rihanna in 2007. Blige explained that she passed on the track, feeling it wasn't suited for her, and expressed satisfaction at seeing Rihanna's success with it. The song eventually became one of Rihanna's most popular tracks, amassing over 2.1 billion streams.
Key Facts
Mary J. Blige was offered the song "Umbrella" but decided not to record it.
The song became a major hit for Rihanna in 2007.
Blige explained she felt the song was not a fit for her style.
"Umbrella" is one of Rihanna's most-streamed songs with over 2.1 billion streams on Spotify.
Mary J. Blige talked about her upcoming Las Vegas residency which will feature storytelling elements.
During the interview, Blige discussed her personal growth through self-love and spiritual work.
The podcast also highlighted Blige's influential and enduring career in music.
President Donald Trump announced a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland after discussions at the World Economic Forum. This announcement follows tensions over Greenland's sovereignty, which Denmark and Greenland have stated is non-negotiable. Further talks are expected among the United States, Denmark, and Greenland.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a potential future deal concerning Greenland.
The announcement surprised some due to recent tensions over Greenland's sovereignty.
Trump mentioned the deal after talking with the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.
Danish officials, including their Prime Minister, insist that Greenland's sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Talks among the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland are planned.
NATO aims to prevent Russian and Chinese influence in Greenland.
Speculation includes ideas for U.S. military bases in Greenland, similar to UK bases in Cyprus.
UK's Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of Greenland sovereignty in any discussions.
A charity shop in Londonderry, managed by Vivienne Wood, hosted an event to provide affordable First Communion dresses to young girls. The event allowed girls to choose a dress for £20, which included a fitting, accessories, and gift bags, thanks to a donation of dresses from Long Tower Primary School. The initiative aimed to help families manage the high costs associated with First Communions.
Key Facts
The event was held at the Quirky Corner charity shop in Londonderry.
Vivienne Wood, the shop manager, organized the event to make dress fittings affordable for First Communions.
Each dress was available for £20, including a fitting and extra goodies.
The initiative started after Long Tower Primary School donated 14 new dresses.
Businesses donated to the event, helping to create a festive atmosphere.
First Communion expenses in Ireland are typically high, with families spending around £729 or more.
The shop usually raises funds for a charity that aids people with addiction issues.
Dress fittings were scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis via social media.
A viral video features a man named Mathew Carter from London trying to perform daily tasks with long, fake nails to prove to his wife he could manage them. The video shows him struggling with simple tasks, highlighting the challenges of wearing fake nails, and has received over 15.4 million views on Instagram.
Key Facts
Mathew Carter put on long, pink fake nails to show his wife he could handle them.
He encountered difficulty with tasks like driving, using a laptop, and opening bags.
The video gained viral attention, receiving over 15.4 million views.
Carter shared his experience to highlight how challenging fake nails can be.
On average, a basic manicure in the U.S. costs between $18 and $50.
More elaborate nail services can cost significantly more, with some reaching up to $120.
The video prompted humorous reactions from social media users.
The UK government has started housing asylum seekers in a former military site in East Sussex, moving 27 people into the Crowborough training camp as part of their plan to stop using hotels for asylum accommodations. The government aims to expand the facility to hold over 500 asylum seekers and plans to continue opening similar sites.
Key Facts
27 asylum seekers moved into the Crowborough training camp.
The site is located in East Sussex, England.
The UK government wants to stop housing asylum seekers in hotels.
The Crowborough site will eventually accommodate more than 500 people.
The plans to use military sites for asylum seekers were announced last year.
There have been protests against using army camps for asylum seekers.
Local council leader James Partridge expressed concerns but asked the community to help.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to close all asylum hotels.
President Donald Trump may temporarily use a luxury Boeing jet, donated by Qatar's royal family, as Air Force One. The Air Force plans to have this jet ready for duty by summer 2026 while awaiting new planes initially expected by 2027 and 2028. The donated jet has sparked debate over its acceptance and ownership.
Key Facts
President Trump might use a luxurious Boeing jet from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One.
The Air Force expects to deliver this jet by summer 2026.
The usual Air Force One experienced a minor issue, prompting Trump's return to Washington recently.
Originally, the two new Air Force One planes had delayed delivery dates set for 2027 and 2028.
The Qatari family donated the $400 million jet, but modifications are needed for security.
Concern arose about the legality of the gift, questioning potential foreign influence.
Although the jet is stated to be for U.S. use, after Trump's term, it may end up with his presidential library foundation.
A fashion expert predicted that Generation Alpha, born between 2012 and 2025, will eventually switch to wearing low-rise, skinny pants instead of high-rise trousers. The expert believes this will be seen as a fashion mistake in the future because fashion trends often repeat themselves. The prediction sparked discussions online, highlighting fashion’s tendency to cycle through styles.
Key Facts
The fashion expert shared their prediction on Threads, a social media platform.
Generation Alpha is expected to adopt skinny, low-rise pants.
The post gained more than 23,000 views online.
The expert noted that fashion trends repeat over time.
Images of current and past fashion styles illustrate these fashion cycles.
The fashion expert has been sharing opinions for around 15 years.
President Donald Trump announced the creation of a "Board of Peace," a group aimed at solving international conflicts. The board, launched in Davos, Switzerland, requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership and includes notable figures like Tony Blair and Marco Rubio. Some countries have joined the initiative, but others like the UK have declined.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the "Board of Peace" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The board is intended to help resolve international conflicts and originally aimed to rebuild Gaza.
Membership in the board requires a $1 billion payment for a permanent seat.
President Trump serves as chairman, with members including Tony Blair and Marco Rubio.
Some countries, like the UK, France, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia, have opted out of joining.
Trump stated the board will work with organizations including the United Nations.
There is skepticism from Palestinians about the board's effectiveness in addressing their issues.
A blind kitten named Specks gained attention after a social media post showed his transformation from a kitten with severe eye infection to a healthy cat without eyes. The infection required his eyes to be surgically removed for his health. More information about potential causes of eye issues in cats and treatments was provided, highlighting infections and injuries as common reasons.
Key Facts
A kitten named Specks had his eyes removed due to a severe infection.
A post about Specks' journey on Reddit received over 21,000 upvotes.
Specks is now healthy and adapts well without sight, enjoying playtime with other animals.
The foster caregiver made the decision to remove Specks' eyes to ensure his health.
Common causes of eye problems in cats include infections, injuries, and allergies.
Treatments for cat eye issues can include eye drops, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery.
The post has been widely shared, with many praising the foster owner's dedication.
Project 2025, a document from a conservative think tank, suggests that the U.S. should strengthen its economic ties with Greenland. President Donald Trump has both criticized and nominated contributors from the document, reflecting mixed views on its suggestions. Trump and the Heritage Foundation express concerns about Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic, including Greenland, although local and international officials have differing opinions.
Key Facts
Project 2025 is a 900-page document from the Heritage Foundation proposing policy changes for a Republican administration in 2025.
The document highlights Greenland's importance and suggests enhancing U.S. economic ties with the territory.
President Trump has distanced himself from parts of Project 2025 but appointed some contributors to his administration.
The U.S. opened a consulate in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, during Trump's first term.
Trump argues Greenland is important for U.S. national security due to potential threats from Russia and China.
Russian and Danish Arctic officials have disputed claims of immediate threats in the region.
The Heritage Foundation's report indicates future interest in the Arctic from various countries due to its resources and strategic location.
A TikTok video went viral showing a man putting his bare feet on the empty seat next to a woman on a plane. The video led to discussions about the etiquette of taking off shoes on a flight. A survey found that most people think planes are not places for going barefoot or putting feet on seats.
Key Facts
A TikTok video showed a man resting his bare feet on a plane seat next to a woman.
The video has received over 662,000 views since November 29.
In a survey of 1,000 people from the U.S. and Canada, 56% said you shouldn’t take off your shoes on a plane.
68% of survey participants said feet should stay on the ground during a flight.
64% said wearing flip-flops on a plane is better than going barefoot.
People on TikTok shared other unpleasant flight experiences like screaming children and passengers coughing without masks.
Experts at the Davos summit warned that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could become a more significant threat than cancer by 2050. They expressed concern that this issue is not receiving enough attention from global leaders. AMR could lead to an increase in deaths if not addressed urgently through global coordination and public health policy changes.
Key Facts
AMR is when bacteria change over time and become resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
Experts at Davos cautioned that AMR could become deadlier than cancer by 2050.
Vanina Laurent Ledru emphasized AMR as the "next pandemic" and warned of public mistrust.
Peter Sands stated that an AMR pandemic is "guaranteed to happen" and is already occurring.
Speakers at Davos noted that AMR is not discussed enough by global leaders.
Potential solutions include using phage-based medicines, which are natural predators of bacteria.
Addressing AMR involves not only new drugs but also better public health measures like hygiene practices.
Cancer cases are rising, with 30.5 million new cases expected by 2050, but AMR might outpace cancer as a cause of death.
A dog named Holly Paws had a sad reaction when she returned to a shelter after spending a day out with a volunteer named Emma in Florida. Emma often takes dogs from the Polk County Bully Project out for a day to help them feel loved and potentially get adopted. Her video of Holly Paws returning to the shelter has gone viral.
Key Facts
Holly Paws is a dog living at the Polk County Bully Project shelter in Florida.
Emma, a volunteer, spends time with shelter dogs to help them feel loved and to promote their adoption.
Emma took Holly Paws out for a day, including a visit to a fast-food restaurant and her apartment.
Holly Paws was originally saved from a high-capacity shelter to avoid euthanasia.
Emma posted a video on TikTok of Holly Paws' sad reaction returning to the shelter, which got 5.7 million views.
Despite feeling upset, Holly Paws enjoys some aspects of the shelter, like her dog friends and favorite staff members.
Emma hopes that the video of Holly Paws will help her get adopted.
A dachshund broke her leg in a dog fight, and her owner shared a TikTok video showing her with a tiny cast. The video gained over 665,500 views and numerous likes and comments, with many users wishing the dog a speedy recovery.
Key Facts
A dachshund broke her leg during a dog fight.
The owner posted a video on TikTok showing the dog with a small cast on her leg.
The video received over 665,500 views and 147,000 likes.
The owner stated in a comment that the dachshund is recovering well.
Broken bones in dogs can take months to heal and might require casts or surgical fixes.
Hundreds of TikTok users commented on the video, offering words of encouragement.
The dog's cast featured messages like "get well soon" and "love you."
Broken bones in dogs require restricted activity during recovery.
A mother in the UK, Amelia Edwards, discovered her four-year-old daughter had drawn on her bedroom wall. Instead of reprimanding her, Edwards decided to keep the drawings as part of the room's decor. Her decision and the resulting viral TikTok have sparked discussions about parenting and creativity.
Key Facts
Amelia Edwards is a 31-year-old mother from the West Midlands, UK.
Her daughter drew over a dozen figures, like clouds, animals, and unicorns, on her bedroom wall.
Initially speechless, Edwards chose to frame the artwork instead of erasing it.
Edwards posted a video on TikTok, showing the original drawings and the decorated room, which went viral.
The video has received close to 2 million views.
The framing of the drawings sparked online discussions about different parenting approaches.
Edwards explained to her daughter the importance of only drawing on paper in the future.
The daughter's creativity remains encouraged, and she has never drawn on walls again.
Campaigning has started in Bangladesh for its national elections set for February 12, 2026. The vote comes after the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus aims to ensure a fair election and proposes political reforms to prevent authoritarianism.
Key Facts
Bangladesh is preparing for its first elections since the 2024 uprising that removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The elections are scheduled for February 12, 2026.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus leads the interim government and aims to hold a fair election.
About 170 million people in Bangladesh will elect 350 lawmakers.
Proposed reforms include more power to the presidency, term limits, and measures against corruption.
A referendum on these reforms will coincide with the elections.
Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death for crimes during the 2024 protests and is hiding in India.
Tarique Rahman, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has returned from exile and is campaigning for the election.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit near the border of Utah and Wyoming, affecting residents in Salt Lake City. The earthquake's epicenter was roughly 25 miles south of Evanston, Wyoming, and was noticed by nearly 1,600 people.
Key Facts
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake occurred near the Utah-Wyoming border.
The earthquake's epicenter was about 25 miles south of Evanston, Wyoming.
The quake had a depth of 8.4 miles.
Around 1,600 people reported feeling the earthquake.
Salt Lake City has a population of over 217,000 people.
The area is part of the Intermountain seismic belt, known for its earthquake activity.
The largest recorded earthquake in the area was a 6.6 magnitude quake in 1934.
President Donald Trump is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that the war's resolution comes down to one key issue, possibly related to Ukraine's Donbas region. Talks also involve potential security guarantees and economic plans for Ukraine's post-war future.
Key Facts
President Trump will meet Ukraine's President Zelensky in Davos on Thursday.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff believes one main issue remains to end the war in Ukraine.
Discussions may focus on Ukraine's eastern region, Donbas, possibly creating a demilitarized zone.
Trump expressed optimism, saying Putin and Zelensky might reach a deal soon.
Zelensky had postponed his Davos visit due to Russian attacks on Kyiv's infrastructure.
Zelensky mentioned that a U.S. plan to end the war was almost complete.
Talks include Ukraine's security and future economic recovery plans.
There is concern over Trump's tensions with NATO allies affecting the peace process.
A TikTok video featuring a golden retriever named Ziggy became widely popular after showing him meeting a group of puppies for the first time. Although his exact relationship to the puppies is unclear, Ziggy's excitement and gentle behavior made a strong impression on viewers. The American Kennel Club provides guidelines for introducing male dogs to puppies, emphasizing careful and controlled interactions.
Key Facts
Ziggy, a golden retriever, became popular in a TikTok video meeting puppies.
The video gathered over 991,000 views.
Ziggy showed excitement and gentle behavior around the puppies.
It's unclear if Ziggy is biologically related to the puppies.
Male dogs typically don't take on caregiving roles with newborn puppies.
The American Kennel Club advises controlled introductions of fathers to puppies after they are 4-6 weeks old.
Many viewers praised Ziggy's affection and restraint in the video.
