-
James Clarkson, a 20-year-old from Carlisle, won £7,533,329 in the National Lottery on January 4, 2025. Despite his newfound wealth, he plans to continue working as a gas engineer and aims to pay off his parents' mortgage while enjoying some luxury vacations.
-
Recent studies reveal a troubling trend: climate change is causing a significant decline in freezing winter days, leading to increased cold-related deaths in the U.S. and affecting ecosystems, agriculture, and winter recreation. The findings highlight the dual impact of warmer winters and extreme cold events, particularly on vulnerable populations.
-
As the holiday season approaches, wine enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to natural wines, which are produced with minimal intervention. This article explores the characteristics of natural wines, their growing popularity, and recommendations for accessible options, including insights from sommeliers and emerging vineyards in Scandinavia.
-
Several personal accounts highlight health emergencies experienced during holiday travels. From food poisoning in Italy to severe illnesses on Christmas Day, these stories reveal the unexpected challenges faced while away from home. Each narrative underscores the importance of health awareness during festive seasons.
-
The Trevi Fountain in Rome has reopened following a three-month renovation, which included cleaning and restoration efforts. To manage tourist crowds, access will be limited to 400 visitors at a time, with a potential entry fee of 2 euros planned for the future. The fountain remains a key attraction for visitors.
-
The UK is set to experience one of its warmest Christmases on record, with temperatures peaking at 15C. Rain is expected in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the rest of the country will remain dry. A white Christmas is unlikely due to the unseasonably mild weather.
-
Juan Bernabé, Lazio's falconer, was dismissed after posting explicit post-operative photos following a penile enhancement surgery. The club stated that his actions made continued association unacceptable, despite Bernabé's claims of pride and normalcy regarding nudity.
-
Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee Year by opening a Holy Door at Rebibbia prison in Rome, marking the first time a sacred portal has been opened in a jail. This gesture emphasizes hope and reintegration for inmates, aligning with the Jubilee's theme of hope, which runs until January 6, 2026.
-
Mohamed Salah, in the final months of his Liverpool contract, emphasizes his desire to win the Premier League this season. Despite ongoing contract uncertainties, he aims to deliver a memorable performance for the club and its fans. Liverpool currently leads the league, bolstered by Salah's impressive contributions.
-
Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Iran since December 19, 2024, has been released following diplomatic negotiations. Her arrest was reportedly linked to the detention of an Iranian businessman in Italy, raising concerns about the use of journalists as political leverage. The Italian government confirmed her safe return on January 8, 2025.
-
Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the iconic Italian knitwear brand Missoni, has died at 93. Known for her vibrant designs and contributions to the fashion industry, she helped elevate Italian ready-to-wear fashion on the global stage. Her legacy includes a family-run business that remains influential today.
-
As 2025 begins, many companies are enforcing stricter return-to-office policies, impacting workers' flexibility. Employees express concerns over increased commuting costs and work-life balance, while some companies argue for the benefits of in-person collaboration. The debate over remote versus in-office work continues to evolve.
-
Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Iran for 20 days, has been released and is returning home. The Italian government confirmed her release, attributing it to diplomatic efforts. Sala was arrested on December 19, 2024, under accusations of violating Iranian laws during her reporting trip.
-
As of January 2025, new travel authorisation requirements are in effect for non-European travelers to the UK, raising concerns about potential delays and impacts on tourism. Meanwhile, Trump's plans to revoke the CBP One appointment system threaten the legal status of many migrants in the US, including those from Venezuela.
-
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on January 4, 2025, just days before her meeting with President Joe Biden in Rome. Trump praised Meloni's leadership, while discussions reportedly included trade issues and the detention of an Italian journalist in Iran.
-
Multiple flights faced emergencies recently, including an Air France flight that had to return to Paris due to a loss of cabin pressure, and an EasyJet flight that turned back to Bristol due to a technical issue. Passengers were safely accommodated, but investigations are ongoing into the causes of these incidents.
-
A baby boy was born aboard a crowded dinghy carrying migrants to the Canary Islands on January 6. The Spanish rescue vessel Talía responded to the emergency, transferring the mother and child to a hospital in Lanzarote. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants on this perilous route.
-
Italy's education minister has proposed a curriculum overhaul that may reintroduce Bible reading, Latin, and poetry memorization in primary and middle schools. Critics argue these changes are regressive, while supporters claim they foster cultural appreciation. The guidelines are set to take effect in the 2026/2027 school year.
-
A team of scientists has successfully drilled a 2.8 km ice core in Antarctica, revealing ice that is at least 1.2 million years old. This research aims to enhance understanding of Earth's climate history and greenhouse gas levels over millennia. The project, Beyond EPICA, is expected to provide crucial insights into past climate conditions.
-
As Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration, tensions escalate within the MAGA movement regarding Elon Musk's support for the H-1B visa program. Steve Bannon criticizes Musk, calling him 'evil' and vowing to limit his access to the White House, highlighting a rift between pro-immigration and anti-immigration factions.
-
Renzo Galeotti, a prominent artist known for his politically infused works, has died at 82 after battling lung cancer. Mauro Morandi, famed for living alone on Budelli Island for over three decades, passed away at 85. Both figures left significant legacies in their respective fields.
-
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Western allies to maintain military support for Ukraine as Donald Trump prepares to take office again. At a summit in Germany, he warned that any reduction in aid could lead to increased aggression from Russia. The U.S. announced a final $500 million military assistance package before the transition.
-
Recent trends indicate a significant decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger generations, driven by health concerns and changing social behaviors. The U.S. Surgeon General has called for warning labels on alcoholic beverages due to their links to cancer, reflecting a growing awareness of the risks associated with drinking.
-
The rise of far-right parties in Europe, fueled by economic concerns and social media influence, poses a significant threat to liberal democracy. Key figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are amplifying these movements, raising alarms among European leaders as elections approach.
-
Italy has released Iranian citizen Mohammad Abedini, wanted by the US for a drone attack that killed three Americans in Jordan. Abedini's release follows diplomatic negotiations involving the Italian government and Iran, coinciding with the return of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from Iran.
-
As Donald Trump prepares for his second term, he urges NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Lithuania becomes the first country to commit to this target, while other European leaders express skepticism about the feasibility of such increases amid ongoing threats from Russia.
-
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has proposed a 100% property tax on homes purchased by non-EU residents. This measure aims to address rising housing costs driven by foreign speculation, particularly affecting UK buyers. The proposal follows widespread protests over housing affordability in major Spanish cities.
-
The mayor of Glogowek, Piotr Bujak, has invited Elon Musk to purchase a historic castle in Poland. The castle, which requires renovation, is seen as a potential hub for Musk's European operations. No price has been disclosed, and Musk has yet to respond to the offer.
-
Archaeologists have uncovered a lavish private bathhouse in Pompeii, believed to be the largest of its kind. The complex features hot, warm, and cold rooms, and was likely used by the elite to impress guests. The discovery sheds light on the social dynamics of Pompeii's wealthy citizens before the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
-
The IMF has upgraded its global growth forecast to 3.3% for 2025, but warns that incoming US policies under President-elect Trump could destabilize the economy. The UK is projected to grow by 1.6%, while the eurozone faces downgrades. Global inflation is expected to decline, but trade tensions loom.