UK News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

On Christmas Eve 1945, the Sodder family in West Virginia experienced a tragic fire that claimed five of their ten children. Despite extensive searches, no bodies or bones were found. The family suspected foul play, possibly linked to Georges political views or business threats. Over decades, they pursued leads and offered rewards, but the mystery remains unsolved, symbolizing a familys enduring hope amid unimaginable loss.

Lava lamps are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with British company Mathmos reporting soaring sales. The original inventors, founded in 1963, are seeing a surge in interest due to mid-century home trends and Gen Zs nostalgia for the 90s. The lamps calming, analog nature and UK-made quality contribute to their appeal. Mathmoss quirky factory in Poole, Dorset, handcrafts the lamps, with veteran worker Alan Staton filling them with signature wax. Newer models and collaborations with artists also sell well. Fans collect dozens of lamps, treating them like vinyl records, ensuring the British icons continued relevance.

A canal collapse in Shropshire on Christmas Eve displaces families, with local businesses and boaters rallying to provide shelter and support. The Canal and River Trust works to restore the waterway, while a fundraiser for affected families exceeds its goal. The canal community unites in the face of adversity.

California Residents Face Severe Floods and Evacuations Amid Winter Storms

Body language expert Judi James analyzes Prince Harry and Meghan Markles final Christmas with the royal family in 2018, revealing signs of tension and isolation. Harry appears distressed, while Meghan takes charge, using strategic hand placements and verbal cues. Rumors of a rift with Kate Middleton surface, but the family maintains a united front. The Queen and Prince Charles warn against public animosity. In 2019, Harry and Meghan skip Sandringham, and the Queens Christmas address omits them, signaling a shift. They announce stepping back from royal duties just days later, marking the beginning of their estrangement from the family.

From Atlantis twins to presidential puns, this weeks Guardian letters offer a humorous take on current events. Stephen Moss from Somerset recalls a flooded welcome sign, while Chris Burgess from Greater Manchester pays tribute to singer Chris Rea, whose name inspired his songs. Mary Stiff from Exeter jokes about ditching sausage as a term of endearment, and Nick Banks from Newcastle wonders if Washington will become Trumpton. John Beer from Farnham appreciates the humor in reader mail, making it the best part of the paper.

Phil James, a recovering alcoholic from Staffordshire, is cycling up Snowdon with a full roast dinner to raise awareness for mental health and addiction struggles during the holiday season. His journey, inspired by his own battle with depression and addiction, supports the Men and Their Emotions charity.

In 2025, Jersey and Guernsey shared six heartwarming stories. Tango, a capybara, escaped from Jersey Zoo but was found and safely returned. Katie Thomas lost engagement and wedding rings were found by waste team heroes in Guernsey. Adam Dalton, a Jersey teen with no hands, competed in a global golf tournament, inspiring everyone with his determination. Lalana, a Guernsey cat missing for six years, was reunited with her family. Jersey welcomed back a six-century-old family archive from Canada. Kate Walford and Laura Coleman-Day, a widow, ran the London Marathon to fund blood cancer research.

UK Construction Sites Targeted by Rising Thefts: Organized Criminals Exploit Cost of Living Crisis, Long Winter Nights, and Christmas Shutdowns