Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
Sadiq Khan has been knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace – becoming the first London Mayor to receive the honour.
Sir Sadiq Khan was part of the New Year Honours in recognition for his political and public service, as he was re-elected for a third term in May 2024.
Before succeeding Boris Johnson as Mayor of London in 2016, Khan was a human rights lawyer.
However, the Conservatives have criticised the knighthood, as Shadow Home Secretary and Croydon South MP Chris Philp says that Londoners “will rightly be furious his track record of failure is being rewarded”.
Another person to have been honoured was Dame Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005 – for her political and public service.
Crazy News
A Swiss man has broke the coldest Guinness World Record by spending more than two hours buried under snow while wearing only swimming trunks.
Elias Meyer decided to challenge himself for being the longest time spent in direct full body contact with snow, after no one could breach the two-hour mark.
The previous record belonged to Valerjan Romanvoski from Poland, being able to last for one hour and 45 seconds.
Speaking of the victory, Meyer said that the weight of snow pushing down on him was more uncomfortable than the temperature: “The heavy snow pressed me down, causing my shoulders and elbows to ache. Perhaps you also feel a sharp ice cube against your back, with no chance to do anything about it, you can only be thankful, thankful for everything”.
Happy News
A 97-year-old woman has been described as a “beacon of commitment” as she has been knitting comfort blankets for cats and dogs that are homeless.
Beryl Jenkins used to knit socks, balaclavas and gloves for soldiers during World War Two and has now turned her attention to helping the Cats Protection North West London Cat Centre in Harrow Weald.
Speaking of her dedication, she says: “I couldn’t possibly give up knitting. The cats’ needs are a lifesaver to me. I would be bereft without that”.
Caroline Ryan, volunteering lead at the North West London Cat Centre added: "In this month when we celebrate all volunteers, Beryl shines as a beacon of commitment and dedication to cat welfare”.
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