35 Facts, Updates And Stories That Are Infinitely More Interesting With Your Tea

While our feeds are overflowing with major headlines, we often miss the less common yet equally important stories about what’s happening across the globe. One dedicated Facebook page with over 6.8M followers aims to educate people one post at a time about the “Things You Don’t Know”. True to its name, the group shares concise snippets that spotlight noteworthy events and developments worldwide. Keep scrolling to check out a selection of our favourite updates from this informative page, featured in the gallery below.

#1

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Denmark is tightening its stance on religious face coverings. After banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, the government is now seeking to extend the restrictions to schools and universities, arguing that democratic values should take priority in education.

The move has sparked debate across Europe. Supporters see it as a step toward integration and secularism, while critics and human rights groups warn it disproportionately affects Muslim women and undermines religious freedom.

#2

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Rising prices at Disney parks in Florida are pushing families to look elsewhere. With higher ticket, hotel, and food costs, some travelers say a full trip to Tokyo Disney in Japan including flights and accommodation now costs less than visiting Walt Disney World. Currency differences and travel deals are making international options surprisingly more affordable.

#3

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Denmark is pushing forward a groundbreaking legal proposal that would give every citizen full ownership rights over their own likeness including their face, voice, and body data. If passed, companies and AI developers would no longer be allowed to use a person’s identity without clear and direct consent. The law is aimed directly at the growing threat of deepfakes.

#4

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Crows are incredibly intelligent birds, capable of solving complex problems and learning from one another. A Swedish startup called Corvid Cleaning is using that intelligence to tackle pollution. Their device rewards crows with food whenever they drop a cigarette butt inside, and early tests show the birds understand the system almost immediately.

With an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts discarded each year, the project could dramatically cut cleanup costs and reduce toxic waste. It’s a striking example of how working with nature can create surprisingly effective solutions.

#5

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

A 13-year-old boy named Lucas Jemeljanova was once told he had no chance of surviving DIPG, one of the most aggressive and fatal brain cancers. Doctors expected he wouldn’t live to see another year. Instead, a revolutionary, tailor-made treatment completely removed the tumor, something that had never been achieved before.

His recovery has stunned the medical world and brought a new sense of hope to families facing devastating diagnoses. Lucas’s story is now a symbol of what future medicine might make possible when science, innovation, and determination come together.

#6

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

France introduced a groundbreaking law that bans supermarkets from throwing away or destroying edible food that cannot be sold. Instead, stores must donate these items to charities, food banks, or organizations supporting people in need. The law aims to reduce food waste while ensuring that surplus food reaches vulnerable communities. It has since become a global example of how legislation can fight waste and hunger at the same time.

#7

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

She spent 23 years renting the same small home, always paying on time and caring for the place as if it were her own. She handled repairs herself, stayed loyal as a tenant, and never caused trouble. Her landlord, a wealthy man who rarely interacted with her, watched this consistency quietly over the years.

Then everything changed. Instead of receiving another lease renewal, she was handed the deed to the house with no payment required. The gift transformed her life and became a powerful reminder that long term reliability and integrity can lead to unexpected acts of generosity.

#8

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Guinness World Records made the decision to stop featuring the world’s fattest animals after concerns grew that some owners were overfeeding their pets just to break records. The goal is to protect animals from being harmed for fame and to promote healthier treatment instead. What once seemed funny turned into a serious animal welfare issue.

#9

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Mexico City has officially banned bullfighting, ending a practice that shaped its culture for more than 500 years. Lawmakers called the decision a necessary step toward stronger animal protection.

The move has sparked both celebration and frustration, with supporters praising it as overdue compassion and critics mourning the loss of a historic tradition. Still, many believe the ban marks a meaningful shift toward more humane treatment of animals in the capital.

#10

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

In Denmark, empathy has been a fixed part of the school curriculum since the 1990s. Every week, students take time to openly talk about their own experiences, work through conflicts, and actively practice compassion. The goal goes far beyond teaching good manners. It is about deliberately strengthening the parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and perspective-taking, with research showing that this regular training creates measurable long-term effects.

The results are striking. Denmark now has the lowest bullying rates in Europe and is consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world. Empathy education clearly proves that emotional intelligence is not a soft extra, but a core pillar of a healthy and well-functioning society

#11

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Germany has introduced a system that requires first time dog owners to demonstrate they are prepared for the responsibility. Before adopting a dog, new owners must pass a written exam that covers topics like behavior, safety, proper handling, and animal welfare.

After that, they must complete a practical test that shows they can interact with and control their dog safely in real everyday situations. The goal is to reduce neglect, protect animals, and ensure that dogs end up in stable and responsible homes.

#12

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

David from Nebraska wanted to buy back 80 acres of his former family farm. He and his father attended the auction feeling prepared, but unsure. When they placed their bid, no one else said a word. The other farmers did not bid against them. Out of respect, they let David have the land — a silent act of solidarity.

#13

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Amboseli National Park in Kenya has recorded a historic surge in elephant births, with 140 calves born in a single year. Conservationists say the baby boom reflects the success of long term anti poaching efforts, habitat protection, and improved wildlife management. Elephants play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and this milestone is being hailed as a major win for conservation in East Africa and beyond.

#14

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

After decades of steady ice loss and growing sea level concerns, Antarctica surprised scientists by gaining more than 100 billion tons of ice in just one year. It marks the first temporary reversal of the long standing melting trend, offering researchers a rare and unexpected climate anomaly to closely examine.

Experts are now studying what caused this sudden shift, from heavier snowfall and changing wind patterns to colder ocean currents. While this does not erase the broader reality of climate change, it provides a unique opportunity to better understand how Earth’s systems can fluctuate and respond in surprising ways

#15

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

A small bear cub was rescued from a dangerous forest fire by a man who risked his safety to pull the frightened animal from the smoke. Once the cub realized he was finally safe, he clung tightly to his rescuer and wouldn’t let go. Even long after the flames were behind them, the tiny bear stayed by the man’s side, seeking comfort and refusing to leave the arms that had saved his life.

#16

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

In France, abandoning or neglecting a dog is treated as a serious criminal offense, carrying the risk of prison time and substantial fines. Lawmakers have tightened animal protection laws to send a clear message that pets are living beings with rights, not disposable possessions. One major reform now bans pet shops from selling cats and dogs, allowing only adoptions through officially recognized shelters.

Future pet owners are also required to sign a formal commitment contract before adopting or purchasing an animal. This agreement outlines the long term responsibilities involved in caring for a pet and aims to prevent impulsive decisions that often result in abandonment. Together, these measures reflect France’s strengthened stance on animal welfare and lifelong responsibility toward pets.

#17

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

When a mother had to be rushed to the hospital, two police officers chose compassion over routine. They stayed behind to make sure her five children were fed, cooking dinner for them and cleaning up once everything was done.

It was a quiet act of kindness that showed policing can also mean care, responsibility, and stepping in when families need support the most

#18

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Bear, once abandoned because of behavioral challenges, went on to become an unlikely hero during the catastrophic Australian wildfires of 2019 and 2020. Thanks to his extraordinary scent detection skills, he helped locate more than 100 koalas that were either injured or trapped in burned areas, giving rescuers a crucial advantage in saving lives.

After being taken in by the conservation dog training program at Sunshine Coast University, Bear was trained to work alongside specialized wildlife recovery teams. His unique ability to detect koala fur and droppings earned him international recognition, including the Animal Action Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare for his outstanding contribution to wildlife rescue.

#19

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Iceland has a long tradition of respecting folklore and the hidden world, and this belief still influences modern planning decisions. Some landscapes are left untouched because locals insist they might be home to elves, gnomes, or other hidden folk.

Whether taken literally or symbolically, these protections reflect Iceland’s deep respect for nature, culture, and the mysteries tied to its land.

#20

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Six year old John Oliver “J.O.” Zippay returned to St. Helen Catholic School after completing his final round of chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. As he walked through the school doors, classmates, teachers, and family surprised him with a powerful standing ovation that quickly spread across social media for its raw emotion and support.

Throughout years of intense treatment and long hospital stays, J.O. remained closely connected to his school and friends. To honor his strength and the community that stood beside him, the school later hosted a special assembly featuring a video celebrating his courageous journey and the love surrounding him.

#21

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

A recent study suggests that many cats actually see their human owners as oversized kittens rather than as authority figures. According to researchers, this explains why cats often display behaviors like grooming their owners, head butting, closely following them, and showing protective attention. In their eyes, they are taking on the role of the caregiver.

#22

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Life in the ocean can be unforgiving, and for male octopuses, courtship is often a gamble with lethal consequences. If a male approaches at the wrong moment or fails to sense a female’s clear signals, she may react with aggression instead of interest. Scientists have documented females throwing debris at unwanted males, overpowering them with their arms, and in some cases consuming them outright. In the world of cephalopods, misreading a mood isn’t just awkward — it can be fatal.

#23

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

After finishing a long shift underground in Kentucky, Michael McGuire didn’t go home to clean up. He headed straight to a University of Kentucky basketball game to keep a promise to his young son. A photo of them in the stands, with McGuire still in his coal-stained work clothes, quickly went viral as a powerful moment of dedication.

The image caught the attention of coach John Calipari, who later invited McGuire and his family back as VIP guests. The story struck a chord nationwide, celebrating the simple but meaningful sacrifices parents make to create lasting memories with their children.

#24

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Roman, an eight year old boy from Ukraine, survived horrific burns after a missile attack and endured multiple surgeries. Against all odds, he has now returned to school and back to dancing, showing incredible courage, strength, and hope in the face of unimaginable trauma.

#25

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Canadian tech entrepreneur Marcel LeBrun has taken action against homelessness by funding and building 99 fully equipped tiny homes in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Each home includes a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and solar panels, with rent set at roughly 30% of a resident’s income. The project also features a community hub that offers jobs, training, and support programs. LeBrun’s initiative shows how practical innovation and empathy can create long term stability and dignity for people who need it most

#26

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Pennsylvania has enacted a legal change that fundamentally alters how pets are treated in the justice system. Instead of being handled strictly as property, courts are now required to take an animal’s wellbeing into account during legal disputes, acknowledging the emotional and relational role pets play in people’s lives.

The shift reflects a broader global trend backed by decades of behavioral and neurological research. Studies from institutions such as Emory University and Harvard have shown that companion animals, particularly dogs, form deep attachment bonds and experience stress and comfort in ways closely resembling human family relationships. Supporters argue the law brings legal language closer to social reality, where pets are widely regarded as members of the family rather than objects

#27

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

A teenager from Maryland turned what could have been an awkward moment into a heartwarming memory when he decided to take his cat to prom instead of a traditional date. Seventeen year old Sam Steingard brought his beloved family pet, Ruby, dressed her in a pink prom outfit, and proudly walked in with her by his side.

#28

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

A case in Switzerland has sparked renewed debate after a woman received a fine equivalent to about 100 US dollars for violating the country’s ban on face coverings. The law prohibits wearing garments such as burqas or niqabs in public spaces.
After she appealed the penalty, arguing that the ban is discriminatory and Islamophobic, authorities warned that the fine could increase substantially if her appeal fails.

#29

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

In Denmark, libraries exist where you can borrow a person instead of a book.
For about 30 minutes, you listen to their life story and ask questions.

The Human Library was created to break down stereotypes and challenge prejudice.
Sometimes, the best way to understand others is simply to talk to them.

#30

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

In several Italian cities, public benches are being redesigned with small built in shelters underneath to protect stray cats from cold, rain, and danger. These cozy spaces include soft bedding and food bowls, giving homeless animals a safe place to rest while staying part of their familiar environment.

The project shows how urban design and compassion can work together. With simple changes, everyday public spaces are being transformed into lifesaving shelters for animals that would otherwise be left exposed on the streets.

#31

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Homeless man Billy Ray Harris returned a $4,000 engagement ring after Sarah Darling accidentally dropped it into his cup while giving spare change. Instead of keeping or selling it, he chose to do the honest thing and waited for her to come back.

Deeply moved by his integrity, Sarah and her husband shared his story online. What happened next changed his life: people from all over the world donated more than $185,000, helping Billy Ray buy a home, get a car, and reconnect with family he hadn’t seen in years.

His simple act of honesty turned into a reminder that kindness can echo far beyond the moment it happens — sometimes rewriting someone’s entire future.

#32

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Not every puppy is suited for police or service work. Some are simply too gentle, playful, or people-loving for intense training, even though they are perfectly healthy and well-behaved.

Instead of being discarded, these dogs are often put up for adoption. It gives them the chance to become loving family pets and shows that being “too friendly” can be a gift in the right home

#33

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

Field mice are among the smallest and most charming creatures in the animal world, and one of their sweetest habits is curling up inside flowers to sleep. Because they weigh almost nothing, they can easily nestle into tulips, poppies, or other cup-shaped blossoms without damaging them.

The soft petals act like tiny hammocks, giving the mice a warm, hidden, and surprisingly cozy place to rest. It is nature’s version of a perfectly tucked-in nap spot.

#34

Image source: ThingsYouDontKnowOfficial

The cinema introduced flexible pricing nights to make moviegoing accessible again for locals who had slowly been priced out. Guests could pay whatever felt affordable, removing pressure and turning the ticket counter into an open invitation rather than a barrier.

The result was packed screenings and a renewed sense of community. Former regulars returned, families and older residents came back, and the cinema benefited from fuller rooms, higher concessions sales, and a stronger role as a local gathering place.

#35