Damage to South Shields art gallery no longer being investigated

Heartbreak for Artists as Vandalism Case is Dropped by Police Artists Laura Robertson and Theodore Godfrey-Cass were left shocked and heartbroken after the police decided to drop the investigation into the damage caused to their gallery, The Market Gallery, in South Shields. The gallery, set to open in a former Wilko store, was broken into… Continue reading Damage to South Shields art gallery no longer being investigated

Inquiry to review rising levels of youth inactivity

The government has initiated an independent review to address the increasing levels of youth inactivity. Led by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn, the inquiry will focus on the one in eight young people not in education, employment, or training, known as “Neets”. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has labeled this situation as a… Continue reading Inquiry to review rising levels of youth inactivity

Scotland's finance secretary asks chancellor for assurances over tax plans

Scotland’s finance secretary, Shona Robison, has requested a meeting and reassurances from the chancellor regarding speculations about a potential increase in income tax in the upcoming Budget. This move, which Rachel Reeves did not rule out last week, would result in an automatic deduction from Scotland’s funding from the Treasury. Robison believes that Labour should… Continue reading Scotland's finance secretary asks chancellor for assurances over tax plans

Modern dating: Why women are hiding their boyfriends on social media

Many women on social media are choosing to keep their relationships private for various reasons, despite their active presence online. One such example is Tawana Musvaburi, who has a significant following on Instagram but has made the conscious decision not to post her boyfriend’s face. She believes in portraying a sense of independence and strength… Continue reading Modern dating: Why women are hiding their boyfriends on social media

Iraq war graves: One man's mission to campaign for cemetery restoration

On Remembrance Sunday, Ben Soppitt is set to pay tribute to his grandfather at the Basra War Cemetery in Iraq, where he will be part of a small group honoring the memory of the many who served. This solemn occasion will stand in stark contrast to the grand ceremony at the Cenotaph in London. Unlike… Continue reading Iraq war graves: One man's mission to campaign for cemetery restoration

Christmas adverts 2025: How ads by John Lewis, Asda and Lidl ‘let real life in,’ from cost of living to masculinity

The emergence of Christmas adverts has begun, and with it comes a wave of holiday spirit that also reflects some of 2025’s key themes. From the struggle of hardworking families depicted in Asda’s ad to the exploration of masculinity and emotion in John Lewis’s festive offering, this year’s ads delve into real-life issues. According to… Continue reading Christmas adverts 2025: How ads by John Lewis, Asda and Lidl ‘let real life in,’ from cost of living to masculinity

Honesty boxes should be dying like cash. But many are flourishing

Kevin Peachey, the Cost of Living correspondent, explores the resurgence of honesty boxes in a digital age where cash transactions are diminishing. Traditionally seen in rural areas offering local produce in exchange for donations, honesty boxes were presumed to fade into obscurity. However, contrary to expectations, these entities are thriving as cash is replaced with… Continue reading Honesty boxes should be dying like cash. But many are flourishing

Gurinder Chadha on Bend It Like Beckham sequel and new film Christmas Karma

Gurinder Chadha, the acclaimed director behind the hit film Bend It Like Beckham, has taken on a new project with a festive twist. Christmas Karma, a musical film, puts a Bollywood spin on the classic tale of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Chadha’s film celebrates a variety of musical traditions while incorporating the joyful… Continue reading Gurinder Chadha on Bend It Like Beckham sequel and new film Christmas Karma

Newspaper headlines: 'Victory for our heroes' and 'Davina: Lorraine saved me'

Front pages across the UK are dominated by stories of triumph and adversity this morning. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is showcased on the front of the Express, wearing a poppy in support of Remembrance Sunday at the Royal Albert Hall. An exclusive report in the Express reveals that the Ministry of Defence will now cover… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Victory for our heroes' and 'Davina: Lorraine saved me'