Ed Sheeran's cross-cultural album Play: Can the pop star reclaim his crown?

Ed Sheeran is back with his eighth album, facing pressure after his last two records, Subtract and Autumn Variations, did not meet commercial expectations. The subdued and introspective nature of these albums, which delved into personal topics like death and illness, left Sheeran with something to prove. His new record, Play, starts off with an… Continue reading Ed Sheeran's cross-cultural album Play: Can the pop star reclaim his crown?

What the NHS can learn from the country that boosted cancer survival

} Elisabeth Ketelsen, who is 82, is an active person, still swimming in international events – she has broken world records for her age group. But in 2022, she discovered a lump in her breast. “I saw the doctor on Monday – on the following Thursday I had mammography and a biopsy and from then… Continue reading What the NHS can learn from the country that boosted cancer survival

Newspaper headlines: 'Face of evil' and Mandelson 'finally sacked'

Several newspapers are covering the latest developments surrounding the assassination of conservative US activist Charlie Kirk. The Sun features a photo released by the FBI of a “person of interest” in the case with the headline “Face of evil”. The paper alleges that the bullet used in the assassination was engraved with “transgender and anti-fascist… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Face of evil' and Mandelson 'finally sacked'

Hate crime: Former judge 'greatly disappointed' by law delay

A former judge has expressed his deep disappointment at the delay in implementing new legislation to address the issue of hate crimes in Northern Ireland. Desmond Marrinan, who had recommended strengthening the laws five years ago, highlighted the alarming rise in racially-motivated attacks, with police figures reaching record levels since the start of recording in… Continue reading Hate crime: Former judge 'greatly disappointed' by law delay

Welsh young people urged to donate blood and join stem cell registry

In order to maintain a sufficient supply of blood, the Welsh Blood Service is calling on sixth form students to become donors. With an aging population contributing to a decrease in regular blood donations, just 3% of the population currently donates regularly, and only 15% of those under 30 donate at all. To combat this… Continue reading Welsh young people urged to donate blood and join stem cell registry

No inspections for seven years at cruelty claim children's unit

During a seven-year period, Scotland’s largest children’s psychiatric hospital faced accusations of staff cruelty, with no official regulator conducting inspections. Skye House in Glasgow saw visits from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland between 2017 and 2024, but without enforcement powers, no action was taken. It was only after patients revealed a culture of cruelty… Continue reading No inspections for seven years at cruelty claim children's unit

The Ayrshire wedding crasher mystery solved after four years

Jonathan Geddes reported on a heartwarming story of a Scottish couple, Michelle and John Wylie, who found an unexpected guest in their wedding photos. The mysterious man in a dark suit had puzzled the couple and their guests for years, as no one could identify him. However, thanks to the help of an internet sleuth,… Continue reading The Ayrshire wedding crasher mystery solved after four years

Starmer facing fresh questions after Mandelson sacking

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is currently facing scrutiny regarding his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US, following Mandelson’s dismissal due to his associations with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Labour peer was let go after emails emerged showing his supportive messages to Epstein during the… Continue reading Starmer facing fresh questions after Mandelson sacking

Starmer is losing senior figures at the rate of one a week

The autumn season has brought a wave of departures from the government, with senior figures stepping down at a rate of one per week. The recent resignations and sackings have followed a similar pattern of revelations gradually coming to light, the prime minister voicing support before ultimately parting ways with the individuals involved. Angela Rayner’s… Continue reading Starmer is losing senior figures at the rate of one a week

Stress and how to manage it: Dr Xand van Tulleken's five key tips

Struggling with the pressures of daily life? Here are five strategies to help you better manage stress. As the summer fades away and the hustle and bustle of everyday life resumes, many of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. Stress, when kept at a manageable level, can be beneficial, but if left unchecked, it can have… Continue reading Stress and how to manage it: Dr Xand van Tulleken's five key tips