Blaenavon boy with 'unique' heart defeats the odds 'in so many ways'

Chester Osment’s journey has been one of remarkable courage and resilience from the very start of his life. Born with a rare and complex heart condition, his small heart required extensive medical intervention, including an eight-hour open-heart surgery during which his heart had to be stopped twice when it suddenly sped up to a dangerous… Continue reading Blaenavon boy with 'unique' heart defeats the odds 'in so many ways'

The 13 swimming spots that could become designated for dipping

It looks like your message was cut off at the end, but here is a summary and some highlights based on the content you shared: — **Locations Mentioned:** 1. **Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex** – A family-friendly sandy beach. – Populated since the 17th century after the Dutch reclaimed the marshlands. – Local legends tell of… Continue reading The 13 swimming spots that could become designated for dipping

Sir Chris Wormald forced out as head of Civil Service

Sir Chris Wormald has stepped down from his roles as the head of the Civil Service and cabinet secretary, less than a year after his appointment in December 2024. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his appreciation for Sir Chris’s support over the past year. The Cabinet Office characterized the departure as a decision reached… Continue reading Sir Chris Wormald forced out as head of Civil Service

Potholes: 'I do not feel safe on the roads'

Almost every driver knows the unsettling sound when a car strikes a pothole. The sudden jolt is often followed by an anxious inspection to see if any damage has occurred. For John Smyth, the consequences have been especially costly. In December, two of his tyres were ruined after hitting one pothole. After replacing them, only… Continue reading Potholes: 'I do not feel safe on the roads'

Alton Towers U-turns on plan to restrict disability pass for people with ADHD and autism

Merlin Entertainments has reconsidered its plans to tighten the eligibility requirements for its Ride Access Pass (RAP), a system designed to help guests who cannot wait in long queues at its theme parks. This decision came after significant backlash from individuals with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and their families, who voiced concerns that the changes would… Continue reading Alton Towers U-turns on plan to restrict disability pass for people with ADHD and autism

Nurses and other NHS staff to get 3.3% pay rise

The government has confirmed a 3.3% pay increase for NHS staff in England and Wales for the upcoming financial year. This raise will affect approximately 1.5 million employees, including nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, and porters. However, doctors, dentists, and senior managers are not included in this pay award. This increase exceeds the initial proposal from the… Continue reading Nurses and other NHS staff to get 3.3% pay rise

'My husband stole £600k for sex and antiques' – drug side effects tearing families apart

The text you’ve shared tells a tragic story about Andrew, a solicitor who stole hundreds of thousands of pounds from vulnerable clients, many elderly and with dementia, while being treated for Parkinson’s disease. His impulsive and compulsive behaviors, including massive spending on adult websites, sex workers, and antiques, were reportedly side effects of the medication… Continue reading 'My husband stole £600k for sex and antiques' – drug side effects tearing families apart

Reform is replacing 'old fuddy duddy' Tories, says Farage

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has expressed confidence that his party is taking over from the Conservative Party, which he described as “old” and “fuddy-duddy.” Recently, several prominent Conservative figures, including current MPs Suella Braverman, Robert Jenrick, Danny Kruger, and former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, have switched allegiance to Reform UK. Farage highlighted that… Continue reading Reform is replacing 'old fuddy duddy' Tories, says Farage

Wuthering Heights a perfect pivot for Charli XCX, says co-writer

Finn Keane, a songwriter closely associated with Charli XCX, has described working on the soundtrack for the film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s *Wuthering Heights* as an ideal artistic shift following their successful album *Brat*. Having collaborated on many previous projects—including the Grammy-winning track “Von Dutch”—Keane noted that the darker tone of the soundtrack provided a… Continue reading Wuthering Heights a perfect pivot for Charli XCX, says co-writer

Rise in half-term holiday bookings after rainy January

Travel agents report a notable increase in bookings for the February half-term holiday, with numbers rising by 9% compared to last year. This surge is attributed in part to persistent gloomy and rainy weather, which, combined with the current political climate, has created what the Advantage Travel Partnerships describes as a “powerful psychological need for… Continue reading Rise in half-term holiday bookings after rainy January