8 h. ago Europe's 'prettiest' country that costs 'a fraction' of Spain holiday

It is a hidden gem in the Balkans that offers stunning scenery, crystal clear waters and a laid-back atmosphere - and it's often overshadowed by its more popular neighbours

Politics

4 d. ago Poorest households face biggest squeeze from rising UK inflation

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the country’s lowest-earning households saw their cost-of-living rise by 4.1%.

Economics

5 d. ago I visited every country in the world using only public transport and no planes

British adventurer Graham Hughes, from Liverpool, has shared the extraordinary story of how he became the first person to travel to every country in the world without taking a single flight.

Politics

6 d. ago Amsterdam’s squatter wars are back – and wealthy Dutch homeowners have only themselves to blame | Senay Boztas

Those already on the property ladder are fuelling a shameful disparity. Until they wake up, the krakers will keep comingThe late Dutch author and Holocaust survivor Marga Minco once wrote about an empty house in Amsterdam where she and a group of artists and students took refuge towards the end of the second world war. Last month, the house she lived in for decades was squatted by a new generation of the dispossessed. In the Dutch capital’s overpriced, overcrowded housing market, where homes fetch more per square metre on average than they do in London, the squatters, or krakers, are back.They are the byproduct of a crisis that has spiralled out of control, in which growing anger is justifiably focused on a startling and unsustainable unfairness: the cost of the country’s generous tax breaks for homeowners, who make up more than half of the population, is being borne by hard-working tenants. The return of squatting is a symptom of a public mood that is increasingly furious about the...

Events

1 week ago Falkirk finance chief warns economic outlook for all Scottish councils 'bleak'

Councillors were told years if rising costs meant local authorities across the country were facing serious financial challenges and struggling to cover the cost of services.

Events

3 w. ago World's 'prettiest town' dubbed 'Little Venice' with stunning canals and winding streets

The French town of Colmar, known as 'Little Venice', is a real life fairytale destination that is often overlooked by tourists but is a must-see in the summer

Politics

4 w. ago Journey times up, deaths down: Welsh 20mph speed limit still divisive two years on

Protests continue against default lower limit in urban areas that supporters say is working ‘exactly as intended’A few weeks ago, two groups of protesters gathered on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. One demonstration was against the war in Gaza, the other against the Welsh government’s two-year-old default 20mph speed limit in urban areas.The change from 30mph was brought in by the Welsh Labour government across about 35% of the country’s roads in September 2023, at a cost of £34m. The reduced speed limit applied to any built-up area, defined as roads where lamp-posts were no more than about 180 metres apart. Continue reading...

Events

4 w. ago Photos of Benin's traditional mask festival as ancient customs come alive

A traditional mask festival in Porto Novo, Benin, showcases the country’s unique face masks and full-body costumes, that are tied to ancient customs and traditions.

Culture