3 h. ago 156,000 at risk of being left without HOT WATER due to energy meter switch off

THOUSANDS of households are at risk of being left without heating or hot water this winter. Approximately 156,000 British households are still using old Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) meters and haven’t swapped to a smart meter, Energy UK warns.  Households with these meters are being urged to get in touch with their energy supplier as...

Events

4 h. ago From pizza muffins to tasty pittas – four bargain ideas for packed lunches

RUNNING out of ideas for packed lunches? It is half way through the autumn term, so if you need some bargain snacks to keep them full, here’s some quick suggestions. MUFFIN LIKE IT: Forget soggy sandwiches and make pizza muffins instead. Pick up muffins, 84p, and spread on a little tomato puree, reduced to 62p,...

Politics

7 h. ago Emma Raducanu set for new partner as her future plans including big payday grow clearer

Emma Raducanu enjoyed her best season in tennis since winning the US Open in 2021, but the 22-year-old is already looking ahead to 2026

Politics

11 h. ago Easy mountain bike trail where you’ll spot a spooky castle, wildlife and a historic abbey

I love a great bike ride, even in the chilly winter months, when you can wrap up, hit the trails, and enjoy a hot chocolate

Politics

12 h. ago 'Stop' overnight condensation on windows with simple 50p household item

Condensation on your windows is a common problem in the autumn and winter months, but there's a 50p trick that can help stop it from forming overnight

Politics

13 h. ago A fatal drop: what do we know about the drug, 500 times stronger than heroin, taking Australian lives?

Only a few years after first being detected in Australia, nitazenes have been found in everything from vapes to fake heroin – and the death toll is rising. What can be done about it?Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn the middle of winter last year, in a unit in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Carly Morse, Thomas Vale, Michael Hodgkinson and Abdul El Sayed used a rolled-up bank note to inhale cocaine. About 3am on 24 June 2024, all four likely become unresponsive.El Sayed’s uncle, Cory Lewis, became concerned late the following night when his nephew, who had been living with him, did not return home.Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Continue reading...

Events

13 h. ago A fatal drop: what do we know about the drugs, 500 times stronger than heroin, taking Australian lives?

Only a few years after first being detected in Australia, nitazenes have been found in everything from vapes to fake heroin – and the death toll is risingFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn the middle of winter last year, in a unit in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Carly Morse, Thomas Vale, Michael Hodgkinson and Abdul El Sayed used a rolled-up bank note to inhale cocaine. About 3am on 24 June 2024, all four likely became unresponsive.El Sayed’s uncle, Cory Lewis, became concerned late the following night when his nephew, who had been living with him, did not return home.Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Continue reading...

Events

13 h. ago Forget Jomo, gezellig and hygge – this winter, let’s get a grip and go out | Emma Beddington

The dark nights are here and staying in is more appealing than ever. But there’s a very real cost to not venturing outSince the clocks changed, a damp, dark blanket settles over York from about 5pm – and it’s brilliant; the perfect excuse to stay in. I love every quiet corner of home: my armchair, angled for a perfect view of bird goings-on and bleak skies outside; my marshmallowy bed; the sofa, stacked with blankets; the kitchen (I don’t cook, but it’s where snacks live). What could be nicer than sinking into the stifling embrace of multiple heated throws as a jacket potato crisps up in the oven and I succumb to a smorgasbord of good winter telly? Why would I ever move?Me and everyone else. Right? We’re sleepmaxxing and soup-making in our slippers, sparking up fairy lights and enthusiastically appropriating hygge and gezellig (Dutch for cosy). We’re sharing memes on the thrill of someone else cancelling social plans before we’re forced to and proclaiming our Jomo. It’s natural to r...

Politics

15 h. ago It’s SAD time again: Here are five easy steps to fight seasonal affective disorder

It may be as simple as grabbing dinner with a friend

Politics

15 h. ago Forget overpriced Center Parcs! This is the expert pick of the best family holidays

Finding a hotel catering to both parents and children alike doesn't have to mean compromising on style or comfort.

Politics

17 h. ago How scientists are shining light on the biology behind seasonal affective disorder

Researchers tracking large cohorts are discovering the effects of sleep, light and therapy on people impacted by winter’s arrivalFor some, the darkening days of autumn bring more than the annual ritual of reviving woolly jumpers and turning on the central heating. As the evenings close in and the mornings grow murky, energy ebbs and a heavy sadness settles in.Although seasonal affective disorder (Sad) was only formally recognised by psychiatrists in the 1980s, the link between the seasons, mood and vitality has long been observed. Continue reading...

Science

18 h. ago I tested winter duvets – the 10.5tog £11.99 winner from bargain shop kept me warm all night long

INVESTING in a warm duvet will not only keep you warm on a winter’s night - but it might also save you cash. The best ones will keep you toasty whilst you sleep without you having to turn up the heating. Traditionally, a feather or down duvet was thought to be the best defence against...

Economics

19 h. ago 'Impeccable' period drama perfect for Downton fans on BBC tonight

Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins star in the 'timeless classic'

Events

19 h. ago Carlos Alcaraz's honest admission about dating and his stance on Emma Raducanu

Carlos Alcaraz has been asked about his relationship status on numerous occasions, with the Spaniard addressing the speculation surrounding his love life during his career

Events

19 h. ago Robin Hood review – Sean Bean gifts us the most gloriously bad TV offering of the year

It ticks every box you could wish for in your olde worlde trash: Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham, faerie smut and not a bad wig in sight! Hurrah!Autumn is entering the home straight. Winter is coming. We are more than due, therefore, a piece of fantasy/folkloric tomfoolery set in the days of yore – which is further back than yesteryear and therefore more forgiving all round – stuffed with young actors trying out their talents, and old thesps keeping their alimony/next passion-project funded. Welcome, my friends, to this year’s most glorious offering: Robin Hood.I really only need to tell you two things about it. One is that it stars Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham. I know. I know. We all wanted to live that long and we have! And two, there are no bad wigs in it! Because – there are no wigs at all! Some benevolent hand must have reached down and gently turned wardrobe away from the “long, stringy, Yore-hair” box that habitually damns these ventures, and instead commande...

Politics

19 h. ago Vet settles debate on whether dogs should wear coats during cold winter walks

A vet has taken to social media to explain whether your beloved pooch needs to wear a coat in the colder months.

Politics

20 h. ago Sleigh rides, spas and snowshoeing: 10 of the best winter holidays in Europe

Ditch the skis – these winter breaks are all about stunning mountain scenery, cosy places to stay and fun activitiesSaddle up for sleigh rides, strap in for a 220-metre illuminated toboggan run, and prepare to get lost in an ice-carved maze at the Snowland theme park in Zakopane, as Poland’s winter capital sparkles up for the season. Pair a snowy walk through the Chochołowska valley with a visit to the Chochołowskie thermal baths, with outdoor pools, sauna, balneotherapy and massage treatments. Stay at the Hotel Aries, which mixes classic Alpine design with Zakopane touches (local wine and traditional dishes in the Halka restaurant, furniture and rugs by local craftspeople), and don’t miss the world’s largest snow maze and the Palace of the Snow Queen in the Snowlandia theme park, which has individual chambers sculpted from snow and ice by local artists.Doubles at Hotel Aries from £165 B&B. Zakopane is around two hours from Krakow by bus; the hotel is a 1km taxi ride from the st...

Politics

20 h. ago Carlos Alcaraz's opinion of Emma Raducanu and his honest girlfriend admission

Carlos Alcaraz has been linked with Emma Raducanu for a number of years but it seems the Spaniard may have moved on with a new love interest in his life

Events

21 h. ago Dunelm shoppers can get a 'lovely and soft' winter duvet for less than £5

There's a little-known way to save £15 on the popular bedding set

Economics

22 h. ago 'Luxury' heated throw 'warms up quickly' and is 'super soft'

'This electric throw is a winter lifesaver', said one buyer

Events