21 h. ago Houseplant clinic: why is there a chalky crust on my plant’s soil?

It’s a buildup of mineral salts from hard tap water or fertiliser. Switching to rainwater or filtered water, and feeding only in spring and summer, will helpWhat’s the problem? There is a chalky white crust on the top of my spider plant’s potting mix, and the leaf tips are turning brown. Why is this happening and how do I fix it?Diagnosis This is a buildup of mineral salts from hard tap water or fertiliser. As water evaporates, salts are left behind and come to the surface. Over time, they concentrate around the roots, drawing out moisture and scorching sensitive tissues, which shows up as brown, papery leaf tips and edges. It can also throw off the soil pH, so plants struggle to absorb nutrients. Continue reading...

Politics

40 h. ago Man Utd could be forced into transfer rethink as £120m target's struggles continues

Manchester United were eyeing a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in the summer but the Cameroon international has struggled since he was linked with a lucrative move

Economics

51 h. ago SNP hiring spree continues as civil service 'bloats' while NHS struggles

Shona Robison has pledged to reduce the size of the civl service by 2030 but staffing numbers continue to rise.

Sport

60 h. ago Jannik Sinner retires with cramp to give Griekspoor victory at Shanghai Masters

Heat and humidity force Italian out in third setAmanda Anisimova wins China Open in BeijingJannik Sinner was forced to retire from his third-round match at the Shanghai Masters against Tallon Griekspoor, the 27th seed, after ­suffering from cramps in humid ­conditions while trailing the Dutchman 6-7 (3), 7-5, 3-2.In the final weeks of a long, arduous season for all, the conditions in Shanghai have been severe this past week, particularly on Sunday as ­players tried to compete in 90% humidity. Many struggled badly. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Florian Wirtz gets emotional after being told what to do as Liverpool struggles continue

Florian Wirtz has been sent a number of touching messages from his loved ones following his summer move to Liverpool

Politics

5 d. ago Florian Wirtz given Liverpool deadline to make impact as struggles continue

Florian Wirtz has failed to score or assist since his £116million move to Liverpool this summer and Didi Hamann believes he must start making an impact before Christmas

Events

7 d. ago Veep creator Armando Iannucci struggling to fund Trump project due to scared buyers

Iannucci has been trying to start project involving Trump speeches but has been told to expect retributionArmando Iannucci has revealed that he has been having trouble funding a Donald Trump project.According to Deadline, the creator of Veep has been trying to launch an untitled work based on the US president’s speeches but has claimed that he is struggling to secure interest. Continue reading...

Politics

8 d. ago Man United told Ruben Amorim replacement would join 'in a heartbeat' as Rio Ferdinand makes plea

As Ruben Amorim continues to struggle with life as manager of Manchester United, the Red Devils boss was sent a message by club legend Rio Ferdinand

Politics

1 week ago Furious Nottingham Forest reaction speaks volumes for Ange Postecoglou as struggles continue

Ange Postecoglou is still without a win as Nottingham Forest boss after watching his side lose at home to newly-promoted Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday

Politics

1 week ago Man United handed brutal Ruben Amorim sack instruction after Brentford defeat

Manchester United continue to struggle badly under Ruben Amorim and have yet to record consecutive wins in the Premier League under the Portuguese head coach

Politics

1 week ago Man United given brutal Ruben Amorim sack instruction after Brentford defeat

Manchester United continue to struggle badly under Ruben Amorim and have yet to record consecutive wins in the Premier League under the Portuguese head coach

Politics

1 week ago Canada postal workers strike after government orders end to door

Union says it’s ‘outraged and appalled’ by government’s order of sweeping changes to the national servicePostal workers in Canada have gone on strike after the government warned of an “existential crisis” and ordered sweeping changes to the national service – including an end to door-to-door delivery within the decade.The union representing Canada Post employees described the proposed changes as “an attack” on its workers who have struggled to compete with a surge in private courier services. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago John Swinney apologises to Brooke Paterson after young footballer endured five hour wait for ambulance

Anas Sarwar raised the case of the Linlithgow player as an example of how "every part" of Scotland's NHS is continuing to struggle

Politics

1 week ago Unsafe abortions and no antenatal care: aid cuts hit women hardest in one of Africa’s poorest countries

Mobile clinics in rural Malawi that provided pregnancy checks as well as vaccinations and TB tests have been lostA blue, burgundy and white patterned wrapper hides the swell of Joanna Banda’s belly. Eight months pregnant, she has had just three of the five antenatal appointments she should have had. She is unlikely to attend her final three either, as she still has to save 3,000 kwacha (£1.28) for a bicycle to take her six miles on rutted dirt tracks to the nearest health centre when she goes into labour.In remote villages in Malawi, pregnant women such as 22-year-old Banda, who has one child after losing her first soon after giving birth, are struggling to get the medical care they need. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Man United find new Ruben Amorim 'replacement' candidate as huge statement made

Ruben Amorim has been under pressure at Manchester United and could be replaced if the Red Devils continue to struggle, with one Bundesliga boss now admitting he would like to manage in the Premier League

Politics

2 w. ago Spirit Airlines forces a third of its flight attendants on leave as its bankruptcy struggles continue

The budget carrier said it plans to involuntarily furlough about 1,800 out of roughly 5,200 flight attendants by December

Politics

2 w. ago Teacher ditches career and becomes adult star – all in the name of 'saving dogs'

The Arizona ex-teacher left education after struggling to make ends meet and continued obstacles to her development – now, she's making her yearly salary in one video

Politics

2 w. ago Newcastle’s Woltemade denied ‘clear’ penalty at Bournemouth, says Howe

Nick Woltemade may be many things. He is an aerial presence, an effective linker of the play and a proven finisher. But he is not Alexander Isak. Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal continued against Bournemouth in a third successive away goalless draw in the league and Eddie Howe admitted it would take time for his team to adapt to their new striker.“It’s a really strange occurrence, three 0-0s away from home for us,” Howe said. “We’re going to be a different team attacking-wise this year without Alex. I think that’s not why we haven’t scored in three away games but we’ll be attacking with a different emphasis. We’re evolving into a different team, hopefully a better team. That’s the plan. But it may take a bit of time.” Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Man Utd legend wants Ruben Amorim to be given three more years despite awful start to season

As Ruben Amorim continues to struggle at Manchester United, one club legend expressed a surprising comment about the beleaguered Red Devils manager

Politics

2 w. ago Gianluigi Donnarumma's £122m demand that forced Man Utd to back out of transfer

Manchester United were linked with a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma before he headed to Manchester City with the move to Old Trafford failing as a result of his financial demands

Economics