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Lessons learned in ’70s have made US, world economies less vulnerable to oil shocks

Published

3 hours ago

12 April 2026

Iran formalizes its chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON (AP) — The world economy is experiencing a disorienting flashback to the 1970s.

Oil prices are once again surging in the wake of war in the Middle East, driving up the cost of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and threatening a return to stagflation – the toxic mix of higher prices and slower growth that made economic life so miserable a half century ago.

But the U.S. and world economies are less vulnerable now than they were when Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern petroleum producers withheld oil supplies to punish countries that supported Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

In response to that shock – and another triggered six years later by the Iranian revolution — countries embarked on a new course to increase their energy efficiency, reduce their dependence on Middle Eastern oil, stockpile fuel against future threats, and find and develop alternative sources of energy.

“We have decades of experience now dealing with these kinds of oil shocks,’’ said Amy Myers Jaffe, research professor at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs.

Of course, the notion that the current Iran energy shock could have been worse is little comfort to frustrated American motorists paying $4 or more for a gallon of gasoline, to European farmers contending with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and to street vendors in India who can’t get enough gas to cook curries and samosas for their customers.

And the sheer scale is unprecedented. In response to attacks by the United States and Israel that began Feb. 28, Iran effectively shut off the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 million barrels of oil — or one-fifth of global production — flowed daily.

Lutz Kilian, director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Center for Energy and the Economy, figures that 5 million daily barrels can either be rerouted from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea or continue to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. But that still means that roughly 15 million barrels — or 15% — of daily global oil production is missing, compared with just 6% in the 1973 embargo and after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

Cushioning the blow

Changes the U.S. and other countries made over the past five decades have limited the economic fallout from the war. In 1973, oil accounted for almost half — 46% — of world energy supplies. By 2023, oil’s share had fallen to 30%, according to the International Energy Agency.

The world still uses more oil than ever: Consumption topped 100 million barrels a day last year, up from fewer than 60 million barrels a day in 1973. But a much bigger share of global energy is coming from other sources — such as natural gas, nuclear, solar — compared to five decades ago.

The United States, in particular, has weaned itself away from dependence on foreign oil.

When the ’73 oil shock hit, America’s domestic energy production was in decline and its reliance on oil imports was growing alarmingly. But the rise of fracking — pumping high-pressure water deep underground to extract previously hard-to-get oil or gas from rock – rejuvenated U.S. energy production in the 21st century. By 2019, America had become a net petroleum exporter.

“The U.S. economy is much better positioned than it was in the 1970s,” when it was “particularly vulnerable to an oil price shock,” said Sam Ori, executive director of the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.

In the early ‘70s, for example, the United States got about 20% of its electricity from oil, Ori said. But a law enacted in 1978 prohibited the use of petroleum in power plants. Now the United States gets no electricity from oil — aside from a few generators in, say, the far reaches of Alaska.

Dimming the lights

The 1973 oil embargo was a wakeup call, creating shortages that led to long lines at U.S. gasoline stations.

On Nov. 25, 1973, President Richard Nixon went on television to ask the American people to make sacrifices. To conserve fuel, he urged gasoline stations to shut their pumps from Saturday night through Sunday, hoping to discourage long-distance weekend driving.

He asked Congress to lower the maximum speed limit to 50 miles an hour (lawmakers settled for 55 miles an hour) and to ban ornamental and most commercial lighting (they balked at that). Nixon himself promised to dim the White House Christmas lights.

But while those memories may have left a lasting imprint on some, Jaffe of New York University’s Center for Global Affairs says that today, “a repeat of long gasoline lines, fuel rationing, and outright fuel shortages in the U.S seems highly unlikely.”

Other countries took aggressive action following the 1973 oil embargo as well.

The United Kingdom, contending with a coal strike as well as the energy crisis, cut the work week to three days to slash electricity consumption. France ordered offices to turn off the lights at night.

Japan, almost entirely dependent on imported oil, passed a series of “sho-ene’’ laws — combining the Japanese words for “save’’ or “reduce’’ with “energy’’ — mandating energy efficiency in shipping, buildings, machinery, automobiles and homes.

Japan also encouraged the use of liquefied natural and gas and the rapid growth of nuclear power, an effort set back after a 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant. Overall, Japan ranks No. 21 in the world in per-capita energy consumption, according to International Energy Agency data, as a result of its efficiency drive and widespread use of buses and trains. The United States is No. 9.

More fuel efficient cars, new oil fields

The U.S. government began imposing fuel economy standards in 1975. Fuel economy has risen from 13.1 miles per gallon for model year 1975 vehicles to 27.1 mpg in model year 2023, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The World Bank, in fact, attributes most of the drop in the global economy’s dependence on oil to stricter fuel efficiency requirements for vehicles around the world.

The ’70s shocks also set off a search for oil outside the Middle East — Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, the North Sea fields off the coasts of the United Kingdom and Norway and Canada’s oil sands deposits.

As fracking boomed, U.S. oil production shot up from 5 million barrels a day in 2008 to 13.6 million barrels a day last year. Over the same period, U.S. natural gas production has more than doubled.

Countries also began stockpiling oil and set up the Paris-based International Energy Agency in 1975 to coordinate responses to energy shocks. Last month, the agency’s 32 member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil in an effort to calm the oil market; included were 172 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, set up in 1975.

Central banks such as the Federal Reserve also learned lessons. In the ‘70s, they reduced interest rates to protect the economy from the oil shocks. In so doing, they overlooked the threat posed by higher energy costs — and inflation, already elevated, got worse.

In a Feb. 17 commentary – 11 days before the United States and Israel attacked Iran – the Dallas Fed’s Kilian wrote that the Fed erred in cutting rates to boost the economy when the 1970s oil shocks hit: “What we can learn from the 1970s is that a well-intentioned policy of stimulating the economy by lowering interest rates has the potential of inadvertently reigniting inflation.’’

Trump undoes efforts to reduce oil dependence

While much has changed, the University of Chicago’s Ori cautions: “Oil is still king, the No. 1 fuel in the U.S. economy.’’ Cars, planes, trucks and ships get about 90% of their delivered energy from petroleum. “The lifeblood of the economy – the transportation sector —is still overwhelmingly reliant on petroleum fuel, the price of which is set in a global market,’’ Ori said, “and a disruption anywhere affects the price everywhere.’’

He also notes that President Donald Trump is undoing many of the policies meant to reduce America’s dependence on petroleum and to encourage the use of electric vehicles.

Trump’s sweeping tax bill last year ended consumer credits of up to $7,500 for EV purchases. He has announced a proposal to weaken U.S. fuel economy standards and repealed fines on automakers that don’t meet those standards.

“You take all that together, and the fact is, the U.S. is going in the opposite direction of making big changes to further insulate the economy from oil shocks and oil price volatility,’’ Ori said.

_____

Kageyama reported from Tokyo.

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Who is Cameron Young? Rory McIlroy Masters challenger’s huge net worth, wife and LIV offer

Published

5 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Cameron Young is in the mix to win the 2026 Masters after flying up the leaderboard with his round on Saturday

Cameron Young has established himself a serious contender for the Masters as the final round gets under way.

The American carded a seven-under-par 65 on Saturday to draw level with defending champion Rory McIlroy ahead of Sunday’s action. Young, 28, finds himself on the cusp of a first career major following encouragement from his wife to make changes away from the course.

He already boasts top-four finishes across all four majors, though he’s waiting for that breakthrough win. The 28-year-old’s form on the PGA Tour saw him attract interest from LIV Golf with his performances but he has thus far opted to remain on the PGA Tour.

Reflecting on his third round, he said: “You’re going to hit a bad shot or two,” said the Florida-based professional. The ability to just swallow it and move on and go hit your next shot, the emotions of it, the frustration, whatever it may be, I think this place really punishes you if you play angry or impatient.

“When something goes wrong, those are the things that you kind of naturally want to be. So it’s fighting those natural inclinations toward those feelings and not letting it affect your decision-making, your execution for another shot.”

As Young steps out onto Augusta National on Sunday aiming to improve on a career-best finish of seventh on the famous course, there will be nowhere to hide. Here’s a little more about the journey that has brought him to this moment.

Cameron Young’s net worth

While he may still be awaiting his first victory at a major, Young has nonetheless enjoyed a number of seven-figure scores. This has left his net worth at an estimated $17million (£12.6m) at the close of the 2025 PGA Tour season.

That number appears to have increased since, courtesy of his triumph at the Players Championship in March. He finished one stroke ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick at TPC Sawgrass to claim the $4.5m first prize.

The Players represented only his second victory on the PGA Tour, following a $1.76m haul at the Wyndham Championship in 2025. He also collected just under $1.5m for his runner-up finish at the Open in 2022, when Cameron Smith pipped him to the title, along with $1.02m after tying for third at the PGA Championship earlier that same year.

Wife and children

Young and his wife Kelsey Dalition grew up together in New York state and tied the knot in 2021. They have three children together, with their eldest – a son named Henry – turning four this year.

Those who followed the golfer at the outset of his career will now he’s rarely seen without a thick beard. However, he briefly opted for an almost clean-shaven look, revealing that Kelsey was the inspiration behind the change.

“Honestly, my wife just kind of said, why don’t you shave… I haven’t been clean‐shaven probably since our first son was born,” he said after unveiling the new look at the 2023 PGA Championship. It failed to bring him any luck, however — Young missed the cut at that tournament and allowed his facial hair to grow back before securing a top-10 finish at that year’s Open at Royal Liverpool.

Saying no to LIV Golf

Young was by no means the only big name courted by LIV Golf as the Saudi-backed competition looked to make a splash. He chose to remain on the PGA Tour but conceded it was far from a straightforward decision when the approach came in 2022.

“Frankly, I have decided to stay,” he said at the time. “So, I don’t know, it’s a really difficult situation because it’s not really anything anyone wanted to happen.

“I think it wasn’t meant to be this hostile between the two. Frankly, throughout the whole process with [LIV], I was very interested. I think they have a bunch of good ideas and are doing some cool stuff.

“With some of the changes coming [to the PGA Tour], that’s kind of what really helped me decide to kind of stay and pursue those goals that I have for myself like making a Presidents Cup team and a Ryder Cup team and winning a major when all of that is just uncertain if you go. It’s a tough place for me because, you know, I’m very young and there are a lot of factors.”

Young ticked off two of those three aims, playing at the Presidents Cup in 2022 as the United States claimed victory before going on to make his Ryder Cup debut in 2025. The one thing that has eluded him is a major title, though he has the opportunity to rectify that on Sunday.

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Coverage of The Masters gets underway on April 6 and golf fans can watch it live with Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle. This includes 135 channels, nine from Sky Sports, plus HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu.

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Latest death notices and funeral announcements from The Bolton News

Published

13 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Latest death notices and funeral announcements from The Bolton News

As well as appearing in print, our death notice pages will remain online as a lasting tribute to the memory of those we have lost.

Anyone who wishes to send their own message of condolence can do so by visiting the deceased’s death notice page.

Here are the most recent notices placed in The Bolton News:

Irene Greenhalgh

On March 22, Irene passed away peacefully in The Bakewells Care Home, aged 95 years. Devoted Wife to the late Fred, loving Mum to Stephen and Andrea and a dear Nana to David and Andrew.
Read Irene Greenhalgh’s full death notice.

Eirlys Jane Hart

Eirlys passed away on March 23, peacefully at home, aged 94 years. Beloved wife of the late David, devoted Mum to Carol and the late Philip and mother-in-law to Steph and Rene, dearly loved green coat grandma to Laura and Joe and great-grandma 12 to Bella and Alfie-Joe, much loved sister and auntie.
Read Eirlys Jane Hart’s full death notice.

Luigia Caddone

On March 17, after a short illness, peacefully at home, Luigia, aged 101 years. Beloved mother of Giovanna, Francesca, Anna, Paul and the late Flora, much-loved Nonna to all the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.
Read Luigia Caddone’s full death notice.

Brenda Hyland (née Kaye)

Brenda, of Horwich Lancashire, wife of the late Bob, passed away at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge on February 25 aged 94. Brenda attended Rivington and Blackrod Grammar School and married Bob, who was in the RAF, in 1956.
Read Brenda Hyland (née Kaye)’s full death notice.

Dorothy Fletcher

Of Turton, Bolton and Dowyddelan, Conwy, passed away peacefully at home on March 20. Beloved aunt to Ian, Nick, Mary, the late Ronald, and family.
Read Dorothy Fletcher’s full death notice.

Clive Downs Pyatt

Passed away peacefully on March 17, aged 81 years. Dear Husband to Margaret, Father to Caroline, Helen and Stephen, devoted Grandad to Jack, Abbie, Sam and Lucy and a good friend to many.
Read Clive Downs Pyatt’s full death notice.

More death notices

You can see all our death notices here, or you can place a death notice here.

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‘Masterpiece’ Jane Austen adaptation to binge as The Other Bennet Sister ends

Published

19 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

As one beloved period drama comes to an end, fans have been urged to binge another Jane Austen adaptation.

Fans of The Other Bennet Sister will be left devastated as the beloved period drama comes to an end tonight, but another Jane Austen adaptation is free to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Four-part BBC drama Emma first aired in 2009, starring Romola Garai as the titular character.

The series is based on Austen’s 1815 novel Emma, and portrays the heroine as a wealthy, clever, independent woman in the 19th century, who boasts as a matchmaker.

As she meddles in the love lives of those around her, she begins to realise her own possible romantic spark with her life-long friend and mentor, Mr Knightley.

Despite her own defiant streak and intentions to never marry, the protagonist ends up falling for him.

Emma, which was also adapted into a 2020 film starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Mia Goth, features Jonny Lee Miller as Mr Knightley in the BBC drama.

Michael Gambon plays Mr Woodhouse, and Louise Dylan stars as Harriet Smith, alongside Jodhi May, Robert Bathurst, Rupert Evans and Laura Pyper.

The series has been hailed a “heart-warming masterpiece” by one fan, who wrote: “Nobody can outdo [the BBC] when it comes to English classics.” They went on: “I did not expect this series would move me so much.”

Another said: “Definitely the best Emma I’ve ever seen! The casting was perfect; it is a must watch that goes on the shelf with the other greats, Pride and Prejudice, Wives and Daughters etc. Emma was my favourite book out of all Jane Austens works and this film really does it credit!”

Someone else wrote: “The most perfect adaptation of Emma!,” while someone else shared: “This BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma” is a joy to watch from beginning to end. It is a fresh, delightful and more modern interpretation of the classic, but still maintaining a great deal of fidelity to the novel.”

Several others called it a “gem”, while one person wrote: “This is perhaps the best adaptation of a Jane Austen novel that I have seen put to screen.”

Discussing taking on the role in a 2013 interview, Romola reflected on the literary work, saying: “I’ve always found it quite disturbing that Emma is a character that most critics, predominantly the literary canon as controlled by 19th century men, have struggled with.

“For me it’s completely obvious why that is and it’s nothing to do with her personality, it’s because she’s rich and because she doesn’t have to get married.”

She went on: “I actually had to sit on a lot of what I thought about Emma to allow myself to be properly directed and I had to pretend in the audition that I didn’t have lots of ideas that didn’t correlate with the director.

“It’s something I’ve had to learn the hard way – that you don’t always get the job by telling the director in the audition that you have very strong ideas about how it should be played!”

Emma is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

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Man in hospital after being shot in the hand in Coleraine

Published

26 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

He was reportedly shot at four times

13:32, 12 Apr 2026Updated 13:34, 12 Apr 2026

A man is in hospital after being shot in the hand in Co Derry.

The incident took place on the Bushmills Road area of Coleraine after 1am on Sunday morning when the victim was reportedly approached by a man in black and shot at four times.

The road has been closed to allow officers to carry out enquiries.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “It is reported that on Saturday night the victim was walking home around between 1:00 and 1:30am on the Bushmills road when a male appeared, dressed all in black with his face covered and fired four shots at the man.

“One of these shots hit the victim in the hand which he has attended hospital and is receiving medical treatment for.

“At this time, officers are carrying out enquiries on the Bushmills road and subsequently it is closed from the junction of the Ballycastle road to the junction of the Artillery road.

“Officers are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time, who may have relevant dash-cam, doorbell or other video footage to get in contact on 101 quoting reference number 443 12/04/26.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Bolton firefighters called after tree and garage fire

Published

32 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Bolton firefighters called after tree and garage fire

Three fire engines, one from Bolton North and two from Bolton Central stations, arrived at Bury Road at about 2am on April 12.

Firefighters were on the scene for around one hour tackling the fire, which affected a large fir tree and a garage at the rear of the property

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no one was injured as a result of the fire.

Police were also in attendance initially. The force has been contacted for comment.

In light of the incident, GMFRS reminds residents that they can provide free Home Fire Safety Assessments.

These assessments include safety advice and equipment depending on the risk. They can discuss health, home environment, and daily activities in order to understand your fire risk.

More information can be found on the GMFRS website, or by calling 0800 555 815.

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Viktor Gyokeres slammed for ‘ridiculous’ and ‘weak excuse’ for Arsenal loss | Football

Published

38 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Viktor Gyokeres slammed for 'ridiculous' and 'weak excuse' for Arsenal loss | Football

Viktor Gyokeres offered an odd excuse for Arsenal’s poor performance on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)

Viktor Gyokeres’ comment about the Emirates pitch has been labelled ‘ridiculous’ and ‘weak’ after Arsenal lost at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Cherries seriously damaged the Gunners’ title chances by picking up a 2-1 win in north London, giving Manchester City renewed hope of reeling in the leaders.

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table and nine points ahead of City, but Pep Guardiola’s men have two games in hand and host the leaders next weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side was very underwhelming in defeat to Bournemouth and Gyokeres offered a strange reason for the loss straight after the final whistle.

‘We had some chances in the end,’ Gyokeres, who scored Arsenal’s goal from the penalty spot, told BBC Sport. ‘The pitch was a bit dry there to be honest so that didn’t help.’

‘But like I said we all need to do better and take our chances.’

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley was not impressed, pointing out that the home team is able to water the pitch, and felt Gyokeres’ comment made Arsenal look weak.

Arsenal v Bournemouth - Premier League — Gyokeres scored his 18th goal of the season on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It is a ridiculous comment to make,’ Burley said on ESPN. ‘Sometimes the pitch is a little bit dry, but is it dry for both teams?

‘Sometimes you might want a pitch that’s a bit skiddier, but Arsenal control that, they’re the home side. If that’s what Arteta wants and Gyokeres and Declan Rice and [Martin] Zubimendi and [Noni] Madueke, all these players that are fit and available. Then the groundsman waters the pitch before the game and he waters it at half-time and they get a pitch that’s a little bit more fiery.

‘When you’re at home and you’re in control of that, there’s no point in retrospect making an excuse about it.

‘It makes you look weak and it makes you look like you’re doing what you’re doing, looking for excuses.’

Gyokeres did accept that Arsenal underperformed on Saturday, but insisted they still believe they will land silverware this season and are looking forward to the next challenge, which comes at home against Sporting in the Champions League on Wednesday.

‘Of course it hurts. Luckily we have a good game again on Wednesday to play and another one at the weekend. We have a lot to look forward to,’ said the Swedish striker.

‘We go into every game with the mindset we want to win the game and play at our best.

‘We always have that belief. We always want to win the games. We wanted to win this game. We played against good opposition and they won today.

‘They’re good on the counter-attacks. They have good players and did some good combinations. But we need to do better.’

Arteta did not sugar-coat the loss and what it means, saying: ‘It’s a big punch in the face, that’s what I said to the boys, and now it’s about how we react to that.

‘There’s no grey areas. We need to be very, very, very strong and determined to approach it in a different way than we’ve done today, especially when the game wasn’t going our way.

‘There’s a lot, a lot, a lot on our plate to look at ourselves.’

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Manchester City go to Chelsea in the Premier League in the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday, looking to pile pressure on Arsenal with a victory.

MORE: Danny Murphy responds to Viktor Gyokeres excuse and reveals huge Arsenal mistake

MORE: Mikel Arteta told Arsenal star is ‘not good enough to win title’ after Bournemouth defeat

MORE: Man Utd urged to hire Champions League manager to catch Arsenal and Man City

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Sunderland vs Tottenham: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, TV, live stream, h2h results, odds today

Published

44 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Sunderland vs Tottenham: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Roberto De Zerbi’s starts his mission to save Tottenham from relegation when they play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

After West Ham thrashed Wolves on Friday, Spurs have dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season.

Sunderland have wobbled of late and have lost their last three home games but it is unlikely to be an easy start for De Zerbi.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Sunderland vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 2pm BST kick-off on Sunday, April 12, 2026

The match will take place at the Stadium of Light.

Where to watch Sunderland vs Tottenham

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 1pm.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Sunderland vs Tottenham team news

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been absent for Sunderland since the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in February, but was pictured in training this week and is in contention.

Reinildo and Enzo Le Fee were able to come off the bench against Newcastle, so should start this weekend. The clash is expected to come too soon for Bertrand Traore, Nilson Angulo, Jocelin Ta Bi, Simon Moore and former Spurs youngster Romaine Mundle, while Dan Ballard may also miss out.

Mathys Tel and Lucas Bergvall have allayed injury fears to train, while Antonin Kinsky is expected to start in goal after Guglielmo Vicario underwent surgery on a hernia during the international break.

Pape Matar Sarr should be available despite suffering a shoulder injury while playing for Senegal, while Rodrigo Bentancur is edging closer to returning from a serious hamstring injury.

There is still no Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies or Yves Bissouma.

Sunderland vs Tottenham prediction

Sunderland have been somewhat bruised in recent weeks after losing three home games on the spin, but a huge derby win over Newcastle before the international break will have renewed confidence ahead of the visit of Spurs.

Spurs really have no excuse not to improve after an absolutely miserable loss to Nottingham Forest last time out. Amid reports that the players have been energised by De Zerbi’s arrival, you fancy their chances of picking up a result away from home. That first win of 2026 may have to wait, though.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Sunderland vs Tottenham match odds

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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Pub with riverside beer garden that serves pizza dubbed ‘best in Cambridge’

Published

52 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

With spring in full force, it is time to plan your visits to beer gardens to make the most of the sunshine

Now that spring is in full force, the forecast is set for warmer days, looking for beautiful beer garden to spend time in has become a priority for many. Thankfully, Cambridge has plenty of gorgeous pubs scattered around the city offering a great selection of drinks and food to enjoy al fresco.

One particular pub caught our eye for its large outdoor seating, scenic atmosphere, and positive reviews. The Engineer’s House is located at the Cambridge Museum of Technology and was originally built to house the incumbent Chief Engineer.

It sells Neapolitan style pizza from Scott’s All Day, alongside a varied selection of refreshments provided by Calverley’s Brewery.

Arguably the most impressive feature this spot has to offer is its scenic location alongside the river. Pizza and beer by the river sounds like an optimal blend to me.

The Engineer’s House has built a strong reputation online for being an “amazing gem of a place at the riverside” serving some of “the best pizza in Cambridge”, according to Google Reviews.

With an average of 4.5 stars on Google among more than 100 reviews, it is no wonder this pub is a haven for those wanting to enjoy a cold beer in the summer.

One previous customer commented: “We heard there was good wood fired pizza here. Good doesn’t describe it. The pizza here is the best pizza I’ve tried outside of London.”

Another wrote: “I love this place! It’s chill and its nice people making it enjoyable. Feels like I’m having a picnic with my friends with the nice river view every time I go there.”

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Canadian in Wales baffled by 1 thing Brit friend said when offered a cup of tea

Published

57 minutes ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

The British obsession with tea often leaves our foreign friends a bit bemused. One Canadian woman who now lives in Wales was left baffled when a friend said one thing when offered a cuppa

Ian Craig Social Newsdesk Content Editor

12:50, 12 Apr 2026

When it comes to things we Brits take very seriously indeed, it’s a cup of tea. It’s a simple combination – tea bag, boiling water, milk, and sugar if desired – yet it never fails to hit the spot.

Not feeling well? A brew will perk you up. Looking for something to keep you warm? A steaming mug of tea does the trick perfectly. It’s been a whole hour since your last cuppa? Pop the kettle on, we’re having tea.

People from outside the UK can sometimes find our national passion and all the subtle details that come along with it puzzling. A Canadian woman who now lives in Wales was confused when she came across one common phrase connected to brewing tea which left her utterly confused.

TikTok user ellayyayy, who frequently shares posts about her experiences as a foreigner in God’s Country, recounted the tale in a video on the social media platform. She explained: “I don’t know if this is a Britishism, or an autistic thing, but I was making a cup of tea for my husband’s friend the other day and I asked him how he would like it, and he said ‘oh, as it comes’.

“What does that mean? So I said ‘oh sorry, what do you mean?’ ‘Oh, no, as it comes’. And I’m thinking mate, it comes however I prepare it and give it to you, so how do you want me to do that?”

Commenters shared their interpretations of what the phrase actually meant. One remarked: “It’s a Britishism. It’s a way of saying ‘just make it how you like it because I’m waaaaay too polite to give you orders in your own home and I like all variations of tea anyway’.”

Another commented: “If you say ‘as it comes’ I’m making it medium strength, splash of milk, no sugar.” While someone else noted: “It means they don’t mind if it is strong or weak. And hasn’t specifically said sugar, so no sugar. In UK milk is seen as standard.”

Someone else quipped: “That’s an open invitation to freestyle it, serve it with a tiny umbrella and an olive.”

In a subsequent video, ellayyayy revealed what happened next. She uploaded the clip responding to a comment stating: “I hate when people say that. Just give me instructions.”

She described how she’d asked her husband’s friend to clarify what he meant, and he specified milk without sugar, while also repeating “as it comes”, which just left her more confused. “So, ‘as it comes’ referred basically to the strength,” she explained. “I didn’t know what to do with that so I thought, I’m gonna play it safe.” However, it was at this point that she made a contentious choice, reports the Mirror.

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She went on: “I left the tea bag in. Milk, no sugar, left the tea bag in, brought him the cup of tea, milk, no sugar, tea bag in, and a little ramekin and a spoon just in case he wanted to take it out. And Mr ‘as it comes’, as soon as I hand him the mug, goes ‘oh, you left the tea bag in’.” Pulling a bewildered face, she went on: “Now I know. ‘As it comes’ just means ‘do whatever the f*** you want, I’ll drink it’.”

Commenters offered a variety of opinions. One remarked: “No one leaves a teabag in for black tea… Peppermint, fruit infusions etc, maybe, but not black tea…. But I understand that that could be seen as the lowest risk option.”

Another commented: “As it comes normally means ‘I’m not really really fussy about the colour/strength of the tea but it shouldn’t be very strong or very weak’. Pour boiling water over teabag, squeeze bag with back of spoon and remove. Add splash of milk and stir.” A further contributor stated: “As a Brit I’d never leave a plain teabag in, only herbal ones, but you’re right, ‘as it comes’ means ‘just give me a tea’.”

However, others held contrasting perspectives. One declared: “Call me crazy, I leave my teabag in till cup is empty. Yes, even black tea. I just love strong flavour. Same with the tea leaves in the teapot. I don’t remove them. they soak till the end.”

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NewsBeat

Greater Manchester Fire Service to roll out body cameras

Published

1 hour ago

12 April 2026

NewsAdmin

Greater Manchester Fire Service to roll out body cameras

A total of 233 cameras capable of recording high-quality video and audio will be distributed.

This comes after the Manchester Arena Inquiry into the attack at an Ariana Grande concert, in which 22 people, including children, were killed.

Part of the inquiry examined the emergency response to the attack, including the fire service, the North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police.

The report highlighted the importance of capturing clear information and recording decision-making during major incidents, particularly when multiple emergency services are responding to complex and fast-moving situations.

These new cameras will help the fire service by providing a real-time view of what crews see, hear and communicate while attending incidents, as well as improving transparency and decision-making during major incidents.

They are also able to livestream, which means senior officers will be able watch incidents as they happen to provide additional support and oversight.

Frontline officers will be the first to receive the cameras, as well as the 52 fire appliances across 41 Greater Manchester stations, followed by prevention and protection teams and the incident command academy.

GMFRS has said that they will be used during a variety of incidents, from house fires and road traffic collisions to larger, more complex emergencies.

The roll-out comes after a successful trial of the cameras back in May 2025.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Carlos Meakin described the introduction of these cameras as a “significant step forward for our service”.

He said: “It’s about giving firefighters the tools they need to work safely and effectively at complex or fast-moving incidents, while also helping to protect our crews by providing a clear record of the challenges they face on the frontline.

“The ability to livestream footage and review it afterwards will strengthen how we support crews on the ground, improve training, and enhance how we respond to major emergencies.

“This investment reflects our commitment to learning from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and continuing to strengthen how we respond to incidents across Greater Manchester.”

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The Fire Brigades Union has also welcomed the move. Representative Dave Pike said: “The Fire Brigades Union played an active part in supporting its members throughout the Manchester Arena Inquiry and supports the outcomes that were reached.

“The FBU position nationally on body-worn cameras changed significantly after the Inquiry and was shaped in part with feedback from Greater Manchester officials.

“It’s important that new technology supports our members in doing their jobs safely and provides a clear and accurate record of incidents. These cameras will help protect our members, support learning and ensure there is transparency about what happens at incidents.”

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