A two-year-old beaver named Nibi that has won the hearts of thousands online is at the center of a court battle.
Nibi has lived with Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, since she was rescued as a baby, but the organization filed an emergency injunction against the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) after the state office told rescuers to release Nibi into the wild.
The issue began after the rescue organization sent a request to MassWildlife for Nibi to be an educational beaver, which would allow Nibi to be taken to schools and libraries. The application was rejected, and MassWildlife said Newhouse Wildlife Rescue would have to release the beaver back into the wild, the rescue organization said in a Facebook post.
Jane Newhouse, founder and president of the rescue organization, told theAssociated Pressthat Nibi would struggle to survive if released since she doesn’t know how to build dams or store her food before the winter. Newhouse also said she’s concerned about how Nibi would interact with wild beavers as the organization has tried to connect Nibi with other beavers without success.
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Newhouse could not immediately be reached for comment.
On Tuesday, a judge ruled that Nibi can stay at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue until a full hearing takes place.
The news came after public outcry, including a petition on change.org calling for Nibi to be protected from “unnecessary removal” that has received nearly 30,000 signatures. Even Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey got involved, vowing that the state would “do everything we can to protect Nibi,” NBC Boston reported.
A spokesperson for MassWildlife said in a statement to TIME that the department is “committed” to protecting all wildlife, including Nibi. “Nibi will remain in place at this time while we work with Newhouse Wildlife Rescue on the best steps forward,” the spokesperson said.
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A hearing over Nibi’s case is scheduled for Friday.
Newhouse posted a video of Nibi on the organization’s Facebook page on Wednesday, updating the beaver’s devoted fans on the situation.
“So Nibi’s safe now,” Newhouse said in the video. “I want you all to know that Nibi’s doing great. She’s totally fine, living her best life.”
The government will prioritise and increase investment in major projects at this month’s Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said.
In addition, she announced a nearly £22bn investment in two major new carbon capture schemes over 25 years.
She criticised plans she inherited from the previous government to cut investment as a share of the economy, saying she would not repeat “those mistakes”.
But the Conservatives said it was thanks to them that funding had already been announced for the carbon capture projects.
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After weeks of hints about the chancellor changing her self-imposed borrowing rules to allow significantly more investment in major projects, Ms Reeves has given her strongest indication yet of a significant increase to levels of state investment.
The green schemes are two new carbon capture and storage projects on Merseyside and Teesside.
The government said they will create and support thousands of jobs, draw in private investment and help the UK meet its climate goals.
Funding of up to £21.7bn over 25 years will subsidise three projects once they start capturing carbon from hydrogen, gas, and energy from waste.
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Oil and gas giants BP and Equinor will be among the firms providing private sector funding for the projects, she said, adding that other countries “would love to get this sort of investment”.
But Greenpeace UK’s policy director Doug Parr said more than £21bn “is a lot of money to spend on something that is going to extend the life of planet-heating oil and gas production”.
The chancellor said contracts such as this were never signed by the previous government because it did not prioritise capital investment – which is money spent on items such as buildings, equipment, and IT.
She directly criticised the fact that the UK’s capital budget is due to fall from 2.5% of the size of the economy to 1.6%.
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However, Conservative shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said “it’s thanks to the Conservatives that funding was already announced for these projects in the spring of 2023”.
She added that the announcement “will not make up for the mass deindustrialisation pathway that Ed Miliband’s costly net zero and energy policies are leading us to, with the devastating impact of his zealotry on jobs already seen in steel-making, refineries and in the North Sea”.
But Ms Reeves said the previous government “were cutting back on investment at exactly the time we needed to be increasing investment in our economy”.
“I’m not going to make those mistakes,” she said.
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Her words are the clearest confirmation of a shift in approach to spending on major projects at the Budget and Spending Review, connected with attempts to attract significant private investment at the upcoming International Investment Summit.
That summit will be a “massive opportunity for us to show what Britain has to offer to some of the biggest investors”, she said, including private equity, venture capitalists, and sovereign wealth funds.
She also denied suggestions that the government’s budget rhetoric had spread gloom among consumers and businesses, saying there would be a “drum beat” of major investments in the coming days.
MCDONALD’S has confirmed it is bringing back an iconic burger that hasn’t been seen in the UK for almost a decade – and fans will be delighted.
Social media has been awash with rumours over the past few weeks that the much-loved McRib was making a shock comeback.
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The McRib is making a comeback after nearly 10 years awayCredit: Gary Stone
And now, the fast food chain has revealed the legendary burger will indeed be back on sale in just days for the first time since early 2015.
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The menu item will be available across UK restaurants from October 16, just over a week away, for a limited time only.
The burger, which combines a pork patty with tangy barbecue sauce, pickles and onions, will be on sale for £4.49 as an individual item or £6.19 as part of a medium extra value meal.
The burger itself contains 509 calories.
Customers have long begged for the McRib, which first launched in the UK in 1981, to return to menus after it was abruptly removed almost a decade ago.
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Thomas O’Neill, head of menu at McDonald’s UK, said: “We have heard our fans loud and clear – the fan petitions and pleas on social – and after almost a decade of anticipation, we are thrilled to bring back this iconic menu item.
“Knowing how well-loved the McRib is, we had very little choice – we had to make it happen.”
Fast food fans took to X and Facebook two weeks ago sharing images that showed “page not found” and “McRib Test Notification” error messages that had cropped up on their phones.
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Posting on X, one said: ” “Ummm excuse me McDonald’s, we all saw it. THE MCRIB IS COMING BACK!”
Another commented: “McDonald’s thought they could sneak this one by and I wouldn’t notice. McRib coming to the UK.”
Another said “McDonald’s just let everyone in the UK know the McRib is coming back with a broken text notification”, to which a fellow fan replied: “This isn’t an accident, it’s a marketing ploy. Rather clever!”
Axed McDonald’s Breakfast Wrap
OTHER MCDONALD’S MENU CHANGES
McDonald’s regularly shakes up its menu or introduces games to keep customers on their toes.
Customers will be able to get the twist on a classic menu item across more than 1,300 UK restaurants from October 16 – the same date the McRib is being relaunched.
Foodies can pick up a five-pack for £1.49 while a 15-piece sharebox will cost £2.99.
Remember though that prices do vary from restaurant to restaurant so you could pay more or less than these prices.
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It is not yet clear whether the hashbrowns will become a permanent menu item, so if you want to give them a go, make sure you’re quick.
Six menu items will also be removed later this month when the McDonald’s Monopoly game comes to a close.
These are the six items that customers will have to wave goodbye to:
Philly Cheese Stack
Chicken Big Mac
Mozzarella Dippers
Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry
Twix Caramel McFlurry
Twix Latte
If you are curious about how the game works and what prizes you can win, read our article here.
It is worth bearing in mind that McDonald’s regularly updates its menu, so it is always worth reading updates online to avoid missing out.
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The chain regularly posts on social media informing customers of any upcoming changes.
How to save at McDonald’s
You could end up being charged more for a McDonald’s meal based solely on the McDonald’s restaurant you choose.
Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other.
The governor of the Falkland Islands has sought to calm concerns over the territory’s sovereignty, following the UK’s deal to hand over the Chagos Islands.
In a historic move, the UK has agreed to give up ownership of the tropical archipelago to Mauritius, after decades of often fractious negotiations.
But in an attempt to assuage the fears of people on another strategically-important group of islands, Falklands Governor Alison Blake said the legal and historical context of the two territories are “very different”.
The UK commitment to the South Atlantic territory’s sovereignty is “unwavering” and “remains undiminished”, she said in a statement posted to social media.
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In the message to residents, she said: “I would like to reassure you that the legal and historical contexts of the Chagos Archipelago and the Falkland Islands are very different.
“UK ministers have been very clear throughout the process that the UK will not agree to anything that runs the risk of jeopardising sovereignty in other Overseas Territories.
“The UK government remains committed to defending the Falkland Islanders’ right of self-determination, and the UK’s unwavering commitment to defend UK sovereignty remains undiminished.”
The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the islands.
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Argentina invaded in 1982 in a bid to reclaim sovereignty and said it had inherited the Falkland Islands from Spain in the 1800s.
A brief but bitter war lasting 74 days followed – with 655 Argentinian, 255 British and three Falkland deaths – before British forces regained control on 14 June 1982.
Gov Blake’s announcement came after a deal which, after years of negotiations, saw the UK hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The treaty will also “address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians”, according to a joint statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
A DISCOUNT clothing chain store is set to close down despite 160 objections.
An Original Factory Shop in Ben Rhydding will close down on October 19, to make way for a controversial new development.
A drive thru coffee shop will instead be built on the corner of the A65 and Wheatley lane, after it was approved in August.
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The Original Factory Shop in Bed Rhydding will close down despite local objectionsCredit: Alamy
The move has been criticised by locals, with more than with more than 160 people writing to Bradford Council urging the plans be refused, according to The Telegraph and Argus.
A further 61 people signing a petition against the application, which was submitted by The EG Group Ltd and Burley Developments Ltd.
It is currently not known which change will be moving on to the site, however EG Group, founded by the billionaire Issa brothers, operates other sites that include Starbucks, Greggs, and Krispy Kreme.
In a post on its Facebook page this week, the Original Factory Shop, Ilkley said: “We are sorry to let you know our store will close it’s doors on 19th October 2024.
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They added: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Ilkley.”
Original Factory Shop has close to 200 stores located around the UK.
RETAILERS have been hit by soaring inflation and a downturn in spending due to the cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking their toll.
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Some high street shops have closed due to businesses opening up in different locations such as larger retail parks.
Shops may also close due to a number of other reasons, such as rising rents.
We explain which retailers are closing in 2024:
Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, with two stores closing this year due to leases not being renewed. It has plans to open more in 2024 too.
Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops.
Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shut eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
Pascalina Nellan with her grandmother, who was among the Chagossians removed from the Chagos Islands some 50 years ago
People with roots in the Chagos Islands have criticised what they called their “exclusion” from negotiations leading to the UK government’s deal to give up its sovereignty of the region.
Some Chagossians the BBC spoke to broadly welcomed the deal, but many said indigenous people had been repeatedly refused an opportunity to take part in talks.
The Foreign Office said the interests of the Chagossian community had been “an important part of the negotiations”.
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Pascalina Nellan, whose grandmother was born on a key island in the region – Diego Garcia, said the deal amounted to a “backstabbing” by the UK government.
Two years ago she moved to the UK, where she has been calling for Chagossian involvement in the deal over the territory.
“Every time we made a request to be heard we have been excluded,” she said, claiming UK officials said the Chagossian community could not be involved in negotiations between the two countries.
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“Today, again, we’ve been excluded,” the 34-year-old postgraduate student told the BBC.
“We need to respect the rights of indigenous people.”
Ms Nellan said she would like to go back to the islands, but not under Mauritius’ control.
“Our right to self-determination – whether we want to be British citizens or Mauritian citizens at all – has been stripped today,” she said.
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Frankie Bontemps, a second generation Chagossian in the UK, told the BBC that he felt “betrayed” and “angry” on Thursday because “Chagossians have never been involved” in the negotiations.
“We remain powerless and voiceless in determining our own future”, he said, and called for the full inclusion of Chagossians in drafting the treaty.
Steeve Bancal
Steeve Bancal on a trip to Diego Garcia organised by the Foreign Office
Steeve Bancal, a trainee social worker from Sussex, was positive about the deal.
He said Mauritius was more likely to put resettlement plans in place for Chagossians than the UK, who had “done nothing” for the community.
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He expressed hope to return to the islands with his mother, who was also removed from Diego Garcia. She resettled in Mauritius, where Mr Bancal was born.
Mr Bancal said it would be a “dream come true” for his mother, 74, to return to Diego Garcia.
However, he also criticised the negotiations, saying they happened “behind closed doors”.
“None of us were told what was happening. It’s unfair on us,” he said.
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“It’s our heritage – we should have had one or two people in the room.
“I don’t think the UK government trusts us.”
Isabelle Charlot
Isabelle Charlot is the chairperson of the Chagos Islanders Movement
Isabelle Charlot was born in Mauritius to Chagossian parents, and has lived in the UK – where she is the chairperson of the Chagos Islanders Movement – for 19 years.
She said she now hoped to return to the archipelago, from which Britain forcibly removed more than 1,000 islanders between 1965 and 1973 after gaining control of the territory.
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“That is what my family and I have been waiting for,” Ms Charlot told the BBC.
She said she welcomed the deal as a step toward “reclaiming [her] identity, heritage and homeland”, all of which had been “robbed” from her.
“I [knew] that the Labour government would want to right the historical wrongs and respect the international law,” she said.
‘Genuinely historic’
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for the Chagossians to be consulted on the deal.
Responding to the UK government’s announcement, Clive Baldwin, senior legal advisor at HRW, said: “It does not guarantee that the Chagossians will return to their homeland, appears to explicitly ban them from the largest island, Diego Garcia, for another century, and does not mention the reparations they are all owed to rebuild their future.”
Mr Baldwin called for meaningful consultations with the Chagossians.
He said unless this happens, the UK, US and now Mauritius would be be responsible for “a still ongoing colonial crime”.
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ALAMY
Diego Garcia is used by the US government as a military base for its navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft
Jonathan Powell, the UK’s Special Envoy for British Indian Ocean Territory negotiations, said on Thursday that Britain’s past treatment of the Chagossians was “shameful”.
But he called the agreement, reached after 11 rounds of negotiations, “genuinely historic”.
He said he could not guarantee whether Chagossians would be able to return to the islands, since they were to become Mauritian territory, but that the UK was committed to “help with resettlements if that’s possible”.
The UK government said it will also provide a package of financial support to Mauritius, including annual payments and infrastructure investment.
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An FCDO spokesperson said: “This is a bilateral agreement between the UK and Mauritius.”
“We are mindful that the future of the islands is an important issue for the Chagossian community. Their interests have been an important part of the negotiations.”
Grenoble-based audio firm Arturia has won fanatical devotees and multiple awards for its software emulations of pop music’s most celebrated keyboards and synths. Thanks to its crack team of audio engineers, anyone making music with a computer can explore more than 30 of these retro soundworlds, from the lush textures of the Yamaha CS-80 (think Blade Runner or Chariots of Fire) to the chunky, pulsating sound of the Minimoog (used by Gary Numan, Kraftwerk and countless others). Arturia’s is a quest for sonic authenticity – indeed, its reconstruction of the Moog Modular synth (used on “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer) was made in collaboration with synth pioneer Bob Moog himself.
The resulting accumulation of in-house knowledge and expertise has, latterly, been channelled into making physical keyboards, and the gorgeous PolyBrute 12 – released on Arturia’s 25th birthday – is its latest and most advanced: all the character of an analogue synth with precision digital control – or, more excitingly, instinct-driven performance (you know, using your hands!). Anyone who imagines synthesisers to be cold, unresponsive beasts will be astounded; unusually, it has polyphonic aftertouch, meaning that you can change the timbre of each note, individually, by exerting pressure on that specific key. It also has a “FullTouch” mode where even lightly touching the keys – not even pressing them down – can generate sounds and effects.
This extraordinary sensitivity, combined with the PolyBrute 12’s other controllers (including a swipeable strip above the keyboard and a wooden “Morphée” pad to its left that you can tap, stroke and press), makes for a performer’s dream unit – although, speaking as a keyboardist with a background in classical piano, it requires some adjustment to technique. But that relearning process is fun, creating sounds is absorbing and you soon find yourself closing your eyes and segueing into a soundtrack to an imaginary film playing in your head, featuring (naturally) Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer and a clutch of renegade replicants.
My experience of 3D printers has not always been pleasurable: laborious set-ups, clogging nozzles and erratic bed adhesion have, in the past, caused me to utter unspeakable oaths. The Creality K1C, however, caused me no anguish at all; a few safety screws to remove, a couple of parts to attach, a quick calibration process and I was in business. The Creality Print software is a little clunky, but the results were exceptional; it can work with a range of filaments including carbon fibre, and for no errors to occur across the five prints I tried felt distinctly unusual. The fact that it’s enclosed in a box means quieter operation, and my test unit, which for some baffling reason was FC Bayern Munich-branded, looked terrific, too.
OLED pen displays are beginning to edge out their LCD predecessors, bringing with them better colour accuracy and contrast ratios – which are, after all, what artists want. This 13.3in display (effectively an additional screen for your computer or mobile, connected via USB-C) is incredibly slim and light: 4mm at its thinnest point and a nudge over 400g. It performs like a heavyweight, thanks to a vivid matte screen (that never gets hot) and Wacom’s celebrated Pro Pen 3, which is bundled in the package. There’s no special glove needed and the screen distinguishes without fail between a pen stroke, a deliberate finger swipe and a resting drawing hand. Wacom’s Cintiq range may be its flagship, but the Movink is forging its own exciting path.
Working with images, video or audio can require huge files to be moved between computers, and if that moment occurs while you’re in the creative zone, the slothful progress bar can be maddening. Wireless transfers are lethargic, USB thumb drives buckle under the strain and the cloud can be hobbled by slow uploads. These mini SSDs from Kingston are small (twice the size of a thumb drive but still eminently pocketable), capacious (500GB to 4TB, take your pick) and super speedy: in my own tests, files copied over at about 1GB per second. You’ll need to take a USB-C cable while on the move (unlike a thumb drive, it doesn’t have a USB plug) but that’s a minor inconvenience for a hugely improved workflow.
Fans of Leica’s line of compact cameras have been waiting more than five years for a follow-up to the D-Lux 7 – and here it is, with a Summilux zoom lens (equivalent to a 24-75mm focal range), a 4/3in sensor, 17 effective megapixels and an emphasis on simplicity. It combines a classic film camera layout with a nod to modern use (for example, it’s easily switchable to Instagram-friendly aspect ratios) and its portraits have that slightly 3D “Leica look”. Weighing in at under 400g, it’s easy to tote about and a delight to use; perfect for anyone (like myself) who enjoys decoupling themselves, albeit briefly, from their overbearing smartphone. Newbies will appreciate the hour of in-store training that’s offered with the unit.
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