There are two kinds of people when it comes to storing food: those who put everything they buy directly into the fridge or freezer and throw out any food that’s within a day of a sell-by date, and those who take a more relaxed view.
Is their ketchup out on the counter? You bet it is, perhaps sitting next to some hot sauce and a package of tortillas. It’s a scene that might make a germophobe cringe.
But who’s right? It depends on the food in question, experts say.
“Where to store food is exactly the kind of everyday issue where small misunderstandings can lead to real consequences,” said Darin Detwiler, professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University.
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Many people think that keeping food in the fridge will keep it fresh longer, but he said the purpose of refrigeration is more of a strategy to control risk. “That risk may be from microbes that make food unsafe, chemical reactions that can lead to rancidity or a loss in nutritional value,” he added.
One of these should absolutely never be stored in the fridge (the bread), and the other doesn’t have to be there (the ketchup).
Mary Anne Amalaradjou, associate professor of food microbiology at the University of Connecticut, said packaging instructions have two distinct purposes.
“The real distinction isn’t fridge vs. pantry, it’s safety vs. quality,” she said. “Some foods need refrigeration to prevent spoilage or risk, while others are refrigerated simply to stay fresher longer. The exact same label language may appear on foods that truly require refrigeration for safety, as well as on foods where refrigeration can help food last longer.”
To help sort the must-be-chilled from the pantry-is-fine options, we talked to food scientists and food safety experts for a rundown of storage recommendations for foods that many of us find confusing.
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Surprising foods you should refrigerate:
Spices, especially ground ones: Many people keep them in cabinets near the stove so they’re within easy reach, but that’s a mistake, Detwiler said. “Heat, light and oxygen degrade volatile compounds. For long-term storage, refrigeration helps preserve potency.” Transferring your spice rack to the fridge means you’ll be able to postpone how often you need to replace pricey spices, so it might be worth clearing out some fridge space to change things up.
Whole-grain flour: Refrigeration is a good idea for long-term storage, experts said. “Cold delays the oxidation of fats, which can cause ‘off’ flavours such as rancidity,” said Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, director of the Center for Food Safety and professor in the department of food science and technology at the University of Georgia. “Some flour companies even recommend storing whole-wheat flour in the freezer if it is going to be stored for a very long time.” Amalaradjou added, “This is more about quality than safety, but it makes a big difference for home bakers.”
Nuts: “Especially with raw or unsalted nuts, they’re best stored in the refrigerator or even the freezer if you won’t be eating them for a while,” Detwiler explained. “Their high fat content makes them prone to oxidation. Heat and oxygen accelerate spoilage, even before you notice taste changes or that rancid quality.”
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Jarred pesto: “This is a big one,” Amalaradjou said. “It’s moist, low-acid and can spoil quickly. The USDA FoodKeeper app recommends refrigerating it after opening, and using it up within at least three days.”
Prepared horseradish: “People often leave this in the pantry incorrectly,” Amalaradjou said. “But once opened, it can lose its stability and can spoil.”
Tortillas: Check the fine print on the package, because many tortilla manufacturers recommend refrigeration after opening. “That suggestion is for the prevention of mould,” said Keith Warriner, a professor in the department of food science at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. “Although they’re considered a low-moisture food, it’s possible for condensation to occur, resulting in mould growth.” But if they sit on the counter for a while, it’s probably OK. “Tortillas can vary in terms of their formulation, but, generally speaking, refrigeration is used for quality extension, not for safety,” said Donald W. Schaffner, food science department chair at Rutgers University.
Nuts’ high fat content make them prone to going rancid, so it’s a good idea to store them in the refrigerator.
Hot sauce is one food that can go either way, depending on its label.
Vanessa Coffman is the alliance director at Stop Foodborne Illness, and she discussed the reason some hot sauces may require refrigeration and some do not. “It often depends on acidity, since harmful microbes struggle to grow in highly acidic environments,” she said. “This means some hot sauce is safe at room temperature after opening, while others with lower acidity should be refrigerated.”
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It’s an especially tricky category, Schaffner agreed: “Generally speaking, these products have a very low pH, so refrigeration is not needed for safety. For example, we consume a lot of Sriracha in my house and we never refrigerate it. But other types of hot sauce go right in the fridge.”
If you’re wondering how to know where yours goes, we have an entire guide on which ingredients to look for on your hot sauce label.
Are these taking up fridge space? They could go in the pantry.
Ketchup: “I store my tomato ketchup in the cupboard next to the barbecue sauce,” Warriner said. There’s a science-backed reason for the placement, he noted: “It’s high in acid, so microbes die off quicker at room temperature compared to in the refrigerator.” There’s another reason, too. “Ketchup has a lower viscosity at room temperature, so it’s easier to pour than fridge-stored stuff,” he said. If you consider the difference between the quick pour of room-temperature ketchup at a restaurant versus how long it takes to pour at home when it’s been chilled, you might be convinced to adopt Warriner’s method.
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It’s worth noting that the United States Department of Agriculture agrees with Warriner, since its official guidance is that “shelf-stable commercial ketchup, cocktail sauce and chili sauce are safe when stored at room temperature after opening. “Quality, not safety, is the reason the labels on these products suggest that they be refrigerated after opening,” the government website says.
Soy sauce: “Even though this is a liquid food, it has a low water activity because of its high salt content,” Schaffner said. However, he noted, “There’s no harm in refrigerating it if you really want to, and if you don’t use it very often, the colder temperature may extend the quality of its shelf life.”
Ricky Herawan / 500px via Getty Images
You should only refrigerate your honey if you want it to crystallize into hard, rock-like pieces.
NEVER refrigerate these foods:
Honey: “It should never be refrigerated,” said Diez-Gonzalez. “Otherwise, it may solidify by crystallising its sugars.” While this doesn’t mean the honey is unsafe to eat, you’ll need to reliquefy it by putting the jar in a bowl of warm water.
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Bread: For the best taste and maximum freshness, it should never be refrigerated. “This has to do with the chemistry of starch retrogradation, which can cause breads that are refrigerated to stale faster than breads that are stored at room temperature,” Schaffner said. At his house, freshly baked bread gets sliced and put into the freezer, where it stays fresh.
Coffee: Whether you have whole beans or ground, avoid the refrigerator. Detwiler explained, “Coffee absorbs moisture and odours. Refrigeration introduces condensation, which degrades flavour and aroma.” Warriner added that the moisture can cause “clumping and loss of volatile flavours.”
Chocolate: While an ice-cold candy bar may be the ultimate summer treat, baking chocolate should stay at room temperature. “Condensation in the refrigerator can cause chocolate to get white patches called ‘blooming,’” Warriner explained. While harmless, it can cause chocolate to lose its glossiness and have a powdery texture.
Remember, it’s all about the microbes.
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It’s important to remember that products sitting safely on your pantry shelf might need to be moved once you crack into them. “Opening changes everything,” Detwiler said. “Once opened, foods are exposed to air, moisture and germs from handling. Items like sauces, dressings and shredded cheese often shift from shelf-stable to perishable.”
Warriner added, “People don’t always appreciate that the products like mayonnaise or pasta sauce are heat-treated prior to packing to kill microbes, but once opened, the microbes can come back, leading to spoilage.”
Finally, don’t use smell as a barometer for safety. “Many of the pathogens that cause foodborne illness, like listeria, salmonella, and certain strains of E. coli, don’t produce noticeable odours, discolouration or texture changes,” Detwiler said. “That means food can smell perfectly fine while still posing a real risk.”
What to do instead? Make sure food hasn’t been at room temperature for more than two hours, keep track of when you bought something and how long it’s been opened, and follow the “when in doubt, throw it out” rule. Expiration dates can be used as rough guides, but remember that they’re usually there to indicate quality more than safety.
The dress is easy to throw on when the weather is hot
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As the weather starts to heat up in time for the summer, you might be on the look out for some new outfits for the season. You could pop to your local Tesco to check out what its clothing brand, F&F, has in stock.
The brand has just released the new F&F Striped Bandeau Midi Dress in Multi Brown, which is described as being a “timeless piece”. The striped dress has been “cut to flattering midi length for a stylish finish” and has a ruched bodice.
The item has a “pretty bandeau neckline” and “handy hidden pockets” that add a bit of utility to the dress. The dress is currently being sold for £25 and will be a staple in your summer wardrobe for 2026.
The dress was shared in a video to the Tesco F&F Instagram page, which currently has 890K followers. The post was captioned: “Dressing for the weather you deserve. #FandFClothing. #StyleItOut.”
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Fans of the F&F brand have already started to share their opinions on the new dress via social media. One commenter said: “Stunning,” and another said: “I have just brought this and it’s lovely!!! can’t wait to wear.”
If you want to get your hands on the stylish dress, you can go to the Tesco F&F website to browse all of its clothes that are currently available. You could also go to a Tesco store with a clothing department in person.
If this piece is not quite what you are looking for, Boden has plenty of dresses to choose from. There is this Embroidered Shirt Dress, which would look perfect for a summer picnic or garden party, or this Naomi Short Jersey Dress that is described by reviews as being “very comfortable to wear”.
Family-focused the CX-5 is hugely popular and it sits above the compact CX-30 and below its larger siblings the CX-60 and CX-80.
In this instalment of Drive Time, John tries outthe brand new Mazda CX-5 – the company’s most important model globally and in the UK – and examines the new Design version of the Skoda Karoq.
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The next few months are going to be hugely important for Mazda with no fewer than three new models being launched by the Japanese brand.
In the summer the all-electric 6e saloon/hatch will arrive followed in the autumn by the company’s first electric SUV the CX-6e but the most important model to launch is the new CX-5, the company’s global best seller.
It has sold over five million units since it went on sale back in 2012 and it is by far Mazda’s most successful car so it is crucial to the brand.
Family-focused the CX-5 is hugely popular and it sits above the compact CX-30 and below its larger siblings the CX-60 and CX-80.
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Priced from £31,550 the new CX-5 which is now on sale, undercuts the starting price of its predecessor and is available in four trim levels named Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and the top Homura grade.
The newcomer will only be offered with one powerplant – an optimised version of the 2.5-litre Skyactiv G petrol engine, mated with 24V M Hybrid technology.
This replaces the former 2.0-litre petrol unit and there is no longer a diesel option.
It produces 141ps and 238Nm of torque and gives the front-wheel drive version an acceleration time of 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds.
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The top two models offer a choice of two or four-wheel drive and every model in the range comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
As the CX-5 is so popular Mazda has not messed too much with the car’s stylish looks.
It is a tad longer, taller and wider than its predecessor but it is still instantly recognisable as a CX-5 and the longer wheelbase results in a welcome increase in head, leg and shoulder space for rear passengers.
Boot space has increased to 583 litres, 61 litres more than the outgoing car, and when you fold the rear seats this goes up to 2019 litres – better than any of its main rivals.
The rear seats can also be split 40:20:40 to provide extra versatility.
While the exterior Kodo Soul of Motion design has not changed much, it is a different story in the cabin.
Sadly, the popular rotary control has been ditched but that leaves more space in the new centre console and the top two trims get a panoramic sunroof.
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The Homura grade gets ambient lighting and the choice of black or tan leather, while Exclusive-Line customers can opt for black and white artificial leather.
A large touchscreen dominates the dash -12.9-inch on most grades and a larger 15.6-inch version on the Homura.
There is also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the centre display covers all the smartphone interaction with lots of menus which will take time to master.
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For the first time the CX-5 gets Google built-in and all that it offers.
Mazda opted to launch the new car in Scotland with a testing 250-mile drive starting in Edinburgh and travelling through the lovely scenery of the Borders.
I sampled both two and four-wheel drive versions and found them both to be ideal on the twisting country roads and faster straight stretches.
The cars handled well with little roll and the suspension soaked up most bumps without fuss.
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The steering is accurate with lots of feedback and all-round visibility is good.from the comfortable seats.
Certainly the new CX-5 is not the fastest in its class and it could be rather noisy if pushed too hard but it will have enough pace for most customers who won’t drive it as hard as journalists do on a launch.
As I mentioned last week, the cars used in the launch were filled with biofuel and there was no difference in the performance.
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The new CX-5 is as stylish and attractive as the model it replaces and offers even more space and practicality and is sure to be a winner.
It comes with all the latest safety and driver aids and has already been awarded a five-star NCAP rating.
My only gripes are the loss of the rotary control and letters replacing the neat Mazda logo on the wheel and rump.
In further fresh developments, Skoda is to broaden the appeal of its best-selling Karoq with a new Design Edition featuring a striking exterior design package along with a high standard specification to give buyers even better value for money.
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The new Design Edition sits between the existing SE Edition and SE L Edition models in the revised model range.
Priced from £31,610, the new Design Edition is £650 more than the SE Edition, yet comes with a host of additional equipment.
The Karoq Design Edition is distinguished by its dynamic exterior styling which features a host of elements designed to give it a strikingly dynamic look.
In addition to new 18-inch black alloy wheels, the Design Edition also features black door mirrors and radiator grille, black roof rails, extended rear spoiler and black Skoda and Karoq lettering on the tailgate.
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Inside, the Design Edition features a Lodge interior design selection with black fabric upholstery, along with all the technology features buyers have come to expect from Skoda.
The new trim grade also comes with drive mode select with ECO function as standard.
In terms of other equipment, the Design Edition features an Amundsen touchscreen satellite navigation system with eight-inch screen, along with an eight-speaker sound system and a 10.25-inch Virtual cockpit driver display.
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Heated front seats, a two-spoke heated leather multifunction steering wheel (with paddles for DSG), rear view camera and a keyless entry and start/stop system are also included as part of the Design Edition’s standard specification.
Customers ordering the new Karoq Design Edition can choose from two powertrain options: a 1.0 TSI 116ps or a 1.5 TSI 150ps unit.
Both are equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox with the 1.5 TSI 150ps additionally available with a seven-speed DSG transmission.
Prices for the new Karoq Design Edition range from £31,610 OTR for the 1.0 TSI 116ps manual variant to £34,235 OTR for the 1.5 TSI 150ps DSG variant.
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First deliveries are expected at the end of July.
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Trump was set to convene top advisers in the White House Situation Room Tuesday to discuss options for a return to the bombing campaign he has spent months claiming as a “total victory” over Tehran before he announced Monday on Truth Social that he’d be postponing renewed attacks at the request of Qatari, Saudi and Emirati leaders, who he claimed are involved in “serious negotiations” towards “a deal which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond.”
“Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Daniel Caine, and The United States Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached,” he said.
Trump’s latest eleventh-hour reversal comes a day after he told Axios that he believes Iranian leaders still want to come to some manner of agreement and warned that Tehran is “going to get hit much harder” if they don’t capitulate to his demands.
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President Donald Trump has threatened Iran several times on social media. But, so far, hasn’t carried out further attacks as Iran continues to control the Strait of Hormuz (Getty Images)
The president also cautioned that “there won’t be anything left of them” if they fail to rush through a deal to end the war, writing on Truth Social that “the clock is ticking” for Iran.
“They better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
In the midst of a days-long stream of Truth Social posts about upcoming House and Senate primaries interspersed with AI-generated slop content showing him with captured aliens, among other things, Trump lashed out at the New York Times,The Wall Street Journal and CNN for reporting about the war’s depletion of American munitions stockpiles that defense experts say will take years to rebuild as well as how Iran’s own capabilities remain largely intact despite Trump’s insistence that their forces have been “decimated.”
Meanwhile, Tehran is carrying on with its efforts to inflict as much economic pain on the global economy as possible without regard for anything Trump tells journalists or thumbs into his social media account. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz leading to a spike in gas prices across the globe.
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On Monday, Iranian officials created an X account for what the regime is calling the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” — as prosaic and anodyne-sounding an organization as, say, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
A post announcing the establishment of the new agency described it as the “legal entity and representative authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran for managing the passage and transit through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iran’s closure of the Strait has led oil and gas prices to spike across the globe (Getty Images)
It appeared to be a giant middle finger raised defiantly in Trump’s direction ahead of his reported war council session and came on the same day that Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned that his country is “fully prepared for every scenario” and “will not be subdued by contradictory behavior and threats” from the U.S. side of the conflict .
“In the event of any reckless action we will respond with full strength, and I assure you that our armed forces will definitely have new ‘surprises’ for the enemy,” he said.
There was a time when Trump’s Twitter tantrums could be said to have garnered at least some results.
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His threats of “fire and fury” against North Korea and talk of a “nuclear button” arguably brought about a lull in Pyongyang’s provocations against South Korea and Japan during his first term, even as a pair of summits with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un failed to bring about anything remotely resembling progress towards the longstanding goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.
Not anymore.
By now, Iranian leaders can see Trump’s appetite for more war falling just as fast as his approval rating — or as fast as gas prices continue to rise while they choke off the world’s access to a fifth of its oil supply by seizing control of the Strait.
Trump has both boasted about the destruction of Iran’s military in his attacks but also threatened further strikes (AFP via Getty Images)
They know that Trump hasn’t had the fortitude to order American naval forces to reopen what is supposed to be an international waterway and clear any mines Tehran has laid. And because he’s alienated most of America’s allies — including those who could assist in mine-clearing or escorting civilian ships — they know they effectively control the strait and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
They can also read the same newspapers and polls that Trump and his aides can.
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They see the American public is widely set against the war and disapproves of Trump’s handling of the entire matter.
And because they have managed to keep much of their own capabilities in reserve by hiding missile infrastructure and other military materiel deep underground, they can keep up a defense that will make Trump’s continued boasts of “total victory” look ever more ridiculous, even in the face of what could be a punishing renewed air campaign.
So long as they can hold the strait, to borrow a phrase from Trump, they “hold all the cards.”
Through no fault of its own, the beefsteak tomato may have the most unfortunate name of the summer.
Beef and tomato prices are soaring, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ April inflation report, likely leaving many consumers wondering if burgers with all the fixings are the best choice for summer barbecues.
The inflation report provides price movements for certain grocery and everyday items based on month-to-month and year-on-year comparisons.
And while beef prices have risen by double digits year on year, they aren’t even close to the increase tomatoes have seen.
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Beef gets bougie
Beef prices are 14.8 percent higher year-on-year. Ground beef is 14.5 percent higher – it’s $6.90 per pound, on average, according to the Federal Reserve.
The cost of a summer barbecue is significantly higher this year because of rising beef and tomato prices (Getty Images)
One year ago, a pound of ground beef was $5.80.
While the Iran war has contributed to higher prices – the diesel fuel needed to transport beef is around 48 percent higher than it was last year, Yahoo Finance reported – other factors are involved.
Limited supply has led to pricier beef. In February, the U.S. cattle supply reached its lowest point since the early 1950s, Texas-based bulk beef producer Circle J Meat Co. wrote.
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The re-emergence of a dangerous pest, the New World screwworm, has contributed to higher prices, too. The worm threatens cattle populations across the globe, according to data from the federal Farm Bureau. The U.S. had to order a one-day stop to cattle imports from Mexico because of the screwworm threat.
Barbecue alternatives for beef
While there’s nothing that quite replaces the flavor and texture of beef, there are alternatives that can cut down on the cost of a backyard burger bash, said Christine Pittman, CEO of recipe site COOKtheSTORY.
Mixing ground beef with sautéed mushrooms can cut costs and provide plenty of flavor (AFP via Getty Images)
Pittman recommends cutting beef with other ingredients. For example, ground beef can be cut with sautéed mushrooms. A half-and-half mix is surprisingly good, Pittman said.
“They have a lot of umami and great meaty flavor and texture, sometimes you can’t even really tell they’re in there, so you use half as much sautéed mushrooms as ground beef,” she told The Independent in an email.
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Towering tomato prices
Month-on-month, tomatoes cost 15 percent more in April than they did in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tomato prices have jumped 40 percent since April 2025, transforming it from an affordable option for salads and burgers to a far pricier addition in those dishes.
A pound of field-grown tomatoes cost an average of $2.89 in April, according to the Federal Reserve – $1.10 more than a year earlier.
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Tomato prices have risen because of supply issues. Freezing temperatures in Florida, disease, and heavy rains in Mexico, and darker-than-normal winter months in Canada have diminished the tomato harvest, according to the fresh produce industry publication The Packer. The estimated losses in Florida alone as high as 80 percent.
A pound of tomatoes cost $1.10 more than they did a year ago (Getty)
High diesel prices due to the war in Iran are also contributing to the skyrocketing costs.
Tomato alternatives
While there’s no spot-on match for tomatoes, Jessica Randhawa, founder of family-friendly recipe site The Forked Spoon, said red peppers can be a solid alternative.
“Red bell peppers can add a similar sweetness and body to tomatoes in soups, sauces and stews,” she told The Independent in an email.
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Bell peppers are missing the acidity that tomatoes provide – a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can suffice, Randhawa recommended.
Milk madness
The price of milk rose 1.6 percent from March to April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A gallon of whole milk was up 2.9 percent month-on-month – it averaged $4.14 in April, up around six cents compared to a year before, according to the Federal Reserve.
The average price of whole milk reached $4.01 in April 2022, marking the first time it had surged past $4 a gallon in the 39-year history of the Fed tracking its price.
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The dynamics behind milk’s high prices are complicated. Milk production has been booming over the past two years, which normally means prices go down since supply is plentiful.
Dairy cows have been producing plenty of milk, but increased demand abroad and at home have driven up prices, one expert said (AFP via Getty Images)
However, foreign demand for U.S. milk and a consumer push to buy protein-heavy foods like yogurt have boosted demand and, in part, raised prices, noted the industry publication Dairy Herd Management.
Eggs are an exception
For the longest time during the pandemic, eggs were the poster child of inflation. Their price rose from $1.53 per dozen of large Grade A eggs in March 2020 to a record $6.23 in March 2025 – that’s more than a 400 percent increase.
While inflation played a part in eggs becoming so expensive, disease was the driver – a strain of bird flu killed some 20 million egg-laying chickens in 2024, according to the University of Nebraska’s Global Center for Health Security department.
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Yet since reaching their highest point just over a year ago, egg prices have plummeted to $2.25 in April, thanks, in part, to fewer chickens dying from bird flu, the Farm Bureau noted.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 11.50am today (Monday, May 18), three fire engines from across Greater Manchester attended an incident at Royal Bolton Hospital, Farnworth.
“Crews arrived quickly to a suspected lightning strike with reports of multiple electrical failures in the building.
“Four members of hospital staff presented themselves to A&E for suspected electric shock and one person was rescued from a lift by onsite engineers.
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“Crews assisted in making the area safe before departing after roughly an hour in attendance.”
The incident has since been scaled down following the attendance of emergency services.
Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “We can confirm that earlier today a lightning strike at Royal Bolton Hospital caused some electrical issues across the site.
“These have now been largely resolved, with the exception of some communication equipment, for which backup systems are in place.
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“A small number of staff affected by the incident are being assessed as a precaution.”
It is hoped the new initiative will provide a boost to local tourism and nightlife
Key Belfast stakeholders have backed a new public engagement initiative to highlight Translink’s late night Metro services.
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Running throughout 2026, the Late Night Services pilot programme operates across Belfast on Friday and Saturday nights across key Metro routes with departures between midnight and 2am.
Partners across Belfast’s business, cultural and political sectors have shown their support for a new initiative designed to enhance awareness of the extended services ahead of a busy summer of activity for the city.
Launched at City Hall, a custom-built, interactive mobile Metro bus installation will appear at key locations and high footfall areas throughout Belfast, offering the public an engaging way to learn more about late night travel options and the benefits of using public transport.
With its eye-catching pink livery, the portable bus installation will also feature at major events and festivals in the city’s calendar, including Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August. The transportation provider believes it will help connect people with safe and reliable transport during some of Belfast’s busiest nights.
Ian Campbell, Director of Service Operations at Translink said: “Strong collective support for extended late night public transport on Friday and Saturday nights is key to the success of this pilot. We’re delighted to have key partners help us launch our new interactive Metro installation, encouraging people to use the service at key events and venues across the city and giving people a simple and engaging way to see how it can help make Belfast better connected after dark.
“We’re also grateful for the support of the Northern Ireland Executive, Belfast City Council and our city partners in helping us deliver this year-long pilot.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Doherty said: “We’re delighted to back this initiative to increase more awareness of Translink’s late night services programme over the summer. Having longer public transport hours on Friday and Saturday nights is fantastic news for our residents and visitors to key events in the city like Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.
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“It supports safer journeys home, greater accessibility, sustainable travel and a thriving night-time economy in Belfast.”
Rachael McGuickin, Deputy CEO and Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Transformation at Visit Belfast said: “Belfast is brimming with opportunities, and the introduction of extended late-night bus services represents a significant step forward for our tourism sector.
“This enhanced provision empowers both residents and visitors to fully experience the rich array of restaurants, venues, and events our city has to offer. Such connectivity is essential for a city to thrive, cultivating a vibrant nightlife and reinforcing Belfast’s reputation as a warm, dynamic, and world-class destination. This initiative not only enhances accessibility but also encourages social and economic growth, showcasing our commitment to creating an inclusive and engaging environment for all.”
Belfast City Centre Night Czar Michael Stewart, said: “These extended services are a welcome boost for Belfast’s night-time economy, giving people more choice, better access and a safer way to travel home after enjoying the city in the evening.
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“It’s encouraging to see strong support for the service, and I’d urge people to use it so we can build the case for making late-night public transport a permanent part of Belfast’s offer if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.”
Passengers can make use of the Metro £4 all-day fare for late night travel, and plan ahead and check the latest travel information using the Translink Journey Planner app.
Late coach and bus services also operate to Derry, Newry, Banbridge, Dungannon, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Templepatrick, Newcastle, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Carryduff. All services depart from Belfast Grand Central Station. Standard fares apply, including half-fare and full-fare concessionary passes.
For more information on timetables and great value fares, visit here.
Clifton George has denied murdering his partner of 10 years but has admitted to arson after blowing their home up
Joe Smith News Reporter and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
21:45, 18 May 2026Updated 21:46, 18 May 2026
A man accused of stabbing his girlfriend before causing a gas explosion in their home had an “unreasonable flashing rage”, the victim’s best friend has told the court.
On June 17, 2025, Annabel Rook, 46, died after she was reportedly stabbed by her then partner, Clifton George, in their home in Dumont Road, Stoke Newington. A court heard the pair had an argument before George allegedly stabbed the victim before turning their home into a burning inferno by starting a fire and causing a gas explosion.
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Sian Davlin, Annabel’s friend, has told jurors at Snaresbrook Crown Court that George subjected his ex partner to years of abusive behaviour, describing him as having an “unreasonable flashing rage”, reports The Mirror.
George has admitted responsibility for her death by pleading guilty to manslaughter but denies murder, blaming the fatal stabbing on a loss of self-control.
Davlin said she “felt sorry for” George, and initially wanted the relationship to work, before changing her mind after hearing about his “patterns” of abuse.
“Did you want Annabel and Clifton George to stay together? Did you see it as a relationship that was working?” asked prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC.
“In the first few years I did and like her I thought if he got therapy then it could,” said Ms Davlin.
Later she added: “I did actually like Clifton and I felt sorry for him and I recognised where some of his issues came from so I was invested in the relationship, I wanted it to work.”
She described being told that George had pushed Ms Rook “against the wall and pushed his forearm” to her throat, as the moment she changed her mind.
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Ms Rook was punched, strangled and stabbed 22 times by George at their home before he started a fire and caused a gas explosion that ripped through the property, the court heard previously.
Ms Davlin, who works as a refugee immigration solicitor, told the court that she and her husband, Deji Davies, were “kind of like family” with George and Ms Rook and said she knew “more than anyone” about their relationship.
Asked to name the main recurring issue between them, she said: “Clifton’s tendency to overreact about small trivial things and his temper when he overreacted.”
She said George was “insecure” and would often misconstrue jokes and would belittle, fat-shame and gaslight Ms Rook.
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Ms Davlin recounted many arguments between the couple where George had lost his temper and flown into a rage between 2015 and 2025.
On one occasion, she asked George to “calm down and stop being so aggressive” during an argument in a London park.
She said he responded by accusing her of stereotyping him as an “angry black man”, the court heard.
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“It was impossible to reason with him, there was no way he was going to listen to me in that instance,” said Ms Davlin.
Later that day, she sent a WhatsApp message to Ms Rook saying “it’s good for Deji to see the unreasonable flashing rage anger side too” in reference to George’s behaviour.
In another instance, on holiday in France, he accused her husband of being an “Uncle Tom” for siding with a white person in an argument.
Jurors heard that George often experienced racism and bigotry at work.
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Ms Davlin also said that Ms Rook and George would have a yearly conversation about separating, but he would “manipulate” her on each occasion.
According to Ms Davlin, by the summer of 2024, Ms Rook was acknowledging that George’s behaviour was abusive.
“I believed that they were going to break up then … She was saying I need to do this, I can’t live life like this, his treatment is not right, it’s abusive,” said Ms Davlin.
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A couple of weeks before her death, Ms Rook left her sister a message after she and George had argued and she concluded the relationship was “not tenable”.
“I fear there will be some more wrath to come,” she said, revealing it is “not a nice place to be”.
“I will get through this and will be stronger for it out the other side,” she said as she signed off the message, on June 1.
Ms Rook, the daughter of retired Old Bailey judge Peter Rook, was the co-founder of a London-based social enterprise called MamaSuze, which supports refugee and migrant women with art and drama activities and workshops.
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George denies murder, but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and arson. The trial continues.
Drivers faced disruption on Bradford Road this afternoon after two vehicles were involved in a collision near Woodfield Street.
Emergency services remained at the scene. (Image: NQ)
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 11.50am, with recovery teams later arriving to remove the damaged vehicles.
Diversions were put in place as debris was cleared from the road and one of the cars was loaded onto a recovery truck.
One resident living nearby described being woken by the sound of the crash.
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The black Vauxhall was towed away. (Image: NQ)
He said: “I had no sleep last night, I was trying to get my head down and I heard a massive bang, it woke me up in shock which made me feel spooked.”
Pictures from the scene showed a black Vauxhall Astra being prepared for recovery as traffic built up along the route.
The road is regularly used by drivers travelling towards Royal Bolton Hospital and surrounding areas from Weston Street, Manchester Road, and Plodder Lane.
A silver Honda Civic. (Image: NQ)
One driver involved in the collision told The Bolton News he was suffering from shock as well as injuries following the crash.
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Recovery crews remained at the scene into the early afternoon as police and other emergency workers managed the road closure and diversions.
By around 1.40pm, the scene had been cleared and Bradford Road reopened fully to traffic.
Britain’s largest ever business delegation has travelled to the US aimed at bolstering transatlantic trade, amid political turmoil at home and tensions over the Iran war, which continues to inflict economic damage.
This week’s mission to Los Angeles, involving more than 200 firms, comes in the wake of the King’s recent state visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, which culminated with Donald Trump scrapping tariffs on UK-made whisky, in a major boost to the industry.
The deputation, which was originally to be led by Business Secretary Peter Kyle, is now being headed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, along with trade minister Blair McDougall.
The so-called Greater Together LA expo will seek to build on the existing commercial partnership between the two nations, which accounts for 430 billion dollars of trade each year, around 1.5 trillion dollars of investment in each others economies and supports more than 2.6 million jobs on either side of the Atlantic.
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The event will be co-hosted by Universal Music Group boss Sir Lucian Grainge and former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive, who jointly founded the creative collective LoveFrom.
Speakers include music impresario and Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, singer/songwriter Leona Lewis, designer Sir Paul Smith and astronaut Tim Peake.
It will also be attended by the chief executives of British Airways, News Corp and American Airlines.
This week’s mission to Los Angeles comes in the wake of the King’s recent state visit to US (Aaron Chown/PA)
Areas to be covered include co-operation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cultural exchange, fintech and scientific innovation.
The event is being held against a background of political upheaval in the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer under pressure to quit following disastrous local election results for Labour, and fractious relations with the White House over the Middle East conflict that saw the US president threaten to change a trade deal with Britain.
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While the Government has remained tight-lipped over the potential implications of recent developments for the major business event, insiders have pointed out the close, long-standing UK-US relationship runs deeper than individuals and current rifts.
The lasting partnership built on shared values was highlighted in a video message by the King to be played at the event, which continued the theme of his recent historic address to Congress.
Charles said: “The United Kingdom and the United States share one of the most enduring and consequential relationships in modern history, one forged through decades of collaboration and grounded in a shared belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and human endeavour.
“From our common language and vibrant creative industries to our academic partnerships, scientific collaborations, and technological innovations, our cultures are woven together in ways that are immeasurable, but of enduring value.”
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The King added: “These ties are reflected not only on financial balance sheets, but in the living, breathing connections between our people, whose lives and livelihoods are so richly enhanced by them.
Nandy will lead the UK delegation to the US (Jonathan Brady/PA)
“During my visit to the United States the other day I was once again struck by the extraordinary warmth of the American people, by the natural affinity between our countries and by the importance of working together for the benefit of all.
“My conversations with businesses and entrepreneurs throughout that visit also reinforced what I have long believed, that our relationship is not merely a matter of shared history but a living dynamic partnership built on common values of democracy, freedom and opportunity.
“This is a partnership that must be continually renewed and strengthened for future generations.”
Charles went on: “So today, as you come together, I can only encourage you to deepen existing alliances and forge new ones.
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“Your decisions, your willingness to think boldly about collaboration, will help create opportunities that benefit communities across the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond.”
Ms Nandy hailed the UK’s creative industries, sporting heritage and tourism as “among our greatest national assets” and said the LA expo provided an “extraordinary opportunity to showcase them on the world stage”.
The Labour Cabinet minister said: “From our music and film sectors to sport and the arts, this delegation will demonstrate the immense cultural and commercial value the UK brings to our partnership with the United States.
“I look forward to deepening those connections and opening new doors for British talent and creativity.”
North Yorkshire Police have arrested a man in his 20s after a pursuit on the A19 between Thirsk and Northallerton yesterday afternoon (May 17)
The incident unfolded after North Yorkshire Police received a report of a suspected cloned vehicle around 5.20pm.
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When officers attempted to stop the car – a black Vauxhall Insignia – the driver ignored police instructions and a chase began.
“During the pursuit, the vehicle was driven in an extremely dangerous manner, including travelling contraflow and on the wrong side of the A19 towards oncoming traffic.
“The driver briefly returned to the correct side of the carriageway before attempting to drive contraflow again,” said a spokesperson for the force.
Due to the risk to the public, a trained Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) officer used tactical contact – crashed into the car – to end the chase.
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They added: “Our officers are highly trained to dynamically assess risk in fast-moving situations, and every decision is made with public safety as the overriding priority.”
The driver then fled from the car with armed police in quick pursuit – jumping over a fence and running across a cornfield, before arresting a man in his 20s.
It was confirmed the car was stolen from West Yorkshire.
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The driver was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences and taken to hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged and remains in police custody.
A female passenger was also assessed at the scene as a precaution; one police vehicle was damaged during the incident, and the officer involved in the tactical contact sustained minor injuries.
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