The UK is facing a severe shortage of a painkiller taken by millions of people, with pharmacists supporting “distressed patients” due to the lack of supplies
The UK is experiencing a severe shortage of a painkiller used by millions across the country. Pharmacists report they are supporting ‘distressed patients’ due to the shortage of co-codamol, which is expected to continue into the summer.
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Over 1.25 million doses of co-codamol are prescribed each month in the UK, with the shortage primarily affecting 30mg/500mg tablets, though other strengths are also impacted, according to industry experts.
The National Pharmacy Association has been informed that supplies will not return to normal until June 2026. NHS providers throughout the UK have acknowledged the shortage.
NHS Grampian, for instance, has confirmed there is a UK-wide shortage of co‐codamol 30/500 tablets. It advised patients: “Supplies will be limited from early February 2026 until the summer. Other types of co-codamol 30/500 (capsules, soluble tablets, different strengths) cannot fully meet demand so we cannot simply switch you to another type of co-codamol.
“You may not receive your usual supply of co‐codamol 30/500. Your prescriber or pharmacist may discuss alternative options, such as: Paracetamol on its own or a plan to slowly reduce the amount of co-co-codamol you take replacing doses of co-codamol with paracetamol instead.”
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The Department of Health (DoH) confirmed that co-codamol has been “added to the list of medicines which cannot be hoarded or exported from the UK”. Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Pharmacies are telling us they have struggled to order in supplies of some strengths of co-codamol, with a number reporting that supply disruption will last at least until June.
“This is a distressing shortage and pharmacists are trying their best to help patients manage severe pain. In some instances, alternatives are being prescribed. Where pharmacies have supplies, they will doing all they can to manage them to ensure patients get the medication they need.”
He added: “We face ever growing issues with medicine supplies which are compounded by the NHS not funding the full cost pharmacies have to pay to get the medicines patients need. The government must urgently act to address a growing list of medicine shortages impacting patients and pharmacists alike, who end up at the sharp end of an increasingly difficult medicine supply system.
“One thing they could easily to is allow pharmacists to make simple, safe substitutions to prescriptions where an item is out of stock, and save patients having to return to their GP without medication.”
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The Department of Health and Social Care issued a notice this month warning that some of the tablets will be in short supply between February and July 2026. The NHS states that prescribers are being advised not to begin new patients on the drug, reports the Mirror.
Existing patients should also be switched to other alternatives such as paracetamol 500mg tablets, which will remain available during this period.
King Charles removed Andrew from public duties – but a new tell-all book says William has been at odds with his uncle for some time
Kirstie McCrum and Gemma Strong Lifestyle Writer
08:00, 14 Feb 2026
William wanted Andrew banished and rowed with Charles over ‘stain on Royal Family’
A blistering new book reveals the truth behind the difficult relationship between Prince William and his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
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‘William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story’ has been wrriten by The Mirror‘s royal editor Russell Myers, drawing on his many years of experience following the royal couple. Set to be published on February 26, it’s the first joint biography of the Prince and Princess of Wales in more a decade.
The book reveals the blistering rows which have taken place behind closed doors as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s exile from the royal family has been years in the making. Following his ascension to the throne in September 2022, King Charles removed Andrew from public duties and stripped him of his HRH.
In October 2025 he delivered the final blow, evicting his disgraced younger brother and revoking his prince title, before unceremoniously kicking him out under the cover of darkness earlier this month. Now, he’s just a commoner, reports The Mirror.
Given the level of public outrage directed at Andrew through his association with Jeffrey Epstein, Charles was left with little option but to take decisive action. But it’s a decision his eldest son, Prince William, would have taken far earlier.
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According to the author, William’s negative view of his uncle long predated his very public fall from grace. The prince saw Andrew as a ‘bit of an ignoramus’ and questioned what he actually did. “But it was more than that.
He’d seen how Andrew behaved in front of staff, ordering people about, the aggressive or dismissive manner, they’d never seen eye to eye,” Myers writes.
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But it was the ex-duke’s association with convicted paedophile Epstein that proved insurmountable. William strongly believed that immediate action should be taken following Andrew’s now-infamous Newsnight interview in 2019. While, unbelievably, Andrew believed the interview had ‘gone well’, it was widely seen as a disaster – not just for the then-prince, but for the monarchy at large.
Myers reveals that in the aftermath, William spoke to his father to implore him and the late Queen to take action – fearing not only the public backlash but for his own future. Both William and Kate were angered by Andrew’s failure to apologise for his connection to Epstein, or acknowledge the victims of sexual abuse, the new book reveals. They are both said to be wholly aligned on the subject of Andrew.
A source told the author that William thought Andrew should be removed from the picture immediately ‘before the rot set in further’. “William’s view was that he [Andrew] got himself into the whole mess, so he should be left to his own devices to sort it out away from the family,” they said.
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Then, in August 2021, more humiliation came for the monarchy. Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Epstein who died by suicide last year, filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew in New York, alleging sexual assault when she was 17. The case, filed under the Child Victims Act, proceeded despite attempts to dismiss it. As a result, in January 2022, the late Queen stripped her second son of his honorary military titles, royal patronages, and the use of the “His Royal Highness” (HRH) style. The case was ultimately settled out of court the following month, with the Queen, Prince Philip and the then-Prince Charles reportedly loaning Andrew £12million to pay Giuffre off.
Issues once again arose at Christmas time in 2023. The King extended an olive branch to Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and invited them both to Sandringham (it was Sarah’s first invite in 32 years).
Charles’s decision to bring his brother back into the family fold was something William fundamentally disagreed with and he challenged his father directly- however, a source with knowledge of the conversation said that William was “very much put in his place”.
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But, as the prince predicted, the harmony was short-lived. The start of 2024 saw renewed and intense scrutiny following the unsealing of US court documents brought in 2015 by Andrew’s accuser Giuffre, against Ghislaine Maxwell, who procured underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein to abuse. It was claimed that then-Duke of York had indulged in ‘daily massages’ during frequent visits to Epstein’s Florida mansion. Allegations that he had taken part in an ‘underage orgy’ also resurfaced.
Outraged, William again implored the King to act, by stripping Andrew of his remaining titles and ‘banishing’ him from the family for good in order to protect the reputation of the institution. Charles, meanwhile, was believed to be attempting to honour the wishes of his late mother, the Queen, who believed that her second son would one day be exonerated. As such, he stopped short of pushing for his banishment. “By contrast, William made it clear that once he became king there would be no such mercy.”
One palace source told Myers: “His view was crystal clear, Andrew shouldn’t be anywhere near the family under any circumstances, not by association, not at family functions, anywhere. Every single time there was a new revelation, which no one knew when it was coming or what the next one would be, it was a stain on all of the family.”
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Then, in October 2025, a newly leaked email showed that Andrew told Epstein ‘we are in this together’ after a picture of the royal with his arm around a teenage Virginia Giuffre was first published in 2011. The email appeared to contradict his previous claim on BBC Newsnight that he had ceased contact with the convicted child sex offender by that point.
Days later, Andrew announced he was giving up his titles, including the Duke of York, following “discussion with the King”. In a statement, he said that the “continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family “.
Then, at the end of that same month, came the final blow. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew was losing his ‘Prince’ title, now becoming known as simply Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The palace also said Andrew has been served formal notice to surrender his lease on Royal Lodge, his 30-room Windsor mansion.
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Nevertheless, the ‘Andrew problem’ continues to haunt the royals. While he has now been whisked away to live in Sandringham, away from the public gaze, scandal continues to follow Andrew with the release of the most recent Epstein files. There are now calls for him to give evidence before the US Congress, while police have said they are investigating Andrew over reports he shared confidential reports from his role as the UK’s trade envoy with sex offender Epstein.
On 9 February, William and Kate broke their public silence over Andrew’s involvement in the Epstein files. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
A short time later, Charles also issued a statement. “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” a Palace spokesman said. “While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect.”
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It’s clear there is no way back for Andrew, with both the King and his heir now aligned on the matter. The decision to evict him from Royal Lodge under the cover of darkness earlier this month reportedly came after an “urgent meeting” held between Charles and William at Sandringham. The final straw, according to royal sources, was the sight of Andrew trotting around the Windsor estate on his horse, and waving at members of the public.
The disgraced former Prince made his last appearance with the royal family when he attended the funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on 16 September 2025, accompanied by his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. It was an extraordinary gathering. Andrew, laughing and smiling at times, was seen trying to strike up a conversation with William – to no avail.
Andrew, 65, continues to deny any wrongdoing. He is also said to be in complete denial about his dramatic fall from grace.
The two separate power cuts were reported just before 9.30pm on the evening of Friday February 13 towards the north of Horwich and in Astley Bridge.
Electricity North West says 55 homes and business have been left without power in Horwich and 13 in Astley Bridge.
The company said: “This power cut has been caused by an unexpected incident with the underground cable that provides electricity to your home or business.
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“We didn’t know before your electricity went off that this was going to happen but now we know, rest assured we will get your power back on safely and as quickly as possible.”
“Please note that all our timescales are estimated based on previous experience and may change if new information becomes available while our engineers are fixing the issue.
“With underground power cuts, we may need to dig to repair the cable and this can sometime extend the length of time you are without power.”
On Friday night a member of the public reported that the Green Lane area in Horwich had been in “darkness and unsafe for pedestrians”.
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Electricity North West say the expected time for power to be restored at the Astley Bridge properties is around 11.23am on Saturday morning.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for large parts of the country as Arctic maritime air sweeps across the country, bringing the risk of heavy snow in some regions.
The forecaster has warned of difficult travel conditions and urged people to take “extra care” on the roads.
Met Office warns of heavy snow in UK amid weather warnings
A yellow warning for ice has been issued across Wales and central and southern England.
This alert came into effect at 5pm on Friday and will remain in place until 10am on Saturday.
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The Met Office said icy surfaces might lead to difficult travel conditions with potential for “some injuries” from slips and falls.
Parts of the north east of England and northern Scotland are also covered with a warning for snow and ice, which came into force at 4pm on Friday and runs until 10am on Saturday.
A further yellow warning for snow and ice stretching from Derby to Scotland will begin on Saturday evening and continue into Sunday morning.
The Met Office said snow in these areas could be “heavy at times” and cause “some disruption to travel”.
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Forecasters said: “Accumulations of 1-3cm (of snow) will be possible at low levels, with 3-7cm possible above about 150m elevation, and perhaps 10-15cm above 400m.”
Rebekah Hicks, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Snow is likely ahead of the rain across northern England and Scotland and could reach lower levels at times on Saturday night into Sunday.
“The snow will gradually turn to rain as the front moves east across the country on Sunday.
“The rain may be heavy at times and it will be windy in coastal areas.
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“Additional warnings may be required.
“We encourage the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any warnings that may be issued.”
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has urged the public to remain “vigilant” amid the ongoing flood risk.
Recommended reading:
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There are currently 75 flood warnings and 151 flood alerts in place across the country.
Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding.
“So far, more than 24,000 homes and business have been protected but sadly around 330 have suffered flooding and our thoughts are with those communities affected.”
Is your area due to be affected by snow this weekend? Let us know in the comments.
We spoke with a makeup artist, who explained the best blusher colours and placement on your cheeks too. (Picture: Metro/Getty)
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When it comes to makeup, we’ve all pretty much got our routines down, right? We mostly know the products that work best for us.
However, there is one key step that you might be missing that will take your look from everyday to pure glam, and that is blush.
Cooling Water Jelly Tint, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand, but if you’re a complete novice to the product, how do you go about finding the right one for you? How do you know if there is a better shade match than the one you have? Blusher can completely transform a look, so we’ve spoken to Professional Makeup Artist for over 30 years, Kate Hughes, to dive into all that there is to know.
‘When it comes to blushers, the goal is to mimic a natural flush. A classic trick is to look at the colour of your cheeks after a workout or a brisk walk.’
‘For fair skin: look for soft pinks, peaches, or light lilacs. Anything too dark can look like a bruise; sheer is your friend. Medium/olive skin tones can handle richer pigments like rosy pinks, warm ambers, and bright corals. Olive undertones look incredible in warm berry shades.
Then, for deeper skin shades, go bold. High pigment terracotta, deep berries, and bright oranges show up beautifully. Don’t be afraid of colours that look scary in the pan, they melt into deep skin tones for a natural glow.’
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We’ve never met a shade of Merit Flush Balms we didn’t like. (Picture: Metro/Merit)
Merit’s Flush Balms, £26, are one of our top recommended blushers. They come available in over 12 shades, so if you’re following Kate’s advice, you will be able to find a suitable shade for yourself. ‘It’s a great product for beginners to effectively build up coverage without overdoing it. Just swipe and blend with either your finger or a brush.’ It’s also a great size to pop in your bag in case you need a little reapply throughout the day.
This cream product packs a punch when it comes to pigment. (Picture: Metro/Saie)
Another excellent lightweight option is Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Flush, £22. The brand combines skin-loving ingredients such as evening primrose and mulberry extract with their formulas to create an overall seamless look. This will leave a more dewy, wet-look whilst appearing natural. Follow Kate’s advice and go bold with their Hottie shade.
We love e.l.f products. (Picture: Metro/e.l.f)
e.l.f Primer-Infused Matte Blush is an affordable powder alternative. This 2-in-1 long-wear blush is infused with Vitamin E and jojoba seed oil and has a primer formula to minimize shine, leave a smooth, matte finish and works to boost its staying powder.
When it comes to where to place your blush, Kate suggests ‘To lift, apply to the high points of the cheekbones and blend upward toward your temples. This gives a snatched, fresh look. For a sun-kissed look, apply across the bridge of your nose and the apples of your cheeks. This mimics where the sun naturally hits. If you want fullness, apply directly to the apples (the fleshy part when you smile) for a soft, rounded look.
There’s both a cream and powdered blush in this duo from Collection Cosmetics. (Picture: Metro/Collection Cosmetics)
The golden rule: start with a tiny amount. You can always add more, but it’s much harder to take it off once it’s there.’
‘If you’re a complete novice, start with a cream or liquid formula. They are much more forgiving than powders because you can blend them out with your fingers if you accidentally apply too much. Powders are best for oily skin or a matte finish. It can last a long time, but it can sometimes look chalky on dry skin.
Whereas creams are best for a dewy, lit-from-within look. Great for dry or mature skin. Then, liquid/gels are very lightweight and usually give a watercolour-like transparency. Stains dry almost instantly, so if you’re confident with placement and blending, they do last all day.’
This is both a highlight and blusher in one, and looks gorgeous on the skin. (Picture: Metro/Hourglass)
Kate’s go-to blushers that she loves are ‘My favourite inexpensive option is Collection Cosmetics Duo Blush, as it has both cream and powder blush in seeing double (great for layering), and it’s only £4.99. Whereas a more expensive option I always reach for is Hourglass’s Ambient Lightning Blush in Sublime Flush, which costs £46. It’s such a great colour that suits almost everyone.’
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans may be willing to stick with President Donald Trump through almost anything, but his recent push to seize control of Greenland has turned off many in his own party, according to a new AP-NORC poll.
The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the issue of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. That’s higher than the share who dislike how he’s handling foreign policy generally, suggesting that Trump’s Greenland approach has created a weak spot for the administration. About 24% of American adults approve of Trump’s Greenland approach.
Even Republicans aren’t thrilled. About half disapprove of his attempt to turn the icebound landmass into American territory, something that Trump has insisted is critical for national security in the Arctic, while about half approve.
The poll was conducted Feb. 5-8, which is after Trump had made the decision to scrap tariffs designed to pressure European countries into supporting U.S. control of Greenland, but after his weekslong push for American intervention over the island.
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About half of Republicans disapprove of Trump on Greenland
Trump’s base is normally unwavering behind him, so Greenland stands out as an exception.
The marks represent Trump’s lowest ratings among Republicans on a list of key issues in the poll, including the economy and immigration — where about 8 in 10 approve — and foreign policy generally. About 7 in 10 Republicans approve of his overall foreign policy approach.
Trump has argued that the U.S. needs Greenland to counter threats from Russia and China in the Arctic region, despite America already having a military presence there.
Other recent polls, including a Pew Research Center survey conducted in January, found that Republicans were largely divided on whether the U.S. should take over Greenland, while Americans overall were opposed.
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Ayman Amir, a 46-year-old Trump supporter from Houston, Texas, said he agrees that Greenland holds strategic importance for the United States’ military. But that doesn’t mean he thinks Trump should claim it.
“We can’t take it by force. We don’t have a right to do that,” Amir said. “You can’t blame Russia for what they do in Ukraine and then do the same thing. You can’t do this.”
The president dropped his threats to seize the territory by force late last month after saying a framework for a deal over access to Greenland was reached with help from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The clash represents just one of the moves Trump has made to strain relationships with key allies over the last year. Western leaders are focusing on trans-Atlantic tensions this week at the Munich Security Conference.
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On Greenland, Trump has few vocal supporters at home or abroad.
Even as Trump made significant moves to obtain control of Greenland, his overall approval on the issue of foreign policy has remained steady. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump’s approach to foreign policy, a measure that’s been unchanged in recent months.
Young Republicans especially disapprove of Greenland approach
Younger Republicans are especially likely to disapprove of how Trump is handling the situation.
About 6 in 10 Republicans under 45 say they disapprove of his leadership on Greenland, compared to about 4 in 10 older Republicans.
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That 4 in 10 who approve of Trump’s Greenland actions is much lower than young Republicans’ approval on issues of foreign policy, the economy, or immigration.
Independent voter Aaron Gunnoe, 29, an engineer from Marion, Ohio, was baffled by Trump’s aggressive posture on the NATO ally.
“It’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” he said. “It’s owned by somebody else. That should be the end of it.”
___
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The AP-NORC poll of 1,156 adults was conducted Feb. 5-8 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. The margin of sampling error for Republicans overall is plus or minus 6.1 percentage points.
Juniper Granola, LLC, based in Rochester, New York, has recalled its Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars because they may contain undeclared milk and soy, according to a press release shared Thursday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Since the two ingredients aren’t listed on the snacks’ label, customers who are allergic to soy or milk “run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction” if they consume the products, per the press release.
Juniper Granola became aware of the undeclared allergens and opened an investigation after a customer reported having an allergic reaction to milk after consuming one of the bars. During the investigation, the company discovered that the issue was caused by an oversight in the company’s evaluation process, which resulted in a box of non-vegan chocolate chips, containing milk and soy, being used during production.
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Junebars, high-fiber snack bars made with whole foods, are usually made with dairy-free and soy-free chocolate chips, prompting the recall immediately after the error was discovered.
Junebars have been recalled over a manufacturing error (Courtesy of the FDA)
The recall affects Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars that are stamped with the label L1300, L1300A, L1300B, or L1301A.
Recalled bars were available to order on Juniper Granola’s website and distributed to various retailers in January 2026.
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Consumers with the snack bars should throw them away immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Milk and soy are identified as one of the nine major food allergies in the U.S., along with wheat, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame, according to the FDA. Allergic reactions to these nine foods vary but can involve “hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms, often called anaphylaxis, that may involve fatal respiratory problems and shock.”
Snack bars were recalled after a customer had an allergic reaction to undeclared milk (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Many snacks and sweet treats have been pulled from shelves due to serious allergy risks. Last month, thousands of units of M&M’s products were recalled across 20 states because their packaging did not include proper allergen warnings.
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The recall was announced by the FDA after it emerged that more than 6,000 units had been repackaged by Beacon Promotions Inc. without advisories that they may contain milk, soy and peanuts.
In December, 50-pound multi-wall bags of cake mixes, distributed by B.C. Williams Bakery Service, were recalled due to an undeclared milk allergen that was not listed on the label. It is not yet known where the mixes were sold or distributed.
The Reds will be without four defenders for the Seagulls’ visit, including both right-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.
He has employed a variety of deputies there this season, but his latest option, Wataru Endo, suffered a serious injury in a midweek defeat of Sunderland.
“We still need to do some assessment but it is clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time,” Slot said of Endo ahead of the match. “You can hardly believe what this right full-back position brings us this season.”
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It remains to be seen who will get the nod at right-back on Sunday. Joe Gomez is not yet thought to be fully match fit, having recently returned from an injury of his own, but Dominik Szoboszlai is available again after serving a red card suspension.
Liverpool will fancy their chances against Brighton, though, as the Seagulls visit Anfield having won just two of their last 15 matches.
Here’s how to follow the action…
How to watch Liverpool vs Brighton
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TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog!
CS Beef Packers, LLC, based in Kuna, Idaho, announced the recall of approximately 22,912 pounds of its raw ground beef products in a report shared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service Wednesday (February 11).
According to the FSIS announcement, the issue was discovered during routine testing, and results showed the presence of E. coliO145, a “Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.” Customers exposed to that strain of E. coli can get sick within only two to eight days.
The USDA has identified the recall risk level as high or medium (Class I), which is when there is a probability that there can be serious or adverse health consequences, including death, from consuming the products.
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The recall affects three different ground beef items, which were all produced on January 14, 2026. One product recalled is eight 10-lb. chubs of “BEEF, COARSE GROUND, 73 L” with the case code 18601.
In addition, four 10-lb. chubs of “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 73L,” with the case code 19583, and four 10-lb. chubs of “FIRE RIVER FARMS CLASSIC BEEF FINE GROUND 81L,” with the case code 19563, are being recalled.
Routine testing discovered that approximately 22,912 pounds of raw ground beef may have been contaminated with the disease causing baterium (Getty Images)
The packaging of all three beef products has the use/freeze by date of February 4, 2026, and two stickers with time stamps between 07:03 and 08:32, indicating when, on January 14, it was produced.
All the products also bear the establishment number “EST. 630,” printed directly onto the clear packaging of the chub, according to the FSIS announcement.
The recalled items were shipped to distributors in California, Idaho and Oregon “for further distribution to foodservice locations.”
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While there haven’t been any reported illnesses due to the consumption of the products, consumers should throw the ground beef away immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
People who are infected with E. coli O145 can develop symptoms like diarrhea, which is often bloody, and vomiting, per the FSIS report. While some illnesses can be severe and last up to a week, vigorous rehydration and rest are the typical treatments for the infection.
This isn’t the first time that multiple beef products in the U.S. have sparked E. coli concerns. In December, Mountain West Food Group, LLC, recalled approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O26, another variation of “Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.”
The recalled raw ground beef was in 16-ounce, vacuum-sealed packages containing the label “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF,” with the “USE OR FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083” on the side of the packaging. It was also sent to distributors who sold to six states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
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Other food-borne illnesses were a huge cause of concern last year. In September, Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California, recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of various pasta products after they were linked to a listeria outbreak, which began in August 2024.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate many foods, with infections caused by eating food with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Although symptoms can vary, a listeria infection can “cause invasive illness and intestinal illness.”
Elliott Patrick from Well Pharmacy is urging anyone with suspicions to meticulously check for evidence of bed bugs, which jump from person to person through clothes and furniture.
Elliott’s warning comes after recent reports of a rise in the nighttime blood suckers with pest control call outs increasing by 62% since April last year.
While bed bug bites can be itchy, they rarely cause any other health problems, however they are a huge nuisance and once they get into your home, can spread easily.
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Travelling at speeds of up to 100 feet per hour and able to hide in any tiny crevices across your bed, the bugs can prove to be hard to spot.
Below are the tell-tale signs that you have got an unwelcome visitor in your bed that needs to be dealt with.
Raised and itchy bites
Bed bugs feast on exposed skin while people sleep – arms, neck and face are all ideal spots to draw blood.
A day or two after first contact, the skin will become raised and itchy – but it is important not to scratch as that could potentially cause an infection.
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Instead, use a cold, wet cloth to soothe any itching sensation on raised bites which usually clear up on their own over a week or two.
Spots of blood on your bedding
When making your bed in the morning, look for little patches of blood on the bedding, these could be signs of bedbugs.
When the bed bugs bite, they break the skin leaving small amounts of blood on the skin, which brushes off in the night.
It is also possible that the blood is actually a deceased bedbug that has been killed in the night by a person rolling onto them and squashing them.
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Blood spots on bedding means acting fast – stripping the bedding to put on a hot wash of at least 60C before being tumbled dried for half an hour on a hot setting.
Small brown spots on furniture or bedding
Brown spots on furniture and bedding suggests a high chance of bed bugs – this is their poo.
The same advice applies about washing bedding – it is crucial to act fast and wash on high heat.
Clean and vacuum regularly to take care of any hiding spots that bed bugs are using.
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Once you have dealt with the bed bugs in your home, head to your local Well Pharmacy to speak to an expert under the Pharmacy First service.
Anyone aged at least one year old can be treated by a pharmacist in-store from diagnosis to treatment including infected bed bug bites.
Often, antihistamines will be the over-the-counter solution offered – but for those over the age of 10, a mild steroid cream might also be the best way to deal with the bed bug bites.
Elliott Patrick from Well Pharmacy said: “While not a life threatening issue, bed bugs are often itchy and uncomfortable but perhaps worse they can leave people with feelings of despair at something they may feel is beyond their control.
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“If you suspect you or close friend or family member has bed bugs, I would urge you to seek out a pharmacist who can quickly identify the tell-tale signs and act swiftly.
“At Well, we want patients to know that in just 10 minutes, we can have the solution to your medical issue.
“A quick assessment by one of our trained pharmacy colleagues will see you both diagnosed and then treated in the same place without the need for a GP appointment.
“In-store from door to door you will get the advice and treatments required to ensure that you can go about your day with the treatment required to treat the irritating bites in the quickest time.”
It is a clash between two sides with contrasting fortunes in the opening round, as the injury-hit Irish fell 36-14 to dominant holders France in Paris while the Azzurri showcased their improving rugby prowess by downing Scotland 18-15 last weekend.
Ireland boss Andy Farrell will that result and the return to home soil can spark an instant response from his squad, and he has made six changes to his XV.
Ulster team-mates Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu make their Six Nations debuts on the right wing and at blindside flanker, respectively, while James Lowe comes in on the left wing and Craig Casey replaces Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half. James Ryan, meanwhile, is given the nod at lock over Tadhg Beirne while Jack Conan starts at No 8, meaning captain Caelan Doris moves over to the openside.
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Italy were missing several key players through injury for their shock win over the Scots and Gonzalo Quesada has been forced into one change, ruling out centre Juan Ignacio Brex due to family reasons.
The Italy boss has therefore reshuffled the positions of his backline but otherwise keeps faith in his round one lineup.
It has been 13 years since the most recent of Italy’s four wins over Ireland, but last week will give the visitors plenty of confidence in aiming for a rare Dublin win.
Where to watch Ireland vs Italy
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TV channel: In the UK, Ireland vs Italy is being shown live and free to air on ITV1 and STV, with coverage on both channels beginning at 1pm GMT on Saturday February 7, 2026, ahead of kick-off at 2:10pm GMT (or 3:30pm in Italy).
Live stream: Live coverage of the game will also be available for online streaming via the ITVX website and app, which is free with a registration.
Live blog: You can also follow the action as it happens at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday right here with us, in Standard Sport’s dedicated live blog.