The letter, signed by relatives of 27 patients who have died or suffered infections, says more reassurances are needed around the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH

Families of those affected by infections linked to a flagship hospital in Glasgow have written to John Swinney, saying the facility is still not safe.

The letter, signed by relatives of 27 patients who have died or suffered infections, says more reassurances are needed around the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH). An inquiry is examining the hospital due to patient deaths and infections linked to contaminated water and ventilation systems.

The Crown Office is also examining the deaths of seven patients at the hospital, examining possible links to the hospital environment. The letter to the First Minister, signed by 91 people, was first reported in the Mail On Sunday.

It said: “We believe it is right that you hear our position, in our words, direct from the people who have lost their children, their soul mates and those whose lives have been forever changed… While our journeys started at different times, we share one common aim – no family should ever again go through what we have.”

When the issue was raised at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Mr Swinney said the water and ventilation system management at the hospital has seen significant improvements, describing it as “exceeding standard guidance”. However the letter from the families says more clarity is needed on what standards the hospital is complying with, claiming the current ventilation system poses a risk to immunocompromised patients.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman told the newspaper the public inquiry was established “so that families and patients can get the truth that they deserve”.

She added: “The First Minister thanks the families for their letter, and recognises their dedication to engaging with the inquiry, despite the pain and distress this will inevitably be causing.”

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board has denied facing political pressure to open the hospital early.

During FMQs on Thursday, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the Government of ignoring a report about the safety of the children’s hospital at the QEUH campus before it opened. Mr Swinney accused his opponent of playing politics with the issue and urged him to “respect” Lord Brodie’s ongoing Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.

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A balding man who had long hair decided to take drastic action when he noticed his locks were starting to thin. Now people say he looks ‘a million times better’

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Opting for a dramatic haircut can be a significant decision. Whether you’re seeking an entirely new look or fancy a completely different hairstyle, it all requires considerable thought.

One man, who was already experiencing hair loss, finally decided to completely transform his locks – and the result certainly garnered approval on social media. The bloke had been sporting a fairly long hairstyle with some facial hair, but clearly aware of his receding hairline, he chose to take action. Now photos reveal his hair before the dramatic cut and then him completely bald, evidently much happier with his new glowing appearance.

On the r/bald forum on Reddit, the caption stated: “Couple hours in and have heard I made the right choice.”

He added: “Well. I loved my long hair but the top was long gone. Hopefully I made the right choice.”

The man displayed the top of his head where his hair was thinning and receding. His new look resonated with fans as the post received 18,000 upvotes and over 600 comments.

One person commented: “1000% you look hot.” Another chimed in: “You look great. Blade shave to unlock the next level.”

A third remarked: “You absolutely made the right choice. You look great! Welcome to the club!” And a fourth added: “You are an entire different man.”

While others praised his transformation, someone else said he looks ‘a million times better’.

The well-known forum, which attracts 1.3million weekly visitors and 21,000 weekly contributions, seeks to encourage numerous men to embrace baldness.

In its description, it stated: “Our philosophy is simple: embrace bald and strive to make the world a more bald-friendly place.”

It added: “As we grow and mature everyone experiences the aging process a little differently, for most of us here, that includes varying degrees of hair-loss.

“It is natural. And it is nothing to be ashamed of – here we’ll support each other and learn to take pride in our baldness.”

This isn’t the first occasion a balding man has chosen to take decisive action. Previously, one man took the leap and now appears 8 years younger.

In his post, he uploaded before-and-after photographs. One displayed his receding hairline, whilst the other showed a completely shaved head.

He commented: “I did it! Before and after. Lurked on this sub for a few months. Not sure I would have taken the plunge without the positivity in the community.”

BBC Breakfast presenter Roger Johnson announced the news that a legendary actor was making a comeback.

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BBC Breakfast presenter Roger Johnson has revealed some thrilling news for soap enthusiasts during today’s show (Sunday 15 February). The host sat alongside Sarah Campbell on the red sofa to guide viewers through this weekend’s headlines. At one point, Roger announced “big news” as he confirmed a “legend” in the world of soaps was staging a significant comeback.

Taking a break from Olympics coverage, Roger shared: “Big news from Albert Square, Grant is coming back. Actor Ross Kemp is set to return to the BBC soap EastEnders.” Sarah replied: “Oh he’s a legend, isn’t he? The 61-year-old will take up his role playing, of course, Grant Mitchell, for a short stint, after briefly returning to Walford a year ago for the show’s 40th anniversary,” reports the Mirror.

READ MORE: BBC Breakfast hosts share special announcement moments in to showREAD MORE: ITV Masked Singer winner Moth crowned and she’s part of British pop royalty

“The actor said he was truly delighted and honoured to be a part of two significant storylines.” Before transitioning to the weather, Roger added: “Excellent, that’ll be good, won’t it?” Gameshow host Ross’ comeback was confirmed by the BBC just hours ago, as he’ll be reprising his iconic role as Phil Mitchell’s brother for a short while.

“I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year,” he said in a statement. Meanwhile, executive producer Ben Wadey shared a statement as the BBC confirmed the news, and said the soap was “absolutely thrilled” to welcome Ross back in “the legendary role of Grant”.

He further commented: “The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders’ defining dynasties, and we can’t wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him…”. Grant was last seen on the show in February 2025, when he returned during a difficult storyline focused on his brother Phil’s (Steve McFadden) mental health.

He then returned to his home in Portugal, but is now said to be coming back to Walford after being called upon by his estranged son Mark. An EastEnders spokesperson said: “Grant Mitchell is set to make a dramatic return to Walford this spring with Ross Kemp reprising the iconic role for a short stint. Grant was last seen in February 2025, returning briefly to Albert Square for the show’s 40th anniversary due to Nigel’s concerns about Phil’s deteriorating mental health.

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“This year, Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage. Grants’ arrival on Albert Square also comes amidst the deteriorating health of long time family friend Nigel. While full details of Grant’s comeback remain under wraps, viewers can expect explosive drama.”

Ross added that “it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline”, which he says “holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life”. Fans have shared their excitement, with one writing: “It will be great to see him back again can’t wait to see what’s in store.” Another said: “The one character we’ll never get tired of making returns!” as a third added: “Always good to have Ross back.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am

BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.

Starting from Saturday February 14 Manchester Picadilly has closed platforms 1 to 12 for nine days to allow the £7.9M upgrade to take place.

There will be no services to and from London, the Midlands or eastwards over the Pennines until February 22.

Platforms 13 and 14 will stay open during this period but with a reduced service, while trains from Preston and Bolton will terminate at Manchester Victoria or Manchester Oxford Road. 

A Network Rail statement said: “Nearly eight million pounds, £7.9M, is being invested to improve tracks, points and signalling systems on the southern approach to Manchester Piccadilly station which date back to the 1980s.

“Teams will replace 11 sets of points, renew timber sleepers with modern, concrete equivalents and bring lineside equipment bang up to date across six lines to improve future journeys for passengers and freight.

“Investment in this critical stretch of track has been long awaited, as any issues with the ageing infrastructure can disrupt all trains running in and out of Manchester.”

The works at Manchester Piccadilly are expected to be completed by Sunday February 22.

More information can be found on Network Rail’s website.

For the first time in Olympic history, two cities are jointly hosting the Games: Cortina d’Ampezzo, a pretty ski resort in Italy’s spectacular Dolomites, and Milan, the country’s second largest city, 410km away. This will be Cortina’s second time hosting the Winter Games, after its successful event 70 years ago in 1956. It will be the first time Milan has ever hosted the Games. But how are host cities actually chosen and who is eligible?

Initially there were six other cities in the running: Stockholm-Åre, Sweden; Calgary, Canada; Graz, Austria; Erzurum, Turkey; Sapporo, Japan; and Sion, Switzerland. In June 2019, at the 134th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lausanne, IOC members voted to elect Milan-Cortina as the host cities for the 2026 Winter Games. The two were declared the winning bid with 47 votes and runner up Stockholm-Åre received 34 votes.

As part of its Agenda 2020 reforms in 2014, the IOC replaced its traditional system of cities tendering bids with a new approach based on targeted invitations to host the 2024 Games. Before these reforms, the bidding system was highly competitive as it involved numerous cities putting their names forward via their National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

Interested cities often incurred huge expense as they traversed through the various stages. At the end only one city was chosen and cities that were unsuccessful were discouraged from applying to host future Olympic events.

The current process is referred to as the “new norm” and has paved the way for the hosting of Games by more than one city as host. It was redefined broadly to include multiple cities, regions or countries, and reflects a shift toward a more collaborative, flexible and sustainability oriented approach.

The use of more than one city will decrease the need for expensive new facilities being built. In Cortina, the sites that hosted the 1956 Games will be repurposed for use once more as will be the facilities used in the Torino Winter Games from 2006.

Positive change

There has been a notable move from an overtly competitive system to one based on dialogue. The first step involves an informal exchange between the IOC, the NOC and the city or region. The second step is predicated on there being a positive response from the informal exchange and an interest from all involved to proceed.

This phase involves the “interested party” refining its Olympic project and it is not attached to a particular Game edition or year. The IOC offers bespoke support to the interested party and helps it develop its Games plan and vision. Central to that is the aim of maximising the benefits for local communities.

At this juncture, there is no written submission or legal or financial assurances in place. The IOC carries out a feasibility study and arranges for an independent human rights assessment by a specialist focusing on the city or region under consideration.

Once a positive feasibility study is received and assuming that the human rights evaluation has not raised any concerns, the process moves to the targeted dialogue phase with the designated “preferred hosts”.

The stage entails extensive consultation with the International Sports Federations, as well as the commissioning of independent reports assessing venue-related costs, levels of public support and potential environmental impacts.

The IOC’s executive board can put forward one or more preferred hosts for election. Preferred hosts are free to withdraw at this stage and return to the dialogue stage and interested parties are encouraged to continue to collaborate with the IOC for hosting a future Olympics. If required, the executive board holds a secret electronic ballot following a presentation by the preferred host(s). Upon election, the contract is immediately signed.

Learning from the past

The impetus for this new way of selecting hosts can be traced to the fallout from the Salt Lake City scandal, which exposed significant weaknesses in the bidding system in the late 1990s.

In November 1998, the IOC became embroiled in a scandal after it emerged that the daughter of an IOC member received a scholarship to attend a US university which was funded by the Salt Lake Organising Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics. While it may have appeared somewhat innocuous, the reporting of the scholarship was just the beginning.

What followed was something no one could have envisaged. The United States Department of Justice carried out an investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption among IOC members. Prosecutors filed criminal charges – bribery, conspiracy and fraud – against two IOC members. However, both were acquitted after the judge concluded that the case was unfounded, noting the complete absence of criminal intent. The conduct of IOC officials also reached the US Congress, as I explore in my book, Sport and the Law.

In an interesting turn of events, Salt Lake City has been successful in its bid to host the XXVII Olympic Winter Games in 2034. It secured 83 votes in favour, and six against out of 89 valid votes .

In the wake of the reputational fallout from the Salt Lake City scandal, the IOC recognised the importance of good governance. The new bidding process represents a significant streamlining compared to previous models, and the transition can largely be viewed as a constructive step. It embraces sustainability, the reduction of costs for the host (largely supported by public funding), the importance of human rights, and maximising profits for the local economy.

For Milan-Cortina, hosting the Winter Games places the two cities on the global stage. As a historic dual pairing, Milan gets to showcase its role as a hub for ice sports. Aside from hosting the snow events, Cortina also gets to revisit its Olympic legacy 70 years after staging its first Winter Games.

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Large swathes of Britain are bracing for continued disruption as a yellow weather warning for snow and ice remains in effect across much of Scotland and parts of England until Sunday morning. The Met Office has cautioned that heavy snowfall and icy conditions could lead to significant travel delays.

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has urged the public to remain vigilant amid widespread flood risks. As of Saturday night, 74 flood warnings and 163 flood alerts were active across England.

Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, confirmed that while more than 24,000 homes and businesses have been successfully protected, approximately 330 properties have unfortunately been inundated.

The yellow warning for snow and ice stretches from Derby northwards, covering the majority of Scotland. The Met Office predicts that snow could be “heavy at times,” with accumulations of 1-3cm possible at lower elevations, rising to 3-7cm above 150m, and potentially 10-15cm on ground higher than 400m.

Forecasters also highlighted ice as an additional hazard, particularly across north-east England and parts of Scotland, where precipitation falling on frozen ground could create “very slippery conditions.” The snow is expected to transition to rain into Sunday morning, with a brief spell of freezing rain possible in some locations, before clearing eastwards and a gradual thaw begins.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst indicated that Sunday will start blustery for many, with showery rain and some hill snow. Milder air will push into the south west, potentially bringing temperatures of 12C to parts of Cornwall and Devon, while eastern areas will remain cooler at around 4C or 5C.

The coming week is set to begin unsettled and blustery with further showers nationwide, easing by Tuesday. Another weather system is anticipated on Wednesday, bringing more unsettled conditions, before Thursday is expected to be drier.

EXCLUSIVE: Content creator Josh Wilkinson says his life has become “much simpler and happier” since leaving his hometown of Adelaide, Australia

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A 34-year-old Australian has opened up about his reasons for abandoning his hometown of Adelaide, in search of a simpler life. Australia is known for being a go-to destination for British expats, with over one million UK citizens living in hotspots such as Sydney.

The country’s appeal to Britons typically lies in its pleasant climate, stunning coastlines, bustling metropolitan areas, good healthcare provision and abundant employment prospects.

Given such seemingly ideal living conditions, it comes as somewhat unexpected that a long-term resident would contemplate leaving.

Yet content creator Josh Wilkinson has recently explained precisely why he believes he had little option but to depart.

Cost of living

While acknowledging his appreciation for residing in such a “beautiful place,” the YouTuber expressed that it had increasingly become “hard to live here”.

Describing the expenses from a recent supermarket visit, he expressed particular shock at finding a pineapple priced at 10 Australian dollars (approximately £5).

“Australia is not really what it was 10/20 years ago, which sucks,” he stated on his YouTube channel. “The people running these countries don’t care about protecting the values of the people in that country. And that’s just based on evidence.

“I grew up with a vision in mind of you know getting to this age, having a house, a nice place, you can’t do that anymore, it’s too expensive,” he disclosed. After losing his full-time job unexpectedly and pivoting to content creation last year, Josh now enjoys the flexibility of working remotely from abroad.

Currently based in Bali, he drew comparisons between the costs of living in the two locations and insisted he has no regrets about his choice.

He said: “Australia is that expensive that when you compare it to places in Southeast Asia, it’s literally cheaper to travel and live abroad with a high quality of life, eating good food in good weather, than it is to rent an average little place here [Adelaide].”

Josh’s revelation follows a 25-year-old British man’s story about why he wished to leave Australia and return to the UK.

Culture

Beyond financial considerations, Josh, who also operates the YouTube channel Polarity, revealed that feeling detached from the prevailing culture was another major factor in his decision.

“The culture here kind of sucks if I’m honest, and it’s not just Australia,” he added.

“I’m talking about the West, the Western culture, I’m just not really a fan of it, it’s so consumerism focused.

“Everyone’s just worried about what they have, how they look, their social media.

“And I’m not totally demonizing those things either, obviously I’m talking to you on social media, it’s not like it’s all bad but it’s how much value and focus a country and a place and the people in it put on those things,” he added.

“And what’s actually important in life, you know, climbing a corporate ladder, drinking beers every weekend, obsessing over a local sports team, that kind of is Australian culture. And I’m just not really into it.”

Future plans

Josh has been updating his YouTube followers on his adventures across Bali thus far.

While still based in Australia, he outlined his intentions: “There is lots more around the world, beautiful people, beautiful places. And I’ve always thought how cool it would be just to basically document my journey around the world.

“I’m not planning too far ahead, right now things are kind of vague but basically I’m going to be going around the world and I’m going to take you guys with me and just kind of show that journey. I’m going to be doing it all solo.”

When questioned about a potential return to Australia, he told us: “I’m just travelling around and taking life as it comes right now, life is much simpler and happier in Bali.

“A part of me would love to live in Australia again and maybe I will eventually, but the slow erosion of free speech and implementation of digital ID’s makes me hesitant.”

Merthyr RFC have contacted police and are appealing for parents to stop their children from visiting the club’s home ground without permission

A Welsh rugby club is investigating after a gang of people tried to set fire to its artificial pitch which is worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. According to Merthyr Rugby Club, the incident happened on Saturday evening at The Wern – the club’s home ground.

Club officials say “a small group of individuals attempted to set fire to our artificial playing surface”, adding that it was a “deliberate attempt” to cause damage. For the latest Merthyr Tydfil news, sign up to our newsletter here.

The club has taken action in the hours that have followed the incident by banning unauthorised attendance at The Wern. Police have been made aware of the vandalism and an investigation is underway.

Merthyr RFC posted on social media: “Earlier this evening (Saturday), a small group of individuals attempted to set fire to our artificial playing surface.

“This isn’t just ‘kids being kids’ – it was a deliberate attempt to damage a facility that costs hundreds of thousands of pounds and serves the entire community.

“Due to this incident, we are forced to move to a zero tolerance policy. No unauthorised attendance at The Wern, only those here for arranged training or match days are permitted to enter the facility.

“Only those playing, permitted to enter the field of play. Mandatory Adult/Parental supervision for all Under17s.

“We are working closely with South Wales Police and reviewing multiple CCTV sources. If you live on the Ynysfach Estate and saw anything this evening (Saturday) or have information that could identify those involved, please message us directly.

“If you are a parent/guardian please ensure you discourage visiting, without a reason to do so. The Wern facility is not a meeting point – unauthorised attendance will be treated as trespass. Don’t let a minority spoil it for the majority.”

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Cesc Fabregas slammed former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata after his bizarre red card in Como’s Serie A defeat to Fiorentina.

Como slipped to only their fifth league loss of the season on Saturday, suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to relegation-battlers Fiorentina.

Nicolo Fagioli gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half and ex-Premier League striker Moise Kean doubled Fiorentina’s advantage with a 54th-minute penalty.

Como sensed a late comeback when when Fabiano Parisi scored an own goal but were unable to find an equaliser and even finished the match with ten men.

Morata, who joined Como on loan from AC Milan at the start of the season,only came on as a second-half substitute but did not see out the game, receiving two yellow cards in the space of a minute.

Ex-Real Madrid striker Morata was shown the first following an off-the-ball tussle with Luca Ranieri but appeared to talk himself into a second yellow and was dismissed by referee Matteo Marchetti.

Morata looked bemused as the red card was brandished and he left the pitch but Fabregas had little sympathy for his former Chelsea teammate.

‘Provocation is part of football,’ he told DAZN. ‘Those who can’t live with it should change careers.

‘I expect much more from an experienced player like him. The line between winning and losing is very thin so we shouldn’t find excuses, and we shouldn’t care what others do on the pitch.’

Discussing Como’s defeat more generally, Fabregas added: ‘I’m annoyed that I wasn’t able to help the boys understand the importance of the game.

‘I showed them my experience as a footballer during the week, maybe too much, but it wasn’t enough. We’re a young team.

‘It wasn’t a football match in the second half. Leaving that aside, the game has to be won with the right motivation and energy.

‘I feel bad as a coach, because I wasn’t able to convey this to my players today. Maybe it was in our heads. We made a mistake in our attitude, we have to show more desire.

‘I didn’t like the first half very much, the second half, I repeat, wasn’t a game of football.’

Como were expected to sign Morata on a permanent transfer at the end of his loan spell but his underwhelming stint at the club could force a rethink.

Morata, who helped Spain win the Euros in 2024, has scored just once for Como and is yet to get off the mark in 15 league games.

The 2-1 defeat leaves Como seventh in Serie A – five points outside the Champions League places – while Fiorentina stay 18th but are only in the relegation zone on goal difference.

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