Ten concrete pillars at Newcastle’s six-storey Times Square multi-storey have been reinforced.

MGM Construction carried out the project for the Centre for Life, which believes it is the first of its kind in Europe and could guide other ageing car parks.

Large batteries can make electric vehicles much heavier than equivalent petrol or diesel models, raising concerns about the strain on decades-old structures.

Times Square car park

Phil Burridge, managing director of MGM Construction, said: “While electric vehicles are greener, their huge batteries mean they can weigh up to 600kg more than petrol and diesel cars.

“As more people drive electric vehicles, all that extra weight risks putting undue stress on a car park’s existing concrete pillars.

“When car parks were built decades ago, such heavy vehicles didn’t exist, and the logic was always that cars would get lighter – not heavier.”

Times Square Car Park is widely used by commuters as well as football and music fans because of its proximity to Newcastle city centre, the Utilita Arena and St James’ Park.

Mr Burridge said closing the car park during the work was not realistic because so many people rely on it.

Engineers initially thought three columns needed strengthening, but investigations showed all ten required reinforcement.

Mr Burridge added: “Nothing like this has ever been attempted before, so it took a lot of our team’s expertise and vast skill set to ensure we could do so with minimal disruption whilst, most importantly, keeping the public safe at all times.”

Workers wrapped the pillars in steel collars before pouring high-strength concrete around them during tightly controlled 45-minute windows.

The collars left little room for access, while the concrete took about three days to reach its initial set.

MGM said post-work tests showed the car park was ready to handle future demands.

Mr Burridge said: “Thankfully, our comprehensive testing shows that having future-proofed this car park for electric vehicles, the site is now in phenomenal shape to meet any future demands.

“However, car park operators across the UK will need to ensure that their sites are ‘EV-proof’ and can withstand potentially hundreds of tonnes of extra weight in the coming years.

“We hope that our work can act as a blueprint for other sites going forward.”

Claire Adams, chief operating officer at Life, said the investment would prepare the Newcastle site for changing travel habits and extend the building’s life.

She said: “This investment supports Life’s strategic direction by helping to future-proof an important city-centre asset responsibly and sustainably.

“By strengthening the existing structure, we are preparing Times Square Car Park for changing travel habits, including the growth of electric vehicles, while extending the life of the building.”

It said that rates are highest in the most deprived areas, and Northern Ireland now has the highest infant mortality rate in the UK

Northern Ireland now has the highest infant mortality rate in the UK, paediatricians have said.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said its Northern Ireland-focused briefing, following a recently launched UK State of Child Health 2026 report, should be a “wake-up call” for everyone in the region.

The report provides an overview across the UK, analysing progress against 12 child health indicators, such as infant mortality, mental health, obesity, immunisation, and asthma.

The analysis of Northern Ireland data carried out by the RCPCH said that infant mortality in Northern Ireland has increased from 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 4.5 per 1,000 in 2024.

It said that rates are highest in the most deprived areas, and Northern Ireland now has the highest infant mortality rate in the UK.

Their figures also said that MMR vaccination uptake has fallen steadily since 2020.

The RCPCH said that by age five, just 86% of children had received both doses of the MMR vaccine.

It also said that Northern Ireland has the lowest uptake of the 6-in-1 childhood vaccine in the UK and that more than a third of 11- to 12-year-olds (34.7%) were classified as overweight or obese in 2023/24.

The Royal College also said that mental health indicators in the region are worsening.

It said an estimated 45.2% of 16-year-olds have a probable mental illness, while wellbeing among 11-year-olds is at its lowest recorded level since 2010.

The RCPCH said: “Since the first State of Child Health report in 2017, Northern Ireland has experienced several years without a functioning Executive.

“This turbulent political context, combined with an increase in the demands on paediatrics services, has contributed to lengthening waiting lists, expanding inequalities and a system under immense pressure.

“Without urgent action, paediatricians are clear that we are potentially raising one of the unhealthiest generations of children in decades.

“Failure to improve child health today risks lifelong health problems, poorer educational outcomes and entrenched inequalities.”

The College said it has set out a “clear and achievable roadmap for the next Executive to advance child health”.

It added: “The manifesto focuses on building a sustainable workforce, creating a data-informed system, ensuring equitable investment in child health services and tackling the root causes of poor health and inequality.

“Together, they offer an opportunity to create a healthier future where every child has the best possible start in life.”

RCPCH officer for Ireland, Dr Thomas Bourke, said: “The findings in this briefing should be a wake-up call for everyone in Northern Ireland.

“Across a range of key indicators, from infant mortality and obesity to mental health and vaccination uptake, we are seeing evidence that too many children are being let down.

“Children are paying the price for years of political instability, underinvestment and a failure to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

“As paediatricians, we see the consequences of this shocking decline every day in our clinics, hospitals and communities.”

“Ahead of the next Northern Ireland election, we are calling on all political parties to make child health a priority.

“Meaningful change is possible, but it requires leadership, long-term commitment and investment in the services children and families rely on.

“Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, and we must act now to create a better future for children across Northern Ireland.”

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

As the Moon and Jupiter connect in forthcoming Leo, conversations and interractions will have a warm quality. Enjoy how easy the day ahead is.

Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, your relationship realm will be particularly fulfilling today. Allow bonds to grow and change.

Take this chance to communicate an idea or get to know someone better. Sometimes, the most unexpected connections yeild the most fruitful outcomes.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday September 8, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The Moon and Jupiter forge a lovely connection in the warm and generous Leo. This can create a feelgood factor and also make you more inclined to spend time with friends or support a good cause. However, this uplifting planetary energy can also be linked to a larger theme developing, and a new friendship or group may be poised to become more important.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

There has been a very social dimension to your chart of late, which has given you plenty of opportunities for playful interaction, or to showcase your unique talents. If you have played host through this, this may have proven particularly enjoyable. However, today, getting together with those you are really close to, including family members, may be a bigger draw.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

The Sun and Mercury have recently emphasised your personal, family and home strands, or a business you run from your abode. Today brings a welcome shift of energy. Your word power is boosted in two lovely ways and gives you a greater desire to enjoy linking up with a friend or contact. Whilst enjoying their company, you could also have a powerful conversation.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

If you’ve been trying to be careful with your diet, you may find yourself tempted today. It could be with a calorific goodie, one you may have resisted for some while. Will you give yourself a treat? If you are determined to stick to the plan, you may decide to enjoy yourself in another way, with a slice of retail therapy, but here your resistance can be lower, Cancer!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

There is little doubt that, astrologically, you have been blessed with a unique platform over the last six weeks to show what a one-off you are. And whatever type of Leo you perceive yourself to be, burnish this brightly. Today gives you another chance to dazzle people with your charisma, but equally your generosity can see you offer warm support or a kind gift.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

You have been the zodiac’s busiest of signs of late, initiating new beginnings, injecting more vibrancy into ongoing strands, and showcasing your plans in a single-minded way. However, with the Moon and Jupiter linking in a gentle, reflective area today, you may appreciate a little more you time, kicking back and taking stock of all, you have started or achieved.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

You might have been more cautious around the company you have kept recently – understandably with the Sun and Mercury sitting in a secluded but cautious part of your horoscope. Today, however, is the perfect time to meet up with a longtime or trusted friend for a catch-up. You may both enjoy it so much you agree to meet again before too long.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Your contacts and connections have likely proved helpful recently. Then again, you may have given someone in your circle some valuable support. Today, whether in a work or worldly scenario or within your family, people may look to you for leadership. If so, it’s because they believe that you will encourage them to shine, not look to draw attention to yourself, Scorpio.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

The Moon and your ruler Jupiter encourage you to think bigger, especially when it comes to travel, learning, or experiences that broaden horizons. You may also find yourself more generous with your time, knowledge or encouragement. Venus’s lovely, developing link with the North Node suggests that a conversation could be more significant than it first seems.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You may be ready to invest in something that brings greater comfort or security. However, this doesn’t have to be a financial strand, although it could be, as much as a situation with deeper meaning. This may be a friendship, new relationship or even a pastime you find compelling. Freshness and greater resonance are a very attractive mix for you just now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

As the Moon and Jupiter link arms, they can bring a wonderfully warm quality to your relationships. Someone may be particularly generous, or you may be the one helping people out. This can be even more so if there is a bigger meaning to all this. Be it a community meet-up, support group, or an online forum, these kinds of connections can be appealing.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

You have recently had a fine chance to enjoy the company of a special friend or partner. With the Moon and Jupiter linking in a practical zone today, you and your companion can enjoy one another’s company by going to the gym, playing sport, or car sharing to get the groceries. Either way, you can support each other but make also have fun as well as being productive.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of September here.

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More than 1.4 billion people worldwide live with high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s the single biggest metabolic risk factor for early death – driving diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and dementia.

Most of these cases of high blood pressure are shaped by how we live and what we eat. This means that making changes to your diet can have a big impact on your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Even small changes can help, as our latest research shows. We found that adding just one serving of nuts into your daily diet is linked with lower hypertension risk.

It’s well known that eating more plant foods is associated with a lower risk of hypertension – but research on the impact of nuts has been limited to date.

Fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of hypertension, with consumption of 800g (ten portions) per day reducing the risk by 11%.

Whole grains – brown rice, oats, wholemeal bread – are similarly linked to lower risk of hypertension. Our research found that the people who consumed the highest amount of whole grains each day had a roughly 26% lower risk compared to people consuming the least.

We have also shown that legumes and soya are associated with a 16% and 19% lower risk of hypertension respectively.

Our latest analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition, now shows the clear impact eating nuts can have on hypertension risk.

Our study pooled data from 143,000 people – including 20,665 people who had hypertension. We found that eating around a handful of nuts daily (between 30-35g) was linked with a 26% lower risk of hypertension compared to not eating any nuts.

Why plant foods work

Plant foods share a few key characteristics, which may explain why they’re beneficial for the heart.

They are an excellent source of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure by shedding sodium and relaxing blood vessels.

Plant foods also provide fibre that feeds gut bacteria so they can produce short-chain fatty acids – compounds that are linked to lower blood pressure.

Many plant foods also contain L-arginine and nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide in order to widen blood vessels. Plant foods are rich in polyphenols, which have also been associated with lower blood pressure.

Despite nuts being energy-dense, they’re linked to lower obesity rates – thus helping to mitigate another risk factor for hypertension.

These overlapping mechanisms all nudge blood pressure down, and help explain the link between plant-rich diets and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

But as tempting as it might be to call nuts a heart health “superfood,” their real power lies within a broader pattern of healthy eating. While reductions in hypertension risk are observed with intake of even just one daily serving of nuts, a diet built around several whole plant foods may provide even further benefits.

This is exactly what Dash, Mediterranean and plant-based diets prove. They all work because they put these different plant-based foods on the same plate.

However, it’s worth noting that the studies included in our analysis are observational. This means they show that people who eat more nuts tend to have lower blood pressure, but they cannot fully prove that nuts are the cause.

People who consume more plant foods in their diet also tend to follow other healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity. Although our analysis adjusted for many of these factors, we cannot fully rule their impact out.

But the randomised controlled Dash diet trials, where diet is actually changed to include more vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, are what give us confidence the link is real. Similarly, intervention trials, which compared the effects of multiple different plant-based diets, also show benefits for blood pressure reduction.

There are knowledge gaps to note, too. The nut studies we included in our review did not separate salted from unsalted. Since salt raises blood pressure, the true benefit of unsalted nuts may even be larger than reported.

Most of the data also came from Europe, the Americas and East Asia. Little evidence came from Africa and India. More large studies conducted in a variety of regions will help sharpen the evidence base.

The takeaway is practical and affordable. You don’t need supplements or fads. Fill half your plate with fruit and veg, choose whole grains, build meals around beans and tofu and add a handful of unsalted nuts. These are small habits that add up to a significant reduction in one of our biggest health risks.

It then travelled through a perimeter fence and collided with a Toyota Corolla, coming to rest about 1,300ft (394m) beyond the runway.

Homendy described the crash scene as “devastating”, with debris from the aircraft, vehicles and airport fencing scattered across the area.

“It’s hard to see, and I’m sure very difficult for the first responders as well,” she said.

She said recovering victims’ bodies was the current priority, adding: “The investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait.”

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and are being sent to NTSB headquarters for evaluation.

Homendy said investigators could not yet say anything substantive about the cause of the crash as they were still collecting evidence at the scene.

Investigators will examine the flight history, crew experience and training, radar data, and aircraft performance. Separate teams will look at the plane’s systems and engines, while a meteorologist will assess the weather conditions at the time of landing.

The NTSB will also examine whether the runway should have had an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), which is designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway. Homendy said this would be a “key” part of the investigation.

Earlier analysis by BBC Verify found there was an active thunderstorm near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting up to 26 knots.

The NTSB has appealed for members of the public to share photographs or videos that could aid the investigation.

Homendy said the agency would make safety recommendations at the end of its investigation. “That’s why we’re here – to prevent the next tragedy,” she said.

“Our recommendations must be implemented, or we’ll be here again.”

Two of the four runways at the airport remained closed following the crash. Passengers have been warned to expect further disruption after Sunday’s cancellations affected the arrival of aircraft and flight crews.

The crash happened during the Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods in the US.

Amazon said it was “heartbroken” by the loss of life and that it was working closely with authorities.

21 Air, the company operating the aircraft, expressed its condolences and said it was co-operating with the investigation.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Iran state media on Monday said a ballistic missile with improved capabilities was demonstrating a new doctrine: Tehran “will take action against any threat, even before it is carried out.”

The report by Iran’s state news agency repeatedly cited comments aired on state TV the day before by the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, who boasted of new missile capability and claimed it had been “tested” against a U.S. warship. But it was not clear whether what was tested was the missile the new report described, the solid-fueled Qassem Basir.

The U.S. on Saturday said ballistic missiles were launched at U.S. warships and it struck three Iranian oil tankers in response. Experts called the launch a dangerous escalation, noting that until then Iran’s attacks at sea had targeted commercial shipping during six months of war. The U.S. said the warships evaded the attacks.

Iran’s messaging in recent days has become more assertive, and Monday’s report said the Qassem Basir marks “a turning point in Iran’s defense strategy.” It described the missile as having greater range and accuracy and a half-ton warhead. The missile was unveiled last year, when it was described as having at least a 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) range.

Concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program were one of the stated reasons the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran early this year, sparking the war.

US dismisses talk of Iran-imposed ‘exclusion zone’

The White House responded to plans announced by Rezaei to create an “exclusion zone” near the Strait of Hormuz that’s aimed at vessels trying to transit, saying the waterway is open and controlled by the U.S.

It also said the U.S. Navy had cleared the strait of mines, and that tanker traffic to non-Iranian ports would increase. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports continues in an effort to increase Tehran’s economic pain by limiting its oil exports. The U.S. military said that as of Monday, 94 commercial vessels had been redirected and three had been disabled.

Tehran wants ships to follow a route it chooses through the strait, which was considered an international waterway before the war. Rezaei acknowledged that the U.S. has been helping a limited number of ships transit on a route off Oman, and said Tehran isn’t sinking them because they carry oil, noting environmental concerns.

As both countries continue to assert claims about the strait and the flow of shipping, global commerce information firm Kpler noted on X that transits through the waterway dropped sharply last week.

A week ago, an attack on a Saudi-owned tanker killed two crew members and left seven unaccounted for. If they are confirmed dead, that would make the attack the deadliest on a commercial vessel since the war began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Regional countries express frustration

Frustration emerged again in the Gulf over the uncertainty around the waterway that’s crucial for shipping global supplies of oil, natural gas and related products like fertilizer.

“No single state” should control the strait, Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said at a forum of world leaders in Abu Dhabi, adding: “Our energy exports will not be held hostage, nor will our trade and economic activity.”

The UAE, a close U.S. ally, has repeatedly come under Iranian missile and drone fire in the war. Last month, the UAE suspended all trade with Iran after saying it had come under renewed fire.

Rebuilding trust between Iran and the Gulf countries could take decades, Gargash warned.

The supermarket has extended its popular free cake offer from one day to a full seven days, giving members the chance to enjoy a treat every day from Monday, September 7 to Sunday, September 13.

The offer is available at Morrisons Cafés nationwide and comes as part of the supermarket’s Baby Event.

Parents can choose from a tempting selection of cakes and sweet treats, including Blueberry Muffins, Salted Caramel Brownies, Coffee and Walnut Loaf Cake and Biscoff Cheesecake.

Other options include Sticky Toffee Muffins, Lemon Muffins, Toffee Crunch Pie, Apple Crumble Tart and Raspberry & Almond Slice.

To get the freebie, Baby & Toddler Club members simply need to buy any hot drink and scan their Morrisons More Card through the app at the till.

The offer is only available to Baby & Toddler Club members and iced drinks are excluded. All items are subject to availability.

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The free cake deal is not the only saving available to families at Morrisons.

The supermarket also runs its Kids Eat Free scheme nationwide, allowing parents to get a free children’s meal when they buy an adult main meal worth £5 or more.

With the free cake offer running for just one week, parents who want to take advantage will need to claim it by Sunday, September 13.

Newlyweds Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoyed a glamorous and rare night on the town since officially becoming husband and wife. 

Exclusive photos obtained by The Daily Mail captured the couple emerging from dinner at the Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York on Sunday evening, absolutely dressed to the hilt. 

Swift, 36, dazzled in flowing, metallic-infused halter dress that cascaded down her statuesque physique paired with gold heels and a purse in hand. 

The NFL player, 36, was outfitted in a silky Amiri button down, brown slacks and checkered slip-on Vans that clashed with his more dressed-up outfit.  

The couple looked as in love as ever, with Kelce guiding his wife towards the Indian restaurant with a protective hand on her back. 

Their glittering wedding rings were also on fully display.  

The couple enjoyed dinner at the Indian restaurant Ambassadors Clubhouse, which recently opened in New York City

As Swift headed inside the restaurant, a glimmer of the massive engagement ring was visible. Kelce’s gold band also glittered amongst the flashing lights. 

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Swift for comment but has not yet heard back.

A source told People the couple had dinner in the eatery’s lower ground main dining room area, where they enjoyed ‘a variety of classics from the menu’, such as dishes and beverages. 

Described as ‘impossible-to-get-into’ by Eater, Ambassadors Clubhouse first opened in London before expanding to 1245 Broadway earlier this year. 

‘Ambassadors Clubhouse is a restaurant centrally located in New York’s NoMad district that brings together the shared culinary heritage of Northern India. The restaurant takes inspiration from the party mansions of the region and celebrates classic Indian hospitality through the sharing of fine food and spirits,’ the restaurant’s website states.  

The date night isn’t the first time the couple have been spotted since tying the knot in July.  

They were photographed for the first time as newlyweds at JuJu Smith-Schuster and Laura Kruk’s wedding just days after saying ‘I do’ in Madison Square Garden.  

‘I wanna thank everyone at MSG, we wanted to do it somewhere where we could have an intimate and genuine setting without a lot of distractions,’ Kelce recently said on his podcast, New Heights. ‘We needed to have a private feel, and MSG went above and beyond to give us that.

Kelce guided Swift towards the restaurant, placing a protective hand on her back 

The couple wed just two months ago in a massive Madison Square Garden extravaganza 

Swift dazzled in flowing, metallic-infused halter dress that cascaded down her statuesque physique

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She paired the look with gold heels and a purse in hand

The NFL player was outfitted in a silky Amiri button down, brown slacks and checkered slip-on Vans that clashed with his more dressed-up outfit

The couple looked as in love as ever, with Kelce guiding his wife towards the Indian restaurant with a protective hand on her back

Their glittering wedding rings were also on fully display

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‘I can’t thank everybody enough, not just who showed up but helped put that show on.

‘[…] It was very cool to see how everyone interacted with no phones, everyone is on guard, it makes everyone be in the moment and present. It was cool to see friends of my childhood and of Taylor’s all the way to people we encountered through our careers and became good friends with. We wanted it to be a beautiful ceremony and made sure everyone left there having some fun.’

He also gave a special shoutout to Sandler for getting ordained in the state of New York to be able to marry the couple ‘Sand-man style.’

The three-time Super Bowl winner also confirmed that he and his A-list wife have become proud owners of a white Samoyed named Wendy.

The adorable pup made her public debut alongside the tight end in a campaign for Tommy Hilfiger this week.

‘She is officially a picture dog. We gotta get the line in her size,’ Travis said.

‘Unfortunately, she’s just got her fur on. We gotta work with Tommy on getting her some good clothes,’ he quipped.

The Kansas City Chiefs star said he talked to Taylor about having Wendy in the photo shoot and the singer was ‘all for it.’

A source told People the couple had dinner in the eatery’s lower ground main dining room area, where they enjoyed ‘a variety of classics from the menu’, such as dishes and beverages

Described as ‘impossible-to-get-into’ by Eater, Ambassadors Clubhouse first opened in London before expanding to 1245 Broadway earlier this year

The couple finally married in front of 1,000 of their closest friends – and the world’s biggest stars – in a colossal blowout at Madison Square Garden on July 3

‘It’s kind of crazy how perfect she looks in the Tommy Hilfiger world. She matches the brand and the shoot and it was pretty easy to get her to jump on the couch and have some fun with us,’ he said of the furry pup.

‘But yeah, Wendy’s a model. She’s a model dog,’ he added.

Travis also revealed that he and the ‘Bad Blood’ singer have had Wendy for a while now.

‘Little ‘ol Wendy’s a little over a year old now. We’ve had her for quite a while,’ he shared, adding that the pair was ‘trying to keep it under wraps.’

The pet’s existence was first revealed by the Daily Mail in exclusive footage from inside the couple’s wedding, which showed a picture of the happy couple posing with their furry friend.

A source told the Daily Mail that ‘it seems that Travis made it happen’ regarding the dog.

The name may be a reference to Wendy Peffercorn, the lifeguard character in The Sandlot, who Travis previously revealed was his favorite ’90s character and childhood crush.

Meanwhile, Taylor has also referenced Peter Pan in her music, including the character of Wendy.  

Both the bride and groom were dressed in Christian Dior, her publicist announced

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The couple’s Love Story began three years ago, when Kelce first laid eyes on the singer at her Kansas City Eras Tour concert on July 8, 2023

After months of teases, rumors and conflicting reports, the couple finally married in front of 1,000 of their closest friends – and the world’s biggest stars – in a colossal blowout at Madison Square Garden on July 3. Both the bride and groom were dressed in Christian Dior, her publicist announced.

There were no bridesmaids, instead, Swift’s brother Austin acted as her ‘man of honor’, and Jason was the best man.

The couple’s Love Story began three years ago, when Kelce first laid eyes on the singer at her Kansas City Eras Tour concert on July 8, 2023.

The Chiefs’ tight end tried to meet Swift that evening, bringing along a friendship bracelet that contained his phone number. However, his attempt at handing her the jewelry was unsuccessful.

At the same time, Swift was at her own professional peak, traveling the world for her sold-out stadium shows, with Kelce flying in to support her.

Despite their hectic schedules and intense public interest in their romance, Kelce claimed that he felt calmed by both his girlfriend’s presence and down-to-earth nature.

‘Whenever I’m with her, it feels like we’re just regular people… When there is not a camera on us, we’re just two people that are in love,’ he told GQ.

Parties split on geographical lines between Bangor and Newtownards

Plans for free Christmas Saturday car parking in the North Down city of Bangor have stirred protest from Newtownards representatives.

The age-old friendly feud between Newtownards and Bangor was reignited at a recent meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council Environment Committee, where officials had presented a paper titled “Promotional Parking Tariffs – Christmas 2026.”

A vote to implement an Xmas Saturday free car parking trial in Bangor caused a split in the chamber and amongst the parties, causing a non-recorded show-of-hands vote. On a five to four vote in favour, with one abstention from the Chair, the Bangor trial was passed.

READ MORE: NI Council to provide chess and draughts sets for people to play in town square

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There are 22 charged car parks in the borough: nine in Bangor, three in Holywood and 10 in Newtownards. The council has estimated that introducing free Saturday parking from 21st November to 31st December in Bangor would cost it £5,175.20. If it had been all 22 car parks, the council would have lost £15,618.37.

In February this year, the council agreed to the Ards and North Down Off-Street Parking Order 2025, and commissioned an officer report for the committee looking at options around introducing free or reduced-price parking during the Christmas period.

The council had hoped to get the new tariffs regime up this Autumn, but delays in communication from the Stormont Department for Infrastructure new order mean it will not be implemented before Christmas 2026. Officials organised meetings the borough’s Local Action Groups to discuss potential promotional Christmas tariffs for 2026, with different responses from different areas.

Ards and North Down Council describes its Local Action Groups as being made up of community representatives, local Chambers of Commerce, elected members, and other “key stakeholders.”

Regarding the Newtownards LAG, the report states: “The LAG recognised the difficulties that free parking could create in Newtownards town centre, particularly in relation to space blocking and turnover in busy town centre car parks during the festive season, and the potential negative impact that could have on trade.

“It was agreed that the existing £1 for five hours tariff should be promoted more effectively this year, and there was no support for free parking for Christmas 2026.” The Holywood group also voiced support for the £1 five hours tariff, and spoke against free parking at Christmas

Regarding Bangor, the report states: “During the meeting, members discussed how free parking on Saturdays from the Christmas light switch-on (21 November 2026) could support businesses within Bangor city centre over the Christmas period. The LAG considered that consistency with the other two towns was not required, as the needs of each area differ and it is the role of the LAGs to highlight those local needs.

“An email was sent to members of the Newtownards and Holywood LAGs to advise them of the outcome of the Bangor meeting and invite comments. Newtownards Chamber urged Bangor to reconsider and adopt a consistent approach. Bangor Chamber maintained the position agreed at the LAG meeting.”

At the Environment Committee, Ards North Down Mayor Craig Blaney, who is also a Bangor UUP representative, said: “Having been in close communication with the Chambers and the various LAG groups I think this is a good way of going about it. Ultimately having the flexibility within the parking system to provide what different towns want represents hopefully a good use of our powers.

“There is not a one-size-fits-all across the borough. At the end of the day it is the businesses that are going to be affected by the parking changes. In Bangor the free parking will really benefit the traders at Christmas time.”

Newtownards representative, Alderman Naomi Armstrong-Cotter said: “I think it is unfortunate that we don’t have a parking policy across each town across the borough. We have spent a lot of time together working on a parking schedule, and it is nice to know we can separate out depending on the individual Chambers, because that is obviously the precedent being set here.

“£5,000 doesn’t seem a lot of money, yet it is a lot of money to rate payers, especially the ones that are coming to Newtownards, and paying their money. While they don’t have to pay in other areas. It doesn’t send a good message. The LAGs are the LAGS, but we are the council, and we make the decisions.”

She said she was “not content.”

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Workers who use their own cars for their jobs could be missing out on hundreds of pounds after a major change to mileage rates – and Martin Lewis says it is one of the most overlooked money-saving measures this year.

The MoneySavingExpert highlighted a little-known rule that could boost payments for millions of employees who drive between workplaces, visit clients or travel as part of their job.

From April, the Government increased the approved mileage allowance for cars and vans from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles driven each tax year – the first rise in more than a decade.

The change does not apply to ordinary commuting between home and work. Instead, it affects workers who regularly travel for business, including care workers visiting clients, tradespeople, sales staff, community nurses, engineers and anyone required to drive between different locations during the working day.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Martin Lewis said: “The big one that I think is going to be under-covered, but is actually really important, is the increase in the mileage allowance for people who drive as part of their work.

“This has been frozen at 45p since, I think, 2011, so the increase from 45p to 55p for the first 10,000 miles that you drive is really important.”

The new rate means employers can reimburse staff up to 55p a mile without the payment being subject to tax or National Insurance.

But Mr Lewis warned there is another part of the rule many workers may not know about.

If an employer pays less than the approved rate, employees may be able to claim tax relief on the difference through HMRC.

He explained: “If your employer doesn’t give you the full amount of the mileage allowance – let’s imagine they give you 30p and the allowance is 55p – you can claim tax back on that 25p per mile that you drive as part of your work, not commuting.”

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And if an employer pays nothing at all, workers could claim tax relief based on the full 55p rate.

After the first 10,000 business miles, the approved rate falls to 25p per mile.

The rules also apply to self-employed people using their own vehicles for business purposes, although mileage rates for motorbikes and bicycles remain unchanged at 24p and 20p per mile respectively.

For workers covering thousands of miles each year, the change could mean significantly more money back – but only if they know to check what their employer pays and whether they are eligible to make a claim.