Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

New US charge d’affaires arrives in Venezuela to reopen diplomatic mission after 7 years

Published

on

New US charge d’affaires arrives in Venezuela to reopen diplomatic mission after 7 years

CARACAS (AP) — U.S. charge d’affaires Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas on Saturday to reopen the American diplomatic mission in Venezuela after seven years of severed ties.

The move comes almost one month after a military action ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump removed the South American country’s then-leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

“My team and I are ready to work,” Dogu said in a message posted by the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela ‘s account on X. It also posted pictures of her upon her landing at Maiquetia airport.

Venezuela and the United States broke off diplomatic relations in February 2019 in a decision by Maduro. They closed their embassies mutually after Trump gave public support to lawmaker Juan Guaidó who claimed to be the nation’s interim president in January that year.

Advertisement

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, one of Venezuela’s most powerful politicians and a Maduro loyalist, said earlier in January that reopening the U.S. embassy would give the Venezuelan government a way to oversee the treatment of the deposed president, who is jailed in the U.S.

Venezuela’s foreign minister Yván Gil said in a message on Telegram that Dogu’s arrival is part of a joint schedule to “deal with and resolve existing differences through diplomatic dialogue, in a foundation of mutual respect and (based on) international law.”

Dogu, who was previously ambassador in Nicaragua and Honduras, arrived in Venezuela one day after the country’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced an amnesty bill to release political prisoners. That move was one of the key demands of the Venezuelan opposition.

___

Advertisement

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

___

This story has been corrected to show that Dogu’s title is charge d’affaires, not ambassador.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Pedestrians hit by vehicle mounting pavement in Peterborough

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

Police are urging the public to share information

Two pedestrians were hit by a vehicle which mounted the pavement earlier this week. Now, police are urging the public to come forward with information to support their investigation.

Advertisement

On Monday, April 6, two pedestrians were hit by a vehicle shortly before midnight. The crash happened on Cotterstock Road in Oundle, Peterborough between 11.30pm and 11.45pm, when a vehicle mounted the pavement.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote incident number 26000196747 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Family gathered in memory of Darlington man who died in custody

Published

on

Family gathered in memory of Darlington man who died in custody

A balloon release was held in Eastbourne Park on Friday (April 10) evening in memory of Keiron Gorringe, 31, passed away after suffering a medical episode at the Spennymoor police custody suite in the early hours of April 1.

His family believe he should have been safest in the care of the police after he was arrested.

A crowd gathered in the park at 6pm to light flares and hold up banners calling for “Justice 4 Keiron”.

Balloon release for Keiron Gorringe. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Balloon release for Keiron Gorringe. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Speaking before the balloons were let off, his mum Louise Blakey and best friend Corinna Thompson, said: “We just want justice for Keiron and answers. This should never have happened, they have failed him and let him down.

Advertisement

“It has been nearly two weeks now and we still don’t have him back or any answers as to how he died.”

Durham Police said this week it had referred itself to the police watchdog the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) which said it was investigating and would “look at the circumstances around the man’s death, including the actions and decision-making of police.”

Balloon release for Keiron Gorringe.Balloon release for Keiron Gorringe. Mum Louise (left). (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

It came just weeks after the death of his brother Kane Quinn, 26, after a suicide attempt on Valentine’s Day, leaving their family heartbroken.

It is understood Keiron was pulled over while driving and then arrested for a court-issued warrant for failure to appear the previous week. His family say this was due to him struggling with the death of Kane.

Advertisement

An IOPC spokesperson added: “We are independently investigating after a 31-year-old man died while in the custody of Durham Constabulary.

Brothers Kane Quinn, 26, and Keiron Gorringe, 31 who died just over a month apart

“Following a referral from the force, IOPC investigators attended the scene and the police post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.

“At this stage, we have established the man was arrested by police in the early hours of April 1 and taken to the custody suite at Spennymoor.

“Shortly before 5am, the man appeared unwell in the cell and paramedics were called. The man sadly died at around 6.30am.

Advertisement

“Our investigation, which is independent of the police, will look at the circumstances around the man’s death, including the actions and decision-making of police.

Balloon release for Keiron Gorringe. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“We have obtained initial statements from five officers and staff, and have secured body-worn video footage of the man’s arrest, as well as CCTV from the custody suite.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death.”

Keiron’s mum Louise Blakey said he began to have seizures the Saturday before his death but doctors hadn’t been able to figure out why.

Advertisement

She said he seemed himself the day after Kane’s funeral on March 30, but it was that night he was arrested and later died.

Balloon release for Keiron Gorringe. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Kane, Louise and Keiron

Paying tribute to the brothers, the mum-of-nine added: “It is just a living nightmare.

“I don’t know how to feel or what to do as in a way it just doesn’t feel real.

“Kane was Keiron’s first best friend. Kane lost his dad at the age of three and Keiron became a real father figure to him.

Advertisement

“He definitely took Kane’s death the hardest, he just felt he had let him down and he couldn’t deal with it.

“He massively looked up to Keiron as a father figure and was so loved by so many. He kept everything to himself and was a massive loss. His funeral had a huge turn out and so many people were affected.

“Keiron was the life and soul of everyone’s party, he was loyal, respectful and always there for everyone.

“He had lost himself after Kane’s death as he partially blamed himself because he was the oldest and felt obliged to look after the full lot of us. He didn’t have any children but he always wanted one.

Advertisement

“He now won’t get the chance.”

Keiron’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 12pm leaving from his mams family home on Lawrence Street at 11.20am then towards Darlington crematorium.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Epstein survivors’ calls for royal meet harder to ignore as US visit approaches

Published

on

Epstein survivors' calls for royal meet harder to ignore as US visit approaches

“To every survivor of every kind of violence, many of whom have not been able to tell their stories or who have not been believed, please know that you are not alone,” the Queen told a reception at St James’s Palace, in a speech seen as a thinly-veiled reference to Epstein’s victims.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Which? names Co Fermanagh resort as the UK’s ‘best hotel for 2026’

Published

on

Belfast Live

Only one other hotel has achieved a 5-star rating in the past eight years

A Northern Irish resort has been named the best hotel in the UK by Which? Travel for 2026.

Advertisement

Which?, the UK’s ‘independent consumer champion’, is known for its expert reviews, advice and investigations and has rated a Co Fermanagh hotel a rare 5-star rating.

Lough Erne Resort has been named the “best-rated hotel over the past year”, praised for its exceptional quality, value and guest experience.

READ MORE: Full list of NI spots shortlisted for the final of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026READ MORE: Co Fermanagh golf resort named one of the best in the world

The distinction places it among a very select group, as only one other hotel has achieved the top score from Which? Travel in the past eight years.

Advertisement

On their review criteria, Which? Travel said: “We do something a little differently when it comes to hotel reviews. Unlike most other UK travel magazines and newspaper travel sections, Which? Travel does not accept freebies.

“Regardless of the hotel we’re visiting, we book a standard double room online — just as you might — and never let on that we’re from Which? Magazine, even when we arrive for an undercover inspection. It’s all completely anonymous — no upgrades, sweet talk or special treatment.”

Set within the Fermanagh Lakelands, Lough Erne Resort was praised for delivering five-star luxury at outstanding value, with room rates noted at around £200 per night.

Advertisement

Which? Travel described it as “the best-value stay in the country”, highlighting the Resort’s spacious lakeview rooms, elegant interiors, spa facilities, locally sourced dining and its spectacular setting overlooking Erne Lough and the Nick Faldo Championship Golf Course.

Gareth Byrne, General Manager at Lough Erne Resort, said: “This is an incredible honour for everyone at Lough Erne Resort.

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that Which? Travel’s reviews are conducted anonymously and independently, reflecting the real experience our guests have when they stay with us.

Advertisement

“To be only the second hotel in eight years to receive a five-star rating from such a trusted consumer authority is truly special, and a wonderful testament to the dedication of our entire team.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Women’s Six Nations 2026: Will this be the biggest tournament ever?

Published

on

Ellie Kildunne with Women's Six Nations trophy

More eyes are on women’s rugby than ever before.

Following a highly successful Rugby World Cup last year, supporter numbers in the UK climbed from 7.94m pre-existing fans of women’s rugby to 13.21m, according to research commissioned by BBC Sport.

England’s victory over Canada in September’s final took place in front of 81,885 fans at Allianz Stadium – a record for a women’s rugby match and the second-highest attendance for a men’s or women’s World Cup final.

It was the most-watched women’s rugby match on UK television, with a record-breaking peak audience of 5.8m viewers. It also beat both the Six Nations and the British and Irish Lions’ winning tour of Australia to become the most-watched rugby match of last year.

Advertisement

Rugby union was the second most-watched women’s sport in 2025, so with momentum at an all-time high, this year’s Women’s Six Nations is set to be comfortably the biggest yet in terms of crowd numbers.

Pre-tournament demand has already broken records, with all four home nations staging fixtures at their national stadiums.

The record crowd for a Women’s Six Nations game is 58,498 for the Grand Slam decider between England and France in 2023.

That record is set to fall, with more than 75,000 tickets sold for England’s opener against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Advertisement

“There is probably a line of thinking that audiences will just keep growing, but they are actually hard to maintain,” Rugby Football Union director of women’s rugby Alex Teasdale told BBC Sport.

“The role of the Red Roses as ambassadors has helped sustain some of that strong buy-in, and the fans have had a brilliant time.

“It has been really pleasing to see, but anyone involved in women’s sport knows it is not a given.

“You have to work hard to give fans a brilliant experience so they want to keep coming back.”

Advertisement

Scotland will play their first Women’s Six Nations match in front of fans at Murrayfield when they host England next weekend.

Scotland women’s record home attendance of 7,774 was set at Hive Stadium in 2024, but more than 25,000 tickets have been sold for the fixture.

The expected record crowd will be the biggest for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland.

Ireland’s game against Scotland on the final weekend will be their first at the 51,711-capacity Aviva Stadium and their record home attendance of 7,754 is set to be smashed, with more than 16,000 tickets already reported to have been sold.

Advertisement

Wales, who play Scotland at Principality Stadium on the opening weekend, are aiming to better last year’s record crowd of 21,186 for a Wales women’s team event on home soil.

Meanwhile, France will host England at the 42,115-capacity Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux in the final round, where they will hope to have a full house for a possible Grand Slam decider.

But will the entertainment on the pitch match the clamour for tickets?

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

From compression boots to massage balm: The post-marathon recovery gear every runner needs

Published

on

From compression boots to massage balm: The post-marathon recovery gear every runner needs

You’ve just run 26.2 miles – your muscles deserve better than a hot bath. The Theragun PRO Plus combines six science-backed therapies in one device – percussive massage, near-infrared LED, vibration, heat, guided breathwork, and optional cold therapy (sold separately) – to target deep muscle soreness, ease stiffness in joints, and accelerate repair at a cellular level.

It delivers the equivalent of a 15-minute massage in two minutes. Your calves, quads, hips and hamstrings will be asking why you didn’t buy this sooner.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Prince Harry being sued for defamation by kids charity, courts records show

Published

on

Daily Record

The Duke of Sussex co-founded the charity in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.

Prince Harry is being sued for defamation by the Sentebale charity, according to High Court records. Online court filings show the Duke of Sussex is a defendant in a libel or slander claim alongside Mark Dy

Advertisement

The claim originally filed on March 24 but no documents are available at this stage. Harry co-founded the charity in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support vulnerable children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty in Lesotho and Botswana.

However, he stepped down from his role as patron last year after a governance dispute. In a scathing joint statement, both princes said: “Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honour of our mothers.

“Sentebale means ‘forget-me-not’ in Sesotho, the local language of Lesotho, and it’s what we’ve always promised for the young people we’ve served through this charity. Today is no different.

Advertisement

“With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same. It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.”

The Duke supports a number of children’s charities and recently donated £1.1 million to Children In Need.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

everything you need to know about using them

Published

on

everything you need to know about using them

Osteoarthritis affects around 600 million people globally. It causes pain, stiffness and reduced joint function – most commonly in the knees, hands and hips.

There’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis. Many people manage the condition through exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, using walking aids and medications.

Commonly used medications include anti-inflammatories and opioids. While these help some, they also carry downsides – including significant side-effects, particularly in over-60s, and risk of addiction from long-term opioid use.

Joint replacement surgery can be very effective for relieving pain and improving mobility, but waiting lists in the last two years hit an all time high, due to increasing demands and reduced capacity since the COVID pandemic.

Advertisement

Surgery also carries risks such as infection, blood clots and nerve damage. Joint replacement surgery is typically suitable for those with advanced stage osteoarthritis.

So how else can osteoarthritis be treated?

Corticosteroid injections, commonly known as steroid injections or cortisone, have been used for joint pain for more than 70 years. They offer a rapid, effective way of reducing pain.

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs able to reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Injecting corticosteroid directly into the joint means it has maximum effect where needed, while minimising effects on the rest of the body.

Advertisement

The effects of steroid injections can last for months, reducing the need for surgery and reliance on prescription drugs. Those most likely to benefit from steroid injections have persistent pain which disrupts sleep and function, and who find other medications unsuitable or ineffective.

But as effective as steroid injections can be, their effects will vary from person to person. They may not be as effective in severe cases of osteoarthritis, as they only reduce inflammation and cannot repair damaged or lost cartilage.

Steroid injections may also risk accelerating arthritis or causing bone problems in some people, particularly if used in high doses or too often. Routine use in early stages of osteoarthritis is therefore generally avoided. This is because steroid injections can damage cartilage and bone cells which may further weaken and damage the joint.

Steroid injections may also not be suitable for people already taking high doses of steroids for other health problems (such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma), and those who have a weakened immune system or are otherwise unwell. Taking too much artificial steroid affects the body’s production of natural steroid, which is essential for our metabolism.

Advertisement

Steroid injections may increase risk of infection following surgery if an injection has been given beforehand. For this reason, the majority of surgeons a minimum of three months between your last injection before surgery.

Although side-effects from steroid injections are fortunately rare, people need to be aware of these to make an informed decision about treatment. These can include: infection, allergic reaction, bleeding, bruising, skin colour changes, temporary flare in pain, bone and joint changes and increased blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

Steroid injections should only be performed every three to four months.
aslysun/ Shutterstock

It’s advised that injections aren’t performed more than every three to four months to reduce risk of side-effects and accelerating the arthritis. With hip injections there is need to be more cautious due to risks of cartilage and bone damage from even just one injection .

Managing joint health

Depending on the country, you may be able to have a steroid injection done by your GP, a nurse or a physiotherapist.

Advertisement

Within the UK, first contact physiotherapists working in primary care are accessible in the same way the GP is, many are trained and can offer early access to steroid injections. Injections may be provided within a GP surgery, however hip and spine injections are usually guided by ultrasound or X-ray imaging, which may only be available within a hospital.

Since injections can temporarily reduce osteoarthritis pain, this provides a window of opportunity within which to start exercising. Exercise is important for managing osteoarthritis, as it can strengthen joint-supporting muscles and reduce pain. Physical activity can even be beneficial for those planning to undergo joint replacement surgery as it can improve pain, function and length of hospital stay after surgery.

After injection, it’s recommended people initially rest for a few days, but then gradually increase the amount of exercise they undertake. A physiotherapist can advise on the best types of exercise you can do to help manage your osteoarthritis.

Addressing other contributing factors is essential for managing osteoarthritis, as well. There’s strong evidence linking various metabolic factors to osteoarthritis – such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These factors increase inflammation within the body, which affects cartilage in joints. Losing weight where needed is also hugely beneficial in reducing strain on joints.

Advertisement

For those who may not want to use steroid injections, there are other options.

Hyaluronic acid injections, for instance. These help our natural joint lubrication, called synovial fluid. In osteoarthritis, synovial fluid has less viscosity and levels are reduced. Hyaluronic acid is also believed to work as an anti-inflammatory.

Similar to steroid injections, they can reduce pain and increase movement and function. They may be more beneficial to people with earlier stage osteoarthritis and may theoretically have fewer negative effects to cartilage. There may also be value in combining the two types of injection.

Hyaluronic acid has a similar safety profile to corticosteroid, with few reported side-effects. It may, however, take up to 12 weeks for effects to show – though the benefits can last up to six months.

Advertisement

Accessibility is limited in the UK, hyaluronic acid is not currently recommended within NICE guidelines, primarily due to cost effectiveness, so may only be available to those privately funding their care.

Joint injections are not a cure for osteoarthritis. They can have variable effects, and work best combined with other management approaches (such as weight loss and exercise). But with long wait times for surgery, they may offer a valuable way to reduce pain and manage the condition.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Weird new indie game makes you complete Captcha tests to set fire to trees

Published

on

Weird new indie game makes you complete Captcha tests to set fire to trees
A modern nightmare (Black Tabby Publishing)

The creators behind 1000xResist have revealed new game Prove You’re Human, which turns one of the internet’s most annoying features into gameplay.

If you’ve navigated the internet at any point over the past decade, you’ve probably been asked to prove you’re a human being via a Captcha test.

These tests are designed to counter bots when making purchases online or logging into personal accounts, and usually ask you to select tiles with certain objects on them on a 3×3 grid, whether bridges or traffic cones, in order to prove you’re not dead behind the eyes.

If the idea of doing that consistently over a full game sounds like fun to you, a new title from Sunset Visitor, creators of the excellent 1000xResist, and the publisher behind Slay The Princess, is promising exactly that.

Advertisement

Prove You’re Human follows a character who has been split into two – a human and a digital copy. The digital copy has been paid to test a corporate product called Mesa and is convinced it’s just as human as their other self.

As shown in the trailer, the game oscillates between life in the virtual world and live action footage of your human self. In the virtual realm, you roam around and use Captcha on parts of the environment, including trees which suddenly set ablaze, and other more abstract items.

Expert, exclusive gaming analysis

Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.

Advertisement

The trailer’s increasingly psychedelic closing half suggests there’s more going on than meets the eye, but according to the Steam description, the end of the game will see you ‘decide if you’d like to re-merge your two selves or discard your work self’. So it’s all very Severance.

There is no release date yet for Prove You’re Human, so it will likely be a while off yet, and it’s only confirmed to come out on PC via Steam. But given the developer’s track record it should be worth waiting for.

Advertisement

Prove You’re Human was revealed as part of the Triple-i Initiative Showcase on Thursday evening, but there were several other standout games, including Graveyard Keeper 2, Don’t Starve Elsewhere, and rhythm beat ’em up Dead As Disco, which hits early access on May 5, 2026.

For fans of indie tabletop horror game Buckshot Roulette, developer Mike Klubnika also revealed his next game called Machine Party, which basically looks like a crossover between Mario Party and Saw. It’s slated to be released this summer on PC.

Dead As Disco screenshot
Dead As Disco is a new rhythm beat ’em up (Brain Jar Games)

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

Advertisement

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

‘Incredible’ Welsh holiday home with indoor pool and hot tub perfect for big groups and families

Published

on

Wales Online

The Old Rectory house in Powys sleeps up to 16 people and is highly praised for its “incredible amenities.”

Advertisement

If you are searching for a getaway with a large group of friends or extended family, Sykes Cottages has many beautiful accommodation options that would serve has a peaceful base for exploring Welsh countryside.

One standout holiday home is the Old Rectory House located in Powys. This spacious house is tucked away in the village of Aberhafesp in mid Wales and is surrounded by rolling greenery and peaceful landscapes that reviewers have consistently praised.

The Old Rectory House is an eight bedroom and eight bathroom accommodation that can sleep 16 guests. The property is spread across three floors making it perfectly suited for large groups like a multi-generational family trip or a getaway with friends.

The layout provides both privacy and plenty of room to socialise in the well furnished living rooms or the large outdoor spaces. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here

For those looking to indulge, the Old Rectory House goes far beyond your average holiday place. Standout amenities include a private indoor swimming pool and hot tub, offering the perfect way to unwind whatever the weather.

Downstairs, the basement has been transformed into a dedicated entertainment hub, complete with a games room and cinema room.

Advertisement

One guest who loved their time in the Old Rectory has said: “This is a rare example of a house that massively exceeded expectations. Not only was the setting beautiful and the rooms and living spaces nicely designed, the amenities are incredible, its easy to find and because of the pool and the games room the many kids we were with were entertained all weekend. We are already planning on returning!”

Another stayer said: “We travelled as a group of 15 to the old rectory. We have stayed at lots of places together over the years and this is our favourite. It’s now our third stay and we have just booked our fourth in 2027.”

Advertisement

Stayers of the Old Rectory House is largely very positive, one downside of the property however is that it does not accept pets.

For those who are looking for a cottage that is pet-friendly, Oernant Farmhouse in West Wales accepts up to three pets and a week long stay this month has been reduced from £865 to £742.

Another pet-friendly cottage is the Firs near Abergavenny. It is a detached 17th-century listed cottage surrounded by green hills.

Advertisement

The Old Rectory House available on Sykes Cottage’s summary:

  • Over three floors
  • Eight bedrooms
  • Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • First-floor cloakroom with basin and WC
  • Utility room
  • 2 x sitting room
  • Conservatory
  • Private hot tub
  • Lower-ground-floor cinema room,
  • Separate indoor heated swimming pool with changing rooms
  • 9 x Smart TV, cinema screen and WiFi
  • Minimum stay is three nights

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025