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3,800 workers set to strike at one of the nation’s largest slaughterhouses

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3,800 workers set to strike at one of the nation's largest slaughterhouses

GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — About 3,800 workers at one of the nation’s largest meatpacking plants were set to strike Monday morning in Colorado in what union representatives said would be the first walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse since the 1980s.

The strike at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley was set to begin at 5:30 a.m. MDT, said Kim Cordova, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, which represents the workers.

It follows accusations from union officials that owner JBS USA retaliated against workers and committed other unfair labor practices amid contract negotiations. A previous contract was due to expire at midnight Sunday.

The expected strike comes at a 75-year low for the U.S. cattle population, with a Jan. 1 inventory of 86.2 million animals — down 1% from the prior year. Beef prices have added to economic anxiety in the U.S., while the administration of President Donald Trump has turned to a trade deal with Argentina in efforts to lower prices for food, including beef.

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It also follows the January closure of a meatpacking plant in Lexington, Nebraska, which was expected to ripple through the local economy and community.

At the Greeley plant, the company tried to intimidate workers to quit the union in one-on-one meetings, union general counsel Matt Shechter said.

Cordova said 99% of workers voted to authorize the strike. No formal negotiations took place over the weekend after the company refused a union request to negotiate on Saturday, Shechter said.

JBS USA said in statement that any employee who didn’t want to strike would have work and be paid. The company said it would operate two shifts at the plant Monday and would temporarily move production as needed to other JBS facilities.

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The statement said the company operates in full compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws.

“Our goal is to minimize impact to our customers, our partners, and the broader marketplace while we work toward a fair resolution in Greeley,” the company said.

It’s the first strike at a U.S. slaughterhouse since workers walked out at a Hormel plant in Minnesota in 1985, Cordova said. That strike lasted more than a year and included violent confrontations between police and protesters, according to the Minnesota Historical Society.

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Mike Tindall forced to step in after rugby star’s awkward Princess Anne question

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Wales Online

The funny exchange came after a moment between Sione Tuipulotu and Princess Anne went viral on social media

Mike Tindall was involved in an awkward exchange on his popular rugby podcast when he had to explain that the royal being discussed was in fact his own mother-in-law.

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The former England star was chatting on the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, which he co-hosts alongside James Haskell and presenter Alex Payne.

During a conversation about a recent Six Nations moment involving Princess Anne and Sione Tuipulotu, guest Ben Kayser admitted he wasn’t sure exactly who the royal was.

Referring to the interaction between Tuipulotu and the Princess Royal, Kayser asked: “I don’t even know… who is she exactly? Is it a princess?”

Tindall quickly replied, with a laugh: “My mother-in-law.”

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He then clarified her official title, The Princess Royal, prompting Kayser to respond jokingly: “Is it your mother-in-law?! I just don’t want to get it wrong!”

The hosts burst out laughing before teasing the former France international that he should make sure to greet her properly next time, joking he should “give her a hug”.

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The exchange followed the widely-shared moment involving Anne and Tuipulotu during the Six Nations Championship earlier this month.

Anne, who has been patron of the Scottish Rugby Union for decades, presented the Auld Alliance Trophy after Scotland’s victory over France.

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When Tuipulotu approached her, the pair briefly opened their arms as if going in for a hug before laughing and opting instead for a handshake – a light-hearted reference to a previous awkward moment.

That earlier encounter came when the Scotland captain appeared to lean in for a celebratory embrace following a win over England, only for Anne to step back slightly and place a hand on his shoulder instead, sticking to royal protocol.

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Members of the Royal Family typically avoid hugging members of the public during official engagements, meaning the moment became a light-hearted talking point among rugby fans and royal watchers alike.

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Anne has long been known as one of the most sport-loving members of the Royal Family and is a regular presence at rugby matches, particularly Scotland games.

Her connection to the sport stretches back almost three decades after she became patron of Scottish rugby, something she once revealed happened by chance.

Speaking previously on the same podcast hosted by her son-in-law, she explained she was first invited to Murrayfield at short notice to open a new stand before later being asked to take on the patron role permanently.

Since then she has remained a passionate supporter of the game and is regularly seen attending matches and meeting players after big fixtures.

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She was 13 and working for pocket money when her mum’s boss raped her

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Wales Online

Clair Strevens was just 13 years old when the man who employed her mum raped her at his home

It haunted her for years, throughout her teenage years and early adulthood, until Clair finally reported what happened to her in the home of her mother’s boss with his hideous brown leather sofa.

Clair Strevens was just 13 years old when her mother’s boss offered her some pocket money for coming to his home to help him with his receipts and other admin.

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Her mother was a private cleaner for Paul Abraham at several of his properties and money was tight for the single mum and her daughter in Cyncoed, Cardiff, so she jumped at the chance. She saw Paul as a family friend she had known since she was seven years old.

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She was horrified when he attempted to kiss her but agreed to go back the following week – because she and her mum needed the money. But this time he raped her.

Growing up, Clair, now 46, was traumatised by what she went through, and experienced eating disorders, depression, substance abuse and self harm.

But she never told anyone as she claimed Abraham, who is now 69 years old, had implied harm could come to her family if she did.

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It wasn’t until 28 years later that Clair finally filed a report with police after a traumatic breakdown, and spoke out in November 2019.

Abraham, of Lansdowne Road in Canton, Cardiff, pleaded not guilty to charges of buggery, rape and four counts of indecent assault – and was found guilty of rape and one count of indecent assault in relation to Clair after a trial in August 2022 at Cardiff Crown Court.

Supported by the evidence of his acts against another young victim around the same time, Abraham was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment.

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He will be eligible for parole after 12 years and Clair has finally got “freedom” after so many years of quietly suffering.

Clair, who now works as a cleaner herself, said: “If I were to smell his cologne again now, I would instantly go back to that moment in time.

“I remember crying out for him to stop, it was horrific. As a teen it caused me to have a lot of dark thoughts and low self-worth, I was reckless.

“But I didn’t want my family knowing why, because at that age I saw myself to blame. I moved away from Cardiff and it wasn’t until decades on that another incident opened Pandora’s box, and I had a breakdown before finally reporting him.

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“I knew he’d plead not guilty and it would go all the way to trial – I felt like I needed to see him in court, look him in the eye, and show him I’m not afraid any more.

“When the judge gave the sentence, I was blown away. The gravity of it all hit me. Just the biggest sense of relief.”

Clair remembers Paul as driving a MG MGF, styling slicked-back hair, jeans with a tight belt and wearing Christian Dior Fahrenheit aftershave.

So she jumped at the chance to help wealthy Paul for some extra cash. She said: “I needed to get his receipts, and take down the details for him – it just seemed like easy money.”

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She was taken to Paul’s house in mid-February 1991 for the first time, when his wife was out.

She said: “We were sat on this hideous typical 80s leather sofa. He said ‘I think you owe me a Valentine’s Day kiss, don’t you?’”

He leant over to try and kiss me, and I was petrified.

“I ran to the toilet, and when I came back out, he told me it was time to go home, and nothing more was said about it.”

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She went back a week later – desperate for money to help her mum.

Clair said: “That was when the rape happened. I remember crying out for him to stop, and this horrific pain.

“But he said if I told my mum, my family would be distraught, and he indicated that my mum would lose her job if I said something.

“He said he had dangerous connections to ‘villains’, to make me think that if I revealed anything that happened to anyone, they could harm my family.”

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So Clair vowed never to tell a soul – although the abuse she experienced affected her throughout her teenage years and into adulthood.

She moved out of her home at just 14 and suffered with “dark thoughts” and periods of depression, self harm and eating disorders.

She said: “I was referred to a psychologist, and I remember thinking, ‘there’s no way I’m sharing anything about that’.”

She moved away from Cardiff aged 18 and studied Early Childhood Studies in Derbyshire, then spent two decades moving around various areas of Pembrokeshire.

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Clair dated, but could never maintain a healthy, lasting relationship because of what she had experienced.

She said: “Relationships were always difficult for me. I could never appreciate what love was.

“It led to me being throwaway with other people’s emotions, because I felt unloveable.”

Aged 40, she moved back to Cardiff to work with vulnerable young adults that become pray for county lines gangs, and this became a catalyst for her finally reporting the rape – some 28 years on.

She said: “I learned there are a lot of similarities between the identities of people who are susceptible to county lines gangs, and those who are sexual abuse victims.

“They are often people from broken homes, without positive role models. I identified with that. They emphasised the weight of reporting.

“At the end of the session, I asked, ‘if someone were looking to report something from years ago, how would they go about it?’.”

From there, Clair was put in touch with a team where she shared her rape out loud with authorities for the first time in her life. It transpired there was a second victim a year older than Clair.

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Evidence the two women provided which supported each other’s accounts was enough for Paul to be charged with buggery, rape and four counts of indecent assault, in relation to Clair.

It went to trial at Cardiff Crown Court in August 2022 after Paul pleaded not guilty.

Clair said: “I faced him in court, stood in the box, looked him in the eye and showed him I wasn’t not afraid of him any more. I wanted him to know I wasn’t bothered. I felt empowered.”

Clair got a phone call confirming the verdict and described feeling “absolutely elated” and “the biggest sense of relief”.

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She said: “When the judge gave the sentence, it had a huge impact. It showed the seriousness of the offence.”

As the years have passed since the sentencing, Clair’s life has improved and “flourished”.

Clair said: “Survivors don’t have to be tying themselves up with the guilt and shame.

“This thing I’d lived with my whole life, I feared coming forward as I didn’t expect to be believed.

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“It is possible to get a conviction, and that brings a sense of freedom.”

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‘Turning a moment of loss into something hopeful’

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‘Turning a moment of loss into something hopeful’

Britain’s illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree is set to be transformed into a public artwork – and citizens are being invited to have their say

People across the UK are being invited to help decide how the story of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree will live on, after six artists were shortlisted to create a major public artwork from its wood.

The poll, launched by the National Trust, asks the public to vote for their favourite proposal, which will make up 30% of the final decision, with the remaining 70% determined by a judging panel that includes artists, curators and experts in nature connection. The winning artist will use wood saved from the tree to create a lasting tribute, with the final work to be completed by 2028.

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The tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was illegally felled in September 2023. The act sparked widespread sadness and outrage, with many people sharing personal memories of visiting the site – one of the most photographed trees in the country. Now, organisers hope the next chapter of the tree’s story can be shaped collectively.

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“Over the past two years, we’ve heard extraordinary stories about what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to people,” said Annie Reilly, public engagement director at the National Trust and chair of the judging panel. “From moments of celebration and milestones to quiet memories of loss, connection and reflection. It became more than a tree; it became part of the emotional landscape of the nation.”

After being carefully stored and allowed to season over the last 28 months, the wood is now ready for artists to work with.

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“We always wanted to make sure that the tree had an extraordinary legacy,” continues Reilly. “This vote is now the opportunity for the public to help shape the on-going story. Each of the six proposals honours the tree in a different way, and we want people to choose the idea that captures what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to them.” 

Six artists and creative teams from across the UK have been shortlisted, each proposing a different way of commemorating the tree. Ideas range from sculptural installations made from the original timber to nationwide participatory projects involving storytelling, symbolic carved “seeds” and community gatherings.

The shortlisted artists are Alex Hartley and Tom James; Helix Arts with George King Architects; Mary Dalton; non zero one; Sam Williams Studio; and Trigger.

Among the judging panel is Professor Miles Richardson, who says the project highlights the emotional bonds people form with nature.

This project is built on the belief that something hopeful and unifying can come from such a painful loss

“When symbols like the Sycamore Gap tree are lost, it reminds us of the deep emotional bonds we can form with the living world,” he said. “This commission is about more than an artwork – it’s an invitation to renew our relationship with nature, to notice and celebrate it every day, and to take action to protect the natural world. The public’s involvement is vital because this connection belongs to everyone.”

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The commission also follows other initiatives designed to extend the tree’s legacy. Forty-nine saplings grown from its seeds have already been planted around the UK through the Trees of Hope project, while the main section of the trunk is now displayed at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.

Sarah Munro, creative director of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and a member of the judging panel, said the commission reflects the wide affection people felt for the tree.

“Sycamore Gap has long been a symbol of connection – between people, place and memory,” she said. “The shortlisted artists bring exceptional imagination, sensitivity and skill. Each offers a unique way of honouring the tree’s loss while celebrating its enduring place in our shared cultural memory.”

Organisers hope the public vote will help turn a moment of loss into something hopeful.

“This project is built on the belief that something hopeful and unifying can come from such a painful loss,” said Reilly. “We hope as many people as possible will take part, explore the proposals, and help shape the future story of the tree.”

Voting is open until 28 March, with the winning proposal due to be announced later this spring.

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Main image: John Millar

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Casemiro: Man Utd have no plans for U-turn and new contract for Brazilian

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Manchester United midfielder Casemiro points to the club badge on his red shirt

Manchester United have no plans to reverse their decision to release veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of the season.

The Brazilian, 34, announced in January that he would leave the club when his £350,000-a-week contract expires.

Despite his strong performances this season, United concluded they would not offer a new deal to the former Real Madrid midfielder, who will be available on a free transfer.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously voiced incredulity about Casemiro’s £18.2m annual salary, and the 73-year-old has vowed to drive down costs.

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That was thought to be behind the decision not to trigger the option on Casemiro’s contract, with United wanting to make the decision early to allow them to continue with their long-term squad overhaul.

Casemiro asked for the news to be made public in order to avoid any confusion towards the end of the season.

However, since then, Casemiro has turned in a series of excellent performances.

He opened the scoring against Aston Villa on Sunday with his seventh goal of the season, six of which have been headers.

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The midfielder celebrated in front of the Stretford End by pointing repeatedly to the club badge on his shirt.

Supporters sang “One more year, Casemiro” in response, and repeated it after the final whistle as the player headed for the tunnel.

Captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Leny Yoro both said after the game they hoped Casemiro would remain at the club.

However, sources have told BBC Sport that the club have no plans to reassess their decision.

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Interim head coach Michael Carrick has also suggested there will be no U-turn on Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford.

“When something is decided it makes it a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation,” said Carrick.

“The impact he’s had has been terrific, through his influence within the team and with big moments and goals.

“There was a nice moment at the end with the supporters. He’ll enjoy that one.”

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Terrified students flee homes and queue for meningitis antibiotics after horror outbreak kills 2

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Daily Mirror

Spooked Kent University students speaking to the Daily Mirror have said they are seeing people fleeing for home after collecting antibiotics in the wake of the meningitis outbreak

Terrified students at Kent University are queuing for lifesaving antibiotics and then immediately getting on buses to head home.

Many are so scared of catching meningitis that they are leaving to return immediately to their families across the UK. Some have been seen waiting for buses with their packed suitcases. Ethan Norris, 24, from Canterbury who works in the housekeeping department at Tyler Court and partner Nancy O’Sullivan, 23, from Hornchurch, Essex, a primary school teacher, queued for their pills.

Nancy said: “I’m seeing social media videos of people being picked up in the middle of the night to get out of here. I’ve seen students with suitcases getting on buses now.”

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READ MORE: BBC Doctor gives urgent meningitis symptom list as outbreak leaves two deadREAD MORE: Everything to know about ‘new meningitis strain’ after Kent outbreak kills two

“They are getting their anti biotics and leaving. Exams have been cancelled. What we’ve seen is a load of university students packing up their stuff, there’s panic because this has appeared so suddenly. Students are too scared to be on campus. You don’t know how far it has spread already. It’s terrifying.”

Ethan added: “I’ve seen a student taken out of the one of the blocks on a stretcher. We queued for over an hour and 40 minutes for an antibiotics pill. We’ve heard that two have people have passed away so it’s just something we needed to do. It’s scary.”

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area of Kent. Some students at the University of Kent have been given antibiotics while others are in hospital. The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.

Thomas Ibbotson, a third year studying Business and Spanish, says students have been told that the outbreak started at a Fresher’s event, which was also attended by local sixth formers. Others have spoken of the fear for their friends who are in hospital.

Thomas said: “I got told the people most exposed are freshers who were out on this night out. They started at a house party and then went on to Club Chemistry later in the evening. In all of the emails to us, the University has been saying that if you had been to Club Chemistry on Friday or Saturday, that is where you would be most at risk.

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“The freshers then came back into the accommodation where it has spread. I’m not in the block that has been affected, but I live around Tyler Court where there has been a case in one block so it’s very worrying.

“I’m going home so I want to be extra safe and I’d rather get the antibiotics, that’s why I’m queueing up here. But I really don’t know if the university is doing this in the most efficient way, given the queue time is 40 minutes right now. They put a letter underneath our flat door saying if you spend time in the affected areas or had friends who lived in the affected blocks, you would need to come to the Senate to pick up antibiotics.”

Daisy Gower, a third year student studying psychology, says she was told to get the antibiotics by the university.

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“I’ve just been informed that I might have been in close contact with someone who’s affected in my dance class. So we’re just here to get the antibiotic just in case. It’s really quite a concerning situation. It has caused a lot of panic here but hopefully everyone here taking the antibiotic will prevent it from spreading.”

Student Ben Segneri has spoken of his fear he has caught it after displaying symptoms this morning.

He said: “I woke up this morning with some cold symptoms, a headache and some muscle pains. It really could be anything around this time of year but I want to make sure I am protected just in case so I will be taking the antibiotic.

“I heard about the outbreak about a day before everyone else because I know someone who works at the hospital so we were warned about the cases in advance. We were just wauiting for the university to announce it and they ended up doing last night. Every single soceity and any space to socialise has been shut. People seem very very stressed about it.”

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A spokeswoman for the UKHSA said: “We can confirm that UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to provide advice letters to all 16,000 students, advising on recent cases, signs and symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics, and what to do if they feel unwell.”

Not all 16,000 students at the university will be given antibiotics, only those who are regarded as “close contacts” of those affected, such as living in the same accommodation block.

Helen Whately, the Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, told PA she was expecting to be briefed on Monday about the situation. “I’ve been in contact with the Health Secretary and I’m expecting to hear from the UKHSA this morning,” she said.

“I’m trying to get information about what is being done locally to trace contacts and identify which students and school pupils are at risk.

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“Also I want schools to be given briefings on what steps they should take and the advice to give to parents.” The UKHSA said on Sunday specialists are interviewing affected individuals and their families to “help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread”.

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Skipton shop loses licence after worker sold alcohol to child

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Skipton shop loses licence after worker sold alcohol to child

North Yorkshire Council cancelled the licence for Lewiatian, in Sackville Street, Skipton, following a day-long hearing.

The council’s three-councillor statutory licensing sub-committee met on Friday at the Civic Centre, in Harrogate, to review the store’s premises licence.

Members of the panel heard how the shop was being investigated for a number of alleged offences by North Yorkshire Police’s licensing team and the council’s trading standards department.

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The committee was also told there was a coroner’s inquest due to take place following a death connected with the premises, although no further details were revealed.

The owner of the shop, Saheb Sadeqhi, did not attend the hearing due to illness, but was represented by his solicitor.

The press and public were excluded from the majority of the hearing due to evidence being presented on ongoing investigations.

The hearing took place just two days after a worker from the store appeared before Skipton Magistrates’ Court.

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The staff member, Milad Karimi, 26, of North Street, Keighley, was fined £200 after he pleaded guilty to knowingly selling alcohol to someone who was drunk and selling alcohol to someone who is under 18.

Both offences took place in July 2025.

In 2024, the store was prosecuted for selling illegal vapes, while in 2022 it was fined for selling fake tobacco and falsely labelled vodka.

North Yorkshire Council declined to comment on the case due to the ongoing investigations.

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The members of the panel were councillors Tim Grogan, Kevin Foster and Andrew Lee.

After the hearing, Mr Sadeqhi told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he planned to appeal the decision.

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Raincoat flasher ‘exposed himself’ on Redcar High Street

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Raincoat flasher 'exposed himself' on Redcar High Street

The incident took place in the doorway of a shop on Redcar High Street at 1.40pm on the afternoon of Friday, March 13.

The man is described as being in his 70s, white, wearing a green raincoat, black trousers and carrying a black bag for life with red handles. 

Any witnesses or anyone with CCTV can call 101 quoting reference SE26046539.

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BBC announce House of Games host after Richard Osman quit show

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Manchester Evening News

The BBC has announced who will replace Richard Osman as host of House of Games after he announced his plans to leave the show earlier this month.

Launched back in 2017 on the BBC, Richard Osman’s House of Games saw four celebrities playing in a series of games on five consecutive days to win daily prizes.

But after almost a decade, Richard confirmed that he is going to record one final week of House of Games, which is airing its ninth series, before handing the reins over to a new presenter.

“I am leaving House of Games. It will no longer be Richard Osman’s House of Games. It will be somebody else’s House of Games. I gladly hand over the keys. I just wanted to go on record saying how much I love it and loved it,” he shared in a statement.

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Richard added: “It has been such a great pleasure, and honour, to present House of Games for the last nine years, with the absolute best team in television. But it’s time to let someone else have a go, and I’m very excited to hand over the House keys to the lucky new host!”

Now, the new host has been revealed as Michael Sheen. It marks the multi-award-winning actor’s debut as quiz show host, and it’s been confirmed that he will preside over the recording of 100 episodes that will be broadcast later this year.

Michael said in a statement as the news was announced on Monday (March 16): “Quite literally very large shoes to fill but as a huge fan of the show I’m incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set.”

Tamara Gilder, Joint MD for Remarkable Entertainment, also commented: “We are thrilled to be handing Michael Sheen the keys to House of Games. The show has always been a love letter to those who adore quizzes – and we have a new host who loves them as much as we do. We can’t wait to start filming.”

Caroline O’Neill, BBC Commissioning Executive, added: “We’re delighted to have Michael Sheen stepping into the House of Games. His charisma and passion for playfulness will be a joy for audiences and we’ve no doubt he’ll relish throwing himself into a fiercely fought Answer Smash. We can’t wait to share this next era of the show with viewers at home.”

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‘Part of Cambridge lost forever’ as restaurant makes way for student flats

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Cambridgeshire Live

The plans by Downing College will see a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece redeveloped into 26 student rooms with restaurant space

CambridgeshireLive readers have heard that demolition has begun on a Cambridge restaurant to make way for new student accommodation and restaurant space. The project, led by Downing College, will redevelop a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece into 26 student rooms with restaurant facilities.

Several buildings at 19-35 Regent Street, including the former Cuba Libre restaurant and bar, are set for partial demolition.

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Downing College Developments Ltd submitted the redevelopment plans, which were approved by Cambridge City Council in September 2024. CMP Architects, who designed the project, described the site as containing poorly maintained buildings that had been altered inconsistently over the years.

The plans include a retail unit on the ground floor, intended to provide a restaurant serving both residents and visitors. Above this, the student accommodation will feature 26 en-suite rooms, reports CambridgeshireLive. A council officer said the development would cause a modest reduction in market housing but would provide much-needed student accommodation.

A spokesperson from Demcom Demolition, which is carrying out the work, said all demolition is being done by hand, with bricks retained for reuse. The team is also completing enabling work inside before scaffolding can be erected.

Commenter Josh A thinks: “We don’t need more of these. What we really need are shops, cafes, pharmacies and the like – far more useful than another block of student accommodation. The solution is simple: if there’s no space, don’t build here and leave the existing buildings alone.”

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Rob H agrees: “If student accommodation is genuinely in such high demand, why can’t they build it on the college campuses instead? It would make sense to use existing university land rather than taking over other parts of the city, which could be put to more practical and community-friendly uses.”

Stayfocused29 replies: “I’d normally be against this, but honestly, everything that has been put into that building ends up closing, and the empty units make the place look really unattractive. It’s frustrating because it could be such a vibrant spot, though the University’s ridiculously high rents may have contributed to the businesses failing in the first place.”

Weneedqueenmeghan believes: “The antiquated university has long outlived its usefulness and really needs to be closed down once and for all. Its outdated structures and outdated practices are holding back progress, and the city could put the space and resources to far better use.”

Rodney A points out: “Everyone going on about it being student accommodation might want to consider what would happen if all the students were taken out of the rental housing market. But by all means, keep repeating your ‘it’s only for students’ line.”

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John W disagrees: “Another part of Cambridge lost forever. More student accommodation? The days when people would rent out a room in their own homes are gone. Oh well, they call it progress, apparently.”

Terry J adds: “The university is completely taking Cambridge for granted for its own selfish gain. How and why have they been allowed to take over our city like this?”

Andrew C says: “It’s remarkable how universities can get planning approval but contribute nothing to the infrastructure they rely on, while adding further strain to already damaged systems.”

Diane B comments: “What a shame. Do we really need even more student accommodation? What about the people who actually work here, not the professors, who can’t afford to live in the city? Our grown-up children, both working in essential services, can’t afford to live in the city they were born in. Then there are complaints about the cars they need to get to work. No, they can’t just cycle or take buses, as the buses don’t start early enough.”

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Lisa G replies: “More student accommodation – why is that not surprising! Why not build something to help the city’s homeless or projects that actually benefit the people who live and work here? Of course, that never happens. It’s all about keeping the university happy, as usual.”

Another part of Cambridge is being transformed into student accommodation while market housing is reduced. Do you think the city should prioritise students over local residents and workers? Have your say in our comments section.

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Nationwide says to check if you qualify for ‘life-changing’ extra payments

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Wales Online

You can check if you are eligible through the Nationwide website

Nationwide Building Society is encouraging people to check if they’re eligible for more than £550 in additional support. Customers can check heir eligibility for extra payments both online and over the phone.

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Stephen Noakes, director of retail at Nationwide, recently spoke to a panel of MPs regarding the building society’s initiatives to improve financial inclusion. He discussed with the Treasury Committee the need to get people saving more, as well as how to ensure customers are accessing all the support they qualify for.

One resource he was eager to highlight is Nationwide’s Better Off Indicator, which can be used to determine if you’re entitled to any extra benefits, such as those from the DWP or via your local council. You simply input some information about your household situation and your finances, like your savings and income, and it will guide you towards any additional payments you might be eligible for.

Mr Noakes informed the committee: “We have calculators that can advise customers if they have additional benefits.” The provider introduced these online tools back in June 2025.

Bank account alert for people with over £5,000

The building society chief said there have been big successes for those who have used the online benefit check. Mr Noakes said: “We only started in the last six months – but 18,000 households have looked at it and 11,000 had benefits.

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“The average they have managed to gain is £560 a month. This activity can be quite life-changing.” Nationwide launched the calculator tool in collaboration with Policy in Practice.

If you’d rather discuss the support available to you over the phone, you can ring 0300 3730619. Guidance on the Nationwide website explains: “Being eligible to claim for benefits is not just for people who can’t work.

“Many people assume they are not eligible, leaving £24billion in benefits going unclaimed in the UK every year. There are lots of support payments and benefits that could help you be better off.”

Who could qualify for the extra payments?

The guidance sets out that these five groups may be eligible for some extra cash:

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  • You or your partner are out of work
  • You are renting your home
  • You have children
  • You have a disability or care for someone who has a disability
  • You are receiving the state pension

What extra support could I qualify for?

The information page also lists some of the benefits that you may be entitled to.

These include:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Child Benefits
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Council tax discounts

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