Fast-fashion giant Shein is set to make its highly anticipated stock market debut on Tuesday as it lists in Hong Kong after a years-long quest to go public.

It comes after failed attempts to list in the US and UK, as concerns were raised over issues including the firm’s labour practices and its environmental impact.

Once estimated to be worth nearly $100bn (£74bn), Shein is now valued at around a quarter of that figure, as the firm faces other issues like increased competition and global trade tensions.

Shein has grown hugely popular, especially with younger customers, due to its ability to source the very latest fashions at ultra-low prices through a vast network of factories in China.

On Monday, Shein priced its shares below the top end of their marketed range, raising ‌13.6 billion Hong Kong dollars ($1.7bn; £1.3bn) from the listing.

That gave the company a stock market valuation of $26.3bn.

Founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein operates a global e-commerce network, with sales in more than 150 countries.

Shein has 281 million active customers who placed a total of more than a billion orders in the year to the end of March 2026, the company said in a filing ahead of the listing.

But its business model has come under intense scrutiny over environmental and human rights concerns, while US and European Union crackdowns on cheap imports are squeezing its finances.

The stock market debut comes at a “complex moment” as investors grow sceptical over the performance of fast-fashion companies, said Louise Deglise-Favre from research firm GlobalData.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The sole pipeline that supplies water for millions of Grand Canyon visitors was badly damaged by weekend flash flooding, setting up a tricky repair scenario and upending a yearslong construction project to upgrade the line laid over terrain so rugged helicopters are often required to make basic fixes.

Park officials said roughly 40% of the pipeline was damaged or destroyed. The long-term implications of the damage to the park’s infrastructure, visitors and year-round residents weren’t immediately clear. The 12.5-mile (20-kilometer) long Transcanyon Waterline has endured dozens of breaks in recent years. A more than $200 million repair and replacement project was well underway when the floods hit.

Caused by heavy rain, the floods killed at least two people, left more than a dozen others missing or unaccounted for and required the evacuation of more than 60 people. Officials said significant water reductions are needed — short showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth and flushing toilets selectively to to protect the limited stored water on the South Rim, where most visitors go.

Even routine repairs can be tricky

The pipeline, which was finished in the 1970s, has broken more than 85 times since 2010. It moves water from one side of the canyon, down to its base, across a bridge and back up the other side of the rough landscape. Any effort to fix a break from rock falls or flash floods is time-consuming, precarious and costly, so addressing the latest damage will be complicated.

The pipeline upgrade project, which began in 2023, took more than a decade to design, consider and fund. It involves moving the point where water would flow into the pipeline, installing helicopter pads, building water treatment facilities and replacing several miles of pipeline.

Basic decisions were complicated. For example, the original pipe was aluminum, which is lighter and easier to move into the steep canyon but is susceptible to breaking. Engineers picked a flex-steel material to balance weight with durability.

Frequent breaks cause water restrictions

Even routine pipeline breaks force water restrictions. In 2016, a hotel on the canyon’s rim that offers luxury dining and boasts about its history hosting presidents was forced to reduce dishwashing and use paper plates and plastic utensils.

The park had water conservation measure in place even before the latest bout of flooding and damage.

The flooding has forced parts of the park to close and additional flooding was possible Monday, according to the National Park Service.

“Consider changing your plans if you were going to hike, boat, or paddleboard to a slot canyon or normally dry wash. If you do still decide to recreate, check in at a nearby visitor center or ranger station,” a notice on the park website said.

Officials said previously that the repair and replacement project would ensure that the park will be able to meet its water supply needs for the next 50 years or more. The park had roughly 4.4 million visitors last year.

When the original pipeline was nearing completion in the 1960s, more than a foot (0.3 meters) of rain fell, flooding the inner canyon. That rare historic flood caused 40% of the project to be destroyed, officials said.

___

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment

Over 5000 users reported problems on Downdetector on Monday evening, with most saying they are having trouble receiving messages.

Microsoft’s status checker, however, says that all products are operational at this time.

The terms “Microsoft Outlook down” and “Microsoft outage” are also trending on social media.

Are Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Copilot also down?

According to Downdetector, both Teams and 365 are experiencing issues for some user – albeit not at the same level as Outlook currently.

It is difficult to ascertain the extent, if any, of a Microsoft Copilot outage.

Arsenal avoid a repeat of last season’ heartbreaking loss at Aston Villa with Mikel Arteta admitting the hurt had motivated Monday night’s performance

Mikel Arteta hailed a “massive win” and then revealed Arsenal were fired up by last year’s heartbreak. The Gunners lost at Villa Park last season when Emiliano Buendia got a last-gasp winner to leave Arsenal shell-shocked.

But the reigning champions made it two straight wins and a perfect start to the defence of their title thanks to Bukayo Saka’s second half goal.

Arsenal boss Arteta said: “Really happy, it’s a massive win. It’s a tough place to come and earn three points. I think we deserved it. We had a great performance. I know how tough it is to win here. Every big team has struggled against them because they are so good.

“I always trust my players. The level depends on the moment as well. Last year, we lost here in a really difficult way. That was still in the tummy. Last year was the same, we know how difficult it is to earn points in this league.”

Arteta brought on Ezri Konsa against his old club to a mixed reception while Eberechi Eze came on at half time to change the game.

“Ebs creates the action that wins us the game. Ezri, as well, really composed and really calm with every decision he made. I’m really happy with all of them,” said Arteta.

Arteta admitted that Arsenal could still move in the market on deadline day after effectively turning his phone off before Villa. He added: “I disconnected for a day. My focus had to be on the game, we have the right people at the club to look after that.”

Saka said: “Very very tough game. It’s not easy coming here, we knew that, and they made it hard for us so it feels great to come out with the win.

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“One goal is normally enough for us because we’re so solid at the back. Once we got the first, we could have got the second. We had two penalty shouts that didn’t go our way.”

Villa lost without a shot on target and did not manage one in their opener at Brighton either after a big summer of change.

Boss Unai Emery said: “To lose one match is painful, but we must try to get positive things. There are 38 matches, we have played two and have no points, but hopefully we can get better. We can feel confidence because the way we want to build a team is by competing like today.”

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Pakistan have a history of making eccentric decisions in the wake of defeats. On England’s last tour of Pakistan in 2024, the hosts responded to losing the first Test, when England made a total in excess of 800, by playing the second Test on the same pitch in Multan.

On that occasion, Pakistan used garden heaters and fans to dry the surface, to assist their spinners. The home side won the next two Tests to win the series 2-1.

Now, among the seven players sent home are Salman, who captained in the first Test in the absence of the injured Babar Azam, then was dropped for the second.

Also dropped is opener Imam-ul-Haq, who was criticised at Lord’s for not attempting to bat in either innings after suffering a calf injury while fielding on the opening day.

Raja, who played 57 Tests between 1984 and 1997, added: “I’m really not happy with the situation.

“How many times have we seen this happen in world cricket? Never, ever. This is more like football, midway through the season, firing a manager.

“If you ask me how things can be fixed, I’ve got no idea.”

The sweeping selection changes come after the Pakistan team were surrounded by controversy during the second Test.

At lunch on the first day, the PCB threatened to cancel the remainder of the match and tour because of an interview with the sons of Imran Khan that was broadcast by Sky.

Imran, the former Pakistan captain and prime minster, has been in prison for three years on charges of corruption, which he denies.

Pakistan ultimately completed the Test, with both captain Babar and head coach Sarfaraz denying any knowledge of a planned boycott.

The tourists are also due to have an audience with King Charles at Clarence House this week.

“Extremely comfortable, very warm, I bought them last week and I’ve had no rubbing, no blisters”

Now that autumn is basically here, many fashion fans will be delighted at the prospect of ditching their flip flops and sandals for shoes more suited to the cooler weather. Boots are a seasonal must-have, and there’s no brand more synonymous with the season than TImberland.

I’m usually a hardcore Dr Martens fan in the autumn and winter months, but one pair of Timberland boots have convinced me to step out of my comfort zone and try something different. Timberland’s boots effortlessly bridge the gap between outdoor functionality and streetwear style. Never going out of style, they can be thrown on with jeans when heading to the office or on a weekend adventure.

Shoppers are snapping up the brand’s Stone Street Platform 6-Inch Waterproof Boots quickly, and it’s not hard to see why. They are a little pricey, but when treated properly, are designed to last pretty much forever, meaning the cost per wear is lower than cheaper shoes that you have to repurchase when they inevitably wear out.

READ MORE: Luxury Boden autumn jumpers, trousers and shoes slashed in double discount sale that ends Sunday

READ MORE: ‘Light’ Regatta £80 jacket slashed to £8 in deal stack ‘kept me dry in a downpour’

The Stone Street Platform 6-Inch Waterproof Boots are a fresh take on Timberland’s iconic silhouette. Shoppers can pick them up in sizes three to nine, with half sizes available.

They’re crafted from premium Timberland leather with a chunky sole, offering an elevated look that’s bang on-trend. The boots feature a warm lining from the brand’s innovative recycled ReBOTL fabric.

The boots have 200g of PrimaLoft insulation and clever seam-seals to help keep feet warm and dry. They’re finished off with a memory foam footbed and a steel shank that help promote cushioning for long-lasting comfort.

Thanks to their versatile design, the boots can be styled with a number of outfits. They can be paired with casual denim, cargo pants, oversized hoodies, or even contrasting feminine pieces like maxi skirts and dresses.

Elsewhere, the Vintage 1460 Quilon Leather Ankle Boots cost £220 at Dr. Martens. The premium, heritage-focused re-issue of the iconic eight-eyelet boot feature the brand’s iconic silhouette and handcrafted by skilled cobblers in Northamptonshire.

Alternatively, Marks and Spencer’s Leather Cowboy Block Heel Mid Calf Boots are priced at £85. The leather boots are designed to bring equestrian vibes to any autumn outfit.

They feature a mid-calf silhouette and an easy, slip-on design. A harness strap and an angled block heel ensure an authentic, cowboy-style look.

Back at Timberland, the Stone Street Platform 6-Inch Waterproof Boots boast an overall star-rating of 4.3 out of five based on almost 30 reviews. One satisfied shopper said: “Beautiful shoe. The thick sole is really nice, just a little bit different.”

A second wrote: “You can’t deny the style is beautiful, the colour sold it for me, I have wide feet, and what I love about Timberland is that they do wide fit. I bought these yesterday at Westfield, great customer service, plus to my surprise and delight the boots had 10% off plus the wax.

“I wanted to give a customer service review online, but the manger was there and said tell me now. So I did, couldn’t fault the service which is always a bonus. He gave me some freebies, charming little accessories for the boots. These boots are worth the full price, but knowing you can get 10% off is even better.”

“I’m a boot girl, I love Timberland,” a third penned. “The style, and feel, I’ve never had an issue. I have wide feet so it’s great that Timberland do half sizes.

“Extremely comfortable, very warm, I bought them last week and I’ve had no rubbing, no blisters. Extremely happy, gorgeous colour.”

Despite the positive reviews, there are some things to bear in mind before purchasing the Stone Street Platform 6-Inch Waterproof Boots. The have a notoriously roomy toe box, and while this is good for people with wider feet or those who like to wear thick winter socks, it may not be good for those with narrow feet.

Nevertheless, someone else loved their latest Timberland purchase, adding: “Super unusual and beautiful shoes. My size was sold out but I finally managed to buy them.

“They run great and are nice and warm. They are definitely waterproof because I wore them on a rainy day and my feet were so dry. I am very happy with my purchase and recommend them to anyone who likes Timberland.”

Another five-star review reads. “What a pair of cool and special boots. They are wide and roomy, I like that.

“Wore them and no sore feet. Definitely recommend, but not everyone should buy them because they won’t be so special anymore.”

By EMMA RICHTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 22:20 BST, 31 August 2026 | Updated: 22:43 BST, 31 August 2026

Casinos continue to boom online in the UK, and with users able to play several popular games, many will be looking for good options for a baccarat casino online.

Baccarat is one of the easiest and fairest online casino games – with the banker bet carrying one of the lowest house edges of any casino game at around 1.06 per cent – and it is offered by many popular UK casinos.

Nevertheless, it is not as widely played as online roulette or online blackjack, so we’ve produced this guide to the best online baccarat sites for those wondering where’s best to play.

Every site we recommend is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so players who want to know where to play and how to play baccarat can read on to find out the key rules, best bets and odds as well as our top five choices for using a baccarat casino online.

The best baccarat casinos online: Our top five

Grosvenor Casino – Best overall for live baccarat

Grosvenor Casino is our top baccarat casino online choice, as it is the strongest all-round pick for players who want a real live dealer casino feel.

The brand offers authentic live baccarat and exclusive tables streamed from real Grosvenor land-based venues in the UK, as well as Evolution live baccarat from the well-known provider.

As expected, there is a huge range of live and RNG baccarat, with stakes ranging anywhere from 10p to £5,000.

The Grosvenor Casino welcome offer provides a £40 bonus (with a £20 deposit) as well as 100 free spins, making it one of the most valuable on the market.

LeoVegas Casino – Best for live baccarat variety

LeoVegas is a good choice for players who like switching between different baccarat tables and variants, with over 200 live dealer tables from Evolution and Pragmatic Play Live on offer, including tables streamed from Las Vegas.

Put simply, there are lots of baccarat variants in one place, with a huge breadth of baccarat styles provided and a wide range of staking options.

As for the welcome offer, 50 no wagering free spins is a solid option for players who want risk-free play when they sign up to a new UK casino, though the total value is perhaps a little less than some competitors.

Betfair Casino – Best for classic and Playtech baccarat

Betfair Casino is a dependable baccarat choice, and the best online baccarat option for players who want the classics from a big, trusted name.

Of course, Betfair is among the most recognisable and trustworthy gambling brands in the UK, with a solid live casino (and options provided by Playtech and Evolution) that covers both classic and speed baccarat.

The core live baccarat line-up is enticing for both new and seasoned players, as is the variety of options for different stakes. In terms of the welcome offer, 100 free spins and 50 no deposit free spins is also among the best on the market.

Videoslots Casino – Best for high rollers and choice

Videoslots Casino is the best baccarat casino for high rollers and players who want maximum choice.

There are over 750 live dealer tables from providers such as Evolution, OnAir, Playtech, Pragmatic Play Live and Stakelogic, with high-roller and VIP baccarat tables also on offer.

Put simply, Videoslots ranks highly due to the sheer breadth of live baccarat and the VIP and high-limit tables, though the welcome offer – of a 100 per cent bonus up to £50 and 11 free spins – is also a potentially valuable option for new customers.

Paddy Power Games – Best for beginners and low stakes

Overall, Paddy Power Games is the easiest starting point for newcomers to online baccarat.

Paddy Power is a familiar big-brand casino and boasts a simple user interface with easily accessible tables.

The casino site offers beginner-friendly live baccarat and low-stakes options, while the welcome offer provides up to 200 free spins and 60 no deposit free spins.

Their sign up offer may be aimed at online slots players, but there’s no obligation to opt in, although we suggest taking up the 60 no deposit bonus spins at least.

How we chose our top five baccarat casinos

We used six main criteria when ranking and choosing the top baccarat casino online options. These include:

Licensing: All of our recommended baccarat casinos are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.

Size and quality of the live baccarat selection: The best baccarat casinos offer a wide range of options for live baccarat, as well as alternative options.

Table stakes and limits: In a similar vein to game selection, the best online baccarat sites will also offer games with a wide variety of table stakes and limits, to cater to every type of player.

Software providers: Casinos should run a wide range of games from top providers such as Evolution and Playtech.

Welcome offer value and fairness: The welcome bonus at each of our chosen baccarat sites should offer both value and fair terms for new customers.

Payout speed: The best baccarat casinos will cater to a range of different payment methods while also offering quick withdrawals.

Why play baccarat online?

There are several reasons why using baccarat sites is popular with online players.

First of all, there is a low house edge. The Banker bet is one of the best bets in the casino at around 1.06 per cent, so baccarat offers some of the fairest odds you will find.

Of course, playing online is also simple and hands-off; you just bet on Player, Banker or Tie, so there are no decisions to make and no strategy charts to learn.

The best online baccarat casinos also work for every budget, as many UK tables start from around £1 a hand and scale up to high-roller limits.

Finally, baccarat online is fast and flexible. RNG tables are instant, while live tables add a real dealer and casino atmosphere.

How to play baccarat online

Here’s a brief guide for beginners on how to play baccarat.

The aim of the game is to bet on whichever hand – Player or Banker – that you think will finish closest to a total of 9 (or bet on a Tie).

If the first two cards total 8 or 9, that is a ‘natural’ and the round ends immediately. Otherwise a third card may be drawn automatically under fixed rules – you never make that decision yourself.

Card values are as follows:

If a total goes above 9, only the last digit counts (e.g. a 7 and an 8 equals 15, which scores 5).

The bets-and-odds table below shows why the Banker bet is the smart long-term choice when playing at an online baccarat casino:

What is live baccarat online?

Live baccarat consists of a real human dealer and real cards streamed in HD from a studio (or a real casino floor), and players bet on the game in real time.

Popular live side bets and pays include Player/Banker Pair, Perfect Pair and Big/Small. These are fun but have higher house edge, so keep them optional.

Leading providers of live baccarat online include Evolution, Playtech and Pragmatic Play Live, with each provider a well-known name in the casino online industry.

Overall, live baccarat is where the game feels most authentic, while RNG tables are better for fast, low-key play.

Smart tips for playing baccarat online

Here’s some quick tips for readers who might want to play baccarat online. We advise beginners to:

Stick to the Banker bet: This bet has the lowest house edge over the long run, even after the five per cent commission.

Avoid the Tie and most side bets: At the same time, these bets pay more but carry a much higher house edge (around 14 per cent).

Set a staking plan: Remember to decide your per-hand stake and a session limit before you start.

Know when to stop: Take a profit when you are ahead and walk away if you hit your loss limit.

Try free/demo mode first: Many casinos let you play baccarat online free, so you can learn a variant before betting real money.

Choose your casino wisely: Pick one of our recommended baccarat casinos and choose a fast withdrawal casino if you want quick access to any real winnings.

Types of online baccarat

There are several types of online baccarat to choose from, so below we’ll run through the most common types that you’re likely to find on baccarat sites:

Responsible gambling

Remember that online gambling is only available to people aged 18+ based in the UK.

When playing baccarat online, it is vital that you remember to gamble responsibly.

Online baccarat is a game of chance with no winning system, and the house always has an edge. Losses can mount quickly if you aren’t careful.

Gambling sites are supposed to be a form of entertainment as opposed to a way of making money. 

It helps to set a budget from the moment you start playing and stick to it. Never wager more than you can afford to lose.

If you need to, incorporate the use of responsible gambling tools into your play.

These are offered by all regulated UK casinos, and they include self-assessment calculators, deposit limits, loss limits, reality checks, self-exclusion and time-outs.

Should you wish to seek help for gambling-related issues, there are several charities and healthcare providers who offer support and information:

Verdict: The best baccarat casino online for you

Baccarat is one of the best-value casino games thanks to the low-house-edge Banker bet, and the best baccarat casino online for you depends on whether you want authentic live tables, variety, high limits or a beginner-friendly start.

Readers can find our recommendations above, though as a reminder we rank LeoVegas best for variety, Betfair the top choice for classic Playtech baccarat, Videoslots for high rollers and Paddy Power Games for beginners.

But overall, Grosvenor Casino is our top choice for using a baccarat casino online, and users can direct themselves to the site via the link below.

Baccarat online FAQs

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

A new report argues soldiers who fought the IRA are now being judged using human-rights standards developed after conflict took place

SAS veterans who served in Northern Ireland should not face “endless legal jeopardy” decades after the Troubles, a Labour former defence minister has said.

Al Carns, a former Armed Forces minister who served for 24 years in the Royal Marines, backed a new report from the Policy Exchange think tank.

The report argues that soldiers who fought the IRA are now being judged using human-rights standards developed after conflict took place.

It says the Labour Government’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill could leave older veterans facing investigations, uncertainty and potential prosecution.

Speaking in Belfast last week, Andy Burnham said the Bill would be brought back to Parliament in the autumn.

The 2023 Legacy Act was introduced by the previous Conservative government and offered conditional immunity for perpetrators of some Troubles crimes in exchange for co-operation with a new body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which would oversee investigations.

The Labour Government has since introduced a new Bill to Parliament to overhaul the Act, with MPs already voting to repeal the conditional immunity provision and scrap a bar on future legacy compensation cases as the new Bill is still being debated.

Mr Carns wrote in a foreword to the report: “No soldier should be above the law. Equally, no soldier should face endless legal jeopardy.

“Accountability is not the same as perpetual investigation. Justice is not served when the process itself becomes the punishment.

“That is why this paper matters. It gives voice to men who were there, making decisions almost impossible to recreate 40 or 50 years later.”

Labour peer Lord Maurice Glasman also backed the report, arguing that any pursuit of prosecutions against veterans could damage military morale and recruitment.

He wrote: “We owe a debt of great gratitude to the veterans of the SAS who served in the long deployment in Northern Ireland.

“They served with great courage and honour in extremely dangerous and violent conditions.

“It is a breach of our military covenant that veterans are investigated and prosecuted in their old age because of an understanding of the law that did not exist when they were active.”

A federal judge has ruled that J.M. Smucker can proceed with a lawsuit against Trader Joe’s over frozen sandwiches that Smucker claims are too similar to its Uncrustables.

Smucker sued Trader Joe’s in federal court in Ohio last fall, claiming Trader Joe’s committed a trademark violation when it introduced frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with the same round shape and crimped edges as Uncrustables.

The lawsuit further alleged that Trader Joe’s put its crustless PB&Js peanut in packaging that too closely resembled the coloring of an Uncrustables box and featured a similar photograph of a sandwich with a bite taken out of one side.

In court filings, Trader Joe’s said its frozen sandwiches aren’t round but shaped as “squircles,” or square sandwiches with rounded edges. The company said the crimped design is necessary to keep the contents inside the sandwich and Smucker, based in Orrville, Ohio, shouldn’t be allowed to monopolize it.

Trader Joe’s also said Smucker’s current Uncrustables packaging, which it only introduced in 2024, is not famous enough to meet the standards of a federal trademark dilution claim.

“Smucker reaches too far. Its sandwiches’ appearance and cartoon avatar are no Nike swoosh or McDonald’s golden arches,” Trader Joe’s said in a January court filing that asked for the case to be dismissed.

But U.S. District Judge John Adams ruled Friday that Smucker had devoted significant resources to developing Uncrustables and protecting the brand in the past 20 years. Adams said customers have come to associate Uncrustables’ design trademarks with the brand.

The judge also declined Trader Joe’s request to move the case to California, where it is headquartered and where the third-party supplier of its frozen sandwiches is also located.

The Associated Press left messages seeking comment Monday with Trader Joe’s and Smucker.

Smucker is seeking restitution from Trader Joe’s. It also wants a judge to require Trader Joe’s to deliver all products and packaging to Smucker to be destroyed.