Connect with us

NewsBeat

DWP issues update on cold weather payments – but one million still missing out

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Freezing temperatures early this year saw £35 million worth of cold weather payments made to households across England and Wales – but one million pensioners are still missing out

Nearly 1.5 million households across England and Wales have already received cold weather payments this winter, the government has confirmed.

Advertisement

The payments of £25 are made when the average temperature in a postcode area is recorded as – or forecast to be – zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. Freezing weather in the first few weeks of 2026 have meant extra payments being made to eligible households.

The payments were triggered by temperatures plunging below zero at more than 30 Met Office weather stations across the country. Around 1.4 million cold weather payments were dished out last winter.

READ MORE: Pensioners could see certain DWP payments stop at this ageREAD MORE: Cold Weather Payments weeks left for DWP scheme – full cash postcodes list

Advertisement

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, more than £35 million has been paid to vulnerable households across England and Wales so far this winter. The scheme runs from November 1 2025 to March 31 2026.

You will usually be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you get Pension Credit. Those receiving Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Support for Mortgage Interest may also be eligible if they meet additional criteria, such as their employment status, health conditions, disability, or caring responsibilities for young or disabled children.

People in Scotland don’t receive Cold Weather Payments but may be eligible for an annual Winter Heating Payment instead. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “This support is a lifeline for vulnerable households when temperatures plummet. Combined with our wider cost of living support – including a higher National Living Wage, £150 off energy bills, and a £300 Winter Fuel Payment for over nine million pensioners – these measures are making a real difference to households across the country.”

Pensioners on low incomes have been urged to apply for Pension Credit as it also provides access to other support including help with housing costs and free NHS dental treatment, as well as council tax discount, help with energy costs, and a free TV licence for over 75s. The charity Age UK says that around one in six – equivalent to 1.9 million – pensioners live in poverty yet many older people assume they won’t qualify, or find it daunting and difficult to complete applications without help.

Figures from 2023/24 showed nearly two in five of those eligible to claim Pension Credit – equivalent to one million pensioners – are missing out on average £50 per week, or £2,600 per year. Morgan Vine, director of policy and influencing at the charity Independent Age, said: “Cold Weather Payments can be a lifeline during cold snaps.

“With more than half of older people on low incomes across England and Wales regularly sharing that they are worried about meeting the cost of their heating bill, it is crucial that vital support like this reaches those who need it most. We welcome this £35 million investment from the UK Government to support people of all ages struggling to heat their homes and look forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure older people on low incomes receive the financial support they need.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NewsBeat

Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner lead the most daring Vanity Fair Oscars red carpet

Published

on

Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner lead the most daring Vanity Fair Oscars red carpet
The Kardashian/Jenner clan were out in full force (Picture: AP/Getty)

The Vanity Fair Oscars after-party returned for the biggest night in Hollywood, with some eye-popping looks on what was a grey carpet.

This year’s Los Angeles party saw the guest list slashed in half as part of a bid for increased exclusivity – but several of the most familiar faces were still in attendance.

The event was held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art after the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, during which One Battle After Another clinched the coveted best picture award, while Michael B Jordan and Jessie Buckley took home the gongs for best leading actors.

Kim Kardashian, 45, was among the stars at the VF bash, tottering before the cameras in mammoth platform heels and an appropriately Oscars gold dress. 

Advertisement

But Kim bafflingly completed the look with coloured contact lenses and distinctly unkempt hair. Perhaps her longtime hair stylist Chris Appleton was given the day off?

Elsewhere on the carpet, her two Jenner sisters were also in attendance, with Kendall, 30, in a baby blue number and Kylie, 28, donning her thrice-Oscar-losing boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, 30, as well as a black gown with a dramatic slit at the waist.

Since the big bash coincided with Mother’s Day, it was only fitting that momager Kris Jenner was there. The 70-year-old wore a tulle prom dress of sorts, arriving with her boyfriend Corey Gamble at the end of a gloved hand.

Kim Kardashian arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Kim Kardashian went for Oscars gold on the carpet (Picture: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: Timoth??e Chalamet and Kylie Jenner attend the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Mark Guiducci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on March 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)
Kylie Jenner supported her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet after his loss (Picture: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)
Emilie Livingston and Jeff Goldblum arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscars party after the 98th Academy Awards, in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., March 15, 2026. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Emilie Livingston bared all (Picture: Reuters)

As far as the eyebrow-raising fits went, Jeff Goldblum’s wife Emilie Livingston, 43, might have taken the night with her bum-baring leotard, paired with sheer tights, which she wore next to her 73-year-old husband, who was dressed for distinctly cooler climes.

Other couples on the carpet together were Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, who beat the James Bond rumours by opting not to wear a classic tuxedo, instead pairing a regular humdrum suit with a grey shirt. 

Advertisement

Elsewhere on the carpet, Julia Fox, 36, rocked up in an apparent take on period dress, with a detailed floral bodice and exaggerated shoulders.

There was also Love Story star Sarah Pidgeon, who is currently playing Calvin Klein publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy on the Disney Plus drama and so fittingly decided to wear…Calvin Klein.

Corey Gamble and Kris Jenner arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscars party after the 98th Academy Awards, in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., March 15, 2026. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok
Momager for Mother’s Day (Picture: Reuters)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Salangsang/Shutterstock (16737670gi) Julia Fox Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2026, Los Angeles, California, USA - 15 Mar 2026
Julia Fox with bleached brows (Picture: John Salangsang/Shutterstock)
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on March 15, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Chad Salvador/WWD via Getty Images)
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson welcomed their first child in 2024 (Picture: Chad Salvador/WWD via Getty Images)

Who won at the Oscars 2026? Full list of winners

Best picture

One Battle After Another

Best director

Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

Best actress

Jessie Buckley – Hamnet

Advertisement

Best actor

Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

Best supporting actor

Sean Penn – One Battle After Another

Best supporting actress

Amy Madigan – Weapons

Best casting

One Battle After Another

Advertisement

Adapted screenplay

One Battle After Another

Original screenplay

Sinners

Editing

One Battle After Another

Cinematography

Sinners

Advertisement

Production design

Frankenstein

Visual effects

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Costume design

Frankenstein

Makeup and hair

Frankenstein

Advertisement

Original score

Sinners

Original song

Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters

Sound

F1

International feature

Sentimental Value

Advertisement

Documentary feature

Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Documentary short

All the Empty Rooms

Animated feature

K-Pop Demon Hunters

Animated short

The Girl Who Cried Pearls

Advertisement

Live-action short

Tied: The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva

The Vanity Fair bash was once the hottest ticket in town in the 1990s, with a guest list that only granted entry to the upper echelon of Tinseltown. The first ever iteration of the event invited just 100 people, including Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Prince, Robert De Niro and Anthony Hopkins.

Advertisement

Yet, in recent years, the party had become a victim of its own success, with a dwindling sense of exclusivity. 

The magazine’s new editor Mark Guiducci decided to slash the numbers in half, banning social media from inside the event and limiting all press to Vanity Fair journalists alone (the rest have been relegated to the grey carpet outside).

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Conan O’Brien’s best Oscars jokes as host roasts Timothee Chalamet in opening monologue

Published

on

Conan O’Brien’s best Oscars jokes as host roasts Timothee Chalamet in opening monologue

Dressed in a red wig with heavy white make up, like the antagonist from the film, he could be seen playing table tennis with Chalamet in Marty Supreme, running across the stage of the Globe in Hamnet, in the car with Benicio del Toro in One Battle After Another and trying to get into the juke joint in Sinners.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

4 given prison sentences recently at York Magistrates Court

Published

on

4 given prison sentences recently at York Magistrates Court

Martin Parker, 49, of Hewley Avenue, Tang Hall, pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order by not telling police about an internet enabling device he possessed. He was jailed for 20 weeks and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

Timothy Thrasher, 31, of no fixed address, denied causing a woman actual bodily harm in Scarborough, but was convicted at trial. He was jailed for 52 weeks, made subject to a two-year restraining order made to protect the woman, and ordered to pay £650 prosecution costs and a £187 statutory surcharge.

Christopher Hodkinson, 41, of The Reeves, Acomb, pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order twice by being at an address he was forbidden to attend and being with a woman he was banned to be with.  He was jailed for 18 weeks and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

Advertisement

Philip Pool, 55, of Lowfields Drive, Acomb, pleaded guilty to carrying a knife on the A1237 York Outer Ring Road. He was given a two-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and must pay £85 prosecution costs and a £154 statutory surcharge.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Storms pummel parts of US with snow, high winds and rain

Published

on

Storms pummel parts of US with snow, high winds and rain

CHICAGO (AP) — Successive punches of snow and wind were set to impact the eastern half of the United States on Monday as severe weather swept across much of the nation and made roads impassable in the Upper Midwest.

Forecasters said mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C., were at greatest risk for high winds and tornadoes. The cold front was expected to move off the East Coast by Tuesday, bringing sharply colder weather in its wake, forecasters said.

The late winter blast comes as Hawaii continued to be affected by a separate storm system that caused severe flooding over the weekend.

Forecasters warn about line of storms, tornadoes

The National Weather Service that warned a line of severe storms with damaging winds would cross much of the Eastern U.S. After firing up Sunday, the storms were crossing the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio valleys.

Advertisement

The storm threat was expected to enter the Appalachians, then move toward the East Coast, where “severe thunderstorms with widespread damaging winds and several tornadoes” were expected, the service said.

A stretch from parts of South Carolina to Maryland appeared most likely to experience the greatest damaging winds Monday afternoon, the weather service said. That could include Raleigh, North Carolina, Richmond, Virginia, and the nation’s capital.

Officials said schools in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, would be closed Monday. Gov. Josh Stein urged residents to enable emergency alerts on their phones ahead of expected wind gusts of 74 mph (119 kph).

Beyond the threat to lives and property, “whether it’s wind gusts from a squall line, blizzard or snow, or just wind because of the storm, you’re looking at several major airports being impacted,“ said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.

Advertisement

Big snows in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan

An area from central Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was likely to see over 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow, with higher isolated totals on the peninsula, Roys said. Lower snow accumulations in places such as Chicago and Milwaukee will likely create trouble for commuters on Monday, he added.

Jim Allen, 45, who lives on the Upper Peninsula, said his family stocked up on necessities and he was ready to clear snow several times Sunday with a shovel and snowblower.

“We’re basically prepared to just kind of hunker down for a few days if we need to,” Allen said.

More than 600 flights were canceled at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, according to FlightAware, which tracks flight disruptions. Dozens more through Detroit were scrapped. O’Hare and Midway international airports in Chicago reported more than 850 cancellations.

Advertisement

Power outages remain, some from earlier high winds

More than 210,000 utility customers in six Great Lakes states were without electricity Sunday, according to PowerOutage.us. Some originated on Friday when gusts in the region reached 85 mph (137 km). Widespread outages also were reported in parts of Pennsylvania and Arkansas.

In Nebraska, about 30 National Guard members were deployed to combat multiple wildfires across a broad swath of range and grassland, state officials said. One fire-related fatality was reported.

Landslides, rescues, collapsed home on Maui

Rain continued falling on Sunday in Hawaii, where acres of farmland and homes have been flooded, roads have been closed and shelters opened. Some areas of Maui received more than 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in a social media post.

Maui County later on Sunday downgraded an evacuation notice and said crews were pumping water from retentions basins to keep them at safe levels.

Advertisement

Resident and real estate broker Jesse Wald, who recorded video of a coastal road’s collapse Saturday, said other parts of the road were flooded out by mud and sediment.

“In the 20 years I’ve been here I’ve never seen this much rain,” he said.

__

Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writers Julie Walker in New York and Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, also contributed to this report.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust nurses up for national awards

Published

on

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust nurses up for national awards

Kizzy David, Ashleigh Jones, and Oluchi Okoroafor, all nurses with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, have been named finalists at the 2026 Student Nursing Times Awards.

Oluchi Okoroafor, a registered nurse on Ward D3, has been shortlisted in five categories: Student Nurse of the Year: Adult, Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year, Student Innovation in Practice, the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, and Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs.

Ms Okoroafor said: “It feels like a powerful recognition not just of my hard work, but of the patients, mentors, colleagues, my family, and fellow students who have shaped my nursing journey.”

Ms Okoroafor is nominated for five awards (Image: NHS)

Originally from Nigeria, Ms Okoroafor moved to the UK in 2016.

Advertisement

She was inspired to pursue nursing after witnessing the care and compassion shown to her family when her daughter was born prematurely in 2018.

She said: “Nursing has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, think critically outside the box and lead with compassion.

“I’ve especially valued the opportunities to advocate for patients, support fellow students, and contribute to initiatives that improve inclusion and practice.”

Ms Okoroafor completed an international placement in Finland and mentored Dutch nursing students during their international nursing week.

Advertisement

She now works as a registered nurse on D3.

She said: “My time at Royal Bolton Hospital has been inspiring and transformative.

“I have felt highly supported by all team members, encouraged and empowered to grow.

“The culture of teamwork and patient-centred care here has reinforced why I chose nursing in the first place.”

Advertisement

She said: “Excellence is not about perfection, rather it’s about consistency, resilience, hard work, compassion, and courage.

“I want students to know that their voices matter, that innovation can start with a simple idea, and that advocating for inclusion and diversity strengthens our profession.”

Also recognised is Kizzy David, who is a finalist for the Practice Supervisor of the Year award.

“This nomination inspires me to continue working hard.” (Image: NHS)

Ms David said: “As a nurse at Bolton Royal Hospital, this recognition is a humbling validation of my dedication to providing exceptional care and support to my team.

Advertisement

“It fills me with immense pride to be acknowledged for my role in fostering a positive learning environment and nurturing the next generation of nurses.

“This nomination inspires me to continue working hard, striving for excellence, and contributing to the growth and success of our incredible nursing team.

“It’s a privilege to serve the patients and the community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference every day.”

Ashleigh Jones has also been named a finalist in the Learner of the Year: Post-registration category.

Advertisement

Winners will be revealed on Friday 24 April 2026 at a ceremony in London.

Ms Okoroafor said: “If my journey encourages even one student to believe in themselves, take initiative, and lead with integrity, then I will consider that a true achievement.”

The Student Nursing Times Awards winners and finalists will be celebrated on Friday 24 April 2026 at a ceremony in London, bringing together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Tribute following sudden death of well-known Bury vicar

Published

on

Tribute following sudden death of well-known Bury vicar

Rev Eric Arthur Ruehorn, 92, died peacefully at Fairfield Hospital on February 28 following a brain haemorrhage.

Eric was the parish vicar at St Mary’s Church in Hawkshaw for 25 years before retiring in 1999.

Born in Openshaw on July 4, 1933, he spent most of his early life in the Manchester suburb. He went on to marry his late wife, Vera Kelshaw, at St Clement’s Church in 1954.

The pair went on to have two children, Paul and Lindsey Ruehorn (now Rigby).

Advertisement

Rev Eric Arthur Ruehorn with his late wife Vera Ruehorn nee Kelshaw (Image: supplied)

Eric was officially ordained into the priesthood in 1961, taking on his first role at a parish in Mosley in 1964.

The family moved to Bury ten years later, where Eric took on his position at St Mary’s Church in Hawkshaw.

He was also involved in the wider community, providing support at the Holcombe Moor Training Camp and as a Chaplain at Fairfield Hospital in Bury, offering pastoral, spiritual and religious guidance to people of all faiths.  

Son Paul Ruehorn, 70, is a retired funeral director.

Advertisement

He said: “When I worked in funerals, people of all regions would ask me if we were related, as they knew him.

“My dad offered advice to churches across the area, would welcome any ministers and was well known in the Diocese of Manchester.

“His brother-in-law moved to the USA and became Bishop of Albuquerque in New Mexico. My dad was ordained as an honorary member of the Church of America when he visited.”

“He never really retired and was heavily involved with the Bible Society and Christ Church in Walshaw, doing family weddings and christenings.”

Advertisement

Daughter Lindsey, a retired paediatric nurse of 40 years, added: “I was delighted to be able to take my dad on holiday to the Cotswolds last September, a trip he very much enjoyed.”

Rev Eric Arthur Ruehorn (Image: supplied)

Eric and his family enjoyed holidays to Cornwall and Devon when the children were younger, before travelling as a couple to Spain, Malta and Morocco once their family had grown up.  

He also played golf and was a member at Rossendale Golf Club in Haslingden.  

Eric was a beloved grandpa to a blended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Advertisement

The funeral service will be held on at 2pm on Monday, March 23 at Christ Church, Walshaw, with the family requesting guests wear ‘bright colours only’ – followed by a private committal at Radcliffe Crematorium.

Family flowers only, donations if desired to The Bible Society, with all enquiries to The Co-op.  

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

The Oscars 2026 reviewed: Jessie Buckley wins and all the big moments

Published

on

The Oscars 2026 reviewed: Jessie Buckley wins and all the big moments

Well, the Oscars 2026 was not a spectacular one but for those of us survivors of the B*FTAS 2026, its sheer slick professionalism was like a warm bath of glitzy ease. What it lacked in teeth – the politics was curiously dialled down – it made up for in light entertainment.

These are all the big moments.

Host Conan O’Brien speaks onstage during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood

Getty Images

Advertisement

A solid host, an old pro with enough confidence to ride out the jokes that didn’t land – which was a fair few in his opening monologue – and to convincingly take charge of proceedings up there. When the short film award winners rudely had their speeches cut short as the production team dropped the mic down and turned off their spotlight, he simply refused to do his next bit until they could continue – and then ticked off the floor manager, “We’re tight, but what was that?”

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Republicans resist calls for public hearings on the Iran war

Published

on

Republicans resist calls for public hearings on the Iran war

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States’ war with Iran is entering its third week, but Congress has yet to publicly test the Trump administration’s case for the conflict.

Republicans in Congress have so far side-stepped public debate over the war, even as Senate Democrats reach for every tool at their disposal to demand hearings with Trump administration officials. Increasingly frustrated, Democrats are threatening this week to force a series of votes on the war, hoping that the effort to gum up the Senate’s voting schedule will prod Republicans to action.

“We’ve had no oversight whatsoever over what the executive is doing as we’re spending a billion dollars a day, and we have failed to have any real substantive debate or discussion,” said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.

The role of Congress in the deliberations is an unsettled question with enormous stakes, given that lawmakers have the power to shape the trajectory of the conflict as it grows in cost and casualties. So far, 13 military members have been killed and billions of dollars have been spent, but President Donald Trump has not sought congressional approval for attacking Iran.

Advertisement

As the 17th day of the conflict dawned Monday, Republican lawmakers remained mostly resistant to the idea of quickly forcing public testimony before Congress.

How GOP leaders are handling calls for hearings

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters last week that he didn’t expect public hearings specifically on the Iran war, but noted it would inevitably come up in the regular rhythm of testimony on military policy and spending.

“They have briefed us,” Thune, R-S.D., said, pointing to classified briefings from the Trump administration. Those sessions have been held behind closed doors and most lawmakers refuse to disclose more than the broad topics of discussion.

Thune also noted there have been regular news conferences from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They are “answering the hard questions that are being asked,” Thune said.

Advertisement

The GOP chairs of committees dealing with national security have also said they don’t have plans in the near term to hold hearings specifically on the war, though some acknowledged the value of lawmaker questioning.

Sen. Roger Wicker, the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that the regular run of hearings on Capitol Hill would provide lawmakers with plentiful opportunities to ask questions.

“We’re going to conduct generous oversight, thorough oversight,” said Wicker, R-Miss.

Some Republicans are looking ahead to an expected supplemental budget request from the Trump administration to cover the costs of the war. That request, however, is likely weeks away and faces a difficult path through Congress.

Advertisement

Democrats have pointed out that the Pentagon has already received additional funding from Republicans’ marquee tax cut law that was passed last year and provided funding for GOP priorities, including at the Pentagon.

Wariness growing from some Republicans

Still, agitation from a few Republicans at the lack of high-level responses from the Trump administration is starting to show, especially as they brace for a hefty war bill from the administration.

“I don’t want to just be given the invoice from the Department of Defense, saying this is what it’s going to cost,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. “I want them to be engaged with us.”

She added that it was important for lawmakers to get information both in classified briefings and public hearings “so that the public can better understand this, too.”

Advertisement

Another GOP senator on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Louisiana’s John Kennedy, exited a classified briefing last week fuming that it had been a “total waste of time” because the officials were not able to provide the answers that top-level Cabinet officials could.

Republicans have almost uniformly backed Trump’s decision to launch an attack on Iran, though many are wary of a lengthy conflict. Trump has cycled through different objectives for the war, ranging from crippling Iran’s military capabilities to a demand for “unconditional surrender.”

“I think we have to let the objective play out as far as we can, and if then the effort gets murky on how to get to the objective, that might be a good time to have some hearings, but it’s too early,” said Sen. Cynthis Lummis, a Wyoming Republican.

But as the midterm elections approach, Republicans are also aware that public support for the war remains tepid.

Advertisement

“I wish we could disclose a lot of this publicly because it would make it a whole lot easier to explain to the American people,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., adding that classified briefings were necessary to protect U.S. service members now that the war is under way.

How Democrats may force a debate

Democrats, meanwhile, are threatening to do just about everything in their power to bring attention to the war, even if it means repeatedly forcing votes that fail.

A group of six Democrats has said that unless hearings are scheduled with Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Cabinet officials, they will call up daily votes on a series of war powers resolutions that if passed would require Trump to gain congressional approval before carrying out any more attacks on Iran. Similar resolutions have already been rejected by both chambers in the Republican-controlled Congress.

The votes, however, would eat up valuable time on the Senate floor and set the ground for a debate on the conflict just as Senate Republicans plan to spend much of the week trying to pass Trump’s priority legislation to impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting.

Advertisement

The group of Democratic senators also hinted at using other tactics to slow the Senate’s work on other business.

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, told reporters that unless there is a commitment for public hearings, “We’re not going to let the Senate go on with business as usual. We’re not going to let the Senate be silenced.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Heartbreak as dad-of-three, 35, dies following devastating diagnosis

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Paul Bradley tragically died aged just 35

The family of a dad-of-three have been left with an ‘unimaginable hole in their lives’ following his sudden death aged just 35.

Advertisement

Paul Bradley had previously struggled with illnesses and went through both a liver and kidney transplant. But in 2023, as he just entered his thirties, he received a heartbreaking diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

Just three years later, on March 5, 2026, the dad-of-three sadly died. Paul, from York, was described as being a ‘beautiful soul’ and ‘kind-hearted man’ whose world revolved around his family.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

His best friend, Jack Pullen, said his wife Emma and children have been left ‘shattered’, Yorkshire Live reports. Jack said: “Paul was the kind of person who brought warmth and kindness wherever he went. A devoted husband, a loving son and brother, a loyal friend and above all an amazing father.

Advertisement

“His world revolved around his family. Those who knew him well will remember his generosity, his humour, and the way he always made time for others.”‘

Donations to support Paul Bradley’s family can be made here.

Jack explained that Paul ‘fought hard’ against all his illnesses – including multiple transplants. Jack said: “Paul showed bravery and courage throughout both liver and kidney transplants.

“He then lost his battle at age 35. Some losses are impossible to understand. The sudden loss of Paul – a beautiful soul, and kind-hearted man, has left his family and everyone who loved him utterly heartbroken.”

Because of his prior conditions, Paul was unable to take out life insurance, now not only leaving his family ‘shattered’ but also struggling financially. Wife Emma – who gave up her job in Paul’s final months to be his full-time carer – has been left in a particularly difficult situation; one that is hard for family and friends to watch.

Jack said: “In the midst of such heartbreaking loss, his family are now facing the difficult practical and financial realities that come with losing someone so suddenly. Paul was unable to ever get any life insurance due to his previous medical history.

“As a child, Paul had a kidney and liver transplant. He then went on to have two more kidney transplants, the last being in 2021, which leaves Emma paying the mortgage alone, with no income. Paul’s adapted vehicle, which was on loan, will now be taken back, leaving the family without transport.”

As a way to try and support the family that has become as ‘close as his own’, Jack has set up a fundraiser to support the Bradley’s. So far, over £8,000 has been raised, but Jack is keen to keep pushing.

Jack said: “More than anything, I want to help honour Paul’s memory by surrounding his family with the same kindness and love that he showed to so many people throughout his life.”

Donations to support Paul Bradley’s family can be made here.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Council unveils proposed pedestrianisation of city centre for Fleadh Cheoil

Published

on

Belfast Live

Fleadh Cheoil which is the world’s largest annual celebration of traditional Irish music, song, and dance will arrive in Belfast this summer

As the date for Fleadh Cheoil coming to town approaches, Belfast City Council has proposed measures to keep the city moving with a key focus on the pedestrianisation of the city centre.

An estimated 800,000 people are expected to visit Belfast from 2-9 August, as the city welcomes the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture for the first time.Preparations are now in full swing, and the council has confirmed the proposed footprint of the event. This coincides with planned road closures and measures being put in place to ensure visitors, businesses and residents can all move around the city safely.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Mapped: How Iran war has driven up petrol prices in your areaREAD MORE: Witnesses sought after quad bike stolen and driven away from farm on trailer

Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee said: “In terms of events, they don’t come much bigger than this – Fleadh Cheoil is on track to be the largest event we’ve ever staged in our city.

“It is vital that all our residents, businesses and visitors are aware of how they may be individually impacted by the Fleadh and are able to plan their journey, and daily activities, in advance, especially in and around the city centre. “There’s been a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes, by both council and our city partners, to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure our city still operates for everyone while the event is in town.”

The heart of the action will be in Belfast city centre, where all roads and streets will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the Fleadh, either in full or partially.

Advertisement

These measures will help ensure pedestrian safety and to support the open air, vibrant atmosphere synonymous with the event.

The proposed closures will be in place from 6am on Sunday, August 2 to 5am on Monday, August 10, with the biggest footfall expected from Thursday, August 6 onwards.The area around City Hall – which will host the Gig Rig main stage – will adopt phased closures to support the increased use of public transport in and out of the city centre. Full details of all proposed closures are available on the council’s website from today (Monday, March 16) until Sunday, April 5, as part of the statutory consultation period for all proposed road closures in the city.

Councillor Brennan added: “We know businesses and residents living in, and near, the city centre will have particular concerns, so I’d encourage them to check out the proposed road closures and share any feedback they have with us – many already have through engagement events we have held in January and February, which has helped greatly with our planning so far. We will continue to engage with inner city communities throughout this process to ensure they are supported and to maximise the benefit of the Fleadh.

Advertisement

“Delivery windows will also be incorporated into road closures to ensure venues can get what they need, when they need it, and we’ll have a dedicated accreditation and logistics hub, available 24/7, to support those businesses inside the city centre event zone.“Plans are in place with emergency and other essential providers to ensure they will have swift access at any time and can continue to deliver key care services, where and when required.”

Fleadh Cheoil – co-hosted with Comhaltas and Ards CCÉ – will also stretch out beyond the city centre and into local neighbourhoods. This will bring together venues, outdoor spaces, vacant land and other locations right across the city.To encourage visitors to stay longer and boost the economic success of the Fleadh, several temporary campsites will be in place to enhance accommodation provision.Confirmed locations include Ormeau Park (proposed campsite for tents), Titanic Quarter (proposed campsite for motorhomes and caravans) and Falls Park (additional campsite for tents).

As a compact city, Belfast is set to create a Fleadh which is easy to navigate.Visitors will be able to walk, cycle or use public transport to access events. All visitors will be encouraged to use several Park and Ride sites, located near key arterial routes to Belfast, together with a daily shuttle service into the city centre, operated by Translink. Further details on the traffic and transport plan will be shared by Translink and Belfast City Council in the coming weeks.

Organisers Comhaltas recently announcing the event will also return to the city again in August 2027.

Advertisement

The event is expected to provide substantial tourism and economic impact and supporting local businesses, hospitality providers and cultural organisations across the city and wider region.Headline acts for the opening day have been confirmed, with Sharon Shannon, Goitse, Blackwater Céilí Band and McPeake joining pipe bands and school choirs for a multi-generational, cross-community showcase.The free concert outside City Hall will set the tone for a jam-packed week of street performances, pub sessions, competitions, céili and marching bands and a fringe programme of family-friendly activities.The council’s Bank of Ideas scheme – supporting individuals and communities to deliver creative projects in local areas, including during Fleadh Cheoil – is also still open for applications until Monday 23 March.An information event to help the hospitality sector get ready for the Fleadh will also be held in City Hall on the same day (12pm to 2.30pm) – businesses can sign up here.To keep updated on all the latest Fleadh Cheoil event news, visit fleadhcheoil.ie or follow the council’s social media channels – @belfastcitycouncil on Facebook and Instagram.

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

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025