The Clinton Foundation unveiled a new initiative Monday to help state and local governments develop and enact nonpartisan policy solutions to improve health outcomes, especially for women and children, economic security and democracy.

The foundation’s first new initiative in more than a decade, the Clinton Policy Institute has already begun convening political leaders from both parties, research experts, and Americans affected by the issues being studied to create new approaches to long-existing problems.

“Rising costs, economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and growing pressures on our public institutions are making it harder for families to get ahead,” former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a statement to The Associated Press. “We created CPI because we believe there are still practical, evidence-based solutions that can improve people’s lives.”

CPI is building on its work with New York state in banning cellphones from schools in the past academic year. Though the institute did not technically exist last year when it teamed with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration on creating distraction-free schools in the state, the Clinton Foundation saw promise in its approach and decided to expand it before publicly announcing CPI’s creation. It’s a strategy that the foundation, also led by former President Bill Clinton and public health expert Chelsea Clinton, used when it launched the Clinton Health Access Initiative in 2004.

Zayn Siddique, former principal deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council, will serve as CPI’s chief executive officer. Jennifer Klein, who was director of the White House Gender Policy Council under former President Joe Biden, will be CPI’s chair.

In New York, CPI helped create the Teen Tech Council so that students could help make the phone-ban program more effective. The result, according to Hochul’s office, was that educators found a marked improvement in classroom behavior and engagement.

“CPI is bringing together policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and community organizations to identify what works, build stronger policy networks, and help turn those ideas into policy,” Hillary Clinton said. “We’re taking a particular focus on states and local communities, where so much innovation is happening.”

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly praises CPI’s nonpartisan approach

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said a CPI conference on improving the lives of children earlier this month was “the best roundtable I’ve been involved with since becoming governor.”

Kelly, who will leave office in January due to term limits after serving two consecutive terms, said she was inspired by CPI’s nonpartisan approach to solving problems affecting children.

“I am a Democrat governor in what is considered a very red state,” Kelly told The Associated Press in an interview. “It became very clear to me that if I wanted to accomplish anything in my political life, I was going to need to do it in a bipartisan way.”

Kelly believes that, despite political polarization, CPI can succeed in finding nonpartisan solutions – especially to issues involving children and healthcare – and giving state leaders the research and other support to implement them.

Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

Omar Majed did not speak during his first court appearance via video link from prison

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A grinning teen accused of calling in a fake bomb threat during a Peter Kay comedy show ‘bowed’ during his first court appearance. Today, Omar Majed appeared at Birmingham Crown Court, via video-link from HMP Brinsford.

Majed, who wore a grey prison T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, did not speak during the hearing, choosing only to nod when asked to confirm his identity by the court clerk. Sitting at a table next to a prison officer, Majed grinned during the short hearing with his arms crossed and put his head down on the table multiple times.

A pre-trial review hearing for Majed, of Saltley, Birmingham, who was charged with communicating false information to police contrary to the Criminal Law Act, was set for September 30. The defendant has not yet been arraigned due to the need for psychiatric reports.

At a previous hearing, which was cut short after Majed started to take his clothes off, a trial date was set for November 3.

Addressing the defendant, Judge Andrew Smith KC, said: “You will next appear before this court on September 30 this year. Between now and then, various doctors will need to speak to you and you should co-operate with these doctors.

“You will, between now and September 30, remain in custody as you currently are.”

At the end of the hearing, Majed stood up and appeared to bow multiple times before the link with the prison was cut. Kay, 52, was ushered off stage during his show at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on May 1 and the show was cancelled after the evacuation.

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West Midlands Police later said “nothing suspicious was found” during searches.

In an update on May 2, the force said: “An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area. Following searches, nothing suspicious was found and we are grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding.

“As always, our priority is the safety of the public.”

The show was part of Kay’s Better Late Than Never national tour, which will see all proceeds donated to 12 cancer charities.

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It’s been six years since Tammy Slaton burst onto screens with her younger sibling Amy on TLC reality series, 1000-lb Sisters. 

Yet in that short period, Tammy has gone through more than many would in a lifetime, having nearly died, lost half her body weight, been widowed by her husband and found love again. 

She previously revealed that she shares aspects of her life so that others won’t feel alone, explaining: ‘By us putting our stories out there, we’re helping others. 

‘We’re helping others to see that they can lose weight too. They’re not alone. They thank us for putting our story out there. 

‘It’s kind of comforting knowing we’re putting smiles on other people’s faces.’

Now, as Tammy enters her fifth decade by turning 40 on Monday, The Daily Mail takes a look back at her rollercoaster life.  

By the end of the second season, Tammy’s weight had actually soared to 665 pounds, and she soon descended on a devastating downward spiral – turning to excessive drinking and partying

Tammy’s weight gain  

When 1,000-lb Sisters first premiered in January 2020, Tammy weighed 605 pounds, while her sister, Amy weighed about 400 pounds. 

She explained in the series premiere that she had struggled with her weight since childhood, when she was raised in Kentucky by mother Darlene alongside siblings Chris, Misty and Amanda. 

‘We grew up very poor,’ Tammy shared. ‘We grew up with fast food mostly. But if we didn’t have fast food, the church would give us food. 

‘There was five kids, so our mum worked three jobs. We didn’t really get much love and affection growing up. It was actually quite the opposite. We got told we were stupid, we were lazy.

‘My grandma was so important to me. She made me feel like I was no different from anybody else. After my grandma died, food was the only enjoyment we had.’

Tammy continued: ‘I’ve been overweight all my life. Kids in school were very mean. They would push me, call me names. By 20 years old, I weighed about 500 pounds.’

The sisters caught the attention of TLC bosses after they started vlogging about their struggles with their weight, with the premise of their show following Tammy and Amy as they attempted to shed enough pounds to be approved for bariatric surgery.

Yet while Amy quickly saw success – she dropped from 400 pounds to 275 pounds by the end of season two – Tammy was less triumphant.

In fact, by the end of the second season, Tammy’s weight had actually soared to 665 pounds, and she soon descended on a devastating downward spiral – turning to excessive drinking and partying to cope with her severe ‘depression.’

Tammy’s unhealthy lifestyle left those around her terrified that she wasn’t going to live much longer.

Her family were even seen discussing plans for her ‘final arrangements’ during one episode of the third season.

It resulted in many wondering if she would ever turn her life around.

Tammy’s rock bottom moment 

Things hit an all-time low for Tammy when she was rushed to the hospital and forced to go on life support after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning in November 2021

Things hit an all-time low for Tammy when she was rushed to the hospital and forced to go on life support after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning in November 2021.

She suffered from obesity hypoventilation syndrome – a condition that occurs when someone breathes at an abnormally slow rate, which results in too much carbon dioxide and not enough oxygen entering their blood.

‘They’re just telling us that her lungs have given up and like her body is shutting down,’ Amy said during an episode of the show, while discussing the horrifying medical emergency.

‘So at this point, we’re facing making funeral arrangements for my little sister … She’s been in such a bad place for so long.

‘She waited too long. And now that she has the courage to step out and get the help that she needs, now this.’

Tammy spent three weeks on life support and narrowly survived after getting a tube inserted into her chest to help her breathe. 

The terrifying incident was an eye opener for Tammy – who was up to 717 pounds at that point – and she decided it was time to head back to rehab for her food addiction. 

 Things started to look up for the star after that, with her brother, Chris, revealing in the season three finale that she had lost 115 pounds in rehab. 

‘She’s improving tremendously. She’s increased physical activity, which is amazing. She’s able to do more things on her own,’ a friend of hers told The Sun in early 2022, adding that she quit smoking and drinking ‘cold turkey.’

Tammy stayed out of the public eye for months, but when she shared a selfie from the rehab center in March 2022, her fans were quick to notice that she already looked fiercely different.

At the time, she told her followers that she was ‘staying on track’ and that ‘things were looking up.’

Three months later, Tammy had finally dropped enough weight to undergo bariatric surgery.

It was reported that she weighed 534 pounds when she went under the knife – which means she had shed a total of 180 pounds since entering rehab. 

Tammy finds love

While in rehab, Tammy found love with a fellow patient named Caleb Willingham and after getting engaged in the car park of the treatment centre, they tied the knot two months later

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While in rehab, Tammy found love with a fellow patient named Caleb Willingham. 

He proposed to the TV star in October 2022 in the parking lot of the treatment center, and the two went on to tie the knot two months later, during a small ceremony attended by their close friends and family.

‘They have a lot of the same struggles that they can share. They’ve been a huge support for each other [in rehab], which is awesome,’ an insider dished on their relationship.

Caleb, nicknamed ‘Double K’, starred on the weight loss show alongside his wife as they battled their chronic obesity. 

However, it was reported the following year that the two were set to divorce because Caleb was ‘refusing to stick to his diet’.

The state of the couple’s relationship had been the subject of speculation for months, with fans noticing Tammy had removed Willingham’s name from some of her social media handles.

‘They split up because Caleb hasn’t been following his diet in rehab,’ a source alleged at the time. ‘He has gained 30lbs and hasn’t been working his program.’

They claimed Caleb tried to repair their marriage while they were separated, but his efforts were unsuccessful and Tammy was reportedly set to finalise the divorce

Caleb’s tragic death 

In July 2023, Caleb passed away from unknown causes at the age of 40, just a year after their wedding. The pair were believed to be estranged at the time 

In July 2023, Caleb passed away from unknown causes at the age of 40, just a year after their wedding. 

Tammy paid tribute to her husband on Instagram, saying: ‘RIP sweet angel, you will forever be missed and loved so much thank you Caleb for showing me real love and happiness.’

His funeral service was held later that month in Kentucky and cameras were rolling to capture the private ceremony for 1000-lb. Sisters.

However, Tammy was reportedly left upset that producers had been ‘forcing drama’ at her estranged husband’s funeral. 

An insider claimed that Tammy thought: ‘The filming of the funeral was “completely not natural” and things were put in there to make it seem sad when it really wasn’t that sad. 

In addition, the reality star allegedly said: ‘People were having fun, but [TLC producers] made it depressing.

Tammy’s transformation 

After her weight loss, Tammy was left struggling with her excess skin but in 2025 she was approved for skin removal surgery and underwent the eight-hour procedure  

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Doctors removed ‘over 15 lbs’ of excess skin from her chin, arms and lower stomach during the surgery (Tammy pictured in her medical-grade shapewear post-surgery) 

After her weight loss, Tammy was left struggling with her excess skin. 

She explained on the show: ‘The only problem is this excess skin is out of control,’ and when a member of the crew asked how much she has now, Tammy quickly replied: ‘Too damn much!’ 

Tammy continued: ‘I get rashes under my stomach and that can get infected. And even though my mobility has gotten better, I kind of have to walk a little bow-legged because it’s dangling right there,’ pointing to in between her legs. 

‘I’m not trying to be nasty,’ she said, before adding: ‘So I’m hoping I’m ready for skin removal surgery.’ 

Tammy’s dream came true in 2025 when she was approved for the eight-hour procedure. 

She told People: ‘After six years and losing over 500 pounds, I was finally approved for surgery. I was just overwhelmed with excitement. 

‘I worked really hard for this, and now it’s here. I’m pretty sure it was noticeable on my face how immediately shocked and then overwhelmed with joy I was.’ 

Tammy traveled to Pittsburgh for her skin removal with plastic surgeon Dr. J. Peter Rubin at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the reality of the procedure hit her the night before.

She said: ‘I was really nervous for the skin removal surgery because I was really just kind of afraid of how I’m gonna feel looking at myself without the belly there.

‘The night before my surgery, I was, like, seriously freaking terrified. I was even more nervous about having skin removal surgery than I was for the [sleeve gastrectomy] surgery because they’re actually cutting the whole belly!’

Tammy underwent her skin removal surgery on January 18, when doctors removed ‘over 15 lbs’ of excess skin from her chin, arms and lower stomach.

The star’s complex surgery was documented on 1000-Lb. Sisters and during the season finale, all of her siblings were in awe of her transformation and praised her for how far she’s come in her weight loss journey.

Speaking on the show, after the surgery, Tammy said: ‘It feels so weird not having the ball sack hanging off my face and my bat wings are gone too, I look down and there is nothing there in my lap now.

‘It’s going to take a little while for me to get use to seeing myself like this’.

Tammy finds love again  

Last year, Tammy announced she was in a new relationship with Andrea Dalton, who she met on a dating app – three years on from the death of her husband Caleb. They are now engaged

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After one follower shared their vision board for a Kentucky Wildcats basketball-themed wedding, the couple marvelled at the quirky idea

That same year, Tammy announced she was in a new relationship – three years on from the death of her husband Caleb.

In April she spoke about her new budding romance in a confessional preview of the series – and admitted she hasn’t told her family yet.

Tammy said: ‘There’s something I haven’t told my family. Amy’s not the only one that’s been seeing somebody new. So have I…

‘I have been seeing someone for the past couple months and it’s going pretty well.’

She then added: ‘The person I’m dating is a woman. So I haven’t told my family because my family’s gonna have something to say about it.

‘I think my family probably has more opinions than the world has a**holes because they be farting so much.

‘A few years ago I came out as pansexual but after Caleb passing, I just don’t want to be with men anymore. I don’t know how my family is going to react when I tell them I’m seeing a woman.’

Tammy then revealed her mystery partner was Andrea Dalton, who she met on a dating app. 

Just two months later, she surprised fans when she announced that she was engaged and they had started to plan their wedding.

Tammy and her fiancée gave an insight into their big day after they asked fans to share some ideas on TikTok.

After one follower shared their vision board for a Kentucky Wildcats basketball-themed wedding, the couple marvelled at the quirky idea.

As photos of a basketball court inspired dancefloor, cake and sports jersey style bridesmaid dress were shared on screen, Tammy and Andrea shared their excited reactions.

While the couple have yet to announce the date of their wedding, it would seem that they could favour an unusual theme.

Ronnie Le Drew, the celebrated children’s TV star who operated and later voiced the puppet Zippy on the show Rainbow, has died aged 78.

His death was announced by the British Puppet Guild in a statement that honoured his legacy, including the fact that he’d been the President of the organisation for a decade.

‘We are saddened to announce the death of our President and friend Ronnie Le Drew, following a short illness,’ the announcement read.

‘Ronnie has been our President for 10 years, possibly the most active and supportive President we have ever had or will have.’

The Guild outlined how Le Drew would attend ‘nearly every event whether it be online or in person, often performing when asked’, and was ‘always willing to chat, tell stories and entertain in whatever way he could’.

‘Ronnie was of course known for Zippy, but his legacy in the puppetry world stretches far more than that and there will be countless puppeteers mourning the loss of our dear friend,’ the statement continued.

‘He meant so much to so many and the legacy of his life will live on.’

Tributes have poured in for Le Drew, with people remembering how he ‘always had a smile on his face’ and how much he meant to the puppetry community.

Le Drew was one of the voices behind Zippy, a character originally voiced by Peter Hawkins from 1972.

Le Drew took over puppeteering the character from 1974, while Roy Skelton – who voiced the Daleks in Doctor Who – voiced Zippy from 1973 to 1992, in addition to special revivals.

Le Drew also provided the voice for Zippy from 1991.

In addition to Rainbow, the performer also worked on several Muppet movies, Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast and appeared in A Quiet Place: Day One.

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A man and woman who died in the sea off Britain’s most famous surfing beach are feared to have fallen from rocks into choppy waters while holidaying in Cornwall.

Witnesses to the tragedy claim the victims may have been a father and daughter who were walking at Fistral, Newquay.

The man, in his 60s, and the woman, in her 30s, were pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday evening.

The sea was said to be very rough last night, with strong winds causing large waves to break against the rocks.

It came as another man died after getting into difficulties at West Wittering in West Sussex yesterday.

Sand Phoenix said he was sleeping on Fistral Beach at 9.30pm on Sunday when the coastguard and ambulance service were called. He sprinted to help with the search.

Sand claimed the male victim was fully clothed and had ‘gone in to try and rescue his daughter’, adding: ‘He had been pulled from the water but had been submerged for about seven minutes.

‘I had an adrenaline pen, which I used on him, and tried to give him oxygen, but his lungs were full of water and there was no response,’ he said.

‘The paramedics arrived and carried on performing CPR. He was still wearing his trousers, so I don’t think he had been swimming. It looks like they had been walking near the rocks and fallen in.’

Another witness said: ‘Another man came up soaking wet and wrapped in a foil blanket. He knew them and had been trying to help. I’m just in shock. It was awful to watch.

‘A man came running up the cliff saying there were people drowning in the water. A woman was desperately trying to ring someone but couldn’t get through and was in tears.

‘They recovered one body on the beach, while the other was brought up the cliff.’

A helicopter swoops in to help with the rescue at around 9.30pm

Coastguard at the scene at Fistral last night after two people died in the water 

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A man and woman have died after being pulled from the sea at Fistral beach, Newquay. Witnesses claim they may have been walking on rocks or a cliff and fell in

Nine emergency vehicles and a helicopter rushed to the long and sandy Cornish beach, known as the ‘home of British surfing’.

Images from Fistral last night showed people crowding on the sands trying to help with the rescue effort. But tragically the two people in the water perished. 

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Police were called by the South Western Ambulance Service at around 9.45pm on Sunday following reports that two people had been recovered from the water at Fistral Beach, Newquay.

‘Emergency services attended and a cordon was put in place, which has since been removed.

‘Sadly, a man and a woman were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their families have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time. A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.’

The tragedy came just hours after a man died and another was taken to hospital after getting into trouble in the water at another popular British beach on the south coast. 

The temperature in West Wittering reached highs of 26.5C in the afternoon. In Newquay, a maximum temperature of 20.2C was recorded by the Met Office. 

Emergency services rushed to West Wittering Beach in West Sussex at 2.30pm on Sunday following concerns for the safety of two adults in the water.

Two men were pulled from the sea by rescuers but one was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The other man was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The pair are not believed to have known each other.

In a statement, Sussex Police said: ‘Emergency services were called to the beach near the Beach Café, Pound Road, West Wittering, around 2.30pm on Sunday, 26 July, after two adults got into difficulty in the water.

‘Both were pulled from the sea and received treatment from emergency services at the scene.

‘Sadly, one of the men was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘The other man has been taken to hospital as a precaution.

‘The men are not believed to be known to each other.

‘Next of kin have been informed and the matter has been passed to the coroner’s officer.’

Coastguards and paramedics were pictured on the beach at West Wittering on Sunday afternoon where two more people died.

In a post on social media, West Wittering Beach administrators said: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that a 55-year-old man has sadly passed away following an incident at West Wittering Beach.

‘Our lifeguards responded immediately and together with the ambulance service, coastguard and other emergency services, provided advanced first aid and CPR.

‘Despite their best efforts, he was sadly pronounced deceased.

‘The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently being established, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this time.

‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the man’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident. We would like to thank our lifeguards, emergency service colleagues and members of the public who assisted during the response.

‘We respectfully ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this incredibly difficult time.’

Meanwhile in Kent a man and two children remain in hospital in a stable condition after getting into difficulty in the sea off the coast of its most famous resort.

Emergency services descended on Margate Main Sands at about 4.30pm on Saturday following reports of three people struggling in the water.

A huge multi-agency response was launched, with an air ambulance and a coastguard helicopter both landing directly on the sand near the town’s tidal pool.

Dozens of police vehicles, land ambulances, and specialist incident response teams lined the seafront as they received emergency medical treatment on the beach.

All three were airlifted to hospital for further treatment.

It has now been confirmed all three remain in hospital in a stable condition.

A police spokesman said: ‘Kent Police was called at 4.36pm on Saturday, July 25, to a report that a man and two children had come into difficulty in the sea at Margate, and were receiving medical treatment at the scene.

‘Officers attended to manage traffic in the area and to allow an air ambulance and coastguard helicopter to land.

‘The three casualties were all taken to hospital for further treatment and remain there in a stable condition.’

Steven Streeting, 50, died after suffering a serious head injury at 3am on Sunday, May 25, in the Church Street/Church Square area of Hartlepool.

A second man also suffered injuries and was treated in hospital before being discharged.

Aaron John Hopper, of Winterbottom Avenue, in Hartlepool, has since been charged with murder and attempted grievous bodily harm.

The 32-year-old was not asked to enter a plea to either of the charges.

Judge Francis Laird, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, remanded the defendant in custody until a further case management hearing on September 18.

In a tribute, Steven’s family previously said: “Steven was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, but above all else, a devoted husband and loving father.

“He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.”

A provisional trial date has been set.

The hearing will take place on November 23.

We couldn’t have timed our visit better—a rare Irish heatwave hit right as we arrived, making for the perfect weekend of exploration

Finding a hotel that seamlessly balances adult relaxation with child-friendly fun is the holy grail of family travel, and we felt we struck gold on our recent visit to Newtown Park Hotel in Co Wexford. Formerly the Maldron, the Newtown Park has undergone extensive renovations inside, and work is continuing to revamp other areas of the hotel in the coming months.

Situated just a short 10-minute drive from Wexford town centre and 20 minutes away from the famous Curracloe beach, where an iconic scene from the Oscar-winning movie Saving Private Ryan was filmed, we found it the perfect base to explore the sunny south east.

The first thing that struck me immediately on entering Newtown Park was just how family-friendly it is. The first thing you see in the foyer is a beautiful fairy garden, which immediately caught my children’s attention. Again, as you move into the main reception area, you can clearly see the information board about the Newtown Ninjas kids club at the hotel, which offers a range of activities to keep the children entertained during your stay.

We couldn’t have timed our visit better—a rare Irish heatwave hit right as we arrived, making for the perfect weekend of exploration. Our second-floor room was exactly what we needed: clean, spacious, and perfectly configured for our family of four, with a large double bed and two singles. It even had a beautiful balcony overlooking the fountain and outdoor terrace, which was a lovely spot to unwind.

The bathroom was a little on the small side and a little dated, but I was happy to compromise on that for more space in the main area of the bedroom. And as I previously mentioned, the hotel is currently upgrading a lot of its facilities, with the main restaurant next on the agenda as well as the guestrooms.

The hotel itself is packed with family-friendly activities, including a large swimming pool, two outdoor playgrounds, and even mini golf on site.

The Newtown Ninjas Kids Club also runs each evening from 7-9pm so parents can dine in peace if they wish! There’s also a free movie in the cinema room each night from 7pm.

The bar and restaurant at the hotel has recently been refurbished, and it is simply stunning. A beautiful mix of relaxing and chic is how I’d describe both the decor and the vibe. The hotel has a beautiful seating area off the main bar as well, which was perfect for a sunny cocktail beside the fountain. The other bonus is the children’s playpark and mini golf is just around the corner, so the kids won’t be bored!

We had dinner in the Courtyard Bar, included in our stay on both nights, and I honestly couldn’t fault it. The menu has a great variety of options, and the dining is in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families with little ones.

There are also lots of big screen TVs in the Bar area and plenty of seating, which was perfect for our stay during the World Cup, as we could easily keep an eye on the games while we ate.

We tried a few of the menu options over the course of the two evenings, and my personal favourite was the Fish and Chips. I rarely eat seafood when I’m out unless I’m close to the coast, as I know it’s fresh and the Haddock was just that. A beautiful light, crispy and not greasy thin batter with the most flaky, white fish underneath, it was beautiful alongside their fresh chips and tartare sauce.

My husband and I both had the steak on the second evening and again it was cooked perfectly to our liking with a gorgeous pepper sauce and the usual trimmings of onions and mushrooms.

The children’s menu was also fantastic with a range of dishes to suit all tastes, from pasta to pizza and chicken and sausages as well as mini roasts, there really was lots of choice.

The highlight for the children, though, was of course the dessert and the cookie sandwich was a big hit on both nights with them. I also had to have a simple bowl of fresh Wexford strawberries and ice-cream, impossible to resist in a county famous for its berries!

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The Newtown Park was honestly a fantastic base for us, there was lots to do at the hotel and in the immediate vicinity. We spent a day in Curracloe beach, which was stunning and has incredible facilities, for changing, showering and a brilliant shop and cafe where you can get cool treats, hot food and pizzas to enjoy by the sea.

We also explored Wexford town, which is so quaint with its little streets bustling with shops and a lovely harbour area to watch the boats.

I’d highly recommend a coffee from The Pantry as you walk around town, followed by the most amazing chips I think I’ve ever had from The Cheeky Cod by the harbour in the sun.

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Breakfast at the Newtown Park was another winner, with the chefs making special pancakes to order for the children, which they loved!

We finished our weekend by taking in the Wells House Food Festival situated in the beautiful Wells House & Gardens, just a 25-minute drive from the hotel. There were plenty of food and drink options, as well as local market stalls selling their wares. It’s well worth a visit for its brilliant playground and little farm alone not to mention the beautiful walks around the grounds. The fairy trial was a big hit with our five-year-old.

All in all, our stay at the Newtown Park Hotel was a resounding success. It strikes that elusive balance between keeping the kids constantly entertained and allowing parents space to unwind. With its prime location for exploring the wonders of Wexford and the exciting ongoing improvements to its facilities, we are already looking forward to a return visit to see what’s next for this gem of a hotel.

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By ELIANA SILVER, SENIOR FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 12:09 BST, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 12:38 BST, 27 July 2026

Three women, including one believed to be pregnant, were stabbed in the street near Porte de Clichy in Paris, France on Monday morning at around 11.30am. 

They were ‘treated by emergency services and transported to the hospital,’ the police said. One of the victims is in critical condition.

The suspect, a 31-year-old man believed to have mental health issues, was arrested at the scene following a police operation. 

He was armed with two knives, local media reports. 

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Videos shared on social media appeared to show a man in the area wielding two knives before he is pinned down with a chair by bystanders.

One particularly chilling moment shows the man lunge at a woman, brandishing one of the weapons. 

The suspect, a 31-year-old man believed to have mental health issues, was arrested at the scene

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One particularly chilling moment shows the man lunge at a woman, brandishing one of the weapons

French police and rescuers walk down a street after a knife-wielding man wounded three people in Paris

This is a breaking news story. More to follow. 

Center Parcs fans heading to one of the UK villages soon might notice a big change to the food and drink offering.

That’s because the holiday company has revealed it’s going to be adding something new to its sites across the UK.

Back in 2024, Center Parcs introduced a gastropub called The Dozing Duck to its Sherwood Forest village, and it’s proved so popular with visitors that they now want to open more. 

And there are already a few specific spots lined up to get their own gastropub soon. 

Center Parcs has revealed it’s looking to open a gastropub in Longford Forest, and then later in 2027 they’ll be looking to do something similar at Elveden Forest in Suffolk too.

Those familiar with the Elveden village will know it already has a pub-style venue, known as Foresters’ Inn, which will be the site of the new gastropub.

According to Suffolk News, plans have already been lodged with West Suffolk Council to transform Foresters’ Inn into The Dozing Duck.

If the proposal is approved, the pub will be extended and refurbished, with a new dining space added, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas, shuffleboard, and crazy pool.

A new lobby and an extended terrace with four dining pods and a buggy park would also be on the cards.