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One of UK’s best towns has mountain hikes, independent shops and a pub that celebrities love – and it’s in Wales

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Wales Online

This charming Welsh market town has indie shops, proper pubs and access to hiking trails.

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I’ll admit it, I’ve got to an age where I love a jaunt to a lovely market town for coffee and cake, boutique shops and picturesque walks. Sundays used to be for raging hangovers and existential dread, but now, I rise early and plan days out where there are ‘nice tea shops’. Nineteen-year-old me is judging so hard.

Thankfully, we have so many market towns to choose from in Wales, each with its own unique character and features, that you can fill many weekends with market town mini breaks. Marvellous.

One of my favourites has bagged several accolades over the years, including being named one of the UK’s best towns by the consumer watchdog Which? and previously named the ‘Best Place to Live’ in Wales by The Sunday Times.

Crickhowell is a charming market town in the Usk Valley, lying south of the Black Mountains and near the eastern range of Bannau Brycheiniog. It’s known for its indie shops, proper pubs and access to hiking trails.

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It’s not just the locals who adore it; even the celebs can’t resist. Carol Vorderman herself recently popped into the dog-friendly Coaching Inn, The Bear, after a hike and couldn’t resist telling the world about it on Instagram.

Naturally, if it’s good enough for Vorders, it’s good enough for me, so I started plotting my own adventure. Luckily, my hiking group (yes, I’m that person now) had a trip planned to this charming corner of Wales, so I leapt at the chance to stretch my legs and explore one of the best market towns in the UK.

While there are plenty of shops and cafes these days, Crickhowell’s roots go way back, all the way to the Iron Age, when settlers built a hillfort atop Crug Hywel (better known as Table Mountain, thanks to its satisfyingly flat top). Later, the Normans rolled in and added a motte-and-bailey castle, the remains of which still keep watch over the small town.

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Want to make a weekend of it? There are also plenty of cosy pubs in and around the town and the Black Mountains, like the Bear Hotel and the Dragon Inn. For a self-catering stay, Holiday Cottages has a whole host of lovely places to bunk down for the night.

With over 100 hand-picked holiday cottages, you can pick the perfect spot for your trip. They have a brilliant range of places, like a cosy hideaway for two, a family-friendly home, or a grand mansion that sleeps up to 19 for a big group getaway.

For hikers, one of the main draws of Crickhowell is that it’s an ideal base for countless walks into the surrounding hills and mountains.

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From here, you can head up Table Mountain, amble along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal, explore the Llangattock escarpment, or follow the River Usk through the Glanusk Estate.

Nearby peaks like Sugar Loaf, Allt yr Esgair, and Tor y Foel are all within easy reach and if you’re feeling ambitious, Pen y Fan, the highest summit in southern Britain, is just a short drive away.

The town’s Walkers are Welcome team has helpfully compiled a collection of routes from gentle strolls to heart-pounding hikes, all packaged into handy booklets available at the information centre or online.

Luckily for me, I had come with the competent We Hike Wales crew, and so we assembled to tackle one of the most accessible routes from the town centre – (Crug Hywel) Table Mountain.

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You can park in town, follow your hiking leaders or a trail on the AllTrails app, and strut through glorious countryside to reach the flat-topped summit, which features an ancient Iron Age hill fort and panoramic views.

From down in Crickhowell, Table Mountain looks like it’s had one too many at the pub, leaning ever so slightly, but still wildly photogenic.

There are several hiking routes from Crickhowell to Table Mountain, ranging from direct paths to longer circular routes that incorporate other peaks. Some routes offer a straightforward ascent, while others include longer walks along the ridges of the Black Mountains.

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After a lot of car parking faff and several pre-emptive dashes to the nearest loo, our hiking group finally set off on what Visit Brecon Beacons charmingly calls a “grade 4” walk – i.e., narrow paths, steep climbs, and enough mud and loose stones to remind you why you own hiking boots.

We followed a leafy path beside Cumbeth Brook until the trees gave way to an open hillside, and we were ambling along at a pleasant pace.

Soon we were skirting along the mountain wall toward the back of the ancient hillfort that crowns the top of Crug Hywel, or “Hywel’s fort,” which, fun fact, gave Crickhowell its name. Up here, you can still see the traces of the Iron Age defences, and there are plenty of spots to get a decent #MountainQueen selfie.

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Below stretches the wide Usk Valley, rolling towards Mynydd Llangatwg and, beyond that, the South Wales valleys. It’s an incredible view and worth pausing for a brew.

After a big hike, it was time to explore the cutesy town and sample some coffee and cake. In 2018, Crickhowell’s High Street was crowned the Best High Street in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. It’s full of indie boutiques, historic-looking pubs, and an outdoor shop, Crickhowell Adventure, for all your hiking needs.

Webbs of Crickhowell has been part of the town’s story for nearly a century; it first opened its doors back in 1936! This family-owned department store has truly stood the test of time.

Pop in, and you’ll find everything from stylish clothing to handy household goods, all with a delightful touch of local history woven in.

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Food-wise, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a range of indie ventures like Court Room Cafe in the market hall and Latte Da. This shabby-chic vintage-style cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and traditional afternoon tea.

There’s something heartwarming about seeing such a variety of indie businesses all in one place, from an old furniture shop to a bakery and the cafe-bookshop of my dreams.

With the motto ‘Books, conversation, and more’, Book-ish was founded in 2010 by Emma & Drew Corfield-Walters and began as a small venture, driven by a love of books. It’s also an award-winning literary haven, having bagged the Independent Bookshop of the Year in Wales several times.

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The competition celebrates bookshops that have really become part of the community. In November 2021, the Crickhowell community proved just how beloved the shop is by raising more than £25,000 in a week to help save it, with a big donation from Welsh icon Michael Sheen.

Owner, Emma Corfield-Walters, spoke to WalesOnline at that time: “It has been really heartening for my team and me to know that there is so much love for us,” she said. “To have had that acknowledgement and so many messages.

We’ve always tried to make sure Book.ish is at the centre of this community. I think this is confirmation for us that people know what we’re trying to achieve in the community and in the shop, and it’s great to know they don’t want that to go anywhere.”

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The store has a children’s reading room, the Snug, an in-house event venue, the Loft, and a cafe that sells local produce from the Beacons. Firmly part of the community, Book-ish holds book clubs, game nights, and quizzes and co-runs the Crickhowell literary festival.

The moment I stepped inside, I knew I’d found reading heaven. This indie shop had it all, shelves bursting with curated books, handwritten staff picks that read like love notes to literature, a selection of gifts and charming cards. There was even an events program that made me want to move in and never leave.

The on-site cafe is spread over two floors and features a light, airy loft, perfect for a brew and a book. The focus is on local produce here, with Welsh cakes and Bara Brith supplied by Baked by Natalie, and a rotating selection of cakes provided by Cake Head.

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I ordered a flat white and managed to snag the last caramel and chocolate brownie, which was utterly divine. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

Coffee comes from Black Mountain Roast in Hay-on-Wye, an award-winning local roaster. All food is prepared fresh, and many of the meats are from Cashells, a family-run butcher in Crickhowell, and Black Mountain Smokery supplies smoked salmon.

For a cosy pint, head to the Bear. This 15th-century hotel in Powys has attracted stars such as Carol Vorderman, Robbie Williams, and Johnny Depp, and was named Inn of the Year in The Good Pub Guide.

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The Bear is right up there among the cosiest, most welcoming pubs in the country. A former coaching inn that has been welcoming guests for 500 years, it offers a choice of dining in the historic bar, with its oak beams, wooden floors, and roaring open fires, or in the restaurant.

Either way, you’ll be happy. The bar menu has a range of tasty dishes, including Potato gnocchi with butternut squash, slow-braised Welsh beef short rib, vegan burgers, and homemade lasagne.

The Historic Dragon Inn is another top spot for a proper pub visit. This family-run, Visit Wales 4-star inn sits right on Crickhowell’s charming High Street. Expect a warm Welsh welcome, lovely food, and a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and spirits.

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Microbrewery and taproom Antur Brew Co is worth a visit for its quality craft beers, ranging from hoppy pours to German ales and lagers.

Antur also hosts buzzing taproom pop-ups every weekend, featuring a rotating lineup of food trucks, including Malaysian street-style curries and BBQ eats.

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The ‘stunning’ UK seaside town where house prices fell by 38% last year

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The 'stunning' UK seaside town where house prices fell by 38% last year
Property prices in Seahouses dropped more than any UK coastal region in the past year (Picture: Getty Images)

While seaside living is a goal for the majority of Brits, a new report has revealed some locations are more sought-after than others.

Research by estate agent Yopa found that while many coastal hotspots continue to command hefty premiums, others have seen house prices tumble as the post-pandemic property boom cools.

And nowhere has the drop been steeper drop than in Seahouses, Northumberland, where the average property price has plunged 38% year-on-year – the largest decline of the towns analysed.

Although other beachfront locations have also followed this downward trend — with Portmeirion, Wales, next on the list with a 20.2% decline, followed by Cornwall’s Fowey at 18.3% — demand from buyers is resilient overall.

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In fact, homes in Sandbanks, Dorset, command an average of 75.6% more than the wider local authority average, while those in Padstow in Cornwalland Salcombe in Devon come in at around 70% higher.

So what’s causing this fall in Seahouses, and is it still considered a desirable place to live?

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Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The small Northumberland fishing village of Seahouses on a sunny day
The fishing village is a popular spot with holidaymakers (Picture: Getty Images)

Property prices in Seahouses

According to Yopa, the average property price in Seahouses now sits at £259,346, down from £418,476 in March 2025.

Verona Frankish, the firm’s chief executive, says this is likely a ‘price correction’, as ‘many of Britain’s coastal hotspots enjoyed exceptional levels of house price growth during the pandemic’, but ‘the market has normalised’ in the years since.

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Nathan Khider, founder of Nathan K Real Estate tells Metro that Londoners leaving the city for a seaside retirement created an ‘artificial market’, which has collapsed as people look towards spending their later years in areas with better ‘access to transport, hospitals and doctors.’

Seahouses , UK, 05/21/2015 Seahouses harbour with moored boats and pier on a sunny summers day.
Sellers have to work extra hard to get the price they want (Picture: Getty Images)

Saif Derzi, founder at Property Buyers Today, also notes that while seaside locations still attract some interest, ‘weaker or overpriced stock is having to be reduced to meet today’s more cautious buyer demand.’

In terms of this region more specifically, he tells Metro: ‘Northumberland remains a very location-specific market, with stronger demand for good-quality homes in desirable rural, commuter and coastal spots, but more pressure on properties that are dated, overpriced or harder to mortgage.

‘I would not see this as a blanket market crash, but as a sign that buyers are being more selective.’

Things to do in Seahouses

Despite the recent dip in house prices, it’s easy to see why Seahouses remains one of Northumberland’s most popular seaside destinations.

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The bustling fishing village is the gateway to the Farne Islands, where visitors can hop on a boat trip to spot grey seals, puffins and a wealth of other seabirds.

Back on land, the harbour is lined with fish and chip shops — including the top-rated Neptune Fish Restaurant or Lewis’s Fish & Chips — along with an array of pubs, cafés and independent shops.

Meanwhile, the long sandy beach offering spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle and plenty of space for dog walks, picnics, and sunbathing (when the British weather plays ball, of course).

Seahouses also makes an ideal base for exploring the wider Northumberland coastline, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famed for its dramatic castles and windswept bays.

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A dog and one person on beach, Northumberland Coast between Seahouses and Bamburgh.
Seahouses beach stretches along the Northumberland coast to Bamburgh (Picture: Getty Images)

History lovers can explore nearby Bamburgh Castle or visit Lindisfarne, the tidal island known as the cradle of English Christianity, while outdoorsy types can tackle the Northumberland Coast Path or head to the watersports hub of Beadnell for kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and wakeboarding.

What locals say about living in Seahouses

As with many parts of the UK, residents of Seahouses have a wide range of opinions about what it’s like to live there.

Having recently relocated to the area, Hayley Norris said in a local Facebook group: ‘I can hand on heart tell you you’d never regret moving here. It’s a stunning place, friendly locals, close to other towns, great pubs and restaurants too.’

Exterior view of National Trust information and shop located in Seahouses Northumberland, England, 19 August 2025.
Some love its quaint streets, but others see it as too quiet (Picture: Getty Images)

Elsewhere, Rachelle Watson commented that they ‘absolutely love it’ in Seahouses, in particular due to the ‘warm, friendly people’, a sentiment echoed by Marina Hayfield who added: ‘Best move we ever made… Really good community spirit here that you don’t get in big towns anymore.’

There are some criticisms though. On an r/AskUK thread about the best Northern seaside towns to relocate to, GrumpyOldFart74 called Seahouses and neighbouring Bamburgh ‘coastal and nice’, but warned they’re ‘very small and even further from anywhere.’

Some on Facebook also lamented the lack of public transport options and distance from amenities like a hospital, while Reddit user, SparklePenguin24, recommended Amble instead, writing: ‘Seahouses is a ghost town in the winter, and when the tourists arrive it’s terrible.’

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This viewpoint is backed up slightly by Liveable, which scored it a C for transport and schools. However, with B+ ratings for amenities and outdoor space, as well as a low crime rate, it was deemed a ‘nice place to live’ — particularly for retirees or young professionals.

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Filey – One person taken to hospital after cliff fall

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Filey - One person taken to hospital after cliff fall

It happened last night (Sunday, June 14) near Filey Brigg Country Park.


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HM Coastguard rescue teams were called to the scene, along with the ambulance service.

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A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: “We received an emergency call at 9pm to report a person who had fallen from cliffs in Filey, close to Filey Brigg Country Park.

“An emergency ambulance and a team leader were dispatched to the scene, and one patient was conveyed to hospital.”

An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “At 8.55pm HM Coastguard was called to an incident at Filey, North Yorkshire.

“Coastguard Rescue Teams from Filey and Bridlington were sent, along with an HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter.”

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“The incident concluded at 1am this morning.”

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what the ‘peace deal’ really means

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what the ‘peace deal’ really means

The announcement of a new agreement between the United States and Iran has been greeted with relief across global markets. Oil prices have eased, shipping insurers have relaxed and politicians have rushed to hail a diplomatic breakthrough.

The memorandum of understanding, which both sides have agreed to and are expected to formally sign in Switzerland on June 19, has even been described by some as a peace deal that will formally end the conflict. Yet that risks overstating what has actually been achieved.

What has reportedly been agreed is a diplomatic framework intended to guide future negotiations, not a peace treaty or a comprehensive settlement of the disputes that brought the two countries to the brink of a wider regional war. The most contentious issues – including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and broader regional security arrangements including Israel’s war and occupation in Lebanon – remain unresolved and subject to further talks.

The distinction is more than semantic. International diplomacy operates on a spectrum. A ceasefire halts fighting; a peace agreement resolves the disputes that caused it. The US-Iran arrangement falls somewhere in between. The core issues remain unresolved and have been deferred to future negotiations, while the wider pattern of “grey-zone” confrontation — proxy activity, economic pressure and limited military escalation below the threshold of full-scale war — remains largely intact.

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There is another reason to be cautious about calling this peace. The war interrupted diplomatic talks that were already underway. This agreement will largely restore a negotiating process that existed before the conflict rather than creating a new political settlement. If the central disputes remain unresolved, in what sense has peace actually been achieved?

One indication of the agreement’s limitations comes from Washington itself. The US president, Donald Trump – even in the latest “peace deal” announcement – has continuously suggested that future military action against Iran cannot be ruled out. That is not the language normally associated with a definitive peace settlement.

Nor does the agreement fully address the broader regional dimensions of the conflict. Israel, one of the principal actors in the confrontation with Iran, is not a party to the framework. Nor does the arrangement resolve continuing tensions on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, which remains a major source of instability. With Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, maintaining a hardline position towards Lebanon and reserving the right to act independently, the agreement looks less like a regional peace settlement than a narrowly focused US-Iran de-escalation mechanism.

Perhaps the clearest evidence that the deal is being exaggerated, however, lies in what it actually delivers. Strip away the diplomatic fanfare and the financial benefits to Iran and the agreement largely restores conditions that existed before the conflict escalated, particularly when it comes to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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This may help explain why financial markets responded so enthusiastically. Markets are often described as reacting to peace. In reality, they tend to react to stability.

Oil traders, shipping companies and insurers are not primarily concerned with whether longstanding political disagreements have been resolved. They care about whether oil can move through chokepoints, whether tankers can be insured and whether supply chains can continue functioning.

The economics of de-escalation

That risk was considerable. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil. Any prolonged disruption would have had profound consequences for the world economy. Although oil prices never reached the US$200 (£149) per barrel levels that some commentators feared, this should not be interpreted as evidence that markets were comfortable with the situation.

Part of the reason prices remained contained was that governments and businesses were drawing upon buffers built for precisely such emergencies. Strategic petroleum reserves were released, existing stockpiles were called upon and some countries reduced imports and relied more heavily on stored supplies. These measures bought time. But they could never have continued indefinitely, especially as global strategic oil reseves were running out fast.

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Had instability in the Gulf continued for several more months, governments would likely have faced increasingly difficult trade-offs between inflation, economic growth and energy security. Seen from this perspective, the diplomatic urgency becomes easier to understand.

For the US, sustained disruption in global energy markets risked feeding inflationary pressures that remain politically sensitive. For Europe and Asia, higher shipping and energy costs threatened already fragile economic recoveries. For many developing countries, another energy shock would have imposed severe economic hardship.

The agreement therefore reflects not only diplomatic calculation but economic necessity. In this sense, the biggest beneficiaries may not be Washington or Tehran at all. They may be consumers, businesses and central banks around the world that have avoided another potentially destabilising energy shock.

Reasons to be cheerful: Iranians celebrate news of an agreement in the conflict with the US and Israel.
EPA/Abedin Taherkenarah

Peace or pause?

None of this is to dismiss the significance of the agreement. Preventing further escalation is a genuine achievement. Reopening critical maritime routes is beneficial for the global economy. Replacing military confrontation with diplomacy is undoubtedly preferable to the alternative.

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If the deal holds, Iran could enter the next round of negotiations with the upper hand: sanctions relief under discussion, diplomacy back on track – and Washington increasingly reluctant to contemplate renewed military action as November’s midterm elections draw nearer.

But diplomacy is still best served by precision rather than exaggeration. Historically, peace agreements have settled disputes, created institutions and established durable frameworks for coexistence. This arrangement does none of those things – at least not yet.

The war’s underlying disagreements remain unresolved. Iran’s nuclear future remains uncertain. Sanctions remain contested. Regional rivalries persist. The possibility of renewed confrontation has not disappeared.

What has been achieved is not peace in any comprehensive sense. It is a ceasefire framework, an economic stabilisation mechanism and a diplomatic holding pattern.
That may prove to be an important first step. But it is not, at least for now, a peace deal.

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If anything, the real story is not that Washington and Tehran have resolved their differences. It is that both sides had compelling reasons to step back from the brink.

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Trump announces July 4 rally for DC National Mall

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Trump announces July 4 rally for DC National Mall

President Donald Trump will host “the most spectacular Trump rally” at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on July 4, complete with a massive fireworks show and military band performance.

Monday morning, the president announced, via Truth Social, he would add another rally to the lineup of activities in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary – this time on Independence Day. It comes after Trump said he would make himself the headliner for a rally on June 24, the day before the Great American State Fair.

The July 4 rally will feature “Patriotic Melodies,” “American Classics,” and the president’s personal playlist, which he insisted will have “none of those people that put you to sleep and constantly complain.”

In addition to music, performed by military bands, orchestras and ceremonial units, the president promised the rally would include military flyovers and airshow as well as the “LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY.”

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The rally will begin at 7 p.m. ET on July 4 against the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The president has consistently boasted about the clairty and beauty of the pool because he ordered construction on it to clear it of a green tint from algae blooming. Although, “residual” algae re-emerged on the pool this past weekend.

President Trump said he would hold a ‘tribute to America’ rally on July 4 that will feature patriotic music and a massive fireworks show
President Trump said he would hold a ‘tribute to America’ rally on July 4 that will feature patriotic music and a massive fireworks show (AFP/Getty)

Trump’s July 4 rally announcement is the just latest example of the president using America’s 250th anniversary to host events for himself or make himself the center of public celebrations.

In addition to the rally for the Great American State Fair, the president held a UFC Freedom 250 cage match on the White House lawn Sunday, the same day as Trump’s 80th birthday. Trump framed the cage fight as a 250 celebration, though the fight was invite-only and closed to most of the press.

Last year, Trump made a similar move when he held a military parade to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary as well as his 79th birthday.

This is a breaking news story, more follows…

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Cooling ingredients in vapes might cause irregular heartbeats

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Cooling ingredients in vapes might cause irregular heartbeats

For years, flavour additives in e-cigarettes have been largely viewed as a secondary concern compared with nicotine. Research and regulation have focused on addiction, nicotine delivery and, more recently, the respiratory effects of vaping. But as evidence accumulates researchers are increasingly asking whether certain flavouring ingredients have health effects of their own.

Among the compounds attracting attention are menthol and synthetic cooling agents that create the refreshing sensation associated with popular “ice” flavours. These additives now appear in everything from mint-flavoured products to fruit and confectionery blends – and research suggests they may be doing more than simply enhancing the vaping experience.

The cooling sensation is often created by menthol or menthol-inspired synthetic compounds such as WS-3 and WS-23. These substances do not actually cool the air entering the lungs. Instead, they activate a receptor called TRPM8 – the body’s cold sensor – tricking the brain into registering cold even though the temperature of the inhaled aerosol is unchanged. The effect can make vaping feel smoother and less irritating, potentially encouraging deeper inhalation and more frequent use.

Scientists once assumed these compounds acted only within the sensory system, but TRPM8 receptors are found throughout the body. A recent study in mice found that menthol-containing e-cigarette aerosols raised heart rate and blood pressure and increased the occurrence of ventricular premature beats — usually harmless irregular heartbeats that can signal stress on the heart’s electrical system.

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The study also found higher levels of epinephrine, the hormone behind the fight-or-flight response. Some of these effects persisted after exposure ended, with changes in heart rhythm regulation still detectable weeks later.

Researchers are now asking whether similar effects extend to the blood vessels themselves.

Blood vessels are lined with cells that help control blood flow, inflammation and clotting. Laboratory studies suggest that some chemicals used to flavour e-cigarettes can damage these cells, increasing inflammation and other forms of cellular stress while making the cells more likely to die. Some of these effects have been seen even in the absence of nicotine.

Damage to the cells that line blood vessels is considered one of the earliest signs of cardiovascular disease. This suggests that cooling agents could affect not just the heart but the entire circulatory system.

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Damage to the endothelial cells is one of the first markers of cardiovascular disease.
Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock.com

A market moving faster than science

The concern is growing as manufacturers increasingly use synthetic cooling chemicals that create a strong cooling sensation without a minty taste. This allows fruit-, candy- and beverage-flavoured vapes to deliver the icy feeling many users enjoy, even though the health effects of some of these compounds remain poorly understood.

Being safe to eat does not mean something is safe to inhale. Chemicals absorbed through the lungs reach the bloodstream far more directly, and new formulations can reach the market long before comprehensive safety studies are completed.

This does not mean cooling flavours have been proved to cause heart disease – that would require larger studies in humans. But growing evidence suggests these compounds are not biologically inactive, as was once assumed. What started as research into flavour has become a wider effort to understand how these additives affect the body, and the findings are more complex than expected.

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Some patients are waiting 21 years for a diagnosis in Wales

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Wales Online

New research also found people sometimes have to travel outside of Wales to be diagnosed

Some patients in Wales with certain conditions are waiting up to 21 years to be diagnosed, according to a new study. The study has found that people with hypermobility conditions are waiting longer to be diagnosed in Wales compared to elsewhere in the UK.

A large proportion of people who took part in the research reported having to travel outside of Wales to get their diagnosis. The study also found that people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) face fragmented healthcare, while it can have a major impact on their mental health, education and employment.

The conditions affect connective tissue throughout the body and are associated with joint hypermobility, chronic pain and fatigue, alongside neurological, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms.

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The Welsh Government said NHS Wales is working to improve the experience of people with hypermobility spectrum disorders.

The University of Edinburgh-led study of more than 2,000 people, said to be the largest of its kind in the UK, found patients waited an average of 19 to 21.7 years for diagnosis, while many respondents travelled outside of their home nation to be diagnosed.

More than a third of Welsh respondents (37.3%) and 39% of those in Northern Ireland reported leaving their country for diagnosis, as did 17.4% of people in Scotland. People in England were most likely to receive a diagnosis within their country of residence, at 97.6%.

Respondents from Wales reported the longest “diagnostic journey”, waiting on average 21.7 years between symptom presentation and diagnosis by a healthcare professional, while it was 21.1 years for Northern Ireland, 19.5 for Scotland and 19 for England.

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The study was conducted using an online survey co-developed with patients, clinicians and Ehlers-Danlos Support UK between September 2023 and January 2024.

It found 83.9% of patients reported chronic pain, while 73.8% experienced partially dislocated joints and 66.3% had gastrointestinal symptoms. Researchers found 70.8% reported anxiety, while depression was reported by 63.3%, and migraines by 53.5%.

Almost half of respondents (45.6%) were unemployed, 55.9% reported disrupted education, and 47.9% received disability-related benefits. The study also found 20.4% of respondents reported having autism spectrum disorder, 18.1% ADHD, and 15.3% dyslexia.

Experts said their findings suggest low awareness of the conditions among healthcare professionals and limited care pathways are leaving patients without timely diagnosis or co-ordinated support. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here

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Kathryn Berg, trial and research manager at the university’s Institute of Genetics and Cancer, said: “This study highlights the profound impact hEDS and HSD can have across every aspect of life. Our findings show the urgent need for equitable, multidisciplinary care pathways that recognise the complex and multisystemic nature of these conditions.”

Researchers said hEDS and HSD should be understood as complex multisystem conditions rather than disorders defined only by joint hypermobility.

They are now calling for formalised care pathways, better professional awareness, and multidisciplinary services integrating rheumatology, pain management, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support, alongside co-designed approaches reflecting neurodivergent needs.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “NHS Wales is working to improve the experience of people with hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, who can face long and complicated journeys to diagnosis.

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“A draft community health pathway has been developed with clinical experts across rheumatology, physiotherapy, and primary care, alongside Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, to help people receive more consistent care, closer to home, with access to specialist expertise where needed.

“Work is ongoing with partners to secure formal agreement so the pathway can be put into place with the appropriate clinical endorsement.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “People living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders deserve to have their symptoms recognised and taken seriously, and we know long waits for a diagnosis can have a significant impact on patients and their families.

“A toolkit developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners, in partnership with EDS Support UK, has been made available to clinicians to support them to recognise and manage these complex conditions by improving awareness and consistency of care.

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“To improve access to care for patients, we have recruited 2,000 more GPs and will open 250 neighbourhood health centres by 2035, as we shift care from hospital to community as part of our 10-Year Health Plan.”

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The mysterious tooth condition affecting millions of children

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The mysterious tooth condition affecting millions of children

Your child’s small, delicate, chalk-white baby teeth fall out. In their place grow yellowish-brown, fragile teeth – much to everyone’s surprise.

This is the dental condition molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), a condition that is almost as common as tooth decay, though hardly known about outside of dentistry – and even then it can often be misdiagnosed.

The condition affects how certain adult teeth form in early childhood. It isn’t caused by lack of brushing, sugar or poor dental habits, but by something that disrupts the enamel formation before the teeth even erupt.

In our work at the teaching clinic at the University of Copenhagen dental hospital, we see many children and young people needing help for this condition.

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It affects around 28% of children in Scandinavia and is one of the most widespread dental conditions. Studies show that it’s very common across Europe, while it appears to be less of an issue across Africa and Asia.

Researchers are still trying to figure out why this is the case, though it’s suspected to be largely due to differences in diagnosis and reporting, along with the prevalence of early childhood illnesses and genetic factors.

Teeth with MIH.
Department of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Author provided (no reuse)

At the moment, MIH is still something of a puzzle for dentistry. We know it affects a significant number of children and can leave their adult teeth permanently weakened and discoloured.

But we don’t fully understand why some children develop it while others don’t. What is clear, though, is that it’s more common than many people realise.

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Here’s what we know so far based on the current research.

What is MIH?

Enamel is the thin outer layer of our teeth and the hardest material in the body. But in children with MIH, the development of the tooth enamel has been disrupted, leaving it with fewer minerals.

This disruption occurs early in a child’s life, while the teeth are forming inside the jaw. Typically, this happens from around birth until about the age of two.

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Molar tooth with MIH.
Department of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Author provided (no reuse)

As a result, the teeth look different and can break more easily.

Most often, the enamel on the first permanent molars, the so-called six-year molars, and the front teeth are affected.

As well as the visible signs, children may also avoid brushing their teeth because it hurts – and can find that cold and hot food or drinks cause tooth sensitivity.

Research points to five possible causes of MIH. This includes:

What can parents do?

First off, it’s important to know that, with the knowledge we have today, MIH itself cannot be prevented. So, as parents, there’s nothing you can actually do to stop the condition from occurring.

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That said, there are things you can do to help. The most obvious one is tooth brushing and the use of fluoride toothpaste. This is extremely important because the tooth enamel is softer in young children, so the teeth are harder to keep clean and are at greater risk of cavities.

Molar teeth with brown and yellowish markings from MIH.
Department of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Author provided (no reuse)

It’s also important to help your child develop a good relationship with the dentist. It helps to speak positively about what dentists do for teeth: namely, helping to protect them better so they do not hurt or break. It’s also important to tell your child that they should say where and how a tooth hurts, if it does.

What can the dentist do?

If your child does have MIH, the dentist will assess how extensive the condition is and classify the affected teeth as mild, moderate or severe.

A molar that has crumbled away.
Department of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Author provided (no reuse)

Molars with mild MIH are treated with concentrated fluoride gel or sealed with a transparent plastic coating to help protect them from cavities, or both.

Molars with moderate MIH will receive temporary fillings and because the tooth is very sensitive, anaesthesia is needed.

Molars with severe MIH receive fillings and, in the most serious cases, a stainless steel crown. This is a kind of foil cap that protects the tooth from breaking and from cavities and pain.

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In rare cases, the dentist may suggest removing the tooth altogether if its long-term prognosis is too poor. This typically happens between the ages of eight and ten.

Steel crown, which is intended to protect a vulnerable tooth.
Department of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Author provided (no reuse)

Front teeth usually only have mild to moderate MIH and so are often not treated initially.

When children with MIH get a little older, they often ask for a more aesthetic treatment. This will typically involve whitening combined with a newer type of treatment in which a thin, fluid resin can be infiltrated into the enamel.

The resin will fill the empty spaces in the enamel structure and so the apparent discolouration will disappear, leaving a tooth with a normal, smooth crown colour.

In adulthood, severely affected molars may benefit from a crown or a porcelain inlay.

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What now?

To really tackle this condition and its effect on children’s teeth, we first need a clearer picture of how widespread it actually is. That means stronger, more consistent studies — and a better agreement across the profession on how the condition is diagnosed and recorded.

At the same time, researchers are still working to answer some of the most basic questions: what are the key triggers? And why do some children develop it while others don’t?

In the long run, more research will not only improve treatment but also help prevent the condition from causing long-term dental problems, thus reducing the need for repeated, often difficult dental care in children (and adults).


This article was commissioned as part of a partnership between Videnskab.dk and The Conversation, where articles are also published in Danish.

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