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POLICE COLUMN: Chief Inspector Dougie Grieve

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Daily Record

Chief Inspector Grieve insisted the public should remain vigilant and cautious around roadways and main thoroughfares.

As we welcome longer days and dare, I say it, some more favourable weather, I wish to inform you of some activity and focus we are undertaking and have planned around the area of Road Safety.

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Naturally, streets and towns become busier with pedestrian footfall and cyclists as the days extend, and daylight affords more opportunities for outdoor activities.

It is, important, however, we all remain vigilant and cautious around roadways and main thoroughfares.

In consultation with our local Roads Policing Inspector Tom Mallinson, we are looking at strong and focussed collaboration to ensure the national approach is consistently delivered on a local level.

READ MORE: POLICE COLUMN: Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks

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The National Motorcycle campaign commenced on March 20. This focusses on rider safety, improving driver and rider behaviour, reducing collisions and raising awareness.

Of particular interest within the local area is Illegal, off-road motorcycle activity. This is an issue that is brought to my attention on a regular basis.

Understandably, residents are concerned about the dangers and anti-social nature of this activity, that often comes with damage to property to facilitate it.

My community team are working hard to gather information to bring offenders to task. This will also involve utilising opportunities to seize motorcycles and report the drivers responsible.

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READ MORE: POLICE COLUMN: Detective Chief Inspector Barry McDaid

The consequences of this can be severe and lead to losing your driving licence or ability to carry one. This affects your professional and personal aspirations, so I would encourage anyone involved to think carefully about potential repercussions.

In consultation with partners, priority concerns and solutions are discussed. This allows us to co-ordinate our approach to sites of concern with road safety planners and key stakeholders, also utilising national resources from the National Motorcycle Unit and Safety Camera Partnership.

Much like West Lothian itself, the road network throughout the region is extremely varied. While we have routes primarily transecting and connection our urban towns, including linking to both the M8 and M9 motorways; we also have a number of rural roads.

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Regardless of the type of road, our approach remains consistent – we must educate the public about risks and consequences associated with the Fatal Five categories, including drink/drug driving, driving while distracted and driving without using a seatbelt. Where appropriate we will take enforcement action against those who chose to flout legislation and place themselves and others at risk on the road network.

READ MORE: POLICE COLUMN: Chief Inspector Dougie Grieve

Our approach is not limited to those utilising automated vehicles, and we know that maximising the safety of more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders.

As such we continue to provide these groups with vital information about staying visible and safe and urging motorists to keep these road users in mind when behind the wheel.

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More information can be found by visiting https://roadsafety.scot and on our social media publications.

This is the first report I have made to you around bespoke approaches into a single area of business. I wish to continue this through the year as we continue to work alongside the communities and relevant partners to address the varied issues affecting West Lothian with a view to achieving long term sustainable solutions.

READ MORE: Historic West Lothian nursery building dodges another demolition attempt

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EastEnders Bea shock takes shocking action to stay under Honey’s roof | Soaps

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EastEnders Bea shock takes shocking action to stay under Honey’s roof | Soaps
Bea loses her control over Honey, but will she weasel her way back? (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Tonight’s EastEnders puts Bea Pollard in the spotlight, and it’s not a good look. What starts as concern for her well-being quickly turns into something far more unsettling, as the truth behind her latest scheme begins to unravel.

Things pick up in the aftermath of the chaos at McKlunky’s, where Bea is found lying on the floor surrounded by the wreckage. She claims she’s been attacked and that a group of hooligans trashed the place, but viewers already know there’s more to it. Bea herself is the one who’s smashed it all up in a fit of blind rage after being told to leave Billy and Honey’s.

Back at home, Honey is on edge. After asking Bea to move out the day before, she’s now worried sick when she can’t get hold of her. There’s a sense of guilt there too, with Honey clearly questioning whether she’s done the right thing.

Over at McKlunky’s, Will finds Honey amongst the carnage and offers to help her clean up the mess.

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Will Mitchell and Bea Pollard in McClunky's in EastEnders
Bea turns her manipulation to Will (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Bea sticks firmly to her story, playing the victim and insisting she was attacked. Will is horrified at what’s happened and struggles to believe that his mum would throw Bea out, especially in light of what he thinks she’s just been through.

Meanwhile, Honey heads to the doctor, hoping to get some support as she deals with symptoms she believes could be linked to the menopause. The appointment doesn’t go as she’d hoped, though. Instead of being offered hormone therapy, her concerns are brushed aside due to her past with eating disorders, and she’s steered towards antidepressants instead. Honey is devastated and feels dismissed.

When she gets back home, she opens up to Billy about how the appointment went, clearly shaken by it all.

Honey Mitchell sat in a doctors office in EastEnders
Honey feels dismissed after her doctors appointment (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Not long after, Will brings Bea back to the house. She tells them she’s only there to pack her things, but as always with Bea, there seems to be an ulterior motive. Still leaning into her version of events, she continues to play up the ‘attack’, to Will, keeping the focus firmly on herself.

Will, clearly protective, wants to tell Honey and Billy what’s supposedly happened to Bea, but she quickly shuts that down, urging him not to say anything, claiming Honey has enough on her plate, but it feels calculated.

There’s an uncomfortable feeling running through it all. While Honey and Billy are trying to do the right thing, Bea seems one step ahead, quietly manipulating the situation to her advantage.

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Since arriving on the Square, she’s managed to embed herself into Honey’s life, gradually pushing boundaries and making herself at home. From getting involved with the family to overstepping in ways you couldn’t imagine, even going as far as taking a credit card out in Honey’s name! Tonight’s episode makes it clear that she’s not ready to let go of her place under Honey’s roof. And with Honey already feeling vulnerable, it looks like Bea has found exactly the opportunity she needs to stay right where she is.

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London Marathon in advanced talks to make race a two-day event next year

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Daily Mirror

The 2026 London Marathon is set to take place on Sunday 26 April but the race’s organisers are already putting plans in place to make the 2027 edition a different prospect entirely

London Marathon chiefs are in talks to extend the event across two days in 2027 to double the number of runners. The marathon has been taking place in the capital since 1981 and has been running ever since.

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Traditionally, the race itself has taken place across one day but with numbers swelling, organisers are attempting to extend the event. Plans are in place for the marathon to take place over a weekend, instead of just one day.

A London Marathon spokesperson said: “The TCS London Marathon is the world ’s most popular marathon, and we are continually exploring innovative ways to enable more people to take part, while delivering positive benefits for London.

“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are looking at the intention for the 2027 TCS London Marathon to take place across two days.

“No approval has been given at this stage. Our immediate focus is on delivering an incredible 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April and ensuring every participant has an amazing experience.”

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READ MORE: Conor Benn sends message to Eddie Hearn after controversial splitREAD MORE: Keely Hodgkinson delivered on F-bomb demand after defying her own coaches

Chief executive, Hugh Brasher, also spoke out and said: “The TCS London Marathon is the world’s most ­popular mara­thon, and we are always ­exploring innovative ways to enable more people to take part and to deliver positive benefits for London.

“This work is carried out in close collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, whose support is essential in staging this incredible event in the heart of the capital each year.

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“We are currently four weeks away from the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, and we are looking forward to amplifying one of the original aims of the London Marathon, which was ‘to show happiness and sense of achievement in a ­somewhat troubled world’.

“Poignantly, those words resonate even more now than they did almost 45 years ago to the day, when the first London Marathon took place.”

A Mayor of London spokesperson added: “London is the sporting capital of the world and the Mayor looks forward to working with London Marathon partners to consider if it might be possible to host an event that will run across two days next year.”

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A stunning 1,133,813 people applied through the public ballot to participate in this year’s edition, which is set to take place on 26 April. That represents a 36 per cent increase on 2024’s ballot numbers.

As a result, the event raised a huge amount of money, with the £87.3million intake representing its highest-ever amount. Last year’s event also claimed the Guinness World Record for the number of finishers in a single marathon after 56,640 completed the race.

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England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

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The Iranian former commander who could be Trump’s pick to negotiate with | World News

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Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Pic: AP

A former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has emerged as a possible US contact for talks – as the new Supreme Leader’s condition remains uncertain.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is the speaker of the Iranian parliament, has historically portrayed himself as a hardliner, but one the West could do business with.

“He’s a hot option,” one US administration official told Politico. “He’s one of the highest…But we got to test them, and we can’t rush into it.”

However, others have cast doubt on this claim and it is unclear what influence Ghalibaf holds in Iran.

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Ghalibaf waves to residents as he visits the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut in October 2024. Pic: AP

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf?

Born in 1961 in northeast Iran, Mr Ghalibaf is the son of a shopkeeper. Like many young men of his generation, he joined the paramilitary Guard during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, quickly rising through the ranks.

A trained pilot, he later served as the head of the Guard’s air force and subsequently the head of Iran’s police.

In a leaked recording of a meeting between Mr Ghalibaf and members of the Guard’s volunteer Basij force, he claimed he ordered gunfire be used against demonstrators in 2003.

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“I would like the West to change its attitude to Iran and trust Iran, and rest assured that there’s an attitude in Iran to advance issues through dialogue,” he told The Times in 2008.

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Between 2005 and 2017, he served as mayor of the capital, Tehran, during which time he faced corruption allegations, including over around $3.5m (£2.61m) being donated to a foundation run by his wife.

He ran in presidential elections in 2005, 2013, 2017 and 2024. In 2020 he became speaker of Iran’s parliament.

A Ghalibaf supporter gestures during his run for the presidency in 2024. Pic: AP
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A Ghalibaf supporter gestures during his run for the presidency in 2024. Pic: AP

Ghalibaf and the Supreme Leader

He has reportedly had close ties with Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently became Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father.

“Mojtaba is said to help Ghalibaf as an advisor, financier, and provider of senior-level political support. His support for and closeness to Ghalibaf reportedly remains undiminished,” US diplomats suggested in a 2008 cable published by WikiLeaks.

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It is possible that Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation to Supreme Leader could boost Mr Ghalibaf’s position within the Iranian power structure.


Investigating ‘zombie ships’ in Strait of Hormuz

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Could Ghalibaf speak to the Americans?

That’s what Politico has reported, with US officials perhaps pinpointing him as a negotiating partner.

It’s possible US President Donald Trump will be looking for an Iranian version of Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who replaced ousted leader Nicolas Maduro.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, described reports in Western media as a “political bomb” meant to put the country’s leaders in disarray.

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“Qalibaf [Ghalibaf] was introduced as a negotiating party in order to present a contradictory and non-unified image of Iran,” Tasnim said.

“The mention of Qalibaf’s name was clearly intended to create internal divisions within Iran and to provoke conflict among political forces.”

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Slingsby Gin ‘saved’ in pre-pack administration deal

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Slingsby Gin 'saved' in pre-pack administration deal

Spirit of Harrogate Limited, the Harrogate based retailer and owner of the Slingsby Gin product range, in January instructed Lewis Business Recovery & Insolvency to help place the company into administration.

The company, founded in 2014 by local entrepreneurs Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, had five employees. The venture had a shop, which offered tastings, at 5-7 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate.

The administrators began a search for potential buyers for the business, commenting at the time: “Unfortunately the business has, like many in its sector, struggled with rising costs and difficult trading conditions in recent years.”

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Spirit of Harrogate: gin company enters administration

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Spirit of Harrogate went into Administration on March 18, with a sale of the business and assets taking place immediately after to Harrogate-registered Brightside Spirits Ltd.

Companies House says the business was incorporated on March 11 2026.

A statement from the administrators says the brand and Slingsby product range will continue, ‘some’ jobs have been preserved but the shop in Harrogate has “unfortunately closed due to large overheads however customers can still shop the iconic gin online.”

Some of the Slingsby Gins (Image: Pic supplied)

Joint administrator Gareth Lewis said: “I am pleased to report that the pre-packaged sale will see the continuation of the well-respected Slingsby Gin product range and brand, maintaining continuity of supply to customers across the UK.

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“The sale has maximised the return for creditors and preserved some jobs, all of which will be reported on in line with my duties as Joint Administrator.”

Slingsby Gin co-founders Marcus Black and Michael Carthy said: “We are pleased that the brand will continue and that some of our colleagues will support the new owners in their future journey with Slingsby.  We wish them all every success and are proud that Slingsby will still be available to its loyal and longstanding customers.”

Brightside Spirits Ltd director Chris Williams said: “As a local couple, we are delighted to be part of bringing this much-loved gin back to life.

“As long-time supporters of independent Yorkshire producers, we couldn’t stand by and watch a brand with such strong heritage potentially disappear.

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“When the opportunity arose to acquire the business out of administration, we knew we had a responsibility, not just to the product, but to the community that has championed it from the very beginning.”

Chris continued: “Our immediate focus is on stabilising the business, rebuilding production, and ensuring that the outstanding quality and character of Slingsby remain at the heart of everything we do.

“Over the coming months, we will be investing in the brand, strengthening local partnerships, and exploring new ways to celebrate the craftsmanship that made this gin so special.”

Chris added: “We would like to thank everyone who has reached out with support. The enthusiasm from customers, suppliers, and the wider community has been overwhelming, and it reinforces why this brand deserves a bright future.

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“ We’re excited to get to work and can’t wait to share what’s coming next. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.”

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HuffPost Headlines 3-25

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HuffPost Headlines 3-25

!function(n){if(!window.cnx){window.cnx={},window.cnx.cmd=[];var t=n.createElement(‘iframe’);t.display=’none’,t.onload=function(){var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement(‘script’);c.src=”//cd.connatix.com/connatix.player.js”,c.setAttribute(‘async’,’1′),c.setAttribute(‘type’,’text/javascript’),n.body.appendChild(c)},n.head.appendChild(t)}}(document);(new Image()).src=”https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=19654b65-409c-4b38-90db-80cbdea02cf4″;cnx.cmd.push(function(){cnx({“playerId”:”19654b65-409c-4b38-90db-80cbdea02cf4″,”mediaId”:”d6659ea1-11f6-476d-8736-25ef0b4e1219″}).render(“69c40a31e4b0e447525b9291”);});

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Iran rejects US 15-point peace plan, state media report

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Iran rejects US 15-point peace plan, state media report

The proposals request that Iran must “commit never to pursue nuclear weapons”, pledge to dismantle nuclear facilities and hand over the enriched amounts of uranium it possesses to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, which is to monitor the issue going forward.

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Tesco F&F releases patterned co-ord perfect for sunny weather

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Cambridgeshire Live

The co-ord would look great on a summer day.

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Styling nice looks in the spring and summer can be quite difficult when you want to be comfortable in hotter weather. Co-ords are great to have in your wardrobe when you are struggling to style a chic outfit.

Tesco F&F has some good options in terms of its co-ords including the F&F Edit Pure Cotton Embroidered Sleeveless Co-ord Top in Multi Red. It can be worn with the matching F&F Edit Pure Cotton Embroidered Co-ord Mini Skirt in Multi Red.

Both items have “stylish embroidered detailing” on the front and is a “pretty choice” to add to your wardrobe, according to the retailer.

The top and skirt can easily be paired with other items you already have to create multiple outfits. The top costs £19.50 and the skirt is being sold for £22.50 with Clubcard members being able to get 25% off the pieces.

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The co-ord was shared in a post on the Tesco F&F Instagram page, which currently has 887K followers. The post was captioned: “A Spring icon. A matching co-ord with delicate embroidered detail. Blouse £19.50. Skirt £22.50.”

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If you want to get your hands on either the top or the skirt in time for spring and summer, you can go to the Tesco website to browse all of its clothes. You can also go in person to a Tesco store with a clothing department.

If this set is not quite in line with your style, Boden has some choices for the new season. There is this Square Neck Strap Waistcoat that comes in a trendy spotty pattern and can be worn with either the matching skirt or shorts. There is this also Sofia Broderie Shell Top, which has a similar embroidered pattern.

New Look also has plenty of pieces in stock that would be perfect for summer. There is this stylish Dark Red Fringe Hem Cotton Rich Midi Skirt, which can be paired with the Dark Red Fringed Hem Cotton Rich Vest, or this Brown Cactus Print Bandeau Beach Top that might be a good choice for on holiday.

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Celebrity hair stylist Jay Birmingham shares his best prepping and styling hair tips

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Celebrity hair stylist Jay Birmingham shares his best prepping and styling hair tips

Khloe Kardashian, Amelia Dimoldenberg and Rochelle Humes are just three celebrities who have their hair styled by Jay Birmingham.

But his first client was 11.5 inches tall and made entirely from plastic. “As a child, I would steal my cousin’s Barbie dolls all the time. I’d take them home and I’d be plaiting the hair and brushing and combing it,” he says.

His passion for hair continued through his teenage years in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham, where he undertook a Saturday job in a hair salon: “I wasn’t earning any money and I wasn’t even doing anyone’s hair, just washing it. But I loved the hustle and bustle and that’s kind of where it started.”

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Although Barbie dolls and salon basins have been traded in for Los Angeles and red carpets, Birmingham remains humble and friendly. When we meet, he embraces me like an old friend and asks how I’ve been.

Hair tools to make your life easier

Although Birmingham grew up using “old school heated rollers, a loud, robust, heavy hairdryer [and a] really small plastic brush”, he is now a brand ambassador for Shark Beauty, and was previously the same for Beauty Works.

So it’s unsurprising that when I ask about his favourite hair tools, he lists the Shark Glam, a multi-styler that dries, straightens, curls and styles and the Shark SilkiPro Straight, an air straightener that can be used on wet and dry hair.

He recommends using hot brushes with “really good bristles on them” for optimum tension and hold, along with some flat clips. “Even if you’re doing a lifted fringe or a flat, sleek look, the flat clips are really good to help hold the style in place.”

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University of York part of ground-breaking study on dogs

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University of York part of ground-breaking study on dogs

Joining an international team of scientists, the university has uncovered the earliest genetic evidence of domestic dogs to date, with new research revealing that our furry friends were trotting alongside us at least 14,000 years ago – at the end of the last Ice Age.

The study analysed ancient DNA from animal remains found at archaeological sites in Gough’s Cave, Somerset and Pınarbaşı in Turkey.

It confirmed that bones recovered from the sites belonged to early domesticated dogs, pushing backing previous evidence by 5,000 years.

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Speaking about this, Lizzie Hodgson, PhD student from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “A key finding came from Pınarbaşı, where the data showed that domestic dogs consumed a diet rich in fish, closely matching that of local humans.

“It is unlikely dogs were catching significant amounts of fish themselves, suggesting they were being actively fed by people.”

Previous studies had relied on small DNA fragments and skeletal measurements, making it difficult to differentiate between dogs and wolves.

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In this latest study, researchers were able to reconstruct entire genomes from remains more than 10,000 years old, comparing them with over 1,000 modern and ancient canids.

The results show that dogs were already widespread across Europe and western Asia at least 14,000 years ago.

Further studies by the University of York conducted an analysis of the diets of humans, wolves and dogs by measuring chemical signatures in bone collagen. Their findings suggest a strong bond between humans and dogs during the Ice Age.

Additional samples from sites in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland show that early dogs were already widespread across Europe, and genetic analysis suggests they were more closely related to modern European and Middle Eastern breeds than to Arctic dogs.

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This indicates major dog lineages may have already begun to form around 15,000 years ago.

Researchers also examined how humans may have interacted with early dogs. Evidence of burial sites points to potential emotional or cultural significance, but the exact roles of these dogs remains unclear.

One particularly important discovery – dated around 15,000 years ago – was a dog jawbone, now considered to be from the earliest known domesticated dog in the UK.

Dr Sophy Charlton, from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “This study reveals the beginnings of a human and canine bond that continues to this day.

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“It’s a narrative that began towards the end of the Ice Age but was foundational to many of the modern breeds we see today.”

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From brittle to unbreakable, Mylee’s simple solutions fix fragile nails in just two weeks

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From brittle to unbreakable, Mylee's simple solutions fix fragile nails in just two weeks

The brighter weather and longer days have inspired a slew of nail looks to bookmark for your next salon appointment, according to Cosmetify. The beauty expert analysed Pinterest data over the last three months and has tipped certain looks as the ones to watch for spring 2026. Strawberry matcha nails, cat eyes, pastel florals and fruit-inspired nails topped the list, with striped patterns, polka dots, and milky pink almond-shaped nails all making the top ten too.

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