The venue will operate in a separate premises next door to the supermarket

Lidl is preparing to open its first pub in the world in the coming days, at its existing store in Dundonald.

The 60-seater pub, aptly named The Middle Ale, will bring the retailer’s award-winning range of quality wines, beers and spirits to local shoppers and residents for the first time.

It represents a fresh investment of more than £500,000, with eight new permanent roles. The venue is painted in typical Lidl red and blue, with a variety of seats including stools and booths. The walls are lined with shopping items available at the supermarket, as well as mirrors featuring ‘Freeway Cola.’

When it opens its doors, The Middle Ale will be open to the public between 3pm and 11pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 12.30pm to 11pm on Sundays.

The supermarket chain opening its first pub has shone a light internationally on Northern Ireland’s licensing laws. The retailer’s move to open the venue was because it couldn’t open an off-sales in the Dundonald store as usual due to such laws.

The law here means you can only open a new pub or off-licence by buying an existing “surrendered” licence, and then by proving an area is inadequately served.

Lidl bought the licence from a closing pub, but the court ruled there were already enough off-licences in the area. Instead, the retailer argued the area lacked pubs, which lets them use their licence to open a pub and sell alcohol to take away.

The pub will operate in a separate premises next door to the supermarket, with access to an off license through a separate entance.

Last November, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons rejected a number of changes to rules around alcohol licensing recommended by an independent report from academics at the University of Stirling. The report recommended a number of changes, including the reform of the surrender principle.

At the time, the Campaign for Rale Ale Northern Ireland (CAMRA NI) said the Minister’s decision was a “huge, wasted opportunity” which “shows a total disregard for the consumers this administration represents.”

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Olympic medallist Jenny Simpson is receiving treatment in hospital following a “medical incident” at an event in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The 39-year-old American was pacing a mile group at a Sir Walter Miler pop-up event on Tuesday when she reportedly collapsed and needed CPR.

Simpson, who retired from competitive running at the end of the 2024 season, won gold in the 1500m at the 2011 World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

In a statement on X, external, the Sir Walter Miler team confirmed the incident and said: “Jenny is receiving excellent medical care, and our thoughts are with her and her family during this time.

“We are incredibly grateful to the individuals who responded immediately, as well as EMS and the medical professionals who handled the situation with such care, urgency, and professionalism.

“We are also thankful to everyone who has reached out with concern and support. We ask that you continue to keep Jenny and her family in your prayers as we all hope for the very best.”

Simpson also won silver medals in the 1500m at the 2013 and 2017 World Championships.

PORTUGAL 1-1 DR CONGO: Cristiano Ronaldo failed to respond to Lionel Messi’s stunning hat-trick as his country were held to a shock draw by their minnow opponents

This was after the Lord Mayor’s Show – and Cristiano Ronaldo found himself the faded star of it.

For all the right reasons. Because if Lionel Messi had served up the main course 24 hours earlier, all his greatest rival could dish out here was a load of scraps.

While in the process finding himself upstaged by a striker who cost less than Ronaldo earns in six months in Saudi Arabia. Someone who managed just one goal last season. Take a bow Yoane Wissa.

That’s not a sentence Newcastle United supporters expected to read, considering how miserable Wissa’s first campaign on Tyneside turned out to be.

But Wissa put all that behind him with a historic first half equaliser, to notch DR Congo’s first ever World Cup goal and secure a stunning upset in Houston.

This had supposed to have been Ronaldo’s response to seeing the cream rise to the top in North America. The first man to score in six different World Cups. He had watched Messi plunder three stunning goals in his own World Cup opening game in Kansas.

While Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland had also helped themselves to braces in their respective games. It meant Ronaldo was under pressure to remind people he could still be one of the top dogs.

If Ronaldo wanted to dispel theories he is a spent force, he couldn’t have wished for a more inviting stage. Roberto Martinez’s men appeared to have taken complete control, pinning Congo deep inside their own half.

Joao Neves struck the first blow inside six minutes, rising to meet Pedro Neto’s cross and guide a superb header past Lionel Mpasi.

Wissa tried to respond, but curled a shot just wide, while Cedric Bakumbu weaved past two defenders but saw his effort deflected for a corner.

Portugal dominated the ball, but perhaps the ‘Leopards’ were not going to be pussycats after all? Each time Ronaldo took possession, there was a rise in the octane levels.

But he was becoming frustrated, something reflected in the fact his most significant contribution of the first half was to remonstrate with the referee for booking Bernardo Silva.

Whisper it, but this team no longer revolves around its talisman. Bruno Fernandes, Neves, Silva and Vitinha were pulling most of the strings. Silva just failed to convert a cross from Fernandes, while his own cross almost picked out Ronaldo.

Joao Cancelo’s centre was also agonisingly out of reach of Ronaldo moments later. Yet Congo were refusing to become Portugal’s puppets.

And the unthinkable happened when Congo equalised through Wissa on the stroke of half time, to leave the favourites stunned.

Congo could smell blood, and Bakumbu struck the post, while Mpasi’s long throw launched a rapid counter attack from the Africans, but Bakumbu lashed his shot over the crossbar.

Then came Ronaldo’s two big moments to make a difference and spare some Portugal’s faced being left as red as their shirts. Both created by substitute Francisco Conceicao – and both wasted.

Portugal were becoming desperate, but not desperate enough for Martinez to haul Ronaldo off. Such an act of footballing treason was beyond him. Martinez is rumoured to be standing down after this World Cup.

But at this rate, he might be gone much sooner than he’d planned – and it won’t have been his decision.

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a State Pension age change set to rise to 68 — here’s what you need to know and whether you’re affected

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant State Pension age adjustment that will determine when anyone born after 1977 can receive their initial payment.

An alteration to the State Pension age is currently being rolled out across the UK, with the age legally scheduled to increase from 66 to 67 in stages over a two-year period between April 2026 and 2028. As the age rise is being introduced progressively, individuals celebrating their 66th birthday during the transitional phase now face an extended wait before becoming entitled to claim the State Pension.

However, the DWP has announced that an additional age increase is scheduled, impacting anyone born after 1977.

The State Pension age is due to rise again between 2044 and 2046 to age 68, which means younger generations face an even more prolonged wait until they reach retirement age and can begin collecting their State Pension.

Yet the age rise could potentially happen even earlier following the start of an early review. A State Pension age review typically takes place every six years, but the DWP is presently examining whether the transition to age 68 should be brought forward, despite the most recent review having only concluded in 2023, reports the Express.

While the existing timetable for the State Pension age increase remains on track, the third formal review could alter it and possibly advance the next age adjustment. The early review has been initiated following concerns that adults are not contributing sufficiently to private pensions for their retirement, with DWP analysis revealing approximately 15 million people are undersaving for retirement, particularly affecting the self-employed, low-paid workers and certain ethnic minorities.

The Government Actuary has been tasked with preparing a report on the State Pension age as part of this third review and will examine whether the regulations surrounding pensionable age remain suitable, based on life expectancy data, and whether individuals reaching pensionable age within a specified timeframe can be expected to spend a designated proportion of their adult life in retirement.

According to the DWP, adjustments to the State Pension age take a “range of factors” into consideration, and any modifications must pass through Parliament before becoming legislation.

Therefore, while there are no immediate plans to alter the schedule for the age increase from 66 to 67, the review could modify the timetable for the age increase from 67 to 68.

However, under the existing plan, the State Pension age for men and women born afterApril 5, 1977 will rise to 68 and be implemented progressively between 2044 and 2046.

Consequently, individuals with birthdays between April 6, 1977 and April 5, 1978 will need to wait until they reach 68 and have accrued a specified number of months before they can claim their State Pension. Anyone born on or after April 6, 1978 will be entitled to receive their State Pension from their 68th birthday.

The timetable for the age change, as confirmed by the DWP, is as follows:.

• Born between April 6, 1977 – May 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on May 6, 2044
• Born between May 6, 1977 – June 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on July 6, 2044
• Born between June 6,1977 – July 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on September 6, 2044
• Born between July 6, 1977 – August 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on November 6, 2044
• Born between August 6, 1977 – September 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on January 6, 2045
• Born between September 6, 1977 – October 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on March 6, 2045
• Born between October 6, 1977 – November 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on May 6, 2045
• Born between November 6, 1977 – December 5, 1977 – Reach State Pension age on July 6, 2045
• Born between December 6, 1977 – January 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on September 6, 2045
• Born between January 6, 1978 – February 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on November 6, 2045
• Born between February 6, 1978 – March 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on January 6, 2046
• Born between March 6, 1978 – April 5, 1978 – Reach State Pension age on March 6, 2046
• Born April 6, 1978 onwards – Reach State Pension age on 68th birthday

Commenting on the planned age increase to 68, the DWP said: “Under the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for men and women will increase from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

“The Pensions Act 2014 provides for a regular review of the State Pension age, at least once every 5 years. The review will be based on the idea that people should be able to spend a certain proportion of their adult life drawing a State Pension. The first review must be completed by May 2017.

“As well as life expectancy, it will take into account a range of factors relevant to setting the pension age. After the review has been reported, the government may then choose to bring forward changes to the State Pension age. Any proposals to do so would, like now, have to go through Parliament before becoming law.

“The government is not planning to revise the existing timetables for the equalisation of State Pension age to 65 or the rise in the State Pension age to 66 or 67. However the timetable for the increase in the State Pension age from 67 to 68 could change as a result of the review.

“In the Autumn Statement on December 5, 2013, the Chancellor announced that this government believes that future generations should spend up to a third of their adult life in retirement. This principle implies that State Pension age should rise to 68 by the mid-2030s, and 69 by the late 2040s.

“However, the government is not currently legislating for this change – these dates are indicative only, showing a general direction of travel for future State Pension age changes.”

The fried chicken giant has launched its largest-ever boneless menu update across the UK and Ireland, adding a host of new boneless options and nine dipping sauces.

These new items are timed with the start of the World Cup this summer and are intended to capitalise on the excitement.

The centrepiece of the new menu is the Football Triple Bucket, a massive sharing meal priced at £24.99.

What does the KFC Football Triple Bucket contain?

The meal features a combination of six Original Recipe Chicken pieces, six Tenders, and eight Hot Wings, complemented by four regular Signature Fries, two large sides, and a large bottled drink.

KFC has also introduced a Football Double Bucket, starting at £20.99, as reported by creatorzine.com. It can include various combinations, such as 12 Tenders or a mix of Original Recipe Chicken and Tenders, along with fries, sides, and a large drink.

Both buckets will be available until July 19.

The menu revamp is anchored by the expansion of the brand’s popular Chicken Tenders, which can now be bought in portions of three, five, or 10 pieces.

These can be paired with a choice of nine dipping sauces, including new flavours like Sweet Teriyaki, Hot Honey Habanero, Honey Mustard, Texas BBQ, Original Sauce, Jalapeño Ranch, Supercharger, Garlic Parm and Mango Masala.

The new boneless menu first launches in the UK and Ireland before extending to international markets such as Australia and the US.

Recommended reading

The launch of this new menu comes as KFC refreshes its branding across advertising, social media, and digital platforms.

The new buckets are available in restaurants, drive-thrus, and via delivery services while stocks last.

The brand has released a range of limited- edition items this year, including a pickle-themed menu with a pickle Pepsi Max and frickles as well as a Hot Honey Drip Burger. 

Will you be trying the new football-themed KFC bucket? Let us know in the comments below.

Inverness Women’s Aid has criticised Highland Council’s decision to award its domestic abuse outreach contract to a new provider, warning it could threaten the future of its services and impact support for survivors across the region.

A domestic abuse refuge service in the Highlands faces an uncertain future after losing its local authority funding. Highland Council has decided to award its annual domestic abuse services contract to the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) instead of Inverness Women’s Aid (IWA), which has previously delivered specialist support in the area.

IWA, which is now considering its future, has criticised the decision, saying the CAB has “no specialist knowledge or experience of working with victims of domestic abuse”, and described the move as “bizarre and reckless”.

The council, however, says the new arrangements will strengthen support for women and children affected by domestic abuse across Inverness and the wider south Highland area.

IWA has operated in the city since 1979. The charity said it had spent two years seeking to secure the funding, but claimed Highland Council issued a draft contract containing “unsafe and unclear” clauses.

It said the council refused to provide clarification or enter into meaningful negotiation, and that proposed terms raised concerns around service-user confidentiality, employment law and GDPR compliance.

The charity said it ultimately declined to proceed with the contract in 2025, understanding that this would mean it would not receive future funding under the new arrangement.

Despite this, it said it was disappointed that further discussions had not taken place to resolve its concerns.

At present, Inverness Women’s Aid continues to receive council funding for its refuge service, although that agreement is due to end in September. The charity says its refuge is currently at capacity, with referrals increasing.

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is due to join partners in a Highland-wide domestic abuse service model from July.

Councillor David Fraser, chair of the council’s health and social work committee, said: “The Highland-wide service will strengthen support for all victim-survivors across Highland through a more joined-up and collaborative approach.

“By working together, the partners will be able to share expertise and connect people to the right support more quickly.

“I hope this gives victim-survivors confidence about the future of domestic abuse services across the Highlands.”

“If this is you, we are asking you to come forward to police now”

Police have tonight issued an appeal to identify three men they wish to speak to following serious public disorder in Belfast last week.

Issuing four photographs of three people a PSNI spokesperson said: “Can you identify the following individual? Police would like to speak with the persons in these images in connection with serious public disorder on June 9, 2026, in the Belfast area.

“If this is you, we are asking you to come forward to police now. Anyone who can assist in identifying this person, please contact police. If you have any information or wish to submit photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage please contact police.

“Please do not comment on this post with information. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. You can also contact us on 101.”

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