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Shops in Cambridgeshire caught selling alcohol, vapes and tobacco to children

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Two businesses are now under investigation

Two Cambridgeshire businesses were allegedly caught selling age-restricted products to children. Trading Standards officers conducted a series of test purchasing operations across the county.

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The exercises were conducted over the summer by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Trading Standards team, working alongside Volunteer Police Cadets in Cambridgeshire, aged between 14 and 16, and licensing teams from the city and district councils.

The cadets attempted to purchase age-restricted products, including alcohol, vapes and tobacco, from 26 premises. The businesses involved were selected following complaints and intelligence suggesting they may have been selling age-restricted goods to underage individuals.

Most businesses demonstrated good practice, with staff challenging the cadets about their age and refusing sales where appropriate. However, two premises sold age-restricted products to an underage cadet and are now under investigation, according to Cambridgeshire County Council.

The activity forms part of Trading Standards’ ongoing work to tackle the illegal sale of age-restricted products to children and young people. Peter Gell, Head of Trading Standards at Cambridgeshire County Council, said that “it is vital that businesses remain vigilant” with changes to legislation coming into force in the future.

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He said: “Selling these products to children can have serious impacts on their health and wellbeing. Young people may not fully understand the long-term risks associated with using products such as tobacco and vapes at an early age.

“Our work with partners to identify and take action against businesses that break the law will continue. These exercises play an important role in protecting young people and ensuring retailers meet their legal responsibilities.

“With changes to legislation relating to tobacco and vape sales coming into force in the future, it is vital that businesses remain vigilant. Retailers should ensure staff receive appropriate training, along with regular refresher training, and that robust procedures are in place to prevent underage sales.”

Inspector Hayley Thind, from Prevention, Custody and Partnerships at Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: “The Volunteer Police Cadets promote good citizenship and have done a fantastic job in assisting our Trading Standards colleagues with this operation.

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“The cadets’ on-going support of operations such as this is testament to their resilience and ability to work under pressure, so well done to them. I am glad to see that the vast majority of local businesses complied with legislation and kept the young people in our communities safe.”

The work is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Public Health team, helping Trading Standards and its partners to protect young people from the harms associated with alcohol, tobacco and vaping products.

Trading Standards is encouraging retailers to review their age-verification policies and ensure staff consistently challenge anyone who appears under the age of 25. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said: “If you have concerns about young people accessing alcohol in your local area, please report these to Cambridgeshire Police online.

“Information about shops selling vapes or tobacco products to children under the age of 18 can be reported to Trading Standards advice partner, Citizens Advice Consumer Service, on 0808 223 1133 Monday to Friday or via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service online form over the weekend. You can remain anonymous if you wish.”

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Eating a handful of nuts each day is linked with lower risk of high blood pressure, our research shows

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Eating a handful of nuts each day is linked with lower risk of high blood pressure, our research shows

More than 1.4 billion people worldwide live with high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s the single biggest metabolic risk factor for early death – driving diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and dementia.

Most of these cases of high blood pressure are shaped by how we live and what we eat. This means that making changes to your diet can have a big impact on your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Even small changes can help, as our latest research shows. We found that adding just one serving of nuts into your daily diet is linked with lower hypertension risk.

It’s well known that eating more plant foods is associated with a lower risk of hypertension – but research on the impact of nuts has been limited to date.

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Fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of hypertension, with consumption of 800g (ten portions) per day reducing the risk by 11%.

Whole grains – brown rice, oats, wholemeal bread – are similarly linked to lower risk of hypertension. Our research found that the people who consumed the highest amount of whole grains each day had a roughly 26% lower risk compared to people consuming the least.

We have also shown that legumes and soya are associated with a 16% and 19% lower risk of hypertension respectively.

Our latest analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition, now shows the clear impact eating nuts can have on hypertension risk.

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Our study pooled data from 143,000 people – including 20,665 people who had hypertension. We found that eating around a handful of nuts daily (between 30-35g) was linked with a 26% lower risk of hypertension compared to not eating any nuts.

Why plant foods work

Plant foods share a few key characteristics, which may explain why they’re beneficial for the heart.

They are an excellent source of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure by shedding sodium and relaxing blood vessels.

Plant foods also provide fibre that feeds gut bacteria so they can produce short-chain fatty acids – compounds that are linked to lower blood pressure.

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Many plant foods also contain L-arginine and nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide in order to widen blood vessels. Plant foods are rich in polyphenols, which have also been associated with lower blood pressure.

Despite nuts being energy-dense, they’re linked to lower obesity rates – thus helping to mitigate another risk factor for hypertension.

These overlapping mechanisms all nudge blood pressure down, and help explain the link between plant-rich diets and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Eating a well-balanced diet that contains plant foods will have the greatest heart health benefits.
Kabachki.photo/ Shutterstock

But as tempting as it might be to call nuts a heart health “superfood,” their real power lies within a broader pattern of healthy eating. While reductions in hypertension risk are observed with intake of even just one daily serving of nuts, a diet built around several whole plant foods may provide even further benefits.

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This is exactly what Dash, Mediterranean and plant-based diets prove. They all work because they put these different plant-based foods on the same plate.

However, it’s worth noting that the studies included in our analysis are observational. This means they show that people who eat more nuts tend to have lower blood pressure, but they cannot fully prove that nuts are the cause.

People who consume more plant foods in their diet also tend to follow other healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity. Although our analysis adjusted for many of these factors, we cannot fully rule their impact out.

But the randomised controlled Dash diet trials, where diet is actually changed to include more vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, are what give us confidence the link is real. Similarly, intervention trials, which compared the effects of multiple different plant-based diets, also show benefits for blood pressure reduction.

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There are knowledge gaps to note, too. The nut studies we included in our review did not separate salted from unsalted. Since salt raises blood pressure, the true benefit of unsalted nuts may even be larger than reported.

Most of the data also came from Europe, the Americas and East Asia. Little evidence came from Africa and India. More large studies conducted in a variety of regions will help sharpen the evidence base.

The takeaway is practical and affordable. You don’t need supplements or fads. Fill half your plate with fruit and veg, choose whole grains, build meals around beans and tofu and add a handful of unsalted nuts. These are small habits that add up to a significant reduction in one of our biggest health risks.

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Flight recorders recovered from ‘devastating’ Amazon cargo plane crash

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A woman with short reddish hair with a neutral expression faces the camera while sitting a room with black and brown wallpaper.

It then travelled through a perimeter fence and collided with a Toyota Corolla, coming to rest about 1,300ft (394m) beyond the runway.

Homendy described the crash scene as “devastating”, with debris from the aircraft, vehicles and airport fencing scattered across the area.

“It’s hard to see, and I’m sure very difficult for the first responders as well,” she said.

She said recovering victims’ bodies was the current priority, adding: “The investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait.”

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The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and are being sent to NTSB headquarters for evaluation.

Homendy said investigators could not yet say anything substantive about the cause of the crash as they were still collecting evidence at the scene.

Investigators will examine the flight history, crew experience and training, radar data, and aircraft performance. Separate teams will look at the plane’s systems and engines, while a meteorologist will assess the weather conditions at the time of landing.

The NTSB will also examine whether the runway should have had an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), which is designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway. Homendy said this would be a “key” part of the investigation.

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Earlier analysis by BBC Verify found there was an active thunderstorm near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting up to 26 knots.

The NTSB has appealed for members of the public to share photographs or videos that could aid the investigation.

Homendy said the agency would make safety recommendations at the end of its investigation. “That’s why we’re here – to prevent the next tragedy,” she said.

“Our recommendations must be implemented, or we’ll be here again.”

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Two of the four runways at the airport remained closed following the crash. Passengers have been warned to expect further disruption after Sunday’s cancellations affected the arrival of aircraft and flight crews.

The crash happened during the Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods in the US.

Amazon said it was “heartbroken” by the loss of life and that it was working closely with authorities.

21 Air, the company operating the aircraft, expressed its condolences and said it was co-operating with the investigation.

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Iran touts ballistic missile and warns it will take preemptive action against threats

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Iran touts ballistic missile and warns it will take preemptive action against threats

WASHINGTON (AP) — Iran state media on Monday said a ballistic missile with improved capabilities was demonstrating a new doctrine: Tehran “will take action against any threat, even before it is carried out.”

The report by Iran’s state news agency repeatedly cited comments aired on state TV the day before by the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, who boasted of new missile capability and claimed it had been “tested” against a U.S. warship. But it was not clear whether what was tested was the missile the new report described, the solid-fueled Qassem Basir.

The U.S. on Saturday said ballistic missiles were launched at U.S. warships and it struck three Iranian oil tankers in response. Experts called the launch a dangerous escalation, noting that until then Iran’s attacks at sea had targeted commercial shipping during six months of war. The U.S. said the warships evaded the attacks.

Iran’s messaging in recent days has become more assertive, and Monday’s report said the Qassem Basir marks “a turning point in Iran’s defense strategy.” It described the missile as having greater range and accuracy and a half-ton warhead. The missile was unveiled last year, when it was described as having at least a 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) range.

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Concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program were one of the stated reasons the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran early this year, sparking the war.

US dismisses talk of Iran-imposed ‘exclusion zone’

The White House responded to plans announced by Rezaei to create an “exclusion zone” near the Strait of Hormuz that’s aimed at vessels trying to transit, saying the waterway is open and controlled by the U.S.

It also said the U.S. Navy had cleared the strait of mines, and that tanker traffic to non-Iranian ports would increase. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports continues in an effort to increase Tehran’s economic pain by limiting its oil exports. The U.S. military said that as of Monday, 94 commercial vessels had been redirected and three had been disabled.

Tehran wants ships to follow a route it chooses through the strait, which was considered an international waterway before the war. Rezaei acknowledged that the U.S. has been helping a limited number of ships transit on a route off Oman, and said Tehran isn’t sinking them because they carry oil, noting environmental concerns.

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As both countries continue to assert claims about the strait and the flow of shipping, global commerce information firm Kpler noted on X that transits through the waterway dropped sharply last week.

A week ago, an attack on a Saudi-owned tanker killed two crew members and left seven unaccounted for. If they are confirmed dead, that would make the attack the deadliest on a commercial vessel since the war began on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Regional countries express frustration

Frustration emerged again in the Gulf over the uncertainty around the waterway that’s crucial for shipping global supplies of oil, natural gas and related products like fertilizer.

“No single state” should control the strait, Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said at a forum of world leaders in Abu Dhabi, adding: “Our energy exports will not be held hostage, nor will our trade and economic activity.”

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The UAE, a close U.S. ally, has repeatedly come under Iranian missile and drone fire in the war. Last month, the UAE suspended all trade with Iran after saying it had come under renewed fire.

Rebuilding trust between Iran and the Gulf countries could take decades, Gargash warned.

And Nabil Fahmy, secretary-general of the Arab League, told a ministerial-level meeting in Cairo that “we will not accept our maritime corridors to become a bargaining chip in the calculations of others” and condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations.

___

Anna reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Josh Boak in Washington and Fatma Khaled in Cairo contributed.

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Morrisons has quietly extended a popular freebie for parents

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Morrisons has quietly extended a popular freebie for parents

The supermarket has extended its popular free cake offer from one day to a full seven days, giving members the chance to enjoy a treat every day from Monday, September 7 to Sunday, September 13.

The offer is available at Morrisons Cafés nationwide and comes as part of the supermarket’s Baby Event.

Parents can choose from a tempting selection of cakes and sweet treats, including Blueberry Muffins, Salted Caramel Brownies, Coffee and Walnut Loaf Cake and Biscoff Cheesecake.

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Other options include Sticky Toffee Muffins, Lemon Muffins, Toffee Crunch Pie, Apple Crumble Tart and Raspberry & Almond Slice.

To get the freebie, Baby & Toddler Club members simply need to buy any hot drink and scan their Morrisons More Card through the app at the till.

The offer is only available to Baby & Toddler Club members and iced drinks are excluded. All items are subject to availability.


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The free cake deal is not the only saving available to families at Morrisons.

The supermarket also runs its Kids Eat Free scheme nationwide, allowing parents to get a free children’s meal when they buy an adult main meal worth £5 or more.

With the free cake offer running for just one week, parents who want to take advantage will need to claim it by Sunday, September 13.

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Jaguar Land Rover to cut 4,000 jobs over next two years

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Jaguar Land Rover to cut 4,000 jobs over next two years

In a statement, Jaguar Land Rover said it will “reduce our global workforce” by around 4,000 roles in the next two years due to “significant challenges” facing the automotive industry and a need to find £1.7 billion in savings.

Chief executive PB Balaji said: “The automotive industry faces significant challenges, with technological change amidst intense competition and ongoing geo-political uncertainty. Through our Growth Reimagined strategy, JLR is moving decisively to strengthen our competitiveness and position the business for long-term success.

“Over the next 12 months, we will launch five new products, continue to leverage the strength of our brands and renew our focus on North America, amongst other markets, to help us deliver double digit revenue growth. At the same time, we are reducing organisational complexity and targeting £1.7 billion of savings to lower our break-even point towards 300,000 vehicles and become fitter to compete in a rapidly evolving market.

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“These actions will support continued investment of £15-18 billion over the next five years in electrification, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and enhanced customer experiences.

“As part of this transformation, we will reduce our global workforce by around 4,000 roles over the next two years. We recognise this will be difficult news for colleagues affected, and are committed to supporting everyone with care, fairness and respect.

“Together, these actions will help build a stronger, more competitive JLR for all our stakeholders.”

It is understood roles affected will be non-production with the majority of cuts affecting its UK operations, where around 34,000 staff are based.

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Just under 10,000 are employed by the company overseas.

JLR revealed last month that revenues fell by 9.6% year-on-year to £6 billion for the three months to June 30, driven by a 9.2% decline in car volumes.

The firm has been recovering from the cyber attack last year, which forced it to stop production at its UK factories for five weeks, weighed on sales and leading to heavy financial losses.

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce flash wedding rings during glamorous dinner date two months after tying the knot

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Newlyweds Taylor Swift, 36, and Travis Kelce, 36, enjoyed a glamorous and rare night on the town since officially becoming husband and wife

Newlyweds Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoyed a glamorous and rare night on the town since officially becoming husband and wife. 

Exclusive photos obtained by The Daily Mail captured the couple emerging from dinner at the Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York on Sunday evening, absolutely dressed to the hilt. 

Swift, 36, dazzled in flowing, metallic-infused halter dress that cascaded down her statuesque physique paired with gold heels and a purse in hand. 

The NFL player, 36, was outfitted in a silky Amiri button down, brown slacks and checkered slip-on Vans that clashed with his more dressed-up outfit.  

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The couple looked as in love as ever, with Kelce guiding his wife towards the Indian restaurant with a protective hand on her back. 

Their glittering wedding rings were also on fully display.  

Newlyweds Taylor Swift, 36, and Travis Kelce, 36, enjoyed a glamorous and rare night on the town since officially becoming husband and wife

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The couple enjoyed dinner at the Indian restaurant Ambassadors Clubhouse, which recently opened in New York City

The couple enjoyed dinner at the Indian restaurant Ambassadors Clubhouse, which recently opened in New York City

As Swift headed inside the restaurant, a glimmer of the massive engagement ring was visible. Kelce’s gold band also glittered amongst the flashing lights. 

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Swift for comment but has not yet heard back.

A source told People the couple had dinner in the eatery’s lower ground main dining room area, where they enjoyed ‘a variety of classics from the menu’, such as dishes and beverages. 

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Described as ‘impossible-to-get-into’ by Eater, Ambassadors Clubhouse first opened in London before expanding to 1245 Broadway earlier this year. 

‘Ambassadors Clubhouse is a restaurant centrally located in New York’s NoMad district that brings together the shared culinary heritage of Northern India. The restaurant takes inspiration from the party mansions of the region and celebrates classic Indian hospitality through the sharing of fine food and spirits,’ the restaurant’s website states.  

The date night isn’t the first time the couple have been spotted since tying the knot in July.  

They were photographed for the first time as newlyweds at JuJu Smith-Schuster and Laura Kruk’s wedding just days after saying ‘I do’ in Madison Square Garden.  

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‘I wanna thank everyone at MSG, we wanted to do it somewhere where we could have an intimate and genuine setting without a lot of distractions,’ Kelce recently said on his podcast, New Heights. ‘We needed to have a private feel, and MSG went above and beyond to give us that.

Kelce guided Swift towards the restaurant, placing a protective hand on her back

Kelce guided Swift towards the restaurant, placing a protective hand on her back 

The couple wed just two months ago in a massive Madison Square Garden extravaganza

The couple wed just two months ago in a massive Madison Square Garden extravaganza 

Swift dazzled in flowing, metallic-infused halter dress that cascaded down her statuesque physique

Swift dazzled in flowing, metallic-infused halter dress that cascaded down her statuesque physique

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She paired the look with gold heels and a purse in hand

She paired the look with gold heels and a purse in hand

The NFL player was outfitted in a silky Amiri button down, brown slacks and checkered slip-on Vans that clashed with his more dressed-up outfit

The NFL player was outfitted in a silky Amiri button down, brown slacks and checkered slip-on Vans that clashed with his more dressed-up outfit

The couple looked as in love as ever, with Kelce guiding his wife towards the Indian restaurant with a protective hand on her back

The couple looked as in love as ever, with Kelce guiding his wife towards the Indian restaurant with a protective hand on her back

Their glittering wedding rings were also on fully display

Their glittering wedding rings were also on fully display

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‘I can’t thank everybody enough, not just who showed up but helped put that show on.

‘[…] It was very cool to see how everyone interacted with no phones, everyone is on guard, it makes everyone be in the moment and present. It was cool to see friends of my childhood and of Taylor’s all the way to people we encountered through our careers and became good friends with. We wanted it to be a beautiful ceremony and made sure everyone left there having some fun.’

He also gave a special shoutout to Sandler for getting ordained in the state of New York to be able to marry the couple ‘Sand-man style.’

The three-time Super Bowl winner also confirmed that he and his A-list wife have become proud owners of a white Samoyed named Wendy.

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The adorable pup made her public debut alongside the tight end in a campaign for Tommy Hilfiger this week.

‘She is officially a picture dog. We gotta get the line in her size,’ Travis said.

‘Unfortunately, she’s just got her fur on. We gotta work with Tommy on getting her some good clothes,’ he quipped.

The Kansas City Chiefs star said he talked to Taylor about having Wendy in the photo shoot and the singer was ‘all for it.’

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A source told People the couple had dinner in the eatery's lower ground main dining room area, where they enjoyed 'a variety of classics from the menu', such as dishes and beverages

A source told People the couple had dinner in the eatery’s lower ground main dining room area, where they enjoyed ‘a variety of classics from the menu’, such as dishes and beverages

Described as 'impossible-to-get-into' by Eater, Ambassadors Clubhouse first opened in London before expanding to 1245 Broadway earlier this year

Described as ‘impossible-to-get-into’ by Eater, Ambassadors Clubhouse first opened in London before expanding to 1245 Broadway earlier this year

The couple finally married in front of 1,000 of their closest friends – and the world's biggest stars – in a colossal blowout at Madison Square Garden on July 3

The couple finally married in front of 1,000 of their closest friends – and the world’s biggest stars – in a colossal blowout at Madison Square Garden on July 3

‘It’s kind of crazy how perfect she looks in the Tommy Hilfiger world. She matches the brand and the shoot and it was pretty easy to get her to jump on the couch and have some fun with us,’ he said of the furry pup.

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‘But yeah, Wendy’s a model. She’s a model dog,’ he added.

Travis also revealed that he and the ‘Bad Blood’ singer have had Wendy for a while now.

‘Little ‘ol Wendy’s a little over a year old now. We’ve had her for quite a while,’ he shared, adding that the pair was ‘trying to keep it under wraps.’

The pet’s existence was first revealed by the Daily Mail in exclusive footage from inside the couple’s wedding, which showed a picture of the happy couple posing with their furry friend.

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A source told the Daily Mail that ‘it seems that Travis made it happen’ regarding the dog.

The name may be a reference to Wendy Peffercorn, the lifeguard character in The Sandlot, who Travis previously revealed was his favorite ’90s character and childhood crush.

Meanwhile, Taylor has also referenced Peter Pan in her music, including the character of Wendy.  

Both the bride and groom were dressed in Christian Dior, her publicist announced

Both the bride and groom were dressed in Christian Dior, her publicist announced

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The couple's Love Story began three years ago, when Kelce first laid eyes on the singer at her Kansas City Eras Tour concert on July 8, 2023

The couple’s Love Story began three years ago, when Kelce first laid eyes on the singer at her Kansas City Eras Tour concert on July 8, 2023

After months of teases, rumors and conflicting reports, the couple finally married in front of 1,000 of their closest friends – and the world’s biggest stars – in a colossal blowout at Madison Square Garden on July 3. Both the bride and groom were dressed in Christian Dior, her publicist announced.

There were no bridesmaids, instead, Swift’s brother Austin acted as her ‘man of honor’, and Jason was the best man.

The couple’s Love Story began three years ago, when Kelce first laid eyes on the singer at her Kansas City Eras Tour concert on July 8, 2023.

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The Chiefs’ tight end tried to meet Swift that evening, bringing along a friendship bracelet that contained his phone number. However, his attempt at handing her the jewelry was unsuccessful.

At the same time, Swift was at her own professional peak, traveling the world for her sold-out stadium shows, with Kelce flying in to support her.

Despite their hectic schedules and intense public interest in their romance, Kelce claimed that he felt calmed by both his girlfriend’s presence and down-to-earth nature.

‘Whenever I’m with her, it feels like we’re just regular people… When there is not a camera on us, we’re just two people that are in love,’ he told GQ.

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Car Wars over Christmas free parking in Ards and North Down

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Parties split on geographical lines between Bangor and Newtownards

Plans for free Christmas Saturday car parking in the North Down city of Bangor have stirred protest from Newtownards representatives.

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The age-old friendly feud between Newtownards and Bangor was reignited at a recent meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council Environment Committee, where officials had presented a paper titled “Promotional Parking Tariffs – Christmas 2026.”

A vote to implement an Xmas Saturday free car parking trial in Bangor caused a split in the chamber and amongst the parties, causing a non-recorded show-of-hands vote. On a five to four vote in favour, with one abstention from the Chair, the Bangor trial was passed.

READ MORE: NI Council to provide chess and draughts sets for people to play in town square

READ MORE: “Girls Just Wanna Walk Home” mural unveiled in Co Down for women’s safety

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There are 22 charged car parks in the borough: nine in Bangor, three in Holywood and 10 in Newtownards. The council has estimated that introducing free Saturday parking from 21st November to 31st December in Bangor would cost it £5,175.20. If it had been all 22 car parks, the council would have lost £15,618.37.

In February this year, the council agreed to the Ards and North Down Off-Street Parking Order 2025, and commissioned an officer report for the committee looking at options around introducing free or reduced-price parking during the Christmas period.

The council had hoped to get the new tariffs regime up this Autumn, but delays in communication from the Stormont Department for Infrastructure new order mean it will not be implemented before Christmas 2026. Officials organised meetings the borough’s Local Action Groups to discuss potential promotional Christmas tariffs for 2026, with different responses from different areas.

Ards and North Down Council describes its Local Action Groups as being made up of community representatives, local Chambers of Commerce, elected members, and other “key stakeholders.”

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Regarding the Newtownards LAG, the report states: “The LAG recognised the difficulties that free parking could create in Newtownards town centre, particularly in relation to space blocking and turnover in busy town centre car parks during the festive season, and the potential negative impact that could have on trade.

“It was agreed that the existing £1 for five hours tariff should be promoted more effectively this year, and there was no support for free parking for Christmas 2026.” The Holywood group also voiced support for the £1 five hours tariff, and spoke against free parking at Christmas

Regarding Bangor, the report states: “During the meeting, members discussed how free parking on Saturdays from the Christmas light switch-on (21 November 2026) could support businesses within Bangor city centre over the Christmas period. The LAG considered that consistency with the other two towns was not required, as the needs of each area differ and it is the role of the LAGs to highlight those local needs.

“An email was sent to members of the Newtownards and Holywood LAGs to advise them of the outcome of the Bangor meeting and invite comments. Newtownards Chamber urged Bangor to reconsider and adopt a consistent approach. Bangor Chamber maintained the position agreed at the LAG meeting.”

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At the Environment Committee, Ards North Down Mayor Craig Blaney, who is also a Bangor UUP representative, said: “Having been in close communication with the Chambers and the various LAG groups I think this is a good way of going about it. Ultimately having the flexibility within the parking system to provide what different towns want represents hopefully a good use of our powers.

“There is not a one-size-fits-all across the borough. At the end of the day it is the businesses that are going to be affected by the parking changes. In Bangor the free parking will really benefit the traders at Christmas time.”

Newtownards representative, Alderman Naomi Armstrong-Cotter said: “I think it is unfortunate that we don’t have a parking policy across each town across the borough. We have spent a lot of time together working on a parking schedule, and it is nice to know we can separate out depending on the individual Chambers, because that is obviously the precedent being set here.

“£5,000 doesn’t seem a lot of money, yet it is a lot of money to rate payers, especially the ones that are coming to Newtownards, and paying their money. While they don’t have to pay in other areas. It doesn’t send a good message. The LAGs are the LAGS, but we are the council, and we make the decisions.”

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She said she was “not content.”

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Martin Lewis on 55p-per-mile tax break for millions of drivers

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Martin Lewis on 55p-per-mile tax break for millions of drivers

Workers who use their own cars for their jobs could be missing out on hundreds of pounds after a major change to mileage rates – and Martin Lewis says it is one of the most overlooked money-saving measures this year.

The MoneySavingExpert highlighted a little-known rule that could boost payments for millions of employees who drive between workplaces, visit clients or travel as part of their job.

From April, the Government increased the approved mileage allowance for cars and vans from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles driven each tax year – the first rise in more than a decade.

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The change does not apply to ordinary commuting between home and work. Instead, it affects workers who regularly travel for business, including care workers visiting clients, tradespeople, sales staff, community nurses, engineers and anyone required to drive between different locations during the working day.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Martin Lewis said: “The big one that I think is going to be under-covered, but is actually really important, is the increase in the mileage allowance for people who drive as part of their work.

“This has been frozen at 45p since, I think, 2011, so the increase from 45p to 55p for the first 10,000 miles that you drive is really important.”

The new rate means employers can reimburse staff up to 55p a mile without the payment being subject to tax or National Insurance.

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But Mr Lewis warned there is another part of the rule many workers may not know about.

If an employer pays less than the approved rate, employees may be able to claim tax relief on the difference through HMRC.

He explained: “If your employer doesn’t give you the full amount of the mileage allowance – let’s imagine they give you 30p and the allowance is 55p – you can claim tax back on that 25p per mile that you drive as part of your work, not commuting.”


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And if an employer pays nothing at all, workers could claim tax relief based on the full 55p rate.

After the first 10,000 business miles, the approved rate falls to 25p per mile.

The rules also apply to self-employed people using their own vehicles for business purposes, although mileage rates for motorbikes and bicycles remain unchanged at 24p and 20p per mile respectively.

For workers covering thousands of miles each year, the change could mean significantly more money back – but only if they know to check what their employer pays and whether they are eligible to make a claim.

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Noel and Liam Gallagher continue their brotherly display as they’re joined by nepo baby brood on the red carpet at the London premiere of Oasis documentary after bitter 15-year feud

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It was a family affair at London's Leicester Square tonight as Noel, 59, and Liam Gallagher, 53, were joined by their children at the premiere of Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger

It was a family affair at London’s Cineworld in Leicester Square tonight as Noel and Liam Gallagher were joined by their children at the premiere of Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger.

The once-feuding brothers continued to prove their era of estrangement is over for good as they put on a brotherly display on the star-studded red carpet.

Posing with their arms wrapped around each other, the rocker siblings were joined by their supportive brood, including Liam’s sons Gene, 25, and Lennon, 26, and Noel’s model-daughter Anais, 26.

The brotherly appearance was a far cry from the days of their 15-year public spat, when they fell out after numerous backstage bust-ups, walk-outs and booze-fuelled arguments.

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It all came to a head when a dressing room feud in Paris tore the band apart for good in 2009… or so fans thought.

Back together for tonight’s star-studded red carpet event, Noel channelled the nineties in a double denim look, teamed with a £1,890 Mr Porter suede jacket, while Liam wore his trademark parka from the height of the band’s Britpop days.

Sienna Miller was the most high-profile star to join the duo on the red carpet as she oozed elegance in a black midi-dress.

The documentary, which launches September 9 in cinemas and on Disney Plus, chronicles their famous 15-year feud, reconciliation and follows the band on their reunion tour which grossed each brother £100million.

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It was a family affair at London’s Leicester Square tonight as Noel, 59, and Liam Gallagher, 53, were joined by their children at the premiere of Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger 

Liam and Noel’s nepo baby brood united on the red carpet to support their fathers (Lennon, Donovan, Anais, Molly, Sonny and Gene Gallagher pictured L-R)

The siblings were joined by their supportive nepo baby brood, with Liam and Noel letting bygones be bygones by sharing a sweet embrace

The siblings were joined by their supportive nepo baby brood, with Liam and Noel letting bygones be bygones by sharing a sweet embrace

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Noel has two sons, Sonny, 15, and Donovan, 18, with his ex-wife Sara MacDonald, and model daughter Anais, 26, with first wife Meg Mathews.

Liam shares Lennon, 26, with his first wife, actress Patsy Kensit; Gene, 25, from his marriage to All SaintsNicole Appleton, and Molly, 28, from a brief relationship with singer-songwriter Lisa Moorish in the late 1990s, who all went on tour. He also has love child Gemma, 13, who lives in New York.

Gene is hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps after playing with his band Villanelle at Reading and Leeds Festival last month. Meanwhile Lennon also sings and plays guitar in his band Automotion, while both sons and Molly have also turned their hand to modelling. 

The documentary will include the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in more than 20 years, following their 2009 break-up. 

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The filmmakers admitted that the Gallaghers were not really on speaking terms when filming began during rehearsals for the tour. 

They travelled separately and the tour promoters unusually only paid them once they had completed all 41 dates because they had such a history of conflict.

As the tour goes on, their relationship improved and their children met each other for the first time in many years.

Rumours of a follow-up to the band’s 2025 reunion tour have been rife in recent weeks, but no dates or venues have been formally announced.

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Noel’s eldest daughter Anais put on a racy display in a backless cut-out gown as she held up a peace sign on her arrival.

Lennon and Gene looked the spitting image of their famous fathers wearing dark-rimmed sunglasses. 

Liam and Noel’s tumultuous relationship famously saw Oasis break up 17 years ago as a result of backstage bust-ups, walk-outs and numerous booze-fuelled arguments.

After working through countless bickers since they shot to stardom in the 1990s, fans were left devastated when a dressing room feud in Paris tore the band apart in 2009.

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Noel issued a statement at the time, saying: ‘It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.’

In another statement a few days later, titled Tales From The Middle Of Nowhere, Noel added: ‘I feel you have the right to know that the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends and comrades has become intolerable.

‘And the lack of support and understanding from my management and band mates has left me with no other option than to get me cape and seek pastures new.’

In the years that have followed, a feud and bitter fighting has ensued with the brothers trading insults back and forth in interviews and on social media.

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Ahead of the documentary release, Oasis have ‘expressed concerns’ ahead of an unheard archive of their recordings going up for sale.

The recordings, which encompass 63 live shows, as well as soundchecks and more than 100 hours of rehearsal from the brothers in the 1990s, are set to be auctioned next month.

The once-feuding brothers continued to prove their era of estrangement is over for good as they put on a brotherly display on the star-studded red carpet

The once-feuding brothers continued to prove their era of estrangement is over for good as they put on a brotherly display on the star-studded red carpet 

Sienna Miller, 44, oozed elegance in a black mididress as she led the star-studded guests in attendance

Sienna Miller, 44, oozed elegance in a black mididress as she led the star-studded guests in attendance 

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Noel channelled the nineties in a double denim look complemented with a £1,890 Mr Porter suede jacket, while Liam wore his trademark parka from the height of the pair's Britpop days

Noel channelled the nineties in a double denim look complemented with a £1,890 Mr Porter suede jacket, while Liam wore his trademark parka from the height of the pair’s Britpop days

The documentary, which launches September 9 in cinemas and on Disney Plus, chronicles their famous 15-year feud, reconciliation and follows the band on their reunion tour which grossed each brother £100million

The documentary, which launches September 9 in cinemas and on Disney Plus, chronicles their famous 15-year feud, reconciliation and follows the band on their reunion tour which grossed each brother £100million

Liam put on an animated display in his iconic look while posing for the cameras

Liam put on an animated display in his iconic look while posing for the cameras

The brothers couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces

The brothers couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces

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Noel's eldest daughter Anais put on a racy display in a backless cut-out gown as she held up a peace sign on her arrival

Noel’s eldest daughter Anais put on a racy display in a backless cut-out gown as she held up a peace sign on her arrival

Lennon (L) and Gene (R) looked the spitting image of their famous fathers wearing dark-rimmed sunglasses

Lennon (L) and Gene (R) looked the spitting image of their famous fathers wearing dark-rimmed sunglasses

The actress was joined by her boyfriend Oli Green and friends Jake Chapman, Serena Rees, Dave Gardner, Rosemary Ferguson, Jessica Clark (L-R)

The actress was joined by her boyfriend Oli Green and friends Jake Chapman, Serena Rees, Dave Gardner, Rosemary Ferguson, Jessica Clark (L-R)

Guitarist Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, who co-founded Oasis, looked in great spirits at the premiere

Guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, who co-founded Oasis, looked in great spirits at the premiere

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Paul (L), Andy Bell (C) and Gem Archer complete the lineup for the historic Oasis reunion tour

Paul (L), Andy Bell (C) and Gem Archer complete the lineup for the historic Oasis reunion tour 

Footballer Jack Grealish was joined by his stunning partner Sasha Attwood, who wore a ruched black gown

Elizabeth Day wore Oasis merchandise to the star-studded premiere

Elizabeth Day wore Oasis merchandise to the star-studded premiere

Radio presenter Emma B appeared in great spirits as she waved to fans

Radio presenter Emma B appeared in great spirits as she waved to fans

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Lauren Laverne cut a sophisticated figure in a black blazer over a chic white shirt

Lauren Laverne cut a sophisticated figure in a black blazer over a chic white shirt

Christine Mary Biller and Gem Archer
The band's bassist Andy Bell was joined by his wife Shiarra

Christine Mary Biller and Gem Archer 

Bonehead was joined by his wife Kate

Bonehead was joined by his wife Kate 

David Gilmour and Polly Samson looked more than loved-up on the red carpet

David Gilmour and Polly Samson looked more than loved-up on the red carpet

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Oasis superfan Vernon Kay couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he arrived

Oasis superfan Vernon Kay couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he arrived

Comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe cut casually cool figures

Comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe cut casually cool figures

Vicky McClure and her husband Jonny Owen enjoyed a date night at the premiere

Vicky McClure and her husband Jonny Owen enjoyed a date night at the premiere

Ellie Rowsell and Joel Amey from Wolf Alice made an appearance

Ellie Rowsell and Joel Amey from Wolf Alice made an appearance

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Actor Matt Smith snapped selfies with fans on the sidelines

Actor Matt Smith snapped selfies with fans on the sidelines

Last One Laughing star Roisin Conaty looked chic in a floral blouse

Last One Laughing star Roisin Conaty looked chic in a floral blouse

They were collected by the Oasis’ sound engineer Huw Richards, who worked with the band from the release of their debut album Definitely, Maybe in 1994, until 2001.

However, Littleton Auctions, who have called the sale a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity for fans and collectors alike’, has confirmed the band does not support the sale.

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The auction house’s managing director Ben Homer said in a statement: ‘The Oasis camp is aware of the auction and has expressed concerns, which is entirely understandable given the scale and significance of the material.

‘We’re handling everything with full transparency and proper legal process.

‘Our focus is simply on presenting these items responsibly, with verified provenance, and allowing collectors and institutions to engage with an important part of British music history.’

The tapes, which are part of the wider collection dubbed The Desk Tapes, were recorded by Richards himself, who served as the front-of-house sound engineer for Oasis during the height of their career in the mid-1990s.

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After joining Oasis’s crew in 1995, he worked with them on some of their biggest concerts, including the Knebworth shows in August 1996.

He recorded the tapes directly from the desk, with Littleton Auctions calling the tapes in its sale ‘the only master archive of its kind in existence’.

The recordings are being brought to sale by Huw’s son Owain Richards, with other items including internal tour itineraries, original setlists, a band-played Epiphone guitar and an original Kangol Oasis Tour parka.

Richards said: ‘Dad labelled everything, recorded everything and backed it all up to cassette, over and over. I grew up listening to these recordings. Oasis were part of the family as much as they were part of the culture.’

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He explained that after the tapes had ‘been in my care’ over the past 20 years, it now ‘feels like the right time to pass them on to people who’ll understand exactly what they are’.

The auction house has singled out ‘standout items’ including a pair of Adidas Kegler Super Ostrich trainers, one of only 100 pairs ever made and given to Noel.

The Oasis 'Live in 25' reunion tour grossed each of the Gallagher brothers around £100million, and is set to be followed by another tour next year

The Oasis ‘Live in 25’ reunion tour grossed each of the Gallagher brothers around £100million, and is set to be followed by another tour next year

Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger will launch at Imax screens and in cinemas on September 9

Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger will launch at Imax screens and in cinemas on September 9

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The Daily Mail exclusively announced last month the band set to take to the stage again following the extraordinary success of their sell-out comeback shows (pictured 2008)

The Daily Mail exclusively announced last month the band set to take to the stage again following the extraordinary success of their sell-out comeback shows (pictured 2008) 

They were produced in 2000 to mark the 100th birthday of Adidas founder Adi Dassler and only issued to friends and family of the brand.

Littleton Auctions added: ‘Taken together, the tapes and memorabilia are a rare record of one of the defining bands of their generation at the peak of their powers – the imperfections and the energy of a band working at the very top, caught as it happened. For those who were there, and for those who wish they had been, it is a chance to hold on to a piece of that moment.’

Homer added the level of interest they were ‘already seeing’ reflected Oasis’s popularity as ‘one of the most beloved and closely followed bands in British music history’.

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‘Alongside the memorabilia and recordings of other legendary artists in the collection, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for fans and collectors alike,’ he said.

The Times has reported that any buyer would not be able to commercialise the archive without the co-operation of the band as Oasis retain the intellectual property rights.

The Oasis auction will take place online and in person on Saturday, October 3.

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