Steve Tandy has opted for cohesion against the Azzurri

The word “growth” has been used throughout the course of this Six Nations Championship by the Wales coaching team but Saturday’s clash with Italy should fall into the must-win category.

Having taken on the toughest job in world rugby, Steve Tandy has been reluctant to put too much pressure on his squad, at least externally, when it comes to winning games. Wales have been here before back in 2003 when former head coach Sir Steve Hansen emphasised the need to focus on the performance, rather than results.

It was misunderstood at the time with Wales at such a low ebb that they had to focus on getting the performance right and only then would the results come.

Wales are in a similar place under Tandy and are not in a position where they can expect to beat most sides given their lowly place in the world rankings.

It is a long-term plan and improvement was always going to be gradual before they can claim some much-needed victories.

Nobody gave Wales a cat’s chance in hell of beating Ireland in Dublin yet they took a huge step forward regarding performance.

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Despite the defeat the overriding mood afterwards was one of optimism because Wales’ pack had fronted up, the set-piece was good and defensively they were far tougher to break down.

But despite the obvious improvements a third successive Six Nations whitewash can never be deemed an acceptable result.

Yes, Italy are much improved and are currently a better side than Wales but finishing the Six Nations without a single victory would not be classed as progress in the eyes of many.

Nobody expects Wales to beat the likes of France or Ireland in their current state but there has to be at least one win to take into the summer.

By the time of the game it will have been three years – or 1,099 days – since Wales last won a Six Nations fixture. That has to change at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Tandy has wisely opted for consistency in his selection this week, although it is a blow not to have Sam Costelow available.

The Scarlets playmaker was outstanding in the narrow defeat to Scotland and it would have been a boost if the 25-year-old was available to take his place in the matchday 23.

But there is plenty to build on after two promising performances against Scotland and Ireland as Tandy continues to manufacture some cohesion in his side.

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Wales matched Ireland’s physicality for large parts of the game and they will have to do the same again if they are to get the better of the Azzurri.

The set-piece will also have to function as well as it did at the Aviva Stadium, while defensively they will have to be on their mettle.

Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello is a world-class player who proved to be the difference between winning and losing in Rome last Saturday.

His centre partnership with Ignacio Brex is one of the most proficient in world rugby.

If Wales cannot find a way to contain Menoncello and Brex, they will not emerge victorious.

The Wales centre partnership of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James has slowly improved from game to game, even if it has not fully fired in attack.

This is a fourth consecutive start for Hawkins and James which is important because the last time a Wales centre partnership started four games together was Nick Tompkins and George North back in 2022.

Wales have taken great strides forward up-front and they are also clinical in the opposition 22 but they will need to cut out the unforced errors while also firing more shots with ball in hand.

Italy are ahead of Wales but the challenge will be an emotional one after the high of a first-ever victory over England.

If Wales can combine the physical edge they showed in Dublin with greater accuracy and intent in attack, this is a game they are capable of winning.

The progress has been evident in recent weeks, but at some stage improvement has to translate into a result. After three years without a Six Nations victory, Saturday would be the ideal time to put an unwanted record to bed.

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A flight on Tuesday evening had to be diverted

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An easyJet flight from Tunisia to Belfast had to be diverted on Tuesday after a medical emergency on board.

The flight from Enfidha was diverted to Liverpool following the incident. Belfast Live approached the airline for comment after a source told us the flight landed at its final destination more than two hours after the scheduled time due to the incident.

A spokesman told Belfast Live: “Flight EZY3072 from Enfidha to Belfast International on Tuesday evening was diverted to Liverpool due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical attention.

READ MORE: Man charged with murder of woman in EnniskillenREAD MORE: Two men found dead at Co Tyrone house named locally as father and son

“The customer was met by medical services on arrival, and the flight later continued to Belfast.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always EasyJet’s highest priority.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

If you spend any time on social media, you may have noticed a curious trend: wellness influencers singing the praises of nicotine. Not smoking or vaping but nicotine patches and pouches, repackaged as cognitive enhancers, productivity boosters and even weight-loss aids. But does the science support this rebrand, or are we watching a familiar substance undergo a very modern makeover?

Nicotine is primarily a stimulant and derived from the tobacco plant. Small amounts of nicotine are also found in other members of the nightshade family, including tomatoes, aubergines, potatoes and green peppers. However, the levels in these foods are minimal compared with those in tobacco.

Nicotine works by latching on to specific receptors found throughout the body, triggering the release of various brain chemicals such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. These receptors, along with a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, play an important role in attention, learning and memory.

The evidence on whether nicotine can enhance cognitive performance is mixed. One large review of 41 trials involving healthy adults – both non-smokers and smokers – found that nicotine produced small improvements in areas such as fine motor skills, attention and aspects of short-term and working memory.

An animal study demonstrated nicotine increased working memory and boosted levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein important for learning and brain resilience. However, other research shows that in healthy non-smokers, nicotine often has neutral or even negative cognitive effects.

This difference comes down to starting point. People who already have cognitive difficulties have more room to improve, while those with healthy brain function are already performing close to their best. Because of this, nicotine is unlikely to offer any real benefit to people who don’t have cognitive impairments.

Small experimental studies have explored whether nicotine patches might help people with mild cognitive impairment, with one trial reporting slight improvements in memory test scores over six months. Research suggests nicotine may have protective effects in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, partly because it reduces inflammation, prevents cell death and supports cognitive function.

Nicotine has also been linked to weight loss and reduced appetite. It appears to influence the parts of the brain that control hunger and makes the body burn more energy by triggering the release of stimulating hormones like adrenaline. While some animal studies suggest nicotine can reduce body weight by speeding up fat burning, there is not yet strong evidence that this holds true in humans

Where nicotine is useful is in smoking cessation. Nicotine replacement therapy is an effective way to help people stop smoking. But this benefit comes from reducing exposure to tobacco smoke, which contains a cocktail of chemicals and cancer-causing agents – not from nicotine itself being healthy.

Highly addictive

Nicotine is not harmless and regular use can lead to dependence. Nicotine activates receptors in the brain that trigger the release of several chemical messengers, including dopamine (the so-called feel-good hormone). This surge in dopamine creates the pleasurable sensations and reinforcement that contribute to nicotine’s addictive effects.

Studies in animals show using nicotine during the teenage years can lead to long lasting changes in the brain and behaviour, including higher risk of other drug use, reduced attention and mood problems.

Teenagers have more nicotine receptors in the brain’s reward areas than adults, which makes nicotine’s effects stronger and the developing brain more vulnerable. Similar effects can be seen in a developing baby during pregnancy.

Common side-effects of using nicotine include nausea, vomiting and headaches. It can also cause more serious heart and blood-vessel harms.

Nicotine triggers the release of chemicals such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, and studies show that higher levels of these can raise heart rate, increase blood pressure and make the heart work harder.

Nicotine also damages the inner walls of blood vessels by causing inflammation, raising blood pressure and disrupting normal blood vessel function. The evidence is clear that no nicotine product is safe for the heart and cardiovascular system – a conclusion now officially backed by major health organisations, including the World Health Organization.

Is nicotine safer without smoke? Yes. Is it safe? No.

Reduced harm is not the same as benefit. The scientific picture is complicated: possible cognitive effects, potential therapeutic avenues, but clear risks and strong addictive potential.

The science does not support using nicotine as a cognitive enhancer or lifestyle supplement for healthy adults. What it does support is using nicotine replacement therapy to help people stop smoking. Outside that context, the risks outweigh the hype. Wellness trends come and go, but addiction is far harder to shake.

Skatefest 2026 will take place on Saturday, July 18, promising a full day of skate competitions, live music, street art, and community activities.

The grassroots event is organised by Ryedale Skate School in partnership with Norton Town Council.

It aims to create an inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities can experience skateboarding culture.

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Ryan Swain, local skateboard coach and youth advocate, said: “Skatefest is about much more than skateboarding. It’s about community, belonging and giving young people a positive space to express themselves.

“We’ve seen how powerful skate culture can be in bringing people together and building confidence, and we’re proud to be working with Norton Town Council to bring this event back bigger than ever.”

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme throughout the day, including vert and mini ramp competitions, live DJs and music performances, street art demonstrations, and free skate lessons for beginners.

Food and drink vendors, artisan stalls, charity raffles, and a tombola will also be on offer.

Ryan said: “Whether you’re a lifelong skater, someone who’s never stepped on a board before, or just want a great day out with the family, Skatefest is for everyone.

“Events like this help build stronger communities and give young people positive opportunities to connect, learn and thrive.”

Mayor of Norton, Di Keal, said: “Norton town council is delighted to be supporting Skatefest again this year after a hugely successful event in 2025.

“We are installing a second shelter at the skatepark shortly funded by a grant from Live Like Ralph, a charity established in memory of keen skater, Ralph Roberts, who sadly lost his life during the Covid pandemic.

“Ralph’s father, Neil and the Live Like Ralph team visited last year on a fundraising bike ride from Scarborough to Lytham and they loved the skatepark that has been created in Norton. The town council is using the grant to purchase the new shelter, which will be decorated live by a street artist at Skatefest and will feature the Live Like Ralph logo.

“The team at Live Like Ralph will hopefully be joining us to celebrate and enjoy Skatefest and I would encourage families from across our twin towns to visit the skatepark on July 18 to enjoy the event and witness some spectacular skating and stunts.”

The organisers are encouraging local businesses, charities, and independent traders to get involved by hosting stalls or supporting the event.

Interested organisations can contact ryedaleskateschool@gmail.com.

Skatefest 2026 will run from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, July 18.

Should I get a robot vacuum cleaner? Until recently, for most people the answer was no. Even the best robot vacuums had a tendency to mount chair legs and get stuck, wheels feebly pawing at the air, or to have a nervous breakdown in a confined space.

AI has changed all that. “People want robot helpers,” says Colin Angle, the MIT robotics expert whose iRobot Roomba kick-started the whole industry back in 2002. “Rather than clean the whole house, they want to tell their robot vacuum to just clean under the kitchen table, or in the office, but that takes a huge amount of tech.”

The best robot vacuums cost well over £1,000 and even the cheapest are over £300, so these are not toys (although there have been more than a billion views of pets riding robot vacuums on YouTube.) To find out which are worth your hard-earned cash, we put some of the best robot vacuums to the test.

You can read our full reviews below, followed by answers to frequently asked questions, like how long robot vacuums last and which has the best suction. Here’s a quick look at five:

The best robot vacuum cleaners: At a glance

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How to choose the best robot vacuum

Robot vacuums are constantly evolving and have a fascinating origin. Angle helped design the Sojourner rover that explored Mars and one of his robots was sent to the Fukushima disaster zone. It might be surprising to find this technology trundling around your floor, but the challenges are the same: navigating different surfaces, unusual shapes and unexpected obstacles.

“Now they use cameras not just to see where they’re going and remember where they’ve been, but to understand obstacles,” Angle says.

As well as advanced mapping technology, many robot vacuums can now also mop (although not all), and the docking stations have developed, too. While some simply charge the vacuum between cleans, others remove dust, debris and water from the robot’s on board bins and several even clean and sterilise mop pads. Below, you’ll even find a robot vacuum (the Dreame X50) with a mechanical leg for clambering over obstacles.

Ultimately, the best robot vacuum for your home comes down to the flooring you have and your budget; the more you spend, the more power or functionality you’ll get.

How we test robot vacuum cleaners

PSNI announced that a man has been charged to court following an incident on Tuesday

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A man has been charged with child abduction and stalking following an incident in Co Antrim on Tuesday, March 10.

The 58-year-old was arrested following a report of a male approaching a child in the Belfast Road area of Whitehead

A police spokesman said: “The 58-year-old is charged with stalking and child abduction.

“He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, on Thursday, March 12.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The boy riding the bike was taken to hospital for treatment

A boy riding a bike was taken to hospital after a crash with a car. Emergency services were called to a crash on The Avenue in Godmanchester at around 4.20pm on Wednesday (March 11).

The crash involved a pedal cycle and car. The boy riding the bike was taken to hospital to treat his injuries. The road was closed while police attended.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called at about 4.20pm yesterday to The Avenue, Godmanchester, to reports of a collision between a pedal cycle and a car.

“The cyclist, a boy, was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries believed not to be serious. There were no arrests and an investigation is ongoing.”

The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for more information.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Peterborough, Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

The Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team said that it was dispatched to help the man, who was found partway down the slope with a suspected hip injury, after falling from his scooter.

After an initial assessment, the team say it ‘became clear the situation was time critical’ and they began to give care and provided blankets to keep the man warm until Yorkshire Ambulance Service arrived on scene.

Once the crew reached the site, Coastguard officers assisted in transporting equipment down the steep path to the scene.

Following further assessment and pain relief administered by the paramedics, the teams carried out a stretcher evacuation up the cliff path before transferring the injured man safely into an awaiting ambulance.

“Steep coastal paths can be challenging terrain, particularly when using mobility aids. If you ever see someone in difficulty along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” said Whitby Coastguard Rescue Team.

To fairly compare models, we put every dehumidifier through a series of structured, real-world tests. We begin with set up, assessing whether it can be unpacked and running within minutes or if it takes time to figure out.

We also judge ease of use, looking for clearly labelled and responsive controls. We check how easy it is to empty and reinsert the water tank and whether any companion app connects reliably and adds genuine control rather than gimmicks. Design details matter too, so we look at cable length, portability, self-draining features and safety cut-offs. Build quality, durability, extra features and overall value for money are all important.

Next, we assess its effectiveness. First, we measure how well a unit reduces humidity after a hot shower, recording how long it takes to bring the room back to a comfortable 50 per cent. Then, we test laundry mode by hanging a standard load of washing and noting how quickly it dries compared to normal conditions.

Finally, we measure noise levels with a decibel app and track energy consumption over the course of an hour using a plug meter.

When e-cigarettes first appeared around 2010, they were hailed as a breakthrough: nicotine delivery without the toxic tar and combustion byproducts of traditional cigarettes. Public health bodies cautiously endorsed them as a tool for adult smokers to quit, often citing early claims that vaping was 95% less harmful than smoking. More than a decade later, with millions now vaping regularly, the picture is less clear.

A recent study, published in the American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology, found that people who vape or smoke have nearly 50% higher odds of elevated blood pressure compared to non-users. This isn’t proof that vaping directly causes high blood pressure – other factors such as diet or exercise could play a role – but it adds to a growing body of evidence that vaping’s early reputation for safety deserves a harder look.

The science behind the concern isn’t complicated. Nicotine in e-cigarette vapour triggers immediate spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. The flavourings and other chemicals can damage the lining of blood vessels – the tissue that prevents clotting and keeps blood flowing smoothly. Research reviews have found elevated rates of heart attack among vapers, particularly among those who also still smoke traditional cigarettes.

The lungs tell a similarly worrying story. A 2022 study comparing vapers, smokers and non-users found that vapers had measurably reduced lung function – even after accounting for any previous smoking history – as well as higher rates of wheezing, coughing and bronchitis-like symptoms. Further research from 2023–25 links vaping to increased airway resistance and asthma flare-ups, with some effects persisting well beyond a single vaping session.

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Perhaps the most urgent concern is what has happened among young people. The World Health Organization now describes e-cigarettes as “harmful and not safe”, warning of a new wave of nicotine addiction among teenagers who never smoked in the first place – and who are three times more likely to go on to smoke traditional cigarettes as a result.

Large surveys have linked regular vaping in young people to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, with nicotine’s known effects on the developing brain almost certainly playing a role.

Supporters of vaping argue that its risks are acceptable if it helps established smokers quit – and there is something to this. A 2024 review by Ireland’s Health Research Board found that e-cigarettes do help some adults stop smoking, particularly when combined with behavioural support.

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Vaping now more common than smoking among young people – and the risks go beyond lung and brain damage

But many people who vape to quit end up doing both – vaping and smoking – which means they are still exposed to tobacco’s most harmful chemicals. And the evidence for traditional nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and gum, backed by decades of clinical trials, remains stronger.

We don’t yet have human data confirming that vaping causes cancer. But this reflects how new the habit is rather than how safe it is. A review of laboratory studies show that e-cigarette vapour causes DNA damage and cell death in ways that look uncomfortably familiar to early tobacco research – research that preceded the smoking-related cancer epidemic by two or three decades.

Safer is not the same as safe

The original message – that vaping is far safer than smoking, and a reasonable tool for quitting – made sense at a time when tobacco was killing enormous numbers of people. But “safer than smoking” is not the same as safe, and that distinction matters enormously when teenagers are interpreting the message as permission to start. NHS Scotland is already clear that vaping carries real risks and is not suitable for young people.

We’ve tasted the bitter waters of tobacco, where delayed action fuelled generations of disease. To fix smoking, we’re now engineering a “solution” that could spawn tomorrow’s crises – akin to ditching petrol cars for electric vehicles to slash emissions, only to grapple with toxic lithium battery e-waste mountains clogging landfills and supply chains.

Both trades address one urgent harm while blindsiding us to downstream perils: leaching chemicals, recycling nightmares and resource wars. With vaping, signals of cardiovascular strain, lung irritation, youth gateways and addiction are flashing red, even if full epidemics lie years ahead.

The sensible conclusion is not complicated. If you have never smoked, don’t vape. If you do smoke and want to quit, patches, gum, medication and proper support remain the best-evidenced options. Vaping may have a role as a short-term bridge – but not as a permanent habit, and not for anyone who wouldn’t otherwise have been a smoker. The warning signs are there. The question is whether we act on them before the long-term consequences become impossible to ignore.