York Fashion Week has launched The Creative Exchange – a free business consultancy event designed to support people in the fashion and creative sectors.

The Creative Exchange, set for two days this weekend, promises an opportunity for attendees to spend time with six seasoned professionals from various fashion industry sectors.

Fashion designer Isabelle Randall will be at The Creative Exchange event. (Image: Submitted)

The experienced professionals include fashion designer Isabelle Randall, social media management expert Chelsea Talbot, and brand and marketing consultant Nicky Hayer.

Other experts in the panel are Estee Lauder makeup artist Anthony Frith, photographer Hannah Lunn, and Lacey Wilson, a model booker from Face Model Management.

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Event attendees will participate in ten-minute consultancy sessions where they can seek advice, ask questions, receive feedback, and build industry connections.

The goal is to help propel businesses and creative projects forward with practical advice from professionals with a wealth of real-world experience.

Lacey Wilson, a model booker from Face Model Management, will be at The Creative Exchange event. (Image: Submitted)

Speaking about the event, Nicky Hayer said: “This event is for people at all levels of their career.

“Maybe you’re student planning your next steps, or an established retailer looking to discuss brand growth.

“Perhaps you’re a freelancer wanting to level up your social media or an aspiring model who needs some guidance on how to get started.

“You’ll have ten minutes with each expert of your choice to pick their brains, and it’ll be a great chance to just meet more of the YFW community too.”

The event will take place on Saturday, July 25 from 11am to 1pm at Spark York.

On Wednesday, July 30, Another Brother Café will continue the initiative from 6pm to 8pm.

The Creative Exchange offers a platform where people can gain fresh perspectives, practical guidance, and connections as an extension of York Fashion Week’s commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation in the industry. 

The initiative is also aimed at boosting independent businesses, designers, and fashion professionals, supporting local talent. 

The event is supported by York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through their High Street Fund.

Mark Bewick, co-director of York Fashion Week, said: “The Creative Exchange is all about making industry expertise more accessible.

“Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, these conversations can provide fresh perspectives, practical guidance and valuable connections.

“We’re excited to bring together professionals from different areas of the fashion industry to share their knowledge with our community.”

As spaces are limited, people are urged to secure their spot as soon as possible through York Fashion Week’s website or social media channels.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unraveled over questions about growing costs of the Trump administration’s war in Iran after he endured more than three hours of questions from skeptical senators in his first testimony about the conflict in more than two months.

Hegseth is urging senators to approve what he is calling “an urgent, necessary injection” of $67 billion into the U.S. military, adding to a Defense Department budget that is now surging to $1.5 trillion. His latest estimate for the growing costs of the Iran war has now reached $37.5 billion.

Not approving that supplemental budget request in the middle of the war “is the greatest threat our nation faces,” according to Hegseth. “Either invest in our warriors … or this is all just talk,” he told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.

But members of the panel repeatedly hammered Hegseth for his “failure” leading the nation’s military as well as his contradictory statements and shifting rationales for the months-long war, which senators fear will turn into yet another “forever” conflict that risks American lives and billions of taxpayer dollars without a clear strategy to end it.

“Your characterization of this incredible effort as a failure is reckless and it’s irresponsible and I think it smears the sacrifice of the troops who are out there to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon,” Hegseth told Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

“Shame on you and others who call this a quagmire and a failure and want to turn around and say you want to support the warfighters,” Hegseth said.

“I will tell you how I used the word failure,” Peters fired back. “You, sir, are the failure. Not the men and women who are on the front line. … But if there’s a lack of a winning strategy, they’re in harm’s way; their leaders have failed them. … You. You don’t have a strategy. You don’t have a long-term plan to win the war. … When will you show leadership?”

Hegseth, furiously pointing his fingers at the panel, said Democratic senators “won’t fund the troops” and are playing “partisan politics.

“You don’t have the political courage to actually fund our department because you have Trump Derangement Syndrome and can’t commit to anything meaningful,” Hegseth said.

The explosive moment followed hours of testimony from Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in what was their first public briefing about the war since May, and the first time they’ve addressed the public after the deaths of at least three American service members within two days last week

At least 18 American troops have died since the beginning of the war, and more than 400 others have been injured. Nearly 100 other troops have been injured within the last month after the collapse of a fragile ceasefire.

Hegseth did not mention the recent deaths of American service members in his opening remarks as he pleaded for more funding. He was interrupted by a handful of protesters sitting in the room as soon as he started his opening remarks.

“Iranian Americans are against this war of aggression,” one protester shouted out. “Your hands are bloody.”

Democrats repeatedly asked what happened to $150 billion in new funding appropriated to the Pentagon through last year’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, and why Hegseth should be entrusted to receive another round of funding without a clear plan to end the Iran war.

“You’ve told this committee that you’ve barely spent half of the $150 billion in reconciliation funding, and if you still have $75 billion available, why are you asking the American people to absorb the cost of a war they don’t support instead of asking for transfer authority for unspent reconciliation funding,” asked Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

Those funds are already earmarked for future projects, Hegseth explained, while the requested $67 billion would support military pay, replacing equipment, “mission critical fuel shortfalls,” munitions supplies and advancements in “digital and space dominance.”

Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the committee, listed several items in the funding request that have no relation to the Iran war, including $800 million for the National Guard to patrol Washington, D.C., $1 billion for troops on the U.S-Mexico border and $900 million to continue attacking suspected drug-trafficking boats.

“The truth is your request does not make a lot of sense,” she said. “Why is this urgently needed for the Iran war?”

Hegseth repeatedly said throughout the hearing that the Pentagon is struggling to bolster the military due to “gross negligence and neglect” under the Biden administration, which “abandoned” the U.S. “strength posture around the world,” he said.

“We’re talking about the war you started. Not a situation in which oil was flowing freely, there was no conflict, we weren’t losing personnel,” Democratic Sen. Jack Reed told Hegseth.

“So your fallback to Biden is a very, very obvious excuse for what I think is probably, as you described so often, gross negligence,” Reed said.

Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Kirsten Gillibrand also pressed Hegseth to justify continued military spending on Iran while Americans are struggling at home.

“You are asking for unlimited money for bombs when people can’t feed their families, and I don’t know how this administration intends to defend those decisions to the American people,” Gillibrand said.

“Not unlimited bombs, senator,” Hegseth replied. “I’m asking for the right bombs at the right time to ensure we can deter our adversaries into the future, and that’s why this is a generational investment.”

Strictly Come Dancing professional Alexis Warr has headed back to the UK ahead of the new series

Strictly fans have expressed their excitement after Alexis Warr confirmed her arrival back in the UK ahead of the 2026 series.

The dancer made her debut in the pro line-up last year, with viewers of the series watching as she reached the final alongside YouTube and TikTok sensation George Clarke.

Following the conclusion of the BBC ballroom contest, Alexis participated in the initial UK tours with her Strictly colleagues before heading back to her home state of Utah in the US.

Having now been confirmed as part of the professional line-up for Strictly’s forthcoming series, which is expected to start in September, Alexis has been spotted arriving back in the UK, reports the Manchester Evening News. Rehearsals for the professionals are anticipated to begin in the coming weeks.

The dancer posted a video on Instagram showing her gathering her possessions and bidding farewell to family and friends before embarking on two flights to make the journey across the Atlantic.

“We have our heading,” she wrote alongside the post, which promptly attracted a flood of responses,

“She’s backkkkk!!!” one fan declared, as another wrote: “Cutie pie!!! I adore the cap. Cannot wait to see you back on Strictly so soon.”

“Yay – so glad you are back!!” said someone else. “Welcome back, @alexis_warr. Yay, it’s definitely Strictly season coming. I can’t wait to see you what you do best.”

“Can’t wait to see you on Strictly again,” another fan posted.

Alexis recently addressed the fact she had been quiet on social media, telling fans: “Sorry I’ve been a bit MIA… Sharing a personal update.”

She proceeded to disclose that she and Jake Burton, her childhood sweetheart who she married in 2018, had parted ways.

“After much consideration and with the greatest respect for each other, Jake and I have made the decision to separate,” she said in a statement. “Whilst this hasn’t been an easy decision, it has been reached with a huge amount of love and we’re each others biggest cheerleaders. We won’t be commenting on this further and kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we navigate this life change together. Thank you, as always, for your support.”

Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC iPlayer.

Nathan Muir is back behind bars

A fugitive who goaded police while he was on the run by adding a more flattering picture of himself on a Facebook appeal has finally been caught and returned to prison.

Last month Greater Manchester Police posted an appeal on Facebook from its Wythenshawe division seeking help on locating 32-year Nathan Muir.

Unhappy with the police mugshot of him which accompanied the appeal, while he was on the run Muir added one of his own which appeared to have been taken while behind bars which showed his ripped torso.

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He even commented ‘could of done a better pic’ (sic). After weeks on he run, he was eventually tracked down to an address in Stockport and has now been returned to prison.

The original appeal sought help in tracing Muir who was said to have links to Wythenshawe, Hale and Altrincham – but of no fixed address – as he was wanted ‘on recall to prison’.

The post, accompanying Muir’s mug shot, read: “#WANTED | Police are appealing for the public’s help to find a wanted man from Greater Manchester. Nathan Muir (23/09/1994) of no fixed abode, is wanted on recall to prison.

“He is believed to have links to #Wythenshawe, #Hale and #Altrincham. Any info? Please contact 101 or 0161 856 1748 with information regarding his whereabouts.”

Not long after, a Facebook profile belonging to ‘Nay Muir’ posted a topless selfie in the comments, with the caption: “Could of done a better pic [sic].”

Hundreds of people ‘liked’ the picture. AI-generated images of Muir drinking a pint and sunbathing outside Wythenshawe police station followed.

Today GMP Wythenshawe posted an update about the case on its Facebook page, which included another decidedly unripped picture of Muir.

The post read: “While his famous abs appear to have escaped justice, he didn’t.

“Remember Nathan Muir who wanted a “better pic” on his recall to prison appeal? Good news, Muir was arrested this morning at an address in #Stockport following extensive enquiries and has been sent back to prison.

“We’d like to thank those who shared our appeal.”

Users backed the police approach, with one commented that Muir had been ‘trolled by the feds’.

Whitby Steampunk Weekend XX is set to take over Whitby Pavilion in West Cliff from July 24–26, promising a “splendid affair” filled with retro-futuristic fashion, Victorian-inspired curiosities, and creative storytelling.

Begun in 2017, the free, family-friendly event is considered by many to be one of the largest free Steampunk gatherings in the UK, regularly attracting thousands of visitors in February and July.

Members of The Press Camera Club often attend Whitby Steampunk Weekend and capture the atmosphere (Image: Garry Hornby)

Whitby Steampunk Weekend’s photographic allure lies in its costumed crowds of brass and brocade set against Whitby’s gothic architecture and dramatic North Sea light, turning the town into a living Victorian‑futurist film set.

Members of The Press Camera Club are often seen at the event, along with national press agencies, to capture the atmosphere and colour.

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Event organiser WSW said guests are encouraged to don their “fabulous attire” and immerse themselves in a weekend of talks, entertainment, and shopping.

Host Andy Dolan said: “Don’t wait for all the gorgeous pictures to appear on your Facebook social media newsfeed and then wish you’d attended…make the effort and a day to remember, we look forward to welcoming you.”

WSW Events said grace, style and panache is the order of the day at Whitby Steampunk Weekend XX (Image: Dave Dennis)

Organisers promise a packed programme, including presentations, workshops, live entertainment, and a bustling retail emporium featuring around 70 traders.

The emporium will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, July 25, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, July 26, with all daytime activities free to enter.

Talks include Whitby Ghosts and Legends, Vikings and Vampires, and a look at how Victorian society shaped modern funeral customs.

Other sessions will explore Viking mythology and its influence on Bram Stoker, as well as a presentation by Whitby Museum curators on their “curious, weird and wonderful” artefacts.

Members of The Press Camera Club often attend Whitby Steampunk Weekend and capture the atmosphere – like this from February’s XIX event (Image: Garry Hornby)

Elizabeth Cheyne, an expert on Lewis Carroll, will also make an appearance, promising a “rather special” announcement for Whitby in 2027.

Author Toby Virgo will present two new talks––one exploring a fateful night in 1895 between Oscar Wilde and Sir Henry Irving, and another examining the dramatic fallout between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini.

Musical performances across the weekend will include beat poetry act The Antipoet and outdoor entertainment from East Yorkshire’s Ravens Morris, who perform steampunk morris dancing.

Whitby Tillermen Friends, a traditional sea shanty group, will also perform.

Evening events kick off on Saturday, July 25, with a general knowledge quiz at Rusty Shears.

Entry to the quiz is free, with teams of four invited to compete for £10 per team.

All proceeds will go to Whitby and Scarborough Dog Rescue.

Later that evening, Whitby Pavilion Theatre will host The Duran Duran Experience and Ant Trouble, a tribute to Adam and The Ants.

Organisers said: “Grace, style and panache is the order of the day at the wonderful, whimsical world of Whitby Steampunk Weekend, where the past is always in the future.

“Family friendly, free entry and an absolute feast for the senses.”

More information can be found at the WSW events Facebook page.

Local homeowners are still paying over three times more than the rest of the UK despite falling prices

New figures have revealed that homeowners in Northern Ireland are paying over three times more for insurance than the rest of the UK on average, according to new data.

While average premiums have fallen year-on-year across the UK, NI households still face dramatically higher costs than any other region, with residents in one council area now forking out an average of over £800 annually. Even the cheapest NI district has significantly higher premiums than every region in Great Britain.

Northern Ireland recorded the smallest drop in the UK, down 5% year-on-year from £504 to £479, according to research from CompareNI.com. In comparison, premiums across Great Britain fell by an average of 9%, with Londoners enjoying the biggest decrease at 11%.

Despite the overall decline, there are still major disparities in home insurance costs at a local level, with the gulf between the cheapest and most expensive NI districts widening to over £400.

Newry, Mourne and Down remains by far the most expensive area, with average prices rising by 6.5% from £769 to £819. Antrim and Newtownabbey was the only other district to see a rise, up by 3.5% to £456.

At the other end of the scale, Ards and North Down continues to have the lowest average premiums, with costs falling 5.3% to £411.

The biggest year-on-year reductions were seen in Fermanagh and Omagh (-11%), Mid and East Antrim (-8.5%) and Causeway Coast and Glens (-7.4%).

Average home insurance premiums across NI districts in Q2 2025 vs Q2 2026

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Northern Ireland’s higher home insurance prices compared to GB are mainly due to a combination of risk and market issues. Building repairs in the region tend to be more expensive due to inflation, labour shortages and material costs, and there are fewer providers here, making costs less competitive than in England, Scotland and Wales.

The region has also been hit by several extreme weather events in recent years, most notably the severe flooding that hit the South East in autumn 2023, inundating hundreds of properties and causing damage worth upwards of £40 million.

Homeowners in Newry, Mourne and Down continue to be severely impacted by this event, with premiums in the district rocketing by 235% over the past three years.

The scale of the incident prompted a government review, which found the flooding was due to “unprecedented” rainfall and warned that “with climate change, the frequency of such events will double”.

As insurers factor long-term risk into their pricing, this partly explains why premiums in Newry, Mourne and Down remain high and continue to climb, almost three years after the flood waters have subsided.

Ian Wilson, home insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com, said: “While it is positive to see home insurance prices dropping across the UK, Northern Ireland is unfortunately not keeping pace with other regions and homeowners here are missing out on big savings.

“While Londoners saw premiums fall by 11%, prices in Northern Ireland dropped by just 5% on average, the smallest reduction anywhere in the UK. Average premiums here are now more than three times higher than across the water, adding extra strain to household budgets that are already being stretched by rising living costs.

“The latest figures also highlight just how much postcodes can influence insurance costs – with the gap between the highest and lowest-priced areas in Northern Ireland continuing to grow over the past year.

“The steady rise in costs in Newry, Mourne and Down shows the lasting impact that extreme weather events can have on insurance prices, with providers factoring increased flood risk into their calculations for years afterwards.

“While location isn’t something that homeowners can easily change, there are still some simple steps they can take to help bring insurance costs down, such as paying annually if possible, reviewing their level of cover and always shopping around.”

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A British humanitarian worker is being monitored in isolation at a London hospital after being exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo

A suspected Ebola case is being monitored at a London hospital after a person was “exposed” to the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns the deadly virus could have reached British shores.

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed that a British humanitarian worker came into contact with Ebola while carrying out aid work in the African nation on behalf of a humanitarian organisation.

As a precautionary measure, the male patient was airlifted from the country aboard a specially chartered flight. He is currently being “monitored and assessed” by specialist medical staff at a London hospital, and is not displaying any symptoms at this stage.

The agency stated: “The individual is not currently displaying any symptoms and remains well, but as a precautionary measure they have been evacuated on a flight chartered solely for the evacuation.

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“They are now being assessed and monitored in isolation by infectious disease specialists at a London hospital. The incubation period of Ebola ranges from two to 21 days and the individual will be closely monitored and required to isolate throughout this period.”, reports the Daily Star.

Authorities have stressed there are no confirmed cases of Ebola on British soil and that the risk to the wider public remains low. Richard Pebody, director of epidemic and emerging infections at the UKHSA, said: “This individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well.”

Britain’s most recent Ebola case occurred in 2015 when three healthcare workers contracted the virus after returning from Africa.

Those infected must self-isolate for between two and 21 days, which covers the disease’s incubation window.

The current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has persisted for several weeks, with authorities warning it’s advancing “substantially faster” than previous epidemics. According to the nation’s health ministry, 930 fatalities have been recorded following 2,344 reported cases as of last Saturday.

Beyond DR Congo’s borders, 20 confirmed cases have resulted in two deaths – one occurring in Uganda and another in France. On Monday, the Democratic Republic’s Ministry of Health reported progress: “Patient care and support capacities are consolidating, with 22 new recoveries recorded in 24 hours.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned that dangers from this uncommon Ebola variant remain “very high”, with transmission linked to multiple contributing factors.

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While Uganda appears to have contained the deadly Bundibugyo strain, the fatal virus continues spreading throughout neighbouring DR Congo, where widespread turmoil persists due to clashes between government forces and insurgent factions.

WHO states: “The risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains assessed as very high due to ongoing transmission and the continued expansion of the outbreak into new health zones, increasing the potential for further national and regional spread.”

Numerous factors are fuelling the ongoing transmission of the Bundibugyo strain, but WHO officials have identified the regional conflict as the primary driver behind the crisis.

The health organisation reports that populations are being compelled to repeatedly relocate to escape violence, while disruptions to food and clean water availability have all played a role in accelerating transmission.

A WHO report stated: “The outbreak continues in a complex humanitarian and conflict-affected environment, characterized by highly mobile and often displaced populations, many of whom have limited access to basic services, including food, clean water, shelter, health care and protection.”

“Our message is simple, seek a second opinion, keep the glass out, and do not go backwards, because it will be a costly mistake.”

A Northern Ireland recycling campaigner has blasted a “bungled” council bin decision, saying it’ll “cost ratepayers’ millions”.

Keep Recycling Local (KRL) is now calling on Lisburn and Castlereagh City to rethink its “backwards” decision to include glass with paper.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service can now reveal, through a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, that the council has no timeframe to roll out its new bins and a Stormont department confirms the local authority has not applied for funding on new kerbside collection models.

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KRL’s Nicola Carruthers spoke to the LDRS, saying: “There are serious financial as well as environmental implications when glass is collected with other materials.

“For over 25 years, Lisburn and Castlereagh have been collecting glass the right way, separate to other materials, so this announcement is a major step backwards for the council.

“Daera is soon to announce its waste and recycling policies, and its widely believed they will be advocating a ‘glass out’ model which Lisburn and Castlereagh currently has.

“It is a fact, recognised across the world and throughout the waste sector by industry experts and governments, that when glass is collected with paper and card it breaks leaving shards of glass lodged with other materials.

“For Northern Ireland, this means the glass cannot be used or recycled locally and must be shipped overseas for processing all at the ratepayers’ expense.”

In May, the council made a U-turn decision on its new kerbside collections.

The long-awaited new bin policy will also see ‘kerbie’ boxes come to an end in Castlereagh and be replaced by wheelie bins to harmonise the whole district. However, the local authority will keep the public shut out of its decision-making, with council minutes stating the “full business case will never become available” and only “redacted reports” will be provided.

Ms Carruthers added: “When collected properly, glass has a perfect closed-loop recycling life-cycle as it can be recycled infinitely.

“Up until now, keeping glass separate across the council area has enabled 2,200 tonnes a year of high-quality glass to be reprocessed directly back into glass bottles in Northern Ireland. Any report that advocates the mixing of materials needs to be properly assessed, and councillors should get a second opinion from industry experts before committing millions of pounds of ratepayers’ money so foolishly.

“Moreover, Daera is offering to cover up to 50% of council’s costs for keeping the glass out so council ratepayers will have to foot the entire bill for moving to glass in only to then have to pay for the glass to be removed again in the near future, only without support from Daera at this stage.

“This bungled decision could well cost local ratepayers millions unnecessarily.

“We would encourage the council to rethink its approach and consider keeping the glass separate, as is happening across the UK and like the various systems already operating successfully in other council areas elsewhere in Northern Ireland, including Ards and North Down, Belfast, and Antrim and Newtownabbey.

“Our message is simple: seek a second opinion, keep the glass out, and do not go backwards, because it will be a costly mistake.”

Recent local authority waste statistics show recycling rates have plateaued at around 50%, highlighting the need for change to meet statutory targets of 70% recycling by 2030.

A Daera report on a 2024 consultation ‘Rethinking Our Resources’ on new recycling guidance for all 11 councils has been on the desk of the Executive for many months, awaiting sign-off.

It is understood that Daera will advocate for greater separation at the household collection stage.

A Daera spokesperson said: “Since the 2013 an amendment removed a previous provision which treated commingled collection as an acceptable form of separation,

“Whilst Daera has responsibility for the development of waste management legislation and policy, local councils have statutory responsibility for the collection and disposal of municipal waste and a duty to comply with relevant legislation.

“Daera has made up to £23 million available to councils through the Household Waste Recycling Collaborative Change Programme (HWRCCP) to support the transformation of kerbside recycling systems and Household Recycling Centre infrastructure and services.

“Under the programme, councils may be eligible for capital grant funding of up to 50% of total project costs.

“Applications can be submitted in line with programme calls, and all proposals are assessed against established criteria, including the expected quality of recyclate streams.

“Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has not applied to the HWRCCP for funding to implement a kerbside co-mingled collection system.”

In a FoI to the LDRS, the council has refused to provide any costs associated with the recycling decision-making or the roll-out of the new bins, citing “commercial sensitivities”.

However, it has alluded to the potential for its new kerbside collection to adapt to future demands, but has no date in place to deliver bins to local homes.

The council FoI reads: “The council believes there will be both positive environmental and financial impacts as a result of the new waste collection model.

“The new model has been developed to improve recycling rates, provide a harmonised and resilient kerbside waste collection service, and ensure the council is prepared to adapt in future. The council has considered a range of collection systems and has selected the model that meets the needs of its residents and is flexible to meet future demands if required.

“There are no current delivery dates for bins and vehicles associated with this project.”

It adds: “The council engaged an independent consultancy company to carry out modelling on a variety of kerbside waste collection models for its consideration. The new kerbside waste collection model will be delivered in-house, ensuring a consistent, resilient and adaptive service to all households.

“The council also completed appropriate consultation and assessment processes, including equality screening and a rural needs impact assessment, to help inform decision-making.”

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Andrew Tate, 39, was charged with seven further counts of rape, three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 19 additional charges for offences relating to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.