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What is dart frog toxin, the poison linked to Alexei Navalny’s death?

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What is dart frog toxin, the poison linked to Alexei Navalny’s death?

Epibatidine, the highly potent toxin Britain has linked to the death of Alexei Navalny, is reportedly 100 times more powerful than morphine.

This extremely toxic, nicotine-like compound originates from the Epipedobates genus of poison dart frogs, found exclusively in northern South America. Crucially, these amphibians are not indigenous to Russia.

Species such as the brightly coloured Anthony’s poison arrow frog and the Phantasmal poison frog secrete this substance onto their skin. Researchers theorise that the frogs acquire the toxin through their diet, as captive-bred animals lack it, and wild populations exhibit varying levels depending on their habitat.

Yulia Navalnaya, human rights activist and wife of Alexei Navalny, gives a press statement on the death and circumstances of her husband's death.
Yulia Navalnaya, human rights activist and wife of Alexei Navalny, gives a press statement on the death and circumstances of her husband’s death. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via APAP)

Epibatidine has been investigated as a pain killer and for relief from painful inflammatory conditions of the lung such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

However, it is about a hundred times more potent than morphine and because of its toxicity is not used clinically.

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Professor Alastair Hay said Epibatidine acts to inhibit nerve action by blocking nicotinic receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

The Professor (Emeritus) of Environmental Toxicology at the University of Leeds added: “The effect of blocking these receptors is muscle paralysis and paralysis of the respiratory system.

“So, breathing is blocked, and any person poisoned dies from suffocation.”

Professor Hay said the presence of the toxin in a person’s blood “suggests deliberate administration”.

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He added: “Epibatidine toxicity can even be increased by co-administration of certain other drugs and these combinations have been researched.

“If epibatidine, a toxin, was indeed used to poison Alexei Navalny, this is in violation of the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

“The Soviet Union was a co-sponsor of the BTWC. Russia is a signatory of both the BTWC and CWC.

“If Russia used Epibatidine to poison Mr Navalny it has violated two treaties it has sworn to uphold.”

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Epibatidine can be detected using a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Gas chromatography helps separate out compounds of interest and mass spectrometry breaks up chemicals into particular fragments to create a unique fingerprint of the substance which can then be identified.

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Kylie Jenner lists Hidden Hills mansion for $20.3 million as she enters ‘new chapter’

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Kylie Jenner lists Hidden Hills mansion for $20.3 million as she enters 'new chapter'
Kylie Jenner is getting ready to move into her ‘forever home’ (Picture: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)

The Kardashian-Jenners have long been known for splashing the cash, splurging on multi-million dollar mansions, customised car collections and luxury holidays.

The youngest of the brood, Kylie Jenner, is no exception.

The second-richest of the famous sisters (her net worth is estimated at approximately $670 million, while Kim leads the way with an eye-watering $1.7 billion), Kylie has spent the last five years financing a custom-built California estate in Hidden Hills.

After purchasing land from Miley Cyrus for $15 million in May 2020, the 18,000 square feet home — complete with 15 bedrooms, an underground 12-car garage, a sports court, swimming pool and an underground bunker — is almost complete.

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Kylie has also listed her Holmby Hills mansion for $48 million (Picture: Getty Images)

Which is likely why the beauty mogul has just put another of her properties on the market for a cool $20.3 million.

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Also in Hidden Hills, Kylie purchased the sprawling 13,200-square-foot mansion for $12.05 million in 2016, when she was just 19.

And, if you needed more reasons to cry when you next look at your bank balance, the listing comes three months after she placed her Holmby Hills mansion on the market for $48 million.

Over the last 10 years, Kylie has made some major changes to the Hidden Hills abode she’s about to leave behind.

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From increasing to eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms to adding a guest suite with a private entrance, kitchenette, and courtyard, it’s no surprise the residence has risen in value.

Elsewhere, the home features a chef’s kitchen with two islands, a home theatre, a game room, a massage room, and gym. There’s also a swimming pool and spa, plus an outdoor kitchen and fire pit.

Inside Kylie Jenner's Hidden Hills mansion she's selling for $20.3 million
Imagine having a two-storey wardrobe (Picture: Instagram/Kylie Jenner)

Once Kylie moves into her new estate, she’ll also be saying goodbye to a home cinema, pool, seven bedrooms, two guesthouses and 12-foot security walls at her Holmby Hills home.

She purchased the property for $36.5 million in 2020 — another estate that’s increased in value.

As for her nearly-complete Hidden Hills property, Kylie regularly shares updates on Instagram with her 390 million followers.

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Inside Kylie Jenner's Hidden Hills mansion she's selling for $20.3 million
Kylie purchased the land her new estate lies on from none other than Miley Cyrus (Picture: Instagram/Kylie Jenner)

The most recent was a work-in-progress photo of her ‘dream two-storey closet’ that, once done, will likely give major fairytale vibes.

The image featured a curved archway leading up a steep spiral staircase, and a huge window that let in streaks of natural light.

The second was an exterior shot of one part of the house, which revealed farmhouse-style stone walls and long rectangular windows. In the image, which also showed pallets of stone flooring, Kylie gushed that her ‘floors are here.’

We can dream, hey?

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When is Manchester United vs Leeds friendly at Croke Park and how can I get tickets?

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Belfast Live

Manchester United and Leeds United will clash at Croke Park in Dublin this August in the first football match at the venue since 2009

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Manchester United and Leeds United, two Premier League powerhouses and long-standing rivals, are set to face off in a landmark friendly match at Croke Park this summer.

The home of the GAA will host these English football titans in Dublin, marking a significant event. This will be the first football match held at the venue since the World Cup play-off between Ireland and France in November 2009.

Here’s everything you need to know about securing tickets for this historic match.

When is the match?

The clash between Manchester United and Leeds United is scheduled for Wednesday, 12 August, reports the Irish Mirror.

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What time does it start?

Kick-off is slated for 7.30pm.

When can I buy tickets?

Pre-sale tickets are available from today, Thursday, 2 April.

How do I get pre-sale tickets?

Croke Park Premium and Suite members, as well as Manchester United and Leeds United season ticket holders and members, can access pre-sale tickets.

What if I’m not in any of those groups?

Not to worry, all other fans can register their interest for general sale tickets starting today, Thursday, 2 April.

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When does the general sale start?

General sale begins on Friday, 10 April.

Have ticket prices been announced?

Indeed, they have. Adult tickets start at €50, while under-16s can get in for €25. Please note that there will be an additional booking fee.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets must be bought through Ticketmaster. Fans are encouraged to register their interest here to increase their chances of securing a ticket.

When was the last football match at Croke Park?

Following another World Cup play-off disappointment, this harks back to the 2009 showdown against France, where a deflected Nicolas Anelka shot gave the visitors a slim first-leg advantage. Giovanni Trapattoni’s team famously nullified that lead through Robbie Keane in Paris, only to be defeated by William Gallas’s extra-time goal, which was set up by Thierry Henry and his notorious handball.

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What is Croke Park’s capacity?

While the Ireland-France match saw an attendance of 79,000 spectators, Croke Park stands as one of Europe’s largest stadiums, with 82,300 fans filling it for the NFL regular-season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings last September.

What are the comments?

Jason Wilcox (Manchester United Director of Football) said: “We’re excited to be heading to Dublin to face Leeds United as part of our pre-season preparations ahead of a big campaign. Playing an important fixture against one of our biggest rivals gives us a fantastic opportunity to connect with our supporters in Ireland. Their passion and energy will be invaluable as we build momentum and ensure the squad is in the strongest possible shape for the start of the 2026/27 season.”

Morrie Eisenberg (Leeds United Chief Business Officer) stated: “We are excited at the prospect of returning to Dublin again this summer, our support in Ireland is huge which was demonstrated last year.”

Peter McKenna (Croke Park Stadium Director) said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome two of football’s most iconic clubs to Croke Park for what promises to be a very special occasion. Following the success of hosting the NFL in 2025, this is another opportunity to bring world class sport to Dublin and Irish fans. We know there is a huge following for both clubs in Ireland and look forward to delivering a special experience in Croke Park Stadium.”

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Bournemouth v Man Utd: Referee and VAR correct on Amad Diallo penalty claim – panel

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A graphic of Premier League players from every team in the division in 2025-26 season, with the Premier League trophy in front of them.

United were furious after the game, and indicated they would make a formal complaint to referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO).

The Red Devils’ issue was around consistency, with two other penalties awarded in the game for holding offences.

Manager Michael Carrick described the decisions as “baffling”, confused that Attwell’s decision did not match an earlier spot-kick given to his side for a pull by Alex Jimenez on Matheus Cunha.

“So the Cunha one, he gives, the second one on Amad he doesn’t, which is, I think, almost identical, really, two hands on someone in the box, and they go over and they’re in control of the ball,” Carrick said.

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“Massive moment and I don’t understand how you can give one and not the other – it’s crazy. It’s as obvious as you can get.

“It’s clear, if that’s what he believes is a penalty to start with then the second one has to be.”

Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer agreed and said: “You should have given a penalty when you gave two like that. How on earth do you not give another one.”

The KMI Panel backed the Cunha penalty 5:0, stating that “Jimenez clearly pulls the shirt of Cunha in a non-footballing manner”.

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Conservatives call in decision over Yarm improvements

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Conservatives call in decision over Yarm improvements

The Conservatives are challenging the decision made at Stockton Council’s last cabinet meeting, which would leave £450,000 to make new improvements to the market town.

This came after the council abandoned a regeneration scheme for Yarm High Street which had been rejected by residents and businesses.

Out of a £2.35m budget, the cabinet agreed to return £950,000 of council money to general funds to reduce a £6.7m budget gap.

The remaining £1.4m is out of a £20m pot from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund, and leaders said that money should stay in the Yarm and Eaglescliffe area.

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They agreed to use most of this to pay off £950,000 borrowing for improvements to Eaglescliffe’s Preston Park, another LUF project.

This left £450,000, for which regeneration cabinet member Councillor Richard Eglington said officers should look at proposals put forward and draw up a “short list of achievable and realistic options”, including the replacement of two unsafe fishing pontoons.

He said: “We should then ask the residents which ones of those schemes they wish to take forward. I want to be guided by the residents of Yarm.”

The cabinet meeting earlier this month heard Conservative and Labour councillors thank each other for working together on the issue. However, the Conservatives have since accused their political opponents of trying to strip, raid or rob Yarm of funding.

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The Labour leadership has responded with the council leader saying she was disappointed with the challenge. Cllr Lisa Evans said they had “worked tirelessly” with businesses, residents and councillors.

Stockton West Conservative MP Matt Vickers said: “This is as blatant as it gets.

Stockton West Conservative MP Matt Vickers on Yarm High Street. Picture: Matt Vickers.Stockton West Conservative MP Matt Vickers on Yarm High Street. Picture: Matt Vickers.

“Labour have wasted years sitting on this funding, coming forward with one bad idea after another, and now they’re trying to take the money away altogether to cover their own mistakes.

“Let’s be absolutely clear, this isn’t ‘reprioritisation’, it’s a raid on Yarm to bail out Labour’s financial mismanagement. Residents were ignored when Labour tried to force through parking charges.

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“They were ignored again when Labour pushed a completely inappropriate scheme on the town without proper consultation. Now Labour’s answer is to take the money and spend it elsewhere.

“It shows a complete disregard for Yarm, for local businesses, and for the people who were promised this investment.

“When I secured this money from the last Conservative government it was on the agreement that it was to benefit Yarm and Eaglescliffe, and that residents would be properly consulted in how it would be spent, but now it’s being siphoned off to cover a mess of the council’s own making.

“This decision must be overturned, and the money must be spent where it was always intended, in our communities.”

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Conservative group leader Cllr Tony Riordan said: “The role of the opposition within council is to hold to account the decision(s) of the ruling group.

Councillor Tony Riordan, the Conservative group leader on Stockton Council, who is also chairman of the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel. No attribution required. Free for use by all BBC wire partners. Councillor Tony Riordan, the Conservative group leader on Stockton Council, who is also chairman of the Cleveland Police and Crime Panel. No attribution required. Free for use by all BBC wire partners.

“On this occasion, the Labour cabinet have decided to take away 80 per cent of the funding that consultees who took part in the ‘You Decide’ exercise expected to be in spent Yarm and Eaglescliffe.

“The decision by the Labour cabinet appears to have ignored the expectations of the people who responded to their ‘You Decide’ consultation exercise without explaining why.”

The Conservatives have “called in” the decision, meaning it will be debated, scrutinised and decided upon in a meeting of the council’s executive scrutiny committee at a future date. They are urging the council to reverse course and deliver a new plan.

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Cllr Lisa Evans from Stockton Council. Picture: Gareth LightfootCllr Lisa Evans from Stockton Council. Picture: Gareth Lightfoot

Council leader Cllr Lisa Evans said: “The leader, deputy leader and cabinet member have constantly engaged with residents, businesses and visitors to Yarm. We have also spent numerous hours with Yarm councillors but sadly not the MP that chooses not to engage.

“The call in is valid and we will reconsider our position.”

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service their proposed course of action would help tackle the issue of borrowing, over which the Conservatives had also criticised the Labour leadership in a budget-setting debate, and the call-in would delay improvements to Yarm further.

She said: “I’m just very disappointed with the call-in because I’ve worked tirelessly with the residents, businesses and councillors of Yarm.

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“We will continue to listen to the people of Yarm, and consider what they want.”

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Full Scrubs cast list from The Stranger actor Jacob Dudman to Broadway star

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Wales Online

After nearly 20 years Scrubs is finally back with old and new faces in the cast

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A cherished sitcom is making its comeback with several familiar faces alongside fresh additions to the ensemble.

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Scrubs has arrived on Disney+, welcoming fans back to Sacred Heart Hospital with both established and new characters. JD makes his return to his original workplace in a different capacity, leading to reunions with best mate Turk and former spouse Elliot.

The trio now find themselves amongst the more seasoned staff members, tasked with mentoring the latest intake of medical professionals. The revived series’ synopsis states: “Medicine has changed; interns have changed; but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way.”

So who features in the cast of the 2026 Scrubs revival? Here’s everything you need to know.

Who is in the Scrubs 2026 cast?

Spearheading the revived Scrubs series are three recognisable faces, with Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke all reprising their roles as John ‘JD’ Dorian, Chris Turk, and Elliot Reid respectively. While other original cast members do return, these three remain the only ones retaining main cast status, reports the Mirror.

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Several other original cast members make appearances, though they’re only credited as guest stars, which may disappoint some devoted long-term fans. This includes John C McGinley as Dr Perry Cox, Judy Reyes as Carla, Robert Maschio as The Todd, while Phill Lewis also returns as Hooch. Audiences have also been eagerly awaiting the return of Neil Flynn as the Janitor, though it remains unclear in which episode he will feature.

Several new guest stars have already attracted attention, among them comedian Lisa Gilroy as Lily the harpist. Gilroy has also made notable appearances in Jury Duty and Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat, as well as Twisted Metal, where she portrayed Vermin.

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Comedian Matt Rife has likewise featured in the Scrubs revival, playing patient Logan Nichols. Meanwhile, a number of new additions to the principal cast are gradually becoming familiar to viewers.

Ava Bunn, who has appeared in an episode of Netflix’s Man on the Inside, portrays Dr Sam Tosh, while English actor Jacob Dudman takes on the role of Dr Asher Green. Dudman has previously featured in the Harlan Coben adaptation The Stranger and numerous Doctor Who audio adventures.

David Gridley, whose previous credits include The Rookie and Rooster, steps into the role of Dr Blake Lewis. Surgical interns Dr Amara Hadi and Dr Dashana Trainor are portrayed by Layla Mohammadi and Amanda Morrow respectively.

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Mohammadi has previously starred in Lioness, while Morrow made her television debut in 2021 in an episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Michael James Scott, renowned for his portrayal of the Genie in the Broadway musical Aladdin, takes on the role of Nurse Dubois, while X Mayo, who also stars in Wonder Man and served as a writer for The Daily Show, plays Nurse Raymond.

Further new recurring characters include Vanessa Byer’s Sibby Wilson. Byer is an alumna of Saturday Night Live, and has also appeared in Pixar’s latest film Hoppers and Brooklyn Nine Nine. Meanwhile, Joel Kim Booster portrays JD’s newest adversary, Dr. Kevin Park. He is recognised for his role in the Apple TV series Loot and for providing a voice in Big Mouth.

Scrubs is streaming on Disney+.

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ITV drama ‘Saviour’ filming in Bolton town centre

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ITV drama 'Saviour' filming in Bolton town centre

Television production crews were set up in Le Mans Crescent, a popular location for producers of hit dramas.

The Bolton News understands the crew were filming a ‘courtroom drama’ and aptly the shoot was taking place outside the old courthouse, which has been used for some of the biggest dramas, including the detective series Ridley.

Those on the set said it was a Liverpool-based production.

Currently filming in the North West is Saviour, which is a courtroom drama.

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Actors could be seen on the steps of the building, looking lawyerly in full suits, overcoats, and briefcases.

The production crew was made up of around 30-40 people, operating boom mics, several sets of cameras, and a big white backdrop screen.

ITV crews were spotted in Bury last month filming a new season of the Liverpool-based courtroom drama Saviours.

The show stars Anjli Mohindra, Shaun Parkes and Aidan Gillen, who played ‘Little Finger’ in the hit HBO show Game of Thrones.

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Three actors could be seen on the steps of the building, outfitted in lawyerly garb (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Saviour follows Ben (Archie Fisher), who, after borrowing his dad’s police uniform for a costume party, gets into an altercation that results in a man’s death.

In defending Ben from an allegation of murder, Indy is confronted with a world of corruption, racial politics, media buzz, a frustratingly traditional justice system and a defendant who is keeping secrets from her.

Saviour will air on ITV, STV and stream on ITVX and STV Player.

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Footpaths in Washington to be closed for gas main repairs

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Footpaths in Washington to be closed for gas main repairs

Sunderland City Council has announced a temporary prohibition of pedestrian traffic on certain footways in Chacombe, Finchale, and Melrose in Washington.

The closure, effective from April 15, is due to necessary gas main repair works.

  • For more notices affecting YOUR area, visit our Public Notice Portal – Public Notices from The Northern Echo ( publicnoticeportal.uk ).

The council issued the order on March 31 under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Though the order permits a maximum closure duration of six months, the repairs are expected to be completed within 86 days.

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Pedestrians will not be able to use the following paths:

  • Chacombe: From No 10 Chacombe to No 33 and 34 Chacombe
  • Chacombe: Path linking No 33 and 34 Chacombe to No 35 Chacombe
  • Chacombe: From the extended party property of No 59 and No 60 Chacombe, to its western extent
  • Chacombe: Path linking No 44 to No 48 Chacombe
  • Finchale: Path linking No 33 and 34 Chacombe to No 26 Finchale
  • Melrose: Path linking No 26 Finchale to No 26 Melrose
  • Melrose: Path linking No 11 Finchale, for a distance of 69 metres in a westerly then a southerly direction

An alternative route will be provided for pedestrians.

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Fifth of children dream of becoming a train driver

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Daily Mirror

Children say trains are their favourite way to travel

A fifth of children dream of becoming a train driver when they grow up – while a quarter say train journeys excite them more than car, boat or bus trips, according to research by TransPennine Express (TPE).

One in five children named trains as their favourite way to travel and a quarter of parents say journeys that begin by train often turn into their most memorable family experiences. The study also revealed that looking out of the window tops the list of what children enjoy most, followed by the sense of adventure.

To celebrate how much children love travelling by train, TPE has launched a free children’s activity book onboard its services. The booklet, which has arrived just in time for the Easter holidays, can be requested by parents or children directly from onboard service hosts on all routes.

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Designed for children aged between four and 11, it aims to make family journeys more entertaining while also teaching facts about train travel and safety. The booklet also introduces children to destinations throughout the TPE network with interactive games.

Alongside the activity books the train operator is also providing junior travellers with ticket wallets to help keep their tickets safe.

Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director, said: “We wanted to create something that makes travelling with us even more enjoyable for families, while also helping children learn along the way. The activity book is designed especially for young customers and even road-tested by children to make sure it’s fun, engaging and easy to use.

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“It’s a great way to introduce important safety messages and the excitement of travelling by train.”

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Cyclists and walkers welcome new A10 bridge as ‘a fantastic asset’

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Cambridgeshire Live

The bridge in Waterbeach forms part of an off-road route between Waterbeach and Cambridge

Cambridgeshire Live readers have mostly welcomed news that a new bridge for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders across a major road in Cambridgeshire has officially opened. The bridge forms part of an off-road route connecting Waterbeach with Cambridge.

Local residents were among the first to cross the bridge on foot and by bike, with the formal opening planned for May once landscaping work is completed. The route is intended to a safer, off-road alternative for travelling between Waterbeach and Cambridge. It passes landmarks such as Cambridge Science Park and Cambridge Regional College, before continuing into the city centre.

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Fiona Reardon-Rose, Communications and Partnership Manager for the Waterbeach development, said: “The new bridge encourages active, low-carbon travel for residents and the wider community, whether commuting, exercising, or exploring with the family over the Easter break.

“It also makes journeys significantly safer by removing the need for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders to cross the A10 at road level. There has been a lot of excitement about the bridge, and now that installation and safety checks are complete, we wanted residents to start using it right away. We look forward to the official opening in the coming weeks.”

Commenter Freddly thinks: “This seems not only a useful and attractive asset, but also appealing because spending on active travel means the money wasn’t available for the endless demands of the motoring lobby. It’s a small win compared to the billions spent on them, but a win nonetheless.”

Gabriel B writes: “With the town set to have over 11,500 homes once complete, and a connection to the new park and ride by the bridge, it’s bound to be well used.”

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Michael F agrees: “It’s set to be a fantastic asset for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders alike. I can’t wait to try it and see how it brings everyone together while making journeys safer and more enjoyable.”

Linda B complains: “Another thing for cyclists, I doubt pedestrians will use it, given how recklessly some of these cyclists ride.”

Michael F retorts: “In Cambridge, pedestrians use all the shared cycling and pedestrian bridges without any real problems. Aside from a very small minority, most cyclists are considerate, giving plenty of space and waiting patiently for pedestrians to cross safely.”

Squeaks33 thinks: “It definitely needs some lighting for safety, especially for early mornings, evenings, and during the darker months, to ensure it’s usable and secure for everyone.”

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Meanwhile, Skipper says: “Meanwhile, potholes keep multiplying with insufficient funding, causing damage to people’s cars. Will CCC now run a month-long survey to check how much this bridge is actually used and by whom, to determine if the spending was justified? The bridge seems wide enough for cars, so it could be converted for vehicle use if push bikes rarely use it. From the photo, it doesn’t look heavily trafficked.”

Windypants retorts: “Car owners have worn out roads, pavements, and cycleways with their overweight vehicles, yet don’t pay enough tax to fix them. Better suspension could help.”

This new bridge seems like a great boost for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. Would this make you ditch the car for short trips? Have your say in our comments section.

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Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt too soothe concerns | Money News

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Traders at Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea. Pic: Jintak Han/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

The latest attempt by Donald Trump to ease uncertainty over the US and Israel’s war on Iran has only heightened investor concerns.

The US president’s primetime address, saying American forces could leave Iran in two to three weeks, while threatening to strike Iranian electric plants “extremely hard”, has caused the fallen oil price to jump again.

Money blog: Top chef shares most underrated ingredient

A barrel of benchmark Brent crude oil is now up more than 7% at $107.50 since his comments, having fallen below $100 yesterday. Oil prices impact the cost of petrol and diesel, home heating oil and prices throughout the economy.

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It was a similar story with the UK wholesale gas price, which rose more than 6% following Mr Trump’s statements. British electricity prices are still tethered to wholesale gas costs.

Asian stock markets were also in the red, with Korea’s Kospi and Japan’s Nikkei indices posting big falls of more than 4.5% and 2.3%, respectively.


Oil prices rise after Trump speech

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The crux of the worry is of a 1970s-era energy crisis due to the month-long disruption to shipping in the key oil and gas shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.

More than a fifth of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) is typically transported through the channel but for the last month, it’s been too dangerous and expensive for most tankers to pass.

Iran has attacked many ships making the journey and insurance companies have hiked premiums.

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That’s meant shipments not getting through from major petrostates of the Gulf, oil and gas storage filling up and energy producers powering down.

Oil and gas production is not easily switched on and off, meaning resuming supply will not be a speedy process.

Impact in the UK

As the dollar rose amid continued uncertainty, sterling fell. Before Mr Trump’s announcement, a pound bought $1.33, which dropped to $1.32 this morning. A pound now buys slightly over €1.15, down from €1.16 on Wednesday afternoon.

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That means buying dollar-priced goods, such as oil, becomes even more expensive than yesterday.

And after strong rises on Wednesday, the UK’s flagship stock index, the FTSE 100 of the most valuable London Stock Exchange companies, shed 0.6%.

Home heating oil prices have remained at more than double pre-Iran war levels, while motoring organisation the RAC said UK petrol and diesel prices in March jumped more than in any previous single month.

Even if the war were to end in a few weeks the membership body for food and drink manufacturers, the Food and Drink Federation, said estimates food inflation will rise to at least 9% by the end of the year.

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Latest effort to calm markets

The overnight address by Mr Trump was just the latest in a line of attempts to assuage fears of investors and his voters over the duration and cost of living impact of the war.

In the first week of the war, he said the US Navy could escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.


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Trump’s Iran address: Clarity or confusion? Watch Mark Stone’s analysis

After this did not materialise, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil so Indian refineries could begin processing the fossil fuel.

Persistently higher oil prices were not lowered by Mr Trump’s repeated statements that many of his objectives had been attained and the war would conclude soon.

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His suggestion that US troops could seize the major Iranian outlet for oil exports, Kharg Island, also did not move the needle on oil.

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