expected

I went to Walt Disney World for the first time and it wasn’t at all what I expected

I was sure the magic in me had died long ago, as a burned out 35-year-old dad – so was the hype over the ‘most magical place on earth’ even real?

As a sceptical 35-year-old and rapidly approaching my grumpy dad era, I wasn’t convinced that the Disney magic would win me over on a recent trip to Walt Disney World.

Well, I was about to very quickly be proven wrong. As I touched down in Florida, I was sure that I’d be the quietly excited, loudly exhausted adult that looked forward only to the thrill rides and breakfast buffets.

I’m getting used to being wrong; Walt Disney World isn’t just for kids. It sneakily rewires grouchy grown-ups, too.

Somewhere between a zippy run on the first ride of the trip – a hello-goodbye to Dinosaur before it closes for good in February 2026 – and an unexpectedly emotional meet-cute with Eeyore at the Crystal Palace’s character dining experience, the magic found me once again. It’s not just the experiences either; I couldn’t help but be swept up by the infectious enthusiasm of other parkgoers.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was my base, with its huge beds and views of giraffes from the rooms. After keeping jet lag at bay and sinking into the first full night of sleep I’ve enjoyed since becoming a parent three years ago, I was ready for my first taste of Disney magic and headed to Animal Kingdom park. (Walt Disney World is actually made up of four theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom).

The new Zootopia experience, ‘Better Zoogether!’ set the tone for the rest of the week. Launching just as Zootopia 2 hit cinemas, the attraction was a sugar rush of fun, silliness and wholesome humour. I found myself unable to resist chuckling along and wasn’t ready for some of the clever effects that made for some fun surprises (I won’t spoil them here though!).

Next on the itinerary was a trip to the themed Pandora – The World of Avatar, where I was taken aback. The spectacular surroundings immersed me in a land unlike any other experience I’d had before.

That ended up being the theme of the week; every attraction had its own way of absorbing you in the world it represented and the story it told the guests. In World of Avatar, the visually stunning Na’vi River Journey and then the truly groundbreaking Avatar: Flight of Passage were great examples of how you can get swept into those worlds.

READ MORE: I went to Disney’s private island for a day – I wasn’t ready for what was on offerREAD MORE: I’ve been to Disney World 12 times but the Black Friday price is so good I’m booking again

A self-professed fan of all things from a galaxy far, far away, I was always going to enjoy the attractions in Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars themed land, but Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was arguably the best of the narrative-driven attractions I’ve ever been on. Each time I thought the ride was either ending or taking a certain direction, it both physically and thematically shifted.

Wandering around these massive playgrounds built to resemble the stunning worlds of blockbuster movies was the one thing I was most excited for. They lived up to the hype and then some – seeing the Millennium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge, not knowing it was coming, literally took my breath away.

But there was another heartwarming feeling I didn’t expect. I was transported back to my younger self. All of the characters wandering the resort – whether it was Kylo Ren, Buzz Lightyear or the various Disney Princesses – encapsulated all the charm and wonder I felt as a boy.

Is this what it feels like to be a ‘Disney adult’? If it wasn’t, then the shows – including the delightfully camp Villains: Unfairly Ever After – and stunning fireworks displays got me as close to becoming one as I’m ever likely to.

The thrill rides too were truly brilliant – the Tower of Terror was my personal favourite, offering a unique adrenaline rush that I couldn’t help but laugh the whole way through, and TRON Lightcycle/Run was as fast and exhilarating as you’d expect. As a huge Marvel fan, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride lived up to the hype – not even a touch of motion sickness could dampen the feel-good vibes.

Then there’s the food. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come to a theme park and enjoy fine dining. But tastes and smells of culinary excellence from across the world were truly astounding here. From the uniquely moorish bread at The Boathouse in Disney Springs – if you know, you know – to the opulent Hollywood Brown Derby’s upscale dinners, you don’t have to simply eat fast food all week. But if you choose to, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant in Hollywood Studios has a unique diner experience.

But the most magical experience of the week had to be the Happily Ever After fireworks display. Being sat in front of Cinderella Castle as the night sky engulfed everything around it became a spectacular memory I’ll never lose. The combination of a medley of Disney’s greatest uplifting musical numbers and a truly impressive fireworks show made for a surprisingly emotional evening.

It was at this point that I truly shed the stressful reality of modern life as a father of two – all the pressures melted away as I got lost in the wonder. Well played Mickey Mouse, well played.

Just another theme park? Not on your life. I’m completely converted and can see why some people will return for holiday after holiday; the magic within me was relit all over again.

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UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava expected to play against USC

Nico Iamalealva is probably going to have a chance to go down in cross-town rivalry lore.

Barring a setback, UCLA’s quarterback is expected to play against USC on Saturday afternoon when the teams meet at the Coliseum, according to one person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to discuss it publicly because of the sensitivity of health matters.

After being limited by neck spasms earlier in the week, Iamaleava was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. If he continues to feel good in warm-ups, he’ll start the game for the Bruins (3-8 overall, 3-5 Big Ten) against the No. 17 Trojans (8-3, 6-2).

Iamaleava has sustained one injury after another in recent weeks. After missing the Bruins’ game against Ohio State because of a concussion, he returned to play against Washington the following week. Late in the game against the Huskies, Iamaleava absorbed a crunching hit and departed with neck spasms, forcing backup Luke Duncan to replace him.

Iamaleava has unquestionably become the Bruins’ top player since transferring from Tennessee, completing 63.5% of his passes for 1,728 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also the team’s leading rusher with 641 yards and four touchdowns in 101 carries.

The Bruins are also expected to have tight end Hudson Habermehl back after he was cleared out of concussion protocol. But tight end Jack Pedersen (high ankle), wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (calf) and running back Jaivian Thomas (unspecified injury) are considered doubtful.

Cornerback Rodrick Pleasant will not play after undergoing surgery this week to repair a shoulder injury.

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Storms expected to affect post-holiday travel through Sunday

Nov. 27 (UPI) — Post-holiday travel plans might be impacted by potentially dangerous weather sweeping through much of the northern United States through the weekend, while rainstorms soak southern states.

Storm systems in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region are making road travel more dangerous and could trigger flight delays and cancellations during what the Federal Aviation Administration said is the busiest Thanksgiving holiday travel since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 6 million travelers are expected to fly during the holiday travel period that officially runs from Tuesday evening through Sunday, NPR reported. Airports are operating at full capacity following the extended government shutdown.

Those traveling by plane on Thanksgiving day will mostly have good weather, but delays are expected in Buffalo, Cleveland, Syracuse, N.Y., Chicago and Seattle, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm made many roads impassable in North Dakota Tuesday night and into Wednesday, but those roads have reopened, including Interstates 94 and 29.

The storm system that caused those travel disruptions is moving east into the Great Lakes area, where a larger storm system is active and also moving eastward.

Seattle and other parts of the Pacific Northwest are seeing a storm system moving out of the area, but another is coming on its heels and could disrupt air and road travel through the weekend.

The storm system that is exiting the Pacific Northwest is moving into the northern Great Plains, which could bring more winter weather capable of making travel dangerous while causing flight delays and cancellations.

The NWS said travelers should expect delays or slower traffic on Saturday and Sunday, especially in the central United States on Saturday and in the east on Sunday.

Weather could affect flights at the Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City airports late Friday, and lake-effect snow could impact travel across the Great Lakes region.

Wrap-around snow showers also might affect travel in northern New England.

Further west, the NWS said Winter Storm Bellamy will expand as it exits Montana and moves into the Northern Plains. which will affect Black Friday travels in the Dakotas and south across the Missouri Valley.

The storm system will move into the Midwest by Saturday, where it could disrupt air travel in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Kansas City, St. Louis and as far south as Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where heavy rains and thunderstorms are anticipated.

The Chicago-O’Hare International Airport will be especially vulnerable to weather-caused flight disruptions, according to the NWS. Thunderstorms could cause localized flash flooding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston and the middle and lower Mississippi Valley.

On Sunday, the NWS said air travel might be affected in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Detroit, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the nation’s capital.

Winter Storm Bellamy is expected to affect northeastern states and bring mostly rainfall to the I-95 corridor, which could affect air travel throughout the area.

Some snowfall and lake-effect snow are likely in the Great Lakes, while rain showers and thunderstorms could impact the Southeast, from Virginia and the Carolinas to the northern Gulf Coast.

The central and southern Rocky Mountains also might see significant amounts of snowfall that could move into the High Plains, moving from Colorado and western Kansas into northern New Mexico, as well as parts of the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma.

Rain showers also might affect travel in areas are far west as Arizona, the NWS said on Thursday.

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Thanksgiving holiday air travel expected to hit 15-year high, FAA says

Make sure to pack some patience in your carry-on.

This Thanksgiving holiday travel period is expected to be the busiest in 15 years, federal officials said, as Americans brush off the recent government shutdown that snarled air travel across the country.

All told, more than 360,000 flights will take to the skies this week through Dec. 1, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Traffic was expected to have peaked Tuesday, with more than 52,000 flights set to ferry flyers to their feasts.

The number of flights was expected to drop to only 25,611 on Thanksgiving Day before ticking back up for post-holiday travel. In a chart posted on X, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimated that 16.9 million people would fly throughout this holiday week.

Los Angeles International Airport officials estimated that 2.5 million travelers would come through the airport from Nov. 20 through Monday. Sunday is expected to be the single busiest travel day, with more than 230,000 people making their way through the terminals.

“Thanksgiving is one of LAX’s most important travel periods with so many of our guests connecting with loved ones or setting out on holiday trips,” said Courtney Moore, deputy executive director of strategy, innovation and experience at Los Angeles World Airports. “We’ve spent the year preparing to welcome our guests with smoother experiences throughout the airport.”

The uptick in travel comes just weeks after the federal government shutdown, which forced the FAA to cut air traffic across the country to relieve air traffic controllers.

While travelers might still feel on edge over possible delays, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in a news conference on Monday that they should “travel with confidence.”

“Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush and take pride in helping travelers reach their friends and families during this important time of year,” Bedford said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to our entire FAA team. Even through a period of record-high traffic, their unwavering commitment keeps the system running safely.”

Travelers are encouraged to pack light to get through security and arrive early to the airport to avoid travel stress.

While California will largely be warm and sunny through the holiday, weather delays could still impact airports in certain parts of the country, including the New York area, JFK/LGA/EWR; Philadelphia, PHL; Houston, IAH/HOU; Memphis, Tenn., MEM; and Dallas, DFW/DAL.

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PPI: Wholesale prices rise in December, but less than expected

Nov. 25 (UPI) — The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday released September data from its producer price index, showing modest increases in core wholesale prices that came in lower than experts had predicted.

The PPI for final demand products — what producers and manufacturers get paid for their goods and services sold to consumer businesses — in September increased 0.3%. But when excluding food, energy and trade services, BLS reported that final demand wholesale prices increased just 0.1% — half the expected 0.2% increase.

September’s data release was delayed by “the lapse in federal appropriations” caused by the 43-day federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, which the agency noted in its data report.

“While BLS completed data collection prior to the lapse, BLS could not complete data processing and review until appropriations resumed,” the agency said. “Subsequent PPI data releases will also be delayed.”

Overall, BLS reported that final demand increased by a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in September, following a 0.1% decline in August and 0.8% increase in July. On an unadjusted basis, PPI final demand increased 2.7% for the 12-month period that ended in September.

Broken down, the index for final demand on goods increased by 0.9%, the largest increase since a 0.9% jump in February 2024. Two-thirds of this increase can be blamed on energy prices leaping by 3.5%, while food prices increased 1.1%.

Among individual products, the cost for gasoline increased 11.8%, with increases also seen among meats, residential electric service, cars and ethanol. Prices for fresh and dry vegetables, however, dropped by 1.8%, and decreases were also seen in prices for metal ores and residual fuels.

BLS reported that the index for final demand services in September was unchanged, following a 0.3% decrease in August. Price increases of 0.8% were seen among transportation and warehousing services.

Among services, airline passenger service prices increased by 4%, and food wholesaling, chemicals and related products and furniture, among others, also saw prices rise. The margins for machinery and equipment wholesaling dropped 3.5% percent, while apparel, jewelry, footwear and portfolio management also saw price decreases.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and her son, Niko, welcome Waddle, the alternate to the National Thanksgiving turkey, to the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Tuesday. Later, President Donald Trump will pardon Waddle and the national turkey, Gobble, who were both raised in North Carolina and will live out the rest of their lives under the care of North Carolina State University. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo

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Kimchi exports expected to hit all-time high in 2025: customs data

Kimchi exports are expected to hit an all-time high this year, South Korean customs data showed Monday. The Korean staple is seen here at a Seoul supermarket on Monday. Photo by Yonhap

South Korea’s kimchi exports are expected to hit an all-time high this year amid rising global demand for Korean food, customs data showed Monday.

Overseas sales of kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish typically made from cabbage, reached US$137.39 million in the first 10 months of 2025, up 2 percent from $134.67 million recorded over the same period last year, according to data by the Korea Customs Service.

Imports of kimchi rose 3.1 percent on-year to $159.46 million from $154.59 million over the 10-month period.

At the current pace, full-year exports are expected to surpass the previous record of $163.57 million set in 2024, backed by continued global interest in Korean cuisine.

Japan remained the largest buyer of Korean kimchi, importing $47.55 million worth from January to October, up 4.4 percent from a year earlier.

Exports to the United States fell 5.8 percent on-year to $36.01 million, while shipments to the Netherlands declined 3.3 percent to $7.97 million.

Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.

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Government borrowing for October higher than expected

Rachel ClunBusiness reporter

Getty Images People in suits and casual outfits walk across a bridge on a sunny day.Getty Images

UK government borrowing was higher than expected last month according to the latest official figures.

Borrowing – the difference between public spending and tax income – was £17.4bn in October, down from £19.2bn in the same month last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

The borrowing figures come less than a week before Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils her Budget, and she has previously confirmed both tax rises and spending cuts are on the table.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said while borrowing was down compared with the same month last year, it was “the third-highest October figure on record in cash terms”.

However, borrowing was £1.8bn lower than in October last year.

“While spending on public services and benefits were both up on October last year, this was more than offset by increased receipts from taxes and National Insurance contributions,” he said.

Analysts had expected October borrowing to be £15bn, slightly higher than the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) March forecast of £14.4bn.

In the financial year to October, borrowing was £116.8bn, which was £9bn more than the same seven-month period in 2024. It was the second-highest borrowing for April to October since records began in 1993, after 2020.

A Bar chart titled 'Government borrowing in October', showing the UK's public sector net borrowing, excluding public sector banks, from October 2020 to 2025. In October 2023, public sector net borrowing stood at £16.4 billion. It then rose to £19.3 billion in October 2024, before falling back to £17.4 billion in October 2025. The source is the Office for National Statistics.

Chief secretary to the Treasury James Murray said the government aimed to reduce borrowing over the course of the parliament, with £1 of every £10 in taxpayer money currently spent on paying interest on national debt.

“That money should be going to our schools, hospitals, police and armed forces,” he said.

“That is why we are set to deliver the largest primary deficit reduction in both the G7 and G20 over the next five years – to get borrowing costs down.”

Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said borrowing so far this financial year had been the highest on record outside the pandemic.

“If Labour had any backbone, they would control spending to avoid tax rises next week,” he said.

James Smith from investment bank ING said the figures would not be welcomed by the chancellor ahead of her Budget, but said her fiscal rules were about what happens later this decade, rather than the current picture.

“Today’s data is not helpful, it shows that the government is borrowing more than expected, but it doesn’t necessarily change the decisions next week,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.

Nick Ridpath, research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, noted government borrowing for the year to date had continued to exceed forecasts from the OBR, “to the tune of around £10bn”.

Mr Ridpath said that while the borrowing figures should not be given too much weight, ahead of the Budget they highlighted the uncertainty around pressures on spending and tax revenues and the “stubbornly high costs of servicing government debt”.

The chancellor needs to find more money in her 26 November Budget to meet her self-imposed rules for government finances, which she has described as “non-negotiable”.

The two main rules are:

  • Not to borrow to fund day-to-day public spending by the end of this parliament
  • To get government debt falling as a share of national income by the end of this parliament

The BBC understands that newer assessments from the OBR have put the gap in public finances that Reeves needs to fill at £20bn.

Mr Ridpath said: “Operating with minimal fiscal margin for error is risky, and this is one reason why the chancellor might sensibly take steps to increase her so-called ‘fiscal headroom’ at next week’s Budget.”

Separate data from the ONS showed that over the month of October retail sales fell by 1.1% – the first monthly drop since May.

“Supermarkets, clothing stores and online retailers all saw slower sales, with feedback from some retailers that consumers were waiting for November’s Black Friday deals,” Mr Fitzner said.

Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said that together the latest government borrowing and retail sales figures painted a “pretty grim picture” of the economy.

She noted the monthly fall in retail sales “isn’t quite as bad as it looks” as it comes off the back of four consecutive months of increases, but also said that consumer confidence had declined, which “suggests that consumers aren’t exactly chipper at the moment”.

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California’s budget shortfall could be worse than expected

California’s budgetary woes are worse than expected, forcing state lawmakers to grapple with a nearly $18 billion shortfall next year, according to a new report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

This figure is $5 billion more than previous estimates in June.

Despite improvements in state revenue, the report said mandatory spending requirements under Proposition 98, which sets minimum annual funding for public schools, and Proposition 2, which specifies reserve deposits and debt payments, almost entirely offset any gains, according to the legislative analysis.

It estimated state costs for Medi-Cal and CalFresh, which provide healthcare and food assistance to Californians in need, were also $1.3 billion more than anticipated due to federal cuts from the “Big, Beautiful Bill” that President Donald Trump signed in July, the report stated.

While enthusiasm for artificial intelligence companies has pushed the stock market to record highs, increasing state tax revenue, the report warned the boost likely won’t last.

“With so much exuberance surrounding AI, it now appears time to take seriously the notion that the stock market has become overheated,” the report states. “History suggests that the stock market is prone to overreact to major technological advances, even if the technology itself turns out to be revolutionary.”

The LAO advised lawmakers to increase revenue and reduce spending.

“While important components of the state economy are sluggish, revenues are not falling, nor are conditions as bad as they would be in an outright recession,” the report states. “This makes solving the budget problem with ongoing solutions all the more important. Continuing to use temporary tools — like budgetary borrowing— would only defer the problem and, ultimately, leave the state ill‑equipped to respond to a recession or downturn in the stock market.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom will unveil his annual budget proposal in January, which will serve as a starting point for legislators as they craft the state spending plan.

Assembly Budget Committee Chair Jesse Gabriel said the report underscored the challenging decisions ahead.

“While the Trump Administration continues to pursue destructive policies that will harm California families,” Gabriel said in statement released Wednesday, “the Assembly Budget Committee remains committed to crafting a responsible budget that prioritizes essential services.”

H.D. Palmer, a spokesperson for the California Department of Finance, said the LAO report highlighted the challenges lawmakers will face due to “federal uncertainty, market volatility, and continued growth in both cost and caseload for major state programs.”

“In the coming weeks, the Governor will be finalizing his decisions on how he’ll propose to meet the challenges in the coming year,” Palmer said in a statement.

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Foreign Office travel alert as airports ‘expected to be affected’

The UK’s Foreign Office has issued an update

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has changed its travel guidance for a destination popular with British travellers. People are being warned airports and other transport operators could be affected amid industrial action.

In a new alert on Wednesday, November 19, the FCDO said: “Strikes are planned for Monday 24, Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November. This is expected to affect airports, public transport and some public services, including schools.

“Public transport will be affected from 10pm on Sunday 23 November. A demonstration is planned for central Brussels on Wednesday 26 November. Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause travel disruption.

“General strikes took place on 31 March, 29 April and 14 October. Strike action may be announced at short notice. Monitor local news and check with your provider regarding potential delays and closures.”

Hundreds of thousands of people from the UK travel to Belgium each year. Further FCDO advice reads: “Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause severe travel disruption across the country and affect international travel.

“For regular updates on any disruption, check local news and follow advice given by your travel provider.”

According to The Bulletin, this industrial action is “the latest and largest in a series of actions in response to the new federal government’s planned austerity measures, which unions say threaten Belgium’s social safety net”. Action will begin with a 72-hour rail transport strike, commencing at 11pm on November 23.

On 25 November, the movement “will spread to public administrations: municipalities, hospitals, administrative services, as well as the education sector, which has been invited to join the strike”.

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The best rated UK Christmas market expected to get snow this year

We’re dreaming of a white Christmas… and there’s a UK city with one of the best seasonal markets, which is expected to get snow this year, for the enchanting backdrop we envision each year

With the festive season approaching, many of us will be longing for a classic white Christmas, for the ultimate Hallmark movie backdrop. Fortunately, there’s one city with the top-rated Christmas market in the UK that is forecast to welcome snow during the holiday season.

Edinburgh has been highlighted as the only UK destination on a list of European Christmas markets most likely to be dusted with snow this season. The renowned Christmas market, which adorns East Princes Street Gardens, has joined a list of more than 30 European countries expected to offer visitors that authentic and sought-after white Christmas.

To compile the results, Omio, a leading multi-modal travel booking platform, gathered weather data for 51 European Christmas market locations in November and December, and calculated the average lowest temperature from this data. Omio identified which markets are most likely to be chilled by temperatures of 2°C or below, resulting in a higher likelihood of snowfall during the last two months of the year, and, ultimately, when the Christmas markets are open. The data was sourced from NOAA.

READ MORE: The best 9 UK Christmas markets named – with 4 places completely overlookedREAD MORE: Magical market town surrounded by mountains and islands voted best place to live

However, a cold snap expected in the UK this week could prove the study wrong. Snow is forecast in parts of the North East and North West, meaning highly ranked Christmas market cities such as Chester, Liverpool, York and Durham could get a dusting.

Already one of the UK’s most picturesque cities, Edinburgh is famed for its Christmas market, which runs from 15 November to 4 January this year. Among the quaint huts packed with festive gifts and snug stocking fillers, you’ll find international foods such as German sausages and crepes, as well as a warming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.

The market also boasts a mini-funfair with a helter-skelter, swing carousel that almost brushes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel providing a view of Edinburgh’s imposing medieval castle and ancient hill, Arthur’s Seat. So, the thought of wandering around the Edinburgh Christmas market, adorned with charming wooden chalets, in a flurry of snow, is enough to entice anyone to the Scottish capital.

But if you needed another excuse to visit, Edinburgh was also ranked among the top nine UK Christmas markets to visit this year, following extensive research from Which? in its annual tradition. In addition to its hugely popular Christmas market, Edinburgh is also famous for hosting one of the UK’s most famous New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) celebrations.

So with hundreds of Christmas markets dotted across the UK and Europe, this just might be the best spot in the UK to visit during the festive season. Plus, visitors can take in the city’s allure even further with a leisurely walk around the winter gardens, a glide around the ice rink, or by exploring the New Town for more retail therapy in the city.

However, if you’re looking to venture a little further afield, there are more than 30 other European Christmas markets predicted to welcome snow this year, according to Omio.

European Christmas markets expecting snow

  • Christmas Village, Rovaniemi, Finland
  • Christmas Market at Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland
  • Christmas Markets at Market Square, Turku, Finland
  • Christmas Market at Main Market Square, Kraków, Poland
  • Old Town Christmas Market, Innsbruck, Austria
  • Advent Market at Hauptplatz, Graz, Austria
  • Christmas Markets at Náměstí Svobody, Brno, Czech Republic
  • Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz, Salzburg, Austria
  • Advent Feast at the Great Forest, Debrecen, Hungary
  • Christmas Market at Rynek, Wrocław, Poland
  • Christmas Markets at Hlavná ulica, Košice, Slovakia
  • Christkindlesmarkt at Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
  • Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, Munich, Germany
  • Skansen Christmas Market, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Christmas Markets in Old Town, Colmar, France
  • Christmas Market at Targ Węglowy, Gdańsk, Poland
  • Marché de Noël at Parc des Bastions, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Christmas Market at Den Gamle By, Aarhus, Denmark
  • H.C. Andersen Christmas Market, Odense, Denmark
  • Christkindelsmärik at Place Kléber, Strasbourg, France
  • Marché de Noël at Place Saint-Louis, Metz, France
  • Striezelmarkt at Altmarkt, Dresden, Germany
  • Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin, Germany
  • Liseberg Christmas Market, Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Christmas Market at Gustav Adolfs Torg, Malmö, Sweden
  • Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
  • Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square, Budapest, Hungary
  • Christmas Markets in Caves, Valkenburg, Netherlands
  • Christmas Markets at Hlavné námestie, Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Christkindlmarkt at Main Train Station, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Weihnachtsmarkt at Barfüsserplatz, Basel, Switzerland
  • Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, UK

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‘Deluge’ of House Republicans expected to back a bill to release Epstein files

Lawmakers seeking to force the release of files related to the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein are predicting a big win in the House this week with a “deluge of Republicans” voting for their bill and bucking the GOP leadership and President Trump, who for months have disparaged their effort.

The bill would force the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Information about Epstein’s victims or ongoing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted.

“There could be 100 or more” votes from Republicans, said Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), among the lawmakers discussing the legislation on Sunday news show appearances. “I’m hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation when it comes up for a vote.”

Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) introduced a discharge petition in July to force a vote on their bill. That is a rarely successful tool that allows a majority of members to bypass House leadership and force a floor vote.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had panned the discharge petition effort and sent members home early for their August recess when the GOP’s legislative agenda was upended by the clamoring for an Epstein vote.

Democrats also contend that the seating of Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) was stalled to delay her becoming the 218th member to sign the petition and gain the threshold needed to force a vote. She became the 218th signature moments after taking the oath of office last week.

Massie said Johnson, Trump and others who have been critical of his efforts would be “taking a big loss this week.”

“I’m not tired of winning yet, but we are winning,” Massie said.

The view from GOP leadership

Johnson seems to expect the House will decisively back the Epstein bill.

“We’ll just get this done and move it on. There’s nothing to hide,” the speaker said. He continued to deride the Massie-Khanna effort, however, asserting that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has been releasing “far more information than the discharge petition, their little gambit.”

The vote comes at a time when new documents are raising fresh questions about Epstein and his associates, including a 2019 email that Epstein wrote to a journalist that said Trump “knew about the girls.” The White House has accused Democrats of selectively leaking the emails to smear the Republican president, though lawmakers from both parties released emails last week.

Johnson said Trump “has nothing to hide from this.”

“They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not,” Johnson said.

Trump’s former friendship and association with Epstein is well-established, and the president’s name was included in records that his Justice Department released in February as part of an effort to satisfy public interest in information from the sex-trafficking investigation.

Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and the mere inclusion of someone’s name in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise. Epstein, who killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial, also had many prominent acquaintances in political and celebrity circles besides Trump.

Khanna voiced more modest expectations on the vote count than Massie. Still, Khanna said he was hoping for 40 or more Republicans to join the effort.

“I don’t even know how involved Trump was,” Khanna said. “There are a lot of other people involved who have to be held accountable.”

Khanna also asked Trump to meet with some of Epstein’s victims. Some will be at the Capitol on Tuesday for a news conference, he said.

Massie said Republican lawmakers who fear losing Trump’s endorsement because of how they vote will have a mark on their record if they vote “no,” which could hurt their political prospects in the long term.

“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency,” Massie said.

A MAGA split

On the Republican side, three Republicans joined with Massie in signing the discharge petition: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado.

Trump publicly broke with Greene last week and said he would endorse a challenger against her in 2026 “if the right person runs.”

Greene, a MAGA stalwart throughout her time in Congress, attributed her fallout with Trump to the Epstein debate. “Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files,” she said, adding that the country deserves transparency on the issue and that Trump’s criticism of her is confusing because the women she has talked to say he did nothing wrong.

“I have no idea what’s in the files. I can’t even guess. But that is the question everyone is asking: … ‘Why fight this so hard?’” Greene said.

Even if the bill passes the House, there is no guarantee that Senate Republicans will go along. Massie said he just hopes Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) “will do the right thing.”

“The pressure is going to be there if we get a big vote in the House,” said Massie, who thinks “we could have a deluge of Republicans.”

Massie appeared on ABC’s “This Week,” Johnson was on “Fox News Sunday,” Khanna spoke on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” and Greene was interviewed on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

Freking writes for the Associated Press.

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Adam Peaty’s aunt hits out at ‘divisive and hurtful’ Holly Ramsay in furious Instagram rant saying ‘I expected better’

ADAM Peaty’s aunt has hit out at his wife-to-be Holly Ramsay in a furious Instagram rant.

The social media outburst came after Adam’s mum, Caroline, was banned from Holly’s hen do and the couple’s upcoming wedding at Bath Abbey – despite her once close relationship with her son and nurturing his record-breaking swimming career.

Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty are dealing with a bitter family rift just weeks ahead of their weddingCredit: PA
Holly in a bridal minidress on her hen do in OxfordshireCredit: Instagram
Adam Peaty with mum Caroline, who is said to be banned from his wedding to HollyCredit: Shutterstock

While Caroline was absent from Holly’s celebrations at Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire at the weekend, the bride’s mum Tana and close family friend Victoria Beckham were in attendance, while father-of-the-bride Gordon Ramsay was invited to Adam’s stag do.

Louise Williams wrote on Instagram: “@hollyramsayy I’m so glad that you had a great hen do. As a bride, you deserve that. However, as a person you were divisive and hurtful towards a woman, who I have loved and continue to love deeply.

“A woman who opened her home and heart to you. You decided, for whatever reason, not to invite her, your prospective mother-in-law to your hen night yet Adam invited his father-in-law, your dad, to his stag night.”

She continued: “You invited your mum (quite rightly) and even your mum’s assistant, your sisters, your friends, my niece, but not my sister, your future mother-in-law.

WEDDING RIFT

Adam Peaty’s family feud escalates as he BANS mum from wedding to Holly Ramsay


double take

Holly Ramsay is the double of mum Tana as she poses in white at hen do

“I have also seen messages passing between her and Adam about this and other matters and, quite frankly, I expected better of you and definitely of Adam. You have inflicted a hurt on my sister that will take a very long time to heal if ever.”

According to the Mail, the post is said to have deeply upset Holly, 25, and infuriated Adam, 30, who now wants to cut ties with his family.

Caroline, 59, made her feelings known by sharing an Instagram post that read: “Crying is a way your eyes speak when your mouth can’t explain how broken your heart is.”

While the hen was in full swing, Caroline was at home in Staffordshire looking after Adam’s son George, five.

An insider said: “Caroline is devastated by the rift and doesn’t know what she has done wrong.”

Another insider told the Mail that Adam’s relationship with his working class parents began to change after he became part of the Ramsay fold and more enamored with the celebrity lifestyle.

Guests at the couple’s wedding in Bath next month are expected to include Holly’s chef dad Gordon, as well as recently knighted Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham.

Adam’s sister Bethany, who was also at Holly’s hen party, is said to be the only member of his family attending the wedding.

A family pal told The Sun: “Adam’s relationship with Caroline and his dad Mark are at an all-time low — it’s heartbreaking.

“It’s at a point now where Caroline has been told she should not come to the wedding.

“There is a feud rumbling on and it’s been absolutely devastating for everyone involved.”

In a shock twist, a source close to Adam and Holly said there were “jealous people desperate to ruin their happy day”.

They added: “There are wider problems in the Peaty family, with horrible threats of violence against both Holly and Adam from one individual. It’s gone too far and with real concern for the couple’s safety the police are now involved.”

Holly Ramsay held her hen party in Oxfordshire at the weekend, with mum Tana and Victoria among the attendeesCredit: instagram
It was well attended, but there was a notable absenceCredit: Instagram
Victoria looked amazing in a sheer dress during hen-do celebrationsCredit: instagram
Holly has been enjoying a lavish hen-do celebrationCredit: Instagram/Hollyramsayy
Holly and Adam had an evening out to mark Gordon and Tana’s anniversaryCredit: instagram/hollyramsay
Adam’s relationship with Caroline and his dad Mark are at an all-time low — it’s heartbreaking, a source revealedCredit: Getty

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Interest rates expected to be held as Budget looms

Kevin PeacheyCost of living correspondent

Getty Images Man in shadow walks in from of the Bank of England buildingGetty Images

Policymakers at the Bank of England are widely expected to hold interest rates at 4% following their final meeting before the chancellor’s Budget.

Some Bank watchers have suggested that the latest inflation data could strengthen the case for a cut, but most commentators think such a move is more likely in December.

In September, the Bank’s governor Andrew Bailey said he still expected further rate cuts, but the pace would be “more uncertain”.

The Bank’s base rate has an impact on the cost of borrowing for individuals and businesses, and also on returns on savings.

Uncertainty over pace of cuts

The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will make its latest announcement at 12:00 GMT with most analysts predicting a hold.

The Bank of England has reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points every three months since August last year. However, that cycle is widely expected to be broken this time.

Members of the MPC will be closely considering the latest economic data on rising prices, as well as jobs and wages as they cast their vote on interest rates.

The rate of inflation in September was 3.8%, well above the Bank’s 2% target, but lower than expected. Within that data, food and drink prices rose at their slowest rate in more than a year.

That has eased some of the squeeze on family finances, and also led to some analysts, including at banking giants Barclays and Goldman Sachs, to predict a cut in interest rates this month to 3.75%.

They expect a split in the vote among the nine-member committee. For the first time, the views of each individual on the MPC will be published alongside the wider decision.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said the market was giving a one in three chance of a rate cut to 3.75%.

“The odds are still firmly in favour of a hold,” she said.

All eyes on Budget

Members of the MPC will be fully aware of the potential implications of the Budget which will be delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 26 November.

The case for a cut in interest rates in December could be boosted if the Budget includes substantial tax rises that do not add to inflation.

The chancellor, in a speech on Tuesday, said measures in the Budget “will be focused on getting inflation falling and creating the conditions for interest rate cuts”.

However, detail remains thin until the Budget is delivered and more economic data will be published before the Bank’s next meeting in December that could sway MPC members’ thinking.

“It’s possible Rachel Reeves’ surprise press conference on Tuesday was partly a cry for help to the Bank of England,” AJ Bell’s Ms Hewson said.

“By promising to push down on inflation, she might have been signalling that the Bank didn’t have to wait until after the Budget to cut rates. Whether they do or not is a finely balanced call.”

The Bank’s interest rates heavily influence borrowing costs for homeowners – either directly for those on tracker rates, or more indirectly for fixed rates.

In recent days and weeks, many lenders have been cutting the interest rates on their new, fixed deals as they compete for custom, and in anticipation of future central bank rate cuts.

Savers, however, would likely see a fall in the returns they receive if the Bank cuts the benchmark rate on Thursday or in December.

Rachel Springall, from financial information service Moneyfacts, said many savers were feeling “demoralised” as a result of falling returns and still relatively high inflation, which reduces the spending power of their savings.

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Severe travel disruption ‘expected until end of day’ after LNER train stabbings

People who are planning to travel today (2 November) have been urged to check their train journey as major disruptions are expected following the stabbings on an LNER service to London

A ‘major incident’ has been declared after multiple people were stabbed on board a train heading towards London, resulting in severe travel disruptions.

The shocking incident took place on Saturday, 1 November, during the LNER Azuma 18.25 service from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, to London King’s Cross. Police were alerted at 7.39pm to reports that “multiple people had been stabbed on a train”, and the service made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station for assistance from armed police, paramedics, air ambulances and transport police.

British Transport Police confirmed that 10 individuals were transported to hospital, with nine thought to have sustained life-threatening injuries. There have been no fatalities, and two suspects have been arrested over the stabbings.

READ MORE: Cambridgeshire train stabbing: Details of ‘major incident’ as nine people left severely injuredREAD MORE: Huntingdon train passengers prepared to fight back with bottle of Jack Daniel’s

As a result of the horrifying attack, there is disruption to the LNER, which operates East Coast Mainline services in the UK, between London Kings Cross and Peterborough today (2 November). People who were planning to travel today have been advised to check before travelling as there may be “cancellations or alterations to the services”.

In an update on their website, LNER said: “The emergency services are continuing to deal with a major incident between Hitchin and Peterborough. Whilst they carry out their work some lines are still closed.

“Services between London Kings Cross and Peterborough may be cancelled, revised or delayed.

“Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

“Grand Central and Hull Trains services are not impacted.”

In an update on X, formerly Twitter, LNER also stated: “Customers booked to travel today, 02 November, can defer their travel up to and including the 07 November. Please check our website for the latest advice and updates.”

For the Great Northern and Thameslink services, LNER confirmed on their website: “Lines have reopened between Hitchin and Peterborough and trains which run between London Kings Cross and Peterborough will be able to run.

“However, Huntingdon station remains closed, if you wish to travel from Huntingdon, you will need to take a rail replacement bus to either St Neots or Peterborough and from there you can take a train service towards your destination. All buses are advertised on journey planners.

“If you are travelling to Huntingdon from the direction of London / Hitchin, please alight the train at St Neots where replacement buses are running. There are also rail replacement buses running from Peterborough to Huntingdon.

“Additionally, no trains in the direction of Peterborough will be able to call at Arlesey until at least 09:00.”

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For more information, you can check the LNER website for updates here. Alternatively, you can check the Thameslink services here and the Great Northern lines here.

Following the incident, a spokesperson for LNER said: “We are concerned for everyone affected by the incident that occurred on the 1825 service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday evening (1 November.)”

David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this serious incident, and our thoughts are very much with everyone involved.

“I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they have provided to those injured. Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is urged to contact British Transport Police.

“The safety and wellbeing of everyone affected will remain our priority. We will continue to do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues during this difficult time.”

A spokesperson for the Rail, Maritime and Transport union also issued a statement: “We are horrified by the mass stabbing attack on an LNER train last night.

“Our thoughts remain with the train crew and passengers who were either at work or going about their business on a busy Saturday night during this awful incident.

“It is important we allow the emergency services and authorities to establish the full facts before commenting further.”

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