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Nov. 3 (UPI) — The United States’ 10 richest billionaires saw their wealth grow last year by nearly $700 billion, according to a new report published Monday by Oxfam, which warns the Trump administration is worsening U.S. inequality.

The report states that in the past year, the wealth of U.S. billionaires grew by $698 billion.

Oxfam, the British-founded confederation of nearly two dozen non-governmental organizations, citing Federal Reserve data, found that between 1989 and 2022, a household in the top 0.1% gained $39.5 million, while a household in the top 1% gained about $8.3 million. Meanwhile, a bottom 20% household saw its wealth only grow by $8,465.

This equals to the poorest household in the top 1% having gained 987 times more wealth than the richest household in the bottom 20%, according to the report.

It continues by stating that while the wealth of working- and middle-class families have barely grown in more than three decades, America’s richest have seen their purses overflow.

As evidence, Oxfam said the share of national income going to the top 1% doubled from 1980 to 2022, while the share going to the bottom 50% decreased by one-third.

It also pointed to the top 1% owning half of the entire stock market, while the bottom half of Americans only hold 1.1%.

“The data confirms what people across our nation already know instinctively: the new American oligarchy is here,” Abby Maxman, Oxfam America’s president and CEO, said in a statement accompanying the publication of the report.

“Billionaires and mega-corporations are booming while working families struggle to afford housing, healthcare and groceries.”

The report warns that the Trump administration is taking actions that threaten to worsen inequality in the United States.

According to Oxfam, the Trump administration, backed by a Republican-controlled Congress, “has moved with staggering speed and scale to carry out a relentless attack on working class families, and use the power of the office to enrich the wealthy and well-connected.”

Maxman said the Trump administration and congressional Republicans “risk turbocharging” this inequality, while adding that what they are doing isn’t new, but what is different “is how much undemocratic power they’ve now amassed.”

THE UK must be home to hundreds, if not thousands, of Christmas markets – but having explored many across the UK, the South West is home to the best.

Devon comes alive in the winter months – the moors become snowy, small villages have pubs with glowing fires and towns become decked out with huge light installations.

Having lived in London for five years now, I have been to a fair few in the capital and even further afield, such as Newcastle.

But each time I visit a new Christmas market I am reminded of the ones in Devon – and honestly none compare.

Totnes Christmas Market

Totnes is the Devon Christmas Market that takes the top spot in my heart – nothing really compares to it.

Set all along the medieval town’s high street, it really does feel like stepping into the middle ages.

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And what makes it even more fun, is it takes place solely in the late afternoon to evening.

This year the market will take place on December 2, 9 and 16 from 3pm to 9pm.

Despite Totnes only being a small town, the market features over 70 stalls.

And thanks to being located on the high street (the road is closed for the event), all the shops stay open late as well with lots of festive activities inside too.

I often think Totnes is the best town in the UK for independent shops, so it is usually the Christmas market where I find the most gifts (including some for myself).

The market then also has two food court areas, one in the Civic Hall carpark and one at The Mansion.

If you head there on the final date, you will get to see the beautiful Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade as well.

Starting at 4:30pm, the parade works its way through the town.

Carols are performed in St Mary’s Church as well, and Totnes Elizabethan Museum will be open too.

Listen to your favourite carols with performances from local schools and community choirs outside St Mary’s Church.

Exeter Christmas Market

Based around the city’s historic cathedral, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will take place from November 20 to December 19.

This market really feels magical because as you peruse around, you’ll be in the shadow of the breathtaking cathedral.

It is Devon’s biggest Christmas market with over a hundred festive chalets, but isn’t so large that it makes it overwhelming – so it’s perfect to get comfortably into the Christmas spirit.

There are a number of stalls selling seasonal gifts and food, as well as mulled wine.

The market is full of local traders which makes it really special, including South Devon Chilli Farm – well-known for its chilli chocolate.

Devon is also a top spot for cider producers, and at this year’s market there will be Ventons Devon Cyder, made with vintage cyder apples.

Christmas Shopping Fayre

If you are panicking about what to get people or have a lot of people to buy for, then head to the Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint in Exeter.

Across December 5, 6 and 7, visitors can head to this giant Christmas market – which is inside!

There are lots of stalls selling a range of items, and there is even a free Santa’s grotto.

It costs £5 per adult to enter and children under 16-years-old are free.

Michaelmas Fair

‍The Michaelmas Fair is another one located in an amazing setting – but this time it is at a castle.

Found at Powderham Castle in Exeter, The Michaelmas Fair will take place on November 6, between 10am and 3pm.

There are a number of stalls selling crafted items and gifts you can’t find on the high street and of course, food and drink is available as well.

The setting is also a big draw to this market as it is located in the courtyard of the castle.

Unusually, if you have an antique or collectible, bring it along and you can have it valued for free.

It costs £3.50 per person, if you book in advance, or £5 per person on the door.

Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre

Located at Newton Abbot Racecourse on November 29, you will find the Christmas Fayre.

The event will take place between 10am and 4pm and there will be a number of family activities to enjoy.

The best thing about Newton Abbot Racecourse is that it is super accessible via public transport, thanks to being close to Newton Abbot town centre.

In addition to 70 local stallholders with handmade jewellery and decorations, there will also be a Christmas Village with 60 stables featuring craftsmen.

There’s a cafe as well, with mulled wine, hot drinks and lunch options available.

This event though, is definitely a top spot for kids as there is a face painter, Dartmoor ponies and even a snow globe that you can step inside.

Families can also take part in a pottery painting workshop or adults can opt to make a wreath.

Tickets cost £3 per adult and children are free.

Christmas Artisan Market and ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling

Last but not least is a Christmas market in a hidden spot.

The small village of Cockington is just set back from the Torbay seafront, but feels like a completely different world from the surrounding area.

Think thatched cottages and little streams.

Taking place on December 14 between 10:30am and 4pm, Cockington Court will host an artisan market with handmade products from local businesses and artists, such as glassblowers, jewellers and florists.

Entry is free.

The Seven Dials cafe will be open for hot drinks, lunch options, cream teas and sweet treats.

For kids, there will also be ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling, where families can listen to Christmas tales including ‘The Christmasaurus and the night before Christmas’ by Tom Fletcher and ‘The Dinosaur Who Pooped a Reindeer’ by Tom Fletcher and Dougie.

Kids can even meet some of the dino characters and make dinosaur Christmas trees.

The storytelling sessions cost £4.50 per person.

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In other Christmas market news, one of the UK’s most popular holiday parks to get £2million winter wonderland.

Plus, the UK Christmas market that attracts nearly two million visitors is getting three new attractions.

The UK economy grew slightly in August, according to the latest official figures.

The economy expanded by 0.1%, the Office for National Statistics said, after contracting by 0.1% in July.

The government has made boosting the economy a key priority and pressure is mounting ahead of the Budget next month.

Many economists have been warning that tax rises or spending cuts will be needed to meet the chancellor’s self-imposed borrowing rules.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies is projecting Rachel Reeves will need to find £22bn to make up a shortfall in the government’s finances, and will “almost certainly” have to raise taxes.

On Wednesday, Reeves said she was “looking at further measures on tax and spending, to make sure that the public finances always add up”.

The monthly growth figures can be volatile, and ONS has downgraded July’s figure from zero growth to a 0.1% contraction.

The ONS is focusing on growth over a rolling three-month period, and in the three months to August the economy expanded by 0.3% which was a slight improvement on the previous figure.

“Economic growth increased slightly in the latest three months. Services growth held steady, while there was a smaller drag from production than previously,” said Liz McKeown, ONS director of statistics.

“Continued strength in business rental and leasing and healthcare were the main contributors to services growth, partially offset by weakness in some consumer facing services, while wholesalers also fared poorly.”

A BRAZILIAN model has revealed how a hidden tumour made her shoot up to almost seven feet tall – and how her shorter partner won her over.

Elisane Silva, 26, from Salinopolis, stands at a staggering six foot eight and towers over her five-foot-four husband, Francinaldo Da Silva Carvalho, 31.

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But she admitted their nearly two-foot height gap doesn’t faze them – in fact, he was the one to win her over.

Elisane said: “Since I was 10 years old, I always noticed that there wasn’t something quite right as I was the only one in my family and class that stood at a staggering five feet nine inches.”

Her parents, Ana Maria Ramos and Luiz Jorge, were left stunned.

“My mother is only five feet four inches and my father is just five feet seven inches, so it was a shock to our entire family when I was the tallest member at so young,” she explained.

By age 10, Elisane was suffering painful pressure in her bones and head as she continued to grow at an alarming rate.

A doctor recommended tests, but her family couldn’t afford them.

Then a national TV network stepped in, offering to cover her medical bills if she told her story on air.

“A national television network approached my family after hearing my story, and in 2010, we flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where I appeared on national television and had all my tests done for free on behalf of the network,” she recalled.

“Although this was embarrassing, I was just glad to finally have an answer and to stop the pain that I was going through as a result of my height.”

Doctors discovered a benign tumour on her pituitary gland, which had triggered an overproduction of growth hormone – a condition known as gigantism.

But while Elisane had answers, school became unbearable.

Classmates bullied her mercilessly, calling her “tower” and “giant.”

“I remember locking myself up at home as I felt so sick with the hurtful comments and words people were constantly saying to me,” she said.

“I decided to give up and it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, as I wanted to continue studying, but I knew that I wouldn’t last any longer in that environment.

“At the time, I was 17 years old, so my parents didn’t have much to say on the matter and I was really lost about where to go next in life.”

Everything changed when she met Francinaldo in 2011.

“I fell for him right there and then, as he was the first person to treat me like a human being and not some freak of nature,” she said.

“Although there is an obvious height difference, we don’t see it as an issue as we love each other just the way we are and wouldn’t want anything to change.”

The couple got engaged quickly and tied the knot in September 2015. They later welcomed their son, Angelo, now three.

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“We used to get comments from people in the street when we were walking together, I’m no longer the center of attention now we have our beautiful son,” Elisane said.

Angelo is already three foot three, but Elisane doesn’t believe he’ll inherit her towering stature.

“I don’t believe he will grow to be as tall as me because I don’t think my condition is hereditary,” she explained.

“I think he will grow up to be average height – but even if not, he should embrace the unique asset he has been given.”

After years of shame, Elisane now embraces her frame and is pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a professional model.

“Although I haven’t been successful just yet, I usually go out and take professional photos of myself and add it to my portfolio to pass on to agencies,” she said.

“Despite no agencies picking up on them yet, these photo sessions have helped my levels of confidence immensely and I have started to love myself for who I am.”

While she’s been branded the “tallest woman in Brazil” online, Elisane says it’s not an official title – though she’s learned to wear the label with pride.

“I have learned to love myself for my unique height, as there’s no one quite like me and I think that’s rather special,” she said.

“I have found a good man to love, have a wonderful son, a beautiful family, and I am grateful that God has taught me to overcome these obstacles in life.

“Don’t let people’s evil comments interfere with your life, as it’s not for them to judge you based on how you look or who you love – stay true to yourself and you’ll live happily.”

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