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Lots of people travel on planes as it’s hard to resist a break away in the sun; however, if you’re preparing to board soon, then you need to be aware of some health advice

Lots of people travel on planes, but there are a few rules people may want to follow if they want to keep on top of their health while flying. Holidaymakers often worry about jet lag, but there’s another mid-air menace many don’t talk about, and it’s known as travel constipation.

From uncomfortable bloating to sluggish digestion, pharmacists say flying creates the perfect storm for gut trouble but, with the right prep, it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. In fact, if you travel a lot, there’s a simple way you can keep on top of your health when flying.

Pharmacist Seema Khatri of Roseway Labs explained: “Airplane cabins are pressurised to the equivalent of around 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. That lower pressure makes gases in your digestive system expand, which is why so many people feel bloated in the air.

“Add in dry cabin air, sitting still for hours and a disrupted eating routine, and your gut slows right down. It’s no surprise constipation is one of the most common post-flight complaints.”

She added that fizzy drinks, beans, garlic and onions are frequent culprits for in-flight bloating, as they create gas which expands more at altitude. Alcohol, meanwhile, not only dehydrates but can irritate the digestive tract, making matters worse.

According to Khatri, many people unknowingly make choices that compound the issue. “Skipping water in favour of coffee or wine is one of the biggest mistakes,” she added. “Both dehydrate you further. Another common mistake is ignoring the urge to use the plane toilets, but holding it in just makes things harder later.

“Heavy, processed meals before or during flights are another trigger. Fast food and sugary snacks often replace fibre-rich meals when people are travelling, and that low fibre intake makes constipation far more likely.”

To keep things moving, the expert shared some top tips. Khatri’s top pharmacist-approved strategies include:

• Stay well-hydrated before and during your flight. Start increasing your water intake one to two days before you travel, aiming for 2.7 to 3.7 litres a day, depending on your body size. Continue to sip water throughout the flight.
• Get up and walk the aisle every hour or do stretches in your seat.
• Choose herbal teas over fizzy or caffeinated drinks to stimulate digestion.
• Don’t ignore the urge to go. Use the toilet when you need it.

Khatri added: “Hydrate properly in the days before flying, keep meals light and fibre-rich and avoid alcohol where you can. Sticking to your normal sleep and bathroom routine also helps reduce disruption. With just a little preparation, you can save yourself a very uncomfortable holiday start.”

She said you can also pack some snacks to aid matters such as oat bars to give you a fibre boost without the bloat. Nuts and seeds are also filling, light and digestion-friendly.

As well as this, bananas and dried fruit are also good things to add. Khatri explained there are also a few mistakes you should avoid, which include:

• Swapping water for wine or coffee.
• Holding it in instead of using the loo.
• Loading up on fast food and fizzy drinks pre-flight.

With roughly 10 weeks to go before 2025 comes to a close, it looks as if it’ll be another banner year on Wall Street — and the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is a big reason why.

Empowering software and systems with AI capabilities affords them the opportunity to make split-second decisions and become more efficient at their assigned tasks without human intervention. It’s a game-changing technology that the analysts at PwC believe can add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by the turn of the decade.

Although dozens of public companies have benefited from the AI revolution, none have taken their spot on Wall Street’s mantle quite like Nvidia (NVDA 0.86%), the largest publicly traded company, and Palantir Technologies (PLTR 0.11%). Since 2022 came to a close, Nvidia stock has rocketed higher by more than 1,100% and added over $4 trillion in market value. Meanwhile, Palantir shares are approaching a nearly 2,700% cumulative gain, as of the closing bell on Oct. 16, 2025.

Image source: Getty Images.

While there’s a laundry list of reasons that can justify the breathtaking rallies we’ve witnessed in both companies, this dynamic AI duo has also issued a very clear warning to Wall Street that can’t be swept under the rug.

Nvidia’s and Palantir’s success derives from their sustainable moats

There are few business characteristics investors appreciate more than sustainable moats. Companies that possess superior technology, production methods, or platforms don’t have to worry about competitors siphoning away their customers.

Nvidia is best known for its world-leading graphics processing units (GPUs), which act as the brains of enterprise AI-accelerated data centers. Though estimates vary, Nvidia is believed to control 90% or more of the AI-GPUs currently deployed in corporate data centers.

No external GPU developers have come close to challenging Nvidia’s Hopper (H100), Blackwell, or Blackwell Ultra chips, in terms of compute abilities. With CEO Jensen Huang targeting the release of a new advanced AI chip in the latter half of 2026 and 2027, it seems highly unlikely that Nvidia will cede much of its AI-GPU data center share anytime soon.

To add fuel to the fire, Nvidia’s CUDA software platform has served as an unsung hero. This is the toolkit used by developers to build and train large language models, as well as maximize the compute abilities of their Nvidia hardware. The value of this software is exemplified by Nvidia’s ability to keep its clients within its ecosystem of products and services.

Meanwhile, the beauty of Palantir’s operating model is that no other company exists that can match its two core AI- and machine learning-inspired platforms at scale.

Gotham is Palantir’s true breadwinner. This software-as-a-service platform is used by the U.S. government and its primary allies to plan and oversee military missions, as well as gather and analyze data. The other core platform is Foundry, which is a subscription-based service for businesses looking to make sense of their data and automate some aspects of their operations to improve efficiency.

Palantir’s government contracts have supported a consistent annual sales growth rate of 25% or above, and played a key role in pushing the company to recurring profitability well ahead of Wall Street’s consensus forecast.

Yet in spite of these well-defined competitive edges, this AI-inspired dynamic duo has offered a stark warning to Wall Street and investors.

Image source: Getty Images.

Nvidia’s and Palantir’s insiders are sending a clear message to Wall Street

Though AI has been the hottest thing since sliced bread over the last three years, it’s not without headwinds.

For example, every next-big-thing technology and hyped innovation since (and including) the advent of the internet more than 30 years ago has endured an early innings bubble-bursting event. This is to say that all new technologies have needed time to mature, and evidence of that maturation isn’t wholly evident from the companies investing in AI solutions.

But perhaps the most damning message of all comes from the insiders at Nvidia and Palantir Technologies.

An “insider” refers to a high-ranking employee, member of the board, or beneficial owner holding at least 10% of a company’s outstanding shares. These are folks who may possess non-public information and know their company better than anyone on Wall Street or Main Street.

Insiders of publicly traded companies are required to be transparent with their trading activity. No later than two business days following a transaction — buying or selling shares of their company, or exercising options — insiders are required to file Form 4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings tell quite the tale with these two high-flying AI stocks.

Over the trailing five-year period, net-selling activity by insiders is as follows:

• Nvidia: $5.342 billion in net selling of shares
• Palantir: $7.178 billion in net selling of shares

In other words, insiders at the two hottest stocks in the AI arena have, collectively, sold $12.5 billion more of their own company’s stock than has been purchased since Oct. 16, 2020.

The stipulation to this publicly reported data is that most executive and board members at public companies receive their compensation in the form of common stock and/or options. To cover the federal and/or state tax liability tied to their compensation, company insiders often sell stock. In short, there are viable reasons for insiders to head for the exit that aren’t necessarily bad news.

What may be even more telling with Nvidia and Palantir Technologies is the complete lack of insider buying we’ve witnessed. The last time an Nvidia executive or board member purchased stock, based on Form 4 filings, was in early December 2020. Meanwhile, there’s been just one purchase by an executive or board member for Palantir since the company went public in late September 2020.

Neither Nvidia nor Palantir Technologies are inexpensive stocks, based on their price-to-sales (P/S) ratios. Over the trailing-12-month period, Nvidia and Palantir are valued at P/S ratios of 27 and 131, respectively. History tells us both figures aren’t sustainable over an extended period.

If no insiders from either company are willing to buy shares of their own stock, why should everyday investors?

Anyone who has a holiday in Rome coming up has been issued a warning. One holidaymaker who has just been to the Italian capital told people to be on ‘high alert’ when visiting

A holidaymaker in Rome has issued a stark warning to fellow tourists heading to the Italian capital after enduring a horrifying experience during her break. Caroline Jansson turned to TikTok to reveal she had been “robbed of all of her personal belongings” and urged others visiting the city to stay alert to their surroundings.

“I’ve just been with the police and they told me they [thieves] specifically target tourists,” she began in a video. She went on, explaining that those with hire cars should stay especially watchful after learning at the police station that numerous others had fallen victim to luggage theft straight from their rented vehicles.

“I talked to one woman who turned around to take a picture and she had her handbag stolen,” Caroline continued.

“There was another man who had his wallet and passport stolen out of his hand – so be very vigilant and look out for each other and each others’ suitcases because literally everything we had with us for the trip is now gone.”

Caroline revealed that consequently, she had lost numerous valuables including her iPad and two laptops in the European hotspot. Luckily one of those was a MacBook, enabling her to trace and find it inside one of the pinched bags – only to discover it had been abandoned in a ditch with no trace of her other belongings.

“We’re going to continue talking to the police and see how it goes,” Caroline said, before issuing a heartfelt plea to her followers to keep an eye out for her luggage if they happen to be in Rome.

In response, another tourist shared their own experience of theft in Rome. “We were robbed in the Rome train station,” they revealed. “Luckily an officer noticed this guy with a bag that didn’t match his look and we got it back. We were so lucky.”

A second person also revealed: “We were robbed, had our van smashed and they stole phones, iPads, handbag, money, camera. Police not interested. We were in a secure patrolled car park.”

Whilst a third TikTok user warned: “A group of three tried to pickpocket me and my husband on a very crowded bus. Just be careful and keep your belongings close to you and be aware.”

The UK government’s foreign travel advice section offers the following guidance for those visiting Rome, meanwhile.

“Thefts from parked cars happen in Rome, particularly in the Colosseum area, Ostia, Milan and Pisa. Thieves also target coastal areas and towns, and motorway service stations. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle – even out of sight in the boot – for any length of time.

“Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car.”

To reduce your personal risk:

• keep sight of your belongings at all times
• beware of thieves using distraction techniques
• avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
• leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe

A MASSIVE earthquake of magnitude 7.4 has rocked a southern island of the Philippines.

Thousands of people have been told to evacuate after authorities warned of a “destructive tsunami” in the aftermath of the quake.

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The tsunami threat has now passed, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre. 

One official in Manay said there were initial reports of damage to homes, buildings and bridges.

A video of the quake from the Philippine city of Davao showed office workers holding on to desks, with the creaking noises of structures.

Another showed toppled cabinets and evacuated workers gathering outside.

The governor of Davao Oriental province confirmed that several buildings have been damaged.

Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines’ president, said his government was working “round the clock” to help with the situation.

He said: “We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe.

“Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The quake was among the strongest in recent years to hit the Philippines, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and experiences more than 800 quakes each year.

The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat immediately after the quake, saying hazardous waves were possible for coasts within 186 miles of the earthquake’s epicentre.

The earthquake came two weeks after the Philippines experienced its deadliest quake in more than a decade, with 74 people killed on the island of Cebu. That was a magnitude of 6.9 and also struck offshore.

A tsunami warning was also issued in Indonesia for its northern Sulawesi and Papua regions.

Authorities warn that some coasts in Indonesia and the Pacific island nation of Palau could see waves of up to 1 metre.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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A POPULAR dog food has been urgently recalled over fears it contains traces of salmonella.

Pet owners have been advised to avoid feeding the frozen product to their pooches and return it to stores immediately.

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Rhondda Raw’s Beef 80-10-10 has been withdrawn from shelves and the firm is recalling the packages.

The raw frozen dog food is unsafe because salmonella has been found in the product, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.

The agency urged customers who brought the meat not to feed it to dogs and instead return it to a store for a full refund.

Affected products have batch codes 040825/BM and 050825/BM.

The packs, which include 454g of meat, are also marked with a best before of August 4, 2026.

The FSA said: “Rhondda Raw Ltd are recalling Beef 80/10/10 raw frozen dog food because Salmonella has been found in the product.

“Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in humans and animals. The product could therefore carry a potential risk.

“Rhondda Raw Ltd is recalling the product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product.

“This notice explains to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.”

Salmonella is a food bug that can cause illness in both humans and animals.

Owners could be put at risk while handling the pet food or bowls, as well as from animal poo.

Annual data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals there has been a significant rise in salmonella infections in England.

Cases hit a record decade high in 2024, soaring by almost a fifth in a single year to over 10,000 cases.

But separate data last month revealed cases in the first quarter of 2025 were even higher than 2024.

Some 1,588 cases were logged between January and March 2025, up on the 1,541 reported over the same period in 2024.

Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. 

Salmonella can cause a sudden bout of fever, vomiting and explosive diarrhoea, often striking within hours of eating tainted food.

The bacteria attacks the gut lining, damaging cells and stopping the body from soaking up water.

This is what leads to the painful cramps and nonstop diarrhoea as the body flushes out the water it couldn’t absorb.

Most people recover without treatment, but in rare cases it can turn deadly.

Around one in 50 sufferers go on to develop a serious blood infection, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications.

Salmonella lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo.

Food can get tainted if it’s grown in dirty water, handled with grubby hands, or touches surfaces exposed to animal waste.

Last month, an urgent warning was issued over “contaminated tomatoes” which could be the cause of a major salmonella outbreak.

The nasty outbreak has been linked to tomatoes and the UK Heath Security Agency has issued a new warning.

Experts revealed new, rare, strains of salmonella called as Salmonella Strathcona sparked the particularly severe bouts of sickness.

According to the ECDC and the EFSA, nine European countries have reported 29 cases of Salmonella Strathcona since January 2025.

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Sept. 22 (UPI) — Hurricane Gabrielle was expected to continue rapidly moving toward the Azores in the Atlantic on Wednesday, where the government has upgraded a hurricane watch to a warning.

The eye of the storm was located about 1,360 miles west of the Azores, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. AST update.

It was moving east-northeast at a blistering 25 mph and had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, a significant decrease from Tuesday when it was a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. As of Wednesday morning, it was a Category 3 hurricane.

The government of Portugal had issued a hurricane watch for all of the Azores, an autonomous region of the European nation, due to Gabrielle on Tuesday, but upgraded it to a warning on Wednesday.

A hurricane warning is generally issued 36 hours before the anticipated first impact of tropical-storm-force winds and is a signal that one should complete storm preparations.

“On the forecast track, the center of Gabrielle will approach the Azores during the day on Thursday, and move across the island chain Thursday night into Friday,” the NHC said.

Gabrielle had been traveling northwest and made a turn to the north toward Bermuda as it gathered strength last week. But the storm made a turn toward the east on Monday and passed east of the island Monday night.

Forecasters said Gabrielle was weakening and will continue to do so as it travels over the northeastern Atlantic.

The swells from the storm will continue to reach the U.S. eastern coast from North Carolina northward, as well as Atlantic Canada, the NHC said, adding that they are expected to continue through this week.

“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” it said.

Gabrielle is the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

Last month, Erin became a Category 5 hurricane with 160-mph winds spreading across a 500-mile area.

ITV’s Coronation Street aired shock scenes on Monday night which saw a villain killed off without any warning after subjecting two characters to a load of abuse

Coronation Street aired shock scenes on Monday night in which a villain was killed off without any warning. Richard Winsor, 43, has been playing homophobic church clerk Noah Hedley on the long-running serial for the past few months, and was placed at the centre of a controversial storyline.

When Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) made his debut on the programme, he was introduced as a married man who had two kids with wife Danielle (Natalie Anderson) before it was revealed that he had been put through conversion therapy earlier in life. After his wife left him once his affair with Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) was exposed, she struck up a relationship with Noah, and he has been on a campaign of hate ever since.

In the latest trip to the nation’s favourite street, viewers watched as Theo geared up for a custody hearing concerning his children Millie and Miles, with Todd and Noah sitting in on the whole thing in court as well. Throughout it all, Noah made homophobic comments , which led to an outburst from Todd. He left and waited at home, where Theo told him he had been granted a ‘shared care agreement order,’ and the pair went to the Bistro for lunch.

READ MORE: Coronation Street’s William Roache reveals two-year feud with legendary co-starREAD MORE: Coronation Street’s Todd Grimshaw left on verge of tears after vicious attack

However, Noah turned up and things between them immediately got heated as he subjected Todd and Theo to a torrent of abuse as he revealed that Danielle was set to appeal the decision.

He told them: “I’m concerned. People like you are allowed to live near kids, twisting their little minds so they end up like you.” Todd interjected with, ‘That’s enough!’ but Noah shot back: “I don’t think it, not while disgusting perverts like you are allowed to do what they want.” He labelled homosexuality as ‘a form of mental illness,’ and when Theo simply told him he ‘couldn’t get to them’ now, Noah simply said: “We’ll see…” and walked out.

A short time later, Todd and Theo had been joined in the Bistro by Todd’s adoptive daughter Summer (Harriet Bibby) and Dee Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) to celebrate. But things took another dramatic turn when Natalie burst into the restaurant that Noah had died.

Looking for answers, she demanded: “What did you do to him? What did you do to Noah?! He’s dead! The last I heard he was coming to see you.” When asked how Noah had died, she explained through tears: “I found him in his front room, I called 999. The paramedic said he’d had a heart attack.”

Dee Dee assured Danielle that no one could make someone have a heart attack and it must have been an underlying condition. Danielle, hysterical by this point, then proclaimed: “This is all my fault. I did all this! Come on, Theo, you hate me!” but he insisted that was not the case, and they will always be connected in some form because of the children they have together.

Back at their flat, Theo had burst into tears over the shock news and admitted there was a time in his life that he ‘loved’ Noah. He explained: “He wasn’t always the bad guy. He was my friend. Maybe the best friend I’ve ever had. That’s why it was so much harder when he started to change. I loved him. I looked up to him. I thought he cared about me but maybe it was never real. Do you know what? I hate myself for saying this but I miss him. I always will.”

In recent weeks, viewers have seen Todd become a victim of control as he was forbidden from seeing former boyfriend Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), and in disturbing scenes that aired last month, Theo grabbed hold of him and forced him to eat a kebab. The night before Noah’s death, Todd had thrown a small gathering to celebrate moving into their new flat together, but Theo took issue with the whole thing and made Todd sleep in the spare bedroom.

At the end of Monday’s episode, Theo told Todd: “I can’t do this without you. I mean it. If you ever left me…” before Todd assured him he wouldn’t. Theo warned him: “You’d better not!”

Coronation Street runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1. Episodes can also be downloaded on ITVX.

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Passport holders have been told that taking just their passport may not be good enough

The Foreign Office is advising travellers to take two essential documents when going on holiday. In addition to your passport, they recommend carrying another form of identification.

As part of their foreign travel checklist, officials urge people to “take an extra form of photo ID with you, other than your passport.” Alongside this, they also advise holidaymakers and business travellers to have a contingency or “backup plan” in place.

This is intended for situations where you may need to access important information like your accommodation details, flight information, passport number, emergency contacts and insurance policy. This could be crucial if you lose your phone.

Travellers are encouraged to share this information with trusted friends or family members, or to store it securely online using a reliable data storage platform. The Foreign Office also advises taking a few additional documents and completing certain tasks before departure, as part of their broader travel recommendations.

You should:

Recently, the HM Passport Office sent an urgent text to people heading on holiday. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, in a text, they urge people to follow a link before they fly.

They write: “Remember to check that your passport is valid for the country you are travelling to.” They add that you need to “check the entry requirements” listing their website.

Following the link, it takes you to the Foreign travel advice page. Listing a series of destinations, the page is there to help people get “advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.”

If you need to renew your passport, you can do it via the official GOV.UK website. The site allows you to apply for a new passport, renew your current one, update personal details or request a replacement – all while making secure payments online.

It’s important to note that passport fees vary depending on your age and how you apply. Applying online is the more affordable option, saving you £12.50 compared to applying by post. For full details on how to apply for a new UK passport, including costs and delivery times, you can visit Liverpool Echo.

NEW YORK — Two ABC affiliate owners spoke out against late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel ahead of ABC’s decision to suspend the presenter over comments he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Their comments highlight the influence that local TV station owners have on national broadcasters such as Disney-owned ABC.

Here are key facts about the two companies.

Nexstar Media Group, based in Irving, Texas, operates 28 ABC affiliates. It said it would pull Kimmel’s show starting Wednesday. Kimmel’s comments about Kirk’s death were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,” said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division.

The company owns or partners with more than 200 stations in 116 U.S. markets, and owns broadcast networks the CW and NewsNation, as well as the political website the Hill and nearly a third of the Food Network.

It hopes to get even bigger. Last month, it announced a $6.2-billion deal to buy TEGNA Inc., which owns 64 other TV stations.

The deal would require the Federal Communications Commission to change rules limiting the number of stations a single company can own. The FCC’s chair, Brendan Carr, has expressed openness to changing the rule.

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Sinclair Broadcast Group, based in Hunt Valley, Md., operates 38 local ABC affiliates. On Wednesday the company, which has a reputation for a conservative viewpoint in its broadcasts, called on Kimmel to apologize to Kirk’s family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to the activist’s political organization, Turning Point USA. Sinclair said its ABC stations will air a tribute to Kirk on Friday in Kimmel’s time slot.

Sinclair owns, operates or provides services to 178 TV stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks and owns Tennis Channel.

Controversies

Sinclair made headlines in 2018 when a video that stitched together dozens of news anchors for Sinclair-owned local stations reading identical statements decrying “the troubling trend of irresponsible, one-sided news stories plaguing the country” went viral. Sinclair didn’t disclose that it ordered the anchors to read the statement.

Nexstar operates similarly.

Danilo Yanich, professor of public policy at the University of Delaware, said the company is the “biggest duplicator” of news content today His research showed Nexstar stations duplicated broadcasts more than other affiliate owners.

Affiliate influence

Lauren Herold, an editor of the forthcoming book “Local TV,” said the web of companies involved in getting Americans their television shows is “relatively unknown” to most viewers, though their influence has been made known for decades.

Often, Herold said, that’s been when local affiliates have balked at airing something they viewed as controversial, such as the episode of the 1990s comedy “Ellen” in which Ellen DeGeneres’ character came out as gay.

“It’s not a complete oddity,” Herold said. “I think what’s more alarming about this particular incident to me is the top-down nature of it.”

Whereas past flare-ups between affiliates and their parent networks have often involved individual local TV executives, Herold pointed to the powerful voices at play in Kimmel’s suspension: Disney CEO Bob Iger, the FCC’s chair Carr, as well as Sinclair and Nexstar.

“The FCC kind of pinpointing particular programs to cancel is concerning to people who advocate for television to be a forum for free discussion and debate,” Herold said.

Jasmine Bloemhof, a media strategist who has worked with local stations, including ones owned by Sinclair and Nexstar, said consolidation has given such companies “enormous influence.” Controversies like the latest involving Kimmel, she said, “reveal the tension between Hollywood-driven programming and the values of everyday Americans.”

“Networks may push one agenda, but affiliates owned by companies like Sinclair and Nexstar understand they serve conservative-leaning communities across the country,” Bloemhof said. “And that friction is bound to surface.”

Anderson and Sedensky write for the Associated Press.

Important recommendation for parents who are planning to take young children on a trip to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura have been issued by one mum

A British mum has shared important crucial guidance for all parents with young children planning a getaway to one of a number of popular Spanish islands. Mother-of-one Melissa O’Donnell praised a firm that assisted her baby during a recent family break to Gran Canaria.

“If you are taking a baby abroad to one of these locations – Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura – you need to listen to this,” she began in a TikTok video. Confirming that the firm in question played no part in creating her clip, Melissa stated: “I’m doing this off my own back – I just want people to know how helpful it is.” She went on, revealing that Travel 4 Baby provides parents with the chance to rent “anything you could possibly need” for your baby whilst you are away.

“Cots, bath seats, sterilising machines, buggies, car seats – even down to potties – they have everything you’d want to put it in your suitcase but aren’t able to bring,” Melissa raved. “They are priced really fairly too.”

To highlight her point, she revealed she paid €20 [£17.34] for a snooze shade “for as long as we wanted it”. Melissa added: “They drop the item off at the hotel wherever you are staying and come and pick it up the day that you leave.”

Scores of others rushed to commend Travel 4 Baby as well, sharing their own holiday experiences with the firm.

“We used them when we went to Lanzarote!” one TikTok user wrote. “They have no idea how much it helped us!”

A second satisfied customer shared: “We used them for Lanzarote when baby was only 12 weeks old. When we arrived at hotel the steriliser, bottle, formula and water were all there when we arrived at check in. Definitely recommend them.”

A third added: “We hired so much from them in Tenerife last month. Made life so much easier and they were brilliant to deal with. Everything waiting for us at the hotel.”

Whilst a fourth person praised: “They are fab. We used them back in 2022 for our little one’s first holiday. Walker (so he can mooch about tiled rooms safely) and travel cot. But they have so much more – even bottle safe water – fab company.”

Travel 4 Baby also caters for those holidaying to several destinations across Spain and Portugal including major cities, and plans to extend its services to further hotspots including Benidorm in the near future.

The company offers further advice online, listing its top tips for a stress free trip with baby – which are:

• On the plane, babies under two years old can sit on your knee or some airlines let you book and pay for an extra seat for more space and comfort
• Change your babies nappy or take them to the toilet just before you board the aircraft
• Try keep them awake at the airport so they will sleep on the plane (fingers crossed!)
• Feed them when you get on the plane rather than before. The combination of feeding and the rocking and noise of the plane, will often send your baby to sleep.
• Take extra formula, snacks, nappies etc just in case of a delay.
• Always remember, if you don’t want to be traveling with too much luggage and baby items, check with us before you travel as most baby items can be hired and delivered to you in resort. Travel 4 baby has everything you will need and the less luggage you have to bring the better.

A travel expert has revealed why people should actually avoid using bright or distinctive suitcases – and shared some additional top tips to help keep your luggage safe at the airport

Many holiday makers and frequent flyers rely on simple hacks to take the stress out of travelling – and that includes using bright and distinctive suitcases.

Choosing luggage that’s instantly recognisable makes a big difference when it comes to the chaos of the luggage carousel. But now experts have warned that standout suitcases could actually be setting you up as a target for thieves.

Andrea Platania, a travel expert at Transfeero, said that while people believe using a distinctive case is the smart choice, it’s actually safer to blend in.

READ MORE: ‘Barcode sign’ that means you are likely to be targeted in SpainREAD MORE: Bank holiday warning as three habits could make Brits targets for criminals abroad

“A bold suitcase might look fashionable, but it catches the eye of the wrong people,” Andrea has explained. “If you really want to travel securely, go for something ordinary, or even a little worn. It doesn’t draw attention and it doesn’t advertise what might be inside.”

Instead, make your luggage recognisable to you by using discreet personal touches. Small ribbons, stickers or markers can help you spot your bag quickly at baggage claim, without turning it into a neon sign for thieves.

“It’s about balance,” Andrea added. “You want to recognise it instantly without making it look like treasure on wheels.”

Travellers could also consider slipping a cheap, plain-coloured cover over their bags to help tone down stand-out designs and also protect against damage.

The most important thing, however, is to make sure your luggage is properly secured – even a simple padlock can make a difference, according to Andrea, who says that opportunistic thieves are less likely to bother with a bag that presents any kind of obstacle.

READ MORE: 1 essential item should ‘never’ be packed in your suitcase, travel expert warns

Another top tip is to keep count of your bags; whether you’re waiting for your flight, stopping for a drink, or heading through security, mentally tracking how many bags you have means you won’t leave one behind.

Travellers can also consider slipping an affordable tracking device that uses GPS or Bluetooth into their luggage for extra peace of mind. Taking photos of your bags before travelling – including shots of the front, back and any unique details or stickers – can also make life much easier if you need to file a police report or insurance claim.

On the subject of insurance, people are also strongly advised to double-check that their policy covers belongings outside the home – and if not, should consider topping up with travel insurance that includes baggage protection.

“Losing a suitcase is stressful, but the sting is far worse if you’re left footing the bill,” the expert said, adding that theft should be reported straight away to the British Transport Police if you’re at a station, or to the airline if you’re at the airport. Quick action not only improves your chances of recovering belongings but also eases the insurance process.

A BODY has been found in the search for a missing County Durham man.

Police were searching for 35-year-old Dean from Chester-le-Street when they recovered the body Wednesday afternoon.

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While formal identification is yet to take place, the body is believed to be Dean.

Durham Constabulary issued an appeal to help find the missing man early on Wednesday.

His mum also posted an appeal on Facebook, writing: “Has anyone seen my son Dean he left home yesterday at 11am to go to the gym at Chester le Street and he hasn’t come home.”

She posted another photo of Dean this evening without a caption.

He had last been seen crossing the road to the cycle path near the Pelton Buffs Social Club just before 11am on Monday.

The body was recovered from the Pelton area.

Police thanked Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue for their help during the search.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary told ChronicleLive: “We’re very sorry to report that a body has been found in the search for Dean. Sadly, the body of a man was recovered from the Pelton area this afternoon.

“Formal identification has yet to take place, but we believe it to be that of the 35-year-old, from Chester-le-Street. Dean’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“We’re very sorry to report that a body has been found in the search for Dean. Sadly, the body of a man was recovered from the Pelton area this afternoon (August 20).

“Formal identification has yet to take place, but we believe it to be that of the 35-year-old, from Chester-le-Street. Dean’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”

His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The coastline of Alicante has been placed under a red alert for hot temperatures from midday today (August 18) until the evening, while the region of Vega del Segura is also under a red alert

British holidaymakers in Alicante and Benidorm are facing a rare red weather warning, with scorching temperatures set to hit 42C today (Monday, August 18).

The Alicante coastline and Vega del Segura region, encompassing Murcia city, have been slapped with a red alert for extreme heat from midday through to evening.

Meanwhile, amber warnings are active across southern Spain with the mercury expected to soar to 40-42 °C. This covers Huelva in the south west and Seville. It comes after holidaymakers abandon Marbella as waiters left ‘with heads in their hands’.

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Yellow warnings have been issued for central and northeastern Spain, reports the Manchester Evening News. Whilst conditions won’t be quite as blistering here, temperatures are still forecast to climb into the high 30s.

Similar sweltering conditions are anticipated across the Balearic Islands. Ibiza, Formentera and northern Majorca are under amber heat warnings, with peaks of 39C predicted.

Menorca faces a yellow alert and could see the thermometer hit 36C. No warnings are currently in place for the country’s northwest. Looking ahead to Monday, August 18, Aemet forecasters said: “Significant drop in temperatures in the northwestern half of the Iberian Peninsula.

“They will remain significantly high in the southeastern half, as well as in parts of the Balearic and Canary Islands, reaching 40 degrees in the Guadalquivir and low-pressure areas in the southeast.”

Areas in the north east could experience downpours and thunderstorms, especially close to the Pyrenees. Majorca stays under a yellow heat alert, with temperatures reaching 36C predicted, whilst the Mediterranean coastline will continue to swelter.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, Aemet stated: “A significant drop in temperatures will occur in the southeastern and eastern parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

“However, temperatures will remain significantly high in parts of the Mediterranean peninsula, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. Showers and thunderstorms will be locally heavy with very strong gusts in the Pyrenees, the eastern Iberian Peninsula, and areas in between.”

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On August 4, 294 passengers were trapped on a flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and not allowed to disembark for almost 29 hours owing to a severe ‘Black Warning’.

Those boarding Cathay Pacific flight 883 on August 4, 2025, from Los Angeles to Hong Kong knew they were in it for the long haul — but little did they know exactly how long it would be.

In what can rightly be described as a nightmare flight from hell, 294 passengers were trapped on flight CX883 and not allowed to disembark for almost 29 hours.

While the initial journey from Los Angeles to Hong Kong averages around 13.5 hours, passengers aboard flight CX883 ended up spending almost twice that amount of time on the Cathay Pacific Boeing 777 due to a ‘black warning’ in Hong Kong at the time of landing. It comes after a ‘traumatised’ family are stranded at Palma Airport after being told they can’t board a Jet2 flight.

The Hong Kong Observatory issues a Black Rainstorm Warning in extreme weather conditions, which means over 70 mm of rain is expected to fall each hour increasing the likelihood of landslides, flooding, and severe disruption. In such cases, flights may be delayed, diverted, or cancelled.

And that’s exactly what happened with flight CX883.

After taking off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 12:55am local time, nearly 300 passengers onboard the Cathay Pacific flight made their way west across the Pacific.

After 13 hours, as the 15-year-old Boeing 777 craft began its final 5,000-foot descent into Hong Kong International Airport, the Black Warning was issued, and flight CX883 was diverted to Taipei to wait out the weather. The plane then landed at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport after 15 hours and 33 minutes since departing from LAX.

While it’s standard practice for Cathay Pacific to regularly divert to Taipei when a landing in Hong Kong is not possible — what’s unusual is Cathay Pacific’s decision not to allow passengers to disembark for another 10.5 hours citing immigration restrictions and international laws.

This resulted in the craft sitting at various remote stands on the tarmac, as per Flightradar24 . In fact, flight CX883 may have just broken the record for the world’s longest commercial flight in terms of duration spent by passengers inside the cabin.

Terrifying scenes from inside the flight were posted to the social media platform Threads by aircraft engineer Fahad Naim (@mfahadnaimb) with the caption: “On August 4th, a flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong set a new record for the longest continuous time spent in an airplane cabin.

“The flight, CX883, was delayed due to a thunderstorm in Hong Kong and was diverted to Taiwan. Passengers spent nearly 29 hours in the cabin, waiting for the weather to clear. The flight finally landed in Hong Kong on August 5th, and passengers applauded the pilot for a safe landing.”

Replying to a comment on his post, Fahad provided an insight into the situation inside the plane, writing: “I think the crew had it way harder because a lot of passengers were anxious and wanted to get off the plane. Plus, dealing with complaints and requests for food and drinks would make things even tougher for the flight attendants.”

At some point, Cathay Pacific was forced to swap out the pilots and cabin crew operating flight CX883, so as to ensure the crew were legally fit to finish out the final leg of the gruelling journey. The flight finally landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 7:15pm local time on August 5 — an astounding 28 hours and 20 minutes after its departure from the origin airport (LAX).

Hong Kong’s rare Black Rainstorm Warning comes as the city was battered with more than 350mm (13.8 inches) of rain in just a few hours on August 5 — making it the region’s most severe weather alert and the highest recorded daily rainfall in August since 1884 (when annual rainfall records started being kept).

The Mirror has approached Cathay Pacific for comment.

Health authorities are warning people to keep their distance from “risky” animals

The Catalan Department for Health has issued a warning as 21% of animal attacks in the area are now considered to be “risky” for disease transmission. Bats with rabies are a particular concern according to the authority.

It urged people in Catalonia to avoid contact with bats at all costs as these animals are the main carriers of rabies in the area. Rabies is passed on through bites, scratches and other close contact from an infected animal such as an infected animal licking your eyes, nose or mouth.

The authority cautioned: “It is important that if a person finds a bat, they do not handle it, even if it seems harmless or injured. And in this case, notify rural agents so that they can take charge of its management.

“In the event of a bite, scratch or lick from an animal considered at risk, both in Catalonia and in any other territory, in addition to immediately washing the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary to consult a healthcare centre so that it can assess the actions to be taken.”

Officials also reminded people to be wary when travelling to other countries or areas that might have endemic rabies but Catalonia is currently free of terrestrial endemic rabies. This means that animals such as dogs, cats and ferrets in the area have no risk of contagion. The authority has highlighted that occasional instances of bats carrying the infection have been reported in the area.

Between January and 29 July this year, there were 88 animal attacks reported in Catalonia, with 22 involving bats, a figure consistent with previous years. However, this year has seen a significant increase in cases requiring intervention due to potential rabies infection, accounting for 63% of all incidents.

The health authority clarified that people who have been attacked by an animal deemed at risk of carrying rabies are typically administered anti-rabies medication and must adhere to a vaccination schedule following the suspected exposure.

Historically, June, July and August have been the peak months for animal attacks in Catalonia, with most incidents occurring during tourist trips in the region, on the streets or within domestic settings.

The NHS has issued a warning to travellers heading to Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to be particularly vigilant for rabies, as these regions have a higher prevalence of the disease.

In certain circumstances, a rabies vaccine may be recommended for those travelling to areas where access to emergency medical assistance may be limited or for those likely to come into contact with animals, such as those engaging in extensive outdoor activities.

Rabies is extremely rare in the UK and can be transmitted by various mammals including dogs, bats, raccoons and foxes. Currently, much like Catalonia, it’s only sporadically found in some bats in the UK.

Rabies can be prevented if treatment is sought promptly after exposure, according to health services. However, once symptoms begin to manifest, the disease becomes untreatable and is almost always fatal.

Holidaymakers have been urged to stop using their mobile phones for one thing at the airport. According to gaming expert, Dmitry Kandratsyeu, the mistake could be “costly”

While many of us love the thought of going on holiday, sometimes the airport experience can be quite stressful. From the queues to worrying if you have everything packed – all sorts of things cross your mind when you travel, which means it’s not always an easy process; however, an expert has warned there’s one activity you may want to steer clear of.

It you’re hoping for a peaceful and stress-free flight there’s one thing you may want to avoid doing at the airport to make your air travel experience a lot better. It’s advice you could really want to follow if you’re known to use your mobile phone a lot, as it could actually have a big impact on your journey.

With holiday season in full swing at the moment, there are all sorts of viral tips doing the rounds. But, when it comes to looking after yourself, and your tech, there’s vital advice people need to be aware of.

Games expert Dmitry Kandratsyeu, Head of Product at Solitaires.com, explained: “As a games expert with an interest in gaming habits, I’ve noticed that a lot of popular mobile games are designed to keep your brain on high alert. Fast-reaction titles like Candy Crush, Stack or Duet are all about quick thinking, bright visuals and constant rewards. It’s a recipe for staying engaged, but also for feeling overstimulated.

“In my view, when you play these kinds of games for long stretches during a flight, you’re not giving your mind much chance to switch off. Instead of helping you unwind, they can leave you feeling wired and restless. Your brain is processing rapid taps, colourful animations and pop-up messages all at once.

“That flood of stimulation doesn’t exactly set you up for a smooth nap or an easy adjustment to a new time zone, which can have a negative effect on jet lag symptoms.”

The expert added: “There’s also the matter of blue light from your phone or tablet. Research has shown that blue light can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps signal when it’s time to sleep.

“Combined with cabin lighting and the general disruption of your usual sleep routine, it’s easy to see how hours of fast-paced gameplay could make jet lag feel even worse.

“Of course, games can be a great way to pass the time on a long-haul flight. But it pays to think about what kind of experience you’re choosing. I’d recommend mixing in slower-paced options like Solitaire, word puzzles or audiobooks.

“These still help you stay occupied, but they don’t demand the same intense focus. If you do prefer fast-action games, try limiting your sessions and giving your eyes and brain regular breaks. Even something simple – like turning off your screen an hour before landing – can help you feel calmer and more rested when you step off the plane.

“Ultimately, it comes down to balance. Games are a fantastic way to make travel feel shorter but, in my opinion, it’s wise to be aware of how certain titles affect your mental state.

“Even just switching off your screen an hour before landing could make you feel noticeably more refreshed and ready to adjust to your destination.”

So, there you have it, how you use your phone at the airport can actually hinder your travel experience, espeically if you play games. While fast-paced games can overstimulate your brain, making it harder to relax during a flight, bright screens and quick reaction gameplay may disrupt your body’s natural sleep cues.

Choosing calmer games or offline puzzles could help you wind down and arrive feeling fresher, which means they are often the better choice if you feel the need to keep your brain active.

Record-breaking rains flooded parts of Hong Kong, disrupting flights, schools, and courts as the city recorded its highest August rainfall since 1884. The storm followed deadly flash floods in southern China that killed five people.

There are a number of hazards that can pose a risk to your devices on holiday, and travellers are being urged to be aware of them before they head away this summer

When jetting off abroad, mobile phones enable us to stay connected with family and friends, navigate unfamiliar locations and capture every precious holiday memory. However, taking your phone on holiday exposes certain risks.

There are the standard threats you encounter daily, such as damage from accidental tumbles and bumps, or the possibility of theft. Additionally, there are extra perils you encounter when holidaying at coastal resorts or scorching destinations.

Mobile specialists at Compare and Recycle have cautioned travellers to be vigilant about three dangers to their gadgets while on holiday. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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Even minuscule sand particles can inflict considerable harm to your gadget, increasing the likelihood of malfunction or potentially making it trickier to trade in later.

Lee Elliott, chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, warned: “Our phones are a lifeline while we’re abroad. We use them for navigation, keeping in touch with people and for spending money.

“Unfortunately, most phones aren’t as durable as we think they are when exposed to sun, sea and sand. Knowing what not to do if your phone gets damaged can be the difference between saving it or losing it for good.”

The three dangers holidaymakers must steer clear of are: saltwater corrosion, sand infiltrating the charging port and heat-related overheating, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Holiday-goers are advised to ensure they take the following precautions:

• If you’re taking your phone in the sea or pool making sure you use waterproof pouches – or avoid taking it out when next to the water altogether because not only would you need a new phone, but your old one would be worth nothing – as any water damage at all completely devalues your device when it comes to selling it on to a mobile phone recycler. If your phone does go for a dip, it’s best to turn it off immediately to stop the water damaging the phone any further, and have it be repaired by a professional as soon as possible.

• Never poke sand out of your charging port with anything metallic. The experts advise opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush to try and dislodge the sand granules, using Blu-tack, or trying another type of soft putty. If it won’t budge, don’t force it and avoid blowing hot air into the port too as this can induce moisture.

• If you cannot keep your phone in the shade (for example, if you’re sunbathing) turn it onto flight mode or battery saver to help it stay cooler and put it in your bag – and if it does overheat, always remove the case to help it cool down faster.

READ MORE: Ryanair-approved cabin case to rival Antler gets slashed by 30% in summer sale

BREAKINGBREAKING,

Quake strikes 136km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s far east, according to US Geological Survey.

Tsunami alerts have been issued in multiple countries after a powerful earthquake off the Russian coast, with waves of 3-4 metres reported in Russia’s far east.

A tsunami measuring 3-4 metres high was recorded in parts of Russia’s Kamchatka region, the regional minister for emergency situations said early on Wednesday.

The magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck 136km (85 miles) east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s far east, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Japan’s meteorological agency issued a tsunami advisory for the country, warning of waves of up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) high.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an immediate “tsunami watch” for the state of Hawaii.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said in a social media post that the quake may be strong enough to “generate destructive waves” in Hawaii.

There have been no reports of damage or casualties so far.

More to follow…