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California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has enlisted new allies in his legal battle to unravel Nexstar Media Group’s takeover of rival television station group Tegna Inc.

Late Thursday, Bonta announced that five additional states have joined his coalition that is suing to block the $6.2-billion merger. With the additional plaintiffs, the group of top state law enforcement officers has grown to 13 — and the campaign now is a bipartisan effort.

“Antitrust enforcement is not political — it’s about protecting working families and helping ensure the benefits of a vibrant economy are for everyone, not just well-connected corporations,” Bonta said in a statement. “We welcome our sister states into the fray and look forward to fighting alongside them.”

The new states are Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont. They have joined existing the plaintiffs that represent the people of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Virginia.

Nexstar owns KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles.

U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley two weeks ago granted a request by the attorneys general to issue a preliminary injunction halting the merger as the legal case proceeds. The proposed merger — which Nexstar rushed to complete despite opposition from the states — would create the nation’s largest broadcast station group with 265 television stations, up from 164 that Nexstar currently controls.

In dozens of markets, including San Diego and Sacramento, Nexstar would own multiple major TV network affiliates. That duplication has raised concerns about staff consolidations and widespread newsroom layoffs.

“State attorneys general nationwide understand just how important robust antitrust enforcement is to American life — and what a rotten deal this is for consumers, for workers, for affordability, and for our local news,” Bonta said.

El Segundo-based DirecTV separately filed a lawsuit to block the deal, saying the Nexstar-Tegna consolidation would harm their business by forcing DirecTV to pay significantly higher fees for the rights to carry their stations as part of its programming lineup.

A Nexstar representative was not immediately available for comment.

Nexstar contends the deal would strengthen TV station economics, allowing stations to bolster their news gathering and expand the number of newscasts. But DirecTV countered that in markets where Nexstar owns two stations, it relies on just one newsroom to program both channels.

Nexstar’s proposed purchase of Tegna would give the Irving, Texas-based Nexstar stations in 44 states covering 80% of the U.S. population.

The federal judge ruled there was sufficient merit in the antitrust arguments brought by Bonta and the others to pause Nexstar’s takeover of Tegna until a trial can be held to decide whether the merger is illegal.

“Nexstar must permit Tegna to continue operating as a separate and distinct, independently managed business unit from Nexstar,” Nunley wrote in his 52-page order on April 17. “And Nexstar must put measures in place to maintain Tegna as an ongoing, economically viable, and active competitor.”

LILY Allen has suffered a fresh woe after the sale of her former New York marital home fell through.

It went on the market just days after the Lily’s latest album, which details the alleged infidelity in her marriage, was released last year.

The lavish pad was on sale for £6m ($8m), and it was reported in January that a price of £5m ($7m) had been agreed.

However, the home in Brooklyn is back on the books of estate agents Gambino for £5.3m ($7.3m).

The 19th-century brownstone was reimagined by designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff specifically for Lily and her former husband, the Stranger Things actor David Harbour.

The pair, who split in 2024 and are now divorced, recently made headlines following the release of Lily’s album, West End Girl, which alleges that David was unfaithful during their marriage and in one of their homes, possibly 381, Union Street.

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The couple purchased the house in 2021 and gave Architectural Digest a tour of the premises two years later.

The video, which went viral and now has 8.2 million views on YouTube, features some of the couple’s more curious design ideas.

These include a pink fridge in their carpeted bathroom, their windowless pink bedroom and a pair of back-to-back green sofas that, according to the couple, were perfect for arguments.

The couple paid £2.4m ($3.3 million) for the five-bedroom, four-bathroom property in 2020 and its new owners will inherit their busy botanical wallpaper , a kitsch tiger-print television room, and other flamboyant features — which Gambino describes as ‘whimsical’.

Outside, in the garden, there is a cold plunge pool and a sauna.

Gambino tells would-be buyers: “Nestled on one of the most sought-after blocks in Carroll Gardens, 381 Union Street is an enchanting, 22-foot-wide brownstone reimagined by AD100 designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff of MADE.

“This late-19th-century townhouse unfolds across four levels. From its stately facade to its refined interior palette, the home is a layered narrative of traditional English charm, modern Brooklyn sensibilities, and rich Italian influence.”

Earlier this year, Lily opened up about her state of mind and the “huge change” in her family life situation following her split.

The popstar candidly told how she had now come out from the other side of a “nervous breakdown” which saw her hospitalised.

Lily, 40, who shares two daughters with first husband Sam Cooper, and endured a bitter split with Stranger Things actor David, 50, last year.

Cheating allegations and a marriage lacking intimacy were allegations levelled at the Netflix actor by Lily.

The marriage breakdown sparked Smile songstress Lily’s first album in seven years.

At the heart of the record is a character called Madeline, who Lily confirmed to the Times is a construct of other people, and the secret relationship she has with a man many are interpreting to be Harbour.

Lily previously told how she was suicidal after her marriage split and voluntarily opted to go to rehab.

She has previously been open about her recreational use of drugs and alcohol but she opted to quit the substances six years ago.

It led the star to find her marriage split even more challenging as she wasn’t able to use the substances as a way out.

Lily said: “The feelings of despair that I was experiencing were so strong.

“The last time that I felt anything like that, drugs and alcohol were my way out, so it was excruciating to sit with those [feelings] and not to use them.”

Lily said: “I’ve been into those places before against my will and I feel like that’s progress in itself.

“That’s strength. I knew that the things I was feeling were too extreme to be able to manage, and I was like, ‘I need some time away’.”

The town was also recognised as one of the “Happiest Places to Live in 2025”

In an age where numerous British high streets have fallen victim to a “clone town” plague of betting shops and vacant premises, one Tudor-framed town in the West Midlands is mounting a spectacular, independent fightback. Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin, was crowned ‘Britain’s best high street’ for two years running – and with an impressive tally of roughly 515 independent shops, it’s easy to understand why.

Cradled within a bend of the River Severn, this Shropshire treasure has achieved what many deemed impossible: building a retail landscape where local enterprises don’t just survive but significantly outnumber the national chains.

The town was also recognised as one of its ‘Happiest Places to Live in 2025’ and the leading town in the Midlands by The Guardian. It boasts dozens of historic pubs, including The Bull Inn and The Nags Head, which stretches back to the 16th century and appeared in A Christmas Carol (1984).

When the Daily Express dropped by the town, Seb Slater, executive director at Shrewsbury BID, explained that the combined efforts of businesses, the Business Improvement District (BID), and the local councils to deliver effective campaigns and schemes ensure that Shrewsbury “enjoys strong footfall and vacancy rates that remain well below the national average, with a continuous stream of new businesses keen to open here,” reports the Express.

He added: “Shrewsbury serves a wide customer catchment area extending across Shropshire and mid Wales alongside a growing visitor economy that strengthens our reputation as a leading regional destination.”

A shining example of this independent spirit is Shrewsbury’s Market Hall, which has been voted Britain’s favourite market across multiple years and claimed the title of best community market in 2026.

Commercial, markets and events manager at the town council, Ian Thorpe, told the Express it is a “treasured asset” that will celebrate its 60th anniversary this September, adding that the “fantastic traders provide an eclectic shopping experience for both residents and tourists.”

Yet perhaps the true jewel in Shrewsbury’s crown is Wyle Cop, widely regarded as the longest unbroken stretch of independent businesses in the UK.

This historic thoroughfare is a masterclass in boutique retail and a stunning showcase of the town’s architectural heritage.

Lining the street are numerous 17th-century timber-framed buildings, and the Cop is home to 39 of Shrewsbury’s almost 800 listed buildings, according to the town’s official website.

Beyond its thriving retail scene, Shrewsbury has much more to offer. The town’s 29-acre Quarry Park and Gardens provide a vast swathe of green space, ideal for leisurely winter walks or cycling trips.

Rich in history and flanked by listed buildings, you could easily while away the hours exploring the town’s captivating architecture, from the iconic

Shrewsbury Abbey and the striking red sandstone castle, to the Old Market Hall and Shrewsbury Prison, known as The Dana, which dates back to 1793.

Beyond that, there’s the Museum & Art Gallery and Theatre Severn to discover, as well as neighbouring green spaces such as Hawkstone Park Follies and National Trust Attingham Park.

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration will hold a meeting in the summer to consider easing restrictions on more than a half-dozen peptide injections, a group of unapproved therapies that have become popular among wellness influencers, fitness gurus and celebrities.

The meeting announcement Wednesday follows repeated pledges by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to loosen regulations on peptides, which are often pitched as a quick way to build muscle, heal injuries or appear younger. There’s little research behind those claims and most peptides have not been reviewed for safety by the FDA.

Kennedy has discussed using peptides for his own injuries. And some major supporters of his Make America Healthy Again movement are big proponents of them, including Gary Brecka, a self-described “longevity expert” who sells various peptide formulas through his website.

The FDA said in a federal notice Wednesday that it will ask a panel of outside advisors to review seven peptides at a meeting in July, specifically whether they should be added to a list of substances that can be safely produced by pharmacies. In the meantime, the agency said it would soon remove the chemicals from a restrictive list reserved for unapproved, high-risk drugs. The peptides under discussion include some of the most popular among influencers, such as BPC-157, which is marketed to heal injuries and reduce inflammation.

“The Wild West is about to become wilder,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, a former FDA official who now leads the Center for Science in the Public Interest. In an interview, Lurie said allowing peptides on the market without clinical testing poses a “profound threat” to FDA’s decades-old system for vetting drugs.

“I don’t see why one would take the path of a proper drug approval if there is now this less rigorous, alternative path to market,” he said.

Under President Biden, the FDA added nearly 20 peptides to the federal list of substances that should not be produced by compounding pharmacies — businesses that mix medications that aren’t available from drugmakers.

At the time, the FDA’s panel of pharmacy advisors voted overwhelmingly that the peptides did not meet the criteria for substances that can be safely compounded. And FDA regulators agreed, saying later that the substances “present significant safety risks,” because most have not been extensively tested in humans.

Many of the FDA advisors and internal staff who oversaw those decisions no longer work for the agency. The FDA’s pharmacy panel currently has a number of vacancies, which Kennedy could fill before the July meeting.

Kennedy previewed Wednesday’s move in an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan. Both men have repeatedly spoken about peptides and claimed to have benefited from their use.

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“I’m a big fan of peptides,” Kennedy told Rogan. “I’ve used them myself and with really good effect on a couple of injuries.”

Given Kennedy’s statements, Lurie said it was doubtful the drugs would receive real scrutiny from FDA.

“Everybody knows the outcome that the secretary wants,” Lurie said. “I don’t believe for one moment that what’s going on here is an honest investigation of whether these products should be compounded.”

Scott Brunner of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding said the coming meeting will be the start of a “protracted process.” Even if the panel votes to make the peptides available, and the FDA agrees, the agency will still have to draft and publish rules on the change, he noted.

Peptides are essentially the building blocks of more complex proteins. Inside the human body, peptides trigger hormones needed for growth, metabolism and healing.

In recent years peptides have become widely known through the blockbuster success of GLP-1 medications, which the FDA has approved for treating obesity and diabetes. Other FDA-approved peptides include insulin for diabetics and hormone-based drugs for several medical conditions.

But many of the peptides promoted online have never been approved, making them technically illegal to market as drugs. Several peptides, such as BPC-157 and TB-500, are banned by international sports authorities as doping substances.

But that has not stopped them from gaining a foothold in the burgeoning marketplace for wellness hacks and alternative remedies.

“I think this is a disaster in the works,” said Dr. Eric Topol of Scripps Research Translational Institute, who has studied the issue. “These peptides have no data to support their safety and efficacy.”

Meanwhile, some dietary supplement makers have begun mixing peptides into capsules, protein powders and gummies. At a recent FDA meeting, the industry argued for expanding the federal definition of supplements to permit the use of newer ingredients such as peptides in their products.

Safety risks were cited previously

When the FDA added a number of injectable peptides to its list of restricted substances in 2023, it cited safety risks including cancer and liver, kidney and heart problems.

That triggered pushback from wellness entrepreneurs, compounding pharmacies and their allies in Washington.

Last year several members of Congress, including Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, sent letters to Kennedy asking him to lift limits on peptide production.

Some in the compounding industry argue that FDA restrictions have given rise to an illicit market of imported chemicals from China and other countries, which are not subject to U.S. drug standards.

Kennedy has echoed those concerns.

“With the gray market you have no idea if you’re getting a good product,” Kennedy told Rogan. “And a lot of this stuff that we’ve looked at is just very, very substandard.”

Perrone writes for the Associated Press.

NEW YORK — Beverly Hills-based Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary faced a bruising courtroom loss Wednesday after a federal jury found that the company operated a monopoly over concert venues.

The verdict by a Manhattan, N.Y., jury came after a five-week trial and caps a closely watched case that could have far reaching effects across the music industry, potentially leading to the breakup of the companies.

Ticketmaster is the world’s largest ticket seller for live events, while Live Nation is a dominant force in the concert business.

The civil case began when the federal government alleged that Live Nation used its clout to engage in a variety of anticompetitive practices, including preventing venues from using multiple ticket sellers.

“It is time to hold them accountable,” Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the states, said in a closing argument. He called Live Nation a “monopolistic bully” that drove up prices for ticket buyers.

Jurors agreed. They found that Ticketmaster had overcharged consumers by $1.72 for each ticket. The judge will assess damages later.

Live Nation, which owns and operates hundreds of venues, countered that it did not violate U.S. antitrust laws, arguing that artists, sports teams and venues decide prices and ticketing practices.

“Success is not against the antitrust laws in the United States,” Live Nation attorney David Marriott said in his summation.

Live Nation said in a statement that the “jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter,” noting the court had yet to rule on a motion it had filed to challenge its liability in the case.

The trial revealed some embarrassing internal communications, including emails from a Live Nation executive who called customers “so stupid” and said the company was “robbing them blind, baby.” The executive, Benjamin Baker, testified that the messages were “very immature and unacceptable.”

The original lawsuit, led by a cadre of interested parties including the federal government, 39 states and the District of Columbia, dates to 2024. It alleged that Live Nation and Ticketmaster monopolized various aspects of the live music industry, such as concert promotion, venue operations, artist management and ticketing services.

Live Nation manages more than 400 artists and controls more than 265 venues in North America, while Ticketmaster simultaneously controls around 80% of the primary ticket marketplace and also is increasing its involvement in the resale market, according to the lawsuit.

Last month, Live Nation secured an unexpected tentative settlement with the Department of Justice in which the company agreed to several structural changes to its business, including adjustments to ticketing deals with venues, capping service fees and paying a $280-million fine.

However, more than 30 states, including California, decided to proceed with the trial. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta praised these state-led efforts to protect consumers, even amid dwindling antitrust enforcement from the Trump administration, he said in a statement.

“This is a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them,” Bonta said. “We are incredibly proud of today’s outcome … this verdict shows just how far states can go to protect our residents from big corporations that are using their power to illegally raise prices and rip-off Americans.”

Though a verdict has been reached, remedies for how Live Nation will be held accountable for its actions are still being decided by the judge.

One possibility is that the companies could be split up, an outcome favored by critics.

National Independent Venue Assn. Executive Director Stephen Parker said Ticketmaster and Live Nation need to be separate for the industry to see change.

“Live Nation and Ticketmaster must be broken up now. Ticketmaster should not be permitted to participate in the ticket resale market. Live Nation should not be able to promote more than 50% of artists’ tours,” Parker said in a statement. “And the damages paid to the states should be remitted to the independent venues, promoters, festivals, and fans that have suffered under Live Nation’s monopolistic reign over the last 15 years.”

Serona Elton, attorney and interim vice dean at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, said that the separation of Live Nation and Ticket master seems to be “on the table,” but she said it’s too early to assess the verdict’s fallout on the music industry.

Elton said fans might notice small changes in pricing, but there are factors other than Live Nation that are contributing to high ticket prices, such as the secondary ticket market as well as supply and demand challenges.

The verdict, Elton said, “sends a message of support to music companies and professionals working in the live space who have felt like they have suffered financial consequences because of Live Nation’s behavior.”

The ruling is a small but necessary step toward achieving a balanced and competitive ticketing industry, said Hal Singer, a managing director of economic consulting firm Econ One, who specializes in antitrust and consumer protection issues.

Forcing a Ticketmaster sale probably is the only remedy that will bring real change, Singer said.

“We’re not out of the woods quite yet,” Singer said. “We’ve kind of tilted the probability.… It could change the competitive balance. But that requires that a meaningful remedy follows the liability. You need both.”

Fans and some artists have long groused about Ticketmaster, which was founded in 1976 and merged with Live Nation in 2010.

Dustin Brighton, director of government relations for the Coalition for Ticket Fairness, agreed that although the verdict is a landmark moment for fans, “it’s not the end of the road.”

“As the court considers remedies, the focus must be on restoring competition, increasing transparency, and ensuring fans have real choice,” Brighton said in a statement.

Times staff writer August Brown and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

April 15 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s pet insurance market has expanded more than threefold in the past three years, but low enrollment rates continue to limit its growth, prompting insurers to step up marketing efforts.

According to industry data, the number of pet insurance policies in force reached 251,961 last year, up 55.4% from a year earlier. The figure has increased about 3.5 times from 71,896 in 2022.

New policy subscriptions have also risen steadily, while total premiums surpassed 100 billion won (about $75 million) for the first time, jumping from 28.8 billion won (about $21 million) in 2022 to 129.1 billion won (about $97 million) last year.

Despite the rapid growth, the market penetration rate remains low. Data from the KB Financial Research Institute show that only about 2-3% of pets are insured.

As of late 2024, about 15.46 million people in South Korea owned pets, with an estimated 7.63 million dogs and cats nationwide.

The low adoption rate contrasts with more mature markets such as Japan, where the pet insurance sector is valued at around 1 trillion won (about $750 million).

Industry officials say the market still has strong growth potential, driven by rising pet ownership and increasing veterinary costs. Government data show the average monthly veterinary expense per pet is about 37,000 won (about $28), though costs vary widely by clinic.

To raise awareness, insurers are expanding promotional efforts. Companies are launching supporter programs, hosting offline events and collaborating with influencers and pet trainers to reach potential customers.

For example, a pet-focused insurer recently launched a supporter program in which participants share their experiences using insurance products. Other companies have held in-person promotional events and partnered with well-known dog trainers to produce online content.

Analysts say high premiums and limited coverage remain key barriers. Calls are also growing for standardized veterinary pricing to reduce uncertainty in medical costs.

“As pets are increasingly seen as family members, interest in their health care is rising,” an industry official said. “Insurers are working to tap into latent demand by expanding coverage and improving price competitiveness.”

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260416010004872

A NEW £15million train station is set to open this summer in a pretty English market town, making it easier than ever to reach a stunning national park.

Excitement is already building ahead of its launch, with a brand new billboard unveiled, teasing a summer opening.

The new Okehampton Interchange station is currently under construction in Okehampton, right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Posting online, Devon & Cornwall’s Great Scenic Railways said: “Hurrah! Shiny new billboard in Okehampton to promote the town’s second station, which opens this summer.”

They added the sign will be updated once the official opening date is announced.

Rail bosses say the long-awaited addition will make it far easier for visitors to reach the scenic beauty spot and surrounding countryside.

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Thanks to its vicinity to the National Park, the scenic town is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as riding, swimming, fishing and golf.

It’s also home to the second oldest Norman Castle in the county. It lies in ruins now but is still a place to marvel at for any history buffs.

The £15million project forms part of wider upgrades to the Dartmoor Line, linking the town with Exeter and beyond.

Once open, the new station is expected to boost tourism by improving access to Dartmoor’s rolling hills, walking trails and outdoor activities.

It will sit close to the A30 and aims to serve the growing eastern side of the town, while easing traffic in the centre.

The interchange will also help reduce pressure on parking at the existing Okehampton station, which will remain open.

Plans for the site include cycle parking, electric vehicle charging points, and better walking and bus links to encourage greener travel.

Construction is well underway, with a footbridge, lift shaft and platform already taking shape.

European stocks were mostly steady on Wednesday as investors weighed signals from Washington that a diplomatic breakthrough in the Iran war could be imminent.

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The pan-European Stoxx 600 had ticked down 0.1%, Germany’s Dax edged 0.11% higher and the FTSE 100 climbed 0.11%. The CAC 40 in France fell by a slightly greater margin, at 0.65%.

US President Donald Trump said fresh talks between Washington and Tehran “could be happening over the next two days” in Islamabad, signalling a possible diplomatic breakthrough, and added that the war was “very close to over” — despite continued uncertainty over key sticking points in negotiations.

Asian markets were broadly higher.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.5%, South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.0% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.7%.

The Shanghai Composite added 0.2%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was little changed, up less than 0.1%.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 added 1.2% to its gains from the previous day, and the index at the heart of many 401(k) accounts is now just 0.2% below its record set in January.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 317 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 2%.

On Wednesday, benchmark US crude inched up by 1 cent to $91.29 a barrel.

Brent crude added 48 cents to $95.27, or less than 1%, after falling 4.6% the previous day. While that is still above its roughly $70 level from before the war began in late February, it remains well below the peak of $119.

Lower oil prices help reduce costs for businesses across the economy. However, some analysts noted that the war is still ongoing, warning that the optimism may prove unfounded.

“The counterintuitive decline in crude appears driven by growing hopes that a second round of peace talks between Washington and Tehran could soon materialise, after the first attempt fizzled out,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

“Traders are clearly choosing to price in the possibility of de-escalation rather than the immediate reality of restricted flows,” he added.

Asian nations depend on access to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that is the main route for crude oil produced in the Persian Gulf to reach customers worldwide. Disruptions there have kept oil off the global market, driving up prices.

Global inflation this year is expected to accelerate to 4.4% from 4.1% in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund, which had previously forecast a slowdown to 3.8%.

The IMF also downgraded its forecast for global economic growth to 3.1% this year, from 3.3% projected in January.

Overall, the S&P 500 rose 81.14 points to 6,967.38. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 317.74 points to 48,535.99, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 455.35 points to 23,639.08.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased as falling oil prices reduced inflationary pressure. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.25% from 4.30% late Monday.

In currency trading, the US dollar edged up to 159.03 Japanese yen from 158.79 yen. The euro stood at $1.1780, down from $1.1797.

US stocks climbed to the brink of a record high on Tuesday, while oil prices eased as hopes grew that Washington and Tehran may resume talks to end their war.

The S&P 500 rose 1.2%, leaving it just 0.2% below its January peak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 2%, tracking broader global market gains.

Investors are betting that renewed diplomacy could prevent a prolonged surge in oil prices and inflation, allowing focus to return to corporate earnings.

Brent crude for June delivery fell 4.6% to $94.79, down from recent highs, though still above pre-war levels.

However, volatility remains high, with markets sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supply.

Buyout firm Leonard Green & Partners is reportedly close to acquiring Cumming Group from New Mountain Capital, in a transaction that could value the business at around $3 billion including debt.

The deal, which could be announced within weeks, would transfer ownership

THERE are English market towns that cling lovingly to the past — all Georgian facades, cobbled streets and the gentle chime of church bells.

And then there is Sherborne.

A Dorset town that still manages to do all that, while at the same time establishing itself as one of the West Country’s most up-and-coming foodie destinations.

On its attractive high street, record stores and trendy coffee spots sit alongside chintzy tea rooms that seem preserved in time.

And slap bang in the middle of that action is Oxford’s Bakery, whose shelves are piled high with artisanal loaves, sticky doughnuts, chocolate-y treats and savoury pastries.

While the shop is in the heart of town, the real magic happens at the chain’s site in nearby Alweston where the Oxford family have been baking bread for over 200 years.

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Led by head baker Dave Chapman, this flour-dusted kitchen pumps out between 250 and 800 loaves every day cooked in ovens that were first installed in 1921.

A 75-year-old antique dough mixer — a similar size to a hot tub — is also still used and is the last working one of its kind in the world.

Dave tells me: “Our ovens are our main feature and the main attraction — they are over 105 years old.

“I’m baking at nine tonight, and that’ll be billowing smoke,” he says.

“These ovens bake around seven days a week and they’re never cold.”

That inviting mix of old and new runs deep through Sherborne.

Sherborne Abbey stands grandly in the centre, its stunning fan-vaulted ceiling hailed as beautiful as any work of the Italian Renaissance.

The Abbey dates to 705 AD, and two Saxon kings are buried here. Another historical gem, Sherborne Old Castle, is 20 minutes’ walk away, and opens to visitors in summer.

And souvenir shoppers won’t be disappointed. Sherborne Antiques

Market has more than 40 dealers and is a cavern of curiosities.
Of course, there’s plenty more to see of the local food scene and at its heart is The Clockspire.

Found in the village of Milborne Port, a short ten-minute taxi journey from Sherborne, the two AA Rosette restaurant resides in a former primary school. But you won’t find a turkey twizzler in sight.

With its wrought-iron chandeliers, low level lighting and a stylish mezzanine cocktail bar, it would make the perfect date spot, but my friend and I didn’t feel out of place with our two little ones either.

Having trained with Michael Caines at Lympstone Manor, chef Luke Bryant serves up first-class West Country produce — think crispy pork belly on a puddle of “bacon foam” or perfectly pink beef sirloin on top of an oozy onion sauce (£37).

There’s even a kids’ menu with hand-made fish goujons with chips and peas (£10), which my 22-month-old Sylive wolfed down.

Don’t leave without trying the stem ginger mousse with rhubarb and creme fraiche sorbet (£13), either. It was simply irresistible.

We’d been staying at The Eastbury Hotel and Spa, a proud five-star joint in a listed Georgian townhouse.

Originally designed as an 18th century gentleman’s residence, our room felt suitably grand, with a free-standing bath, ornate Chinese screen and luxurious antique furniture.

There are 21 traditional rooms in the original buildings plus Potting Shed Suites set in the walled garden for those wanting extra privacy.

There’s a billiard room, a croquet lawn and garden spa, offering top quality treatments.

My hour-long full body massage (£80) was worth every penny. I could have easily drifted off into an afternoon snooze, dreaming of Oxford’s Bakery’s moreish loaves.

I wonder if there’s still time to stock up before the home leg. . . 

A HISTORIC market in England is getting a massive revamp – and its in a town named one of the best places to live.

Founded back in 1170, Kingston’s Ancient Market is one of the oldest in London and even the entire UK.

Today, it is home to about 30 local traders including fishmongers, a bakery and street food.

Plans have now been submitted to give the Kingston Market Square a major revamp turning the square into a ‘piazza’, with 45 new Borough Market-like stalls made from sustainable materials with solar panels on top.

The piazza would host pop-ups as well as farmers’ markets, weekend events and concerts too.

If the plans are approved, the Market House nearby would get a refurb as well with the ground floor turned into a restaurant and cafe and the first floor becoming an events space.

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And there would be a new roof terrace overlooking the revamped square.

The statue of Queen Anne that currently sits in the square, will be relocated to the edge of the square too.

The planned revamp is also part of a bigger project to completely revive the area.

Since last year, Between the Bridges – the same operator as the Between the Bridges attraction on South Bank in London – has been operating the 800-year-old Kingston Ancient Market.

Throughout the year, the market usually hosts a number of different events including a Maker’s Market and Christmas market.

The market is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

One recent visitor said: “The market is charming, and offers some very nice gourmet foods, both to take home and dine out for lunch.

“Great atmosphere, particularly in the lead up to Christmas when it really comes alive with a kind of German Christmas market feel and the smell of mulled wine fills the air.”

Another added: “Kingston-upon-Thames is one of London’s most beautiful suburbs.

“The historic square is also a delightful place surrounded by beautiful and historic buildings.”

Last year, Kingston was also named the second best place to live in the UK by The Times.

The Better Lives Index, which is produced by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) think tank, ranks the authorities across the UK based on nine categories.

Categories include life expectancy at birth, the child poverty rate, pollution, disposable income, housing costs, ‘avoidable’ mortality, life expectancy at 65, economic activity for over-16s and economic inactivity of 50 to 64-year-olds.

If visiting the market or Kingston, make sure to head to the edge of the market square where you will find All Saints Church, which dates back to 1120.

Venture through the town too, where you can peruse a number of independent shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants right next to the river.

You can also head to a couple of pubs with outdoor gardens right next to the river.

If the sun is shining, you can even rent your own boat and sail on the River Thames.

From Central London, it takes just 25 minutes to get to Kingston on the train.

For more places outside of London to explore, there’s an English village under an hour from the city that makes the perfect day out.

Plus, have a look at the trendy London neighbourhood with world-famous new museum and cool hotels.

A low-key and cosy eatery in a market town has been crowned Best Pasta Restaurant at the Italian Awards 2026, putting the Derbyshire hidden gem on the culinary map

Italian cuisine is always a firm favourite when it comes to dining out but what you might not realise is that some of the finest examples can be found right on your doorstep.

In what has essentially become the Oscars of the Italian hospitality world, the Italian Awards 2026 took place recently, celebrating the very best pizza, pasta, restaurants and cafés across the UK.

And in a fiercely competitive category, the winner of Best Pasta Restaurant turned out to be a hidden gem nestled in New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire.

A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana, the authentic Italian eatery, claimed the coveted prize – and will no doubt see a wave of curious food lovers descend upon them as a result.

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Led by award-winning chef Alessio Muccio, the restaurant takes great pride in producing fresh pasta, gelato and pastries on the premises, using traditional Sicilian ingredients.

Their website states: “Our restaurant is small and cosy and adorned with Sicilian artefacts; it’s a little slice of Sicily here in the High Peak.”

One delighted customer left a glowing review on TripAdvisor, saying: “A Tavola is a colourful, warm, and welcoming trattoria located in the dark, cold, wintery heart of the Peak District.

“Highly recommended for those longing for those rich Sicilian flavours but far from the light and abundance of the Bel Paese. Sicilian sweet and sour flavours are present in many dishes, from pistachio and fennel to sardines with pine nuts and raisins.”

Another reviewer said: “What a wonderful restaurant! A lucky find as we were looking for somewhere to eat before going to hear some live music nearby. Very friendly staff, delicious food and a convivial ambience.

“I only wish it were not over 100 miles from my home. I highly recommend a visit, especially if you are missing being in Italy! You will be transported!”

The Derbyshire eatery bills itself as a ‘labour of love’ from the chef, who has crafted a menu designed to accommodate all dietary needs. What’s more, his specials change with the seasons to guarantee fresh and seasonal ingredients year-round.

These touches haven’t gone unnoticed by diners, with one writing: “Absolutely fantastic food and service. From start to finish totally delicious. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to go back. 5 stars!”

It’s an unexpected location to discover authentic, mouthwatering Italian pasta, nestled in a market town, but it’s definitely worth stopping by while exploring the Peak District.

The restaurant sits on Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, roughly eight miles south-east of Stockport and just 13 miles from Manchester.

While it might seem somewhat off the beaten track, it wasn’t quite concealed enough to escape the notice of the Italian Awards, which bestowed upon it the recognition its patrons believe it richly deserves.

Awards Director Warren Paul, discussing the launch of the Italian Awards for 2026, expressed his delight in celebrating the efforts of “passionate people”. He added: “That’s why we do what we do.

“It’s to make sure the hard-working inspirational people and businesses get the recognition they deserve.

“Everyone jumps to criticise and leave a negative review or complaint over the tiniest thing, but very few rush to praise good service, food and experiences. That’s where we come in. So congratulations to our winners.”

Highly Recommended restaurants in the same category included:

• Italian Touch By Ivano Pizzeria & Ristorante (Bedford)
• Mele e Pere (London)
• Primavista (Bury St Edmunds)
• Shambles Restaurant & Winebar (Teddington)
• The Kettlebridge Inn, Bar & Italian Restaurant (Cupar)
• A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana (New Mills)

The pretty market town is famous for many things, including being the home of former Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith

A pretty market town home to an iconic TV judge blew me away – not least because of its high street. Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds clearly attracts a remarkable number of visitors, judging by the sheer volume of eateries lining its streets.

A visit to the town’s high street reveals an almost unbroken row of bakeries, cafés, pubs, and artisan bistros – quite the sight for a town with a population of just over 5,000 residents (5,015 according to the 2021 Census).

Philip, 53, a cellarman at the local brewery, reflected on the changes: “It’s more touristy stuff. You don’t get so much. The old tour shops gone, the old card’s shop gone. Some of the shops have disappeared, definitely got more touristy. It’s got pluses and negatives. Got a supermarket and the market’s still here.”

When asked whether he ever crosses paths with the town’s most celebrated resident – former Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith – Philip was blunt: “I don’t.”

It seemed only fitting to pen this piece from within The Bell Inn. This much-loved establishment was once frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, reportedly inspiring The Prancing Pony Inn featured in The Lord of the Rings.

We won’t Tolkien the micky (apologies…) and claim any resemblance to that literary giant, but there are certainly far worse spots to settle in than a pub crowned winner of The Pub of the Year in the North Cotswold Campaign for Real Ale Pub of the Year competition, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Inside, the atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious – a lengthy rope allows dogs to wander freely, locals chat about everyday matters, and a map of Middle Earth adorns the wall.

The walls are adorned with vintage cameras, motorsport posters advertising motor oil, and numerous plug sockets for customers to charge their laptops and other devices.

According to two staff members I chatted to, regulations stipulate that no single pub can claim victory two years running, meaning the Bell may miss out on silverware this year.

Nevertheless, the establishment, which I selected after Google reviews highlighted its affordability, delivered a peppermint tea alongside fish and chips for a reasonable £12.50.

This followed a £3.90 cappuccino from Grouch Coffee, a nine-year-old enterprise near the local train station that began life serving coffee from the rear of a Piaggio.

Fresh from a 100-mile journey in my cherished MINI, and despite my reservations about Allpress beans, it was unmistakably a vital fixture in the community.

The proprietor and staff engaged warmly with families, while comedy posters and tea towels were scattered throughout the tastefully furnished cafe; a cafe situated in a town brimming with spring sunshine.

Emerging from New Road onto the fittingly named High Street, a bustling market was trading trinkets, carpets, fruit, vegetables, and antiques. Venture past the market, beneath which lies a sizeable car park, and you’ll find yourself facing an extensive row of shops, seemingly positioned every six feet or so.

Most of them, as Phil mentioned above, are coffee shops and cafes. Choosing where to grab a bite proved tricky, but if anyone’s concerned about the decline of the high street, Moreton’s appears to be thriving – particularly with a large Co-Op and Tesco Express nestled amongst the independent coffee shops and pubs.

Was it attractive? Certainly in the surprisingly mild spring sunshine, it felt like somewhere you could do more than simply pass through. It had the feel of a town worth pausing at during a long journey – a worthwhile and peaceful pit stop.

Regarding the former Bake Off judge, I’d also enquired at Grouch whether Prue was frequently spotted, and the response was no, not particularly; though perhaps she travels through on her way to the station to catch the 1h 31m £32 15:54 service to London Paddington for an evening out.

Prue has opted to make her home here, in a property she constructed with her husband John Playfair, and it seems to be an excellent town. The key question, though, remains: ‘Should I visit?’.

Absolutely. It would be a pru-dent choice.

The economic ripple effects of the Iran conflict are pushing mortgage rates higher, adding new pressure to the U.S. housing market even as conditions tilt in favor of buyers, the Associated Press reported Saturday.

Rates on a typical 30-year mortgage

April 4 (UPI) — A Russian drone attack on a market in Nikopol, Ukraine, killed five people and injured at least 19 others Saturday, local officials said.

The strike hit the town in southeastern Ukraine, just across the Dnipro river from Ukrainian land now occupied by Russia, the BBC reported. Nikopol faces regular attacks from Russia due to its proximity.

Oleksandr Hanzha, the head of the regional military administration, said there were three women and two men among the dead. The injured included a 14-year-old girl, Sky News reported.

The Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office described the attack as “yet another war crime by Russia.”

The nearby city of Sumy was also targeted by strikes overnight, with 11 people injured, the national police said. Among the damaged buildings were residential areas and utility networks.

The country’s State Emergency Service also reported strikes at a three-story office building in Kyiv, causing a fire on the first floor.

All told, the Ukrainian military said it down 260 of the 286 drone strikes launched toward its airspace overnight.

uk

SK hynix Inc. said Wednesday it has begun taking steps for listing on the U.S. stock market as the chipmaker aims to improve access to global investors amid its artificial intelligence (AI) drive.

The South Korean chipmaker filed a “confidential submission” to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the previous day, with a goal to have its American depositary receipts (ADRs) listed on the U.S. stock exchange within the year, it said in a regulatory filing.

“We are preparing with the goal of listing in the second half,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kwak Noh-jung said during a general shareholders meeting in Icheon, some 50 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

“As the issuance size and method have not yet been finalized and the listing review process has begun, I cannot disclose specific details in accordance with domestic and international laws and regulations,” he said. “We plan to proceed in a way that helps enhance shareholder value.”

ADRs refer to securities issued in the U.S. stock market that allow the trading of shares in foreign firms. They allow companies to attract U.S.-based investors without a full listing of common shares.

The size, schedule and other details of the process have not yet been confirmed and will largely be determined by market environments, the company noted, adding the final decision will be made by the SEC.

SK hynix’s move is expected to help the chipmaker broaden its funding base in overseas markets, industry watchers said.

The chipmaker said it plans to make another related regulatory filing within six months or earlier if there are further updates.

Separately, Kwak outlined plans to secure more than 100 trillion won (US$66.8 billion) in net cash to support long-term strategic investment for further growth.

“Financial soundness that enables stable investment is essential to respond to structural demand growth and maintain competitiveness,” Kwak said. “We will secure world-class financial strength to lay the foundation for long-term growth.”

According to an annual report, SK hynix maintained net cash of 12.7 trillion won as of end-2025.

Kwak added the company will continue shipments of its high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips as planned this year and aims to release samples of the next-generation HBM4E product later this year.

“HBM3E chips remain the mainstay, and shipments of HBM4 will increase in the second half. Our overall shipment schedule remains largely unchanged,” he said. “We plan to present samples of HBM4E within the year.”

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.

March 20 (Asia Today) — This commentary is the Asia Today Editor’s Op-Ed.

With Seoul apartment values posting their biggest increase in five years, concerns are growing that a heavier property tax burden will spill into the Jeonse and monthly rental markets. Jeonse is a unique Korean housing lease system where tenants pay a large lump-sum deposit instead of monthly rent, and get it back at the end of the lease.

Landlords are already showing signs of passing higher holding costs on to tenants through steeper rents and larger Jeonse deposits. If the government now moves to raise taxes further, including on single-home owners whose properties are deemed non-residential, it risks worsening instability in the rental market.

According to the Korea Real Estate Board, Seoul apartment Jeonse prices rose for a 57th straight week as of the second week of March, with the cumulative increase reaching 4.79%. Monthly rents climbed even faster. In February, the average monthly rent for an apartment in Seoul stood at 1.515 million won, or about $1,010, up 12.5% from a year earlier.

The sales market, by contrast, has cooled. Apartment prices in Seoul’s three Gangnam districts and Yongsan-gu have fallen for four consecutive weeks. But the Jeonse and monthly rental markets are becoming more unstable as new apartment supply shrinks and listings for existing units tighten. The shortage has been aggravated by the reinstatement in May of a capital gains tax surcharge on owners of multiple homes.

Against that backdrop, higher officially assessed home values are likely to add even more upward pressure on rents. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said this year’s official values for multifamily housing in Seoul rose 18.67% from a year earlier. That was the third-largest increase on record, behind only 2007 and 2021, both periods of sharp home-price gains.

In the three Gangnam districts and the Mapo-Yongsan-Seongdong area, where assessed values climbed more than 20%, many homeowners could see property tax bills rise by more than 50%. Even without a revision to tax law, the annual burden can increase by as much as 50%. Once local education taxes and the rural special tax are included, the actual increase can be even greater.

The number of single-home owners subject to the comprehensive real estate tax also rose sharply. Homes assessed above 1.2 billion won, or about $800,000, now total 487,362, up 170,000 from a year earlier.

For many elderly homeowners living on national pension payments, interest income or dividends, annual property taxes running from several million won to tens of millions of won can be difficult to absorb. Assessed values are also used to calculate regional health insurance premiums and can affect existing pension burdens, making the overall impact even heavier.

South Korea has already seen what happens when landlords shift tax costs onto tenants. During the previous progressive administration, rising tax burdens contributed to sharp increases in monthly rents and Jeonse deposits. Past data show that when the property tax rate rises by 1 percentage point, about 30% of the additional burden is passed on through Jeonse deposits and roughly 40% to 50% through monthly rent.

Even so, the government is considering higher property taxes or smaller long-term holding deductions to curb what it calls high-value single-home investments used for non-residential purposes. But real estate taxation can have broad collateral effects. If efforts to suppress housing prices go too far, tenants may once again end up paying the price.

The government should scrap any reckless plan to raise property tax rates on single-home owners.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260319010005978

Live Nation, the ticketing giant that reached a tentative settlement with the Department of Justice last week, remains under fire.

A coalition of more than 30 states that had joined the original lawsuit filed in 2024 is refusing to accept the $200-million settlement, causing the trial to resume this week in Manhattan’s Federal Court.

The settlement with the Justice Department requires Beverly Hills-based Live Nation to open Ticketmaster to rival ticket sellers, force the company to open select venues to competing promoters and cap service fees at 15%. California is one of the key states still involved in the trial.

But those steps fall short, critics say.

“It’s clear that Live Nation has manipulated the market and made itself untouchable by competitors, hurting artists, hurting fans, hurting venues, all the while, raking in the cash,” said California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta at the Capitol Forum conference last week. “Not because it’s a better service or product, because it acted illegally and created a monopoly.”

U.S. senators have also chimed in. Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar recently introduced the Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act to strengthen the review of antitrust settlements. Klobuchar said in a release that it’s “clear the American people got the raw end of the deal.”

And Connecticut’s Richard Blumenthal released a report that provides new details into the inner workings of Ticketmaster and urges attorneys general across the nation to reject the settlement.

Blumenthal said that the Trump administration’s settlement with Live Nation will keep consumers vulnerable to Ticketmaster’s “anticompetitive practices” and ultimately push “concert tickets farther out of reach for fans.”

The senator’s report, entitled “So Casually Cruel: How Ticketmaster’s Monopoly Supercharges Prices and Fees,” examined over 100,000 documents and Ticketmaster’s revenue data. The report argues that the company leveraged its market control to make tickets available on the resale market before they were available to the general public in an effort to hike prices and boost profits.

“The ticketing market is broken,” Blumenthal said in a statement.

In its own statement, Ticketmaster said Blumenthal’s report “misrepresents how the live events industry works” and that the problem lies in the secondary ticketing industry.

“This is why we’ve long called for industry resale reform, including price caps, while also developing tools to empower artists and protect fans,” Ticketmaster said in a statement.

Recently, Ticketmaster has backed ticketing bills like AB-1349 and advocated to Congress for an industry-wide resale cap.

Sens. Blumenthal and Klobuchar are among many industry experts who say the settlement doesn’t adequately address anticompetitive practices and falls short of protecting consumers from high ticket prices.

Under Klobuchar’s new bill, courts could have 90 days to review public comments and government responses.

“When the government prosecutes antitrust violations, the goal should be to uphold the law, lower prices, and protect consumers and small businesses,” Klobuchar said in the statement.

Lindsay Owens, the executive director of the economic policy nonprofit Groundwork Collaborative, said the settlement will end up being “incredibly costly for concertgoers, performers, and independent venues.”

“California and 35 other states are standing up for Americans who are sick and tired of being ripped off and having to scrimp and save to enjoy a night out,” Owens said in a statement.

This ongoing trial is one of several major legal battles the ticketing giant is facing. The company is also being sued by the Federal Trade Commission and is dealing with a handful of class-action lawsuits from groups of concertgoers.

Times staff writer Meg James contributed to this report.