The wait for US passports is creating travel purgatory and snarling summer plans
A much-feared backup of U.S. passport applications has snarled summer plans for would-be travelers around the world
2023-07-03 13:23
United May Cut Newark Flights as It Seeks More Gates to Stem Delays
United Airlines Holdings Inc. will have to change, and possibly reduce, its flight schedule at Newark Liberty International
2023-07-02 23:28
What to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditions
The Fourth of July is Americana at its core: parades and cookouts and cold beer and, of course, fireworks
2023-07-02 13:54
After several turbulent days, flight disruptions ease despite worries about 5G signals
Airline passengers who have endured tens of thousands of weather-related flight delays this week got a welcome respite from the headaches Saturday, despite concerns about possible disruptions being caused by new wireless 5G systems rolling out near major airports
2023-07-02 05:21
Louis Tomlinson’s sister, 19, reflects on ‘cruel’ backlash to being a ‘young mama’
Louis Tomlinson’s 19-year-old sister has reflected on the negative comments and criticism she received after announcing her pregnancy earlier this month. On 19 June, Phoebe Tomlinson revealed that she and her boyfriend, footballer Jack Varley, 26, are expecting their first child together. The couple said their firstborn is a boy, sharing the news in a gender reveal video posted on Instagram 10 days later. In the video, Varley pops a black balloon filled with blue confetti, before hugging Phoebe as they celebrate the news with friends and family. The model and mum-to-be later answered fan questions about her pregnancy journey on her Instagram stories, including whether she had dealt with any backlash for being a “young mama”. Phoebe replied: “Any nasty comments will get removed and blocked, so I just try and let them go over my head. That’s the downside of social media. And I’ve truly learnt in the past few weeks how incredibly cruel people can be. “I’m lucky I have an amazing family,” she added. Her twin sister Daisy left lots of blue heart emojis on Phoebe and Varley’s gender reveal video, while their older sister Lottie Tomlinson, 24, said she “can’t wait to meet” her nephew. Phoebe also responded to a 19-year-old fan who also “wanted a baby early in life but people were against it”. She said: “Why do ‘people’ matter? It’s your life, sweets.” Phoebe also shared she “feels like any other expecting mum” when asked if it was scary to become a mother at “such a young age”. Elsewhere, she said her brother Louis was “excited” to find out Phoebe and Varley were having a boy. While the former One Direction star wasn’t at the gender reveal, Phoebe told a fan she texted him a few days prior to the announcement. She also expressed her excitement at her baby meeting Daisy, and told a fan she becomes “emotional” when she thinks about Varley becoming a father. “I can’t wait to see them snuggle and to watch him thrive as a dad,” she added. Finally, Phoebe said that she felt her late mother Johannah Deakin “guiding us through” the pregnancy. Deakin died from leukemia in December 2016, aged 43. The family was dealt another tragic blow in March 2019, when the siblings lost their sister Félicité Tomlinson after she died from an accidental drug overdose, aged 18. Read More Kevin Costner’s estranged wife says she’ll move out of their $145m home on one condition Colleen Ballinger: Everything we know about the ‘grooming’ allegations against YouTuber Miranda Sings Sarah Jessica Parker reveals she and husband Matthew Broderick haven’t ‘spent a night apart’ in 31 years Ellie Simmonds decided to find her birth mother as she starts ‘new chapter’ with partner Matt Dean Nutritionist explains how women can eat to help balance hormones
2023-07-01 17:20
These high street iced coffees contain more sugar than Coca-Cola, Which? says
Some iced coffee drinks from high street chains can contain more sugar than a can of Coca-Cola, which contains 35g of sugar, a survey has found. Which? compared frappes and frappucinos from Caffe Nero, Costa and Starbucks to find many had “exceptionally high” amounts of sugar. A Starbucks caramel frappuccino with semi-skimmed milk was found to be one of the worst offenders, containing 48.5g of sugar – or 12 teaspoons’ worth. NHS health advice suggests adults consume a maximum of 30g of sugar per day, or around seven teaspoons. A Caffe Nero Belgian chocolate and hazelnut frappe creme contained 44.5g of sugar – equivalent to 11 teaspoons. At Costa, a chocolate fudge brownie frappe mocha with oat milk included 42.6g of sugar, or 10.5 teaspoons. Which? compared the amount of sugar in these drinks to a 51g Mars bar, which contains 31g of sugar (7.5 teaspoons), while a 330ml can of Coca-Cola contains 35g of sugar (around 8.5 teaspoons). Even plain coffee flavour frappes and frappuccinos were found to contain “relatively high” amounts of sugar. A Costa Coffee frappe with skimmed milk contained 21.3g of sugar, Which? found. While the calorie content of the drinks must be displayed in stores, the sugar content does not, which could leave consumers at risk of unwittingly exceeding the maximum recommended daily intake of free sugars, the watchdog said. Dairy-based drinks derive some “locked in” sugar from lactose, but all the drinks also contained high amounts of “free sugars”, which refers to sugars that have been added and contained in syrups, honey and fruit juice. Health advice is to limit consumption of these sugars due to their potential to contribute to weight gain and tooth damage. Which? suggested consumers wishing to cut their sugar intake switch to iced versions of a standard coffee instead. The government introduced a Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) in 2018, known as the “sugar tax”, in an attempt to cut unhealthy levels of consumption. However, some drinks are exempt from the tax, including fruit juices and drinks made on-site and served in open cups. Syrups, often used in frappes, are also exempt. Which? nutritionist Shefalee Loth said: “Our analysis of sugar content in iced coffee blends shows people could unwittingly be consuming much more sugar than they realise, with potentially damaging implications for their health. “High street chains need to take more responsibility and reduce the excessive sugar content of some of their drinks to protect people’s health. “When buying an iced drink, there are alternative, healthier options to choose, such as a standard iced coffee, which contains far less sugar.” A Starbucks spokesperson said: “We are committed to helping customers make informed and improved choices that work for them, offering a range of customisation options such as choosing our smallest size (Tall) and our oat dairy alternative with no added sugar. “Sugar content for an Iced Latte with Semi Skimmed Milk, one of our most popular beverages, starts from 8.7g for a Tall size. Customers can find all nutritional information available on our mobile app, online and our menu boards.” Caffe Nero described its Belgian chocolate and hazelnut frappe creme as a “treat” and said it accounted for less than 5 per cent of its sales of summer drinks, while “coffee over ice” drinks, which contained less than 8g of sugar, accounted for 50 per cent of summer drink sales. The chain added that its iced latte – its highest seller – contained no added sugar. Reporting by PA Read More Olivia Colman’s fight to end domestic abuse: ‘Women are still expendable’ Colleen Ballinger: Everything we know about the ‘grooming’ allegations against YouTuber Miranda Sings Kevin Costner’s estranged wife says she’ll move out of their $145m home on one condition Starbucks barista documents coffee chain’s alleged food waste in viral video Being lonely ‘may increase risk of heart disease in diabetes patients’ Sarcoma Awareness Month: What you need to know about these cancers
2023-07-01 13:15
Affirmative action for white people? Legacy college admissions come under renewed scrutiny
In the wake of a Supreme Court decision that removes race from the admissions process, colleges are coming under renewed pressure to put an end to legacy preferences, the practice of favoring applicants with family ties to alumni
2023-07-01 12:52
As if air travel isn't hard enough, 5G wireless signals could disrupt flights starting this weekend
Airline passengers dealing with weather delays could face a new source of disruptions this weekend
2023-07-01 12:50
How the Supreme Court student loan decision affects you
The Supreme Court has ruled the Biden administration overstepped its authority in trying to cancel or reduce student loan debt, effectively killing the $400 billion plan
2023-07-01 06:29
Britons warned to ‘avoid’ violence hotspots as riots and looting shake France
Britons have been warned against travelling to hotspots of violence in France as riots threatened to escalate out of control. Newly-updated Foreign Office advice warns holidaymakers to “avoid areas where riots are taking place” as the situation becomes “unpredictable”. A total shutdown of public bus and tram services was ordered nationwide on Friday night after shops were looted and several city centres were ablaze from protesters setting light to cars and buildings. President Emmanuel Macron urged parents to keep teenagers at home, saying his government was considering “all options” to restore order. More than 200 police have been injured in the unrest, which was sparked by the fatal police shooting of a teenager. Some areas were facing curfews. By Friday, 875 suspects had been arrested as authorities struggled to quell the clashes. Violence flared in Marseille, Lyon, Pau, Toulouse, Strasbourg and Lille, as well as in Paris, where a 17-year-old driver of Algerian and Moroccan descent, identified only as Nahel M, was shot dead in the suburb of Nanterre. A dozen buses were gutted by a blaze at a depot in Aubervilliers, northern Paris, and a tram was set alight in Lyon. In Nanterre itself, protesters torched cars, barricaded streets and hurled projectiles at police. Shops, including an Apple store, were ransacked in Strasbourg, while several Casino supermarkets were looted. The interior ministry said 79 police posts were attacked overnight into Friday, as well as 119 public buildings, including 34 town halls and 28 schools. Concerts by French singer Mylene Farmer were cancelled at the Stade de France. In the Chatelet Les Halles shopping centre in central Paris, a Nike store was broken into, and several people were arrested after store windows were smashed in the adjacent Rue de Rivoli, police said. The energy minister said several staff of a power distribution firm were injured by stones thrown during clashes. Nanterre shopkeeper Pascal Matieus said: “It’s become completely out of control. The police have lost control.” British holidaymakers who are already in France or planning to travel there over the weekend have become increasingly worried. The Independent calculates that around 260,000 British travellers are booked on flights, ferries and trains to France on Saturday and Sunday. Newly updated official travel advice warns them of potential disruption. “Since June 27, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted,” the government advice states. “There may be disruptions to road travel, and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews. “Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable. You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.” While most of the unrest has taken place well away from tourist areas, closing down public transport in Paris and other big cities at night will cause significant problems for many holidaymakers. Britain’s biggest budget airline, easyJet, says it will allow passengers booked to travel on Saturday or Sunday to switch to a different flight without paying the normal £49 fee. A spokesperson said: “Any customers due to fly to France this weekend who would like to change their plans can contact our customer service team for assistance with their options which include a transfer to an alternative flight and we will waive the change fee.” Almost all Eurostar trains from London to Paris at the weekend are full, representing around 20,000 travellers. A Eurostar spokesperson said: “Our services to France are currently running as scheduled and normal ticket conditions apply. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates on Eurostar.com and Twitter if this changes.” As the Foreign Office is not warning against all travel, holidaymakers will not be able to claim if they decide not to continue with their trip to France, or to come home early. Nahel M was driving a car early on Tuesday morning when he was pulled over for breaking traffic rules, prosecutors said. The teenager was too young to hold a full driving licence. His death, caught on video, has ignited longstanding resentment among poor, racially mixed, urban communities about police violence and racism. Read More Travellers warned to be aware of disruptions amid France riots Mother’s tragic last words with son killed by Paris police sparking days of riots Fear of no end to riots in France after police killing of teen: ‘It’s getting worse’ Paris riots - latest: UK issues France travel warning after looting across city Is it safe to travel to Paris right now? Fear of no end to riots across France after police killing of teen: ‘It’s getting worse and worse’ Paris shooting: Where are the riots in France and why are they happening?
2023-07-01 03:29
Flight Disruptions Linger Ahead of Busy Holiday
US airlines continued to grapple with flight disruptions heading into the busy weekend ahead of Independence Day, keeping
2023-06-30 21:19
Pete Davidson reportedly enters rehab amid mental health struggles
Pete Davidson has reportedly checked into a rehabilitation center amid ongoing struggles with his mental health. The Saturday Night Live alum, 29, is receiving treatment for his previously diagnosed borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, Page Six initially reported. According to People, sources said Davidson “should be getting out” of the in-patient treatment center “pretty soon”. “Pete will often check himself into rehab to work on these issues,” another source told the outlet. “His friends and family have been supportive during this time.” Davidson has previously been open about his mental health struggles. In 2017, the King of Staten Island actor shared he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) during an appearance on the WTF With Marc Maron podcast. He explained that he had checked into a rehabilitation center in December 2016 after struggling with symptoms of the disorder. “I started having these mental breakdowns where I would, like, freak out and then not remember what happened after. Blind rage,” the comedian said, noting that he originally thought smoking weed caused his extreme mood swings. He stopped smoking weed and entered rehab, though he resumed the habit and soon had a “really bad mental breakdown”. Davidson was eventually diagnosed with BPD several months later. “I found out I have BPD, which is borderline personality disorder,” he said. “One of my psychiatrists… He was always saying before this big meltdown, ‘You’re probably bipolar or borderline, we’re just going to have to figure it out.’” The Bupkis star also admitted that he was “depressed all the time” but praised therapy for improving his mental health. “It is working, slowly but surely,” he said. “I’ve been having a lot of problems. This whole year has been a f***ing nightmare. This has been the worst year of my life, getting diagnosed with this and trying to figure out how to learn with this and live with this.” That same year, he went on SNL’s “Weekend Update” to further discuss his diagnosis and urge others to seek medical treatment if they think they have depression. “As some of you may know, I was recently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder — a form of depression,” Davidson told viewers. “Depression affects more than 16 million people in this country and there’s no cure, per se. But for anyone dealing with it, there are treatments that can help. “First of all, if you think you’re depressed, see a doctor and talk to them about medication. And also be healthy: eating right and exercise can make a huge difference.” Bipolar personality disorder (BPD) is a type of a mental disorder characterised by unstable moods, behaviour, and relationships. It’s estimated that 1.6 per cent of the US population have BPD. In an interview with Variety in 2019, Davidson shared that he’s been “in and out of mental health facilities” since he was nine years old. His father, Scott Matthew Davidson, was a firefighter who died at the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks in 2001, when Davidson was just seven. Speaking with Jon Bernthal on his Real Ones podcast last March, Davidson said that the event had an impact on his “fear of abandonment” as well as his PTSD. More recently, he underwent “trauma therapy” in April 2022 due to online harassment from Kanye West while Davidson was dating West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian. “The attention and negativity coming from Kanye and his antics is a trigger for [Pete], and he’s had to seek out help,” a source told People at the time. Pete Davidson’s latest stint in rehab comes after he was charged with reckless driving in connection with a Beverly Hills car accident, in which he and current girlfriend Chase Sui Wonders crashed into the side of a house. He was reportedly driving in the affluent Los Angeles neighbourhood when his vehicle went over the curb, hitting a fire hydrant and collided into the home. He is expected to be arraigned in court on 27 July. The Independent has contacted Pete Davidson for comment. Read More Pete Davidson charged with reckless driving in connection with Beverly Hills car crash Pete Davidson opens up about borderline personality disorder diagnosis: ‘The weight of the world feels lifted’ Pete Davidson says he learned his firefighter dad died on 9/11 while watching TV Pete Davidson reportedly enters rehab amid mental health struggles Influencer angers fans by tanning in bikini weeks after having skin cancer removed Naomi Campbell welcomes second child at 53: ‘It’s never too late’
2023-06-30 13:18