Nominations sought for top EU posts

The NHS is preparing for a challenging winter amid concerns of a potential “quademic” involving flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, with a 350% surge in hospital flu admissions averaging over 1,000 daily compared to last year. Eligible individuals are urged to get their flu jab as soon as possible, with expanded vaccine eligibility including pregnant women, children, and vulnerable populations, as over 27 million vaccinations have been administered. Despite proactive measures like vaccinations, health experts...

Sara Sharif's ex-partner, Urfan Sharif, was found guilty of brutally murdering their 10-year-old daughter by using a metal pole, a cricket bat, and inflicting other forms of violence. Sara's mother, Olga Domin, referred to him as a "monster" and expressed disbelief at the inhumane treatment their daughter endured. Domin lost custody of Sara in 2019 after a court battle, following a history of domestic violence with Sharif. Full Article

As the cost of living rises, people turn to renting out spare rooms to make ends meet, with an 80% increase in primary homes on Airbnb in the Paris region in May 2024. While this provides a lifeline for some, concerns arise about the impact on housing prices and regulations restricting short-term rentals in cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona. Over-regulation can have unintended consequences, limiting income streams for individuals and increasing accommodation costs for travelers,...

Civilian staff at the Metropolitan Police have voted for the first time to strike due to being told they cannot work from home as often. Around 2,400 support staff have been instructed to increase their office attendance frequency, sparking backlash from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union. The union highlighted concerns that the changes would disproportionately impact women, part-time workers, and individuals with disabilities, leading to 85% of members voting for strike action and...

The European Parliament re-established the Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief to protect individuals facing persecution due to their faith, co-chaired by Bert-Jan Ruissen and Miriam Lexmann, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for religious freedom globally. The intergroup, supported by various political factions, plans to appoint a new EU envoy for religious freedom and prioritize religious persecution in diplomatic discussions, ensuring that voices of minority religions are heard and rights protected within Europe...

Fans of McDonald's in the UK are excited as the popular blueberry-flavoured Grimace milkshake has returned to all 1,450 stores for a limited time. Priced at £2.69 for a medium and an additional 30p for a large, the shake is inspired by the mascot Grimace and is a lilac purple color. The shake is part of the new winter 2024 menu, which also includes a Terry's Chocolate Orange pie and the Cheesey McCrispy sandwich. Full...