‘Kids are still struggling’ Five years on, how the Covid pandemic changed life on a single UK street

Vulnerable pensioners and disabled individuals in the UK are concerned about the phasing out of landlines by telecom companies like BT, Sky, and Virgin Media, who are transitioning customers to digital internet-based systems. For people like Heather, who has severe osteoarthritis, her landline is a crucial lifeline in case of emergencies like getting stuck in her home lift. Without her landline, she fears being unable to contact help in such situations, emphasizing the vital role...

Green roofs are a vital solution for urban environments, particularly in cities like Berlin, offering benefits such as combating urban heat islands, improving air quality, and promoting biodiversity. Understanding the different types of green roofs, such as extensive and intensive, is crucial in selecting the most suitable option based on factors like maintenance level and environmental goals. Assessing urban areas, identifying suitable locations, analyzing current infrastructure, and preparing for implementation are essential steps in effectively...

Flooding is set to disrupt the warmest spring equinox in over 50 years due to thunderstorms accelerated by climate change, with 21 flood alerts in place in the south west and Midlands, particularly in the Bourne Valley, Wiltshire. Despite recent warm temperatures, frost is expected in rural areas as temperatures drop overnight. The Met Office warns of localized flooding and property flooding risks as groundwater levels rise above 70 metres, with the M18 in Yorkshire...

European Parliament officials are considering a €20 million proposal to dismantle scaffolding monthly for the refurbishment of the Paul-Henri Spaak building in Brussels, ensuring the debating chamber remains accessible throughout the three-year construction period. The plan to keep the Hemicycle open during the works may cost between €20-22 million and faces criticism for its potential absurdity and high cost. Belgium emphasizes the importance of debates in Brussels, as the Parliament currently relocates to Strasbourg each...

Ed Sheeran, along with over 600 other artists and industry leaders, has penned an open letter to prime minister Keir Starmer and the government, urging for immediate and long-term funding of music education in the UK with a proposed £250m package. Sheeran highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of musicians and the economic impact of the music industry, emphasizing the need to reverse the decline in music education. The letter also called on...

The Labour government is considering sending failed asylum seekers to the Balkans to address the crisis of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, with over 5,200 migrants entering Britain this year. Under the proposed plan, overseas "return hubs" would house rejected applicants, differentiating it from the Conservatives' failed Rwanda scheme. The UK may approach Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, and North Macedonia for this initiative, which has been endorsed by the EU and the UN's...