EPA warns ‘two decades is too long to wait to fix Ireland’s deficient wastewater treatment plants’ – The Irish Times

A mystery winner from Sevenoaks, Kent, has just six days left to claim a National Lottery Set For Life top prize of £10,000 each month for 30 years, with the winning ticket purchased for the October 24, 2024, draw. The winning numbers are 2, 11, 29, 37, 45, and the Life Ball 6. Lottery players are encouraged to check their tickets, especially recalling where they were around Halloween, as unclaimed tickets can expire, and previous...

UK business confidence has dropped to its lowest level in over two years, as indicated by a survey from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which described the first quarter of 2025 as "harrowing" for companies. This decline is attributed to increasing concerns over tax rises and the intensifying trade war initiated by Donald Trump. The ICAEW's findings highlight significant risks to the economy, reflecting the challenging environment for businesses across...

The Mental Health Foundation reported that last summer's riots, triggered by the murder of three girls at a Southport dance class, significantly worsened the mental health of asylum seekers. Many have become increasingly fearful of being targeted by far-right protesters while going about their daily lives. This decline in mental well-being was noted in a report released on Tuesday, which contrasted the current state of asylum seekers' mental health with findings from a similar report...

Spring sunshine in March positively impacted retail sales, particularly in gardening, DIY, food, and health and beauty sectors, despite a late Easter. A British Retail Consortium-KPMG survey indicated a 1.1% increase in retail sales, supported by Mother's Day purchases, maintaining February's performance. However, households remain cautious, budget-conscious amid rising bills, as sales continue to transition online, leading to decreased foot traffic in high streets and retail parks. Full Article

Actor and dwarfism charity founder Samantha Davis suffered cardiac arrest after surgery complications, coroner concludesThe actor and campaigner Samantha Davis, wife of Harry Potter star Warwick Davis, died from a cardiac arrest shortly before her planned discharge from the hospital, as concluded by an inquest. Davis, who co-founded the dwarfism charity Little People UK, an essential resource for individuals with dwarfism and their families, passed away at the age of 53 at London’s University College...

Alessandro Coatti, a scientist from London who worked for the Royal Society of Biology, was recently found murdered in Santa Marta, Colombia, after his family tracked his movements via Google Maps. His dismembered body was discovered in multiple locations, raising alarms as he was the first foreign tourist to fall victim to such violence in the area, where 13 similar murders occurred in the past year. The local mayor has offered a reward for information,...