5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Vodafone broadband down leaving hundreds of customers without internet access
HUNDREDS of Vodafone broadband customers have woken up this morning to find themselves without internet access, as a significant outage disrupts services.
More than 670 complaints have been logged on the outage checker,Downdetector since 6.30am.
AlamyIf you’re experiencing problems with your internet, phone, or mobile services, you could be entitled to compensation[/caption]
Customers have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to air their frustrations.
One said: “Broadband down since early morning in Peterbrough area, any chance of some communication on the issue please?”
Another said: “What’s going on with broadband?
“I have no Internet and it won’t allow me to check my service online!”
How can I check if my service is down?
THERE are a few different ways to find out if your telecom provider is experiencing an outage.
Most mobile and broadband providers offer a service checker on their website where you can find out if it’s your area that is facing problems or just an issue with your device.
You can also subscribe to receive alerts, which tell you if there are any problems and how and when they’ll be fixed.
You can also check on any future work they have planned and what it might mean for you.
Plus, you can check websites such as Down Detector, which will tell you whether other people are experiencing problems with a particular company online.
Can I get compensation?
If you’re experiencing problems with your internet, phone, or mobile services, you could be entitled to compensation.
Broadband providers signed up to Ofcom‘s automatic compensation scheme generally offer £8 per day for broadband and home phone services that remain unresolved after the first two full days of disruption.
Additionally, they provide £25 for missed appointments or those cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, along with £5 for each calendar day of delay in starting a new service.
The compensation process is typically automatic.
Vodafone has a section on its website on how to complain to the network provider if you’re unhappy with your service.
It gives you steps to follow before offering you the alternative of ringing the complaints team on 0333 3040 441.
There’s also a live chat service or a form you can fill in.
If your problem is still unresolved after eight weeks, you can complain to an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Hollyoaks star in hospital dash as they wake up in ‘absolute agony’ and reveal health condition
A HOLLYOAKS star has revealed their terrifying hospital dash after waking up in “absolute agony.”
The Channel 4 actor, 41, posted a snap showing him hooked up to a series of tubes as he sought immediate attention.
Channel 4A Hollyoaks star has revealed his terrifying hospital dash[/caption]
InstagramThe actor, 41, posted an image of him hooked up to drips and told how he was in ‘absolute agony’[/caption]
Actor David Ames gave his update from the hospital wardRex
He is best-known for his role as Dominic Copeland in medical drama Holby City – so is no stranger to hospital surroundings.
The screen star and voiceover captured a snap of his arm attached to the monitors, posted to Instagram with the words: “waking up in absolute agony with possible kidney stones is not how I planned to start my day.
“But here we are.”
He then made a joke about the water soluble lubricating jelly he was given as part of his treatment.
It isn’t clear how long David, who was at the centre of a gritty conversion therapy storyline during his time on Hollyoaks, spent in the medical ward.
Yet later in the day it appeared his spirits had been lifted, as he thanked his fans for supporting his fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer Now as he prepares to tackle the London Marathon.
In his emotional video, he wrote: “I’m so moved by your messages of support and donations.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
SOAP SHOCK
David played Hollyoaks High headteacher Carter, who was also the father of recurring character Freya Calder.
When he joined two years ago, he said: “I am incredibly excited to join the Hollyoaks cast as such an intricately layered character, with a very poignant and vital storyline to come.”
His role then rocketed to the centre of the plotline, and he was the central figure in the disturbing conversion therapy plot.
The teacher, who resented himself for having feelings for men, went on to bully Lucas Hay to reject his sexuality.
He then went on to kidnap John Paul McQueen before almost drowning him, before being arrested.
Hollyoaks - cast member cull
HOLLYOAKS beauty Chelsee Healey has dropped the biggest hint yet she's been axed from the soap - yet what's happening at the Channel 4 show?
Now Chelsee, who recently took time away from her role as Goldie McQueen to give birth to her second daughter, has now made a cryptic move on X.
The Manchester lass, 36, re-posted a picture of her character crying to her page.
It came after Stephanie Waring, famed for her 28-year-long role as Cindy Cunningham, confirmed that soap bosses had axed her as part of the 20-person strong cast cull.
The soap’s resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale.
Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon.
Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years.
David previously opened up on the “difficult” storyline and said: “There were really heavy moments where I had to be cruel to people; I had to be horrible, I had to say spiteful, vicious things – some of which I’ve had said to me in the past.
“So, to be able to get into that mindset, actually, was quite difficult at times, and was heavy.”
He added to Radio Times: “There was a lot for me to unpick there, with regards to his distaste for the LGBTQ+ community, and how he didn’t align himself with all of that.”
An eagle-eyed fan previously said in 2024: “At least three of them have been mentioned as possible contestants fairly often in the past: David Ames from when he was on Holby and Glynis Barber (a long and varied career) and Rita Simmons (EastEnders).”
Channel 5David played Hollyoaks High’s interim headteacher Carter Shepherd[/caption]
The Holby City alum starred in the Channel 4 series for a yearRexChannel 4He has opened up on the ‘heavy’ nature of his Hollyoaks storyline[/caption]
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Benfica fans furiously brawl with Barcelona stewards with limbs everywhere during Champions League KO
BENFICA supporters clashed with stewards following their Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday.
The Portuguese side suffered a 3-1 loss to Hansi Flick‘s team at Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys.
https://x.com/hooliganscz1999Benfica fans clashed with stewards in the stands[/caption]
https://x.com/hooliganscz1999Some could be seen hitting each other[/caption]
They subsequently crashed out of the Champions League by losing 4-1 on aggregate.
Supporters were left furious at full-time and clashed with stewards in the stands.
Some fans and stewards appeared to hit each other, with objects also thrown.
Both sets of supporters clashed outside the stadium before the match.
The fixture was deemed high-risk prior to the clash, with Barcelona leading 1-0 on aggregate.
Raphinha broke the deadlock with an 11th-minute strike before Nicolas Otamendi equalised just a few moments later.
Barcelona then sealed the win thanks to additional goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
After the match, Flick said: “I’m happy, of course. We have respected Benfica, their coach.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Vogue Williams says she’s ‘had enough’ as she makes candid confession about marriage struggles with Spencer Matthews
VOGUE Williams has made a candid confession about her marital struggles.
Irish model Vogue, 39, has been married to former Made in Chelsea star Spencer since 2018, and they share three children together.
GettyVogue Williams has spoken out about parenting and her current marriage struggles with Spencer Matthews[/caption]
PAVogue and Spencer got married in 2018[/caption]
InstagramThe couple share three children: Theodore, six, Gigi, four, and Otto, two[/caption]
Although the family look picture-perfect and like everything in their lives is as smooth as can be, Vogue has now let slip that she has “had enough”.
Speaking on the Netmums podcast with Wendy Golledge and Alison Perry, Vogue spoke about the mother load and how she pulls most of the weight at home.
She said on the podcast: “In the nicest way possible, I would say I fix the broken radiator and I do the school run.
“I would say I do 80 percent of what [goes on].
“We’ve actually been having a slight little tiff about that this morning, about the stuff that I do”.
Vogue then laughed and said: “I’ve had enough today.”
The stunning model recently spoke out about parenting on her own podcast, Vogue and Amber.
Speaking about parenting, Vogue revealed that her and Spencer’s son Otto recently woke up incredibly early and left her husband “raging”.
Otto woke up early, went into his mum and dad’s bedroom and then ran into the kitchen.
“Then he ran into the kitchen and Spenny was raging,” she recalled.
“You think I’m obsessed with my sleep, Spenny gets up and was like, ‘I’m already in a sleep deficit, I need to get back to sleep’,” she said.
This comes after Spencer shared his fears over his children being branded as nepo-babies when they grow up, and how he WON’T be leaving his multi-million pound fortune to them.
Keen to avoid his children becoming “trust fund kids”, the 36-year-old has revealed he won’t be leaving his fortune to his offspring.
What is a Nepo Baby?
A ‘nepo baby’ is a colloquial term used to describe individuals who have gained opportunities or success in their careers primarily due to familial connections or the influence of their well-known or wealthy parents, rather than solely through their own talent, skills, or efforts.
The term ‘nepo’ is short for ‘nepotism’, which refers to favouritism granted to relatives or close friends, often in a professional context.
Key Characteristics:
Inherited advantage: Nepo babies often benefit from their family’s established reputation, wealth, or industry connections.
Access to networks: They typically have easier access to influential networks and resources within their chosen field.
Public perception: The term can carry a negative connotation, implying that their success is not entirely merit-based.
Industries Affected:
Entertainment: Many actors, musicians, and other performers are often labeled as nepo babies if they have famous parents.
Business: Individuals who inherit or are given significant roles in family-owned businesses.
Politics: Politicians who follow in the footsteps of their parents or other relatives.
Examples:
Children of famous actors who become actors themselves.
Heirs to business empires who assume executive roles.
Offspring of political figures who enter public office.
The concept of nepo babies is often debated, with some arguing that it undermines the notion of meritocracy.
Meanwhile, others believe that it is natural for families to support and help each other succeed.
Speaking to The Mirror about how he doesn’t want his kids to become nepo-babies, he said: “There’s no point in doing well in life and then giving it all to your kids.
“It’s doing them a huge disservice.”
He then spoke about comedian Jimmy Carr‘s outlook and how he agrees with him.
“Jimmy quite eloquently talks about trust fund kids who are given everything, and he sees them as just being really unfortunate, actually, and I would completely agree.”
He added: “If you’re a young man who’s just given everything, or a young woman, who’s just given everything, you may not ever understand the need to work because you have what you think you want.
“And then, therefore, you won’t ever feel proud of yourself.
“You won’t ever have a sense of achievement.”
GettyVogue and Spencer often spill details about their married life[/caption]
PASpencer recently spoke out about how he will not be leaving his fortune to his kids[/caption]
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on I quit teaching because of abusive parents… being told to ‘get cancer and die’ was the final straw
AS a red-faced father pushed me up against the playground wall and screamed in my face, I felt too stunned to fight back.
I’d only reminded his ten-year-old son to return his homework, but now this man was threatening to punch me.
ShutterstockFormer primary school teacher Rose reveals how abuse from parents drove her to quit the job she once loved (posed by models)[/caption]
GettyRose reveals parents would send her nasty messages (posed by model)[/caption]
ShutterstockOn one occasion, a parent told her they hoped she’d get cancer and die[/caption]
I was a newly-qualified primary school teacher and the incident left me shaken and stunned.
When I’d gone to university to study education, dealing with aggressive and abusive parents hadn’t been part of the course.
I’d chosen this career because I wanted to help children reach their potential and share how amazing acquiring new knowledge can be.
Naively, I’d assumed parents would be supportive of my efforts to give their child the very best start.
Sadly, while the vast majority of mums and dads are lovely, increasing numbers feel emboldened to treat teachers in an abusive way.
That’s why I wasn’t surprised to hear last week that nearly a third of school leaders have reported parents to the police for abusing them in the past 12 months.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) polled 1,600 members and found that 82 per cent have suffered abuse by parents in the past year, with verbal the most common.
But 68 per cent had experienced threatening behaviour, 46 per cent online abuse and 22 per cent discriminatory language, including racist, sexist or homophobic slurs.
One in ten suffered physical violence, while there were widespread reports of trolling on social media.
Nearly nine in ten said it had increased greatly in the last three years and left many considering quitting.
A decade ago, incidents like the one over homework took place maybe once a month at the school I taught at.
By last summer – when I quit – that had risen to multiple times a day.
There were too many instances to count involving parents shouting and swearing when I tried to speak to them about poor behaviour, friendship issues or general concerns.
The worst occasion was when a parent told me they hoped I’d get cancer and die for asking their child not to chew gum in class.
Shockingly, I have friends who have dealt with worse. One told me a colleague was followed to her car by a dad, who threatened to rape her if she asked his son to complete work again.
And an older male teacher said a parent threatened to spread rumours he was a ‘paedo’ if he made their child join in with PE.
But the abuse I experienced wasn’t just at the hands of hard-nut dads with more testosterone than common sense.
The most threatening parents were the career-driven high earners with a sense of entitlement
The most threatening parents were the career-driven high earners with a sense of entitlement and the attitude that nothing was ever good enough.
The more disadvantaged families were either disengaged or glad someone was trying to help.
Mums would be just as bad as the dads.
Just like social media has led to kids being bullied outside the school gates, I believe the introduction of school messaging apps like Class Dojo has exacerbated abuse.
Parents now have access to you 24 hours a day and get increasingly cheesed off if you don’t respond immediately, even at 2am.
‘Morale is rock bottom’
Sometimes they’ll send you a nasty message, then be as nice as pie in the playground – when you are still reeling from seeing their words when you first woke up.
What surprised me most was the attitude that, as a teacher, everything was my fault, from lost coats to spitting at other kids.
When did we stop holding pupils – and by extension, their parents – responsible for their own actions and poor choices?
Lockdown didn’t help matters as the public perception of teachers was low, despite the fact we were putting ourselves at risk by continuing to go into the classroom.
Post-pandemic clampdowns on things like attendance have damaged relations further, even though it is central government pushing targets on schools.
Tension also comes from the fact that teachers are not just teaching anymore.
Other services are so stretched that we become social workers, food banks, family counsellors – jobs we are not qualified to do, but we try to help.
Some parents appreciate this and work with you as a team to benefit the child.
But others – who often have loud voices – feel aggrieved that their child isn’t getting a ‘great deal’ or they don’t like what the school has put in place.
They don’t want to adhere to codes of conduct or uniform policies and think the school isn’t acting in their child’s best interest, when that’s never the case.
I’m quite a strong-minded person, but as time passed it became increasingly difficult to cope with day-to-day
That’s at the heart of all we do.
GettyNearly a third of school leaders have reported parents to the police in the past 12 months (posed by model)[/caption]
It’s especially tricky around topics like funding for special educational needs.
While it must be difficult constantly fighting for what your child needs, it shouldn’t be a fight with schools.
A lack of resources is a huge issue – but it’s something the teacher standing in front of you is powerless to change.
Knowing the right way to tackle incidents of abuse and violence is tricky, as parents aren’t a pub customer you can simply bar if they kick off.
Their child still has to come to school and it isn’t their fault if their parent acts badly.
I’ve had varying levels of support from my headteachers in these situations.
Some were completely at the whim of parents and did whatever they asked, because they struggle with confrontation and don’t feel supported by other services if things escalate.
Others had strict codes of conduct and held parents to account, but I remember when one called the police, they were told it was a civil issue and it would take several hours to respond as it wasn’t an emergency.
There was very little in the way of support, so we’d all try to keep our emotions in check until we could have a private breakdown in an empty classroom or in the car driving home.
What these parents didn’t understand was the more time I spent dealing with their aggression, the less time I had for doing what I do best – teaching their children.
On several occasions, I was pulled out of class to speak to an irate parent.
This could be distressing, but I was expected to go straight back to class and my pupils weren’t daft – they could see I was shaken.
I’m quite a strong-minded person, but as time passed it became increasingly difficult to cope with day-to-day.
Not being able to shield lower-paid colleagues like receptionists and teaching assistants was especially challenging.
‘Hard walking away’
Some incidents would be in meetings, but others would be in the playground in front of children.
What sort of message does that send to pupils, when parents disrespect teachers so publicly?
The decision to quit the profession I love came after a lot of soul-searching.
I’ve worked in some challenging schools and it was hard walking away from those children, knowing that you are often the one constant in their life.
Some of the things I saw day-to-day were harrowing, but dealing with abusive parents was one of the most challenging elements.
But I’d reached a point where I thought: ‘I’m going to be dead by the time I’m 50. This job is killing me.’
The vast majority of teachers I know feel a similar way. Morale is rock bottom.
No wonder record numbers are quitting, with 39,971 teachers leaving state-funded education in England for reasons other than retirement in 2022/23.
Six months on, I miss teaching so much. Thinking of my pupils makes me tearful, but the situation was no longer sustainable.
I must stress that I’ve also had the pleasure of working with absolutely incredible parents who want to forge a strong relationship and if they do challenge you, it’s appropriate and respectful.
I’d always make time to listen to them.
Like parents, teachers want the best possible outcome for the next generation and will go above and beyond to get that.
BRITAIN is facing a teaching crisis as record numbers leave the profession and schools struggle to recruit staff, particularly for key subjects.
Almost 80,000 quit for reasons other than retirement in the two years from 2021 to 2023, which is around nine per cent of the workforce.
A Department of Education survey in 2022 discovered that 92 per cent cited workload as a reason to quit while 57 per cent cited pay.
Around half of teachers said that data recording and analysis, behaviour and incident follow up, lesson planning, and marking took up too much of their time.
Many attributed this to schools feeling the need to be ‘Ofsted ready’ in anticipation of an inspection.
Of those leaving, women in their thirties are the biggest group, according to a report called Missing Mothers that said they were struggling to strike a balance between work and family life.
More than 9,000 of them quit in England in 2022-23, compared to just over 3,400 men of a similar age.
However, as men make up less of the profession, this number is a bigger proportion.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Salford staff finally receive salaries – but issues could lead to relegation
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com – 07/03/2025 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League: Round 4 – Castleford Tigers vs Salford Red Devils – The Jungle, Castleford, England – Salford players look on after conceding a penaltySWPIX.COM
SALFORD’S staff have finally received their owed wages as their new owners supply funds – after getting a further advance of central cash to make sure players were covered.
But another spectre is hanging over the club – relegation.
Salford’s wage woes and cash crises over the years may count against them when IMG’s gradings are announced at the end of the seasonSWPIX.COM
Red Devils stars’ salaries are believed to have been made a week late following a transfer from consortium member Saia Kailahi’s personal bank account.
However, it is also thought Rugby League Commercial let the club receive its £130,000 allocation of funds 10 days early to plug any gap, after it was given £500,000 in November.
But SunSport has been told off-field staff – including boss Paul Rowley – have now received their money ahead of Friday’s Challenge Cup tie with Bradford.
Kailahi is thought to have met his bank in Australia as the group attempts to transfer £1.9 million, which would cover the club’s wages for the season, after being told he can only transfer just under £49,000 at any one time.
As a result, SunSport understands March’s payroll will be met through a number of transfers made before the scheduled March 27 date.
Sources say a larger sum will be made later after they learned bank regulations on the other side of the world restrict their attempts to send the sum as one.
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Salford’s pay drama is the latest cash crisis at a club that has been beset by several since it moved into what is now known as the Community Stadium.
And it is understood they may count against them in the forthcoming IMG gradings, which are announced at the end of the season.
The finance pillar is judged on the three latest available set of accounts, which takes in the period from 2022-2024.
As a result, cash dramas that occurred until November will count against them – and as they kept their Super League status by just 0.39 points ahead of Toulouse, that may place their top flight statis in jeopardy.
Boss Paul Rowley and his off-field staff are said to have finally received their February wagesSWPIX.COM
Kailahi, a childhood friend of Salford assistant coach Krisnan Inu, is thought to be the rugby league man in the three-man consortium, with Swiss moneyman Dario Berta its head.
And it is believed he and Curtis Brown are primarily looking to buy the Salford Community Stadium and the land around it, with plans to build a 5,000-seater arena and a hotel.
If a deal with the city’s council can be agreed, they would also look to develop the 12,000-capacity venue, with a view to it hosting concerts in future.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Horror as boy is knifed in the back outside school – with two teenagers arrested
A BOY has been stabbed in the back outside a school in Portsmouth – with two teenagers arrested.
The horror incident at 3.46pm yesterday near Springfield School in Drayton saw the victim, aged 15, “seriously assaulted”, according to police.
A force spokesperson said: “(The victim) was treated for two small stab wounds, one to the elbow and one to his back, at hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
“His injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing.
“A 14-year-old boy was initially arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
“A 16-year-old boy has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Both remain in custody at this time.”
District Commander, Superintendent Paul Markham said: “You will see officers in the area while we progress our enquiries.
“We’re also engaging with Springfield School, which is close to where the assault took place, to provide reassurance to the school community.
“Anyone with any concerns can speak to one of our uniformed officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be patrolling regularly.
“It’s important that we also highlight that tackling serious violence including knife crime, robustly dealing with offenders and working in partnership to prevent offending remain a priority in the city.”
Anyone with information on this incident can contact police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44250106313.
The horror incident near Springfield School in Drayton
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Trippier reveals why Newcastle have changed HOTEL as they prepare for Carabao Cup final after 2023 Man Utd heartache
KIERAN TRIPPIER has warned Liverpool that Newcastle are far better prepared for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final than they were two years ago.
And that even extends to changing their hotel — in the hope it changes their luck.
PAKieran Trippier has warned Liverpool that Newcastle are far better prepared for the Carabao Cup final now[/caption]
Toon right-back Trippier says the emotion of the 2023 showpiece at Wembley was overwhelming for Eddie Howe’s squad as they lost 2-0 to Manchester United.
Trippier, however, says the squad are much more relaxed now as they prepare to take on Arne Slot’s men.
The Magpies claimed a 1-0 win at West Ham on Monday in their last game before Sunday’s final.
And former England defender Trippier, 34, said: “There was a lot of noise the first time in the final.
“But now the lads have experienced it, we know how to handle it. It’ll be a different feel this time. The most important thing is to stay calm, stay relaxed.
“The emotion in the first cup final got the better of us, I can’t say an individual but as a group.
“It was the first final for some of the players, playing at Wembley, the cup final for Newcastle, the fans are all excited, etc.
“But the lads have gained that experience and are fully prepared, calm, relaxed for this final.
“I’m not picking anybody out — but if you look at the Geordie lads in our team, for example, it means so much to them, because they’re from Newcastle.
“Family and friends, everyone’s buzzing because it’s the first final in so many years.
“So the emotion was very, very high for a large part before the final.
“But this time around it’s more calm, more relaxed — and that’s from the supporters as well.
“But all we can do is just give everything in that final.”
Newcastle have made logistical changes too, moving away from the Hilton hotel that is right next door to Wembley.
The Hilton is so close to the stadium it leaves players trapped inside on the morning of the game.
Trippier added: “Staying at the Hilton was too close, shall we say. It’s about learning. The club learned a lot from the first time around.
The emotion in the first cup final got the better of us, I can’t say an individual but as a group.
Kieran Trippier
“A lot more things are well organised this time. I’m not saying it was bad last time but we’re more prepared because we’ve been in this position now.
“We played United in the last cup final and we’re more relaxed.
“Now we’ve just got to review this game and look forward to another special occasion at the weekend against Liverpool.”
After back-to-back defeats — in the Prem by Liverpool and Brighton in the FA Cup — as well as losing forward Anthony Gordon to suspension plus defenders Sven Botman and Lewis Hall to injury, Newcastle still saw off the Hammers to go into the final on a high.
Bruno Guimaraes converted Harvey Barnes’ 63rd-minute cross to seal three points and take Toon back into the Premier League’s top six.
They are now just two points off the top four in the race for the Champions League places, which has proved to be a tough balancing act alongside their run to the Carabao Cup final.
Boss Howe and his players know they will have to perform much better than they did at the London Stadium if they are to make history against Liverpool on Sunday.
Trippier added: “We know how close it is at the top of the table, so it was a big win, especially before the final.
“You want to win any game before a cup final, you don’t want to go in on the back of a defeat.
“But we know we can improve and we’ve got to show that same character on the weekend.”
ReutersTrippier will lead Newcastle into the Carabao Cup final[/caption]
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Trump trade war goes global as he slaps 25% tariffs on aluminium and steel with fears for UK industry as EU hits back
DONALD Trump has extended his punishing trade war to now impact on the entire world as fears grow for key UK industries.
The US president announced he is placing 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports coming in to the US – with the EU already hitting back hard.
Donald Trump has extended his punishing trade war to now impact on the entire worldThe Mega Agency GettyThe US President announced he is placing 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports coming in to the US[/caption]
GettyEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already hit back at Trump’s tariffs saying the EU ‘must act’ to protect consumers and business[/caption]
The European Union has announced a huge two-stage retaliation against the US which will cover €26 billion in EU exports.
From April 1, the European Commission says it will reimpose tariffs in response to Trump’s global tariffs.
This will have a direct impact on many iconic American brands such as Harley-Davidson.
Then from mid-April, further countermeasures will be applied if Eu member states all approve.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today: “We deeply regret this measure.
“Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers.
“These tariffs are disrupting supply chains. They bring uncertainty for the economy.
She said she didn’t think tariffs “serves anyone well”.
Adding: “We don’t want to see tariffs. I will continue to make the case with all my international counterparts for free and open trade.”
President Trump initially only targeted Mexico, Canada and China with his trade war before opening them up to the world.
His plan is designed to protect US manufacturing and bolster job opportunities by making internationally made products more expensive and less attractive to buy.
It will also threaten to make the cost of many things such as cars more expensive.
On Tuesday, Trump again threatened Canada with historic financial punishment as they threatened to impose their own 25 per cent tariffs on electricity in three US states.
The brewing trade war between the two neighbouring countries deepened this week after Trump doubled the 25 per cent levy on Canadian steel and aluminium.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned he ‘will not hesitate to increase’ the levies on electricity for AmericansThe Mega AgencyTrump’s decision came after he spent the day with pal Elon Musk[/caption]
The Mega AgencyTrump was testing out the Tesla Model S with Musk at the White House[/caption]
It came in response to the Ontario government’s threat of an electricity surcharge.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford soon said he was temporarily suspending his province’s planned purchase on electricity exported to the US after Trump’s fiery response.
Ford made a U-turn on the threats after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agreed to go back to the table on trade talks.
Ford said that Canadian delegates will travel to Washington within the next day or two to meet with Lutnick.
Musk brought an entire fleet of the electric vehicles to let the president have his pick of the motors.
Trump’s support for his advisor comes after Tesla faced backlash and vandalism over Musk’s new role in the Oval Office.
As the head of the brand new Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), Musk has slashed federal jobs and budgets in Trump’s first few months of his second term.
Growing fears and concerns over Doge’s plans have sparked a series of attacks on Tesla across the country, including vandalism at Tesla showrooms and charging stations.
Tesla stock has lost more than half its stock since peaking in December – wiping out over $800 billion from the company’s total value, according to CNBC.
Why has Trump hit China, Canada, and Mexico with tariffs?
DONALD Trump has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Chinese imports to the US and has threatened even bigger tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. But, why did he propose the levies?
China:
Trump believes China has not done enough to stop the production of chemicals used to make the drug fentanyl.
China serves as a major supplier of auto parts to the US.
Phones and computers along with other key electronic devices were also in the top imports from China last year, according to Commerce Department Data.
In 2023, the US imported around $427 billion worth of products from China in total, according to the US Census Bureau.
Data reveals that 78 per cent of all smartphones imported from the US came from China.
Trump’s tariff threat has sparked fears of price rises for fashion items and toys.
Beijing has responded by outlining its own tariffs on American goods, sparking fears of an all-out trade war between the two powerhouses.
Canada:
Trump doubled his initial 25 per cent tariff proposal on Canadian steel and aluminium after Ontario Premier Doug Ford countered by charging 25 per cent more for the electricity his province provides to about 1.5 million Americans in Minnesota, New York, and Michigan.
Ford, on the other hand, instructed Ontario’s Independent Electricity System to implement a $7-per-megawatt-per-hour fee on all power exports to the three US states.
Trump ignited a trade war with Canada and Mexico during his first days in office as part of a campaign promise to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the United States.
He said both countries had not done enough to halt the drug flow and the mass influx of migrants from reaching US soil.
Mexico:
Mexico has managed to twice postpone Trump’s tariffs on Mexican goods.
On February 1, Trump signed an executive order to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China.
But, on February 3, Trump agreed to pause the levies against Canada and Mexico after the countries took steps to appease Trump’s concerns on border security and drug trafficking.
Trump credited Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s progress on border security and drug smuggling as a reason for the pause on the levies.
Still, Trump has maintained that on April 2 the US will begin imposing reciprocal tariffs on all its trading partners, including Mexico.
GettyTrump holding notes on the pricing of Tesla vehicles on the South Lawn of the White House[/caption]
President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaking to the press inside a Tesla Model S at the White House
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on A 14p hack will remove limescale from your shower screen – it will ‘slide off’ in seconds
NO matter how much you scrub the limescale on your shower screen, it can seem impossible to remove.
One woman has shared the DIY hack she uses to tackle stubborn water stains in her bathroom.
Instagram user Laura Sibley shared the DIY hack she swears by for cleaning shower screens (stock image)GETTY
In her viral video, Instagram user Laura Sibley (@fromwifetolife) demonstrated the budget-friendly cleaning technique.
“If you hate cleaning your shower screen, I have the answer,” she told her followers.
She explained that her “simple and cheap hack” makes all watermarks “slide right off like magic”.
Laura said she was “seriously impressed” by the results every time she showers.
The Instagrammer revealed that instead of tackling limescale with cleaning products or white vinegar, she opts for a baking item.
And no, it’s not baking soda.
Laura recommended using a sheet of grease proof paper to scrub your shower screen.
She demonstrated how to scrunch up the paper and rub it until “the water slides off” the surface.
You can pick up a roll of Greaseproof Baking Paper from Asda for £1.45, which breaks down to just 14p per metre.
And since you can tackle your screen with the same piece, this hack only using part of your roll.
Laura described cleaning her shower screen as her “least favourite job” since her household has “ridiculously hard water”.
However, the Instagrammer now swears by this hack for easing the process.
She explained how the task is now less “faffy” and can be completed in seconds.
Laura showed her followers her new and improved shower screen after completing the task.
Instagram users shared their thoughts on the method in the comments section.
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.
1. Regular Maintenance
Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.
Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.
2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.
3. Cleaning the Toilet
Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and Bath
Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and Grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.
6. Mirrors and Glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.
Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly.
9. Finishing Touches
Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom.
Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.
“OMG, I’m doing this today,” wrote one inspired viewer.
Another impressed follower described the technique as “actual witchcraft”.
“What is this magic?” asked a third commenter.
“That’s a great hack,” said another Instagram user.
“No flipping way. How did you know to do this? You need to write a book,” commented one viewer.
The Instagram user recommended using greaseproof baking paper to remove hard water stainsInstagram/@fromwifetolifeLaura demonstrated how to use the greaseproof paper to remove limsecale build up in your showerInstagram/@fromwifetolife