New York State

A new 3D Mario is almost guaranteed within the first year of the Nintendo Switch 2 but what form will it take and does it have anything to do with Donkey Kong?

'He is so underrated.'

Trader Joe's has recalled its frozen acai bowls over possible contamination.

While Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 may have killed triple support, the new meta has a good chance of being much worse.

An anti-cheat watchdog group is warning Twitch that its light punishments cheating will have “devastating consequences.”

CANCER death rates are almost 60 per cent higher for people living in the most deprived areas of the UK, research shows.

This “stark inequality” results in 28,000 extra fatalities every year, half of which are caused by preventable factors like smoking and obesity.

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Rates of smoking and obesity are higher in more deprived parts of the UK – fuelling cancer cases[/caption]

According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK), this amounts to about 78 deaths a day – and accounts for 15 per cent of all cancer deaths.

The charity said people living in poorer areas were also more likely to be diagnosed later and offered less effective cancer treatments.

Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy and information at CRUK, said: “No one should be at a greater risk of dying from this devastating disease simply because of where they live.

“These figures are shocking and unacceptable – but crucially, they’re avoidable.

“People from more deprived areas are being diagnosed too late.

“Improving access to NHS services through funding and innovation will be vital, so that those who seek help get the care they deserve.”

Nearly half of the additional deaths – 47 per cent – were caused by lung cancer, the report found.

Death rates from lung cancer were almost three times higher among the most deprived Brits, compared to those living in the least deprived areas of the UK.

Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer and, according to the report, smoking rates were higher in poorer parts of the country.

Twenty-two per cent of people living in deprived areas said they smoked, compared with just 6 per cent of those in wealthier areas.

Rates of obesity – which has been linked to a higher risk of 13 different types of cancer – were also higher in poorer areas.

Check out our interactive map below showing the most deprived local authorities in the UK, according to latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) data.

According to the report, the proportion of adults who were obese in deprived areas was 36 per cent, compared with 19 per cent in better-off areas.

CRUK said people living in UK’s most deprived areas were also less likely to attend free cancer screenings.

One example used in the report is the bowel screening programme, which allows patients to collect a stool sample at home before posting it back for testing.

It found there is a 57 per cent uptake of the test in deprived areas, compared with 76 per cent in wealthier areas.

The NHS also offers free checks to pick up breast and cervical cancer.

Recognising cancer red flags

Finally, deprived Brits were less likely to recognise cancer symptoms.

“Specifically, people from lower social grade groups are more likely to think their potential cancer symptoms are caused by an existing health problem or medication/vaccination side effects, compared to people from higher social grade groups,” the report stated.

And even if they are aware of potential cancer symptoms, poorer Brits may put off seeking help because they’re worried they won’t be taken seriously.

Karis Betts, inequalities lead at CRUK, said: “To tackle cancer inequalities, our health services need to work together with communities themselves – to prevent the causes of cancer and spot the disease earlier.

“Sustainably funding support to help people stop smoking will avoid so many cancer cases in deprived areas.

“But we also need new and better ways to diagnose cancer at an early stage, like targeted lung screening, which is proven to help save lives in at-risk communities.

“It’s vital that this is fully rolled out across England, followed by all four UK nations.”

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Deprived Brits were less likely to recognise cancer symptoms – such as unexplained weight loss[/caption]

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, said: “NHS staff are working hard to ensure that everyone affected by cancer receives a prompt diagnosis and treatment, and initiatives such as our Targeted Lung Check have been especially helpful for people in deprived areas who are at greater risk of cancer, so that if they have lung cancer it is now being diagnosed at a much earlier stage.

“We recognise there is still much more to do to ensure that everyone receives a timely diagnosis and treatment, and are seeing record numbers come forward for urgent checks, with suspected cancer referrals more than doubling in the last decade, a narrowing of the gap between the most and least well-off, and cancer survival rates have never been higher.

“The NHS is fully committed to improving access to cancer care and recently confirmed the Faster Diagnosis Standard target is to be increased, to see around 100,000 more patients receive a diagnosis or the all-clear within four weeks next year.”

Dr Neil Smith, GP Lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, said: “As a GP working in a deprived area, I see first-hand how hard it can be for patients to get access to vital services, and the impact this has on them and their loved ones.

“High-quality care should be available to everyone when they need it. But sometimes, the hardest step can be getting to the doctor in the first place.

“Wherever you live in the UK, if you’re worried about your health, your GP will want to see you. Although it can be difficult to get an appointment, it’s vital that you keep trying – it probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, spotting it early could make all
the difference.”

LLOYDS BANKING GROUP has had to shift gears and put aside £1.2billion to cover potential claims from drivers for its part in the motor finance scandal.

The sum is £700million more than it expected to be on the hook for a year ago.

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Lloyds is heavily exposed to the mis-selling scandal through its Black Horse brand[/caption]

Lloyds is heavily exposed to the mis-selling scandal through its Black Horse brand.

Millions of Brits could be due compensation after a court last October found car dealerships had broken the law by receiving commission on finance deals without customers being aware.

That landmark ruling quashed the long-held view that consumer duty protections could not be ­applied to the past.

The motor finance scandal has been called PPI 2.0 – following the misselling of payment protection insurance which led to banks paying out £50billion in redress.

Yesterday, credit rating agency Fitch said that the costs associated with the motor finance scandal would exceed £2billion this year, largely due to legal costs.

The situation is being closely watched by the Government, and the Treasury was this week blocked from intervening in the Supreme Court appeal process.

Financial giants have warned the Chancellor that there is a risk of spooking global investors if they believe the UK can change its regulations on a whim.

Lloyds Boss Charlie Nunn yesterday said investors had raised concerns because the ruling “seems to be at odds with 30 years of regulation, and that creates a problem in the minds of investors.

Not just for this sector, not just for the financial services sector, but actually a broader investability question in the UK.”

A director at another firm said there was the risk of being penalised later for following the law “to the letter”.

But another big institution told The Sun that the firms that were now being chased had commission policies in place that “might have been legal, but didn’t pass the smell test.

“They should have known it was wrong.”

Lloyds’ compensation provision has knocked its annual pre-tax profits by a fifth to £6billion.

But its shares rose by five per cent yesterday after it sweetened investors with a 2.1p-a-share dividend and a £1.7billion buyback.

Diamonds no longer Anglo’s best friend?

DIAMOND’S are no longer Anglo American’s best friend after the miner wrote down the value of its De Beers business by $2.9billion (£2.2 billion).

The diamond industry is currently in a crisis caused partly by the rapid rise of cheaper lab-grown diamonds.

Alamy

Diamonds are no longer Anglo American’s best friend, pictured Marilyn Monroe who sings Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend[/caption]

Natural diamonds have fallen in price by about a quarter in the past two years.

The miner is already trying to find a way to offload De Beers, either in a sale or a stock market listing.

Boss Duncan Wanblad is trying to overhaul Anglo American after a hostile £39billion takeover attempt by miner BHP last year.

At the time Anglo American said it could boost shareholder value by focusing on its more profitable core and iron ore mines instead.

This week it sold off its Brazilian nickel business and is in the process of separating its South African platinum arm.

Layoffs shocker for Quiz

SHOPWORKERS at Quiz have complained they were given just an hour’s notice before being told they were losing their jobs and locks were changed on shuttered stores.

The struggling fast-fashion firm, which employed 722 people across 65 shops, filed for insolvency this week before striking a deal to transfer 531 workers and 42 stores to a business connected to the firm’s family owners.

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Quiz staff have complained they were given just an hour’s notice before being told they were losing their jobs[/caption]

As a result 23 outlets shut from Brighton to Bristol and 191 staff were made redundant.

One worker told The Sun they were informed on a 4.30pm conference call that they faced a job loss before contractors arrived at 5.30pm to change the locks.

Administrators at Teneo advised on the deal to the controlling Ramzan family.

Quiz had already been through one insolvency in 2019 and delisted from the stock market in December.

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GOLD has surged to a record high amid fears of a global trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Prices rose by 0.4 per cent to $2,944 yesterday.

Some analysts are betting the precious metal could hit $3,000.

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A SUPERMARKET instant coffee has been crowned better than a host of branded counterparts including Nescafe and Kenco.

M&S’s Fairtrade Gold Freeze dried coffee came out on top of a taste test carried out by Which?, scoring 69% overall.

A group of tasters scored 10 instant coffees based on appearance, aroma, flavour and mouthfeel, with M&S’s crowned the winner.

Half of the group branded the bitterness level and strength of flavour of the retailer’s instant coffee perfect.

Costing £6.25 for 200g or £3.13 per 100g, M&S’s instant coffee wasn’t the cheapest tested.

But it did outperform all the branded versions in terms of shopper rating and price.

Tasters scored the Kenco Gold Indulgence instant coffee, costing £7.20 for 195g (£3.69 per 100g), well overall in terms of flavour, aroma, looks and mouthfeel – 68% overall.

Most enjoyed its bitterness levels but nearly half said they would have preferred a stronger coffee taste.

Douwe Egberts’s Pure Gold instant coffee (£7.50 for 190g or £3.75 per 100g) came third overall in the taste test, with an overall 66% rating.

Which? said the coffee was well-liked among tasters with flavour, aroma, mouthfeel and appearance all rated highly.

Meanwhile, almost half praised its bitter kick, though fewer were happy with its flavour. Nearly a half wanted a more intense coffee taste.

Nescafe Gold Blend instant coffee (£7.60 for 200g or £3.80 per 100g) came in joint third in the test. Tasters rated its flavour, aroma and mouth feel highly, with it getting a 66% overall rating.

Half said the bitterness levels were perfect while a similar amount said it had good strength levels.

Aldi’s Alcafé Gold Roast came in joint second out of all the own brand instant dried coffees tested, below M&S, and with a score of 64%.

Nearly half of the tasters enjoyed its bitterness but around 60% said they wanted a stronger coffee taste from it.

Shoppers can get a jar for £2.25 for 200g, or £1.13 per 100g.

Co-op‘s own brand Fairtrade Gold Roast instant coffee scored the same as Aldi’s in Which?’s taste test – 64%.

The £4.78 for 200g (£2.38 per 100g) jar received an average score overall by tasters, but half wanted a stronger flavour while a third said it wasn’t bitter enough.

Ocado came next with 64%, with tasters branding its Gold Roast (£3 for 200g or £1.50 per 100g) spot on in terms of flavour.

A third of tasters also found Sainsbury’s‘ Gold Roast, which came eighth, to have the right strength of flavour.

The supermarket’s instant coffee scored 62% overall.

However, more than half wanted it stronger and a third said it was too bitter.

Which? said shoppers can pick up a 200g jar for £2.75 or £1.38 per 100g.

Second from the bottom and bottom of the taste test were Asda’s Gold Roasted and Lidl‘s Bellarom Gold Freeze instant coffees, respectively, with 61% and 57%.

More than 40% of tasters wanted a stronger coffee flavour from the own brand item, costing £2.25 for 200g (£1.13 per 100g).

Meanwhile, two-thirds of tasters for Lidl’s coffee (£2.45 for 200g or £1.23 per 100g) said it wasn’t strong enough.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “A strong coffee is an important part of the day for many people across the UK and our taste tests reflected the competition between big brands and supermarkets to produce the best blend.

“While M&S emerged as the top scorer in our taste tests with high ratings for aroma and mouthfeel, Aldi’s offering also impressed the panel for its looks and bitterness – and is a much cheaper option.”

The instant coffee taste test is the not the first run by Which? in recent months.

The consumer website had tasters look at own brand cheddar cheese, with its winner revealed in October.

It also revealed the results of a blind taste test of Irish creams before Christmas.

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PARENTS are set to get new protections to prevent nurseries from charging extra fees for free childcare hours.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson revealed that the government is “clamping down” on childcare providers to prevent them from charging compulsory fees for funded hours.

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The Secretary of State for Education said the guidance will kick in from April[/caption]

Ms Phillipson confirmed that from April this year, the government will introduce fresh statutory guidance that will ban the practice of charging mandatory fees and encourage local authorities to take action against providers which break the rules.

It is understood that this could include getting providers to pay compensation to affected parents.

And from January next year, all childcare providers will be required to publish a detailed breakdown of their charges and what they cover on their websites, as well as explaining that fees for funded hours are voluntary.

Ms Phillipson told The Sun: “What we’re setting out will save working parents money by clamping down on the unacceptable practices we have seen where mandatory fees are being charged and there is no clarity around what they cover.

“The guidance will give parents that clarity and will also mean nurseries can’t insist on any mandatory charges alongside government-backed hours, for example for consumables like nappies and lunches.

“We want it to be clear and consistent across the board, so providers will be required to follow our new statutory guidance, while local authorities will be empowered to take action [if they do not].”

What has been going on with nursery fees?

Over the past few years, nursery fees have risen exponentially in order to cover rising costs following a steep rise in inflation.

The government provides funding to nurseries to allow them to offer free childcare hours, but nurseries have long argued that this funding doesn’t cover the cost of free places as they are also grappling with rising costs.

“I know how important free childcare is for parents, and I want parents who access those places to have much greater clarity about what they are being asked to pay for

Bridget PhillipsonEducation Secretary

Government guidance currently states that while providers can charge fees for extras like consumables, they should not make these a condition of accessing a free childcare place.

And it adds that nurseries should not charge top-up fees, non-refundable registration fees or any other fees not clearly identified as being for consumables, for free childcare hours.

But last year, an investigation by The Sun revealed that parents were being hit with various new charges following the rollout of additional free childcare hours, including compulsory consumables charges, admin fees and non-refundable registration fees.

After we raised this issue with the government, former Minister for Children David Johnston pledged that it would investigate and take action if it found evidence of overcharging.

Now, in a major win for The Sun, the Labour government has confirmed it is strengthening its guidance to outline that all extra charges must be voluntary and that local authorities can step in if providers don’t adhere to the rules.

“I know how important free childcare is for parents, and I want parents who access those places to have much greater clarity about what they are being asked to pay for,” Ms Phillipson said.

“Alongside the government investment we’re putting in [to funded childcare hours], we’ve acted swiftly to make sure that providers will follow this new guidance so parents are not being stung with high charges.”

How will the new guidance work?

Under the new statutory guidance, providers will have to be clear and transparent about any fees they charge and, from next year, publish a breakdown of exactly what they cover. 

And for funded childcare hours, they will have to make it clear that the charges are voluntary.

Ms Phillipson explained: “Parents will not be required to pay any mandatory fees alongside government-backed hours, so they can provide their own nappies rather than it being a requirement that they pay.”

She added that the government will work with local authorities to ensure they are confident in enforcing the guidance and feel able to take action if they find any providers not adhering to them.

Last October, we revealed that one parent had won £677 back with the help of his local council after challenging compulsory extra fees by his nursery.

“I’m confident that with the new guidance enforced, providers will follow it, but if parents continue to find that there are problems in the system, absolutely local authorities will be empowered to take action,” Ms Phillipson said.

“We encourage parents to speak to local authorities about any instances [of unfair charges or lack of transparency] that they find.”

Alongside cracking down on overcharging, the government has announced further investment into free childcare hours, including an extra £75million grant to help fund the remaining roll-out.

It has also extended its Stronger Practice Hubs programme for another year to help improve the quality of childcare across the country.

This program helps childcare providers to deliver high-quality education via 18 regional hubs.

Read more about free childcare hours and how to apply here.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in March 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Learning works better when you want to – your chart question today is how can you make this happen?

With Venus and the moon both on side, it may be easier than you expect.

So start a process and trust yourself to find the most positive path.

Jupiter’s opposition could make words too hasty – do monitor this.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

You’ve been trying to get through to someone older, or maybe just less flexible in outlook.

Now, as the moon and Mercury clash, it’s time to take stock.

You have choices, even if you hesitate to admit what they are.

Your passion profile is mysterious – many want to know more about you.

Only you can decide if they should.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

The way you work a team is inspired, as you can include all talents and ideas, and keep moving forward.

But in love, this could be your moment to insist on changes for you.

The space you need to know your heart, is so important.

If you are single, your dramatic friend can make a low-key introduction.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

What true wellbeing means to you is your key question, as your chart suggests you may be valuing your own health less than that of other people.

There is time to correct this, when you are clear about what you deserve – and why.

As for love, believing the best of a bond, old or new, is the key to success.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

There’s an air of adventure in your chart so make those bold moves that have been on your mind for a while.

Swapping “perfect” for “potential” is your secret star tool waiting to be activated.

Accepting certain friendships, or work bonds, may have been outgrown, opens your eyes to a new “J” contact.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Love runs so deep and you may feel this as uncertainty – even jealousy.

But Venus guides you to seek the truth, in ways that protect you. So trust yourself to do what’s best, for you.

An address, perhaps with a holiday link, that you can’t stop thinking about could play a role in your future. Returns can be lucky.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Memories and promises go hand in hand[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

A deal that may have only been spoken about, could be ready to go to the next stage.

With a strong chart of communication plus cooperation, you can drive this as far as you choose.

In love, you might have felt forever promises were fading, but they are back, bolder than ever.

­Single? Be honest about what you want.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Money-minded Venus and the moon combine to highlight a business opportunity that answers questions in your head and your heart.

Aiding others can help yourself, and the perfect opportunity is so close.

In love? Keep work words away from together leisure time.

Single? The One wears a stylish uniform.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

What you do with your own imagination is up to you – so be aware of outside pressures that may seek to switch your ideas.

At work, deals can be struck when you keep the atmosphere light.

At home, Mercury’s love of facts could cut off feelings that need to be shared. Tackle this by limiting discussion time.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Family secrets can lose their power in the fresh atmosphere of mutual sharing – do start this process, by ­saying what’s on your mind.

Then others will follow.

Jupiter could make fitness changes seem too easy at first – make sure you explore what you need to do before you start. Spring colours can be lucky.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Supplied

Luck links to rearranged dates in ‘J’ months[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

A group that performs can get a luck boost today.

So it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone is on the same page, in terms of the future and also the past.

If you’re in love, a moon of reaching out helps you bridge a silence gap.

If you’re single, from a choice of three names, choose the most unusual.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

You may have avoided a test of loyalty, or love, until now. But today is your time to face this.

At work, accepting the need to make some changes is easier when you stop setting yourself impossible ­standards – Mercury’s tricky position challenges this, but you can cope.

A family of four can land prize luck.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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