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Who Would Be Called Up First? UK Experts Point to One Age Group

Who Would Be Called Up First? UK Experts Point to One Age Group

Updated 15:04 21 Oct 2026 GMT+1Published 12:03 21 Oct 2026 GMT+1While WWIII isn't imminent, conflict around the world is causing the question of conscription to be askedAs tensions rise all over the world and fears of WWIII looms on the horizon, experts have revealed who they think would be summoned first if the UK government issued mass conscription.It's a worrying time out there right now, and in the last few years, the world has seen many conflicts turn into terrifying wars.For example, Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing, there has been unrest in the Middle East with the US and Israel's war on Iran and also on Lebanon.Then there's Palestine.AdvertSo, it's not too shocking that 72-hour survival kits and doomsday planes have been trending in the news lately.But when it comes to conscription, the process isn't as straightforward as 'everyone' will be called upon at once.No. It happens in sections, and the first group leads the rest of the calls.Experts say it'll be young people to go first (Getty Stock Images)So, if you're hoping to escape being the first lot to go out – then you might be out of luck, as retired senior British Army officer Lord Dannatt told the Express, per the Daily Star, that the youngest people will start off the conscription process.Only after the current-service and reserve officers are sent to the war.He told the outlet: "I would expect to see the Army Reserve mobilised first, then Regular Reservists recalled to active service and then His Majesty's Government would need to consider conscription, starting with 18-24-year-olds."Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) researchers Nick Reynolds and Paul O'Neill warned in the report Mobilisation and Training for War: Preparing to Break Glass that there were around 32,000 members of the Army Reserve, and recruitment is slow as it takes on average 209 days.Their assessment is that Britain's armed forces are not large enough or sufficiently prepared for the role they would be expected to play in such a conflict.They added that the Strategic Reserve, primarily consisting of former service personnel, was 'theoretically substantial but remains poorly understood and inadequately mapped'.The topic of conscription has come up amid global tensions (Getty Stock Images)According to emeritus professor at the University of Buckingham, Anthony Glees, in any event, it's possible that the full conscription will follow the same protocol as in WW2. Glees said: "This would mean that all males from 18-41 would have to do military or national service."He explained that in September 1939, 'the UK declared war on Germany', in May 1939, 'all males aged 20-22 were required to do national service' and then in 1941, 'the age range was extended by ten years, so 18-51 and unmarried women were also required to do some kind of national service.'He added that as far as the idea of 'compulsory' service, he said it's more likely that if this happens that it'll be in a remote setting, using laptops and technology to fulfill the military's needs.Reynolds and O'Neill warned that at present the UK doesn't have the military capability to fight a protracted European conflict, and did not yet have the 'planning, infrastructure and political will' to achieve it.They compared the current situation to unheeded warnings on military spending issued in 1934 which contributed to the early disasters of the Second World War.Experts have warned that the UK is not ready to fight a war in Europe and cannot wait until something happens to start preparing for it (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)They said: "Prolonged war requires mass, but the UK's regular and reserve forces are small, and fewer members of society have prior military service."Policymakers and the public should be disabused of the idea that the UK's armed forces do not need to field a large force to match a potential enemy or adversary, or that the UK can get away with leaving detailed planning until the event itself."Another person who has also talked about conscription is author and historian David Swift, who thinks out-of-work youngsters would be first up out of the group of 18-24 year olds."Military conscription would target unemployed graduates," he told The Express in March, adding: "This would be very popular with lots of people."He then went on to claim that those who work in the industrial or defence sectors wouldn't be called upon in general."Today, since there is such an urgent need to rebuild Britain's defence industries and industrial capacity, I would expect that people in these important occupations would be exempt," he said, but if the demand needed them, that they'd have to go.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock ImagesTopics: UK News, Army

Oct 21, 2026
Why a £200,000-a-Year Couple Quit Their Jobs After Having a Second Child

Why a £200,000-a-Year Couple Quit Their Jobs After Having a Second Child

Published 15:22 21 Oct 2026 GMT+1They felt completely 'out of control' as costs soaredA couple who were earning over £200,000 per year have described their struggles of having 'nothing left' after welcoming their second child.It points towards a flawed system when two senior employees within technology companies are still struggling to make ends meet but that was the reality for Nicole, 36, and Matthew Griffiths, 37, after they claimed that their childcare costs would rise to £40,000 when Nicole gave birth to her second daughter.The couple from Brighton were already paying £1,600 per month for their first daughter's nursery, while their mortgage repayments had jumped up to £3,300 per month, which left them feeling like they had 'literally nothing left' at the end of each month. Since they earn over £100k between them, the amount of free childcare they are entitled to also drops to just 15 hours per week, compared to the 30 hours that other parents are granted by the UK government. AdvertAt first, their plan was simply to try and earn more money to cover the extra costs, with even the income from Air BnB properties not enough to solve their financial woes. Mat, who was earning £125,000 as chief product officer at an insurance tech firm, said: "It's like private school fees. That was not what I planned for at all to send a one-year-old to childcare."We obviously knew that we wanted to have another child, and so we were thrilled when we found out."Until the penny dropped that now it was going to be a few quid short of 40,000 pounds a year in childcare fees for two of them and I was like wow this is now getting completely out of control."Mat and Nicole found themselves with practically nothing left at the end of each month (SWNS)After months of researching the complex rules surrounding taxes, pensions and childcare costs, they realised that quitting their jobs might actually be their best option, as they opted to go down the entrepreneur route. This immediately allowed them to reclaim their childcare support worth £16,281 for both of their daughters, saving them £21,495 in total. After realising how many other families were facing the same struggle, the pair decided to turn their research into a business, and they launched the 'Wealthy Parent Guide', a tool which helps families earning six-figure salaries understand their options and save money on childcare.Mat said: "A lot of parents tell us they're not going to have a second child because of the finances. They literally cannot afford it."Their childcare costs shot up when they welcomed their second daughter (SWNS)Nicole added: "As a society I would say we encourage women into senior leadership roles but the childcare system can financially incentivise them to step back."The higher earner in the household may trigger the loss of the childcare support but I think it's very often that if you've got one parent earning over £100,000 the lower earner may consider stepping back."Statistically, that's probably more likely the mum. That is often where the mother's career does pay the price for the way that the system is set up."Mat concluded: "If people in the prime of their careers are going, you know what, I don't want a bonus. I don't want a promotion because it just screws up my childcare costs. It's not worth it."We need to get people incentivised to go out and work. But this whole system for the brightest and most ambitious minds in the prime of their careers is having the opposite effect."Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: Cost of Living, Parenting

Oct 21, 2026
Helen Haines’ husband shares hopeful update after both legs amputated

Helen Haines’ husband shares hopeful update after both legs amputated

Updated 14:56 21 Oct 2026 GMT+1Published 14:44 21 Oct 2026 GMT+1Phil Haines said 'both her heart and her mind are in good shape'The husband of the Australian independent MP Helen Haines has spoken out after the politician was struck by a car.Haines, 65, is receiving treatment in a Melbourne hospital after having both of her legs amputated.The MP was struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, northwest of Melbourne, Australia on Monday (October 19).Phil Haines, the politician's husband, confirmed her left leg was amputated on Monday and her right leg was amputated on Wednesday after doctors abandoned hope of saving it.Advert“The good news in all this is that Helen is alive and she’s stable. That is the most important thing for our family,” he told press in Melbourne.“We are grateful and thankful that at this stage, both her heart and her mind are in good shape."Helen Haines has undergone surgery to have both legs amputated (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)Brendan Nugent earlier appeared in court after being charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official.The suspect did not apply for bail or enter a plea. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February.Nugent’s lawyer Chirag Patel told the court that his client was suffering from mental health issues and a concussion at the time of the incident.The lawyer went on to say Nugent suffered from a neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis, which damages the spinal cord’s protective myelin sheath and disrupts nerve signals between the brain and body.Symptoms that can occur as a result of the condition include rapid muscle weakness, sensory loss, pain, and bladder and bowel dysfunction, Cleveland Clinic medical centre notes.Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, spoke out following the shocking incident.Anthony Albanese has spoken out (John Lamparski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)“We want to make sure that people can feel as much comfort as possible that everything’s being done to maximize security,” Albanese told News24.“I think parliamentarians across the board are determined to make sure that we can continue to engage as we need to in this great democracy of ours.“That interaction is really important in our democracy.”Meanwhile, opposition politician James Paterson called for a review of personal security in response to the incident.“The reality is that Australian parliamentarians by global standards are uniquely accessible to the public and that’s a good thing,” Paterson told Australian Broadcasting Corp.“But we … can’t have a situation where shocking attacks like this take place because that will fundamentally change our democracy forever if it becomes a serious risk to your life to be a member of parliament."Featured Image Credit: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty ImagesTopics: Australia, Politics

Oct 21, 2026
Julia Stiles Sparks Tears With Surprise Heath Ledger Tribute Reunion

Julia Stiles Sparks Tears With Surprise Heath Ledger Tribute Reunion

Published 03:33 21 Oct 2026 GMT+1Julia Stiles left Dancing with the Stars viewers in tears with a beautiful tribute to Heath Ledger, which ended with a surprise reunionJulia Stiles put on an emotional performance during tonight’s episode of Dancing with the Stars as she paid tribute to Heath Ledger, with a surprise appearance from the 10 Things I Hate About You cast. The 45-year-old actor starred as Kat Stratford in 1999 teen romcom alongside Ledger who played her love interest Patrick Verona. The pair were still in their teens when they filmed the movie and Stiles has previously spoken about how close the whole cast were and what a joy it was to work alongside the late actor. “He just walked into the room and lit it up,” she told E! News last year. Advert“He was very kind and generous to me. “Which, you know, when you’re an actress in your first leading role in a big studio movie, you need to feel comfortable with the other person. And he was very generous that way.”Julie Stiles and Ezra Sosa dedicated their dance to Heath Ledger (Instagram/@dancingwiththestars)Tonight, Dancing with the Stars had its Dedications Week and Stiles shared that her performance would be in tribute to Ledger, who passed away in January 2008 aged just 28. Speaking ahead of tonight’s show, Stiles and her professional dance partner Ezra Sosa said: "I don’t think we’ve ever approached a performance with more care, sensitivity, and intention than this one. "From the very beginning it was incredibly important to both Julia and I that this tribute be created with the utmost respect, thoughtfulness, and close guidance from those who hold Heath and his memory closest. “This isn’t about defining a relationship or telling a story that isn’t ours to tell. It’s about honoring a beautiful moment in time, a film that changed so many lives, and someone whose impact continues to be felt by generations.“We’ve poured so much love into this piece, and we’re incredibly grateful for the trust placed in us to bring it to life. Our only hope is that it honours his memory with the dignity, love, and respect it deserves."In a clip shared before the dance on tonight’s episode, Stiles could be seen telling Sosa: “I learned a lot from Heath… It was so easy with him. I have so many great memories. I really wish I could pick up the phone, and be like, ‘Hey dude. People really care about that movie. We did something special.' And I can’t do that.”The 10 Things I Hate About You cast reunited (ABC)The duo then danced to Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You - a song Ledger’s Patrick famously serenaded Kat with in 10 Things I Hate About You - and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The routine ended with audio of Stiles reading the poem she recites in the movie, as her former co-stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, Gabrielle Union and Susan May Pratt joined her on the ballroom floor.Viewers at home were also left feeling emotional with one posting on X: “I sobbed. So beautiful. Thank you, Julia and Ezra. The world misses Heath.”Another said: “This is the best and most beautiful tribute dance for Heath. I loved the 10 Things I Hate About You cast reunion.”While a third commented: “I miss Heath too. Beautiful performance!” Stiles and Sosa were awarded four nines from the judges for their dance. Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@dancingwiththestarsTopics: Heath Ledger, TV and Film

Oct 21, 2026
North Korea’s 10 Everyday Restrictions Draw Attention Amid Kim Jong-un Rumors

North Korea’s 10 Everyday Restrictions Draw Attention Amid Kim Jong-un Rumors

Published 13:51 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1North Korea have denied their leader has died, but not everyone is convinced Rumours that Kim Jong-Un has died or is critically ill have been dismissed after new photos of the North Korean leader emerged on Monday. Photos released by the Korean Central News Agency show Kim at a clothing and footwear exhibition in Pyonyang alongside his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae.The New York Post reported that he appeared 'animated' as he examined children's footwear, and he was also seen inspecting women's coats.The North Korean supreme leader isn't dead according to The North Korean Central News Agency... (Korean Central News Agency)AdvertThe speculation began after Zie Wnjun, chairman of the banned opposition group the China Democracy Party, claimed on X that Kim had suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage and had fallen into a coma.Xie alleged that Kim had been taken to a hospital in Beijing for emergency treatment, but the claims are unverified, and similar rumors surfaced in 2014 and 2020.The photos were taken at a clothing exhibition in a country where even everyday choices, from haircuts to jeans, are tightly controlled, as the ten examples below show.Freedom House gives North Korea a score of 3 out of 100 on its global freedom index. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)What is banned in North Korea?Run by the Kim Family for generations, the government maintains strict control over its citizen's lives. and even seemingly harmless activities can be banned or heavily restricted.Citizens cannot freely access the global internet and are limited to a heavily censored internal network, as the government fears information that could challenge its authority. All South Korean media, including movies, music and TV shows, is also banned over concerns it could weaken the government's control and spark ideas of unification.Travel is restricted too, with permits needed to move between cities and leaving the country is nearly impossible for regular citizens.North Korean citizens are limited to a heavily censored internal network instead of the global internet. (Photo by GOH Chai Hin / AFP via Getty Images)Religion is officially permitted, but practices that could rival loyalty to the Kim family are discouraged or even banned. Mobile phone use is growing, yet devices are heavily monitored, typically only allowing calls and texts on the internal network, while international calls and foreign content are prohibited.Appearance is regulated as well, Men's haircuts are limited to a few approved styles, dyed hair is forbidden and women's clothing is expected to be modest and knee-length.Jeans and other Western clothing are also tied to American culture, which the government demonizes, so wearing them can attract unwanted attention from authorities,.Even smiling can be discouraged during periods of morning or hardship, though enthusiastic smiles are encouraged at celebrations and official events.Dyed hair is forbidden in North Korea. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)The economy is centrally controlled, with private businesses largely banned and most citizens working for state-owned enterprises. The most serious offense is criticizing the government or the Kim family, with even a whisper of dissent leading to severe consequences, including labor camp imprisonment for the offender and their extended family. The nation prioritizes its Songun (military-first) policy, historically spending up to one-third of its national income on its military forces. (Dieter Depypere/Bloomberg via Getty Images)What happens if you break the rules in North Korea?The government justifies the restrictions as necessary to maintain national security and social order. Punishments vary with the severity of the offense, with minor infractions resulting in fines or public humiliation, while watching South Korean media or trying to flee can mean harsh labor camps or even execution.Freedom House gives North Korea a score of just 3 out of 100 on its global freedom index, and Amnesty International has said the regime's suppression of liberty has 'no contemporary parallel.'Featured Image Credit: Contributor/Getty ImagesTopics: North Korea, Kim Jong-un, World News

Oct 21, 2026
Pan’s Labyrinth’s Pale Man Has a Disturbing Detail Fans Missed

Pan’s Labyrinth’s Pale Man Has a Disturbing Detail Fans Missed

Published 16:48 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1The horrifying villain might have also had a way out of the labyrinthWhen it comes to villain's from horror movies, there are few that are as traumatising as the Pale Man from Pan's Labyrinth. Although many of us who want to sleep soundly at night manage to steer clear of the particularly scary pieces of cinema like Sinister, there are always some disturbing characters who sneak through in more family-friendly films and shows. There's a disturbing truth about the child catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, who scarred various generations of children, while there's always some aliens or monsters from Doctor Who who will have kept our younger selves up at night. If you're anything like me, you'll still keep your eyes wide open every time you pass by an angel statue. One of the worst for many is undoubtedly the Pale Man, who was depicted by actor and contortionist Doug Jones in Guillermo del Toro's 2006 fantasy war film. AdvertDuring his fateful meeting with Ofelia, we see the villain emerge from his dinner table before placing his eyes in his hands, creating his iconic look.The Pale Man had us all freaking out (Picturehouse)He then brutally eats two of the fairies which are travelling with Ofelia, showing that his physical disadvantage doesn't affect his reactions too much, and del Toro later confirmed that the terrifying moment had a particular inspiration.For a Guardian article back in 2006, the Mexican director wrote: "Goya was an obvious reference, specifically with regards to the character of the Pale Man. There is a scene in which the Pale Man bites the heads off the fairies. That comes straight from Goya's painting of Saturn devouring his son."Saturn is the Roman depiction of Kronos, the king of the titans, who devoured his own children in an attempt to prevent a prophecy which warned that his children would overthrow him. However, when his wife Rhea gave birth to Zeus, she instead gave Kronos a rock to eat. When Zeus grew older, he overthrew his father and forced him to throw up his godly children, including Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Hestia and Hera.Guillermo del Toro has confirmed that Goya's painting was an inspiration for the scene (Reddit)Mythology is often used as an inspiration in films, just look at Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which was arguably the biggest film of 2026, but few will have expected the Pale Man to have been derived from Goya's painting depicting such a crucial part of Greek and Roman mythology. Of course, the concept of a labyrinth is also taken from mythology, since it was Daedalus' creation as a prison for the minotaur. Another horrifying realisation from the film is that Ofelia actually drops a piece of her magical chalk, which gives the villain a potential exit into the real world.Speaking more about his beloved dark fantasy, del Toro said: "I think that all fairytales have a grim setting. Hansel and Gretel is essentially about a famished family who send their children into the woods to die. Cinderella is about a child being tortured. "You can go right up to the Narnia stories, which take place against the bombing of the second world war, or Harry Potter being an unloved orphan. Fairytales pit harsh circumstances against a fantasy world. Pan's Labyrinth is no different."Featured Image Credit: Picturehouse

Oct 20, 2026
Dylan Sprouse Reveals the Family-Tree Discovery That Stunned Twin Cole

Dylan Sprouse Reveals the Family-Tree Discovery That Stunned Twin Cole

Updated 20:27 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1Published 20:24 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1Dylan says seven sets of twins in four generations led him to suspect his parents were relatedDylan Sprouse has said his family tree includes seven sets of twins across four generations, and he believes he has worked out why.The former Disney Channel child actor, who starred alongside his twin brother Cole in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, claims the pair are ‘children of incest.’He made the comments on the latest episode of the Wildmen podcast, according to Entertainment Weekly.Dylan and Cole, both 34, came to that conclusion after Dylan used the genealogy service Ancestry, which uses DNA testing to map out a family tree.Advert“Long story short, Cole and I are children of incest,” he said.Dylan Sprouse and his twin brother Cole, both 34, starred in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)How did Dylan Sprouse find out about his family tree?The discovery unfolded in stages. “When I first took it, my actual breakdown of history was very different than it is now,” Dylan said of the service. The process also put him in touch with relatives he had never met.“I’ve found a lot of family members, weirdly, who I never met, because my dad’s side of the family is pretty fractured,” he said.Dylan said he also ‘found out something weird’ about both sides of his family heading to California during the Gold Rush.One set of relatives discovered gold and then moved the rest of the family from North Carolina to California, he explained, and both sides were living in the area before being joined by marriage in the late 1800s.“And then, they diverged, and then they married again [through] my mom and my dad, like, last generation,” he said.Dylan recalled how he told Cole: “I called Cole, I showed him a picture, I was like, ‘Dude, I just found out some f---ing crazy s---.’”Dylan Sprouse used the genealogy service Ancestry, which uses DNA testing to map out a family tree. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)How many sets of twins are in the Sprouse family?Dylan said he ‘started to get suspicious’ after learning that his father’s uncles were identical twins.“I’d only ever thought that identical twins or twins in general came from my mom’s side of the family. We had seven sets of twins in four generations,” he said, before adding: 'Because it’s the same family!'Dylan joked that he does not have ‘webbed toes,’ but said he believes the family’s genes crossed at some point. “It’s my dad and my mom. They had no idea. So, then I’m looking at this, and I go, ‘What the hell?’” he said.He added: “A lot of stuff started to make sense, because one of my aunts was a twin, but she was one of the twins who ate her twin in the womb, and when they cut open a cyst in her shoulder, it had teeth and hair.”Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse got married on July 15, 2023. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/GC Images)Dylan married model and actress Barbara Palvin in 2023.The couple recently welcomed their first baby, Sylvie, six weeks before Palvin walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Oct. 18.Speaking to E! News, Dylan described Sylvie as ‘really cute’ and said her eyesight is clearing up, so she is starting to recognize faces a lot more.“She’s smiling and laughing at my jokes, which is all a dad can really dream of,” he added.Featured Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesTopics: Cole Sprouse, Entertainment, Disney

Oct 20, 2026
Kyle Kennedy’s Powerful Advocacy Journey Before Her Death at 42

Kyle Kennedy’s Powerful Advocacy Journey Before Her Death at 42

Updated 18:29 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1Published 18:21 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1Kyle Kennedy leaves behind two sons, having spent her later years campaigning for disability rights. Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has died aged 42, leaving behind two young sons and a legacy of work in education and disability advocacy.According to her obituary, Kennedy died on September 21 at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts.Her death comes six years after she suffered a severe spinal cord injury that resulted in long-term paralysis.The daughter of Michael Kennedy and Victoria Denise Gifford spent her later years advocating for people with disabilities, including speaking at the Massachusetts State House about discrimination in disabled healthcare.AdvertKyle Kennedy was the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy. (Burke Funeral Homes)What happened to Kyle Kennedy?She was born in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 1984.Her father, Michael, was one of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy's children. He died aged 39 in a skiing accident in 1997, when Kyle was a teenager.Kennedy attended Milton Academy before studying history at Georgetown University. She later earned a Master of Science in Early Education from Pace University and a Master of Education in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.After completing her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Teach For America teacher in New York City.Her obituary described her as 'a passionate advocate for more equitable elementary education and charter schooling'. She also worked with technology companies seeking to reform and improve school curricula, alongside coaching educators who worked with young children.Who are Kyle Kennedy's children and family?Kennedy is survived by her sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10, whom she shared with her former husband, Liam Kerr.The pair married in August 2012 in a ceremony that attracted attention because Taylor Swift attended alongside Conor Kennedy, Kyle's cousin, during their relationship.The couple also had a daughter, Josephine, who was Conor's twin sister. Josephine died just days after the twins were born.Kennedy's obituary refers to Kerr as her "former husband", while confirming that their two sons survive her.She is also survived by her brothers, Michael, 43, and Rory, 38, as well as four nieces and nephews and her mother, Victoria Denise Gifford.Gifford is the stepdaughter of former Today show presenter Kathie Lee Gifford. Kyle's family connections placed her within one of America's best-known political dynasties, but her professional life also centred on education and improving opportunities for children.Her advocacy work extended beyond the classroom. Following the spinal cord injury she sustained six years before her death, she continued to champion disability rights, including raising concerns about discrimination in healthcare at a Massachusetts State House hearing.Kennedy's life brought together public service, education and advocacy, with her work spanning teaching, education policy and support for people living with disabilities.Featured Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Robert F. Kennedy Human RightsTopics: Massachusetts, US News

Oct 20, 2026
Hunter Schafer Reveals How Falling in Love Changes Her Completely

Hunter Schafer Reveals How Falling in Love Changes Her Completely

Updated 17:12 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1Published 15:20 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1She said she hadn't been in a relationship longer than two years yetHunter Schafer opened up about her romantic relationships and how she acts differently when she's one half of a couple.The Euphoria star spoke to Elle recently to discuss her life, love and work, telling them that she'd had gender-affirming bottom surgery back in December.It's a medical procedure to alter a person's sex organs to match their gender identity, and bottom surgery refers to a procedure on the genitals.Schafer, 27, explained that she'd spent the start of the year in recovery having rented an apartment where her friends and family could visit her, and couldn't do much as she was limited to around 150 steps a day.AdvertShe spoke about being comfortable being by herself as 'there are so many thoughts to think', and how different she gets when she's in a relationship.Hunter Schafer said being in relationships makes her act differently to her usual introverted self (Emma McIntyre/Oscars/Getty Images for Academy Museum Foundation)"They defy the introvert because I want to be around them, touching them, all the time. When I’m in love, that’s how I feel. I want to be with you all the time," the Blade Runner 2099 star said.“I haven’t had a relationship that’s been longer than two years, and I’ve heard the two-year mark is when it gets more like a partnership rather than some passionate whatever-it-is. Something that feels more sacred and intentional.”In 2024 Schafer had told Call Her Daddy that her first relationship had been with a trans woman who 'showed her the ropes' of dating while trans, saying it was 'complicated'.She said: "To know in my first relationship and in my first really being in this mutual love thing, first time having sex, that I got to do it with somebody who completely understands my gender - I’m so thankful for it."Schafer didn't name her first relationship, but there have been several other people who she has confirmed she's dated during her life.She dated Rosalía for several months in 2019 (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Burberry)She had told GQ that for several months in 2019 she had dated Spanish singer Rosalía, explaining that while things didn't work out between them they were still very good friends and she has 'really beautiful friendships with people that I was once romantically involved with'.The following year there were rumours that she was dating the model Massima Desire, though neither of them ever confirmed it.In 2022 she ended up with her Euphoria co-star Dominic Fike, with them seeming to confirm the relationship when he shared a photo of them kissing to social media in February of that year.Fike said they'd got close on the TV show set and things had 'accelerated because you’re so vulnerable with someone, immediately'.A year into the relationship Schafer said they were 'a safety net for one another' and the relationship was 'deeply worth it', but by July 2023 Fike was saying he was 'done being in relationships right now' and that he'd 'decided to just be alone for a while'.She's also dated her Euphoria co-star Dominic Fike (Arturo Holmes/FilmMagic)In 2024, Schafer explained to Call Her Daddy that one of the main reasons they'd broken it off was because he'd cheated on her."I got cheated on for the first time," she said."He’s talked about this, too - in his songs, he writes about it - so it’s fine to be talking about it today and it’s part of my truth."But that fundamentally changed me as a person. And it was this whole process of realizing that cheating has nothing to do with you at all. It has everything to do with that person and whatever kind of pain they’re in, or whatever they’re dealing with."She didn't say anything further on it, explaining that any further details of what happened were between her and Fike, and she wanted to keep it that way,Featured Image Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty ImagesTopics: Celebrity, Sex and Relationships

Oct 20, 2026
Steve Hamilton’s Final Fishing Photo Ended in a Tragic Alligator Attack

Steve Hamilton’s Final Fishing Photo Ended in a Tragic Alligator Attack

Published 01:55 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1He was eventually pulled from the water but was later pronounced dead A 71-year-old man who died in a horrific alligator attack was dragged into the water as he posed for a photo, witnesses have said. Steve Hamilton was out fishing in Winter Garden Park, Florida on Friday (16 October) when he was attacked by an almost-12-feet-long alligator. Hamilton, a musician, regularly visited the Dr Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden to go fishing. On Friday, a witness said that Hamilton had managed to catch a fish and wanted to pose with it for a photo when disaster struck. Advert“He caught a bass. He held it up for whoever it was to take a picture of him, and the gator came up and grabbed him by the leg and pulled him in,” witness Beatrice Soto told WFTV.Hamilton was dragged under the water by the alligator, according to an Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s Office report obtained by PEOPLE. Trappers removed a huge alligator from the scene (NBC News)The gator then brought Hamilton to the surface but did not let go. Trappers sprung into action and were able to subdue the alligator and free Hamilton, but he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after.Connor Kelley, who also regularly uses the park, said he knew Hamilton and that he was a ‘kind man’. Speaking to WESH, he said: “As I was leaving to go home, I heard someone say apparently it was an older gentleman who fishes there every night, and just immediately my stomach dropped because I was so worried it was Steve, and it turns out it unfortunately was.“He was a very kind man, very relatable.”He went on to say that the death was reminder for those living in the area of the dangers of alligators. "He was not someone that, you know, was harassing any alligators or anything like that. It was just a very unfortunate event that happened and a very sober reminder of, you know, how just mindful to be around water in Florida," Kelley said.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement: “The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.” The FWC has issued a statement following the incident (WFTV)The FWC also confirmed that a contracted nuisance alligator trapper had removed an 11-feet-eight-inch gator from the area. The spokesperson added: “This is an active investigation, and this is all the information available at this time.”It’s the second fatal alligator attack in Florida since June, when Brittany Clark, 31, died on the Econlockhatchee River.However, the FWC has stressed that such incidents are thankfully rare. “Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida,” the FWC said.“The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.“People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).“When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation.”A 2022 report commissioned by the FWC found an average of about eight alligator bites annually and 26 fatalities since 1948.Featured Image Credit: WFTVTopics: US News

Oct 20, 2026
JD Vance Reveals What Could Stop His 2028 Presidential Run

JD Vance Reveals What Could Stop His 2028 Presidential Run

Published 12:38 19 Oct 2026 GMT+1Artificial intelligence put JD Vance as the most likely to win the election if he decides to runJD Vance has addressed the rumors that he plans on running for president after Donald Trump ends his second – and final – term.Vance, the current Vice President of the United States, seems like the natural choice to run for office for when Trump leaves the role in January 2029.Recent AI predictions said that there's a 22 percent chance that Vance will win the 2028 election (if he runs), while Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez was second with the bookies who put her as having a 13 percent chance of winning.But the 42-year-old has revealed that 'there's a chance' he won't run for the presidency.AdvertSpeaking to CBS News, explained what would possibly stop him from putting himself forward for the extremely high profile job – that being his young family.JD Vance pictured with his newborn son Alec (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)"We've got four little kids," he said. Going on to speak about his wife Usha Vance, he added: "My wife has never loved politics. She loves public service."Vance went on to contemplate: "I think you know you can do a lot of good in this job, and I've tried to do as much good as possible."He continued to explain that that people just 'presume' that he's going to run for president because he's a poltician."The way that I think about life, big life decisions – my wife will tell you this: I'm a procrastinator. I hate thinking about it," he shared. "[...] Anything could happen, man."Vance and Usha welcomed their fourth child, a little boy named Alec Neel Vance, in July. Announcing the news at the time, the vice president said: "Usha and the baby are happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother."As well as baby Alec, Usha and Vance are parents to Ewan, 9, Vivek, 6, and four-year-old Mirabel.Usha recently shed more light on what life's been like since becoming a mom-of-four in an interview with Fox News in August."It's been really lovely so far," she said. "One of the things that has just been beautiful to see is how excited my older kids are about their new brother."Usha continued: "They're always fighting over holding him. When we do diaper changes or clothes changes, one of them is always there helping. They're willing to burp him, they want to grab things for him, they want to entertain him."The busy mother went on to say of balancing time between her newborn and three older kids: "I'm sure there are going to be hiccups here and there! But for right now, they seem to be really thriving."Featured Image Credit: Daniel Heuer-Pool/Getty ImagesTopics: JD Vance, Parenting, Politics, US News

Oct 20, 2026
Bo’s Bagels removes Harlem mascot after viral ‘blackface’ accusation

Bo’s Bagels removes Harlem mascot after viral ‘blackface’ accusation

Updated 00:21 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1Published 00:03 20 Oct 2026 GMT+1A bagel shop owner has spoken out after a viral video accusing his business of displaying a 'blackface bagel'A New York bagel shop has removed its mascot after it became the focus of a racism storm.Bo’s Bagels, in Harlem, had a large cardboard cut-out of a cartoon bagel outside its store.The huge sign, which doubles as a chalkboard, shows the bagel wearing a pair of sunglasses and gold grills with Harlem World written across them and a gold ring that reads NYC.However, the mascot has found itself at the centre of a racism row after photographer Carl Broady branded it a ‘disrespectful caricature of black people’ in a post shared on Instagram last week.Advert"The sign’s exaggerated features, bulging lips and teeth, and darkened skin tone recall the racist caricatures historically used to degrade Black people,” he wrote.Broady’s comments were followed by a now-viral clip, in which TikTok user Anastazia X visited the shop and said the sign was a ‘blackface bagel’.Bo's Bagels has removed the sign following the backlash (Google Maps)She said the mascot was ‘not funny’ and ‘problematic’, she also suggested that other artwork in the store was a ‘little askew’. She said she had reached out to the bagel shop’s owner with her concerns but had been ‘left on read’. The shop’s owner Andrew Martinez has since spoken out about the backlash telling the New York Post that he has had to remove the sign after receiving threats and harassment.He said: “It got completely out of hand by a bunch of people who know nothing about us. And the rage was coming in from people who just wanted to call us racist.”“They’ve reached out to my black employees and said, ‘You need to leave there because your owners hate you,’ and that’s just not true," he added. Martinez said that his company had a great reputation in the local area. “This is actually almost weird to us because Harlemites love us. They know what we do. We donate to schools. We give food away to the homeless shelters,” he said.Anastazia X has also expressed her shock at the response to her video. “I’m sorry that employees and the owner have been harassed as a result of the video,” she said. “That was not my intention and I don’t condone or support any behaviour of that kind.”She said she had reached out to Martinez via email and had hoped that a ‘public conversation’ could take place. Martinez told the Post that he offered to respond to Anastazia X’s email but claims he was ignored. The sign was created by Harlem-based artist Tom Sanford, who has previously created works for the city including caricatures of the New York Knicks that were put on display in the City Hall during the basketball team’s winning streak this summer. Speaking to the New York Post, Sanford defended his work, saying: “Personally, I do not see uptown streetwear culture in a negative light at all. “To me, these items represent overwhelmingly positive cultural contributions that came from the streets of my neighbourhood and crossed over into the mainstream.”LADbible has reached out to Bo's Bagels for comment. Featured Image Credit: TikTok/blackstar.reviewsTopics: US News

Oct 19, 2026