Emily Malia

Bristol has been named the only UK city on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list for 2026, ranking among the world’s top 50 destinations. The recognition highlights the city’s extensive street-art scene, including works by Banksy, as well as its alternative cultures, food and drink, shopping, waterfront and maritime heritage. Key attractions include Wake The Tiger, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel’s SS Great Britain, while the former docks have been transformed into a cultural hub.

Oban is attracting more holidaymakers as a destination in its own right rather than merely a gateway to Scotland’s western isles. Rome2Rio search data places the Isle of Skye fourth among UK staycation destinations, with Oban and the Scottish West Coast also ranking highly. The port town is promoted for its ferry access to islands including Mull and Iona, dramatic scenery, historic Oban Distillery, McCaig’s Tower, and seafood-focused restaurants.

Rod Chayko was the sole survivor of a June 14, 1986 crash on The Mindbender roller coaster at Galaxyland in West Edmonton Mall, Alberta. A wheel assembly detached, damaging the track before the lap-bar restraints released and threw four passengers onto the concrete below. Chayko suffered lasting injuries, while his friend David Sager and engaged couple Tony Mandrusiak and Cindy Sims died. Decades later, Chayko says he continues to experience daily guilt and pain. The ride remained operational for years and was finally closed in 2023. Chayko received a settlement from the mall and has asked for a memorial bench, but says an offer to place a plaque on an office wall was inadequate.

Emily Malia compares McVitie’s milk chocolate digestives with supermarket versions from Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer, Lidl and Asda. Morrisons wins with 5/5 for its similar size, texture and flavour, while Asda scores 4/5 as a close and cheaper substitute despite having less chocolate. Sainsbury’s and M&S receive 3/5, and Lidl scores 2/5 because its biscuit is plain and its chocolate tastes cheap. Morrisons’ £1.20 packet is highlighted as 60p cheaper than McVitie’s at about £1.85.

A 29‑year‑old Australian skydiver, Melissa Porter, died after a high‑risk swooping landing at a skydiving facility in Houston. Her parachute deployed, but she landed in shallow water and later died in hospital, with investigators uncertain whether a medical issue was involved. Porter was an experienced, record‑holding skydiver who had recently won gold at the Australian Skydiving Championships. Family and colleagues described her passion for the sport and expressed grief over her death.

A BBC crime drama set in Aberdeen, Granite Harbour follows former military police sergeant Davis Lindo and DS Lara Bartlett as they investigate the death of an influential oil magnate. Starring Romario Simpson and Hannah Donaldson, the series has drawn both praise for its characters and criticism over narrative realism. With two seasons already released and a third expected in 2026, all episodes are currently available on BBC iPlayer.

British actor Warren Clarke, known for his long-running role in Dalziel and Pascoe and notable film appearances including A Clockwork Orange, died in 2014 leaving no financial inheritance due to debts and a failed investment in the film The Numbers Station. Despite decades of television and film work, his modest estate was wiped out after liabilities were settled. Clarke had previously spoken about low BBC pay and financial struggles. He is survived by his wife Michelle and two children.

Professional high-wire artist Karl Wallenda fell to his death at age 73 while attempting to walk between the towers of Puerto Rico’s Condado Plaza Hotel. Strong winds and an improperly secured wire caused him to lose his balance and fall 121 feet, striking a taxi. The incident was filmed by San Juan broadcaster WAPA-TV, although most television outlets did not broadcast the footage. Wallenda was remembered as the founder of The Flying Wallendas and a major figure in circus high-wire performance; his great-grandson Nick Wallenda later continued the family tradition.

Actress Gemma McCluskie, known for playing Kerry Skinner in EastEnders, disappeared from her shared flat in East London in March 2012. Her brother Tony McCluskie was found to have killed her during an argument, dismembered her body and dumped it in Regent's Canal. Parts of her body were recovered over several weeks, while her head was found six months later. Tony was convicted by an 11–1 majority and sentenced to life imprisonment; the judge rejected his account of the killing and described the crime as cold-blooded.

Norwich has been named by Time Out as the UK's best city-break destination for 2026, offering a relatively affordable alternative to London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The city is highlighted for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval heritage, Norwich Cathedral, the Sainsbury Centre's art collection and its lively student-oriented cafés, bars and cultural venues. Traditional pubs including The Gardeners Arms and Unthank Arms receive particular recommendations.

A taste test of fish fingers from Asda, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Bird’s Eye and Tesco found M&S to be the overall winner, scoring 5/5 for its stronger flavour, chewy texture and crisp, thin batter. Bird’s Eye scored 4/5 and remained a dependable branded option, while Tesco also scored 4/5 as a cheaper alternative. Asda received 3/5 for its light texture but weak fish flavour, and Sainsbury’s ranked last with 2/5 because it was thin, breadcrumb-heavy and lacking in flavour and texture.

Anna Karen, best known for playing Olive in On the Buses and Aunt Sal in EastEnders, died aged 85 in a house fire at her home in Ilford on February 22, 2022. Firefighters found her dead after responding to reports of smoke, while police said the circumstances did not appear suspicious. Friends, former co-stars and neighbours paid tribute to her, remembering her as a warm, funny and much-loved performer.

A taste test comparing Kellogg's Coco Pops with cheaper own-brand versions from Asda, Lidl, Tesco and M&S finds that M&S Choco Pops are the closest match and receive the same 5/5 rating as the original. Tesco Choco Snaps are also judged a strong, lower-cost alternative, while Asda and Lidl cereals lose their texture and flavour more quickly. At £2.85 for 420g, Kellogg's costs substantially more than the supermarket options, which range from £1.15 to £1.25, although its distinctive chocolate coating remains difficult to replicate.

Jersey is presented as an affordable, convenient alternative to a European summer holiday, with flights from £17 and travel times of about an hour from major UK airports. The island offers a blend of British and French culture, English-language services, pound sterling and compact dimensions that make it easy for families to explore. Highlights include St Brelade’s Bay Beach, with watersports, cafés, parking and bus access, as well as Elizabeth Castle and Mont Orgueil Castle, which provide guided tours, historic attractions and coastal views.

Metroland, once described as Europe's largest indoor theme park, opened at Gateshead's Metrocentre in 1988 after being conceived by John Hall and was inspired by West Edmonton Mall's Fantasyland. Featuring rollercoasters, rides, arcades, play areas and a food court, it attracted families for two decades before closing permanently in 2008 because of lease complications and redevelopment plans. Former visitors continue to remember the attraction fondly and criticize the Metrocentre's atmosphere since its disappearance.

The Fry Awards have named their top 50 UK fish and chip establishments following months of covert judging based on food quality, cleanliness, staff service and value for money. Nine Scottish businesses appear in the top restaurant and takeaway rankings, including Catch in Giffnock, Garioch Fish Bar in Inverurie, Moore's Fish and Chips in Castle Douglas, Quintiliani's in Hamilton and several Aberdeen-area shops. The awards required establishments to achieve scores of at least 96% in both judging categories, while organizers praised the winners for maintaining quality and affordability amid inflationary pressures.

Experienced diver Yuri Lipski died after descending about 91 metres into Egypt’s notoriously dangerous Blue Hole, where extreme pressure caused nitrogen narcosis, confusion and impaired judgment. Helmet-camera footage captured his final moments, including his heavy breathing, and his body was recovered the following morning. Diver Tarek Omar said he had warned Lipski to undergo additional training before attempting the solo dive and described the technical difficulties of recovering bodies from the Red Sea.

Experienced hiker Grant Gardner disappeared during a planned three-day solo climb in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest in July 2025. After his wife received a final message saying he had reached the summit and was fatigued, authorities coordinated a 20-day search involving six counties, the Wyoming Army National Guard, the U.S. Forest Service, tracking dogs, drones and private pilots. The search was suspended when officials concluded that his survival odds had run out, but a professional climbing team later found his backpack and his body beneath a ledge on August 27. Authorities believed he died in a tragic accident.

A taste test of apple and blackcurrant squash from Lidl, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and M&S compared supermarket own-brand drinks with Ribena and Robinsons. Asda’s £1.14 1.5-litre bottle was the clear winner, receiving 5/5 for its deep blackcurrant flavour, drinkability and value, while Sainsbury’s and Robinsons scored 4/5. Tesco, Ribena, M&S and Lidl each received 3/5 for various shortcomings including price, excessive strength, weak flavour or sweetness.

Glasgow Zoo closed permanently in August 2003 after accumulating about £3.5 million in debt and failing to renew its licence amid animal-welfare concerns. Inspections and allegations highlighted deteriorating enclosures, poor infrastructure and signs of animal distress. All animals were rehomed by the end of 2003, although Bongo, a 32-year-old Asiatic bear with cancer, was euthanized. The abandoned site later deteriorated before being replaced by a large housing development.

An ancient proverb about ash and oak budding—“Ash before oak is a soak, but oak before ash is a splash”—is said to forecast whether the UK will experience a wet or mild summer. The article explains that the saying originated in rural communities’ use of phenology, while noting that firm scientific evidence is limited. It also discusses other weather proverbs, including “red sky at night, shepherd’s delight” and “clear moon, frost soon,” and cites the Met Office’s scientific explanations for why some may have predictive value.

Cyclist Moriah Wilson was shot dead in Austin in May 2022 after spending time with her friend Colin Strickland, whose girlfriend Kaitlin Armstrong had become jealous. Armstrong fled to Costa Rica, where she was found 43 days later after undergoing facial reconstruction and travelling on her sister's passport. GPS data and DNA evidence helped secure her conviction, and she was sentenced to 90 years in prison in 2023. Wilson's family and friends later recounted her life and the case in a Netflix documentary, while her mother delivered an emotional victim-impact statement.

Emily Malia compares fish fingers from Asda, M&S, Sainsbury's, Bird's Eye and Tesco after cooking them under the same oven conditions. M&S ranks first with a 5/5 for its strong flavour and chewy texture, narrowly beating Bird's Eye at 4/5. Tesco and Bird's Eye both score 4/5, while Asda receives 3/5 and Sainsbury's 2/5. The results suggest that M&S offers the best eating experience, although Tesco provides the strongest cheaper alternative.

Tripadvisor's 2026 ranking of the world's top attractions, based on millions of reviews, names Edinburgh's Royal Yacht Britannia as the best attraction globally. The former royal vessel is praised for its history, grandeur and visitor experience, and its chief executive Franck Bruyère credits the staff and visitors' feedback for the achievement. Edinburgh's Real Mary King's Close ranks sixth, ahead of attractions including the Eiffel Tower and Memphis's Sun Studio. The ranking highlights Edinburgh's appeal as a major destination for history, culture and tourism.