Sophie Buchan

The remaining 2026 bank holidays are listed for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have holidays on August 31, December 25 and December 28, while Scotland also observes St Andrew’s Day on November 30. The article explains that substitute days move weekend holidays to a weekday and notes that employers are not required to provide bank holidays as additional paid leave, as they may count them toward statutory annual leave.

Research suggests that eating dinner earlier—ideally more than two hours before bedtime—may improve blood glucose regulation and metabolic health. Studies comparing meals eaten at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. found benefits from the earlier meal, while late dinners were associated with higher overnight glucose and insulin levels and reduced fatty-acid oxidation. Aligning meals with circadian rhythms may help lower the risk of impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, although there is no universal ideal dinner time.

Small portions of high-cocoa dark chocolate—roughly two squares—may offer potential cardiovascular, metabolic and cognitive benefits because of their flavonoid content, according to research discussed by Michael Mosley on the BBC's Just One Thing podcast. Studies cited suggest possible improvements in blood-vessel elasticity, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol and blood flow to the brain, including among women with Type 2 diabetes. The article stresses that portion size matters: excessive chocolate can increase sugar intake, calories, blood sugar and weight. Milk and white chocolate generally provide fewer flavonoids, while Dutch processing may reduce them, so unprocessed, bitter dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage is recommended as part of a balanced diet.

Residents dealing with persistent noise from neighbours are advised to raise the issue calmly, use written communication or mediation if necessary, and keep detailed records and evidence. If the problem continues, they can contact the neighbour’s landlord or local council regarding a statutory nuisance. Councils must investigate qualifying complaints and can issue noise abatement orders, with fines of up to £5,000 for residential breaches and £20,000 for industrial or business noise. Police involvement is appropriate for violence or harassment, while court action should be a last resort.

TV Licensing guidance says a licence is required to watch live television on any channel or streaming service, and to watch or download any content on BBC iPlayer, regardless of the device used. A licence is not needed for on-demand or catch-up content on other services such as Netflix, ITVX, YouTube, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, nor for on-demand S4C programmes, DVDs, Blu-rays or video games. A standard colour licence costs £180 per year from April 2026, and watching or recording television without one can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, or up to £2,000 in Guernsey.