Regular meet-ups with children at a Portadown primary school have provided “a lifeline” for some elderly residents of nearby retirement housing.
A scheme that started four years ago brings Primary Two pupils at Bocombra Primary School together with elderly residents living in apartments at Quarry Gardens.
The five- and six-year-olds meet with their “friends” who live next door twice a term, where they bake, do crafts, work outdoors in the garden and give Christmas gifts.
It ends with a parent assembly where they discuss their friendships and share photos of their time together.
‘Some of the ladies would wave to the children.’
Iris Thompson was at the food station during the meet-up.
The class teacher, Stacey Nesbitt, was responsible for beginning the scheme.
“The fence in some of the apartments backs onto the school and years ago some of the ladies put small decorations and windmills along their gardens for the children to look at,” she said.
“You would have often seen the ladies waving to the children when they were playing in the playground.
“If a ball was thrown, they would throw it back, and so we thought it would be lovely to ask the ladies over and have a relationship with them.”
Audrey Wright expressed her excitement for the meet-ups, noting that her home’s close proximity to the school ensures her constant presence.
“When they kick the ball over, they all wave to get my attention. I go out and throw it back and there is a crowd of them and they will say, ‘Hooray for Lola’s granny’,” she said.
“Sometimes I’m up and down like a yo-yo. But it’s brilliant and very important for me. They’re little individuals and sometimes they really make you laugh.”
The kids and adults enjoy the meet-ups.
The importance of intergenerational connection seems to be paying off, as five-year-old Evan said he was drawing hearts on his paper cracker “for my granny who dropped me off and I love her.”
If you’re starting a GLP-1 medication or have recently begun treatment, you’re probably wondering what to expect.
Maybe you’ve heard stories about intense nausea or you’re currently having digestive issues and wondering if what you’re feeling is normal. Here’s the reality:
Many people do experience side effects, particularly in the early weeks, and while these symptoms are typically temporary, they can range from mildly uncomfortable to genuinely disruptive to your daily life.
Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you navigate this adjustment period with confidence. Here are some of the most common GLP-1 side effects and symptoms, what to expect, and why they happen.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is one of the most common side effects people experience when starting a GLP-1 medication.
You might feel queasy, lose your appetite, or feel uncomfortably full after eating much less than usual. Some people occasionally experience vomiting, particularly early in treatment as the body adjusts to the medication.
The intensity of nausea is usually highest during the beginning of treatment or when the dose increases.
Many people observe that eating smaller portions and avoiding heavy, high-fat meals helps reduce discomfort during this adjustment period.
“Feeling nauseous and full can be a really uncomfortable experience. Only you can decide what feels tolerable.
but it’s important to know that these side effects are pretty short-lived,” says Stephanie Saletta, a dietitian with MyFitnessPal. “Your body typically adapts after you’re done escalating your dose.”
While these side effects often resolve with time, that doesn’t make them any less real or uncomfortable in the moment.
Some people consider the nausea manageable with dietary adjustments; others may need their healthcare provider to slow down the dose escalation or explore additional support strategies.
Why This Happens
GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying. Translation? Food stays in your stomach longer before moving into your intestines.
This delayed emptying is part of how these medications reduce appetite and support weight management, but it can cause that over-full, nauseous feeling as your body adjusts to the change.
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Constipation
Constipation is another very common side effect, affecting a significant number of people taking GLP-1s. You might notice less frequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools.
This digestive change is typically most noticeable in the first month but can persist for longer. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining adequate fibre intake can help manage constipation.
Some people find that their bowel habits never quite return to their pre-medication pattern, but they settle into a new, manageable routine.
Why This Happens
Because GLP-1 medications slow digestion overall, food moves through your entire digestive system more slowly.
This slower transit time naturally leads to less frequent bowel movements and can cause constipation.
Diarrhea
While constipation is more common, some people experience the opposite. Diarrhoea or loose stools can happen, especially if you’ve made significant changes to your diet or are eating very differently than before starting medication.
For some people, it’s an initial adjustment that resolves within a few weeks. For others, it may be intermittent.
If diarrhoea is persistent or severe, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider, and staying hydrated becomes even more important.
Why This Happens
Diarrhoea on GLP-1s may be related to individual digestive responses to the medication, changes in your gut, or shifts in what and how much you’re eating.
Everyone’s digestive system responds differently to these metabolic changes.
Reduced Food Noise
One of the most celebrated effects of GLP-1 medications isn’t uncomfortable at all. It’s the reduction in “food noise”.
Food noise refers to the constant mental chatter about food: thinking about your next meal, fighting cravings, planning what you’ll eat, and feeling preoccupied with food throughout the day.
Many people on GLP-1s describe a dramatic quieting of these thoughts. You might notice that you’re simply not contemplating food as much, that cravings feel less urgent, or that you can make food decisions without the same mental struggle.
“Some people describe the reduction in food noise as life-changing,” says Saletta. “They finally feel like they can focus on things other than their next meal.”
You might also notice that you feel genuinely satisfied with smaller portions, that you can stop eating when you’re comfortably full, or that foods you once found irresistible simply don’t have the same pull.
Why This Happens
GLP-1 medications work in your brain as well as your gut.
They affect the reward pathways and appetite-regulation centres that drive food-seeking behaviour and cravings. This brain effect is what creates that quieter mental space around food decisions.
Better Blood Sugar Control
If you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you might notice improvements in your blood sugar levels.
Your fasting glucose may decrease, your post-meal blood sugar spikes may be less dramatic, and your A1C may improve over time.
These blood sugar improvements can contribute to more stable energy throughout the day.
Some people notice they don’t experience the same afternoon energy crashes or the “hangry” feelings they used to get between meals.
Even if you don’t have diabetes, more stable blood sugar can contribute to reduced cravings and more consistent energy levels.
Why This Happens
GLP-1 medications can improve blood sugar control in multiple ways.
They enhance insulin secretion from your pancreas when blood sugar rises, suppress glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and slow the absorption of glucose from your meals due to delayed gastric emptying.
Energy and Fatigue
Low energy and more fatigue can happen on GLP-1 due to reduced calorie and nutrient intake.
You may feel physically fatigued, need more sleep, or notice your workouts feel harder than they were before.
This tiredness is usually the result of under-fuelling from eating less overall. Experts recommend eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
If persistent fatigue continues, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Why This Happens
This fatigue can happen for several reasons. You may be eating significantly fewer calories than your body is accustomed to burning.
Your body is also adjusting to the medication itself and the metabolic changes it creates. Additionally, shifts in your blood sugar patterns (even positive ones) can temporarily affect energy levels as your body adapts.
When Side Effects Need Medical Attention
While many GLP-1 side effects are typical and temporary, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. It’s also worth noting that “manageable’ is subjective.
If side effects are significantly impacting your quality of life—even if they don’t fall into the severe categories below—that’s worth discussing with your provider.
You shouldn’t have to white-knuckle through weeks of persistent discomfort.
Call your health care provider if you experience any of the following:
Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve or is located in your upper abdomen radiating to your back (potential sign of pancreatitis)
Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping down food or fluids for more than 24 hours
Signs of severe dehydration (dark urine, extreme dizziness, rapid heartbeat, inability to urinate)
Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, severe rash, swelling of the face, or throat)
Vision changes or signs of diabetic retinopathy worsening
Trust your instincts. If something feels seriously wrong or different from the typical side effects described here, contact your healthcare provider. It’s always better to check in than to wait and worry.
How Long Do Side Effects Last?
For many people, the timeline looks something like this:
Weeks 1 to 4: Side effects are typically most intense during this period, particularly nausea, reduced appetite, and digestive changes. This is your body’s initial adjustment phase.
Weeks 4 to 8: Digestive symptoms can improve for some people. You may still notice reduced appetite and food noise, but the uncomfortable aspects can lessen considerably.
Beyond 8 weeks: Some people find they’ve adjusted well and experience minimal side effects, though some degree of appetite suppression and slower digestion typically continue (this is part of how the medication works).
It’s important to know that when your dose increases, you may experience a temporary return of side effects.
This pattern of adjustment after dose changes is completely normal.
Some people have minimal side effects throughout their treatment, and that’s normal too. Having fewer side effects doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working for you.
Tips for Managing Common Side Effects
A few strategies can help you navigate the adjustment period more comfortably:
Adjust your eating patterns: smaller, more frequent meals often feel better than three large meals. Listen to your fullness cues and stop eating when you’re satisfied, even if there’s food left on your plate.
Stay hydrated: sipping water throughout the day helps with both nausea and constipation. Some people find that cold or carbonated beverages help settle their stomach.
Be strategic about food choices: if nausea is an issue, avoiding very greasy or high-fat foods can help. If constipation is a problem, prioritise fibre-rich foods and adequate water intake.
Communicate with your healthcare provider: if side effects feel unmanageable, your provider may adjust your dosing schedule or suggest additional strategies. Don’t suffer in silence, and never stop your medication without consulting your provider first.
“It’s critical to stay in close communication with your healthcare team,” says Saletta.
They can advise when a mild side effect becomes something to worry about, and even in the case of mild side effects, there are almost always adjustments that can make the experience more tolerable.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are side effects a sign the medication is working?
Not necessarily. While side effects show that the medication is affecting your system, not everyone experiences side effects of the medication.
Effectiveness is better measured by appetite changes, weight trends, and (if applicable) blood sugar improvements.
Will side effects get worse when my dose increases?
You may experience a temporary return of side effects after a dose increase, but they typically resolve more quickly than during your initial start.
Many people find that subsequent dose adjustments cause milder symptoms than their first few weeks.
Should I stop taking my GLP-1 if I have nausea?
Nausea is one of the most common side effects and usually improves within a few weeks.
Talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to manage it—they may suggest taking your doYou can try taking the medication at a different time, adjusting your eating patterns, or temporarily maintaining your current dose for a longer period before increasing it.
Is it normal to not have any side effects?
Yes, everyone’s experience is different. Not everyone reports experiencing side effects on GLP-1 medications. This doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working.
Can I do anything to prevent side effects?
While you can’t prevent them entirely, starting at the lowest dose and increasing gradually (as prescribed) gives your body the best chance to adjust.
Following the eating strategies mentioned above from the start may also help minimise discomfort.
The Bottom Line
Starting a GLP-1 medication comes with an adjustment period for most people.
While many side effects do improve over time, the experience can range from barely noticeable to genuinely challenging—and both experiences are valid. Nausea, constipation, and other digestive changes are typical in the first few weeks and often improve by the one- to two-month mark.
Many people also experience welcome changes like reduced food noise and better blood sugar control. Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider.
especially during the first few months of treatment, and remember that most side effects don’t require stopping your medication; they just require patience and sometimes a few strategic adjustments.
They just require patience and sometimes a few strategic adjustments. With proper support and realistic expectations, you can navigate this period successfully and work toward your health goals.
Global investment opportunities are set to widen meaningfully in 2026, as easing monetary policy, a weakening US dollar, and profit growth outside the United States reshape capital flows, according to a Franklin Templeton report.
The asset manager report titled ‘Global Investment Outlook 2026 and Beyond’
said that global markets are entering a phase where returns are likely to “broaden” across regions and asset classes,
moving away from the US-centric leadership seen recently, even as American equities—particularly technology stocks—remain resilient.” “In 2026,
opportunities across global capital markets,
we foresee broadening opportunities across global capital markets, driven by attractive profits growth outside the United States and by global monetary policy easing.”
the report said. Franklin Templeton identified three cyclical forces defining the near-term landscape—widening, steepening, and weakening.
‘Broadening’ reflects expanding opportunities across geographies and asset classes; ‘steepening’ points to yield curves as short-term rates fall faster than long-term yields; and ‘weakening’ refers to the US dollar.
which the firm expects to remain under pressure. Yield curves are likely to steepen as central banks cut policy rates, reducing the appeal of cash and pushing investors towards equities, credit and longer-duration fixed income. “
Falling short-term interest rates will incentivise investors to move out of cash holdings and into risky assets.”
The report said that cyclically sensitive sectors, such as finance, industry, and smaller companies, could benefit.
The US Federal Reserve resumed rate cuts in September 2025 after a nine-month pause and is expected to continue easing into the first half of 2026.
even as inflation remains above target. Franklin Templeton said this policy backdrop reinforces its broadening thesis, encouraging investors to look beyond traditional safe assets.
The US dollar has already fallen about 10% on a trade-weighted basis this year, and the report suggested the decline may not be over. “
Weakening of the US dollar tends to reinforce a broadening of returns across capital markets, by region, sector, and asset class.”
it said, highlighting positive implications for emerging market debt and equities.
Looking beyond 2026, Franklin Templeton outlined three long-term themes likely to shape portfolios over the coming half-decade—the age of intelligence,
The report also highlighted the mainstreaming of private markets and the emergence of big government.
Artificial intelligence remains central to the long-term investment case, but the report stressed that AI deployment is still in its early stages. “
Its contribution to growth, social welfare, and investment returns is just beginning.”
Franklin Templeton spoke, pointing to continued opportunities in data centres, advanced semiconductors, and AI-enabling infrastructure.
A key constraint—and opportunity—lies in energy. The need to feed AI’s vast energy appetite is one of the most compelling investment themes.
The report noted, flagging rising electricity demand and spillover benefits for engineering, industrial metals and power infrastructure. Private markets are also expected to play a larger role as investors search for income and diversification in a lower-rate environment.
Franklin Templeton identified commercial real estate debt, infrastructure, and secondary private equity offerings as his preferred areas as cash yields declined. Simultaneously,
The report cautioned that an increase in government intervention could potentially reduce returns. “We have entered an era of big and intrusive government,
which risks lowering returns and increasing risk across capital markets over the remainder of this decade.”
it said. Franklin Templeton said investors will need to adapt their portfolios to a world where leadership is dispersed.
Policy uncertainty remains elevated, and innovation—particularly in technology, private assets, and digital finance—continues to be the dominant long-term driver of returns.
19:16, 01 January 2026 Updated 19:24, 01 January 2026
A makeshift memorial has been erected to dozens of people killed in last night’s massive ski resort fire, which killed almost 40 people.
Two teams of police officers, some carrying large bags, entered the cordon shortly after 7 pm local time.
Mourners are leaving flowers and lighting candles at a growing makeshift memorial in a circle on the Rue Central near the bar tonight.
Many people were seen making the sign of the cross in tribute, including dozens of bouquets.
Media from all over Europe, including Italy and France, have begun to arrive at the site, next to a small petrol station in the middle of Crans-Montana.
Swiss ski resort fire update:
At least 47 people died in a Crans-Montana bar blaze. Read more.
A woman lays flowers near the spot where a fire broke out in a crowded bar (Image: AFP via Getty Images). )
Despite the -4°C temperatures, people stood and stared at the scene for several minutes, clearly stunned.
Hundreds of people, many with tears in their eyes, have gathered around a makeshift memorial near the bar.
They stand in a circle around it, more than 20 people deep in some places. Others stand on top of a nearby parking garage and an elevated intersection to get the view.
A temporary monument emerged in Crans-Montana (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Despite the crowds, it is incredibly quiet, with most people standing silent, while others occasionally whisper.
They include 42-year-old Ivan Wiesen and his wife Julianne, who drove about 20 minutes from their home to show solidarity with the victims.
Ivan, 40, told the Mirror: “We saw emergency vehicles at around 2am this morning. It’s very terrible. People here are in shock. I think a lot of young people have died.”
People crying at the scene of the fire at “Le Constellation” bar (Image: AP)
Mourners can be seen hugging each other in a circle, some in tears. Antonio Somma, an 18-year-old ski instructor, is a regular at the bar and lives a few yards away.
He and his friends were on their way from the second bar when the accident happened.
Local residents Julian and Evan Wyson are heartbroken (Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
“I found out this morning. It was difficult to hear. We don’t have any information other than that he’s in a coma, but we’re hopeful he’ll get better. We arrived at 1.30 a.m.,
shortly after it happened. It was shocking. We didn’t believe it was real at first.
A mourner gestures in front of flowers and candles placed near the spot where a fire broke out in a crowded bar (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A friend of my mother’s works at the hospital and says some of the victims are between 14 and 17 years old. Everyone here is hurting. We’re here to think about the people inside.
I don’t know how we’ll recover.”
Witnesses said they saw waitresses come in with flares before the fire broke out (Image: X)
Nearly 40 people have been killed and 115 injured, most of them seriously, after a fire broke out during New Year’s celebrations at a bar in a Swiss alpine resort, police said.
Authorities did not immediately have an accurate count of the dead.
Mourners gather in front of flowers and candles placed near the site (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Crans-Montana resort is known as an international ski and golf resort, and overnight,
Its crowded Le Constellation bar transformed from a scene of revelry into the site of possibly one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies.
Valais canton police commander Friedrich Geisler said during a news conference that work was underway to identify the victims and notify their families, adding that the community was “devastated”.
A video shows the ceiling catching fire after a waiter allegedly placed a sparkler in a champagne bottle.’ (Image: X)
Valais canton Attorney General Beatrice Pillaud said it was too early to determine the cause of the fire, which broke out less than two hours after midnight Thursday. Experts had not yet been able to go inside the debris.
Scenery in Crans-Montana (Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
“There is no question of any attack at any time,” Ms Pillaud said. He later said it was “completely unknown at this time”
how many people were in the bar, adding that its maximum capacity would be part of the investigation.
When asked if anyone had been arrested in connection with the fire, he said, “At this point, we don’t have any suspects.”
On New Year’s Day, Gary Anderson defeated Justin Hood, the cult hero of Ally Pally, to advance to the World Darts Championship semifinals for the eighth time in his career.
Hood has made a significant impact at the Worlds, and his earning of £100,000 for reaching the quarterfinals will enable him to fulfil his dream of opening a Chinese restaurant.
With a 99.4 average, five 180s, a 43 per cent checkout, and three tonne-plus finishes of 161, 127, and 121, the Scot ended his fairy-tale debut run in a 5-2 victory, but Anderson proved to be a step too far.
World Championship QF Results: New Year’s Day
Afternoon Session
Ryan Searle
5-2
Jonny Clayton
Gary Anderson
5-2
Justin Hood
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The “Flying Scotsman” is once again flying high at Alexandra Palace. In a display of sheer class and unflappable finishing, darts legend Gary Anderson charges into the World Darts Championship semi-finals for a remarkable eighth time in his career, defeating a spirited Justin Hood 5-3 in a gripping quarter-final clash.
A Masterclass Under Pressure
Facing the emerging talent of Justin Hood, who had already enjoyed a fairytale run, Anderson showcased exactly why he is a two-time world champion. The match was a tense, high-quality affair, but when it mattered most, the Scot’s experience and explosive scoring power shone through. With a stunning average of over 100 and a series of clutch checkouts, Gary Anderson charges into World Darts Championship semi-finals territory, proving he remains one of the most formidable contenders for the Sid Waddell Trophy.
“This one means a lot,” Anderson said post-match. “Justin pushed me all the way. I had to dig deep and find my rhythm, and thankfully the finishes came when I needed them. I’m not done yet.”
The Road to the Final Four
Anderson’s path to the semi-finals has been a testament to his enduring quality:
Round 3: A dominant 4-1 victory over Simon Whitlock.
Round 4: A hard-fought 4-2 win against a dangerous Boris Krčmar.
By securing his place in the final four, Gary Anderson charges into World Darts Championship semi-finals history, joining an elite group of players. He now stands just two wins away from a potential third world title. His next opponent will be another major test, as he faces the winner of the match between [Insert Opponent Name], promising another epic battle on the iconic Ally Pally stage.
Anderson’s run is a powerful reminder of his legendary status in the sport. While new stars emerge, the 53-year-old’s combination of fluid throwing action, relentless scoring, and icy-cool finishing continues to make him a nightmare for any opponent.
A Legacy Cemented
With this victory, Gary Anderson not only keeps his dream of a third world crown alive but also solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the oche. His ability to perform on the biggest stage, year after year, is unparalleled. As the drama at Alexandra Palace reaches its peak, one thing is certain: you can never count out the Flying Scotsman.
Will this season be the year Gary Anderson lifts the trophy once more? The semi-finals will reveal all.
Follow our coverage for the latest updates and analysis from the PDC World Darts Championship.
Mexican authorities have seized dozens of motorcycles worth about $40 million in the search for a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.
Canadian Ryan Wedding, 44, has been accused of running a multinational drug trafficking network and also faces charges in connection with the murder of a federal witness.
US officials believe he is staying in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, and up to $15 million (£11 million) has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
image: The photo was taken in 2024. Photo: FBI/AP
Mexican authorities executed multiple search warrants this month and seized a large number of motorcycles believed to belong to Wedding.
The FBI estimated the bike’s value at around $40 million (£30 million) in a statement this week.
image: Photo: FBI
image: Photo: FBI
Other items seized include artefacts and medals.
The FBI said the seizures were made with the assistance of Mexican authorities.
Wedding competed for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he finished 24th in the men’s parallel giant slalom event.
The former player has been compared to other famous drug kingpins, including Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Pablo Escobar.
image: Wedding competed for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Photo: Reuters
Last month, a wedding took place, and the accused is charged with conspiring to murder a witness in Colombia to help avoid extradition to America in January.
Ten other defendants were arrested on charges in the federal indictment, which was unsealed in California.
Read more from Sky News:
Four people were killed in a US attack on an alleged drug boat.
A decade of county lines leaves its mark on children
Authorities have accused Wedding of working with the Sinaloa Cartel to transport large quantities of drugs into the United States and Canada.
Wedding, whose aliases include El Jefe, Public Enemy and James Conrad King, was accused in 2024 of running a drug gang that moved about 60 tonnes of cocaine a year.
They used long-haul lorries to transport drugs between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California, and Canada.
Authorities say he and his co-conspirators used a Canadian website called The Dirty News to post a photo of a witness so he could be identified and killed.
The witness was then followed to a restaurant in Medellin and shot in the head in January.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said last month, “Whether you’re a street-level drug dealer… or an international drug kingpin, we’re coming for you.”
The incoming mayor uses a symbolic version of New York City history to use two family Qurans in public ceremonies on Friday.
Zohran Mamdani on Thursday became the first New York City mayor to be sworn in using the Quran.
Mamdani is the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the largest metropolis in the United States.
Mamdani used his grandfather’s Quran and a 200-year-old copy borrowed from the New York Public Library (NYPL) for the private swearing-in ceremony held at a disused subway station beneath Times Square.
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He then planned to use two copies of the Quran that belonged to his grandfather and grandmother for a day-long ceremony at New York City Hall on Friday.
The historic Quran, on loan from the library, once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a Black historian and author who sold his collection of 4,000 books to the NYPL in 1926.
His collection became the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Schomburg was born in Puerto Rico in the 1870s to parents of German and Afro-Caribbean descent
. He later moved to New York and was a major player in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s—a period of intense cultural and intellectual flourishing within New York’s Black community.
The Library praised Mamdani’s decision to use Schomburg’s Quran due to its association with “one of New York’s foremost scholars and its simple, functional qualities.”.
This photo provided by the New York Public Library shows the Schomburg Quran in New York on December 16, 2025 [Jonathan Blanc/The New York Public Library via AP Photo]
The library said the Quran’s small size and its black and red ink suggest it was designed for everyday use.
The edition is neither signed nor dated, but its “minute naskh” script and its binding, which includes a gilt-stamped medallion filled with a floral composition,
suggest that it was made in Ottoman Syria in the 19th century,” the library said.
“The importance of this Quran goes beyond the beauty of its pages,” said Hiba Abid, curator of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. “
The Quran is close to the people because of its simple craftsmanship and its place in the country’s largest public library system.
Anthony W. Marks, president and CEO of the library, said the selection of Curran and its association with Schomburg “symbolises a larger story of inclusion, representation and civic-mindedness”.
Mayors in New York are not required to take the oath.
Mamdani is one of the few American politicians who took the oath with the Quran.
Mayors in New York are not required to take the oath of office by placing their hands on a religious scripture, but several past mayors have used a copy of the Bible.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg used a 100-year-old family Bible during a ceremony, while Mayor Bill de Blasio used a Bible that once belonged to US President Franklin D.
Roosevelt. Mamdani’s predecessor, Mayor Eric Adams, also used the family Bible for his oath.
This photo provided by the New York Public Library shows the Schomburg Quran in New York on December 16, 2025 [Jonathan Blanc/The New York Public Library via AP Photo]
Mamdani’s faith and her background as a Ugandan-born American of South Asian descent were front and centre during her campaign, which focused on celebrating New York’s diversity.
In the viral social media video, Mamdani also spoke candidly about the impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and the subsequent rise in Islamophobia in the US.
Mamdani has also been a strong critic of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians and its genocidal war in Gaza.
Critics, such as New York Representative Elise Stefanik, emphasised Mamdani’s background as a democratic socialist and leftist politician and called the incoming mayor a “jihadi communist” and a “terrorist” sympathiser.
However, Mamdani pledged to never hide from his background during a campaign speech. He said during his campaign,
“I wouldn’t change who I am, how I eat, or the beliefs I’m proud to call mine.” “I will no longer find myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light.”
Energy bills are increasing for millions of households in England, Scotland, and Wales.
as the new year begins, after Ofgem raised its price cap slightly.
Prices for those on variable tariffs are rising by 0.2% from now, the equivalent of a £3 annual increase for a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity.
Campaigners say this means billpayers are facing another winter of high energy prices, with the latest increase, albeit small, coinciding with the coldest period of the year.
However, changes announced in the budget should mean a fall in energy costs starting in April.
Regulator Ofgem’s energy price cap sets the maximum price for each unit of gas and electricity for those on variable tariffs, not the total bill – so those who use more energy pay more.
The regulator’s cap is illustrated with a household using a “typical” amount of 11,500 kWh of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity a year with a single bill for gas and electricity, settled by direct debit. This household would see a £3 rise in its annual bill from £1,755 to £1,758.
However, the amount used varies significantly between households, so the best way to calculate the change is to work out the percentage change from your own usual annual bill.
Standing charges – the fixed costs that cover the cost of running the network, as well as government levies – will rise by 2% for electricity and 3% for gas, driving the overall increase.
Electricity unit rates are rising, offset by a slight fall in gas rates, meaning that heavy users of electricity will see the biggest impact.
The price cap affects England, Wales and Scotland, as the sector in Northern Ireland is regulated separately.
Ofgem says people can often save money by moving to a fixed tariff. That sets the unit price for a certain period of time, so anyone already on a fixed deal will not see a change now.
Emily Seymour, energy editor at consumer group Which?, said there were several deals on the market at prices lower than the price cap.
As a general guideline, we suggest searching for deals that are less expensive than the current price cap, have a duration of no more than 12 months, and do not impose significant exit fees.
For many households, the heating will be on for longer as we enter January and February, with snow and ice warnings in place for some areas.
Some vulnerable households in certain areas of England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving cold weather payments, worth £25 a week, if the average temperature in a local area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven days in a row.
A government online service allows households to verify their eligibility. A separate winter heating payment operates in Scotland.
The government has extended the £150 Warm Home Discount to include more lower-income households.
Simon Francis, from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said more needed to be done to help those who were struggling following the latest, small price increase.
“This is a case of every little hurt… we need to see much lower bills but also measures to keep people’s homes warmer every winter.”
James Jones and his wife, Christine, like millions of other pensioners, have seen their winter fuel payment reinstated following a government U-turn on restricting the allowance.
“Obviously we’ve got it for the cold months. We’ve got the central heating on more. It’s made a big difference. You know it’s coming, so it’s your standby,” said Mr Jones.
James Jones and his wife Christine are positioned on either side of his mother, Evelyn Williams, and his stepfather, Harry.
But the Warrington couple are still cutting back on luxuries to cover bills.
“We get a rise on our pension but it gets taken off you by food, petrol and everything else going up all the time so really you don’t benefit,” he said.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for the spring. In the budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that some levies on energy bills would be removed, resulting in a £150 annual reduction for millions of households starting in April.
That included cutting a scheme that was designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions, as well as shifting some costs onto general taxation.
People on fixed deals in April would still benefit from the changes, the government has confirmed.
However, about £30 will be knocked off those annual savings from April to pay for maintaining gas networks and strengthening the electricity transmission network.
There are also signs of lower wholesale costs paid by suppliers.
Analysts at energy consultancy Cornwall Insight predict an 8% drop in the price cap in April – the equivalent of a fall from £138 to £1,620 a year for a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity.
A fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in the early hours of New Year’s Day killed dozens of people and injured about 100, according to authorities.
Here’s a look at some other nightclubs, bars and music venues that have resulted in large numbers of deaths:
March 2025: A fire and resulting stampede at the overcrowded Pulse Club in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed 63 people, most of them young revellers, and injured more than 200.
A pyrotechnic flame engulfed the club’s roof, triggering the fire.
– April 2024: A fire broke out at the Masquerade Night Club in Istanbul, Türkiye; workers and staff became trapped while the venue was closed for renovation, leading to 29 deaths.
– October 2023: A fire at a nightclub in the southeastern Spanish city of Murcia spread to two other clubs, killing 13 people.
– January 2022: A nightclub in sorong A fire broke out after two groups attacked each other inside a building in Indonesia’s West Papua province. Nineteen people were killed.
– January 2022: Major fire at Liv’s Night Club in Yaoundé. Explosions rock Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, killing 17 people.
The government suggested that fireworks set the roof on fire and spread it to areas where cooking gas was stored.
– December 2016: Thirty-six people died in a fire in a warehouse in Oakland, California, which had been converted into a residence and event venue for dub artists.
“Ghost Ship”. During an electronic music and dance party, the fire quickly spread, trapping victims on the illegally constructed second floor.
– October 2015: A fire broke out during a rock band’s pyrotechnic display.
The Kolektiv Night Club in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, saw 64 deaths and approximately 190 injuries.
– January 2013: More than 200 people died in a Kiss nightclub fire. The incident occurred in the city of Santa Maria in southern Brazil.
Investigators said soundproofing foam on the ceiling caught fire and released toxic gases, killing attendees of the university party instantly.
– December 2009: About 152 people died in a fire at the Lame Horse nightclub in Perm, Russia. It started when a plastic ceiling decorated with branches caught fire at an indoor fireworks display.
– January 2009: An indoor fireworks display following the New Year’s countdown caused a fire at the Santika Club in Bangkok.
The fire at the Santika Club in Bangkok,
The fire at the Santika Club in Bangkok, Thailand, left 67 people dead and several others injured. Burns, smoke inhalation, and crushing caused the victims to die.
– September 2008: 44 people died in a fire at the jam-packed King of Dancers nightclub in Shenzhen, China, when a fire broke out in the ceiling after a fireworks show.
– December 2004: In Buenos Aires, Argentina, 194 people died when ceiling foam caught fire at the crowded Cromagnon Republic club.
Club owner Omar Chaban was sentenced to 20 years in prison for starting the deadly fire and bribery. Others received lighter sentences.
– February 2003: 100 people died and more than 200 were injured in a fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, in the United States.
The band set off fireworks, which ignited flammable foam inside the club.
– January 2001: A fire in a cafe in the Dutch city of Volendam where people were celebrating the New Year killed 14 people and injured more than 200.
– December 2000: 309 people died in a fire caused by a welding accident at a disco in the central Chinese city of Luoyang.
In October 1998, an arson attack at a crowded youth disco in the Swedish city of Gothenburg resulted in the deaths of 63 people and the injuries of approximately 200 others.
Four people were later convicted of starting the fire.
– March 1996: 162 people died in a fire at the Ozone Disco pub in Quezon City, Philippines.
A large proportion of the victims were students partying to mark the end of the academic year.
– In March 1990, an arson attack at the Happy Land nightclub in the Bronx borough of New York City claimed the lives of 87 people.
It started when a man angry at his girlfriend threw gasoline on the club’s only exit and set it on fire, then jammed the metal front gate so people were trapped.
– December 1983: 78 people died and more than 20 were injured in a fire at the Alcalá dance hall in Madrid, Spain.
– May 1977: A fire at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky, kills 165 and injures more than 200.
– November 1942: 492 people die at Boston’s Coconut Grove Club in the deadliest nightclub fire in American history.
A fire at one of Boston’s most prominent nightspots led to new requirements for sprinkler systems and accessible egress.
– April 1940: 209 people died when a fire broke out in the decorative Spanish moss on the roof of the Rhythm nightclub in Natchez, Mississippi.
Boards were placed on the windows to prevent people from entering.
Millie Bobby Brown has starred in Stranger Things since its launch in 2016
Fans have meticulously dissected scenes and delved into previous seasons, attempting to piece together the potential ending of The Upside Down.
At 01:00 GMT, viewers flocked to watch the final episode, concluding the 10-year run of the sci-fi horror series.
Some fans also attended special cinema screenings of the finale in cities across the US and Canada, several of which were attended by the show’s stars.
Stranger Things, a 2016 television series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, stars Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour.
The dramatic two-hour series finale, titled Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up, initially overloaded Netflix servers.
Several fans said they were shown an error message as they tried to play it – something that often happens with big new releases on streaming platforms.
But the episode was soon restored, and viewers were able to watch a finale that included massive battle scenes and emotional tributes that brought all five seasons together, giving closure to the characters that we’ve fallen in love with over the years.
Finn Wolfhard was cheered by fans as he arrived to introduce the finale at a screening in Vancouver
A lot was riding on Netflix and The Duffer Brothers, who created the 1980s-inspired, monster-infused, interdimensional series. Ending any beloved series comes with both anticipation and a lot of critics.
So far this season,
Fans have meticulously dissected scenes and delved into previous seasons, attempting to piece together the potential ending of The Upside Down.
Viewers have been quick to point out gaps in the story or issues they felt with the scriptwriting, pointing out flaws in Will Byers’ coming-out scene or issues such as Holly Wheeler’s jacket having a logo for Under Armour (a brand that wasn’t created until 1996) appearing on screen.
Countless theories discussed on social media only hyped up the ending of this saga.
Fans guessed about possibilities like time travel coming into play (clocks have been a major plot point for multiple seasons, after all), took bets on which main character might die and some had far-fetched thoughts about Henry Creel “Vecna” using mind control on the characters throughout this season to explain various holes in the storytelling.
If you don’t want to know what happens in Stranger Things’ finale, stop reading.
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Actor Brett Gelman attended a screening in Topanga, which was part of the multi-city premiere for the finale.
Netflix
These fans saw the big-screen finale at a screening in Los Angeles.
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Actress Cara Buono attended a premiere in New York and introduced the finale on a cinema stage.
In the finale, we see an epic final fight that requires all the characters to finally defeat Vecna and the Mind Flayer before worlds merge and Hawkins, Indiana – and Earth as we know it —take over.
We don’t see dramatic deaths in the core group of stars we’ve come to love over five seasons – though we did see the death of Kali (Eight).
What happened to Eleven, though, is up for interpretation. She is left with an impossible choice.
At first, viewers are left to believe she chose to remain behind in the Upside Down as it explodes and is demolished forever in order to eliminate the possibility of being used to create more children with powers like hers.
But later, in a lengthy epilogue scene, Mike Wheeler takes us down another possibility – Eleven uses Kali’s illusion powers to make it seem as though she died before making a grand escape.
Netflix
He says he thinks she finally made it to the place they talked about running off to – a land with three waterfalls.
Mike says it’s what he likes to believe – and each member of their Dungeons and Dragons party – Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max – all agree that they, too, believe.
It’s a fitting end that leaves open the possibility that Eleven, too, has a happy ending.
The epilogue transports us 18 months into the future, following the destruction of the Upside Down and the defeat of Vecna, along with the Mind Flayer.
Hooper and Joyce announce their engagement, while the older teens discuss their university and career journeys.
It’s a happy ending for everyone.
Despite the epic finale, the last episode left some unanswered questions about the story.
Several fans dressed up to attend the finale screenings – including this pair in Vancouver
Netflix
Netflix handed out merchandise such as bags, figurines and T-shirts at many of the screenings
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Two fans in Vancouver, pictured with a special Demogorgon Crunch breakfast cereal
The finale received a full cinematic release in theatres in the US and Canada.
Fans in Los Angeles stood in the rain for hours outside The Egyptian Theatre along Hollywood Boulevard to watch it in one of Netflix’s very own theatres.
The streaming giant, which is currently attempting to purchase Warner Bros, renovated the historic 1922 theatre and now uses it to host premieres and special screenings of projects.
Fans, many dressed up as characters or demogorgons, took pictures in the Stranger Things-themed lobby. Netflix handed out special merchandise, such as T-shirts and figurines.
While waiting for the special screening, fans in the theatre speculated on who might die or how it would end. Many pointed to popular theories of Steve Harrington’s demise and clung to hope that he would survive the last battle.
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Fans in Los Angeles braved the rain to attend a finale screening at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre
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Fans Liv and Alina Valdez described the ending as “an emotional roller coaster.”.
Liv and Alina Valdez, dressed up as fan -favourite buds Steve Harrington and Dustin Henderson, said they couldn’t have been more pleased with how it all ended.
“It’s been basically 10 years,” Liv told BBC News, wearing Harrington’s Scoops Ahoy ice cream shop uniform outside the theatre.
“The Duffer Brothers did a good job of giving the audience what we needed, maybe not necessarily what we wanted.”
They both applauded the both happy-at-times and, perhaps, bittersweet ending.
“It was an emotional roller coaster,” Alina added, noting Eleven’s up-for-interpretation ending was perfectly done.
“It was just many emotions,” Diana Espinoza told the BBC, standing in the lobby of the theatre with a new Demogorgon plush.
“I lost control of my tears!”
She donned a lengthy mind-flayer dress to the screening and said she’d attempted in vain to steer clear of various fan theories that have been going viral on social media because she wanted to be “blown away” by the final episode.
Being in a theatre filled with fellow fans who were screaming and crying during pivotal scenes was an unforgettable experience.
“I loved the finale. There was no better way to end this,” she said, calling it both bittersweet and emotional and the “happy ending” that everyone deserved.
BBC
