Author: Aurora Lane

Deputy PM Faces Scrutiny Over £800,000 Flat Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has admitted she underpaid stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat in Hove and has referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics adviser. Rayner confirmed she had incorrectly paid the lower rate of property tax and now faces an additional bill that could reach £40,000. The admission comes at a politically sensitive time for Labour, which is trailing Reform UK in the polls and attempting to reinforce its image as a party that represents working people. The controversy has already sparked accusations of hypocrisy, as the government prepares…

Chicago Mayor Rejects Troop Deployment Labor Day demonstrations across the United States took on a sharper political tone this year, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson denouncing the Trump administration’s plan to deploy federal troops to the city as part of its immigration crackdown. “No federal troops in the city of Chicago,” Johnson declared at the “Workers over Billionaires” rally in the West Loop. He vowed to defend democracy and protect all residents, later leading chants of “No troops in Chicago” and “Invest in Chicago.” Outside Trump Tower in Chicago’s River North, protesters carried anti-Trump posters and chanted “Lock him up,”…

Old-World Charm in North America Quebec City offers a European escape without crossing the Atlantic. With cobblestone streets, French-speaking locals, and centuries-old architecture, the Canadian city feels like a fairy tale setting. For travelers from the U.S., it’s just an eight-hour drive or a short flight, making it an accessible destination for those seeking culture, history, and French flair at a fraction of the cost of visiting Europe. Exploring History on Foot Walking through Quebec City is the best way to experience its preserved colonial character. Visitors can admire the fortified walls of Old Quebec, the iconic Château Frontenac with…

A Shift After Wintour’s Era For the first time in 37 years, American Vogue has a new leader. Anna Wintour, who turned the magazine into a global fashion authority, has handed the editorial reins to Chloe Malle, 39. Malle now holds the title of “head of editorial content” rather than editor-in-chief, reflecting how much the media landscape has shifted from monthly print dominance to digital-first strategy. Wintour, however, is not stepping away. She remains chief content officer at Condé Nast and Malle’s direct supervisor, continuing to oversee Vogue’s 28 global editions. Malle’s Editorial Vision Malle, previously editor of Vogue’s website…

Jeremy Lin, best known for sparking “Linsanity” with the New York Knicks in 2012, has officially announced his retirement from basketball at age 37. Lin shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on a 15-year career that spanned the NBA, China, and Taiwan. His journey, marked by perseverance and inspiration, made him one of the most unique figures in modern basketball history. From Harvard to the NBA Undrafted out of Harvard, Lin’s NBA journey began when Dallas Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson signed him for the Summer League. His strong performance earned him a spot with the Golden State Warriors, but he…

With the iPhone 17 set to debut on September 9, Apple is once again updating its product lifecycle lists. Three MacBooks have now been classified as obsolete, while the iPhone 8 Plus has entered vintage status, marking the gradual phase-out of repair eligibility for these older devices. The update highlights Apple’s ongoing process of cycling out support for hardware as it ages. Newly Obsolete MacBooks Apple has added three MacBooks to its obsolete list: the 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2015) and the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models from 2017. Notably, only the 13-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3…

The British government won a legal victory on Friday when the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction that would have forced the eviction of asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. The case, which followed the charging of a resident with sexual assault, has fueled tensions over immigration and sparked ongoing protests, placing the issue at the center of national politics. The Court Ruling Last week, London’s High Court had granted an injunction to halt asylum housing at the Bell Hotel on planning grounds. However, the Court of Appeal lifted that ruling, siding with the government’s argument that…

YouTube Music is experimenting with a navigation redesign for its Android app that relocates the Search function to the bottom bar. The update replaces the traditional magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner with a new two-step Search + Explore feature, making the app easier to use one-handed and aligning it with modern mobile navigation trends. What’s Changing In the redesign, the magnifying glass icon between the notification bell and profile avatar is removed. Instead, Search is now accessed from the bottom navigation bar, replacing the former compass-shaped Explore icon. Tapping the new button brings users to a familiar interface…

Susan Monarez, the first Senate-confirmed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is refusing to leave her post after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced her removal less than a month into her tenure. Monarez’s attorneys say she has neither resigned nor been formally fired, framing her ouster as a political move that undermines public health. Conflict With HHS Leadership According to reports, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other leaders pressed Monarez to rescind certain COVID-19 vaccine approvals. When she did not commit, officials told her to resign or face termination. Monarez…

Push-ups have long been a measure of fitness, from Hollywood films like Top Gun: Maverick and GI Jane to high-profile contests between public figures. While simple in appearance, fitness experts say push-ups are among the most effective full-body exercises, enhancing strength, posture, and athleticism with no equipment required. The Benefits of Push-Ups Dr. Andrew Jagim of the Mayo Clinic Health System calls push-ups “one of the most underrated movements in fitness.” Beyond strengthening the chest, shoulders, and arms, they also engage the core and glutes, promoting stability and improved posture. Personal trainer Mark Bohannon adds that the ability to perform…