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Boxing Day Shopping Surge: Record Footfall, Cautious Spending

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  • Hercules the Bear: A Love Story

    01:37|
    Hercules The Bear: A Love Story is a captivating tale of a couple, Maggie and Andy Robin, who shared their lives with a nine-foot grizzly bear named Hercules for twenty-five years in Scotland. They treated Hercules like their son, feeding him fry-ups, burgers, and even birthday cakes. Despite his massive size, they enjoyed wrestling, swimming, and cozying up by the fire. However, their idyllic life was disrupted when Hercules disappeared into a loch for twenty-four days, sparking a massive search. After his rescue, he became a national icon, meeting Margaret Thatcher and starring in James Bond films. The couple cherished their quiet family time, but Hercules sudden illness at age twenty-five left them devastated. A new BBC Two documentary shares Maggies stories, highlighting their extraordinary bond and proving that trust can turn even a grizzly into family.
  • Policy Exchange Report: Ban Migrants' Free Translators for Benefits

    01:44|
    A new report from the Policy Exchange think tank proposes banning migrants from using free taxpayer-funded translators when claiming benefits, citing a surge in claims and the need for a social contract. The report suggests saving £750 million a year by tightening rules on mental health claims and reviewing criteria every two years. The goal is to restore control to Parliament, cut waste, and make the system fairer with better tech and accountability.
  • War Hero's Suicide Highlights Veteran Crisis

    01:46|
    Lance Corporal Andrew Borthwick, a war hero from the Rifles Regiment, tragically died by suicide after surviving a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan. He was one of twenty-nine regiment members to take their own lives since 2013. Despite losing part of his lung, Borthwick refused medical discharge and returned to combat. His regiment suffered the most casualties, with sixty-six killed and three hundred forty-four wounded. Friends remember him as a top bloke with unwavering grit. This tragedy underscores a larger issue, with at least six hundred serving personnel and veterans dying by suicide since 2017. The Ministry of Defence is investing in mental health services, urging those struggling to seek help.
  • Ofwat's Budget Surge: Why Water Bills Are Soaring

    01:39|
    Water bills in England and Wales are set to rise further as Ofwats budget surges by nearly a third, despite government plans to abolish the regulator. The increase comes amidst criticism of water companies for profiting instead of investing in infrastructure. Ofwats expansion, including hiring more staff and consultants, has added to the frustration. The transition to a new regulator may prolong the bill hike.
  • Super-Donors: UK's Rarest Heroes

    01:30|
    Meet the UKs Super-Donors: Ten men, aged 31 to 64, have donated blood, plasma, platelets, and stem cells over the past two decades. Andy Stowe, a 64-year-old council officer, donates plasma every two weeks, inspired by his wifes potential need for plasma treatment. Dr. Christopher Black, a 31-year-old anaesthetist, witnesses the life-saving impact of blood donations daily. Andrew Bruce, 58, has universal type O blood, perfect for emergencies. Mark Chambers from NHS Blood and Transplant encourages more sign-ups, highlighting the rare and crucial role these donors play in treating accidents, cancer, and more.
  • Dog Saves Man, Strangers Resuscitate Him

    01:39|
    In a remarkable display of loyalty and instinct, a five-year-old Labrador named Beau saved his owner, David Howarth, from a life-threatening situation. After David collapsed on a beach, Beau alerted passerby Claire Dashwood, who initiated CPR alongside two off-duty doctors. The teams efforts, combined with the use of a defibrillator, revived David, who has since made a full recovery. This story underscores the importance of recognizing cardiac arrest signs and acting swiftly to save lives.
  • Farage's Reform Party Targets London Councils

    01:33|
    Nigel Farages Reform party targets six London councils in local elections, aiming to challenge Sadiq Khans mayoralty. Farage criticizes Khans handling of law and order, promising radical changes inspired by Rudy Giulianis broken windows strategy. Reforms growing momentum secured fifty-nine council seats in by-elections, setting the stage for potential political shifts in London, Wales, and Scotland.
  • FBI Cracks Down on $9B Fraud in Minnesota's Somali Community

    01:27|
    FBI Intensifies Efforts to Combat Massive Fraud in Minnesotas Somali Community: Up to $9 Billion Stolen, 78 Indicted, 57 Convicted
  • Karl's 27-Year Walk: Homeward Bound

    01:55|
    Karl Bushby, a former paratrooper, embarked on a 36,000-mile walk around the world in 1998, a journey that has taken him through South, Central, and North America, parts of Asia, and now Europe. Despite facing challenges like crossing the Bering Strait and swimming the Caspian Sea, hes nearing his hometown in Hull, England. His 75-year-old mother, Angela, has anxiously awaited his return, keeping scrapbooks of his adventures and planning a reunion.