2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Jimmy Butler’s eye-opening take on everyone’s role around Stephen Curry
The Golden State Warriors pulled off a major road victory against the Orlando Magic on Thursday, overcoming a 17-point deficit thanks to a historic performance from superstar point guard Stephen Curry. The win pushes them to 7-1 in the Jimmy Butler era, with the six-time All-Star already proving to be a game-changer for Golden State. […]
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Scotland’s 10 best and worst primary schools revealed in new league table for 2025
THE first league table of Scotland’s primary schools for 2025 has been released, revealing the best and worst performers.
Published by The Sunday Times, the rankings examine the percentage of pupils meeting the required standards in core skills – writing, numeracy, and combined listening and talking.
PAThe Sunday Times rankings examine the percentage of pupils meeting required core skills[/caption]
AlamyThe league table is based on teacher assessments[/caption]
The data, based on teacher assessments, is drawn from the same government statistics used by policymakers to make decisions about schools and nurseries in Scotland.
In addition to pupil skill development, a school’s location can influence its ranking, with those in more deprived areas often rated higher due to their efforts to provide quality education despite poverty-related challenges.
Nearly 1,200 primary schools submitted data, with a maximum score of 400 available.
Topping the 2025 table is Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in West Lothian, which achieved the maximum score of 400.
It was one of 89 schools to achieve this score but was ranked first because 90 per cent of its pupils come from deprived areas.
The West Lothian school employs unique strategies to support its pupils, such as providing cuddly toys to comfort new pupils and incorporating classroom teddies and a large teddy bear in a designated “chill-out” area to aid learning.
Teachers report that the toys help pupils “let their feelings out by projecting them onto the bear” and foster a sense of community, enabling pupils to “help and support each other”.
The school has observed a “decline in disruptive behaviour” and noted that pupils have become “more open and caring”.
In a progress report to West Lothian Council, Our Lady of Lourdes cited its teddy bear policy as one of the reasons for its success.
Headteacher Eileen Brennan explained: “The policy is about being friendly and welcoming, providing cuddles and comfort, and being non-judgemental.”
The school has also implemented a scheme to reduce the “cost of the school day”, which includes a free breakfast club, access to school uniforms, and collaboration with the parish and community groups to ensure pupils can take part in school trips.
Brennan continued: “It’s all about getting our children into a state of learning readiness, and it comes down to our environment.
Scotland's top ten primary schools
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, West Lothian
St Catherine’s Primary School, Renfrewshire
St John’s Primary School, Ayr South Ayrshire
Scotstoun Primary School, Glasgow City
Greenhill Primary School, North Lanarkshire
St Timothy’s Primary School, North Lanarkshire
Holmston Primary School, South Ayrshire
St Anthony’s Primary School, North Ayrshire
St Andrew’s RC Primary School, Dundee City
St Francis Xavier’s RC Primary School, Falkirk
“It’s also about meeting those basic needs. Have they had something to eat in the morning? If they haven’t, we make sure there’s something available for them.”
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of Our Lady of Lourdes pupils are classified as very deprived according to the Scottish Government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation.
This figure is slightly higher than that of the second-placed school, St Catherine’s Primary in Renfrewshire, where 62 per cent of pupils are considered very deprived.
St Catherine’s achieved top marks for the third consecutive year, having also led the league table in 2023.
In third place is St Timothy’s Primary School in North Lanarkshire, with 80 per cent of its pupils coming from deprived backgrounds.
At the other end of the table, Scotland’s worst-performing primary school is Annette Street Primary School in Glasgow, which scored just 160 out of 400.
Methilhill Primary & Community in Fife (170) and Dales Park Primary School in Aberdeenshire (200) complete the bottom three.
According to the analysis, a record 89 schools achieved the maximum score of 400 this year, up from 84 last year and significantly higher than the 50 schools that reached the top score when the Scottish Government began collecting data in 2016/17.
The full searchable table of 1200 schools is available here.
Scotland's bottom ten primary school
Annette Street Primary School, Glasgow City
Methilhill Primary & Community, Fife
Dales Park Primary School, Aberdeenshire
Mount Pleasant Primary, Highland
St Bride’s Primary School, Glasgow City
Langfaulds Primary School, Glasgow City
Raploch Primary School, Stirling
St Patrick’s Primary School – Auchinleck, East Ayrshire
Obsdale Primary, Highland
Warout Primary & Community School, Fife
AlamyThe best and worst schools have been ranked for 2025[/caption]
David Moffat, country manager for Carl’s Jr. UK, told the publication: “We’re looking at a sturdy rollout with a target of 100 restaurants plus in four years.”
No details have been revealed for when the other 98 sites are planned to open while there is no guarantee they will open.
Carl’s Jr. was first founded in 1941 and operates more than 1,000 locations across the US and in 28 other countries.
It is known for selling meat and veg-packaged burgers as well as breakfast burritos and sandwiches.
The chain has garnered a massive following across the world, with customers preferring it to some other major chains.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, one said: “Kinda feel like Carl’s Jr. is better than McDonald’s. Can I get an amen?”
Another said: “Man listen…Carl’s Jr. better than McDonalds…”
And a third added: “Carl’s JR is INFINITELY better than McDonald’s.”
Satnam Leihal, chief executive officer for the group, said last year after the group said it would expand into the UK: “Carl’s Jr.’s international success is a testament to its fantastic food quality and innovative approach.
“We are excited to bring the ‘Eat Like You Mean It’ experience, born in California, to the UK.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.”
US fast food chains expand into the UK
Carl’s Jr. is just one of a number of US fast food chains expanding in the UK.
Meanwhile, US burger chain Wendy’s opened a number of locations last year, and currently runs 40 across the UK.
The chain returned to the UK high street in 2021 after a 20-year hiatus.
Chick-Fil-A opened the first of five restaurants in the UK last month too after exclusively revealing to The Sun in September it would launch in Northern Ireland, Leeds, Liverpool and London.
Wingstop, which currently has 57 sites across the UK, has also said it wants to open 20 more this year.
It’s not just US chains expanding into the UK either.
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Sammi Awuku has dismissed claims that the economy was “criminally managed” under Nana Akufo-Addo, arguing that inflation alone does not define economic performance. “The fact that the general level of prices has gone up does not mean the economy was criminally managed,” he stated in a Facebook post. He noted that John Mahama inherited 9.4% […]
2 weeks agoNews 1Comments Off on Fact Check: Are Chris Evans, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett in Epstein’s Contact List?
The Justice Department of the U.S. has released a document relating to the notorious s*x predator Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday evening, February 26th. The list includes a contact list and flight logs. The 200-page document has made no big revelations, but it has mentioned all the celebrities and politicians who were on the contact list […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Celtic and Rangers away fan lockout officially OVER as Old Firm ticket deal thrashed out and allocations revealed
AWAY fans are officially BACK at Old Firm matches – starting with next month’s derby at Celtic Park.
A frustrating fan lockout has been in place for two years and the clubs have been at loggerheads ever since.
Kenny RamsayNico Raskin pleads with the supporters after Arne Engels is struck by an object[/caption]
PARangers and Celtic fans during a derby match Celtic Park[/caption]
Coming out of the Covid-19pandemic around 700 away supporters were allowed to attend games at Ibrox and CelticPark.
But this fell apart after nasty scenes during the New Year‘s clash of 2023, with Celtic citing fears over fan safety as their reason for refusing future allocations.
Rangers also highlighted negative experiences for their fans at Parkhead and both sides have struggled to agree on a solution ever since.
The SPFL stepped in last season to demand that the two Glasgow rivals end their feud over access to visiting supporters.
Celtic had spent a six-figure sum on planning for Rangers’ visit but they claimed the Ibrox club hadn’t done the same on their end.
Of course, at that time, the Light Blues were still playing out of Hampden after delays forced them to up sticks from Ibrox for several weeks to start the season.
Gers responded to the fall out and said they had been “taking all steps” towards the agreement, and returned the favour for the next derby at Ibrox by saying no Celtic fans would be allowed in.
But after constructive talks involving all parties, the March 16 meeting between the sides WILL see away fans welcomed back.
Celtic wrote: “We can confirm that following the previous SPFL determination from last year and with necessary requirements being addressed, away supporters will be present at the next two Glasgow derby matches this season at Celtic Park (March 16) and Ibrox.
“Allocations will be around 4% of saleable capacity at both stadia.”
Further ticket information will be provided in due course.
Rangers will then reciprocate in the post-split fixture at Ibrox.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on How to style this season’s must-have fabric & the high-street pieces actually worth investing in
SUEDE definitely had a moment last season, and it seems this luxury trend is here to stay!
It can be an investment but, with the high street on board, there are some great pieces that won’t blow your budget.
And with an impressive 7 million Google searches recorded in the last 30 days alone, it’s clear this trend will remain a key feature for spring.
Not only does suede elevate an outfit by adding an instant touch of luxury, but the rich, high-quality fabric is also versatile and pairs beautifully with everything, from denim to crisp whites and cool neutrals.
If you haven’t yet incorporated suede into your wardrobe, or you’re on the lookout for fresh pieces to elevate your spring outfits, now is the perfect time to embrace this timeless fabric.
With so many options available on the high street, it can be challenging to determine which pieces are worth investing in, so our fashion experts have picked out their top buys, including some real bargains!
Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant
abercrombie.com, reserved.com, newlook.com, mango.com, hm.com Embrace the suede trend with accessories and choose lighter tones for spring[/caption]
Cropped trench, £90, Abercrombie & Fitch – BUY NOW
Last season, my suede jacket became a wardrobe staple, but it was so popular it sold out quickly.
Thankfully, high-street stores have caught on and there are now plenty of new-season suede pieces available.
If you’re looking to embrace suede this spring, I highly recommend starting with accessories.
I’ve been carrying a suede bag everywhere – it adds a luxurious touch to any outfit – and this one from Mango is the perfect size for fitting all my essentials.
I’m also on the hunt for a pair of lighter suede boots to transition into the warmer weather.
Thankfully, this pair from H&M are the perfect height for all-day comfort.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor
hm.com, cos.com, zara.com, reserved.comClemmie is embracing suede trousers[/caption]
As much as I love my suede jacket, I’m branching out into trousers.
This pair from Zara are the perfect chocolate colour, and I love the classic straight leg as it never goes out of style.
Suede trousers are more versatile than a jacket, because when I get to work or I’m out for dinner, I always take my jacket off, then the look is ruined.
But I won’t be taking my trousers off!
As a welcome break from jeans, they’ll slip into my wardrobe and are great paired with day-to-day looks like this go-to grey cardi and trainers.
I’m also loving these new H&M trainers, which are a brilliant dupe of the £150 Mexico 66 Onitsuka Tiger trainers.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director
cos.com, mango.com, marksandspencer.com, toa.st, isabelbernard.com
Tracey is obsessed with this cropped jacket from Mango[/caption]
This soft luxurious fabric brings an expensive touch to any outfit without being brash or flashy.
I love pairing suede with either slouchy denim or crisp whites, because a suede jacket is the perfect item to either dress down or smarten up.
I always think there is something very European about wearing suede, so I have given my look a French spin with a Breton striped top and neck scarf, plus these super-cute three-tone loafers from Parisian brand Isabel Bernard – j’adore!
OUR BEST BUYS
next.co.ukSave over £790 with this designer dupe from Next[/caption]
When the trend for suede blazers made a comeback on the high street last season, this H&M style flew off the shelves, quickly becoming the must-have item of A/W ’24.
As expected, other high-street brands have now jumped on the bandwagon, and now there are plenty of options, although some come with a hefty price tag.
This faux-suede blazer from River Island offers the perfect length and a vibrant shade ideal for spring, making it one of our top picks.
It’s the perfect size, making it a great option as a work bag that can easily fit a laptop and it’s £100 cheaper than the one from Marks & Spencer – a win-win in our eyes.
NEWLOOK.COMThis fringe jacket will see you through spring and into festival season[/caption]
The buckle details on this dress are screaming Gucci and we’re utterly obsessed.
The darker suede tone makes any piece look expensive.
It’s incredibly versatile, too – you can pair it with pretty pastels and cowboy boots for a fresh spring look, or wear it over a polo-neck with tights on colder days.
Hottest fashion trends of 2025
Fabulous’ Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street.
The East/West Bag
Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s’ shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber.
In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder.
They’ve been on runway models’ arms at nearly ever designer show – think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta – and are hitting the high street now, too.
Powder pink
Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025.
Pantone may say that it’s the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own.
If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.
The shell jacket
The ’80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.
We all know we’re likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.
Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in ‘80s windbreakers’.
Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion!
The turn-up jeans
While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we’re styling them is different.
This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups.
For this look, size doesn’t matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good – but only as it’s just one single fold.
Peep-toe shoe
Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event.
After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style.
From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street.
Sheer blouses
See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life – until now.
Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S ’25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season.
Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Nestle recalls iconic breakfast cereal loved by kids and warns ‘do NOT eat it’
NESTLE has been forced to recall an iconic breakfast cereal and urges families to “not eat it.”
The cereal giant has warned customers that a rogue ingredient might be found in their breakfast bowl.
GettyNestle has issued a warning over one of its most popular cereals[/caption]
TescoThe food conglomerate has recalled Frosted Shreddies over health concerns[/caption]
Anyone who has grabbed themselves a packet of Frosted Shreddies has been told to toss it in the bin by Nestle.
The company fears a hard piece of sugar might be found in 14 specific batches of the cereal.
Both a 500g batch and a set of 40g boxes might be hazardous with affected Shreddie-fans being issued a refund.
If you have one of the following codes on your 500g cereal box you’ll be in for some cash back:
42850952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42860952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42870952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42880952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42890952 (expiry date 07/2025)
42900952 (expiry date 07/2025)
The following 40g boxes were also affected:
42913451 (expiry date 06/2025)
42923451 (expiry date 06/2025)
42933451 (expiry date 06/2025)
43173451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43183451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43193451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43203451 (expiry date 07/2025)
43233451 (expiry date 07/2025)
Customers were told to snap a photo of the batch code at the top of the pack and send it to Nestle to get their money back.
A spokesperson said: “Safety and quality is our first priority and we apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
This isn’t the first time food has had to be urgently recalled over customer safety.
Cheese products sold in Spar and Tesco Ireland were urgently recalled over “listeria contamination” fears.
The Food Standards Agency warned that dangerous bacteria could cause illnesses such as flu, sickness, diarrhoea and meningitis.
Shoppers were told “do not eat” the products and were offered a full refund.
There was another scare in Cheshire over an undisclosed ingredient in ice cream.
Cheshire Farm was forced to recall its Caramelized Biscuit Ice Cream as it contains undisclosed hazelnuts.
The FSA stated: “This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to nuts.”
What to do if someone is suffering an allergic reaction
Call 999 if:
Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
Someone faints and cannot be woken up
A child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do
How to use an adrenaline auto-injector
If you or someone you’re with has a serious allergic reaction and an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), you should use it immediately.
Instructions are included on the side of the injector.
Call 999 for an ambulance after using the injector, even if you or the person you’re with seems to be feeling better.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on This Morning chaos as Josie Gibson turns up late on crutches after A&E dash
THIS Morning has been left in chaos after host Josie Gibson turned up late – on crutches.
Josie hobbled into the studio after the show had got underway and revealed she’d suffered a horror accident while on holiday.
ITVJosie Gibson arrived late to Friday’s This Morning[/caption]
ITVShe hobbled into the studio on crutches[/caption]
ITVJosie revealed a vanity unit had fallen on her foot while she was on holiday[/caption]
ITVShe said the accident ruined her trip to Dubai with her son[/caption]
The star, 40, was wearing a supportive boot and told co-host Alison Hammond she had suffered a bad injury while in Dubai.
She explained how she had been cleaning her teeth in their hotel room bathroom when the vanity unit fell off the wall and smashed onto her foot.
Alison had opened the show on her own, telling viewers: “You’re probably wondering, ‘Why is Alison on her own?’
“Josie was meant to be hosting with me today but unfortunately she hasn’t turned up.”
Josie then hobbled into shot, as Alison exclaimed: “What’s going on? You’re on crutches!”
Josie told her: “I had a holiday disaster on the second day.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Dubai with my little boy, so we went to Dubai in half term.
“I was just brushing my teeth when the vanity unit came down on my foot. It cracked over my foot.
“I spent whole holiday in my with leg in air and I was in a wheelchair.”
Josie was whisked to hospital in Dubai and was told she had fractured her foot.
However, after returning home to the UK, she was diagnosed with soft tissue damage.
Josie said the accident ruined the holiday, adding: “I wasn’t even able to make a sandcastle with my little boy.”
Alison told Josie “where there’s a blame, there’s a claim”, before presenting her with a gift.
Josie was handed a tinsel-covered mobility This Morning branded scooter, which she began riding around the studio.
She then told Alison that travelling by an aeroplane in a wheelchair had been a “nightmare, before praising disability campaigners who are fighting for it to be made easier.
Josie’s shock entrance on This Morning comes two days after she shared a photo taken in hospital on social media.
She had snapped a picture of a sign that directed patients to the ‘fracture & orthopaedic’ and ‘trauma assessment’ units.
The Bristolian telly star did not elaborate further on her hospital visit.
ITVDoctors in the UK have diagnosed Josie with soft tissue trauma[/caption]
ITVAlison Hammond presented Josie with a mobility scooter[/caption]
ITVJosie rode the scooter around the This Morning studio[/caption]