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Headteacher in court for ‘attacking deputy with spanner when they became embroiled in love triangle with teacher’

A HEADTEACHER has appeared in court for allegedly attacking his deputy with a spanner over a love triangle with a teacher at the same school.

Dr Anthony John Felton, 54, is accused of assaulting deputy head Richard Pike in front of shocked pupils causing him head injuries with the metal tool.

Dr. John Felton arriving at Swansea Magistrates' Court.
Athena
St Joseph’s Catholic School headteacher Dr John Felton arrives at Swansea Magistrates’ Court[/caption]
Black and white photo of a man smiling and wearing glasses.
Athena
Deputy head Richard Pyke was reportedly assaulted after getting entangled in a love triangle[/caption]
Man in suit and glasses at a conference.
Athena
Married dad-of-three Dr Felton was said to have been having an affair with another teacher[/caption]

Dr Felton is said to have discovered a woman was also having affairs with other members of staff.

It is understood that the female teacher was not at the school at the time of the alleged spanner attack.

Shortly before the alleged attack Dr Felton emailed colleagues saying: “I’m sorry for the distress which the rest of today will bring.”

Emergency services were called to St Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre in Aberavon, South Wales, at 9.50am on Wednesday .

Dr Felton was arrested at the scene while Mr Pyke, 51, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The headteacher confirmed his name when he appeared before Swansea magistrates charged with attempted wounding with intent.

His solicitor Mark Davies told the hearing: “I am formally instructed that he wishes to indicate a guilty plea to the charges at this stage.”

Married father-of-three Dr Felton, dressed in a grey tracksuit, was calm and composed during the five-minute hearing.

None of his family were in court.

Prosecutor Lisa Jones asked for Dr Felton to be remanded in custody “for his own welfare and protection”.

Worried parents posted on Facebook that the teachers involved were having sexual liaisons in school, “never mind the headteacher nearly beating someone to death with a wrench”.

The email Dr Felton sent to staff at the 900-pupil school praised them for doing an “amazing job” and ended with the word “goodbye”.

It read: “Dear staff, the greatest mistake I made was appointing ******* ******* in various roles.

“She has slept her way to the top, currently engaging in sexual activity with at least 2 current members of the SLT (School Leadership Team) including Richard Pyke.

“I’m sorry for the distress the rest of the day will bring. I am sorry.

“You are good people and do an amazing job for our community.

“Goodbye, John”

The court heard the alleged attack was caught on the school’s CCTV cameras and will form part of the evidence.

South Wales Police said his alleged victim Mr Pyke had been released from hospital.

He has not returned to school.

District judge Chris James told Dr Felton: “I am sending you to the Crown Court for the purposes of trial.

“Until then you will be remanded in custody.”

Dr Felton, of Swansea, will appear before Swansea Crown Court on April 7.

Pupils who witnessed the violence are being offered counselling and support through the local education authority.

Dr Felton was appointed head at the 900-pupil school in 2023 after being head of mathematics there for 17 years.

Neath Port Talbot Council said help would be offered to pupils and staff affected by the violent assault.

A spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are our top priority and we are working closely with the school to ensure the appropriate support is offered to everyone affected by this incident.

“The matter is currently under investigation by the police and the school is fully cooperating with their inquiries.”

Dr. John Felton arriving at Swansea Magistrates' Court.
Athena
He appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court accused of attempted wounding with intent[/caption]
Man in suit and glasses.
Athena
Felton’s next appearance was fixed for April 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing[/caption]

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I’m Cole Palmer’s and other England stars’ barber – Premier League captain comes in EVERY week to have his hair cut

FOOTBALLERS need to be sharp.

And that is why haircuts are so important.

Joe and Huw, Kings Cuts founders, in an interview.
SunSport
Joe and Huw run Kings Cuts in Epsom[/caption]
Man getting a haircut at Kings Cuts barbershop.
@kingscutsltd
The barbers boast a load of Premier League footballers as customers including Declan Rice[/caption]
Two men in a barber shop, one getting a haircut while wearing a Christmas sweater.  2,000,000 is overlaid on the image.
@kingscutsltd
Their pranks with clients including Cole Palmer have gone viral[/caption]

So it is no wonder Kings Cuts in Epsom – just a 20-minute drive from Chelsea’s Cobham training ground – are trusted to deliver the trims for some of the Premier League’s top stars.

Founders Joe and Huw have a whole host of big names among their regular clients – including England stars Cole Palmer and Declan Rice.

Plenty of players with Chelsea connections also get their hair cut at Kings Cuts.

A fair chunk of the Fulham squad do, too, given the barber shop is only three miles from the Cottagers’ training ground.

That is partly because club captain Tom Cairney recommends the hairdressers to new signings, having been a loyal customer for a decade.

Huw told SunSport’s Football Fixers YouTube show: “We’ve got players from non-league to Sunday League to Premier League to Champions League.

“Tom Cairney is probably my longest customer, Declan Rice as well was probably around the same time.

“Cole Palmer for the last couple of years since he’s been at Chelsea, Jamal Musiala is a good one but he’s obviously in Germany so he’ll come in whenever he’s in England.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

“I’ve done Levi Colwill since he was young and still do Tino Livramento when he can pop in.

“Joe does Billy Gilmour but he’s at Napoli now so he flies out to Italy every now and then.

“With doing Tom nearly ten-plus years, that’s brought through a lot of other Fulham players.

“Being club captain, people turn to him for advice on haircuts if they are new to the area.

“And the fact that he does have very good hair does help.”

When asked how often he swings by Kings Cuts for a fresh fade, Cairney revealed: “Once a week. Is that bad?

“I think it’s quite normal these days.

“I’ve never had a bad haircut. He can do it in about four minutes. Rapid.”

Huw is so trusted among his celebrity customers that Rice even managed to get him into an England set-up to provide haircuts for the Three Lions team.

He added: “When I got invited into the England camp, that was a pinch-me moment.

“You go in and spot X, Y, Z… yeah this is a bit mental.

“Dec’s told a few of the boys at England I can be trusted which is a nice feeling.”

Kings Cuts' footballer customers

  • Cole Palmer
  • Declan Rice
  • Jamal Musiala
  • Levi Colwill
  • Marc Guiu
  • Billy Gilmour
  • Tino Anjorin
  • Tino Livramento
  • Tom Cairney
  • Antonee Robinson
  • Harrison Reed
  • Shane Duffy
  • Joe Bryan
  • Connor Wickham
  • Jamie Cumming
  • Ryan Tafazolli

But the hairdressers have made the most of that trust by playing some pranks on the footballers in their Surrey store.

Many of the hilarious videos have gone viral on TikTok, none more so than when they tried to put a “Baby It’s Cole Outside” Christmas jumper on Palmer, which has racked up more than 12million views.

And the Kings Cuts jokers performed another trick in front of the SunSport cameras when Cairney came in – bringing out a pair of giant scissors midway through the trim.

Cutting the hair of Premier League footballers is not always plain sailing, though.

Man getting a haircut at a barbershop.
SunSport
Tom Cairney swings by every week for his fresh fade[/caption]

Joe revealed: “My experience with footballers, they don’t plan their haircuts at all. 

“Whether they’ve got a game or training or a bit of spare time, they’ll just ask you an hour before. 

“You always make room for them somewhere. There’s always after work or after hours or you might have a little gap where you can [squeeze them in].”

But the extra attention – and custom – from the high-profile clients means business is thriving for Kings Cuts.

And the future is very bright indeed.

Huw concluded: “I think our plan is just to grow as a business, just to keep building one step at a time. There’s no rush or pressure.

“Once we’ve maxed out here, potentially opening a new shop, building on social media, building on more footballers, but not just footballers, just to grow as a business.”

With their warm personalities, willingness to have a laugh and top-quality trims for some of the best footballers in the land, it is clear to see why Joe and Huw are a cut above the rest…

A man sits in a barber chair with large scissors balanced on his head.
SunSport
The jokers pretended to use giant scissors to cut his hair[/caption]
Framed signed soccer jersey with number 21.
SunSport
There are a load of signed framed shirts on the wall[/caption]
A barber cutting a man's hair.
@kingscutsltd
Levi Colwill gets his hair cut by Huw just 20 minutes from the Cobham training ground[/caption]
Three men posing for a photo; two are wearing blue t-shirts, one is wearing a grey t-shirt.
@kingscutsltd
Rice invited him into the England camp to trim up the Three Lions squad[/caption]

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Households have just HOURS left to claim £300 free cost of living vouchers for food and energy bills

SOME families struggling with the cost of living have just hours left to apply for extra cash from their local council.

The Government has given millions of pounds to local authorities across the country via the Household Support Fund to help residents unable to pay for bills and essentials.

Person using smartphone to pay electricity bill.
Getty
Some councils are offering help with energy bills[/caption]

The pot of £421million has been distributed among the councils, who then decide how to spend the money.

The funds are available until 31 March.

Two councils have said their deadlines for residents to apply for the help are today – meaning those struggling have just hours left to make sure they can get the support.

Westminster City Council is offering supermarket vouchers to older people who are no longer eligible for the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment but are still having difficulties making ends meet.

You may remember the Government scrapped Winter Fuel Payments for those not on Pension Credit this winter.

Therefore the council is providing a Winter Fuel Payment Fund for households still likely to be struggling.

Eligible residents can apply to receive either £200 or £300 worth of supermarket vouchers – but the deadline to get in touch is today so you would need to act fast.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be born before 23 September 1958 and no longer eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
  • Be likely to struggle this winter due to the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment 
  • Have recourse to public funds
  • Be a Westminster resident or placed by the council in temporary accommodation outside the borough
  • Not receive housing benefit or council tax support (as you will receive direct help and don’t need to apply), Pension Credit or one of the other benefits that would qualify you for a Winter Fuel Payment

Applications can be made through AgeUK Westminster.

You can either contact AgeUK Westminster by phone on 020 3004 5610 between 10am and 2pm or by email at enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk.

They will help you to complete a short application form and check you are receiving everything you should be eligible for.

Westminster City Council said it had also sent out vouchers directly to households that are still receiving housing benefit or council tax support despite no longer being eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

These vouchers, sent to about 2,000 households, were sent in either November or December.

Households should have received a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming if they are still eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

Westminster City Council was allocated £1.9million between October and this month for its Household Support Fund.

The council said it had decided to spend its allocation on help during the holidays for families receiving free school meals, help for vulnerable families and young people, help for older people, and support for food charities.

Meanwhile, residents in Kent have until 5pm today to submit a claim to receive a £100 voucher that can be used to cover food or energy costs.

To be eligible Kent residents must be aged over 16 with a household income of less than £40,000 a year and less than £1,000 in savings.

Successful applicants will receive a £100 voucher via email, which can be redeemed online to cover food or energy costs.

If you don’t live in Westminster or Kent, it’s worth checking your local authority’s website to see if you could be eligible for support.

Eligibility criteria varies depending on where you live, but in most cases you will receive help if you’re on benefits, a low income or classed as vulnerable.

With the Household Support Fund ending on 31 March, some councils have already stopped accepting applications – but others are still allowing residents to apply.

What is the Household Support Fund?

You may be able to claim for support through the Household Support Fund if you’re struggling with the cost of living.

The scheme was first introduced in October 2021 and has been extended five times.

To see if you’re eligible, you should check your local council’s website or get in touch with them directly.

You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool on its website.

The help you can get varies depending on who your local council is, as well as your personal situation.

Some councils are offering free cash, while others are giving out vouchers to help you pay for energy bills or grocery shopping.

It has not yet been confirmed if a new round of founding will be provided following the closure of the current scheme.

How has the Household Support Fund evolved?

The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.

Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.

It was then extended in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a second time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.

The DWP then confirmed a third extension of the scheme through to March 31, 2024.

Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended the HSF for the fourth time while delivering his Spring Budget on March 6, 2024.

In September 2024, the Government announced a fifth extension.

What other help can you get?

If you’re not eligible for help via the Household Support Fund or you’ve missed the deadline, there is still other support available.

For example, if you’re struggling with energy bills there are several energy companies that offer grants to households.

They include British GasOctopus Energy and EDF, and they can offer up to £2,000.

New parents might also be eligible for free food worth up to £442 a year to cover the cost of healthy food and milk via the Healthy Start scheme.

You could also get an emergency food parcel from a Trussell Trust food bank.

You can find your nearest via www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank.

To get a food parcel, you need a voucher from a community organisation like Citizens Advice or your GP.

You can then exchange this voucher for a food parcel at the food bank.

Another option is to check if there are any benefits you are eligible for that you’re not already claiming.

You can do this by using a benefits calculator online, visiting your local Jobcentre or contacting Citizens Advice.

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Britain’s busiest motorway used by thousands of drivers everyday to close THIS WEEKEND – check your journey

BRITAIN’S busiest motorway used by thousands of drivers everyday is set to close this weekend.

A section of the M25 will close from 9pm today until 6am on Monday March 10.

Traffic jam on a highway in Surrey, England.
Getty
Traffic congestion on the M25 (stock)[/caption]

The closures are on junction 10 of the M25, near Wisley in Surrey where the motorway meets the A3, and junction 11, near Woking, in both directions.

Junction 10 is the busiest section of the M25, which sees more than 300,000 vehicles pass through each day.

National Highways has told drivers to expect delays and has urged them to complete their journeys in other ways.

British Airways has urged passengers travelling to Gatwick or Heathrow to allow extra journey time.

The closures are part of a £317m improvement works to add extra lanes.

National Highways have said this set of M25 closures will be the final ones for this project.

Last year, National Highways closed part of the motorway three times as it undergoes the multi-million pound upgrade.

The infrastructure project began in 2022 but “extreme weather” has pushed back the expected completion date to spring 2026, said National Highways.

Some elements of the project have already been completed, including the new Wisley Lane and four gyratory bridges.

National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade said: “We were grateful to drivers who listened to our advice during the three weekend closures last year and I’d again urge them to only use the motorway if their journey is absolutely necessary.

“Unfortunately, it’s simply not possible to carry out this scale of infrastructure improvement, which will benefit millions of people in the long-term, without there being some degree of short-term disruption.

“We have spent months planning these closures, but they will still cause significant congestion and delays, so we are asking road users to allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible.

“Please follow our official diversion routes and not information from satnavs.”

Drivers will also face closures on the same stretch of motorway from March 21 until March 24.

The final weekend closure as part of the project is scheduled to take place in a fortnight.

Following this, the A3 will be closed northbound between junction 10 and the A245 at the Cobham roundabout between 11 and 14 April.

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Without careful planning, drivers could face some really lengthy tailbacks.

“We expect diversion routes, especially along the A3, to become heavily congested.

“Those that do decide to drive on either weekend should prepare to spend much longer on the roads and make sure they have plenty of fuel or charge for their trips.”

The March 2024 closure was the first planned daytime shutdown of the M25 since it opened in 1986.

Afternoon traffic jam on a British motorway.
Getty
There will be closures on the M25 starting tonight[/caption]

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Ford’s most controversial cars from 1960s Thunderbird to bizarre bathtub-shaped motor and ‘Harry Potter’ star

AUTOMAKERS are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable on the road.

And Ford, which has been producing vehicles for 120 years, is no exception.

From a 1960s Thunderbird to a bizarre bathtub-shaped motor, many models have caused disputes of one kind or another.

Here we take a look at seven Ford cars in chronological order that courted controversy when they were launched.

Ford Anglia (1959)

1966 Ford Anglia Super at a car show.
Alamy
The Ford Anglia was first introduced in 1959[/caption]
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley in a flying Ford Anglia crashing into the Whomping Willow.
Alamy
It was thrust back into the mainstream in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets[/caption]

The Anglia 105E is a small family car and was the fourth model of its kind having been first introduced in 1959.

An American-influenced styling included a sweeping nose line, muted tailfins, and on deluxe versions a full-width slanted chrome grille in between prominent “eye” headlamps.

It also featured a controversial reverse angle rear window so it could stay clear in the rain.

One authority described it as being given “short shrift by customers who could see no rationale for it beyond a perverse desire to be different”.

The 105E’s British designers used wind-tunnel testing and streamlining.

Acceleration was sluggish, though better than its predecessors, and boasted a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three forward gears.

Harry Potter nuts will certainly be familiar with the family car as a similar vehicle – which was able to fly – was owned by the Weasleys.

In one memorable scene, Ron and Harry flew back to Hogwarts in the motor after the gate to Platform nine and three quarters was sealed by house-elf Dobby.

Ford Taunus (1960)

Ford Taunus 17M P3 driving on a road.
Getty
Ford Taunus production started in 1939 lasting a total of 55 years[/caption]

Ford Taunus production started in 1939 lasting a total of 55 years.

The P3 came between 1960 to 1964 and some critics branded it the “Badewannetaunus” – bathtub Taunus.

All four corners of the car were curved and it featured rectangular or lozenge-shaped headlights.

The shape was so radical that US law dictated headlamps should be round deeming them illegal for use in the country.

Ford Thunderbird (1967)

1967 Ford Thunderbird two-door in a field.
Getty
The first appearance of the Thunderbird was in 1954[/caption]

The Ford Thunderbird was the brainchild of two men—George Walker and Louis D. Crusoe.

The car was born from the idea that Ford Motor Company should have a sportier vehicle as part of their automobile line.

This idea was pursued by the company who decided to pursue a “true Ford sports car” for their 1955 model year.

The vehicle would evolve throughout its production time.

The fifth-generation model in 1967 was larger than before.

Customers were unconvinced and dropped to just over 36,000 in the 1971 model year, the lowest figure for the nameplate since 1957.

Ford Escort (1980)

Modified red Ford Escort hatchback driving on a road.
Alamy
The Ford Escort was often the bestselling car in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s[/caption]

The small family car first came out in 1968 with six generations of the popular motor coming out over 30 years.

There was immediate criticism of the poor ride quality, which Ford responded to by revising the suspension.

It was often the bestselling car in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s with a total of more than 4.1 million sold.

It was a follow up to the Anglia and Ford played it safe with the design.

The reverse rake rear window, covered headlights and fin-like rear wings were removed and used what would become known as a “Coke bottle design”.

The company described it as “the small car that isn’t”.

Ford Fiesta (1996)

Orange Ford Fiesta MkI driving on a road.
Handout
The Fiesta is a supermini car first developed in 1976[/caption]

The Fiesta is a supermini car first developed in 1976 as part of Ford’s project ‘Bobcat’ team shortly after the launch of the similar Fiat 127 and Renault Pinto.

It caused adverse comments, some of them including the word “fish”.

10 years earlier, the company had initially decided against producing a new small car to rival BMC’s Mini as the production cost was deemed too high.

But the 1973 oil crisis caused a rise in the already growing demand for smaller cars.

Its production led to Ford building a new factory near Valencia in Spain. Production ended in 2023.

Ford Focus (1998)

Light blue Ford Focus at a car show.
AP:Associated Press
The Ford Focus was introduced in 1998 to the European market[/caption]

The Ford Focus was introduced in 1998 to the European market as a replacement for the Escort.

A versatile hatchback, it was an immediate success, winning Car of the Year 1999 in Europe and America.

Its fresh look and great handling received much praise.

During a review on Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson said: “It is more spacious, quieter, more comfortable, much nicer to drive, more economical and possibly safer than any other car in its class. It is superb.”

But the Focus RS in 2001 featured a controversial issue – torque steer.

Ford Capri (2025)

a blue ford car is driving down a road
PA
The electronic Ford Capri was dubbed the most controversial car of 2024[/caption]

The electronic Ford Capri was dubbed the most controversial car of 2024.

The motoring giant admitted the company is producing more of the vehicles than it’s selling.

The Capri was launched in September 2024, following on from the Explorer SUV in June – but both have seen lower than expected sales.

Ford said part of the blame is down to the weak EV market which has seen global sales grind to a halt.

Ford has been accused by Capri devotees of “blasphemy” with its EV version, which they believe is disrespectful to its origins, with little resemblance to its famous namesake.

Ford launched a major marketing campaign featuring ex Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona with the tag line “the legend is back”.

But it appears the efforts have so far flopped.

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GRA hiring process started in July, not December – Dr. Alex Ampaabeng

Former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, has strongly rejected claims of last-minute mass recruitment in December 2024, describing the recent dismissals of newly appointed public sector workers as a political witch hunt meant to discredit the previous administration. “These actions are nothing but pure political witch-hunting and a way to paint a negative picture […]

The post GRA hiring process started in July, not December – Dr. Alex Ampaabeng appeared first on MyNewsGh.

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Costco vs. Sam’s Club: Which Membership Offers You the Best Value?



The battle of the warehouses is not new, but in 2025, it's certainly heating up.

Costco and Sam's Club have been in fierce competition to offer shoppers the best selection and deals on bulk purchases, groceries, electronics, home items, and more. In 2024, Costco announced changes to its membership dues and securtiy protocols to make being a warehouse member feel more exclusive. Meanwhile, Sam's Club has been laser-focused on innovation to speed up its shopping experience with advancements like its app, AI-powered exit archways, and a brand-new Grab & Go food section. Add to this the fact that both chains are competing in discounts and perks, and what you're left with is a tough call between the two.

Here, you can compare the offerings, pricing, and unique features of both Costco and Sam's Club to figure out which membership will offer you the best value.

RELATED: Shoppers Say Sam’s Club Is Better Than Costco Now: "Stepped Up Their Game Tremendously"

​Battle #1: ​Membership Fees and Tiers


York, PA USA - November 6, 2019: Samu2019s Club Sign. Samu2019s Club is an American chain of membership-only retail warehouse store clubs owned and operated by Walmart.

Both warehouses provide tiered membership options catering to different needs, but prices have recently changed.

As of September 2024, Costco increased its membership dues to:

- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year
- Business Membership: $65 per year
- Business with Affiliate: $65 per year
- Executive Membership: $130 per year

Sam's Club, which is owned by Walmart, provides two main membership tiers:

- Club: $50 per year
- Plus: $110 per year

Both Costco and Sam's Clubs' memberships include two cards per household, meaning couples are covered under one payment.

There are several different perks and benefits depending on the tier you pick.

Battle #2: Additional Perks


SHENZHEN, CHINA - APRIL 22, 2019: interior shot of Sam's Club store in Shenzhen. Sam's Club is an American chain of membership-only retail warehouse clubs owned and operated by Walmart Inc.

Specifically, each warehouse provides its members with a special array of perks and benefits.

Costco's member benefits include:

- Savings on travel and vacation bookings
- Costco gas station savings
- Tire center services
- Tech support for electronics and appliances
- Same day and 2-day grocery delivery services
- Pharmacy
- Optical & hearing centers
- Insurance, home, auto or business services
- Sampling events

For Executive Members, there's also an annual 2% reward program with the potential to earn up to $1,250 on eligible Costco and Costco Travel purchases.

Sam's Club member benefits include:

- Savings on travel and vacation bookings
- Sam's Club gas station savings
- Tire center services
- Photo department
- Pharmacy
- Optical & hearing centers
- Insurance, home, auto or business services
- Sampling events
- Scan & Go shopping through the Sam's Club app for faster checkout

Sam's Club Plus members get several more perks, including free delivery on orders over $50, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and a 2% Sam's Cash reward program, which has a limit of $500. The warehouse also has a Mastercard credit card, which offers additional perks and rewards.

RELATED: 9 Costco Insider Secrets Ever Member Doesn't Know—But Should

​Battle #3: Store Locations


A Costco storefront

A huge factor that's going to influence your decision is whether or not you have a Costco or Sam's Club warehouse nearby.

While both companies have plans for expansion in 2025 and beyond, currently:

- Costco has 626 warehouses in the U.S.
- Sam's Club has 599 locations in the U.S.

Both chains offer an interactive list of all of their locations on their websites.

Battle #4: Product Selection and Quality​


Sam's Club Pharmacy

The reason why everyday shoppers love both of these warehouses is because of the ability to buy food, toiletries, and more in bulk. For large families or big households, this is a convenient draw. However, there are plenty of arguments over which warehouse's in-house brand is better:

- Costco is famous for its Kirkland Signature brand, which makes everything from vodka to popcorn and clothing, at steep discounts compared to well-known name brands.
- Sam's Club features the Member's Mark brand, which makes everything from snacks to desserts and golf balls, and is often praised for offering a broad selection of items.

Some shoppers have observed that Sam's Club provides a more straightforward shopping experience, with products being easier to locate and often at more competitive prices.

RELATED: 10 Sam's Club Shopping Secrets From Experts

​Battle #5: Member Services and Technology


Customers standing on line to check out of Costco. Costco is an American corporation that operates a chain of members only warehouse clubs as seen on October 26, 2019.

Here's where things start to get controversial and a bit frustrating. When it comes to your shopping experience in these warehouses, customers say you can have a very different experience at each:

- Sam's Club offers a Scan & Go feature through its mobile app, allowing members to bypass traditional checkout lines—a convenience some Costco shoppers have expressed envy over.
- Costco has faced criticism for longer checkout times, with some members describing the process as "chaotic" compared to Sam's Club's more streamlined approach.

​Battle #6: Dining Experience


A Food Court at Costco {Best Impulse Buys From Costco}

Adding to the controversy and heated debate between the two warehouses are their fresh food offerings.

- Costco's Food Court is an icon in its own right for its delicious food and low, low prices. You can get a hot dog and soda for only $1.50. Other items include pizza, a chicken & bacon sandwich, ice cream cups & sundaes, chocolate chip cookies, soda, and more. Food Court items are only for members and hasa traditional checkout process.
- Sam’s Club Café offers low prices on pizza, soft pretzels, cheeseburgers, chicken bites, ice cream sundaes, soda, and more. It also recently launched a new Grab & Go food section offering freshly made deli and bakery items in single servings. Food items are available to non-members and can be purchased at self-checkout kiosks or through Sam's Club Scan & Go app.

RELATED: New Sam's Club Grab & Go Food Section Has Fans Saying "Sorry, Costco"

Closing Arguments


San Antonio, TX / USA - Mar. 03, 2020: A hand holds a Sam's Club Plus Member membership card, which gives users access to Sam's Club warehouse shopping, rewards, cheap food courts, and chicken

At the end of the day, if you need to make a choice between signing up for a Costco or Sam's Club membership, your decisions is going to be unique to you, your location, and your everyday shopping needs.

That said, consider some of these final points about each warehouse:

- If you value a slightly lower membership fee, a broader selection of name-brand products, and technological conveniences like Scan & Go, Sam's Club might be the better fit.
- If you prefer a trusted private-label brand, a potentially higher annual reward, and a larger number of locations, Costco could be a smart choice for you.

Hopefully, after weighing the above pros and cons of each warehouse, you know the membership that's going to offer you the best value.

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Easter holiday warning as families urged to ‘contact their GP’ before visiting winter sun hotspot

FAMILIES booking trips to Morocco for the Easter break are urged to “check with their GP” first, following an outbreak of a highly contagious disease in the country.

There were thousands of measles cases and several deaths in just one week in the popular winter sun hotspot, figures from last month suggest.

Couple sitting in ornate Moroccan courtyard.
Alamy
A large chunk of these infections were reported in Fez[/caption]

Measles is a highly contagious disease that usually starts with cold-like symptoms before developing into a blotchy rash.

It can cause serious complications if the virus spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain – sometimes leading to lifelong disabilities and even death.

Babies, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable.

According to local media quoting the Moroccan Ministry of Health, 3,365 confirmed measles cases and six deaths were reported across the country between February 10 and February 16, 2025

A large chunk of these infections – 21.1 per cent in fact – were reported in Fez, with 713 cases that month.

Fez is one of Morocco’s ancient cities, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage site – and cheap flights from the UK.

Marrakesh reported 225 cases, accounting for 6.7 per cent of the country’s total.

Other areas affected by the outbreak include Tangier, Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains, Oujda, Agadir, and Merzouga.

It comes as the US reported a major outbreak of measles, marking its first death from the disease since 2015.

“Travelling abroad may increase your risk of measles,” it says on the NHS’ Fit for Travel website, highlighting the outbreak in Morocco.

It said: “Your risk of exposure may be higher if you will be visiting friends and relatives and/or mixing with the local population during your trip.

“Check with your GP before travelling to ensure you have received two doses of MMR vaccination.”

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella and it is recommended that all babies and children get two doses for maximum protection.

Approximately 15 per cent of five-year-olds in the UK haven’t yet received both doses of the vaccine, according to the most recent data, with significantly lower coverage in some communities.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says at least 95 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated in order to prevent measles outbreaks.

Children are offered their first dose at age one and their second at three years and four months, just before they start school.

However, if they, or anyone else, miss any jabs, they can catch up at any time at their GP surgery.

a poster showing the measles symptoms timeline

Unvaccinated children who come into contact with the disease are currently being advised to stay at home for 21 days.

People should also avoid shopping and public transport including planes if they fall ill, experts have said.

This is because measles is highly contagious, with a patient typically passing the infection on to 20 others.

Expert answers MMR questions

TO help deal with parental concerns, Professor Helen Bedford, a specialist in child public health at University College London, tells you all you need to know about the MMR vaccine.

When is the vaccine given?

The MMR vaccine is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation ­Programme.

It’s typically given via a single shot into the muscle of the thigh or the upper arm.

The first dose is offered to children at the age of one (babies younger than this may have some protection from antibodies passed on from their mother, which start to wear off at about 12 months.)

The second dose is then offered to children aged three years and four months before they start school.

To check to see if you or your child have had the recommended two doses of MMR, you can look at their/your Personal Child Health Record, also known as the red book.

If you can’t find the red book, call your GP and ask them for your vaccine records.

You are never too old to catch up with your MMR vaccine.

If you see from your vaccination records that you did not receive two doses as a child, you can book a vaccination appointment.

Is the vaccine safe?

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella.

In the UK, we started using the jab in 1988, so we have decades of ­experience using it.

The jab is made from much-weakened live versions of the three viruses.

This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that are protective in the face of future exposure.

It takes up to three weeks after having the ­vaccine to be fully protected.

Like any vaccine, the MMR jab can cause side-effects, which are usually mild and go away very quickly.

This includes rash, high temperature, loss of appetite and a general feeling of being unwell for about two or three days.

There is also a very small chance children can have a severe allergic reaction.

But compared to the complications of measles, there is no contest that vaccination is by far the safest and most effective route to take.

Why was it linked with autism?

In 1998, Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues published a now-discredited paper in medical journal The Lancet.

The paper suggested that the MMR vaccine might be associated with autism and a form of bowel disease.

It led to a sharp decline in vaccination rates.

Even at the time, the research was considered poor.

The Lancet retracted the story in 2010 after ­Wakefield’s article was found “dishonest” by the General Medical Council.

He was later struck off and subsequently, in 2011, the British Medical Journal declared the story fraudulent.

Does it contain ingredients from pigs?

There are two types of MMR jabs: One with gelatin (animal/pig collagen), and one without it.

For some religious groups, the inclusion of pig products is not ­acceptable.

Those people should ask for the vaccine without gelatin.

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I nabbed a £6K kitchen for £250 INCLUDING appliances – here’s where and how I ended up making a £500 profit from it too

A SAVVY home renovator has shown how he managed to nab a stunning kitchen worth £6,000 AND appliances for just £250.

Money-minded Michael Quadri posted to his TikTok account (@_mikeslife), clueing his followers in on his budget hack.

Photo of a Wren kitchen for sale for £250.
Michael managed to nab the whole kitchen and appliances for £250
TikTok / @_mikeslife
A room filled with discarded kitchen cabinets and appliances.
The savvy property owner has bought second hand and ex-display furniture to kit out his house for less
TikTok / @_mikeslife

In his video, Mike showed off the gorgeous cream kitchen he’d scored.

The units looked sleek and modern, with wood-effect counters and a swanky induction hob.

Mike had found the knock-down Wren kitchen on Facebook Marketplace, where it was listed for just £250.

“Guys, Facebook Market is an absolute plug,” he told viewers.

With the cost of new furniture so high, Mike had resorted to buying second hand and ex-display items to give his home a major makeover for less.

He’s not alone with the struggles of forking out for home renovation – as thousands of us across the nation hunt for ways to update our house on the cheap.

Mike said he’d even kitted bedrooms out for £200-£300 thanks to his thrifty finds.

Incredibly, his bargain kitchen even came with all the appliances he needed, including a double oven and dishwasher.

But after reevaluating the aesthetic he was going for, Mike decided he wanted to shift the kitchen and buy a different one.

He managed to list it back on Facebook Marketplace and sell it for a mega £750 – securing a £500 profit in the process.

“I reckon I could have got way more,” he told viewers, “but because I needed it gone in, like, two days, I was in a rush of time.”

Users in the comments couldn’t believe Mike’s luck.

One person wrote: “Facebook marketplace has some serious gems!!!”

A second person said: “Bargain!!”

Somebody else asked: “What do you normally search up to find this stuff?”

Mike advised: “I search for ‘full/whole kitchens'”

What is Facebook Marketplace?

Facebook Marketplace is a part of the social media website where users can buy and sell items with other users.

It’s similar to eBay or Vinted.

Sellers list their unwanted items, along with a picture and price.

Buyers then browse and bid on items they like the look of.

Buyers and sellers can message each other to arrange transactions, using the chat function.

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