List of All Articles with Tag 't'

The new Women’s Super League season gets under way with the opening round of fixtures taking place on Sunday. Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points heading into the action. Champions chase more glory After securing their fourth WSL title in a row last season – and third successive FA Cup – the simple question regarding Chelsea ahead of 2023-24 is can they keep their dominance up? While skipper Magda Eriksson and Pernille Harder were notable departures over the summer, there have been eye-catching signings such as Catarina Macario and Ashley Lawrence joining a Blues squad featuring stars like Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Lauren James, who shone so brightly at times for England at the World Cup. With Fran Kirby back in the fold after injury as well, Emma Hayes’ side appear as primed as ever to hunt down further success. Another big United push? Manchester United had a landmark campaign last term, proving Chelsea’s closest rivals in the title race before ending up two points behind in second, as well as runners-up to them in the FA Cup – the best they have fared in both. It will be fascinating to see how the Red Devils get on in their attempts to build upon that in the WSL this season, particularly should they get through their qualifier with Paris St Germain to join Chelsea in the Champions League group stage. Either way, they will be without England striker Alessia Russo after she opted to leave and sign for Arsenal – but goalkeeper Mary Earps, her fellow Lioness, has been retained. Attacking options added to Marc Skinner’s squad include Geyse, Melvine Malard and World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa. Arsenal and City in the mix? Two teams who definitely will not have Champions League football to contend with this term are Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal, who crashed out in the first qualifying round earlier this month after coming third in the 2022-23 WSL, and Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City, fourth last season. That could be a significant factor as both aim to be firm contenders for the league title this time around. As well as Russo added to their ranks, plus the likes of Australia midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross, Arsenal have Beth Mead returning from an ACL injury, with Vivianne Miedema and Leah Williamson to follow. City have the huge threat of Khadija Shaw in their attack, while the signing of former Arsenal player Jill Roord has boosted their midfield. Vibrant Villa Outside the aforementioned ‘big four’, a team that has been drawing considerable attention is Aston Villa, last term’s fifth-placed finishers who opened their campaign by beating City and closed it with victory at Arsenal. England international Rachel Daly, scorer of 22 goals in as many WSL games last season to pip Shaw to the Golden Boot, is the leading light of the team, and Ebony Salmon, Lucy Parker and goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar are among the summer additions as the midlands outfit, managed by Carla Ward, look to make even more of a splash in 2023-24. They take on United at Villa Park in the first kick-off of Sunday’s curtain-raising games. Robins return Bristol City are back in the top flight after a two-season absence having claimed the Championship title under Lauren Smith. The bid to preserve their status could see them battle with Leicester – their opponents at Ashton Gate on Sunday – and Brighton, who finished 10th and 11th respectively last term, both five points clear of relegated Reading. The Foxes stayed up after bringing in Willie Kirk last November, while Melissa Phillips took charge at Brighton in April, following the departures of Hope Powell and then Jens Scheuer in a troubled campaign for the Seagulls. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

If you’re after a year-round holiday destination in the UK, the Isle of Wight is pocket-sized yet picturesque – and it’s only two hours from London. Once famous for being a bucket-and-spade, budget destination, the island – the second-most populous in England – has reinvented itself as a place for a stylish sojourn by the sea. It now offers an impressive array of food and drink spots (more than 50 independent producers, at the last count). Known for The Needles, beautiful beaches and pretty promenades – alongside gorgeous countryside and colourful gardens – there’s something for everyone. As for where to stay, several island hotels used lockdown to refurbish, clear out the mothballs and pull themselves out of their 1970s torpor with impeccable style. Some are swish and sleek, others ooze history and character. Wherever you’re planning to stay, from the north in Cowes to the west in Yarmouth, or Ventnor in the south, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. Here’s our round-up of the best hotels on the island, where you can enjoy a sundowner while drinking in the views. The best Isle of Wight hotels are: Best family hotel: Luccombe Hall Hotel Best retro hotel: The Northbank Hotel Best luxury hotel: Sentry Mead Hotel Best boutique hotel: Villa Rothsay Hotel Best hotel for sea views: The Wellington Hotel Best budget hotel: Ryde Castle Best hotel for couples: Shoreside Inn Best hotel in a historic town: One Holyrood Hotel Best hotel for foodies: The Seaview Hotel Best family hotel: Luccombe Hall Hotel Location: Shanklin Originally built in 1870 as the Summer Palace for the Bishop of Portsmouth, Luccombe Hall enjoys what its original incumbent must have deemed a heavenly location at the southern end of Sandown Bay (which is more than five miles long), with views all the way to the north end of the beach at Culver Down. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, large gardens with a giant chess and draughts set, a mini putting green and an children’s outdoor play area, making it a great choice for families. Rooms are decorated tastefully with ocean-blue tongue-and-groove furnishings and many have balconies. For a treat, book a garden room with a hot tub and a view of the sea. There’s a short but excellent menu, which you can enjoy in the aptly monikered Grand View restaurant. Best retro hotel: The Northbank Hotel Location: Seaview Entered from a narrow lane off Seaview’s genteel high street, the Victorian-built Northbank Hotel stands above the shore, with the hotel’s stately lawns sloping to a gate that opens out onto the village promenade. The hotel may have been updated over the years but its heart lies defiantly in the 1960s. Run by the Shaw-Yates family since 1959, it combines modern facilities with yesteryear touches, such as retro telephones and even an original 1960s Sega fruit machine. Rooms are fitted with traditional decor (OK, chintz prevails), oak furniture and sash windows. Dinner is cooked on the Aga, and the restaurant places great emphasis on local produce, including vegetables grown on the family allotment. Price: Doubles from £160, including breakfast (note the hotel closes for winter from 1 November 2023 until late April 2024) Book now Best luxury hotel: Sentry Mead Hotel Location: Totland The Sentry Mead Hotel overlooks Totland Bay on the island’s west coast. A former country house topped with a turret, the hotel has recently undergone a major refurbishment and is now among the most serene and stylish places to stay on the Isle of Wight. Rooms have been painted in deep tones, decorated with local artwork and fitted with London-brick tiling in bathrooms. The accommodation is spread over two floors – if you want a sea view, just ask. There are spacious grounds, ideal for taking in the setting sun over the western reaches of the Solent, with a glass of island gin. Best boutique hotel: Villa Rothsay Hotel Location: Cowes Cowes is steeped in shipbuilding and seafaring traditions, and few places encapsulate this spirit as much as Villa Rothsay. A son of the original owners won a sailing gold medal in the 1908 Olympics, while the Morning Cloud suite – named after the yachts owned by former prime minister Edward Heath – offers a 180-degree view of the Solent. Located on a small rise above the water, the villa incorporates old and new – bay windows, wood panelling and the chance to sit by a sleek modern fireplace on a Georgian chair. Best hotel for sea views: The Wellington Hotel Location: Ventnor Looming over the main promenade in the Victorian town of Ventnor, the refurbished Wellington offers not only sea vistas from its filigree balconies but also the mildest of climates. That’s because this part of the island is typically 5C warmer than elsewhere, thanks to the sheltering influence of the hills on which the town is built. Rooms have been refitted with richly coloured fittings but retain the old-time ambience, with sleigh beds, delicate coving and wooden balconies. One of the most striking things here is just how tranquil it is – no shipping lanes cross your gaze and the bustle of the Solent seems a world away. Best budget hotel: Ryde Castle Location: Ryde The location of this hotel (which is part of a pub chain) makes it an excellent choice. History buffs may be interested to know the building’s original incarnation was as a castle built on the orders of Henry VIII, to deter Spanish and French incursions. Still boasting its parapets and battlements, the hotel takes its place on Ryde’s esplanade among a hotchpotch of traditional shop fronts, decorative stucco and Georgian townhouses. Rooms feature chandeliers and richly embroidered bed covers – some rooms even come with four-poster beds – while dark-wood flooring adds to the ambience. Food leans more towards classic pub fare, but of a high standard, while Ryde’s open spaces, public gardens, sandy beaches and seaside stalls are only a short promenade away. Best hotel for couples: Shoreside Inn Location: Shanklin The only real giveaway that this property was built in the 19th century is the stately, squat façade of the three storeys and bay windows. Inside, the owners have created a stylish boutique hotel (for adults only). All rooms have full or partial views of the sea and include feature walls – think exposed brickwork and designer mirrors – while you can relax in a roll-top bath or walk-in shower. Two ground-floor rooms have their own private sun terrace with a view over the English Channel. Best hotel in a historic town: One Holyrood Hotel Location: Newport Located in the heart of Newport, the island’s capital, this well-run, cosy hotel is much nearer the equator than the Scottish Parliament with which it shares its name. Like many older island buildings, the hotel makes good use of the small space it inherits from its medieval origins. Attic-style rooms include period features, such as exposed beams, pitched ceilings, walnut-wood beds and the more contemporary metallic textures of Zoffany wallpaper. There’s a pleasant flower-laden courtyard and pergola at the back – perfect on a warm summer or mild autumn evening. In the dark nights of winter, cosy up in the lounge/bar, where you can put your feet up, next to the fire. Best hotel for foodies: The Seaview Hotel Location: Seaview When it comes to charm, location and service, the Seaview Hotel, positioned just a few yards back from the village beach, is hard to beat. You’ll find swish modern decor (smartly decorated rooms and walk-in showers), with a generous nod to the sea, in the form of paintings and photographs of nautical vessels. The ground floor is home to two restaurants – go for the Michelin-recommended cuisine in the restaurant, or top-notch fish and chips in the friendly bar, which serves local ales, island gin and good wine. Accommodation is on the first and second floors, with a spacious family suite for five on the top floor. The hotel rents out electric bikes to guests (these are definitely worth considering when tackling the island’s downs). Read more of our UK hotel reviews: The UK’s best cosy hotels Best dog-friendly hotels Where to stay in the Cotswolds Read more about UK travel: The Isle of Wight: An island of 20th-century miracles Best things to do on the Isles of Scilly The best hotels in the New Forest Read More The UK’s best seaside hotels Best UK hotels: Where to stay for a luxury or affordable break Best hotels in Hampshire: Where to stay for family-friendly trips and city breaks Best beach hotels in Cornwall: Where to stay for sandy shores and sea views The best boutique hotels in the Lake District for family getaways and luxury escapes Best hotels in Europe 2023: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

With only three days to go before government funding expires, Congress is barreling toward a shutdown with the House and Senate at an impasse over a path forward.

More than half of the region's ethic Armenians are now thought to have fled the Azerbaijani takeover.

Jurgen Klopp joked that he used the promise of the captain’s armband to sell Curtis Jones on the idea of playing right-back for Liverpool in Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Leicester. Jones was the only player retained from Saturday’s 3-1 win over West Ham, but dropped back from midfield to fill in on the right side of defence in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, with Stefan Bajcetic on the bench after playing right-back against LASK last week. Even with plenty of experience in the side, the 22-year-old Jones took the armband as he adjusted to a new role. “Yesterday, when I told him he will play right-back, I sold the right-back idea with the captaincy,” Klopp said. “He was already completely excited when I told him he would play right-back, and the way he executed it was super special, I have to say. Wow. “We thought about him because we couldn’t play Stefan, we have to be careful with him. Joey will be OK for the weekend (away to Tottenham) but was not OK for today so we have to find solutions and Curtis was always in my mind as a potential solution. “He enjoys being on the ball and the deeper you are the more often you can get the ball. It was a top performance I have to say for the first time in for him a strange position. I liked that. He’s in a good moment and could probably play each position. “But we will try to use him as often as possible in his natural position.” Jones was one of several Liverpool players to earn praise from Klopp after their come-from-behind victory. He was already completely excited when I told him he would play right-back, and the way he executed it was super special, I have to say. Wow Jurgen Klopp on Curtis Jones Dominik Szoboszlai took the headlines after hitting a superb strike to give Liverpool the lead just five minutes after coming off the bench, completing the turnaround after Cody Gakpo’s goal early in the second half had cancelled out Kasey McAteer’s effort, with Diogo Jota getting a late third. But Klopp reeled off a list of several performances he was impressed by, including those from Wataru Endo, Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch. “There were super signs, I really like that a lot,” Klopp said. “The boys enjoyed playing it and you saw how they were pressing until the last second. They really enjoyed it and that’s cool. “Minute by minute, we grew into that game and it was a top performance, to be honest. “With all the quality of Leicester, we have to admit that as well, super-coached team obviously, super set-up, you can pretty much see, feel and smell the confidence they have because of their situation, so that made life difficult. “But we kept going and improved during the game as a team clearly but individually as well, a lot of performances stepped up and here we are, and I like that a lot.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Can United, City or Arsenal dethrone champions Chelsea? – WSL talking points Pep Guardiola takes positives from Man City display despite Carabao Cup exit Eddie Howe hails ‘absolutely outstanding’ Paul Dummett after Man City scalp

Female university students are more than twice as likely as male students to say they have been affected by poor mental health, new analysis suggests. Data shows 12% of female students say they have been affected, compared to 5% of males. Reported mental health problems among university students have almost tripled in recent years, according to the analysis. The percentage of undergraduate students at universities across the UK who said they had experienced mental health difficulties rose from 6% to 16% between the 2016/17 and 2022/23 academic years. It means one in six undergraduates now reports experiencing mental health challenges. The findings suggest further action should be taken to prevent mental health difficulties arising wherever possible, and that services are adequately resourced to support students quickly when they need help Professor Michael Sanders, King’s College London Analysis by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) found a significant part of this increase occurred in the last 12 months, a period during which the cost-of-living crisis intensified. Poor mental health is by far the most common reason for students wanting to drop out of university. Among those considering dropping out, the proportion citing financial distress as the main reason has risen from 3.5% to 8% between 2022 and 2023. But the general upward trend in mental health problems predates both the rise in inflation and the Covid-19 pandemic, indicating that other factors are likely to be at play, researchers said. The analysis – which drew on a dataset of 82,682 full-time UK undergraduates over seven years – shows some groups are more affected than others. Of the non-binary respondents, 42% said they have been affected by poor mental health, along with 30% of trans people. Bisexual people (28%) have the highest average levels of mental health difficulties among LGBTQ groups across the data, while gay men (14%) have the lowest – although this is still greater than the level seen among straight people (7%). White students (12%) have on average worse mental health than their peers from other ethnicities, but those with a “mixed” ethnicity (12%) are just as likely to have mental health difficulties. Undergraduates who attended state schools (15%) have on average worse mental health than their peers who attended private school (11%), while students who get most of their money through a maintenance loan, grant or paid work are more likely to have mental health difficulties than those on scholarships or with family support. Michael Sanders, professor of public policy at the Policy Institute and author of the study, said: “It’s clear the experiences of mental ill-health among students are deeply unequal, and exist along much the same lines as in society at large, with those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds or who often face discrimination being most likely in general to report struggles with their mental health. “The findings suggest further action should be taken to prevent mental health difficulties arising wherever possible, and that services are adequately resourced to support students quickly when they need help.” Dr Omar Khan, chief executive officer of TASO, said: “This report highlights the persistent and widespread mental health challenges faced by students. “While Covid and the cost-of-living crisis have clearly exacerbated such challenges, the upward trend is not new. “We’re working with the higher education sector to better understand what works to improve mental health outcomes for all students.” It comes as a separate report from the NHS Race and Health Observatory calls for more mental health support for people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities in England. It said that it is estimated that suicide rates among these groups are up to seven times higher than in other communities. Dr Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: “We know that Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities face stark challenges in accessing psychological therapies and other mental health services. “This report lays bare the mental health issues and stigma faced by these communities first hand.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Many parents of under 5s on less than £50k ‘quit work due to childcare costs’ – survey 5 trainer trends that will be everywhere this autumn 11 ways to work autumnal wonder at home

One of several men indicted in a smuggling operation that left 53 migrants dead after they were trapped in the back of a sweltering semitruck in San Antonio last year has pleaded guilty, authorities said.

Water levels on the Mississippi River are nearing historic lows for the second consecutive year, triggering a drinking water emergency in Louisiana as ocean water flows upstream, unimpeded by the river's uncharacteristically weak flow. With no substantial rain in the immediate forecast, levels are expected to drop to even more dire levels in the coming weeks.

Meta has released two new ways to begin to experience the “mixed reality” that it says is the future. It has revealed its Meta Quest 3, a virtual reality headset that also has “passthrough” to the real world, allowing virtual objects to be layered on top of it. Until now, its headsets have only offered virtual reality. It also released new versions of its smart glasses, made in collaboration with Ray-Ban. They feature a camera that can record, and speakers in the glasses’ arms. Both are a glimpse at what Mark Zuckerberg has suggested will be the future: smart eyewear that let you move between virtual and real worlds, to experience the “metaverse” around which the company is now organised and for which it changed its name from Facebook. But that technology is not yet available, and so the new products are Meta’s best attempt at giving something of a look at that future. Meta’s new releases come soon before Apple’s “Reality Pro”, the mixed reality headset that it revealed in June and says will be coming early next year. Like the new Meta Quest 3, that uses cameras to show the real world and project digital items on top of it, or lets users dial into entirely virtual worlds. Meta has suggested it will be able to stand out from Apple’s competition by offering a more social version of mixed reality. But it has also pointed to its price: the Meta Quest 3 costs $500, or £480, compared with $3,500 for the Vision Pro. The Meta Quest 3 does have considerably lower specs than its competitor, however. While Meta said that its new headset has a 30 per cent increase from its predecessor, even as the headset itself gets smaller, the detail is much less than in Apple’s headset. Meta’s Quest is also focused primarily on gaming and entertainment. It revealed it along with a host of games – including access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows many console games to be played over the internet. The new headset begins by automatically mapping the space around its user, with sensors that are able to understand both the size of the room and any objects that are in it. That can then be used to ensure that wearers don’t crash into their surroundings, but also layer games on top. Pre-orders for the Meta Quest 3 open now, and it will go on sale on 10 October. The new smart glasses cost £299 or $299, the same price as the original version. They bring improved cameras, a lighter design, and new features such as livestreaming. Read More Meta showcases new AR/VR tech at annual Connect conference Meta plans to develop ‘sassy robot’ chatbot for young users, report says Facebook changes logo to ‘make F stand apart’ – but can you tell the difference?

CCTV footage of a young girl walking around a street reportedly asking for help surfaced online this week.

A world without Google would almost be akin to a world without water or air. Indeed, the internet behemoth’s power is so great that it’s even become its own verb. And sure, there are other search engines, but when have you ever heard someone say: “Let me just Bing that”? Yet, it turns out the iconic tech company could have had a very different fate had it stuck to its original name. That’s right, Google hasn’t always been Google. And at its inception back in 1996, it had a somewhat more risqué title. It was called… BackRub. Yep, BackRub. According to Standford University computer scientist David Koller, who wrote about the brand’s genesis back in 2004, founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin came up with the search engine's first name as a nod to its analysis of the web’s “back links”. However, a year after BackRub was born, Page and his officemates – including fellow graduate students Sean Anderson, Tamara Munzner, and Lucas Pereira – discussed a number of possible alternatives to the massage-evoking moniker. According to Koller, the final, fateful brainstorming session occurred one day in September of that year. “Sean and Larry were in their office, using the whiteboard, trying to think up a good name - something that related to the indexing of an immense amount of data,” he recalled. “Sean verbally suggested the word ‘googolplex,’, and Larry responded verbally with the shortened form, ‘googol’ (both words refer to specific large numbers). “ Anderson then searched the Internet domain name registry database to see if the newly suggested name was still available to use. But, since “Sean is not an infallible speller”, “he made the mistake of searching for the name spelt as ‘google.com,’ which he found to be available,” Koller continued. “Larry liked the name, and within hours he took the step of registering the name ‘google.com’ for himself and Sergey.” And the rest, as they say, is history. Sill, 25 years on from that simple domain name registration that would go on to change the world, people have shared their bewilderment that “BackRub” could have become a household name. “I could die without knowing that this was Google's old name,” one X/Twitter user commented. “What were they smoking back in 90s??” asked another. Meanwhile, a third responded with what we’re all now thinking: “Tbh I need a backrub.” At least the tech titans can now give themselves a pat on the back for a job well done with “Google”. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Meta has unveiled a new series of artificial intelligence chatbots to challenge the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. Speaking at the tech giant’s annual Meta Connect conference, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said the AI chatbots would feature different “personalities” based on celebrities. Among those to have already lended their personalities are the rapper Snoop Dogg, NFL star Tom Brady and YouTuber Mr Beast. The Meta AI virtual assistants, which will only be available in the US initially, will be able to answer queries or craft responses in a fashion similar to ChatGPT and other programmes. The firm also announced plans to launch an AI studio where users could custom build their own AIs. Users will be able to access the assistant and any created within its new AI studio from within any of Meta’s messaging platforms. This is where Meta is looking to differentiate itself from its rivals, by using its already extensively used social platforms to put AI chatbots in front of users, many for the first time. The company said it did not believe there will be “one single super-intelligent AI that everyone uses”, but rather “different AIs for different things”. This was the reason for creating AI Studio, Meta said, to enable users to “create your own AI that’s aligned with your goals, whether you’re a small business, a creator, or anyone really”. The company demonstrated several AIs it had created already, including a sous chef who could offer meal suggestions and a “personal editor and writing partner” called Lily. Meta said these different chatbots would be given their own profiles on its platforms to enable users to interact with them. Elsewhere at the conference, Mr Zuckerberg unveiled the newest version of the company’s virtual reality headset – the Meta Quest 3 – and reiterated his belief that the future of the internet would be based in the virtual world of the metaverse. In this space, users in such headsets will be able to interact with avatars of others as well as AI bots. Mr Zuckerberg said the metaverse would see the “physical and digital world come together”. The Facebook founder also unveiled a new pair of Meta smartglasses made by Ray Ban, which will be powered by the new Meta AI. “Smart glasses are the ideal form factor for you to let an AI assistant see what you are seeing and hear what you are hearing,” Mr Zuckerberg said. Over the last week, both Microsoft and Amazon have used live events to demonstrate their latest innovations in AI, with Microsoft announcing a new tool called Copilot is coming to Windows which users can call up at any time to help them with any computing, work or social task. While Amazon used its product event last week to unveil improvements to voice-based AI assistant Alexa that make it more natural and conversational, and better at understanding context and inference to help users complete tasks. On the same day as Meta’s announcement, OpenAI also unveiled a major update to ChatGPT that will give the viral chatbot direct access to the internet for the first time. Additional reporting from agencies Read More Meta unveils new Quest 3 headset and smart glasses that allow for virtual experiences in the real world Meta just took a step towards its dream of the metaverse Meta showcases new AR/VR tech at annual Connect conference Meta plans to develop ‘sassy robot’ chatbot for young users, report says