Author: news

A seven-year-old boy who died in an explosion in Newcastle has been named.

His family have named the seven-year-old who tragically died as Archie York in tributes to the boy.

A second body, believed to be a man in his 30s, has also been found.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives.

“Specialist officers are supporting their loved-ones and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy at this time.”

The blast occurred Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle, with emergency services called to the scene in the early hours of 16 October.

A further six people were taken to hospital as a result of the explosion, five adults and a child, and all besides one have been released from treatment.

The explosion occurred at Violet Close, Benwell (PA)

Northumbria Police confirmed to PA that the only person not discharged from hospital was a man in his 30s who was in a critical but stable condition.

They added that there were no cases of missing people connected with the explosion.

Speaking at the scene yesterday, Superintendent Darren Adams said: “It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child.

“As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly passed away.

“Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he tragically died at the scene.

“This is a truly devastating outcome.”

“I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in extending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends. The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable.”

Members of the seven-year-old’s family have been posting tributes to his memory on social media.

Two people have died and six were taken to hospital, with one currently still receiving treatment. (PA)

They report that in a social media post from his aunt his family called Archie ‘the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy’ whose ‘name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops’.

Adding to that, they say a neighbour said the seven-year-old was a ‘lovely lad’ and ‘everybody knew him’ as such.

Drone footage of the homes hit by the explosion showed that one house had been almost completely destroyed, with neighbouring ones also severely damaged by the blast.

A number of other people were also evacuated from their homes as a result of the explosion.

Donald Trump has been told by some advisers that he should prematurely declare victory on election night if he’s sufficiently ahead of Kamala Harris in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, according to people close to him, though whether he will heed that advice remains unclear.

The consensus view is that Trump has nothing to lose by claiming he has won if he has a several-hundred-thousand-vote advantage in Pennsylvania or if his internal pollsters think a victory is plausible even if the results are not fully confirmed on Tuesday night.

But even Trump’s most pugnacious allies – including the former White House strategist Steven Bannon who spoke with him last week, one of the people said – have suggested he hold off making a pronouncement if the race is any closer by the time he goes to bed, lest it makes him look foolish.

Sometimes they can get themselves into tricky situations

and without anyone watching over them they only have themselves to depend on.

For Winston, he was already homeless and hungry when

he got himself into a situation that could have meant the end of the road.

Thankfully a guardian angel turned up to rescue him Photographer

Wesley White was visiting the beautiful country of Belize,

in Central America, on a work trip.

Surrounded by white sands and blue skies there was so much beauty to capture on camera.

Visited a remote island

The keen traveler decided to kayak from his hotel to the

tiny remote island with no idea what he was about to discover.

He looked for a good spot to do some fishing, thinking he was all alone.

But instead he found an emaciated puppy lying on an unoccupied fishing shack.

He was in such a bad way Wesley knew he was close to death,

A tragedy in Ogden Canyon claimed the lives of a Utah father and his 16-year-old daughter when their pickup truck was struck by a flying bulldozer.

Reports indicate that Richard Hendrickson, the CEO of Lifetime Products, was in the car with his wife and three children when a tow truck traveling in the opposite direction lost control of the mini bulldozer it was hauling, which then collided with the family’s vehicle.

Hendrickson and his daughter Sally were killed at the spot. The rest of the passengers survived.

The tragic accident took place on Saturday, July 6 while the family were traveling up a narrow two-lane road in Ogden Canyon in eastern Weber County, Utah.

When it tried to turn, about 12:49 p.m, the tow truck hauling heavy equipment was traveling eastbound, as per the Department of Public Safety.

While “negotiating a right-hand curve,” the “bulldozer broke free” from the tow truck and was launched into Hendrickson’s westbound GMC pickup, which was towing a boat.

The surviving passenger were treated for minor injuries.

Tributes from family and friends started pouring in, referring to Hendrickson as to “trusted and cherished” man and a “visionary.”

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our CEO and President, Richard David Hendrickson. This heartbreaking incident also claimed the life of one of his daughters, Sally,” Lifetime Products writes in a statement. Describing the man as “more than a company leader,” the statement continues, “He was also a visionary and a friend to many within our business and the wider community.”

Barry Mower, the organization’s founder, contributed to the statement, “He was one of my most trusted and cherished friends and will be sorely missed.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his condolences to the family on X, writing, “Richard was a friend and incredible leader. We are heartbroken by his tragic passing with his daughter Sally. We mourn with the surviving members of his family and pray they will find comfort and healing.”

The post of Governor Cox gathered the attention of many. One person commented, “Praying for Richard’s family, this is absolutely senseless! Gov Cox you and your administration MUST do something to strictly regulate and severely penalize unsafe loads.”

Following the tragedy, a petition was initiated to prohibit larger vehicles from using the narrow “two-lane passageway” bordered by the Ogden River on one side and steep mountain cliffs on the other.

As of Tuesday, the petition, which aims to reach 5,000 signatures, had garnered around 3,300. The petition states, “We are raising this petition to enforce regulation on the types of vehicles permitted on Highway 39 that transverses the heart of Ogden Canyon. There is an urgent need to limit the particular categories of vehicles that can drive through this constricted roadway, ensuring the security of all who rely on it.”

Our thoughts and prayers go to the grieving family.

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Have you ever noticed the letters WC posted outside a public bathroom and wondered what it means?

If so, you’re not alone as people around the world are trying to unravel the mystery of the WC, a space that identifies a room containing a toilet and a sink.

And while we’ll offer you an explanation of the WC, we can’t promise the term will make anymore sense than restroom, bathroom or loo…

In 2020, a couple named Shelby and Dylan shared a TikTok video that revealed a major difference in how some Americans and Canadians do their business.

“What in the world is a washroom?” asks Dylan as he walks by sign that says “washroom.”

“And what are they washing in there? Oh, it’s a restroom. The only thing I wash in there is my hands,” he tells his wife.

Off-camera, Shelby can be heard asking: “Do you rest in a restroom?”

“That’s a good point. They both don’t make much sense,” Dylan adds.

Online users jumped into the comments section, offering their opinions on the term they prefer to use for the sacred room.

“It’s called a bathroom, restroom, washroom and toilet,” offers one user.

A second follower said when they were visiting Disneyland, they “asked for the washroom” and they “sent me to the laundromat!”

A third adds, “Wait ‘til he finds out about water closets.”

Water closet

According to Mirriam Webster’s Dictionary, “water closet” is a noun that describes “a compartment or room with a toilet” or “a toilet bowl and its accessories.”

Back in the day, when someone would use the bathroom, it was to take a bath. And when a person used a restroom, it was apparently to rest or get ready for the day by using the sink and mirror.

Lastly, if you needed to go potty, you would use the toilet in the water closet.

Depending on where you live in the world, the room that holds the porcelain throne goes by various names including the loo, restroom, bathroom, washroom, lavatory or WC.

In modern days, you’ll often see signage indicating WC in public spaces like airports, restaurants, or hotels. It’s just another way of saying “restroom” or “bathroom” but is often associated with a more formal or universal sign in places catering to international travelers.

History of the WC

Before the 19th century in America, indoor toilets were a luxury, reserved primarily for the wealthy. Most people used outhouses or other outdoor facilities for their sanitary needs. While homes often had “bathrooms” for bathing, these rooms typically didn’t include toilets. The widespread installation of indoor plumbing began in the late 19th century, with the advent of the water closet by 1890. These rooms housed the toilet separately from bathing spaces.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the modern bathroom, combining both bathing facilities and toilets into one integrated space, became common.

While combining toilets and bathtubs in the same room was a practical solution for saving space and simplifying plumbing, this arrangement did reduce privacy, especially in shared spaces.

Since, the term “water closet” evolved to refer to a small, enclosed room within a larger bathroom, dedicated solely to the toilet. These water closets often include a small sink for handwashing, making them self-contained and convenient.

Attempting to demystify the water closet, online users shared their opinions on Reddit in a post called, “Why is a public WC called bathroom if there is [no] bath?”

Responding to the message, a Redditor writes, “Americans might similarly ask: ‘Why is it called a WC (water closet) if it isn’t even a closet?” the comment continues to explain that a “bathroom” or “restroom” is the “preferred US euphemism for ‘room with toilet,’ whereas other places use ‘WC,’ ‘lavatory,’ ‘loo’ etc.”

“In Russian it’s ‘a room without windows’ even if there actually is a window,” shares a third while another adds, “In Esperanto, it’s necesejo, or ‘necessary place’”

Meanwhile, other Redditors discussed washroom versus bathroom and restroom.

“Canada famously uses Washroom,” says one netizen while another clarifies, “I’m from the midwest, and washroom is fairly common here. Bathroom or restroom are probably used the most though.”

“Best one, I think. You should be washing in there,” adds another. “…not resting.”

What are your thoughts on WC and what term do you call the room that holds a toilet? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can hear from others!

You may not know the name Mayra Gomez Kemp, but she was a genuine TV trailblazer with a unique connection to Wheel Of Fortune. Gomez Kemp,

who died at 76 on October 13, was, per Pop Culture, “the first woman in the world to host a game show….” She eventually hosted Spain’s edition of Wheel OF Fortune. It was called La ruleta de la fortuna.

Gomez Kemp was also a singer and an actress. What an accomplished person!Hosting a game show is no easy feat. You have to be on your toes every minute, be able to lightly banter with contestants,

keep things moving and lively, consistently bring in impressive ratings, and hopefully become a beloved figure like the late Alex Trebek of Jeopardy or the retired Pat Sajak of Wheel. That is a hefty agenda.

An elderly couple had just crawled into bed when the old man let out a loud fart and proudly declared, “Seven points! ”His wife, puzzled, rolled over and asked, “What are you talking about? ”

Not one to be left out of the fun, his wife waited a few minutes, then let out her own impressive fart and confidently announced, “Touchdown! Tie game!

” After a brief pause, the old man fired off another one and boasted, “Aha, 14 to 7!I’m back in the lead! ”

Determined to stay in the game, the wife followed up with another loud one and grinned, “Touchdown, tie game again! ” Then, with a small squeaker, she added, “Field goal!

Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail down to the cuticle. They are sometimes called longitudinal striations or bands.

Slight vertical ridges in fingernails often develop in older adults, possibly due to a slowing of cell turnover. This is when new skin cells produced below the surface of your skin rise up to take the place of discarding dead cells from the surface.

If you experience other symptoms like texture changes in your nails, it may be caused by a medical condition. In trachyonychia (twenty-nail dystrophy), the ridges may lookTrusted Source shiny or brittle.

Iron deficiency anemia can also triggerTrusted Source vertical ridges and changes to your nails that make them concave or spoon-shaped.

Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, are often a symptom of serious conditions. They may actually stop nail growth until the underlying condition is treated.

If Beau’s lines appear, acute kidney disease may also be present.

According to a 2023 research reviewTrusted Source, medications — particularly chemotherapy drugs — were the most common cause of Beau’s lines. Other causes included:

• non-autoimmune system diseases, such as:
  • mumps
  • parathyroid disease
  • unmanaged diabetes
  • syphilis
  • respiratory conditions
  • illnesses that cause prolonged high fevers
  • zinc deficiency
• trauma
• infection

Trauma to your nails can cause red or brown spots to form underneath your nails.

If you notice dark brown, black, or red color changes under your nails and haven’t experienced nail trauma, it may beTrusted Source a symptom of a more serious condition, like endocarditis or melanoma.

Diagnosing the problem

A doctor should examine changes in your nails. If you damaged your nail in an injury, you may wait to see how the nail and your finger heal for a few weeks before deciding whether to see a doctor.

However, you should see a doctor as soon as possible if the injury results in:

• a clean or ragged cut through your nail
• a crushed nail
• a nail that is torn off
• bleeding under your nail

If you experience nail changes outside an injury, you’ll still want to be evaluated. During your appointment, your doctor will examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you’re experiencing.

Your doctor may order urine and blood tests if they suspect kidney disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.

If it seems like the ridges are the result of a skin condition, a dermatologist can start you on a treatment plan.

If the cause of your fingernail ridges is unclear, a dermatologist may take some fingernail clippings to have them analyzed in a lab for signs of infection.

How to get rid of ridges

Because fingernail ridges are often signs of other health problems, treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the changes to your nails. For example, if you have developed Beau’s lines because of diabetes, successfully managing your blood sugar may reduce these horizontal fingernail ridges.

Treatment for skin conditions like eczema may include moisturizers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms.

If low levels of minerals or vitamins are the cause, you may be advised to alter your diet or take supplements to boost your levels.

Ask a dermatologist for advice on treating your nails. You’ll want to be careful not to cause further damage.

You can connect to a dermatologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

What do ridges in your nails mean?

Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau’s lines.

What causes ridges in nails?

According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to aging. But they can also be a sign of improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition.

Can nutritional deficiencies cause ridges in nails?

Certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails. Other vitamins that can contribute to the health of your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D.

According to 2018 research, biotin is also highly recommended to aid in nail health, but more research is still needed to under the full extent of its benefits.

Can you buff out ridges in nails?

Some dermatologists suggest that you can gently buff nails to remove ridges. But it’s recommended to stick with moisturizing your nails, keeping them trimmed, and checking with a dermatologist for further considerations.

What’s the outlook for people with ridges in their nails?

Most of the time, ridges in fingernails are a typical sign of aging. However, it’s important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes. These might be the first signs of a serious medical problem.

The gizzard is the muscular stomach that birds, especially grain-eating ones, have. Many people consider it offal and tend not to cook it because of its appearance.

However, chicken gizzards provide many nutrients, are easy to prepare, and are very affordable. Here, we’ll explain why you should include them in your diet.

The gizzard is the muscular stomach that birds, especially grain-eating ones, have. Many people consider it offal and tend not to cook it because of its appearance.

However, chicken gizzards provide many nutrients, are easy to prepare, and are very affordable. Here, we’ll explain why you should include them in your diet.

One of the reasons why dates are so valued is due to their rich nutritional content. They are an excellent source of several key nutrients, including:

• Magnesium• Potassium• Calcium• Manganese• Iron• Phosphorus• Vitamin A

Additionally, dates contain a large amount of natural fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. They are also low in fat and provide moderate amounts of protein, making them a balanced choice for those looking to improve their diet. A 100-gram serving of dates contains approximately 280 calories, providing a lot of energy for their size.

Beyond these basic nutrients, dates are rich in powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid. These compounds help protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.