Summer

• Leaked audio from the 'Summer House' reunion has prompted Bravo to launch an official investigation into the breach. • Reality star Paige DeSorbo addressed the controversy in an exclusive interview, speaking out on the incident's details. • The scandal adds to ongoing drama in the Bravo universe, affecting cast dynamics and fan reactions nationwide.

Programme of events announced on anniversary of Bristol bus boycott aimed at inspiring societal manifesto for cityBristol has long been a city of activists prepared to work for change, from followers of John Wesley in the 18th century to the 21st-century citizens who toppled the statue of slave trader Edward Colston.On Wednesday, a new campaign was launched – on the anniversary of the start of the groundbreaking 1963 Bristol bus boycott – aimed at making the city the UK’s capital of civil rights. Continue reading...

Holiday park firms say such bookings are on the rise because of impact of Iran war on aviationHoliday companies have predicted a surge in bookings for UK summer breaks after a jump in interest from Britons fearful of flight cancellations linked to the Iran war.Summer bookings are expected to rise in the coming weeks amid warnings of possible jet fuel shortages and resulting cancellations by airlines across Europe. Continue reading...

Ministers drawing up contingency plans for ‘reasonable worst-case scenario’ if supply of CO2 is disruptedBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK could face some gaps on supermarket shelves this summer if disruption caused by the Iran war continues, with shortages of carbon dioxide potentially hitting supplies of chicken, pork and fizzy drinks.Government ministers are reportedly drawing up contingency plans for a “reasonable worst-case scenario” if the key shipping lane of the strait of Hormuz does not reopen, disrupting supplies of the CO2 required by the food industry. Continue reading...

Incentives to absorb surplus wind and solar energy could help balance the grid and lower billsThe UK needs more North Sea gas, not greater reliance on US imports | Nils PratleyHouseholds will be called on to boost their consumption of Great Britain’s record renewable energy this summer to help balance the power grid and lower energy bills.Under the new plans, people could be encouraged to run dishwashers and washing machines or charge up their electric vehicles when there is more wind and solar power than the electricity grid needs. Continue reading...

Charity advises replacing seed and nut feeders, where birds gather, with small amounts of mealworms, fat balls or suetGarden birds should not be fed seeds and nuts over the summer months, the RSPB has said, in an attempt to reduce the spread of avian diseases.Bird lovers are being urged to take down their bird feeders between May and October to help birds such as the greenfinch, whose numbers have plummeted after the spread of trichomonosis, a parasitic disease transmitted more easily when birds cluster around feeders in the warmer months. Continue reading...

Created in Italy and made with elderflower liqueur, the cocktail is sweeter than Aperol spritz and lower in alcoholPub gardens and bar terraces have been awash with a sea of orange in recent years as Italy’s love of Aperol spritz spread to the UK. But this year the cocktail’s cousin, a Hugo spritz, will be the drink of the summer, according to supermarkets and bars.It is already being served across the country, including at Sea Containers on the banks of the Thames and Mayfair’s swanky Claridge’s hotel in London, 20 Stories bar in Manchester and the Bridge Tavern in Newcastle. Wetherspoons has the cocktail on its menu nationwide.40ml St‑Germain elderflower liqueur.60ml prosecco.60ml sparkling water.8-10 mint leaves.Lime wedge for garnish.Mint sprig for garnish.Fill your glass with ice cubes.Add in the mint leaves.Pour sparkling wine and sparkling water over ice.Add St‑Germain elderflower liqueur.Gently stir.Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge. Continue reading...