The stark new figures have fuelled concerns about growing reliance on the drugs and long waiting lists for alternative treatments.
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Need to know
All you need to know about the key payment this year – as energy bills set to hit new high
Need to know: four groups excluded from winter fuel payment in 2026
- Department for Work and Pensions officials have confirmed four groups of people will not receive the winter fuel payment in 2026, despite meeting basic eligibility criteria.
- The money is worth between £200-£300 and you can get it if you have reached State Pension age – born on or before 28 June 1960 for the 2026/2027 winter – and lived in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland during the qualifying week. This means some people who are of pension age will not get the money.
- Those who will not get it usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that, need permission to enter the UK and their granted leave says that they cannot claim public funds, were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026
- HMRC will claw back payments from those whose total taxable income exceeds £35,000, though a partner’s income doesn’t count towards this total.
- The announcement comes as household energy bills are set to increase to their highest level for three years heading into winter. Cornwall Insight experts predict a 4% rise in the energy price cap in October, despite the Prime Minister’s plan to remove VAT from electricity bills.
- Dr Craig Lowrey from Cornwall Insight warned: “Rising energy bills aren’t welcome at the best of times, but with winter approaching this latest hike will hit struggling households especially hard.”
- The Government has pledged to tackle cost of living pressures, with a spokesman stating they are “acting to give consumers breathing space” through VAT cuts and the £150 warm home discount for around six million households.
- Typical households could face annual bills of £1,729, up from £1,663, marking the highest average since July 2023.
- READ THE FULL STORY: DWP confirms 4 groups ‘not eligible’ for 2026 winter fuel payment even if meet age rule
During our hectic 21st century lifestyles, it can be tricky to make sure we are eating as healthily as possible. Some of us simply do not have enough time in the day to set aside and cook a proper, nutritious meal, and this can mean we turn to quick and easy foods which can have a detrimental affect on out health in the long-term. Negative concequences can include developing type 2 diabetes. Experts are keen to change this and make sure Brits are well equipped with sufficient gastronomical knowledge in order to make better choices.
It is said that everything is okay in moderation, but some foods, experts suggest, are best avoided. Diabetes UK says: “There is no food you can’t eat if you want to prevent type 2 diabetes or help you manage prediabetes. It is a question of choosing healthier foods more often.”
Here is a list of things specialists say it is best not to consume and why.
1. Sugary and sweetened drinks
Diabetes UK says: “Swap sugary drinks such as cola or lemonade for diet or no added sugar versions. Check the can or bottle’s nutrition label for added sugar. Even better, drink water – plain still or carbonated.
“Try tea or coffee without sugar, or try it with a low or no-calorie sweetener. If you have milk, choose semi-skimmed or skimmed which have the same vitamins, minerals, calcium and protein as full fat. If you prefer dairy-free alternatives like plant-based milks, such as oat or almond, check they are unsweetened.
“Try to avoid or limit fruit juices or smoothies to one small glass (150ml) a day as they contain the type of sugar we need to cut down on. Eat natural vegetables or fruit instead to get your 5-a-day.
“If Matcha, frappe or a bubble tea is your go-to takeaway drink, be aware these have lots of added sugar. Ordinary tea and Americano are healthier alternatives.”
(Image: Getty)
2. Refined white carbs
Experts say: “As a general guide, go for ‘brown’ rather than ‘white’ carbs.
“Brown rice, and wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread and chapatis are healthier options than refined carbs – which are things like white bread white rice, white pasta and chapatis made with white flour which are best limited or avoided.
“We know refined carbs increase blood sugar levels more quickly compared to wholegrain carbs. To find out more, see our page on the glycaemic index. ”
(Image: Getty)
3. Red and processed meats
Diabetes UK says: “Limit or avoid red and processed meats like bacon, ham, salami, pepperoni, canned meat such as corned beef, as well as sausages, pork, beef and lamb.
“Find out more about the link between red and processed meats and risk of type 2 diabetes.”
Those in the know suggest eating pulses (such as kidney beans and chick peas), eggs, fish, chicken and turkey, unsalted nuts and tofu and tempeh to get your protein instead.
(Image: Getty)
People planning on travelling by train this weekend have been advised to check their journeys up until their travel day
Train passengers face disruption this weekend (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
National Rail has issued advice to people travelling in Wales this bank holiday weekend as many rail routes will be disrupted. Several routes in Wales will be affected across three days as thousands of people head out to celebrate the late August bank holiday.
As well as engineering work amending and cancelling services across the network, Great Western Railway has warned that Reading Festival will mean 65,000 people will be heading home by train on bank holiday Monday (August 31).
Transport for Wales has announced travel disruption across the whole bank holiday weekend starting on Saturday, August 29.
Passengers are advised to continue to check their journey until the travel date. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
Saturday, August 29
There will be an amended service due to engineering work affecting routes to and from Wrexham General.
- Bidston – Wrexham General / Wrexham Central: Buses will replace trains between Bidston and Wrexham General / Wrexham Central. All buses will be extended to call at Birkenhead North, from where step-free interchange is available with Merseyrail Wirral Line services to and from Liverpool city centre stations.
- Holyhead, Llandudno Junction and Chester – Shrewsbury / Birmingham International / Cardiff Central: These services will be diverted via Crewe with revised journey times and timetables.
- Crewe / Chester – Wrexham General: Services between Crewe and Wrexham General will typically operate to a reduced frequency with one train per hour and terminate at Chester. Trains are running between Chester and Wrexham General.
- Chester – Shrewsbury (via Wrexham General, Ruabon, Chirk and Gobowen): Buses will replace trains between Wrexham General and Shrewsbury, with some buses extending to and from Chester.
Sunday 30 August
There will be an amended service on Sunday due to engineering work affecting routes to and from Wrexham General.
- Bidston – Wrexham General / Wrexham Central: Buses will replace trains between Bidston and Wrexham General / Wrexham Central. All buses will be extended to call at Birkenhead North, from where step-free interchange is available with Merseyrail Wirral Line services to and from Liverpool city centre stations.
- Holyhead, Llandudno Junction and Chester – Shrewsbury / Birmingham International / Cardiff Central: These services will be diverted via Crewe with revised journey times and timetables.
- Crewe / Chester – Wrexham General: Services between Crewe and Wrexham General will typically operate to a reduced frequency with one train per hour and terminate at Chester. Trains are running between Chester and Wrexham General.
- Chester – Shrewsbury (via Wrexham General, Ruabon, Chirk and Gobowen): Buses will replace trains between Wrexham General and Shrewsbury, with some buses extending to and from Chester.
There will be a minor change to the 08.24am Cardiff Central to Milford Haven service, starting eight minutes later a 8.32am and will return to normal timings from Carmarthen due to engineering work.
Monday 31 August – August Bank Holiday
There will be changes to the late night service between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe due to late night engineering work.
- 8.10pm Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at Crewe and a rail replacement bus will operate from Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly, departing at 11.04pm.
- 10.32pm Manchester Piccadilly to Shrewsbury will start from Crewe at 11.18pm with an earlier rail replacement bus operating from Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe, departing at 9.25pm.
There will be changes to the late night service between Shrewsbury and Chester due to late night engineering work.
- 9.09pm Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly service will no longer call at stops between Shrewsbury and Chester and will be diverted via Crewe. A rail replacement bus will call at all stops between Shrewsbury and Chester, departing at 10.30pm.
- 10.19pm Crewe to Shrewsbury service will not run.
- 10.22pm Chester to Cardiff Central service will depart 33 minutes earlier at 9.49pm and travel via Crewe. A rail replacement bus will operate between Chester and Shrewsbury calling at Wrexham General, Ruabon, Chirk, Gobowen, departing at 10.25pm.
- 11.53pm Shrewsbury to Chester service will not run and will be replaced by a bus.
There will be a change to the 10.40pm Cardiff Central to Bridgend service, terminating at Barry due to late night engineering work. A rail replacement bus will operate from Barry to Bridgend, departing at 10.15pm.
Emergency services are at the scene of a car fire on the A470 on Tuesday morning.
One lane is closed and queueing traffic due the fire on A470 southbound from A4054 Cardiff Road Glyntaff Interchange to the A473 Gwaelod-Y-Garth Road Upper Boat Interchange at Upper Boat.
Lane one is closed and emergency services are present.
Traffic cameras are showing long delays.
Scroll down for updates:
One passerby said they heard ‘explosion’ sounds
Pictures of the scene show firefighters at the scene(Image: Bleddyn Carrington)
Dramatic drone images show the aftermath of a vehicle fire that closed a road in both directions on Monday.
The incident happened on the A40 in Crickhowell, affecting the route from the A4077 New Road to The Cider Mill Inn near Tretower turn off.
The incident started at around 3.30pm, shutting the road entirely. Three-way traffic lights were put in place from 4pm. The incident was cleared as of around 6pm.
Pictures of the scene show firefighters hosing down what appears to be a burnt out van which had been towing a caravan. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter
No flames are visible but thick smoke can be seen clouding the vehicle. A nearby bush had also caught fire.
A passerby told WalesOnline “explosion” sounds were heard as gas canisters blew.
A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call from the fire service with regards to a vehicle fire on the A40 at approximately 2.10pm on Monday (24/8).
“Officers attended the scene and assisted fire service colleagues by implementing a road closure on the A40 between Crickhowell and the junction with The Cider Mill Inn.”
It came amid further traffic in Crickhowell due to campers leaving the Green Man Festival.
There are closures near the site until later on Monday evening on the B4558 Cwm Crawnon Road and around the Glanusk Estate.
The road has been open only to allow campers to leave the festival.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing
North Wales Police said they arrested a driver who was travelling the wrong way down the A55(Image: Western Mail)
A cyclist was injured in a crash and cars were damaged moments before a driver was seen travelling down the wrong side of a Welsh A-road. Police officers encountered the vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the A55 on Anglesey on Monday evening.
The officers from North Wales Police were travelling on the correct side of the road and safely brought the vehicle to a stop.
One man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody while enquiries continue.
The A55 was temporarily closed while officers dealt with the incident and ensured the road was safe to reopen. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter
North Wales Police said that prior to the vehicle entering the A55, a person was knocked off a bicycle on London Road in Holyhead.
They were taken to hospital and have suffered non-life threatening injuries.
A number of parked cars were also damaged.
North Wales Police confirmed no collisions happened as a result of the vehicle travelling in the wrong direction on the A55.
A spokesman for the force added: “Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.”
It comes after seven people – including two police officers – died in a crash on the A66.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed after the Volkswagen Passat, travelling the wrong way along the carriageway in South Bank, struck their marked police vehicle, which was heading in the correct direction.
In light of this, North Wales Police said: “North Wales Police acknowledge in light of the recent events that have taken place involving Cleveland police the feelings that this incident may attract.
“We would like to offer our condolences to all those effected by those tragic events.”
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A French tourist recently died in Death Valley national park after a car mishap left him stranded in 116F (47C) weather.
The visitor, identified as 68-year-old Pierre Michel Formosa, was traveling with another French man along the park’s remote West Side Road when their vehicle became stuck in mud near Queen of Sheba Mine Road.
With no other vehicles nearby, the pair walked across the salt flats toward Badwater Road in search of help as excessively temperatures reached 116F (46.6C), the National Park Service (NPS) said in a recent statement.
After walking roughly 1.3 miles (2km), Formosa was unable to go any farther, the agency said. His companion continued toward Badwater Road and eventually got help from a passing driver.
The companion subsequently reported Formosa’s plight at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center shortly after 2pm, the NPS said.
Park rangers and an Inyo county sheriff’s deputy launched a search and rescue operation for Formosa at about 2.15pm. A California highway patrol helicopter later joined the effort and located Formosa that afternoon, about 1.5 miles from Badwater Road.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. The NPS said the Inyo county coroner will determine the cause and manner of death; nonetheless, the agency cautioned the public about how dangerous the heat at Death Valley can be, along with other characteristics there.
“Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the visitor who died,” said Mike Reynolds, the Death Valley national park superintendent. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly conditions here can turn dangerous.
“Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience. We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the search, and our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
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Death Valley, which lies near the California–Nevada state border, is widely known as one of the hottest places on Earth. In July 1913, Furnace Creek, an unincorporated community within Death Valley national park, recorded a temperature of 134F, which is recognized as the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth.
Beside the temperatures, vast terrain and remoteness, the NPS often warns Death Valley visitors that cell service is limited or unavailable – and emergency assistance can be hours away. The park covers about 3.4m acres (1.4m hectares) and is the largest national park in the contiguous US.
The park recommends several precautions for visitors, including planning routes in advance and checking road and weather conditions before setting out. Visitors are also advised to carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, along with extra supplies for vehicle emergencies – and to make sure their vehicle is suitable for the road, as many backcountry routes require high clearance or four-wheel drive.
Other safety recommendations include carrying a satellite communicator or emergency beacon, staying with a vehicle if it becomes disabled (as it can provide shade and shelter), and sticking to paved roads while avoiding hikes at lower elevations during extreme heat.
The warnings come as heatwaves have swept across the US amid the ongoing climate crisis. July was the hottest month ever recorded in the country, and several hikers have died in suspected heat-related cases this summer.
In June, the NPS reported three apparent heat-related deaths during trips into the inner canyon of Grand Canyon national park in Arizona. The victims were a 72-year-old man, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman.
From Thursday, August 20, to Monday, August 24, the town can expect showers or drizzle on several days, with temperatures mostly around 20–21C during the day.
Thursday, August 20, is expected to be the brightest day, with a mix of sunshine and cloud.
A couple of showers could pass through during the morning.
The high is forecast around 20C, with an overnight low near 12C.
A west-north-westerly breeze around 9mph may make exposed coastal spots, including Barry Island and the Knap, feel a little cooler.
Friday, August 21, appears cloudier and more unsettled.
Showers are likely in the afternoon, with rain chances around 70 per cent.
Daytime temperatures should again reach about 20C, while the night stays milder, around 12–14C.
Saturday, August 22, currently looks changeable, with sunny intervals but a risk of showers.
Temperatures are likely to remain near 20C.
Sunday, August 23, may offer brighter interludes too, though occasional rain cannot be ruled out.
It should feel comfortable when the sun appears, especially away from the immediate coast.
Monday, August 24, is expected to continue the mixed theme: intervals of sunshine, cloud building at times, and a modest risk of rain.
Temperatures should remain close to 20–21C.
Millions of Americans are now using Wegovy and Mounjaro to lose weight but, for many, the results can be underwhelming.
While some will lose up to a fifth of their body weight on the drugs, others see their weight loss plateau after a few months.
Now, experts say a supplement that costs around 10 cents called psyllium husk could be the answer, which they argue can supercharge weight-loss drugs.
Studies even show that patients not on the shots who take psyllium husk – which is rich in fiber – lose weight.
‘Psyllium husk, as one of the most well-researched supplements out there, is an incredibly effective way for users to do this,’ says John Lukey, a registered nutritionist from King’s College London.
‘It increases feelings of satiety [fullness], reducing the likelihood of overeating and helping regulate appetite. In combination with the jabs it can be quite a potent mix.’
So, what is psyllium husk – and how does it work?
First, it’s important to explain the function of weight-loss medications.
Psyllium husk has become popular thanks to influencers touting its ability to suppress appetite – but experts agree it could make all the difference for weight loss shot uses struggling to shift those last few pounds
These revolutionary medicines are known as GLP-1 injections.
The shots , which initially began as diabetes medicines like Ozempic, work by giving the body an artificial dose of the GLP-1 hormone – often described as the ‘satiety hormone’ – which is made in the gut and released after meals to tell the body it is full.
This sensation of fullness – or satiety – means patients eat less, sparking significant weight-loss.
However, experts say that, in order for the drugs to have the desired effect, they need to be combined with a sensible diet.
One of the most important factors in a healthy weight-loss diet is fiber.
Fiber is a form of carbohydrate found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Studies show that a high-fiber diet boosts weight-loss, and may lower the risk of heart disease and bowel cancer.
Yet, despite these various benefits, research shows that only a fraction of US adults eat the recommended 30 grams of fiber a day. For comparison, an apple contains four grams of fiber, while a cup of chickpeas contains six grams.
Experts say that psyllium husk is one of the easiest – and most effective – ways to get enough daily fiber.
Around 11 percent of adults in the US take GLP-1 drugs, up significantly from three percent in 2024, according to research from Gallup.
Taken as a pill or a powder mixed in water, psyllium husk is made from the outer shell of the seeds of the plantago ovata plant – a type of shrub found in deserts.
Experts say the main reason that psyllium husk is so effective at boosting weight-loss is that, combined with water, the supplement swells to form a thick gel.
This gel then sits in the stomach, reducing space for food and triggering the sensation of fullness, in a similar way to GLP-1 injections.
Studies show that, taken on its own, psyllium husk can lead to weight-loss.
One 2023 review, published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, found that overweight and obese adults who took psyllium husk before meals lost nearly four-and-a-half pounds in under five months.
And a 2018 meta-analysis also found just 10 grams of psyllium husk a day significantly reduced ‘bad’ cholesterol – the fatty plaque that builds up in the blood vessels, eventually leading to heart attacks and strokes.
It’s for these reasons that experts say combining psyllium husk with GLP-1 jabs can help boost weight-loss when the jabs stop working.
‘The jabs are extremely effective at reducing appetite, but we shouldn’t be assuming that they are a silver bullet,’ says Mr Lukey.
‘Eating enough fiber is absolutely essential for those on the injections.
‘This is why psyllium husk can help users reach optimal levels for weight-loss.’
However, experts also say that psyllium husk needs to be used carefully. Research shows that psyllium husk must be taken alongside plenty of water – typically two glasses.
This is because the supplement expands in the gut and, without adequate water to clear it out of the system, can potentially lead to blockages.
Moreover, experts say that the weight-loss effects of psyllium husk are not instant, meaning that patients need to stick with the supplement.
‘The research shows that consistency matters,’ Dr Rubina Aktar, a neuroscientist at Queen Mary University of London, and co-founder of natural weight-loss drug Elcella.
‘Psyllium tends to be most effective when used over several weeks and alongside plenty of water so that you stay well hydrated.
‘This is especially relevant for those using weight-loss medications.’
Experts say it is also important that patients looking to eventually come off GLP-1 drugs should boost their natural fiber intake too.
Studies show that around two-thirds of people regain the weight they lose on the drugs within a year of stopping.
Experts also say that getting enough protein – a muscle-building nutrient found in meat, dairy, fish, pulses and some vegetables – is crucial for keeping the weight off. So too is regular strength training, such as using weights or resistance bands.
‘Increasing fiber intake while on the medications will serve you when you come off them,’ says Mr Lukey.
‘No one wants to be on these drugs for life – and managing appetite through dietary means will always be better for long-term health.
‘A daily psyllium husk supplement, alongside adequate protein and strength training, could ultimately make the difference between maintaining weight loss – or putting it all back on.’
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