3+ min ago (549+ words) The Met Office said a single snowflake has to be observed falling on Christmas Day anywhere in the UK for it to be called a "white Christmas" It"s that time of year again when the weather is getting colder, the knitted jumpers are coming out, and the nation is dreaming about a "white Christmas". Last week, there was snow across parts of the UK with as much as 25cm of snowfall and an amber weather warning on Thursday in some regions. But according to the Met Office, the UK may have to wait a little longer to see more snow this winter, and the possibility of a potential "white Christmas" remains open. The forecaster told The Independent: "There"s no significant snow in the current forecast period, with a mild westerly regime in charge bringing a mixture of sunny spells…...

6+ min ago (748+ words) The Royal College of Physicians warn air pollution will contribute to the equivalent of 30,000 deaths in the UK in 2025 Living in a damp property left a mother and her baby daughter battling constant chest infections and struggling to breathe. Lisa Malyon found her health drastically deteriorated over the course of two years until her lungs "couldn't cope" and she found herself struggling to walk up the stairs. The 42-year-old collapsed with chest pain and was rushed to hospital where she spent five days recovering from pneumonia. "It was horrible. I just didn't know if I was going to survive," Ms Malyon told the Independent. The now mother-of-three moved into a property near Sutton, South London, with her partner Richard and daughter Phoebe in 2015 and almost immediately noticed a "musty smell". "Every morning all the windows were dripping in condensation which…...

7+ min ago (946+ words) As December rapidly approaches, now could be the perfect time to tackle any lingering health admin that you may have been putting off before the Christmas festivities officially commence. Taking care of our health becomes even more essential as we grow older, so staying proactive is key. "While genetics play a role, advancing years, environmental exposure, and lifestyle choices can significantly impact our wellbeing," says Dr Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice. "Advanced screening techniques, expert advice and timely interventions can help you stay proactive about your health, whether you're in your 60s or your 90s." Here are eight health checks to tick off your to do list as you head into 2026" Viruses are rife this time of year, so it's important to stay up to date with vaccinations.The flu vaccine, the COVID-19 booster, the pneumococcal vaccine and the…...

7+ min ago (242+ words) Kyiv residential buildings on fire after Russian strikes Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Russia holding peace talks with US after drone strike kills four in Kyiv - Peace talks between Russia and the US are reportedly taking place in Abu Dhabi, with Ukraine's military intelligence chief also in attendance. - The talks coincide with a Russian drone attack on Kyiv, which injured four people and forced residents to evacuate. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had welcomed amendments to Donald Trump's 28-point peace plan following earlier meetings in Geneva. - Donald Trump had expressed optimism about the progress made in those discussions, stating that 'something good just may be happening'. - Despite some positive signs, the Kremlin rejected Europe's proposed amendments as unconstructive, though it found an earlier US proposal 'quite acceptable'. Russia holding peace talks with US after drone strike kills four in Kyiv…...

13+ min ago (712+ words) Rights groups on Tuesday slammed the Trump administration's decision to end protected status for Myanmar citizens due to the country's "notable progress in governance and stability," even though it remains mired in a bloody civil war and the head of its military regime faces possible U.N. war crimes charges. In her announcement Monday ending temporary protection from deportation for citizens of Myanmar, also known as Burma, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited the military's plans for "free and fair elections" in December and "successful ceasefire agreements" as among the reasons for her decision. "The situation in Burma has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home," she said in a statement. The military under Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing seized power from democratically-elected Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and is seeking to add a sheen of international…...

14+ min ago (430+ words) Trump expects the "Golden Dome" system to be operational by the end of his term, but experts warn it could take far longer U.S. Space Force has awarded multiple small contracts to companies to help develop prototypes for a crucial but unproven technology that will be used in President Donald Trump"s "Golden Dome" defense system, according to a report. The contracts, each under $9 million, are to develop space-based interceptors " a weapons system that would rely on a series of low-orbiting satellites that could track down an incoming intercontinental ballistic missile and intercept it before it strikes. Space Force did not provide any details about which companies the contracts were awarded to. Because the contracts are for a relatively small amount, the agency is not required to disclose detailed information, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. In a statement, obtained by Bloomberg, Space Force…...

14+ min ago (131+ words) Congressman calls for Andrew to testify in US over Epstein Reuters Prince Andrew Way to be renamed " but it won't be easy - A Northern Irish council, Mid and East Antrim, has initiated proceedings to rename Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus. - This decision follows King Charles's removal of his brother from public life and the stripping of his prince and Duke of York titles last month. - The move aims to safeguard the royal family's reputation due to Andrew's connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. - The council unanimously agreed to the change and will consult with local residents on a new designation for the street. - Councillor Lauren Gray proposed renaming the street in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, and the council will assess potential costs for the 10 affected addresses....

14+ min ago (151+ words) Warning over power blackouts that could plunge US into darkness this winter - The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has warned that the increasing demand for artificial intelligence could heighten the risk of winter power outages in the US, particularly in areas with data centers. - Electricity demand is rising faster than new resources are being added to the grid, with a 20-gigawatt increase since last winter, making some regions vulnerable to supply shortfalls during extreme cold weather. - Data centers, which operate round-the-clock, are significantly altering daily electricity load patterns and contributing to higher winter demand forecasts. - Regions identified as potentially more vulnerable to electricity supply issues include the northeastern and northwestern US, specifically Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, and Oklahoma. - NERC recommends that grid operators enhance their winter planning processes to account for increased load needs during extreme cold weather, acknowledging the…...

15+ min ago (102+ words) Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Swipe for next article Sheffield shooting leaves teenage boy in "life-threatening condition" - A 16-year-old boy is in a life-threatening condition following a shooting incident on London Road in Sheffield. - South Yorkshire Police were called to reports of the shooting at approximately 5.17 PM on Monday. - The teenager was found with an injury consistent with a gunshot and was subsequently taken to hospital. - Detective Chief Inspector Emma Knight confirmed that a dedicated team is investigating the incident and working to trace those responsible....

15+ min ago (591+ words) Thirteen people have died in the floods in southern Thailand Thirteen people have died in southern Thailand as severe flooding, intensified by relentless heavy rain, continues to devastate the region. Authorities are now dispatching an aircraft carrier laden with vital relief supplies and medical personnel. Floodwaters, reaching depths of up to two metres in places, have submerged nine Thai provinces and eight states in neighbouring Malaysia. This widespread devastation spans hundreds of kilometres, echoing last year's deadly monsoon floods which claimed 12 lives. The Thai Navy confirmed it is mobilising a substantial relief operation, including the aircraft carrier Chakri Naruebet and a flotilla of 14 boats. These vessels will transport helicopters, medical teams, essential supplies, and field kitchens capable of providing 3,000 meals daily to those affected. "The fleet is ready to deliver forces and carry out actions as the Royal Navy orders,…...