A couple who stopped to take scenic photos in the Utah desert made a terrifying discovery when they stumbled across the body of nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard earlier this month.

The young girl was reported missing by a school administrator in Lompoc, California on October 14, and investigators soon zeroed in on a four-day multi-state road trip she had taken with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, 40.

The mom and daughter left their home on October 7 – the same day they were caught on surveillance footage renting a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu.

Melodee was seen at the time wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and a wig that was darker and straighter than her natural hair, as Ashlee wore a long, curly-haired wig.

The mother and daughter were then spotted two days later on the Colorado side of the Colorado-Utah border, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown said ‘detectives now believe that Melodee was murdered shortly after that stop.’

Ashlee returned home without her daughter the following day, and when authorities went to ask her what had happened to her daughter days later, she refused to provide any information about Melodee’s location or condition, sheriff’s officials have said.

The big break in the case finally came on December 6, when Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call from a couple who were taking photos just outside of the eastern entrance to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.

They ‘had discovered the decomposed body of a deceased person,’ Brown said at a news conference Tuesday night, as he announced Ashlee’s arrest in the case.

Ashlee is now facing murder charges and is being held without bail, as Brown said her daughter’s body was discovered with at least one gunshot wound to the head.

Melodee Buzzard’s body was found in the Utah desert by a couple taking scenic photos on December 6 

Her body was located just outside of the eastern entrance to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah (pictured)

‘This level of criminal activity is particularly shocking, given the calculated, cold-blooded and criminally sophisticated premeditation and heartlessness that went into planning it and the ruthlessness that went into actually committing the crime,’ Brown said.

He claimed that Ashlee switched the license plates on the 2024 Chevy Malibu she had rented for her and her daughter’s multi-state adventure to ones from New York and even backed the vehicle into gas stations ‘in an apparent attempt to avoid detection by surveillance cameras.’

The FBI then had to call in help from seven different field offices across the Western United States to track the mother and daughter as they traveled through California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado.

Multiple police and sheriff’s offices helped track their movements as well, Brown said, and they were spotted making several stops wearing wigs, before Ashlee returned to Santa Barbara and gave the car back.

When authorities then learned that the little girl was missing, police and the FBI raided Ashlee’s Lompoc home on October 30 – and uncovered an expended cartridge.

A search of the rented Chevy Malibu uncovered similar ammunition.

Once investigators received the tip that a body had been found in Utah on December 8, they compared cartridge cases recovered from the scene to those found at Ashlee’s Lompoc home and inside the vehicle, and determined that they were ‘linked,’ according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune.

The FBI’s DNA analysis of the body also found a familial DNA match to Ashlee on Monday, authorities said. 

Her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, 40, is now facing murder charges and is being held without bail 

Investigators zeroed-in on a multi-day trip Ashlee and Melodee took, beginning on October 7, when they were caught on surveillance footage wearing wigs as they rented a Chevy Malibu

By 7.40am Tuesday, Ashlee was seen being escorted from her Lompoc home in handcuffs by Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department deputies.

The short-blonde-haired woman wore jeans, a white t-shirt and black heeled boots on her way to the cop car. 

But it remains unclear what may have prompted the mother to kill her own daughter on a multi-day trip.

‘We have not established a motive at this point,’ Brown admitted at the news conference Tuesday night. ‘We have established that it is a filicide, in this case a maternal filicide, but in terms of a direct motive, we haven’t established that yet.’

The murder weapon has also not yet been recovered, he said, as he vowed to get justice for the little girl.

‘Today we stand together in grief, but also with resolve,’ the sheriff declared. 

‘Melodee deserved a far better life than she had.’

Family members have previously said they haven’t seen Melodee for over a year and expressed major concerns over her mother’s mental health.

A motive for the murder remains unclear, Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner Bill Brown admitted at a news conference Tuesday night

Lizabeth Meza, Melodee’s aunt, previously told the Daily Mail that Buzzard had lost custody of Melodee in the past because of mental health woes and allegedly admitted psychological issues run in her family.

Buzzard at one point in time declared bankruptcy after amassing debts totaling $23,000.

‘There were so many hurdles, just so much going on within the family,’ Meza said in tears.

‘And it just saddens me that there was so much going on at that time that we weren’t able to keep in contact with Melodee, and nobody had a relationship with her.

‘The system failed her by giving her back to a mother time and time again when she was unstable. There is just so many emotions that go through my mind when I think of that little girl.’

Melodee’s grandmother, Lilly Denes, also claimed the child’s mentally ill mother wanted to ‘cut’ her off from the ‘entire world.’

Denes was in the process of adopting the nine-year-old when Ashlee ‘took her away from us’ after being released from the mental hospital in 2021, she told Fox News Digital.

‘That lady is mentally ill bad,’ she told the outlet.

The Daily Mail uncovered an eerie Google Maps image of Melodee staring into the street while standing on her doorstep in May 2023

Police searched their home (pictured) on Mars Avenue in Lompoc on October 30, where they uncovered cartridges that authorities now say are ‘linked’ to those found at the scene in Utah

Denes said she had been ‘so happy’ when social services had called her to take in Melodee as she had gotten a weird feeling about Ashlee from the first time they met.

‘When I met her, my son brought her to the house. She looked so quiet and she was following me with her eyes back and forth,’ she told the outlet.

‘I told my son: “Son, is this girl okay? She doesn’t look like she’s normal. Something’s wrong with this lady.”‘

Since Ashlee took her daughter back, Denes said she had not seen the girl and that she believed it was a deliberate move by Ashlee as she wanted to ‘cut off’ the girl ‘from the entire world.’

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Experts say there are subtle warning signs in your nails that may indicate a problem

People should check their hands and feet for warning signs(Image: Uwe Krejci via Getty Images)

Many people underestimate the importance of regularly checking their fingers and toes. Lots wrongly assume these body parts cannot both be warning about a major health problem that is going silently undetected.

People might have some more free time this coming week, as people tend to take time off over Christmas and leading into the New Year. It gives people a chance to notice more than they would during an average busy week.

One way to spot early signs of high cholesterol is by being vigilant about subtle changes to your nails. It may seem an unlikely place for cholesterol to get caught out, but it’s one of the few early warning signs that can be detected before the condition worsens.

Healthy nails should be smooth, pink, and have no ridges, bumps, or dents, making minor changes over time difficult to notice. Sometimes, these symptoms are so subtle that they develop and worsen for a long period.

A key sign that something might be wrong with your nails is a change in colour from healthy pink to pale white, yellow or blue. This is because our nail beds get their skin-like colour from our blood flow, reports the Express.

Your nails might hold the key to spotting high cholesterol levels(Image: Getty)

A loss of colour could suggest reduced circulation due to cholesterol blockages. However, the change in colour might not be the only red flag.

Your nails might grow more slowly as a result of high cholesterol. Slower nail growth could occur due to poor blood circulation, which subsequently affects the delivery of nutrients necessary for healthy nail growth.

High cholesterol can lead to either unusually thick nails or brittle ones that break easily. In rare instances, dark lines, known as splinter haemorrhages, may appear under the fingernails or toenails.

High cholesterol is frequently referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it typically doesn’t show any warning signs until significant harm has occurred. Lots of people remain unaware they have elevated cholesterol levels until they receive a blood test.

High cholesterol needs to be tested for by a doctor(Image: Kitsawet Saethao via Getty Images)

The NHS claims that high cholesterol “does not usually cause symptoms”. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.”

The condition frequently goes undetected as it lacks obvious warning signs, but it can increase your chances of developing numerous health complications. High cholesterol can affect anyone and may be triggered by multiple factors – some of which are beyond your control, such as age and family history, but most commonly, it comes from unhealthy eating habits, smoking and excess weight.

Those diagnosed with high cholesterol must make several lifestyle changes to bring their levels back within a safe and healthy range. Medical specialists typically combine these recommendations with prescribed medication (generally statins).

A doctor may prescribe statins and recommend some lifestyle changes(Image: Getty)

The NHS advises people with high cholesterol to reduce their intake of foods high in saturated fat. However, you can still consume foods with healthier unsaturated fats, including:

• oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
• olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils
• brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta
• nuts and seeds
• fruits and vegetables

Exercise is another great weapon in the fight against high cholesterol. The NHS suggests aiming to do at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise a week such as walking, swimming or cycling. Finding something that you like doing will often make the lifestyle change a little easier. You are more likely to stick with it if you enjoy it.

High cholesterol levels can dramatically raise your chances of serious health complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. The condition has become widely known as a “silent killer” due to its absence of clear symptoms until it’s too late.

If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels, speak to a doctor. They will be able to conduct the necessary tests and ensure you receive the best treatment suited to your needs.

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The United States has imposed visa bans on five Europeans, including a former European Union commissioner, accusing them of pressuring tech firms to censor and suppress “American viewpoints they oppose”.

In a statement on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterised the individuals as “radical activists” who had “advanced censorship crackdowns” by foreign states against “American speakers and American companies”.

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“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” he said on X.

“The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship,” he added.

The most prominent target was Thierry Breton, who served as the European commissioner for the internal market from 2019-2024.

Sarah Rogers, the undersecretary for public diplomacy, described the French businessman as the “mastermind” of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark law intended to combat ​hateful speech, misinformation and disinformation on online platforms.

Rogers also accused Breton of using the DSA to threaten Elon Musk, the owner of X and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, ahead of an interview Musk conducted with Trump during last year’s presidential campaign.

‘Witch hunt’

Breton responded to the visa ban in a post on X, slamming it as a “witch hunt” and comparing the situation with the US’s McCarthy era, when officials were chased out of government for alleged ties to communism.

“To our American friends: Censorship isn’t where you think it is,” he added.

The others named by Rogers are: Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate; Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, leaders of HateAid, a German organisation, and Clare Melford, who runs the Global Disinformation Index (GDI).

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot “strongly” condemned the visa restrictions, stating that the EU “cannot let the rules governing their digital space be imposed by others upon them”. He stressed that the DSA was “democratically adopted in Europe” and that “it has absolutely no extraterritorial reach and in no way affects the United States”.

Ballon and von Holdenberg of HateAid described the visa bans as an attempt to obstruct the enforcement of European law on US corporations operating in Europe.

“We will not be ‌intimidated by a government that uses accusations of censorship to silence those who stand ⁠up for human rights and freedom of expression,” they said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the GDI also called the US action “immoral, unlawful, and un-American”, as well as “an authoritarian attack on free speech and an egregious act of government censorship”.

The punitive measures follow the Trump administration’s publishing of a National Security Strategy, which accused European leaders of censoring free speech and suppressing opposition to immigration policies that it said risk “civilisational erasure” for the continent.

The DSA in particular has emerged as a flashpoint in US-EU relations, with US conservatives decrying it as a weapon of censorship against right-wing thought in Europe and beyond, an accusation Brussels denies.

The legislation requires major platforms to explain content-moderation decisions, provide transparency for users and grant researchers access to study issues such as children’s exposure to dangerous content.

Tensions escalated further this month after the EU fined Musk’s X for violating DSA rules on transparency in advertising and its methods for ensuring users were verified and actual people.

Washington last week signalled that key European businesses – including Accenture, DHL, Mistral, Siemens and Spotify – could be targeted in response.

The US has also attacked the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act, which imposes similar content moderation requirements on major social media platforms.

The White House last week suspended the implementation of a tech cooperation deal with the UK, saying it was in opposition to the UK’s tech rules.

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The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Sean “Diddy” Combs’s attorneys have filed an appeal arguing that the music mogul’s conviction on prostitution-related charges was unjust.

Combs, 56, was found guilty on two counts of prostitution-related charges and sentenced to 50 months in prison following an eight-week trial in New York earlier this year. The court heard weeks of testimony this summer from Combs’s ex-girlfriends and former associates detailing alleged abuse. Several witnesses also described Combs’s drug-fueled sex marathons, referred to as “freak-offs.”

Combs — who is now serving out his sentence at a low-security New Jersey prison — was also acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.

Now, Combs’s attorneys are arguing the court was “unjust” and heavily relied on “acquitted conduct.” His legal team also accused Judge Arun Subramanian of acting as a “thirteenth juror” when he sentenced Combs to more than four years in prison.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s attorneys have argued his conviction and sentencing was unjust (AFP/Getty)

“He sits in prison today, serving a 50-month sentence, because the district judge acted as a thirteenth juror. The judge defied the jury’s verdict and found Combs ‘coerced,’ ‘exploited,’ and ‘forced’ his girlfriends to have sex and led a criminal conspiracy,” his attorneys wrote in an 84-page filing.

Combs’s legal team also argued that Combs was convicted of “two lesser counts—prostitution offenses that didn’t require force, fraud, or coercion.”

“Defendants typically get sentenced to less than 15 months for these offenses—even when coercion, which the jury didn’t find here, is involved,” the filing reads.

Subramanian cited the alleged abuse described by witnesses during Combs’s sentencing hearing in October.

“A history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case. You abused these women. You used that abuse to get your way, freakoffs and hotel nights,” Subramanian said.

“The evidence of the abuse is massive. The drugs may have exacerbated your erratic and violent behavior over the years. However, the court has to consider all of your history here,” he added.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

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From maxi silhouettes to pleated styles, Kelly Clarkson is serving up all the winter dress inspo. 

In a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the host and singer wore one of our favorite styles yet, a long-sleeve dress with elegant ruching, as she smiled beside Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth. 

Clarkson has been embracing long-sleeve dresses lately, and her recent look includes pretty ruching, a flattering design detail that helps conceal lines. Plus, ruches instantly jazz up an outfit.

With more cold weather on the horizon, make sure you’re stocked up on comfy and elegant dresses. We found plenty of ruched styles inspired by Clarkson from $17.

Ruched Dresses Inspired by Kelly Clarkson

Mango Caro Ruched Long Sleeve Midi Dress

Nordstrom

Those searching for a dress that looks just like Clarkson’s outfit can get a lookalike style at Nordstrom. The long-sleeve dress comes in a similar chocolate brown hue that’s so practical for this time of year, and it can be worn with heels and booties.

Zesica Ruched Long-Sleeve Dress

Amazon

Everyone needs a little black dress in their closet. More than 50 shoppers have added this Amazon option to their carts in the past month. Its long puff sleeves are made with mesh, so they’re extra flowy. It’s a flattering choice for those who typically avoid bodycon styles, as the full-body ruching helps hide pesky lines. In addition to staple black, it’s available in 14 colors, including white, green, and pink.

Merokeety Mock Neck Ruched Dress, $32 with coupon

Amazon

Meghan Markle is a fan of mock neck styles when the temperatures dip. Combine two stylish trends with this mock neck dress that also has ruching. The hem falls to about the shins, and you can wear tights for even more warmth. 

“I’ve always wanted a bodycon dress that hugs you right, and I was so happy with this dress,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “It’s extremely stretchy, breathable, and just sexy.”

Bring the dress trend into the winter season with these comfy and stylish ruched dresses from Nordstrom, Amazon, Lulus, and more — all inspired by Kelly Clarkson’s latest look.

Happy Sailed Long-Sleeve Ruched Dress

Amazon

Eliza J Ruched Long-Sleeve Dress

Nordstrom

High-Waisted Ruched Velvet Midi Skirt

Old Navy

Reformation Nemy Knit Dress

Reformation

Lulus A Little Prep Button-Up Bodycon Midi Dress, $52 with code DEALS20

Lulus

Lulus Impressive Flirt Ruched Mock Neck Midi Dress

Lulus

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The United States deployed large amounts of troops and special operations aircraft to the Caribbean this week as tensions continue to escalate between Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The fleet includes no fewer than ten CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, C-17 cargo aircraft, as well as troops and other equipment which all arrived Monday, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

The troops could potentially be special operations as well, as the bases the aircraft came from house special ops units, though it is not yet clear what types of troops were being sent. 

Trump has called the US buildup in the region ‘a massive armada, the biggest we’ve ever had’ in a press conference Monday. He also said it would be ‘smart’ for Maduro to step down. 

He added: ‘Soon we will be starting the same program on land.’

At least 11 ships and 15,000 troops have already been deployed in the vicinity of the South American country. 

So far, the Trump administration’s drone strike campaign against Venezuelan boats have killed 95 people. 

‘It is standard practice to routinely rotate equipment and personnel to any military installation,’ a spokesperson for US Southern Command said in a statement. 

The United States deployed large amounts of troops and special operations aircraft to the Caribbean this week as tensions continue to escalate between Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro

Trump has called the US stockpile in the region ‘a massive armada, the biggest we’ve ever had’ in a press conference Monday, where he also said it would be ‘smart’ for Maduro to step down

‘And as a standard practice, due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on U.S. assets or personnel operational movements and activities, nor disclose details of specific operations or routes.’

The Pentagon declined comment, while The Daily Mail has also reached out to the White House. 

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s most recent attempt to leverage Maduro has come in the form of seizing oil tankers. 

The tankers are part of what the Trump administration has said is a fleet Venezuela uses to evade US economic sanctions.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called by Venezuela, US Ambassador Mike Waltz on Tuesday stressed that sanctioned oil tankers ‘operate as the primary economic lifeline for Maduro and his illegitimate regime.’

‘Maduro´s ability to sell Venezuela´s oil enables his fraudulent claim to power and his narco-terrorist activities,’ Waltz said. 

‘The United States will impose and enforce sanctions to the maximum extent to deprive Maduro of the resources he uses to fund Cartel de los Soles.’

Cartel de los Soles – a term used to refer to high-ranking military officers who get rich by running drugs – was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration last month. 

That armada includes no fewer than ten CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft

So far, the Trump administration’s drone strike campaign against Venezuelan boats have killed 95 people

Venezuela´s parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that criminalizes the seizures.

The bill – introduced, debated and approved within two days in the National Assembly – follows this month’s seizures by US forces of two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters. 

The seizures are the latest strategy Trump’s four-month pressure campaign on Maduro.

The US Coast Guard on Saturday seized a Panama-flagged vessel called Centuries that officials said was part of the fleet moving sanctioned cargo. 

With assistance from the US Navy, it seized a rogue tanker called Skipper on December 10. That ship was registered in Panama.

Trump, after that first seizure, said the US would carry out a ‘blockade’ of Venezuela. 

He later demanded that Venezuela return assets that it seized from U.S. oil companies years ago, justifying anew his announcement of the blockade against sanctioned oil tankers traveling to or from the South American country.

Maduro, 62, has been in the crosshairs of the American justice system since March 2020, when he was indicted in the Southern District of New York on a litany of charges related to drug trafficking.

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (pictured) have continued to turn up the heat on Maduro

Trump’s most recent attempt to leverage Maduro has come in the form of seizing oil tankers

They included narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

Immediately after the indictment, the first Trump administration offered a $15million reward for Maduro’s capture.

President Joe Biden’s State Department increased that to $25million, and the second Trump administration doubled it to $50million in August.

Maduro has been the president of Venezuela since April 2013 and in that time, he has been accused of consolidating power in executive agencies while simultaneously wrestling it away from the elected National Assembly.

There was so much doubt over the veracity of the 2018 presidential elections, which he won, that the president of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, was declared the true leader of Venezuela by anti-Maduro legislators.

Guaidó was even invited as a special guest to Trump’s State of the Union address in February 2020.

Democrats and Republicans alike cheered for Guaidó after Trump called him ‘the true and legitimate president of Venezuela’.

In 2024, Maduro ran for a third term as president. He was declared the winner in July by the Maduro-aligned election authority, which did not release the voting tallies from each of the 30,000 polling booths in the nation.

The opposition party, who ran Edmundo González as their candidate, also claimed victory.

In November 2024, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially recognized González as the president-elect of Venezuela.

The Trump administration has held the same position, with current Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing Maduro of election tampering. 

Guaidó and González fled the country after both men had arrest warrants issued for them by Maduro’s government. 

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A professional cleaner has shared her top tips to keep your fridge smelling fresh for longer – and it involves using a baking staple that you probably already have in your cupboard

If your fridge isn’t smelling its best, don’t worry, as it’s easy to freshen it up using a baking staple(Image: helena babanova via Getty Images)

Unpleasant odours from the fridge can be a real nuisance, potentially spoiling the taste of your food. While appliances can sometimes be overlooked during cleaning, maintaining hygiene is crucial for keeping food fresh.

To tackle these lingering smells, a professional cleaner known as Zapatas Cleaning Services has shared her top four hacks to combat bad odours in a TikTok video. One of these tips involves using a common baking ingredient to neutralise nasty smells.

Kellsie stated: “As a pro cleaner, these are four tricks I swear by for smelly spots in the home. They work way better than candles or sprays and they’re quick fixes you can try today.”

Fridges can easily become dirty due to spills and leftover food. If the shelves and interior of the appliance aren’t cleaned properly, you could end up with persistent unpleasant odours.

If removing spoiled food doesn’t solve the smell issue, a thorough deep clean may be necessary. This involves taking out all the shelves and drawers from the fridge and giving them a good wipe down, reports the Express.

Vanilla extract will continue to deodorise smells long after it’s been cleaned(Image: Getty)

Kellsie disclosed that the secret weapon against bad smells is vanilla extract. Combine two tablespoons of vanilla extract with one and a half cups of water in a spray bottle.

Use this mixture to wipe down every surface with a piece of kitchen roll or a microfibre cloth, but don’t rinse it off. Kellsie advised: “Vanilla keeps deodorising, so your fridge smells fresh long after you’re done cleaning.”

Nielsen-Massey, a food extract producer, has warned that vanilla extract should be used cautiously for odour control as it’s primarily intended for baking. They recommend applying a few drops directly to a sponge for a more potent fragrance.

If you’re keen to avoid chemical products when cleaning your fridge shelves, there are natural alternatives available. The gurus at Delish suggest using lemon, baking soda and salt.

A professional cleaner said there’s one baking ingredient that’s great at getting rid of smells(Image: Getty)

Delish advises: “If you open a box of baking soda, let it sit in your fridge and it’s not absorbing those aromas, slice some lemon and sprinkle it with baking soda and salt, and let them sit on a plate in the fridge. That should do the trick.”

Baking soda can effectively neutralise unwanted odours by counteracting acidic scents. As an alkaline substance, baking soda reacts with acidic odours to neutralise them.

The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the acid results in a less smelly compound. This alters the pH level, helping to banish the unpleasant smell.

Lemon is also useful for eliminating unwanted smells, thanks to its citric acid content which cuts through bacteria. It’s a natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and bleaching agent, capable of cutting through grease, removing stains, and killing bacteria, making it a versatile eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning products.

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Talks held between Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and the Russian president.

Syria’s foreign and defence ministers met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held discussions on expanding “strategic cooperation in the military industries sector”, Syrian state media has reported.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) ⁠said that Putin’s meeting on Tuesday with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Minister of Defence Murhaf Abu Qasra ‌focused on political, economic and military issues of “mutual interest”, but that “particular emphasis” was on defence.

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According to SANA, Putin and the Syrian ministers discussed a range of defence-related matters, including developing military cooperation to strengthen the Syrian army’s capabilities and ‌modernising its equipment, transferring expertise and cooperation in research and development.

“During the meeting, both sides reviewed ways to advance military and technical partnership in a manner that strengthens the defensive capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army and keeps pace with modern developments in military industries,” SANA reported.

The two sides also discussed political and economic issues, including the “importance of continued political and diplomatic coordination between Damascus and Moscow in international forums”, according to the news agency.

On the economic front, the talks addressed expanding Syrian-Russian cooperation, including in reconstruction projects, infrastructure development and investment in Syria.

Putin also reaffirmed Russian “steadfast support” for Syria and its territorial integrity, while renewing “Moscow’s condemnation of repeated Israeli violations of Syrian territory, describing them as a direct threat to regional security and stability”.

The ministers’ visit to Moscow is the latest by Syria’s new authorities since the removal from power last December of the country’s longtime ruler and Moscow’s former ally in Damascus, Bashar al-Assad.

Russia was a key supporter of al-Assad during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war, providing vital military aid that kept the Assad regime in power, including Russian air support that rained air strikes on rebel-held areas.

Despite al-Assad and his family fleeing to Russia after the toppling of his regime, Moscow is eager to build good relations with the new government in Damascus.

Moscow, in particular, is hoping to secure agreements to continue operating the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where Russian forces continue to be present.

In October, Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, visited Russia, where he said his government ‍would honour all the past deals struck between Damascus and Moscow, a pledge that suggested that the two Russian military bases were secure in the post-Assad period.

Putin said ‍at the time of al-Sharaa’s visit ⁠that Moscow was ready to do all it could to act on what he called the “many interesting and useful beginnings” discussed by the two sides on renewing relations.

Russian ‌state media on Tuesday quoted the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, as saying that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would also hold talks with ‍his Syrian counterpart, Al-Shaibani, during the Syrian delegation’s visit.

During a visit to Moscow in July, Al-Shaibani said his country wanted Russia “by our side”.

“The current period is full of various challenges and threats, but it is also an opportunity to build a united and strong Syria. And, of course, we are interested in having Russia by our side on this path,” Al-Shaibani told Lavrov at the time.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on October 15, 2025 [Pool: Alexander Zemlianichenko via Reuters]



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At least two people have died and several others were injured after an explosion and fire at a Pennsylvania nursing home caused a partial collapse of the building.

Emergency crews were called to the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol at about 14:00 local time (19:00GMT) on Tuesday after receiving reports of a gas odour. When crews arrived, the building exploded causing a massive fire, authorities said.

Five people were still unaccounted for, but officials said they were unsure if those people were in the building.

Responders pulled residents out of windows, stairwells, and elevators and carried them to safety, fire chief Kevin Dippolito told reporters.

“There was one police officer who literally threw two people over his shoulders and ran” with them towards medical staff, he said.

Several people were trapped in the basement of the collapsed building but were rescued, Dippolito said.

“We’re still in rescue mode. We have not transitioned into a recovery mode,” he said.

Emergency crews were still working to rescue people who may be stuck in the building, the fire chief said.

Governor Josh Shapiro said the exact number of injuries was not yet known, and the cause of the blast remained under investigation.

Images and videos posted on social platforms by local media outlets show a partially collapsed building with massive flames billowing out of it.

Shapiro praised the support from authorities around the region who rushed to offer assistance, and said that the residents living near the nursing home were “outstanding”.

“We had residents coming out of their houses offering to help us,” he said. “This is the Pennsylvania way: neighbors helping neighbors in a moment of need.”

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The US State Department on Tuesday said it would deny visas to former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and four others in protest of European regulation of social media. 

The measure comes amid increasing tensions between the US and the Europe, with President Donald Trump’s adminstration accusing Brussels of cracking down on freedoms. 

Trump’s new US national security strategy rattles Europe

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Besides Breton, the US visa ban targets: 

• Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of the German NGO HateAid
• Imran Ahmed, the British CEO of the US-based Center for Countering Digital Hate
• Clare ​Melford, co-founder of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI)

Why is the US denying their visas?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the five people targeted with visa bans “have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize and suppress American viewpoints they oppose.”

He did not initially name those facing the visa ban, but Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers later identified them in a post on social media. 

Rogers described Breton as the “mastermind” of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes content moderation and other standards on major social media platforms operating in Europe.

The State Department said HateAid functions as a trusted flagger for enforcing the DSA.

What was the reaction?

Breton decried the ban as a “witch hunt.”

“To our American friends: Censorship isn’t where you think it is,” he wrote in a post on X. 

The GDI called the US action “immoral, unlawful, and un-American” and “an authoritarian attack on free speech and an egregious act of government censorship.”

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker meets with Pope Leo XIV

Illinois Democratic Gov. Jay Robert “JB” Pritzker met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, a fellow native of the Land of Lincoln, at the Vatican this week. (Credit: REUTERS — No use Fox Weather/Outkick)

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Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday he was “very disappointed” after his home state of Illinois approved a law allowing medically assisted suicide.

Leo, who grew up in Chicago, said he had spoken “explicitly” with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker while the legislation was on his desk and urged him not to sign the bill into law, saying the measure undermines respect for human life from “the very beginning to the very end.”

“Unfortunately, for different reasons, he decided to sign that bill,” Leo told reporters outside Rome. “I am very disappointed about that.”

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, also referred to as “Deb’s Law,” was signed into law by Pritzker on Dec. 12 and allows eligible terminally ill adult patients to obtain life-ending medication after consultation with their doctors.

NY GOV. HOCHUL TO SIGN BILL TO LEGALIZE PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE: ‘WHO AM I TO DENY YOU?’

Pope Leo XIV met with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on Nov. 19 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

The measure was named after Deb Robertson, a lifelong Illinois resident with a rare terminal illness who had pushed for the bill’s approval.

The law takes effect in September 2026, giving participating healthcare providers and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) time to implement required processes and protections.

Leo said Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich also urged Pritzker not to sign the bill, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

BISHOPS, CATHOLIC GROUPS SLAM CARDINAL CUPICH’S PLAN TO HONOR PRO-ABORTION SEN DICK DURBIN: ‘GREAT SCANDAL’

Pope Leo XIV said he was very disappointed” that Illinois passed a law allowing medically assisted suicide. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images)

“I would invite all people, especially in these Christmas days, to reflect upon the nature of human life, the goodness of human life,” Leo said. “God became human like us to show us what it means really to live human life, and I hope and pray that the respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence, from conception to natural death.”

The state’s six Catholic dioceses have also criticized Pritzker’s decision to sign the bill, saying it puts Illinois “on a dangerous and heartbreaking path.”

Illinois joins a growing list of states allowing medically assisted suicide. Eleven other states and the District of Columbia allow medically assisted suicide, according to the advocacy group, Death with Dignity, and seven other states are considering allowing it.

After signing the bill, Pritzker said the legislation would allow patients with terminal illnesses to “avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives,” and said it would be “thoughtfully implemented” to guide physicians and patients through deeply personal decisions.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act on Dec. 12, allowing eligible terminally ill adult patients to obtain life-ending medication after consultation with their doctors. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Fox News Digital has reached out to Pritzker’s office for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US

An explosion at a nursing home in Pennsylvania has left at least two people dead as rescue crews rush to find victims or survivors of the fiery blast.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said at a news conference late Tuesday that at least two people had been killed in the explosion that left residents trapped inside.

Shapiro asked people to pray “for this community, for those who are still missing, for those who are injured, and for those families who are about to celebrate Christmas with an empty chair at their table.”

The explosion happened Tuesday around 2 p.m. ET at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, in Bristol Township, about 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia.

“We understand that there are people trapped inside,” said Ruth Miller, a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency spokesperson, per The Associated Press.

Emergency crews raced to the 174-bed facility to search for people who may have gone missing in the blast. Video footage from local outlets showed cop cars, ambulances and fire trucks with flashing lights.

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An explosion at a nursing home in Pennsylvania has left residents trapped as rescue crews rush to find possible victims of the fiery blast (Bastiaan Slabbers/REUTERS)

WPVI’s cameras filmed flames and black smoke billowing from the nursing home. There was structural damage to the building, including blown out windows and a roof that had collapsed.

Bristol Township’s fire chief, Kevin Dippolito, said at the Tuesday evening news conference that five people were still unaccounted for but that some may have left the nursing home with family.

The Upper Makefield Township Police Department has called the explosion a “mass casualty incident.”

“Please avoid that area of Bucks County as there is a large emergency personnel response,” the department wrote on Facebook.

Lieutenant Sean Cosgrove with Bristol Township police told Levittown Now that residents were evacuated by emergency crews, staff and even bystanders.

Jim Morgan, president of the Bristol Township School Board, said buses would transport people from the nursing home to Truman High School, where a reunification center has been set up, the AP reported.

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The explosion happened Tuesday around 2 p.m. ET at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center, also known as Silver Lake Nursing Home, in Bristol Township (WPVI-TV/6ABC via AP)

It’s unclear how many people have been injured in the blast or what caused the explosion.

“I do not know if everyone is accounted for or not yet,” the officer said. “I’m not aware of any critical injuries but there definitely were injuries.”

State Representative Tina Davis, whose district includes the nursing home, recalled that she saw as she approached the chaotic scene in her car.

“I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city, from all over,” Davis said, per the AP.

Nils Hagen-Frederiksen, press secretary at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, said emergency officials were describing the incident as a gas explosion, the AP reported.

Local gas utility, PECO, said it had crews responding to reports of a gas order at the nursing home around the time of the explosion, according to the AP.

“PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents,” the company said.

The cause of the blast has yet to be confirmed.

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There was structural damage to the building, including blown out windows and a roof that had collapsed (Bastiaan Slabbers/REUTERS)

The nursing home’s last fire safety inspection was in September 2024, and it has not received any fire safety or emergency preparedness citations, according to Medicare.gov. But the facility has an overall 1-star rating with health inspections considered “mush below average.”

The Independent has reached out to the Bristol Township police and fire departments as well as the Upper Makefield Township Police Department for comment.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, wrote on X that he has been briefed on the incident “and my Administration is in contact with local officials and first responders on the ground.”

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania State Police “have offered their full support and any resources needed,” Shapiro said.

“The scene is still active, and folks nearby should follow the direction of local authorities. Please join Lori and me in praying for the Bristol community.”

Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, called the explosion a “tragic situation.”

“Gisele and I extend our deepest condolences to all the lives impacted by this awful development,” he wrote on X.

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It’s unclear what caused the blast, but officials were reportedly describing the incident as a gas explosion (Bastiaan Slabbers/REUTERS)

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican who represents Bristol Township, said he and his team “are closely monitoring developments as authorities work to secure the scene and care for those affected.”

“For everyone’s safety, I urge you to please avoid the area. Please also join me in praying for the safety of the residents of the nursing home, the dedicated staff who care for them, and our brave first responders who rushed to the scene and ran toward danger without hesitation,” the congressman added.

Conservative commentator Nick Sortor reacted to the explosion, writing, “So sad to see this happen so close to Christmas. Prayers up!”

“This is just terrible. Please pray,” Benny Johnson, another MAGA influencer, wrote.

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Police say residents were evacuated by emergency crews, staff and even bystanders (Monica Herndon/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)



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A quality tote bag pulls a lot of weight. It needs to hold everything for busy errand days, stay comfortable on your shoulder without weighing you down, and still look nice enough to take along while traveling. 

Reese Witherspoon just proved how useful the right tote can be: On a weekend Target run, she was spotted wearing what looks like the same woven bag that she carried while traveling to London last month. That repeat wear says it all. Inspired by Witherspoon’s go-anywhere style, we found similar woven tote bags at Amazon that work just as well for everyday errands as they do for carry-on travel — starting at $34.

Reese Witherspoon-Inspired Woven Totes at Amazon

Reese Witherspoon / Instagram

Lovevook Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

This woven tote is a close match to the one Witherspoon carried. It’s made from soft vegan leather that’s easy to wipe clean and has a full-zip top to keep items secure. There are two zip pockets and a slip pocket inside, so it’s easier to stay organized without digging for keys or your phone. The roomy interior and removable strap let you wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody. 

One shopper said they were “beyond impressed with the quality,” adding that even the hardware felt exceptional. Another reviewer found it “crazy” that it could  hold so much as a carry-on, including an iPad, headphones, two power banks, a toiletry bag, and more.

SporGenius Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

If staying organized is a priority, this pick stands out. It has long handles that sit comfortably on your shoulder and a magnetic closure for easy access. It also comes with a zippered clutch to help keep smaller items contained inside. One reviewer called it “incredibly functional,” and noted that it was spacious enough to carry everything they needed for errands, work, or even beach days — without feeling bulky.

Jinmanxue Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

This slouchy woven tote is a great option if you like a softer shape. Made from vegan leather with a snap closure, it has interior pockets to keep essentials organized while maintaining a relaxed look. At $50, it’s also at its lowest price in 30 days. 

Shoppers mentioned that it “looks way more expensive than it is,” with one reviewer sharing that “the color and feel of the leather is very luxurious.”

Whether you’re heading out for everyday errands or packing for a holiday trip, these Reese Witherspoon-inspired woven totes make it easy to carry everything you need in one stylish bag. 

Keep scrolling for more woven handbags at Amazon that work for all of your busy days ahead.

Queenoris Woven Tote Bag, $59 with coupon

Amazon

Yonglee Artee Woven Tote Bag, $52 with coupon

Amazon

Jotofit Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

Melolila Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

Geelyda Woven Tote Bag

Amazon

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By INDERDEEP BAINS, DEPUTY CHIEF REPORTER

Published: 16:17 GMT, 23 December 2025 | Updated: 01:34 GMT, 24 December 2025

Police are continuing to search for a seventh suspect in relation to the case of a former Tory councillor who is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting his wife with five men over 13 years.

A series of pictures of the large set man were released as part of a Crimewatch appeal earlier this year.

Wiltshire Police said on Tuesday that investigators ‘remain very keen to identify’ the individual who could be anywhere in the country.

As part of the original appeal, the alleged victim, who has now been identified as Joanne Young after she waived her right to anonymity, said in a statement: ‘I jump constantly at noises, movements, and even shadows.

‘I wake up having recurring nightmares that someone is there touching me, and although I am screaming, no sound comes out and nobody is coming to save me. I try to survive each day and hope the next one is better.’

Speaking at the time, DS Smith praised her bravery, and said it was ‘very important’ that anyone with information that may help to identify the man come forward.

He said: ‘We appreciate the graphic nature of these images and that they may be triggering to some people, however we need the public’s help to identify this man.

A series of pictures of the large set man were released as part of a Crimewatch appeal earlier this year

The pictures of the heavy set man who police would like to speak to connection with sexual assault were believed to have been taken in 2022

Ms Young’s former husband business consultant Philip Young (pictured), appeared in court accused of 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, against her

The seventh man police want to speak to has a distinctive tattoo on his chest

‘It is unknown whether he lives in Swindon or from outside the county, which is why we request that this is shared as widely as possible to assist our bid to identify him.’

Ms Young’s former husband business consultant Philip Young, appeared in court accused of 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, against her.

Ms Young, 48, can be named as the alleged victim after choosing to waive her right to anonymity, which is granted automatically to sexual offence complainants.

Six other suspects also appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court to face charges in relation to the investigation.

Norman Macksoni, 47, Dean Hamilton, 47, Connor Sanderson-Doyle, 31, Richard Wilkins, 61, and Mohammed Hassan, 37, have been charged with offences including rape, sexual touching, sexual penetration and possession of extreme images.

The man who features in the pictures which are believed to have been taken in April-May 2022, is wanted in connection with a ‘serious sexual assault’.

He is said to have scarring to the back of his head, prominent lips, hairy body, balding with short or shaved hair, and one distinctive tattoo on the left side of his chest at the time.

Anyone who recognises the man should call 101 and quote reference number 54240080286.

Information can also be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.’

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Police seek SEVENTH man over alleged drugging and raping of wife as six people including her husband appear in court charged with more than 50 offences

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Doctors have reminded Brits of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and other big killers, such as heart problems, as families gather this week to celebrate Christmas

Brits are reminded to watch out for subtle signs of big killers in their loved ones this Christmas.

Families are set to gather for celebrations this week but, during these festivities, symptoms of some of the more serious health conditions are often dismissed. Experts, for instance, stress excessive bloating, napping or “feeling stuffed” can be signs of bowel cancer in rare cases.

Dementia can present itself in different ways, such as relatives getting family members’ names mixed up. Muscle stiffness and reduced mobility are symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which typically affects men aged 50 or older.

Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, has stressed it is important to note how long these issues last before reading deeply into them. Medical advice, most likely from family GPs, should be sought in all cases if Brits are concerned for loved ones.

READ MORE: Adenovirus: Common symptoms in full as mystery disease sweeps globeREAD MORE: ‘I couldn’t get upstairs without gasping for air — and the truth was devastating’A pensioner struggles with her memory (file image)(Image: Getty Images)

Dr Jeremy Isaacs, NHS England national clinical director for dementia said while dementia might not be apparent during a brief interaction, gatherings of family and friends at Christmas — potentially for the first time in months — gives an opportunity to spot the signs.

And Duncan Reid, deputy superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, says being unable to smell the delicious cooking or mulled wine might signal early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Here, we look at the red flags for six big killers you can act on now for a healthier 2026.

The advice comes amid concern cases of adenovirus continue to rise across the globe and, though most bouts are mild, medics are urging both adults and children to be aware of the signs and symptoms. It can present itself in similar ways to Covid-19 or flu, as it is typical to experience a fever, sore throat and frequent sneezing.

READ MORE: Mum catches medieval disease scabies from a fox who watched Netflix on her sofa

1. Dementia

Family members typically spot red flags of undiagnosed dementia before the person themselves. Early signs of the condition “might be getting family members’ names mixed up or getting disoriented around someone else’s home, for example, not being able to find the main living room after using the bathroom,” according to Katie Puckering, information services manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

And changes in the daily routine can also be confusing. Katie explained: “Sitting down for a big family meal at 3pm can be disorientating in the early stages of dementia.”

Early dementia causes a person to repeat themselves or struggle to follow the conversation topic. It can also cause withdrawal and anxiety.

2. Heart problems

Studies suggest heart attacks are more common at Christmas time. Emily McGrath, who is a senior cardiac nurse at British Heart Foundation, told The Sun: “Never ignore chest pain and assume it’s caused by indigestion, especially if it continues over an extended period.

“Angina feels like pressure, tightness or squeezing in your chest and the pain may feel sharp or like a dull ache. You might also feel it in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Heart attack symptoms vary for each person.”

They include sudden pain or discomfort in your chest that doesn’t go away. It can spread to your left or right arm, or to your neck, jaw, back or tummy.

A man experiences trouble with his heart after exercise (file image) (Image: Getty Images)

3. Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or when the insulin it produces isn’t able to work properly to control blood sugar levels.

During Christmas, changes in routine, reduced activity, and extra treats can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Natasha Marsland, a senior clinical adviser at Diabetes UK, explains: “There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2. For type 1 diabetes, we look for four key warning signs known as the 4Ts: toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner.”

You might notice your partner using the toilet more often than usual, even waking during the night. They may seem unusually tired, take daytime naps, or lose weight and appear thinner despite the festive season.

4. Addiction

Has a family member become noticeably more argumentative this Christmas?

Frecurrent arguments, tension at home, or a decline in personal hygiene can sometimes signal a problem with alcohol. Lester Morse, founder and director of Rehabs UK, explains: “Behavioural changes linked to addiction are often the first warning signs noticed by loved ones. A person may continue to use alcohol or drugs even when it’s clearly harming their health, relationships, and everyday life.”

Because heavy drinking is often normalised, the signs of alcoholism can be easy to miss. Many people with a problem also go to great lengths to hide how much they drink.

Mr Lester adds: “Loved ones might notice that the person has become more withdrawn or secretive about how they spend their time. New friends may suddenly appear, with little explanation of where they came from.”

A man srtruggles with chest pain (file image)(Image: Getty Images)

5. Parkinson’s Disease

Have you noticed changes in your intimate relationship?

Duncan Reid from Pharmacy2U explains: “Parkinson’s disease can impact many areas of life, including sexual health. A reduced sex drive may be linked to changes in dopamine levels, which play a role in movement and feelings of pleasure.

“Men with Parkinson’s may experience erectile dysfunction, while women may notice vaginal dryness, and both can find it harder to reach orgasm. Muscle stiffness and reduced mobility can also make physical intimacy more difficult.”

Changes in mood, such as the onset of anxiety or depression, can be early warning signs as well. However, the most recognisable symptom is tremor or shaking, particularly in the hands.

6. Bowel cancer

Surprised by how little your mum, dad, or grandparent ate at Christmas lunch?

A reduced appetite can sometimes be a warning sign of cancer, including bowel cancer. Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, explains: “A persistent feeling of fullness may occur if there’s a blockage or tumour in the bowel. Sharp or ongoing abdominal pain should always be taken seriously.”

Pain that feels concentrated in one area and doesn’t ease after digestion can be particularly concerning. Kiran stresses that it’s important not to put off seeking medical advice until the new year.

“Bowel cancer can also lead to anaemia,” he adds. “Blood loss in the bowel reduces red blood cells, which can cause extreme tiredness.”

As a result, struggling to stay awake, lacking energy to join in festive activities, shortness of breath, or headaches may also be warning signs.

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