The UK confirmed a further 434 people had died as a result of contracted coronavirus.
There were 434 deaths in England and Scotland and Wales confirmed 31 fatalities in the last 24 hours which takes the UK's total deaths to 5,368.
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Burger King UK is offering limited-time deals via its mobile app
Burger King
Burger King UK unveils major summer menu update with returning favourites and new additions
May 21, 2025
Burger King UK has launched one of its biggest menu updates in recent years, introducing new items and bringing back popular favourites as part of its summer offering.
The latest additions include the Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, a twist on the original Chicken Fries, featuring a crispy golden coating with a sweet and smoky barbecue flavour inspired by Midwestern American cuisine. These are aimed at customers looking for a flavourful snack or something to share during the warmer months.
Also introduced is the Kansas BBQ King Box, a value meal priced at £5.99. The box includes the new BBQ Chicken Stacker burger, four Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, regular fries, and a drink. The Stacker, which is expected to be a key draw, is designed to appeal to those seeking a satisfying barbecue-inspired option.
Burger King has also brought back the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar range, which proved popular with customers during previous promotions. This premium line-up includes the choice of a 100% British and Irish Angus beef burger or a crispy-coated chicken breast, both topped with creamy Caesar mayo. The sauce is described by the brand as offering a rich, garlicky flavour for a more indulgent experience.
In addition, the fast-food chain is launching a Spicy Mayo range, introducing a fiery twist to two well-known menu items – the Whopper and the Chicken Royale. These updated versions aim to give customers a bolder option while maintaining the core elements of the classic burgers.
To mark the launch of the summer menu, Burger King UK is offering limited-time deals via its mobile app. From 20 to 22 May, customers can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free offer on the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar burgers. A similar promotion will run for the Spicy Mayo range between 27 and 29 May.
Burger King UK’s latest menu revamp highlights the brand’s ongoing efforts to introduce variety and value while catering to evolving customer preferences. With a combination of new flavours and returning favourites, the chain aims to attract both loyal fans and new diners during the summer period.
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The government described as a “lack of control” and growing “illegality” in the holiday rentals market
iStock
Spain Airbnb crackdown removes 65,000 tourist rentals amid housing concerns
May 20, 2025
The Spain Airbnb crackdown has led to more than 65,000 holiday rental listings being removed from the platform, as the Spanish government takes firm action to address breaches in national regulations and respond to growing housing concerns.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs ordered the mass delisting due to thousands of properties lacking valid licence numbers, having unclear ownership records, or showing discrepancies between listed information and official housing databases. The government said these violations warranted immediate removal from Airbnb’s platform.
This action is part of a wider effort to bring order to Spain’s short-term rental sector and alleviate the country's worsening housing affordability crisis, especially in major tourist destinations such as Madrid, Andalusia and Catalonia, where the volume of tourist rentals has surged.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the government aimed to end what he described as a “lack of control” and growing “illegality” in the holiday rentals market. “No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country,” he said during a press briefing.
The decision follows a broader trend of local authorities in Spain cracking down on tourist rentals. In 2023, the city of Barcelona announced a plan to eliminate all 10,000 of its licensed short-term lets by 2028, arguing that housing must be prioritised for long-term residents rather than tourists.
The Spain Airbnb crackdown reflects rising pressure on public officials to act, as protests continue over high rents and property prices, particularly in cities with large tourism industries. Many residents and campaigners argue that the expansion of short-term rentals has significantly reduced the availability of affordable housing.
- YouTubeYouTube/ WGN News
According to official data, there were approximately 321,000 licensed holiday rental properties across Spain as of November 2023, representing a 15% increase compared to 2020. Authorities believe many more operate without licences, prompting the Consumer Affairs Ministry to open a formal investigation into Airbnb in December.
In response to earlier scrutiny, Airbnb said it requires hosts to confirm they have permission to rent their properties and that they follow local laws. However, the company also claimed the government had not provided a clear list of non-compliant listings. It added that not all owners are required to hold a licence and questioned whether the ministry had the authority to regulate digital platforms.
Airbnb has yet to issue a formal response to the latest action.
The Spain Airbnb crackdown aligns with similar efforts across Europe, including in Portugal, the Netherlands and parts of Italy, where governments are introducing stricter regulations on short-term rentals in a bid to balance tourism with long-term housing needs.
As Spain continues to grapple with housing shortages and rising costs, the government has made clear that further measures may follow to ensure platforms and property owners comply with national laws.
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Stars are turning memories into marketing in 2025’s most nostalgic campaigns
From Beyoncé to John Cena, 10 stars turning nostalgia into marketing gold
May 20, 2025
From 90s fashion flashbacks to revived cartoon icons, 2025 is proving that everything old is new again or at least in celebrity-fronted brand campaigns. This decade, nostalgia isn’t just a vibe, but a full-blown economy. Across fashion, gaming, beauty, and music, brands are digging into pop culture’s archives to strike an emotional chord with consumers. Whether it’s John Cena teaming up with SpongeBob SquarePants for a gaming crossover, or Beyoncé revisiting a classic Levi’s ad from 1991, the throughline is clear: audiences crave the familiar but with a fresh twist.
But why does it work? Because in a world of algorithm-chasing trends and digital fatigue, nothing hits harder than the warm, fuzzy punch of ‘remember when’. And the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, and music are cashing in big time.
Here are 10 brilliant nostalgia plays of 2025, ranked by how hard they made us yell, "Take my money!"
- John Cena x Brawl Stars x SpongeBob SquarePants
- YouTubeyoutu.be
- David Guetta Revives ‘The Final Countdown’
French DJ David Guetta collaborated with Hypaton and Europe to release ‘The Final Countdown 2025’, reimagining the classic 1986 rock anthem with an electronic twist. The track blends Guetta’s EDM style with the song’s epic essence, hitting both new listeners and long-time fans. This modern revival became an instant hit on streaming platforms, proving that the iconic track’s spirit is still alive.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
- Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Farewell
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
- Zendaya Channels Early 2000s with Louis Vuitton
- YouTubeyoutu.be
- Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Beauty ’90s Revival
- Wonyoung of IVE Revives Tommy Girl Aesthetic
- Beyoncé & Levi’s ‘Pool Hall’ Denim Campaign
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
- Salt-N-Pepa & Grandma’s Cookies ‘Sweet Beat’ Campaign
Hip-hop icons Salt-N-Pepa teamed up with Grandma’s Cookies to launch the ‘Sweet Beat’ campaign, remixing the childhood rhyme ‘Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?’ into a catchy rap. The ad’s playful throwback vibes and Salt-N-Pepa’s performance made it a hit among both millennials and Gen Z, while social media challenges fuelled its viral status.
- Hellmann’s Reimagines When Harry Met Sally
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
- Chloe Fineman’s ‘Ugly Cry’ for Maybelline
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
Why these campaigns worked
Let’s be real: nostalgia isn’t just marketing. It’s emotional time travel. These stars know exactly which buttons to push: the cartoons we watched, the songs we screamed into hairbrushes, the jeans we begged our parents to buy.
And in 2025? They’re not just selling products. They’re selling a feeling; one that says, ‘Remember this? Yeah, you loved it. Here it is again.’
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P&O Cruises has announced that these will go on sale from 4 June 2025
P&O
P&O cancels Ventura Caribbean cruise, second long-haul trip cancelled in recent times
May 19, 2025
Passengers set to embark on a 35-night Caribbean cruise aboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura have had their plans disrupted, after the cruise was cancelled due to “operational reasons”. The voyage was scheduled to depart on 4 January 2027 and was to take travellers across multiple Caribbean destinations.
The cancellation marks the second recent long-haul voyage to be pulled by the cruise line. Earlier, a 14-night sailing on Iona, set to leave on 30 August 2026, was also cancelled, citing the same reasons.
Why was the cruise cancelled?
P&O Cruises has not provided detailed reasons for the decision, only stating that it was made for “operational reasons”. In a statement, a company spokesperson said: “On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from the one previously published, and we are very sorry that Ventura’s 35-night Caribbean itinerary departing 4 January 2027 has been cancelled.”
Passengers received an email notification that read: “Due to operational reasons, we’re sorry to inform you that your cruise, departing 4 January 2027, is no longer going ahead. We understand this news is disappointing and would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.”
Where was the cruise going?
The original cruise was a 35-night round-trip sailing from the UK to various Caribbean ports, though the exact route was not confirmed by the company at the time of cancellation. The Ventura has previously visited popular Caribbean destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, and St Kitts on similar itineraries.
What happens now?
P&O Cruises has arranged for affected passengers to be automatically transferred to a similar voyage, sailing G701 on board Iona. This cruise is also planned for early 2027 and includes stops across the Caribbean. However, some customers have voiced disappointment on social media, saying the alternative ship or itinerary does not match their original booking.
Can you claim a refund?
Yes. While guests are automatically rebooked, they are not required to accept the new cruise. Passengers who prefer not to travel on Iona can request a full refund. Instructions on how to claim are typically included in the cancellation email or can be obtained by contacting P&O Cruises’ customer service team.
What’s next for Ventura?
In place of the cancelled trip, Ventura will now offer three new itineraries. P&O Cruises has announced that these will go on sale from 4 June 2025, though further details on destinations and dates are yet to be confirmed.
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Her journey reflects the challenges many international healthcare workers face
Indian Express
Malayali nurse invited to Buckingham Palace for supporting international NHS staff
May 19, 2025
A nurse from Kerala who has worked to support fellow Malayali professionals in the UK has been invited to attend King Charles III’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contributions to the NHS and international nursing community.
Prabin Baby, 45, who currently works as a patient experience nurse in Hertfordshire, received the invitation in acknowledgement of her efforts to help internationally trained nurses, particularly from Kerala, integrate into the British healthcare system.
Originally from Tiruvalla, Kerala, Prabin moved to the UK in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite her experience in Malaysia and India, including roles in clinical care and nursing education, she initially struggled to adapt to the NHS system. This personal challenge motivated her to assist others facing similar difficulties.
“When I arrived in the UK, I felt uncomfortable, despite having clinical experience and the required OET qualification,” Prabin said. “Internationally trained nurses face barriers in understanding the system. They need support, both professionally and culturally, to settle in. I believe someone has to step up and help.”
She joined Lister Hospital in Stevenage as a registered nurse before being promoted to educational and corporate roles within the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust. Through her work, she has supported the welfare and development of Malayali nurses, helping them to understand the NHS structure, workplace culture, and career development pathways.
Her professional growth was further supported by a fellowship with the Florence Nightingale Foundation Academy, which provided her with opportunities to develop her leadership skills and expand her work in supporting internationally educated staff. The NHS also funded her professional nurse advocate course, enhancing her ability to guide others in similar roles.
“I have always believed in collaboration with leadership to build an inclusive and supportive environment,” Prabin said. “Our trust is diverse and inclusive, and although there are many native English staff, I was honoured to be selected to attend the garden party.”
Speaking about the event at Buckingham Palace, Prabin said she felt proud and humbled as an Indian nurse. “There were times when I stood outside the palace and wondered what it was like inside. To have the opportunity to enter and meet the royals and others who have contributed to public service was a memorable experience.”
She credited her family—her daughter, parents and sister—for their continuous support. “They are my backbone and have always encouraged me in my work.”
Prabin also highlighted the broader professional opportunities available to nurses in the UK. “If we are interested and willing to learn, there is much scope to specialise and progress here. The recognition and appreciation we receive are often greater than in India or other developed countries.”
Her journey reflects the challenges many international healthcare workers face and the importance of mentorship, institutional support and inclusive leadership within the NHS.
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