it’s | Common News Update

Aug212022 by adminNo Comments

UK drought: Why do the trees think it’s autumn already?

Science

Getty ImagesFrom the crunch of leaves underfoot and the fiery foliage adorning the trees, you might be thinking autumn has come early.But experts say this hint of a change in the seasons isn't genuine. Instead it's the tell-tale sign of a "false autumn".They warn the heatwave and drought has pushed trees into survival mode, with leaves dropping off or changing colour as a result of stress.And some may end up dying as a result.Why we need to get used to wonky vegetablesWildlife under stress as dry spell shrinks riversSewage hits dozens of UK beaches after heavy rainGetty ImagesAuburn leaves and early leaf fall are both signs that trees are stressed and "shutting up shop", says Leigh Hunt, senior horticultural advisor at the Royal Horticultural Society."It's giving the appearance that we're...

Apr102021 by adminNo Comments

Wedding venues: ‘It’s costing me £250,000 a month’

Business

In the grounds of Nunsmere Hall Hotel, in the heart of rural Cheshire, Chris Naylor has a huge, permanent, marquee which can seat more than 400 people. If he ran a restaurant business, he could open the sides next week, when Covid restrictions on hospitality begin to ease, and serve about half that number, socially distanced. But this is a wedding venue and different rules apply.From 12 April in England, only weddings with 15 guests are permitted. which is not financially viable. And most licensed wedding venues will not be allowed to open, unless they are outdoors. Receptions for up to 30 guests can go ahead indoors from 17 May, while unrestricted weddings will be allowed from 21 June.. "It's so frustrating. I've got all this space and I can't use it. Easter is normally the start of the ...

Mar232021 by adminNo Comments

Some $1,400 stimulus checks will be mailed payments. It’s not junk mail, so here’s how to make sure you don’t miss them

Finance

Getty ImagesNew $ 1,400 stimulus checks could be landing in your mailbox soon.Government agencies including the Treasury Department, IRS and Bureau of the Fiscal Service on Monday announced a second batch of payments will be sent this week.While that includes more direct deposit payments, it also includes a large number of mailed paper checks or prepaid debit cards."Since this new set of payments will include more mailed payments, we urge people to carefully watch their mail for a check or debit card in the coming weeks," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement.The third stimulus checks were authorized when the American Rescue Plan was passed earlier this month.The payments will include up to $ 1,400 per person, plus $ 1,400 per adult or child dependent, provided individuals a...

Feb252021 by adminNo Comments

Some families could get more than $14,000 in new Covid relief. It’s looking more and more like universal basic income

Finance

Hinterhaus ProductionsAs Congress works to finalize its latest coronavirus relief bill, some American families are poised to receive a financial windfall.Between new $ 1,400 stimulus checks and an enhanced child tax credit, that could add up to more than $ 14,000 for some families."All of the focus has been on the $ 1,400 when, in reality, for a family of four, they should be focused on the $ 14,000," said Ed Mills, Washington policy analyst at Raymond James. Mills wrote about the potential income boost this week.The new stimulus checks would provide $ 1,400 per person, including child and adult dependents.More from Personal Finance:Lawmakers question whether new child tax credit is too much or too little Still no stimulus check? What that means for your tax return this year Small bus...

Feb212021 by adminNo Comments

Jo Whiley: My sister has finally been offered a vaccine but it’s too late – she’s in hospital fighting for her life

Entertainment

Radio broadcaster Jo Whiley says her younger sister has finally been offered a coronavirus vaccine but it could be too late, as she is already "fighting for her life" after catching the virus in her care home.Whiley's sister Frances, 53, has diabetes and learning difficulties, which both put her at higher risk from COVID-19. But last week, Whiley said she had been offered a vaccination before Frances, saying she "desperately" wished her sibling had been offered one first. Image: Frances is 'fighting for her life' against COVID-19. Pic: Twitter/Jo Whiley Whiley, a radio DJ and TV presenter, said it had been "the worst week of our lives" after Frances tested positive for COVID-19 following an outbreak at her care home in Northamptonshir...