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NEW YORK (AP) — Gas prices have fallen from the record highs they reached earlier this summer, but they're still much higher than a year ago. And with inflation driving up the cost of pretty much everything else, finding the funds to cover your commute may be increasingly tricky. “Being able to get to work is so essential to people’s basic survival that other things have to go first,” said Abbie Langston, director of equitable economy at PolicyLink, a national research institute. “When we see these massive increases in gas prices, it’s really hurting people.” Whether you drive, take the bus or ride the subway, here's what you need to know about how commuters are affected by the cost of living in the United States. HOW ARE GAS PRICES AFFECTING COMMUTERS? More than 76% of Americans commute by car. In June, they saw gas prices spike beyond $5 per gallon. While prices have dropped significantly since, the national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.99 on … [Read more...] about EXPLAINER: How is inflation affecting commuting costs?

Our Yorkshire Farm: Amanda's son outlines bird flu 'worries' SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Amid the number of viral threats currently circulating, one may think the UK is beginning to resemble a petri dish. The reason for this is because of the sheer number of viruses currently in circulation. As well as the cold and flu viruses and coronavirus , monkeypox and polio are also beginning to gain ground. Although the UK may now be saturated in these dangers, there is still room for more; one from another decade altogether. This threat from another decade comes in the form of bird flu, one which some health officials believe could turn into a “catastrophic” outbreak. Related articles How to live longer: Golden … [Read more...] about Experts warn of ‘catastrophic’ avian flu – symptoms

Mr Baird made as sign from the bodies of flies plaguing his home (Image: Rory Baird) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Rory Baird and his pals say they became engaged in a real-life cat and mouse game against the "clever rats" at their home in Headingley, Leeds.  He says they tried every trick in the book to rid the property of the rodents but, after no success, he settled on his landlord's plan to trap the rats inside the walls and starve them. Related articles Woman with rare condition gains seven stone but eats once a day Defiant pensioner in sit-in protest over 30ft broadband poles LeedsLive reports how Mr Baird, who shared his home with four other friends but no-longer lives at the property, said the rat … [Read more...] about Flatmates plagued with flies and ‘stench of death’ as rats rotted in walls

Listening to the BBC this week, audiences must be in a terrible quandary about what to fear more, hypothermia or heatstroke. Confusingly, we appear to be under existential threat from both at the same time. Poverty charities say families are already having to choose between heating and eating. Climate scientists tell us to stay cool during this hot spell, or we may die. Money saving guru Martin Lewis was in a state of near hysteria yesterday about the ‘cataclysm’ of soaring energy bills, which he said could be on a par with the Covid pandemic. Mr Lewis is a great consumer champion but he sounded less like a measured analyst and more like Dad’s Army’s fretful Corporal Jones. Of course there are serious cost of living problems coming down the line. But to solve them, we need cool heads, not headless chickens. Contrary to received BBC opinion, the energy crisis has not completely escaped the Government’s attention. That’s why it spent £15billion on a support package, giving up … [Read more...] about DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Cool heads needed, not headless chickens

More than 1,000 firefighters are struggling to contain a huge wildfire that has destroyed a large area of pine forest in southwest France. Around 6,800 hectares (26 square miles) in the Gironde region and neighbouring Landes have been burnt by the blaze, which began on Tuesday. At least 16 houses have also been destroyed, and emergency services have forced around 10,000 people to evacuate the area. Photographs released by firefighters showed flames raging through pine forests, sending clouds of smoke in the air and illuminating the sky with intense orange light. It comes after the region was ravaged by flames last month and as France tackles its fourth heatwave following its worst drought ever . Advertisement "The conditions are particularly difficult: the vegetation and the soil are particularly dry after more than a month without rain," local officials said in a statement. "The scorching temperatures are expected to continue until Saturday … [Read more...] about More than 1,000 firefighters struggling to tackle huge forest blaze in France

EVERY bride-to-be wants to feel like a princess on their wedding day – but when it comes to finding the perfect dress, there’s also the matter of the price tag to consider. While many fork out thousands on “the one”, others would prefer their budget to go elsewhere on their big day. But what if we told you there was a way to bag the dress of your dreams for a fraction of the price? Popular bridal shop David’s Bridal - which has locations all over the UK from London Stratford to Birmingham and Glasgow - has seen countless brides leave clutching their ideal gown well within their budget. And now you can too. Louise Banks, UK Regional Manager at David’s Bridal, has lifted the lid on how brides can get the most out of their shopping experience and save those all important pounds by following five simple rules. SET A STRICT BUDGET Louise says that the very first thing to consider is how much you’re willing to spend - and don’t sway from it. She explains: “Set your budget … [Read more...] about I work in a wedding dress shop – how to bag the best bargain gowns & the dresses to avoid which will ALWAYS cost more

WHETHER they’re standing on the red carpet in Hollywood or doing the Royal rounds, famous faces like Jennifer Aniston and Kate Middleton are known for looking flawless. So, if you’ve ever wondered what products the rich and famous include in their beauty routine, and how you can achieve the same results for a fraction of the price, we have the answers. While some stars, including the likes of daytime TV darling Holly Willoughby, are rumoured to be big fans of well known brands, there are plenty of alternative products on the market that do exactly the same job - without breaking the bank. Here, Holland & Barrett’s beauty buyer and Assistant Category Manager Sam Goodman lifts the lid on the products celebrities are said to use - and the dupes on the market you will want to get your hands on… Jennifer Aniston & Kourtney Kardashian - Collagen drinks What: Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kourtney Kardashian have both credited collagen in their daily beauty … [Read more...] about I’m a beauty buyer – the top celebrity beauty dupes that cost no more than £5

IT sounds too good to be true but a fashionista has shared how you can buy just ten outfits and make them last all year round. Glow Fashion Boutique, a style company that specialises in capsule wardrobes, said it’s essential to only invest in clothing items that you’ll actually wear. The brand, which can be found on TikTok at @glowfashionboutiques , then revealed the five key items they’d choose so you can get the most out of your closet, before offering other top tips. They began with what they said is a must-have for every season - a square neck bodysuit. The easy to wear item can be worn alone in the summer, or layered in autumn and winter and goes with either trousers or skirts making it a style staple. Next on the list is a simple beige blazer that can be styled from day to night, providing warmth for those chilly summer evenings or another layer when it’s altogether colder. Read More in Fashion TUMMY TROUBLES I'm a fashion expert … [Read more...] about I’m a fashion fan but only buy 10 pieces of clothing a year – they’re so easy to wear all year round

The benchmark rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 5.22% for the week ending August 11, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey . “Markets are seeking more certainty around the economic outlook, as incoming data continue to highlight a steady level of business activity and consumer spending,” George Ratiu, manager of economic research at Realtor.com, said in a statement. Mortgage rates moved back up above 5% after briefly falling below that mark last week. Rates saw a rapid increase of more than 2 percentage points during the first half of the year but have recently become more volatile as questions about inflation and the possibility of a recession persist. “While concerns of a recession remain elevated, August seems to be offering a slight breather,” according to Ratiu. Other loan categories were higher as well. The 15-year fixed-rate loan is at 4.59% and the rate on the 5/6 adjustable rate mortgage is 4.43%. If you are offered a rate that is higher … [Read more...] about Current Mortgage Rates Top 5% Again

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration’s push to form an international buyers’ cartel to cap the price of Russian oil is facing resistance amid private sector concerns that it cannot be reliably enforced, posing a challenge for the U.S.-led effort to drain President Vladimir V. Putin’s war chest and stabilize global energy prices. The price cap has been a top priority of Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, who has been trying to head off another spike in global oil costs at the end of the year. The Biden administration fears that the combination of a European Union embargo on Russian oil imports and a ban on the insurance and financing of Russian oil shipments will send prices soaring by taking millions of barrels of that oil off the market. But the untested concept has drawn skepticism from energy experts and, in particular, the maritime insurance sector, which facilitates global oil shipments and is key to making the proposal work. Under the plan, it would be legal for them to … [Read more...] about U.S. Bid to Cap Russian Oil Prices Draws Skepticism Over Enforcement