Author: Buzzo

Lloyds Banking Group has revealed plans to shut another 136 branches, weeks after a policy allowing customers to do their in-person banking across any of its three brands sparked fears that bosses could close up to a quarter of its high street sites.The move will cut the group’s branch network by a further 15%, accelerating a massive shift towards digital and mobile banking that is core to a five-year strategy being driven by its chief executive, Charlie Nunn.It will result in the closure of 61 Lloyds-branded sites, 61 Halifax locations and 14 Bank of Scotland branches, and leave the group…

Very carefully

The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, will be charged for her alleged involvement in the 2021 riots that left over 300 dead, her father’s party uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) says.Violence, chaos, and fear ripped through the port city of Durban, then spread to Gauteng, after Zuma’s jailing sparked intense protests over four years ago.Zuma-Sambudla, a controversial figure in her own right, was accused of sharing incendiary social media posts that fuelled the civil unrest.MK, of which she is a senior member, said on X she would appear in a Durban court on Thursday and urged supporters…

President-elect Trump at AmericaFest in Arizona.  (Rick Scuteri) Good morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here’s what you need to know to start your day …TOP 31. Trump’s Cabinet nominees up next for confirmation hearings and more top headlines. 2. RFK Jr to stress he’s not ‘anti-vaccine’ at confirmation hearing.3. Trump, Musk join forces to bring back stranded NASA astronauts.MAJOR HEADLINES UNCHARTED TERRITORY – Denmark takes drastic military measures around Greenland. Continue reading … ACCESS DENIED – Pentagon takes action against Gen. Milley, refers him to review board. Continue reading … FEELING BLUE –…

By LINLEY SANDERS, Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine advocacy is outside the mainstream. His previous statements on abortion could alienate Republicans. But a new poll finds that not all of his controversial health goals are unpopular — in fact, at least one has broad support among Democrats and Republicans.As Kennedy’s Senate confirmation hearings begin, his bid to become the nation’s top health official could depend on how staunchly he sticks to these personal beliefs during questioning. He has already softened some of his long-held views.He’s facing some skepticism from the public, according to a new survey…

Washington, United States: Donald Trump’s new press secretary on Tuesday invited TikTokers and podcasters to apply for White House press passes, in an effort to reach beyond the mainstream media that the US president often slams. In her first time at the White House podium, Karoline Leavitt said an additional seat for “new media voices” had been reserved at the front of the cramped briefing room.Trump has repeatedly criticized traditional media as the “enemy of the people,” and he credits a series of podcast appearances for aiding his return to the White House. “As the youngest press secretary in history, thanks…

Trump offers US federal workers buyouts to resignIn another part of its efforts to reshape the US government, the Trump administration has offered federal workers buyouts worth more than seven months’ salary to leave their jobs.A memo circulated on Tuesday evening set out four mandatory directives, including a full-time return to the office for most employees. It also said that the federal workforce would be subjected to “enhanced standards of suitability and conduct” and warned that most agencies would be downsized.It said the offer to leave would remain open until 6 February.The US government is roughly the nation’s 15th-largest workforce,…

Ukraine says its forces successfully hit an oil refinery in the Russian town of Kstovo, around 800 kilometres (500 miles) from the front lines in eastern Ukraine.Four drones hit a Lukoil company depot, Ukrainian media said, adding that the facility suffered significant damage.Videos posted on social media showed large flames rising over an industrial facility. Regional governor Gleb Nikitin said that drone debris had fallen over the industrial zone, and that no casualties had been reported at the scene.Separately, the governor of the region of Smolensk, Vasily Anokhin, said on Telegram that a “massive” drone attack against “civilian infrastructure” had…

EXCLUSIVE: President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Wednesday establishing a White House task force focused on coordinating the plans and activities surrounding the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, Fox News Digital has learned. The president’s order will organize a “grand celebration of the semiquincentennial of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence.”The 250th anniversary of America’s founding is July 4, 2026. Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump holds the Bible on Jan. 20, 2025. (Morry Gash/AP Photo/Pool)TRUMP VOWS ‘NEW…

I’ve put together the ultimate guide for cooking lentils for everything from hearty soups to flavorful salads! Learn how to adjust cooking time for different varieties, plus three ways to cook them: on the stove, in a pressure cooker (Instant Pot), and in a slow cooker. Cooking lentils is easy! My simple method for cooking lentils works with all varieties (you will need to adjust the cooking time, which I’ve given suggestions for below in our recipe). In addition, you will find how to cook them on the stove (my favorite method), using an Instant Pot, and in a slow…