The abandoned 'Paradise City' with huge tower blocks left to rot | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
The blocks have no surrounding infrastructure to support them (Picture: HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Eerie pictures have emerged of a huge failed housing scheme left to rot.
The Mehra Mer project, located 31 miles outside Iran's capital city of Tehran, had high hopes of becoming a ready-made community equipped with public transport, hospitals, and schools.
But nowadays the project looks like it would fit in as the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic, Mad Max-esque film.
Incredible aerial pictures show around 100 tower blocks which appear to have sprung out of nowhere from the surrounding desert, with barely any surrounding infrastructure and half-built roads that lead nowhere.
They're part of a wider development of homes on the outskirts of Tehran called Pardis, meaning 'paradise' – but this name might be overselling things somewhat.
Built between 2001 and 2011, it was hoped the project would help Iran to tackle its population crisis by creating affordable homes for lower-income workers.
They're part of a wider development called Pardis, meaning 'paradise' (Picture: HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)The identical blocks rise from the desert (Picture: HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)Piles of construction materials have been left behind (Picture: HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
It was hoped the development would become a 'Paradise City' – but some of the first flats to be occupied turned out to have faulty sewage systems and heating, inadequate water access, and only intermittent electricity.
The progress of desolation was sped up by the 2017 earthquake which damaged or destroyed a number of buildings, leaving even more empty.
Soaring inflation rates amid Iran's struggling economy were the final nail in the coffin for the project, as the cost of the apartments became unattainable for lower wage workers – the exact people who were supposed to benefit from the scheme.
The ecological conditions also hampered the project's construction, and in the end developers scrapped the scheme mid-construction.
There are mountains of building materials, including thousands of plastic buckets and piles of cables and wiring, dumped in the desert.
While some of the blocks were completed, others are towers of exposed concrete with no doors or windows in some cases.
But despite how it looks, Mehra Mer isn't completely abandoned.
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The most recent census in 2016 recorded a population of just over 73,000 people, The Sun reports, but it's thought most residents spend the majority of their time in Tehran for work, only returning to sleep.
There isn't any public transport linking Mehra Mer to Tehran either – and the commute can take hours each way, making the satellite cities an even less appealing prospect for wannabe homeowners.
Map shows parts of the UK set for a wet and windy bank holiday | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
At least some parts of the country can expect a rainy weekend (Picture: North News & Pictures/WX Weather)
It's not long until the May Day bank holiday, traditionally the start of summer in the UK.
But is it actually going to be summery, or a washout?
With a few days still to go, models have been somewhat contradictory on exactly how the weather will look, but so far the indications aren't great.
At least some parts of the country can expect a rainy weekend, despite some warmer days this week.
The Met Office forecast for Friday to Sunday predicts weather will 'remain changeable with further spells of rain or showers, particularly in the south. In any drier and brighter interludes it will feel warm away from the east coast.'
There will be an 'uncertain period through the bank holiday weekend with the most likely result a warm but cloudy day Sunday with a few light showers, then increasingly cloudy with rain spreading from the west, though weakening as it does so'.
Morris dancer on the top of Eccles Pike in Derbyshire this morning (Picture: Getty)Torrential downpours on Westminster Bridge on April 19 (Picture Rex)A weather warning for thunderstorms in place todayTeeming rain in Sunderland on Sunday (Picture: North News)The village of Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire flooded on April 28 (Picture: Shutterstock)How Monday might shape up, with all areas risking rain (Picture: WX Weather)How the Met Office predicted Sunday afternoon could look (Picture: Met Office)
'Into the new week all areas are likely to see a mixture of showery periods or spells of rain.'
At the moment, there is still some uncertainty about how the weather will pan out.
The gloomier latest forecasts come days after senior meteorologist at the Met Office Amy Bokota said: 'Temperatures have been below average for the last couple of weeks, so certainly by the time we get to Wednesday, and probably into next weekend, temperatures will be warmer.
'It might not be the sort of glorious sort of heatwave that we're hoping for … but there probably will be some more pleasant and warmer weather for some people as we head towards the end of the week.'
So it's possible people might get some use out of their barbecues and garden furniture… but more likely they'll need an umbrella.
Map shows where in the US is most at risk of tornados this season | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
Tornado probability estimated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration based on data from severe weather reports from 1982 to 2011 (Picture: Getty Images/Metro.co.uk graphic)
Tornadoes wrecked deadly havoc on numerous US states over the weekend and the worst may be yet to come, as twister season continues for another few months.
Powerful storms brought tornadoes to Nebraska and Iowa on Friday and Saturday, and twisters tore down towns in Oklahoma on Sunday.
A tornado is a 'narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground' that 'forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris', according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL).
The US is hit by about 1,200 tornadoes annually and first began keeping a record of them in 1950.
Tornadoes struck Nebraska over the weekend (Pictures: Reuters/AP)
This year from April 26 to 28, at least 72 twisters hit the US from Nebraska to Texas.
On Friday, a tornado destroyed homes in Omaha and left 10,000 Nebraskans without power. One of the hardest hit places was Elkorn in the western area of the city, where hundreds of residences were ripped apart. Resident Kim Woods said 'the whole neighborhood just to the north of us is pretty flattened'.
Twisters descended on Oklahoma on Saturday into Sunday and killed at least four people including a child. Among the communities that were struck were Holdenville, Marietta and Sulpher, which seemed to be battered by several tornadoes overnight.
How are tornadoes categorized?
Tornadoes are categorized by strength based on the damage they inflict, which in turn helps determine their wind speed. The National Weather Service implemented the Enhanced Fujita Scale in 2007 to rate them.
Tornado damage in Sulphur, Oklahoma, on Sunday (Picture: USA Today Network)
The EF-Scale classifies tornadoes into three broad categories based on wind speeds and damage inflicted. EF0 and EF1 are 'weak' with wind speeds of 65mph to 110mph. EF2 and EF3 are 'strong' with winds speeds of 111mph to 165mph. EF4 and EF5 are 'violent' with wind speeds of 166mph to 200mph.
Where in the US is there tornado risk?
A map of tornado probabilities created by the NSSL based on data from a 30-year period of severe weather reports from 1982 to 2011 shows eight gradients of tornado risk, from dark to light.
The darkest shade of brown, representing the highest risk, is in the center of Oklahoma. A medium shade of brown for the second highest risk surrounds the dark brown and covers much of Oklahoma as well as a section of northern Texas and a sliver of Kansas.
A map of tornado probabilities based on tracking from 1982 to 2011 (Picture: NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory)
A dark red representing the third highest risk touches parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and the northwestern tip of Louisiana.
The heat map spans out to other parts of the Southwest, Mideast, with lower risk extending to the Southeast and Northeast. The West is largely untouched.
What is Tornado Alley?
'Tornado Alley' is a 'nickname invented by the media to refer to a broad area of relatively high tornado occurrence in the central United States', according to the NSSL.
Such maps may differ because twister occurrence can be measured in different ways, including all tornadoes, only violent ones, by counties, and within certain time frames.
A tornado risk index map by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Picture: Federal Emergency Management Agency)
According to the NSSL, the term tornado alley can also be misleading.
'The US tornado threat shifts from the Southeast in the cooler months of the year, toward the southern and central Plains in May and June, and the northern Plains and Midwest during early summer,' stated the agency.
'Tornadoes can occur and have been reported in all fifty states!'
When is tornado season?
The peak tornado season in the southern Plains, which include Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, runs from May into early June.
A severe tornado striking Lancaster, Nebraska (Picture: AP)
In the northern Plains and upper Midwest including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota, the season is in June and July.
Meanwhile on the Gulf Coast, tornadoes occur earlier in the spring.
The NSSL cautioned that tornadoes can happen any time of the year and in the day or night, but most commonly from 4pm to 9pm.
Putin crony 'illegally adopts' two young children from Ukraine | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
One of the children was thrown out like an 'unwanted kitten' (Picture: East2West)
A scandal has deepened over a prominent pro-Putin Russian politician, 71, who 'kidnapped' two children from occupied Ukraine.
Sergey Mironov, leader of the Fair Russia party, is accused of a war crime after he and his fifth wife removed a ten-month-old girl and a two-year-old boy.
The politician 'adopted' and renamed the girl Marina Mrionova from an orphanage with his wife Irina Varlamova, 56, before changing her birth certificate to make it seem as though she was born near Moscow.
An investigation has now revealed the girl, whose real name is Margarita, has a legal Ukrainian guardian who is now living in exile from the war in Greece with the child's full sibling, an elder sister named Anna.
Ukrainian officials are demanding that the politician and his wife return the girl so she can be reunited with her blood sister.
The boy taken by the politician's wife was brought to Russia but after less than a week was rejected by Mironov and his spouse.
Anna Prokopenko (L) is the sister of Margarita Prokopenko (Picture: TSN/East2West News)
The boy, then two and now four, was thrown out like an 'unwanted kitten', according to Ukrainian TSN TV channel.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament's human rights ombudsman, said: 'Varlamova got rid of the boy when it became known that Ilya Vashchenko was diagnosed with a disease.'
Leaked Varlamova emails reveal she complained she was given a 'low quality child'.
The boy's fate is not known, but a new birth certificate was issued for him in Moscow region.
The head of the Child Protection Department of the Office of the Prosecutor General in Ukraine said: 'Specifically about Ilya, we have no information about where the boy is now.
'A fake birth certificate is the first thing they issue in Russia to make it impossible to find abducted children. The girl that Mironov and Varlamova stole received a new ID. Now, as written in the new certificate, she is not Ukrainian Margarita Prokopenko, but Marina Mironova, born in the Moscow region….
Pro-war Russian politician Sergey Mironov has been accused of the crime (Picture: East2West News)
'It seems that the kidnapper hopes that Margarita will eventually get used to both the new family and the new name, as if it's better than being a lonely orphan in an orphanage.
'But the fact is that Margarita has relatives – both a sister and a legal guardian. Nobody asked their permission when Margarita was taken out of Kherson. They are looking for the stolen girl and are ready to give her a real family.'
Lubinets said: 'We already have a family that is ready to become a new family for Margarita. Moreover, this family is raising Margarita's own sister.
'Therefore, we have all the obligations from the state to turn to mediators, as well as to the international community, so that they demand from the Russian federation the urgent return of Margarita to her sister so that the reunification of the Ukrainian family takes place.'
Anna – believed to be 11 – is being raised by her godmother Daria Repina, who is legal guardian to both girls.
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Daria said: 'When I was told that the child was alive, that she had been adopted, it was a great happiness for us.
'It means we have a chance to take her back, that she will be with us. That the children will be reunited. Because children should grow in a family, in their own family. The two of them.'
Sergey married his wife Varlamova recently (Picture: East2West News)
Mironov's loyalty and obedience to Putin has been known since he stood against the dictator in a presidential election in 2004.
He said at the time, indicating he was a sham candidate: 'We all want Vladimir Putin to be the next president.'
In Soviet times, he served in the USSR's airborne troops and later worked as a geophysicist, before entering politics.
Lawyer Maria Chashchilova said Mironov's act of 'adoption' 'is considered genocide' due to the 'forcible transfer of children from one human group to another'.
She said: 'These children often have relatives or guardians in Ukraine who have lost contact with them, and in the case of children from orphanages, the guardians are officials of these institutions.
'According to international law, the parties to the conflict must provide relatives and guardians with information about the missing and facilitate their search.'
Putin and his children's ombudswoman Maria Lvova-Belova have been indicted by the International Criminal Court as war criminals over the illegal human trafficking of young people from Ukraine to Russia.
Mironov hit out at 'fake hysteria unleashed by the Ukrainian special services and their Western curators' over the adoption story – but leaked documents and emails show the Ukrainian child is now 'legally' adopted by him and his wife.
Violent clashes spread across US between protesters and riot police | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
Fireworks, police batons and arrests have been spreading across the states (Pictures: AP)
Following the arrest of dozens of protestors at Columbia University in New York, a similar demonstration at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) has spiraled into chaos.
Video of pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protestors throwing pallets and hitting each other, leaving many bloodied, have begun to circulate as reporters on the ground have reported no police presence – with one witness saying 'security ran away'.
Police are now slowly moving into the scene to help corral people into a certain direction and break up the skirmishes, and some officers have been seen putting on gas masks.
Other California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles Police Department officers have been spotted lining up outside of the encampment, which has a large homemade barricade made with metal barriers and plywood to keep the two sides apart.
A corridor has been created on a walkway to allow protestors to leave the area peacefully without being arrested as police continue to move in.
Earlier, video showed batons being used as the demonstration unraveled into chaos, with a news anchor commenting: 'Where are the police? Where is security? Where is the authority? It's something I've never covered…'
A large police presence is standing nearby the UCLA protest (Picture: ABC7)Tear gas has been deployed on the site(Picture: AFP)Fireworks were thrown onto the pro-Palestine side by pro-Israeli demonstratorsOfficers are reportedly prepared with plastic handcuffs (Picture: AFP)
In one clip, a protestor appeared to be hit by a wooden pallet someone threw at him – to which the news anchor watching gasped at. The scenes began unfolding around 11pm California time.
Journalist Jack Ross has reported that pro-Palestinian protestors have been taking their own to hospitals because 'UCLA PD won't let EMS' in. Earlier, it was reported that a female Jewish student had been 'knocked unconscious'. Both of these reports are unconfirmed.
He quoted a source saying: 'Which means our camp has treated 100+ people so far for medical injuries including tear gas pepper spray head injuries from projectiles fireworks burns shock. Not a single EMS from outside our camp or network has been able to respond, actively being blocked.'
One video showed a firework being thrown towards the pro-Palestine encampment, with protestors screaming and ducking behind umbrellas before it exploded.
Riot police have been seen on the ground, and were greeted by pro-Israel demonstrators, some draped in the Israeli flag, with chants of 'USA! USA!'
LA councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky said in a statement: 'Everyone has a right to free speech and protest, but the situation on UCLA's campus is out of control and is no longer safe.
'I'm grateful to LAPD and Mayor Bass for stepping in to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.'
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More than 1,000 protesters have been arrested over the last two weeks on university campuses in Texas, Utah, Virginia, North Carolina, New Mexico, Connecticut, Louisiana, California and New Jersey.
At Columbia University, Hamilton Hall – which protestors renamed 'Hind Hall' in honour of a killed Palestinian girl – was cleared of protesters who took over building on Tuesday.
The scene unfolded shortly after 9pm yesterday evening as police, wearing helmets and carrying zip ties and riot shields, gathered at the Ivy League university's entrance.
Students at the City College of New York were dragged away hours later (Picture: Getty)Fireworks have been repeatedly thrown in the encampment (Picture: X)Pro-Palestine/Pro-Israel protestors have been clashing for hours in LA (Picture: BBC)
A statement released by a Columbia spokesperson late on Tuesday said officers arrived on campus after the university requested help – hours after the NYPD said officers would not enter the university campus without university request or an imminent emergency.
The White House condemned the standoffs at Columbia on Tuesday and California State Polytechnic University Humboldt earlier in the week.
Other universities have sought to negotiate agreements with the demonstrators in the hopes of having peaceful commencement ceremonies.
The nationwide campus protests began at Columbia in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7.
Demonstrations have erupted across the country, and abroad, as university students begin to protest (Picture: AP/Metro.co.uk)Police at the University of Texas pepper sprayed and arrested demonstrators en masse (Picture: AFP)
Militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages.
In return, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the local health ministry.
The reasons behind the protest vary slightly, but overall agree that the US should end military support to Israel.
Some university students, such as those at Columbia, are demanding their schools sever any financial ties to Israel and other companies involved directly in the conflict.
Mass arrests have led to calls for amnesty of students and faculty who are disciplined for their involvement in the protests.
Three injured at school after teenager goes on rampage with 'sharp object' | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
Police officers are the scene after responding to reports of an incident involving a sharp object a Birley Community College in Sheffield (Picture: Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP)
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after three people were injured at a college in Sheffield.
Two adults and a child have been hospitalised following reports of an incident involving a sharp object at Birley Community College at around 8.50am.
A suspect has been detained and remains in police custody in connection with theassault.
Police say they will remain at the scene throughout the day to provide assurances to those in the school and the local community.
Students are being let out of the school (Picture: Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP)
A school spokesperson said: 'This morning we went into lockdown as a precaution following an incident at the school.
'This was not a decision taken lightly but the safety of students and staff is paramount. All students and staff are safe. We are working closely with the police and will update shortly.'
The school went into lockdown following the incident, and students are now reportedly being let out of the building.
Some parents were waiting at the school gates and hugged their childrenas they left the school.
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Sheffield Councillor for Birley, Denise Fox said: 'It has always been regarded as a good school locally, and a good, safe school.
'My thoughts are with the people at the school I'm gobsmacked. This will have come as a complete shock to everyone. People must be in a terrible state over this.
'Something has gone wrong and now we need to investigate what.'
According to one parent, a number of rumours are currently circulating about the nature of the attack but the specifics are not yet known.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon…Check back shortly for further updates.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
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Trump says he won't allow 'definite anti-white feeling' in US | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
Former President Donald Trump vowed to pursue policies that won't allow a 'definite anti-white feeling' in US (Picture: AP)
Donald Trump vowed that if he is elected for a second term as president, he will pursue policies that will not allow what he calls a 'definite anti-white feeling' in the US.
The ex-president was asked in a wide-ranging interview with TIME about polls showing that a majority of his supporters believe that anti-white racism poses a greater problem in America than anti-black racism. Asked if he agreed, Trump replied, 'Oh, I think that there is a lot to be said about that.'
Trump claimed that the Biden administration is 'sort of against anybody depending on certain views' and that 'they're against Catholics' and 'a lot of different people'.
'They actually don't even know what they're against, but they're against a lot,' said Trump.
Former President Donald Trump said 'there's absolutely a bias against white and that's a problem' (Picture: AP)
'But no, I think there is a definite anti-white feeling in this country and that can't be allowed either.'
When asked how he would address that, Trump said 'it would be a very tough thing to address, frankly'.
'But I think the laws are very unfair right now. And education is being very unfair, and it's being stifled. But I don't think it's going to be a big problem at all,' he continued in the interview published on Tuesday.
'But if you look right now, there's absolutely a bias against white and that's a problem.'
The TIME interview was published the same day that former President Donald Trump attended his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court and was told by a judge he could have May 17 off to attend his son Barron Trump's graduation (Picture: Shutterstock)
Trump's response was slammed by ABC News' The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg.
'Nobody in your family was hung. Nobody in your family was chased because of the color of their skin. How dare you? There's no anti-white issue here,' said Goldberg on Tuesday morning. 'You are perpetrating [sic] anti-humanist issues here.'
TIME national politics reporter Eric Cortellessa in his original question had brought up Trump speaking about 'woke-ism' on college campuses. In June, Trump hailed the Supreme Court's decision striking down affirmative action programs considering race in college admissions.
In another question for the magazine's cover story, Cortellessa brought up that Trump's former Secretary of Defense said he once suggested shooting a Black Lives Matter protester in the leg.
'Well, he was my worst Secretary of Defense. He was a weak, ineffective person,' said Trump, referring to Mark Esper.
'No, he was a very ineffective Secretary of Defense. No, but I would, are you talking about in the case of colleges, or what are you talking about?'
Trump in the sit-down interview at Mar-a-Lago on April 12 also detailed his plan to use the military to deport undocumented migrants and said he would allow states to monitor women's pregnancies.
Urgent warning for Android users over bug that can empty your bank account | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
The Chrome browser is popular with Android users (Picture: Getty)
Android owners who use the Chrome app for browsing online have been warned about a new type of malware that could empty their bank accounts.
The new bug, called Brokewell, is disguised as an update for the app. However, when downloaded, it allows cybercriminals to not only access personal data, but also take over the entire phone – potentially allowing them access to banking apps.
Screenshots provided by ThreatFabric, which discovered the bug, show how difficult it is to spot the fraud.
The team is warning Android users to be on alert, and only download updates from official sources, such as through the Google Play store.
They added that Brokewell is a 'significant threat to the banking industry'.
'Our Threat Intelligence shows that device takeover capabilities remain crucial for any modern banking malware family, and new players entering the landscape are no exception,' the team said on its website.
The official Chrome update, left, and fake update from Brokewell, right
'Thus, it comes as no surprise that ThreatFabric analysts recently discovered a new mobile malware family, "Brokewell", with an extensive set of device takeover capabilities.
'Brokewell uses overlay attacks, a common technique for Android banking malware, where it overlays a bogus screen on a targeted application to capture user credentials.
'After stealing the credentials, the actors can initiate a device takeover attack using remote control capabilities.'
Once downloaded, Brokewell allows whoever has taken over the device to perform a range of actions, such as touches, swipes, and clicks on specified elements.
The arrival of Brokewell marks a move away from launching dodgy apps to try to hack people's phones, something cybercriminals have been doing for years and which more and more users are aware of.
By appearing as a perfectly legitimate update to an existing – and well-known – app, users may not stop to consider what they're doing before hitting download.
However, with the discovery of Brokewell, it is even more important to take your time and properly consider anything that asks to update your device. If in doubt, ignore an update prompt and update the app manually yourself.
I'm a former McDonald's chef – there's a reason you can't customize your breakfast burrito like the other items | 1MND9K5 | 2024-04-30 17:08:01
A FORMER McDonald's corporate chef has explained why customers cannot customize their breakfast burrito.
Unlike many items on the chain's menu, guests cannot personalize their orders of the early-morning favorite.
I'm a former McDonald's chef – there's a reason you can't customize your breakfast burrito like the other itemsMcDonald'sThe breakfast burrito at McDonald's cannot be customized[/caption]
I'm a former McDonald's chef – there's a reason you can't customize your breakfast burrito like the other itemsTikTok/chefmikeharaczFormer corporate chef Mike Haracz revealed why[/caption]
Most sandwiches and entrées on the McDonald's menu can be customized.
Guests can elect to remove items like pickles or sauces and add extras such as an additional slice of cheese.
But many customers have noticed that this is not the case with the line-up of breakfast burritos.
Turns out, there's a very specific reason for this, as former McDonald's corporate chef Mike Haracz (@chefmikeharacz) explained in a recent TikTok video.
According to Haracz, that's why adding extras to the breakfast burrito such as a hashbrown inside "is not gonna happen because they're already wrapped and mixed together."
"In the restaurant, they receive frozen tortillas and a frozen mix of egg, sausage, peppers, and all that, already mixed together," he said.
"The crew then wrap ahead of time like a prep step before breakfast service.
Haracz explained the process as follows: "The tortillas, the egg, sausage mixture, a piece of cheese. Wrap it up, put it in the paper, put a sticker on it.
"In some cases, they will microwave a whole bunch of them and put them in the universal holding cabinet."
The universal holding cabinet is a piece of kitchen equipment made specifically for McDonald's that keeps food hot and fresh.
<!--End ofBrightcovePlayer-->
"If not, they are microwaving them to order," said Haracz.
The U.S. Sun has contacted McDonald's to verify what Haracz said.
MORE MCDONALD'S NEWS
In other McDonald's news, the chain has quietly reintroduced a popular drink to the menu.
The Oreo frappe has returned for the first time since 2023.
It's the drink's second comeback since it was originally discontinued in 2015.
The sweet, icy beverage features chocolate flavor, coffee notes, and bits of Oreo cookies.
It is topped with crumbled cookies and whipped cream.
PRICE INCREASES
However, some diners in California are experiencing menu price increases in response to a new law.
The state's $20 minimum wage for fast food workers came into effect April 1, and many fast food franchises have increased prices to compensate.
Mark Lawrenson claims 'woke' BBC axed him for being '65 and white' | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Mark Lawrenson featured on Football Focus for 25 years (Picture: Getty)
Mark Lawrenson has claimed that the 'woke' BBC axed him as a football pundit for being a 65-year-old white male.
The Liverpool legend featured on BBC show Football Focus for 25 years with his first appearance on Match of the Day coming even earlier.
Lawrenson, 66, last appeared on Football Focus at the end of the 2021-22 campaign before the BBC went 'top of the woke league'.
Two years on, Lawrenson has opened up about his exit from the BBC and has slammed the national broadcaster for how he and his fellow pundits were treated.
'I wasn't happy with the way they dealt with me, basically,' Lawrenson told The Ben Heath Podcast. 'I'd been there nearly 25 years, great, but I was just signing one-year contracts, season to season.'
Lawrenson added that he was 'really p***ed off' but 'kind of knew' what would happen because he was '65 and white'.
He then suggested that Steve Wright, Ken Bruce and Sue Barker had been treated similarly and insisted that the BBC was the most woke media outlet in the country.
The BBC have decided not to respond to Mark Lawrenson's claims (Picture: Getty)
Quizzed about the BBC's controversial decision to briefly suspend Gary Lineker in 2023 after he compared the Home Office's migrant boat policy to Nazi Germany, Lawrenson said: 'They're frightened to death.
'Absolutely, totally frightened to death. I think day by day the integrity of the corporation gets chipped off.
'It used to be absolutely fantastic, but they are woke plus 100 per cent.'
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Metro.co.uk approached the BBC for a response over Lawrenson's claims but they were not willing to make a comment.
Last month, Alan Shearer defended the BBC after Jeff Stelling blasted the broadcaster for a 'terrible production decision' on Match of the Day.
Stelling took issue with how Newcastle's 4-3 win over West Ham was covered, with pundits failing to properly analyse Kalvin Phillips' foul on Anthony Gordon, which led to a penalty and subsequent goal.
Betfred promo code – get £50 Betfred sign up offer here | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
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Where to use the Betfred Bonus Code?
New customers can use the Betfred bonus code at Betfred Sports and Betfred Casino platforms. Below, we have provided everything you need to know about these sites.
Betfred Sports platform is one of the most prominent bookmakers in the country, offering a variety of betting markets and regular promotions for its new and existing customers. Signing up with the bookmaker is quick and easy, as is navigating and using the site and mobile app. While it may provide a smooth and seamless experience, the interface is a little outdated compared to its competitors and could come across as boring. However, the rest of its great user-friendly features continue to attract customers to join and continue coming back.
Pros
✅ Well-established bookmaker.
✅ Lots of promotions for new and existing customers.
✅ A Mobile app is available to download on iOS and Android devices.
The Betfred Casino site is one of the most jam-packed platforms for those looking for a top online casino. Home to hundreds of games from top providers, including but not limited to Playtech, Microgaming, and IGT, Betfred casino players know they are spending their time at a worthwhile site. Like the sportsbook, it has frequent promotions for new and existing customers and an organised interface that makes finding what you want to play as easy as possible. A feature we noticed was that Betfred Casino does not offer 24-hour withdrawals, unlike some competitors which is something to be added in future.
Pros
✅ Top software providers.
✅ Huge variety of casino games.
✅ Good user-interface.
Cons
❌ No 24-hour withdrawals.
How to Use the Betfred Bonus Code
It is super easy to sign up and claim the Betfred promo code for new customers. To help you get started, we have provided a step-by-step guide below.
Enter your personal details, such as your name, address, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
Create a memorable username and password combination.
Sign in and enter the Betfred promo code WELCOME50 when prompted.
Make your first deposit of at least £10.
Place a first bet of £10 on any qualifying sports market at odds of Evens or greater (2.0+) at Betfred.
Wait for your qualifying wager to settle.
Receive your £50 in bonuses into your account shortly after.
Enjoy!
What did Wise Gambler Think of Betfred? – Our Betting Experience
Betfred, as a sports betting site, is one of the most user-friendly and experienced platforms to play on. Its site navigation is smooth, seamless, easy to grasp for beginners, and not too simple for experienced sports bettors. It has a great range of promotions for existing customers, ensuring their returned custom is valued and a great welcome offer for new sign-ups to continue attracting keen sports bettors. It has a good range of markets available, however, next to competitors, these could be expanded upon in the future to match what is available at other bookmakers. However, Betfred is still a reliable and reputable brand that, with consistent and continuous improvement, will always be one of the top.
✅ Established bookmaker and platform in the sports betting industry.
✅ Great range of different betting markets.
✅ Frequent promotions for new and existing customers are available.
✅ It is mobile-friendly via browser and on its exclusive mobile app.
Cons
❌ No 24-hour withdrawals are currently available.
❌ The platform's interface is slightly outdated.
Betfred Signup Offer: Terms and Conditions
New customers looking to claim the Betfred signup offer must be aware of the relevant terms and conditions relating to the offer, we have included details on these below.
Qualifying Bet
The first important T&C to look out for before signing up is the qualifying bet to be placed to be eligible for the Betfred promo code. This is often one of the first things listed to ensure customers see this prior to placing their bet, and it is vital to confirm before taking advantage of an offer. For example, to qualify for the Betfred UK offer, customers must place a minimum £10 bet on any sports market at odds of Evens or greater (2.0+).
Minimum odds
Minimum odds are often attached to a signup offer when placing your qualifying wager. You must meet these to place a qualifying bet and claim your £50 in bonuses from Betfred. These will be stated in the terms and conditions and look like the following: Place your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets at odds of Evens or greater (2.0+). You can receive your £50 worth of Betfred bonuses if you meet these requirements.
Bet Builders
Exclusive to Betfred is the bet builder functionality #PickYourPunt. It allows you to build your own bets and request a price for your selections. It is similar to an acca bet, except your bet is built up of selections from the same fixture, not multiple across various days. Just tweet Betfred using the hashtag, and they will respond with the odds. It is important to check the terms and conditions of bet builders and how to ensure you can claim your exclusive bet builder odds.
Opt In
In some instances, to claim a welcome bonus from a bookmaker, you will be required to 'opt in. ' This involves ticking a box to receive and benefit from the site's promotions and to confirm that you have read and accepted the relevant terms and conditions. Once you have opted in, you can start claiming the Betfred promo code.
Minimum Bet
Placing a minimum bet is often a requirement of a promotion to qualify for the attached rewards. It is important to check this so that you can ensure your first wager is eligible and you do not miss the opportunity to receive your £50 worth of bonuses. Attached to the Betfred promo code WELCOME50 is a minimum required bet to be placed of £10 or more.
Best Betting Sites: How Does Betfred Compare?
Betfred is a top player in the sports betting industry and well regarded by many. One of the brand's closest competitor sites is undoubtedly William Hill, another well-established and long-serving bookmaker. Both have a huge range of different sports available to wager on, along with great sign-up offers, in particular Betfred's, where new customers can claim £50 in bonuses when wagering £10 with the Betfred promo code WELCOME50. Live streaming is now an integral feature to an online bookmaker, and next to newer and more modern bookies such as BetMGM and bet365, Betfred continues to meet and beat customers' expectations, providing a smooth and seamless experience. It has been reported by several users that they have trouble accessing a consistent live stream at sites such as BetMGM and its experienced counterpart, William Hill, as well as there being a limited choice of sports to choose from. It receives lots of praise from customers for the existing customer promotions available at Betfred and that they are of significantly higher value than those found at William Hill. With Betfred being a tough competitor for other bookmakers, it also reportedly has one of the most hassle-free sign-up processes, making life even more challenging for other bookmakers such as William Hill, bet365 and BetMGM
Betting on Mobile with Betfred
Betfred's customers can use the bookmaker both on the desktop site and on the exclusive mobile app that can be downloaded to both iOS and Android devices. Both offer the same top experience and great features, but the app allows for the added ability to be taken on the go with users. This allows for increased accessibility and means things can be picked up right where the user left them on their desktop on their mobile and accessed from wherever they are.
Betfred Live Streaming
Betfred UK offers fantastic live-streaming services across a wide range of sports. Whether you are after football, horse racing, or boxing, Betfred has it all. Its streams run smoothly, ensuring no action is missed. Players can also take advantage of Betfred's live in-play betting options, placing and amending bets according to the live action. To take advantage of the live streaming service, customers must be signed into their Betfred accounts and have a bet placed on the match, race or event they wish to stream.
What Payment Methods Does Betfred Accept?
As one of the largest and most established bookmakers, Betfred accepts one of the top ranges of recognised and trusted payment providers. We have included a list of these below:
Deposits
Visa Debit
MasterCard
Maestro
Electron
Neteller
Visa Checkout
PayPal
Skrill
Paysafecard
Bank Transfer
Withdrawals
Visa Debit
MasterCard
Maestro
Electron
Visa Fast Funds
Neteller
Skrill
Bank Transfer
What Sports Can I Bet On Using Betfred Promo Code?
Betfred is home to a variety of different sports, tournaments and events for customers at the bookmaker to get involved with ensuring that there is something for everyone's interests. We have listed the sports available at Betfred below.
Football
Horse Racing
Greyhounds
American Football
Baseball
Basketball
Boxing
Cricket
Cycling
Darts
Formula 1
Golf
Ice Hockey
Politics
Rugby League
Rugby Union
Snooker
Tennis
UFC/MMA
Summary: Final Thoughts on Betfred
Overall, after thoroughly reviewing all of Betfred's features, it is no surprise that it remains a top choice among sports bettors. With a good range of betting markets, a great variety of sports available to customers, and the added ability to live stream sports, it has everything keen sports fans and bettors will be looking for from a betting site. We, the experts at Wisegambler.com, recommend Betfred UK as one of the best sports betting destinations in the country.
Alternative Brand Promo Codes
Now that you know all there is to know about the BetMGM bonus code, the experts at wisegambler.com thought you might be interested in some alternative brands too:
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it's important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery.
The Betfred bonus code for new customers to the bookmaker to claim £50 in bonuses when they bet £10 is WELCOME50.
What is Betfred's Payout Limit?
Betfred UK has set payout limits depending on the sport where the bet was placed and won. Check out the Betfred website for more information regarding the payout limits on your chosen sports.
Is Betfred safe to use?
Betfred is a completely legal and safe betting site in the country, licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). It is fully equipped with the best encryption software and technology to ensure that customers' details and payments are safe.
Can I Bet In-Play Using Betfred?
Yes, customers at Betfred can place live in-play bets on the website and on the app alongside live streaming.
Does Betfred have an app?
Betfred UK has a mobile app that can be downloaded from the dedicated app store for iOS and Android devices.
Chelsea shut down claims they met with Ruben Amorim to replace Mauricio Pochettino | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
The Sporting boss was in London last week for talks over his future (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea have shot down claims from Portugal that Ruben Amorim's trip to London last week was actually to speak to the Blues – not West Ham – about replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
The Sporting coach was forced to apologise over the weekend after he was spotted in London just days before his side were due to face Porto in the league, with the assumption being that he was in the capital to speak with West Ham.
For a long time, Amorim had been mooted as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, though the Reds' move for Feyenoord's Arne Slot saw him switch his attention elsewhere and it was believed that he had spoken to West Ham's hierarchy about taking over from David Moyes.
But on Tuesday morning, Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda sensationally claimed that the trip had actually been set up by Chelsea, with Amorim meeting members of the club's board to discuss succeeding the under-pressure Pochettino.
Chelsea, though, have moved quickly to deny the rumour, with The Telegraph's Matt Law reporting that the west Londoners are 'absolutely adamant' they did not pay for Amorim's flight to London.
Moreover, they did not hold any meetings or talks with the 39-year-old during his stay, with a decision over Pochettino's future – and any potential managerial search – only happening once the season is over.
The Blues are currently marooned in ninth place in the Premier League table and are facing a fight to qualify for Europe next season, with a failure to do so potentially costing Pochettino his job.
Pochettino needs a strong end to the season to solidify his position (Picture: Getty)
At the moment, his future is in the balance and results – and performances – in the run-in will play a huge factor in determining his fate, with any suggestion of the squad downing tools reflecting badly on him.
Amorim, meanwhile, apologised for taking the trip to London while Sporting are still fighting for the title and says it was a 'mistake' to hold talks with another club.
'Let's get the elephant out of the room. I'll talk about this once. The first thing is that the club was aware of my trip. It's important and changes the context,' Amorim said on Saturday afternoon.
'The second situation, talking about the cloak of secrecy surrounding the trip. I "secretly" parked the car outside, passed around 15 people, took photos with people and got on the plane.
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'Therefore, remove a little bit of that thing that was done behind our backs, mainly from the club.
'The most important point – my trip was a mistake. The timing was completely off, it didn't seem right to me at the time.
'It was inappropriate, even more so when I am so demanding with my players, I am always the first to say that each one's individual problems cannot be overcome by the team and, therefore, it was my fault.
'I have to accept it and live with it. Thinking coldly afterwards, it is very clear. It's also not true that I didn't explain to the players. I gave it to the players and the staff.
'Now it's time to move forward, also using the public part to apologise to Sporting fans, the staff and especially, publicly, to my players.'
Dave Gilbert credits Andy Lee as 'mega' force behind resurgent form | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Dave Gilbert will take on Stephen Maguire in the Crucible quarter-finals (Picture: Getty Images)
Dave Gilbert is playing as well and feeling as good as he has done in a long time, crediting the man he has dubbed 'The Caddie' for his resurgence on the table.
The Angry Farmer is into the World Championship quarter-finals after coming through qualifying and scoring impressive wins over defending champion Luca Brecel and Rob Milkins, now facing Stephen Maguire in the last eight.
This didn't look likely as recently as March when Gilbert pulled out of the World Open in Yushan for personal reasons, with seemingly little hope of improving a forgettable season in its final months.
However, old friend and fellow player Andy Lee stepped in and refocussed the Farmer's mind, quickly turning things around on and off the table.
'I pulled out of China literally hours before I was supposed to fly,' Gilbert explained. 'Andy Lee came and saw me. Since then the last four weeks I have hit more snooker balls than in two years, probably.
'He just said: "Come on son, let's have a game. Let's get to the gym. Let's eat some good food." That is pretty much it. A chat with your good old mate, who you've not seen for a while. It's as good as anything.'
43-year-old Lee is an old friend of Gilbert's, both growing up in the Midlands, and has just finished his third stint as a professional player after defeat in World Championship qualifying.
Andy Lee is helping his old pal fulfil some of his immense potential (Picture: Getty Images)
He is now planning to turn his attention away from snooker, but the Farmer would love him to stick around in his new role as coach/practice partner/advisor as it is clearly paying off.
'The Caddie has been helping me out a lot, he's got me back playing and practicing,' said Gilbert. 'Been in the gym and eating good. I've told him he can't ever leave me. He's told me he's off to get a job, but if we take it [the world title] down he's going nowhere. He's been a massive help.
'I'd love him to start coming to comps with me regularly going forward. He knows me as a person, knows how I feel so he knows what to say and do.
'A couple of things I like technically, he knows exactly what I'm looking at and thinking. He's been mega. He went through the disappointment of losing in the World Championships and I thought he was going to leave me then because I know what it feels like. He said, no we're sticking to the plan and we'll see it through. I'm very grateful.'
Gilbert is bidding to reach his second Crucible semi-final (Picture: Getty Images)
Lee and Gilbert came up with a plan to turn things around when they looked at their most bleak for the Farmer, and the Caddie is delighted to see it come together.
'Loving every minute of it,' he told Metro. 'I didn't know how it was going to pan out, but it's gone beyond expectations. I'm just enjoying the ride.
'I knew I was finishing playing after the Worlds. I committed to the plan, so I was never going to let him down and he's done great. Credit to him. He's put in all the hard work. As long as he committed to the plan, that was enough for me, it wasn't about winning or losing.
'I've been fortunate I've been able to help him. It's nice that he trusts my opinion on and off the table. It's nice to have a relationship where I can be a confidant on stuff.
'He doesn't need any coaching. Dave's a far better player than I am. But it's nice for him to lean on me for things, I know what he's looking for. I've been quite involved on the technical side as a player, I've picked up a few things along the way, if he feels like he wants to ask me things I can have an input. If he feels ok there's no need to fry his brain with anything though.
'I didn't want to stay after losing at the qualifiers, it's been tough, but I'm a man of my word and I'm committed. Hopefully we're here till the end.
'I'd already decided I wasn't carrying on playing, so it's been a nice retirement present for me so far and long may it continue for another seven days.'
'I've got a job with the home office, in immigration as a policy officer' Lee said. 'I actually applied in August and it's worked out nicely. I'm still waiting on a start date but it's worked out nicely that I can support Dave on this Crucible quest before I go and do that.'
Lee did remind his pal that if they land the £500,000 top prize together at the Crucible, all this will not come free of charge.
'The invoice is going in, he just hasn't realised yet,' Lee joked. 'I'm pricing it up as we speak.'
Their quest continues with Maguire in the quarter-finals over three sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Crucible.
