USA Update

CHANCES are, you’ll have come across – or even used – Temu for its budget range of fashion, cosmetics and small home decor items.

The Chinese-founded online marketplace made a big splash when it launched in the UK last year, grabbing the attention of budget-conscious shoppers with its tagline that promises you can “shop like a billionaire”.

Facebook/ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK

Temu

She bought it from Chinese-founded marketplace, Temu[/caption]

Temu

The online photos showed a bright green sofa, with even brighter gold hardware[/caption]

What you might not know, however, is that the platform even sells large furniture items such as sofas.

And better still, they ship direct from the UK – so you won’t have to wait weeks to receive your order.

One shopper has shared her latest sofa purchase from the company, at an eye-wateringly low price.

Taking to Facebook to share her bargain, she wrote: “This was £90 with free delivery from Temu!

“I know Temu has mixed reviews but this actually shipped from the UK and arrived in two days.”

And acknowledging that a £90 sofa may not be suitable for heavy everyday use, she noted: “It’s just for in a bedroom and I’m so happy with it.

“I thought I’d share as it could help someone in need of a sofa on a budget.”

She accompanied the post with a picture of her brand-new sofa, which looked stylish and bold in a rich shade of emerald green, finished in a velvet-effect fabric.

Her post was quickly flooded with comments from people, impressed by the price and quality.

“The colour is amazing, really nice sofa”, said one person.

“My hallway is green & gold.. would look lovely under my stairs,” another user commented.

The sofa in question is by a brand called Yaheetech, which some savvy shoppers were already familiar with, through other retailers.

“I got the exact same one off of Wayfair earlier this year, for double that price!! It’s a lovely little sofa,” said one person.

“Yaheetech stuff is decent enough, have one of their bedframes from Argos for about £40-£50,” wrote another.

But it seems there’s competition in pricing, as someone else managed to find it on Amazon, sharing a screenshot of the sofa advertised for £95.99 – with a voucher available to them, which would reduce it down to just £80.99.

“Amazon also have it and mine has a £15 voucher on it. I’m very tempted,” they shared.

Other shoppers were surprised to discover that Temu has items that ship from the UK, in the first place.

“I’ve had a few really nice home bits from their UK warehouse,” wrote one.

“I only discovered it a few weeks back, thinking surely these big items have a huge delivery cost, but then I realised. It’s a game changer,” they raved.

Someone else gave advice on how to find UK-based items, sharing, “You can filter so it only shows items from the local warehouse. I ordered a gaming chair for my son for xmas and it came the day after!”

“Oh my god didn’t know this, now on looking for local items,” replied another shopper.

LEEDS are planning a daring raid for midfield dynamo Dario Essugo at Sporting Lisbon.

Powerful Portugal Under-21s ace Essugo has been loaned to Las Palmas in Spain.

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Leeds are interested in signing Dario Essugo[/caption]

Leeds tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.

Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.

In the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim decided to loan him out.

He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.

Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.

He scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.

Meanwhile, Leeds are set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.

Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Leeds salvaged a late draw at Preston yesterday.

Daniel Farke’s side fell behind courtesy of Brad Potts’ 23rd minute opener.

They finally levelled in the 93rd minute, via Jack Whatmough’s own goal.

The draw saw Leeds fall three points behind leaders Sheffield United, who beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at Bramall Lane.

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Daniel Farke is chasing reinforcements for Leeds’ promotion bid[/caption]

WHEN I feel a sore throat coming, I just know I’m going to get ill.

It starts with a light tickle then develops into an agonising scratchiness that makes it painful to swallow.

This can last for days on end before my other inevitable symptoms – coughing, a headache and a fever – arrive.

But is there anything you can do to ease your sore throat in that awful in between time? I set out to find out.

As soon as I clocked mine coming, I put nine popular remedies to the test – and got an expert’s verdict on each one.

Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, tells Sun Health: “People get sore throats when they are infected with a virus, have cold and flu, bacterial infections, allergies and from smoking.

“You can also get a sore throat from having a dry mouth and sleeping with your mouth open.

“It can feel dry, irritated, scratchy and painful when swallowing.

“It can also be accompanied with swollen glands and a cough.

“The main illnesses associated with a sore throat include laryngitis, tonsillitis and glandular fever, and they are occasionally caused by a bacterial infection such as strep throat.

“There are lots of remedies. Paracetamol, anaesthetic sprays and gargling with warm salt water, for example, can help to relieve pain.”

From Strepsils to smoothies, here’s what we both had to say.

1. Strepsils

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• Pain reduction: 3/5
• Efficiency: 4/5
• Longevity: 2/5
• Final score: 3/5

Strepsils are marketed as providing “soothing, effective relief for sore throats” – so obviously they were my first port of call.

And I can honestly say they did help a little.

Even a few seconds after I popped one in my mouth, I noticed an instant sense of relief.

My throat was no longer quite as scratchy-feeling, and my eyes weren’t watering as much.

I also rather enjoyed the sweet honey and lemon flavour!

However, the effects were short-lived, with my discomfort back again some 30 minutes later.

I also suspect the relief came largely from the extra saliva – not necessarily the Hexylresorcinol, a local anaesthetic – as I had a similar experience with Soothers.

Abbas says: “Lozenges can offer some relief from sore throats, specifically, ones that have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic or local anaesthetic ingredients.

“They target the bacteria and reduce swelling.”

2. Hot honey and lemon

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A warm drink made with honey, lemon and ginger could provide short-term relief[/caption]

• Pain reduction: 4/5
• Efficiency: 4/5
• Longevity: 2/5
• Final score: 3/5

Warm drinks are always comforting when you’re ill.

As a tea and coffee-hater, I usually go for a chai latte or a hot chocolate.

But because you always hear about the benefits of hot honey and lemon for sore throats, I thought I’d give that a try.

I boiled the kettle and added the juice of half a lemon into my mug, along with a generous squeezing of honey, and a bit of raw ginger for good measure.

It actually tasted decent and definitely helped ease my irritated throat.

My head also hurt a little less – probably as it was helping to keep me hydrated.

However, once I’d stopped sipping, my sore throat quickly came back again, so it’s definitely not a long-term solution.

It could help if you also have a cough though, according to Abbas.

“Hot lemon with honey can have a similar effect to cough medication,” he adds.

“Both lemon and honey have natural powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and they don’t come with the potential side effects of some over-the-counter remedies.”

3. Salt water gargle

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The NHS recommends gargling with warm salt water[/caption]

• Pain reduction: 1/5
• Efficiency: 1/5
• Longevity: 2/5
• Final score: 1/5

“Salt water gargles can be effective for immediate soothing,” Abbas says.

“While it won’t cure a sore throat, it can help bring down the inflammation.”

However, this was my least favourite of the bunch.

I followed NHS advice, which told me to dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then gargle with the solution before spitting it out.

It tasted exactly as you’d expect – like the sea, but warm – and actually made me cough more than I was already.

I can’t say I noticed much of a difference in how sore my throat felt, and I needed to have another drink afterwards because of the taste it left in my mouth.

But Abbas says it’s a good option for people who prefer natural remedies.

“Like all medication, pain relievers can cause side effects – some of which are nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, itching, sweating and depression,” he says.

“In some people aged over 65, there can be an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking ibuprofen.”

4. Soothers

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Alice found Soothers helped ease her sore throat within 20 seconds[/caption]

• Pain reduction: 3/5
• Efficiency: 4/5
• Longevity: 2/5
• Final score: 3/5

Soothers don’t contain any actual medicine – it’s mostly just sugar and a bit of fruit juice – but they do help soothe your throat.

I found within maybe 20 seconds of my first one that mine had started to ease.

The blackcurrant flavour is also decent, though I prefer the peach!

Sadly though, the effects don’t last too long, and I felt I wanted to reach for a second sweet within an hour.

Like the Strepsils, I think a large part of the benefits came from how moist my mouth became.

Abbas says: “Sweets like Soothers can help to increase the production of saliva, which helps to moisturise the throat.

“They can also help to coat the throat with glucose which acts as a soothing film.”

5. Lemsip Max Cold and Flu

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Lemsip Max Cold & Flu was the top scorer[/caption]

• Pain reduction: 5/5
• Efficiency: 5/5
• Longevity: 4/5
• Final score: 5/5

Lemsip Max Cold and Flu is designed for the symptomatic relief of colds and flu, according to the manufacturers.

This includes headaches, fevers, blocked noses, body aches and pains, and you guessed it, sore throats.

By the time I got my hands on a box, I was definitely also noticing other symptoms developing.

My head was throbbing, I was feeling hot and sweaty one minute and shivery the next, and I had started coughing.

But Lemsip sorted me right out. My sore throat vanished almost instantly and remained at bay for hours.

My body also felt less achy and my fluctuating temperature calmed down a bit.

Abbas says: “Lemsip is packed full of active ingredients that help to relieve sore throats and inflammation.

“It also helps with symptoms of cold and flu, such as aches, pains and headaches.”

You can buy Lemsip in tablet form, but I think the drinkable sachet version is miles better as it’s comforting and helps you stay hydrated – something which is vital when you’re unwell.

My cup of blackcurrant flavoured goodness (to me, the lemon flavour is gross) kept my symptoms at bay for about four hours – far longer than any of the other remedies I tried!

6. Ice lollies

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Ice lollies can provide instant comfort but not long-term satisfaction[/caption]

• Pain reduction: 3/5
• Efficiency: 4/5
• Longevity: 1/5
• Final score: 2/5

I knew deep down that an ice lolly wasn’t going to cure me.

However, I was surprised to find that it did provide genuine pain relief.

I went for a Wall’s Mini Milk as a throwback to my childhood, and it was delicious and very soothing.

The cold helped perk me up and ease my throat, and the sweetness was a yummy bonus!

Like the lozenges, it was fleeting – but it worked nonetheless.

But Abbas warned that they can cause further problems.

“The cooling of ice cream may offer temporary relief to soreness, however it can have high sugar content which can increase inflammation,” he says.

7. Beechams All in One Liquid

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Beechams All in One was another high scorer[/caption]

• Pain reduction: 4/5
• Efficiency: 3/5
• Longevity: 4/5
• Final score: 4/5

Similar to Lemsip, Beechams All in One liquid is an all-rounder.

But this product allegedly also treats blocked noses and chesty coughs – two things I went on to develop big time.

It contains paracetamol to dull pain and reduce your temperature when you have a fever, the expectorant guaifenesin to loosen phlegm and relieve a chesty cough, and the decongestant phenylephrine hydrochloride to unblock your nose and sinuses to help you breathe more easily.

I found it helped with everything, but especially congestion.

My sore throat did ease a little afterwards, but it was my clearer sinuses that was most noticeable.

Abbas says this is because generally, sore throats simply need to run their course.

8. Smoothie

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• Pain reduction: 3/5
• Efficiency: 3/5
• Longevity: 1/5
• Final score: 2/5

Much like the ice lolly, I didn’t have high hopes for a smoothie.

I blended one fresh and one frozen banana, some frozen blueberries, milk, Greek yoghurt and a dollop of peanut butter.

It was delicious, and eased my throat for about 30 minutes, but sadly it had no long-term impact.

“If you opt for a smoothie that has ingredients high in anti-inflammatory properties, this can help to boost your immune system, which is important for your recovery,” Abbas says.

This could be things like leafy green vegetables or fruits like strawberries and blueberries.

“The coolness and texture can also help to soothe any dryness,” the pharmacist adds.

9. Ginger shot

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Ginger is said to have numerous benefits, including helping with a sore throat[/caption]

• Pain reduction: 1/5
• Efficiency: 2/5
• Longevity: 1/5
• Final score: 1/5

My TikTok For You page is flooded with videos touting the benefits of ginger shots.

And it could be for good reason. Ginger is said to boost the immune system, aid digestion, be anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea and anti-fungal, according to Healthline.

One of the other alleged benefits is easing a sore throat, so I thought I would give it a go.

I blended raw ginger, freshly-squeezed juice from oranges and lemons, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper and a bit of water, then strained it.

It was fiery! And to be honest, I think it may have made my throat burn more than it was already.

That said, it is supposed to have longer-term benefits as well as immediate ones, so I can’t say it won’t be good for me in weeks to come.

Abbas says: “Ginger is a powerful natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory remedy.

“As well as healing the throat, it can also help with nausea and boost immunity.”

IT’S THE time of the year when people are travelling home for Christmas – although many are likely to have coughs and colds.

If you’re catching a plane with a cough or a sniffle you might think you’re ok to board, but this isn’t strictly the case.

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Flight attendants can turn away sick passengers if they have a contagious disease (stock image)[/caption]

Flight attendants can actually deny passengers boarding if they have a contagious illness and are displaying symptoms.

Earlier this year, Sun Travel’s resident flight attendant explained why cabin crew members really welcome passengers onto a plane.

It’s not just a nice gesture, cabin crew members are also working out how fit and healthy people are before the plane takes off.

Sun Travel’s flight attendant said: “We want to look out for anyone who looks unwell.

“Some people fly when they really shouldn’t and we’re well within our rights to remove someone from the plane if they look too sick.

“The last thing we really want is illness spreading through the cabin, so anyone who’s obviously unwell, or goes straight to the toilet after getting on board will be viewed with suspicion.

“We don’t have a lot of time between people getting on the plane and it taking off, so we very often have to make quick judgement calls on whether or not they’re fit to fly.

“So, if you’re strong and muscular, or ill and sniffling, we will be paying special attention to you when you get on board.”

Airlines in the UK like Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI and British Airways can be denied boarding if they have a contagious illness.

Ryanair’s policy states: “All air carriers reserve the right to refuse to carry passengers with conditions that may worsen, or have serious consequences for them or their fellow passengers during the flight”.

This includes infectious diseases like the flu, chickenpox and measles.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier easyJet only lets passengers who have viral infections like the flu board when they are no longer contagious.

Airlines across the pond also operate with a similar policy.

A policy from Delta Airlines states: “[they] may refuse to transport or may remove passengers from its aircraft […] when the passenger has a contagious disease that may be transmissible to other passengers during the normal course of the flight [or] when the passenger is seriously ill, unless the passenger provides a physician’s written permission to fly.”

American Airlines and United Airlines will also deny boarding to passengers who they suspect of having a contagious disease.

Feeling bunged up isn’t nice at any time, but add in changes in air pressure while you’re on a plane, and it can lead to a painful flight.

A flight attendant has shared a tip on how to reduce your chances of your ears popping on a plane.

She said in a Tiktok video: “I always carry some kind of nose spray or cold or sinus medicine to keep with me.

“If I ever feel like I’m getting stuffy on a flight, I definitely always make sure to take it right before take off and 30 minutes or so before we land.”

Meanwhile, a flying nanny has shared tips for making sure your child’s ears don’t hurt while they are on a flight.

A flight attendant has also revealed the one favour you should never ask for on a plane, as they will always say no.

Credit: caia image / Alamy Stock Photo

Flight attendants greet passengers to see if they’re unwell (stock image)[/caption]

NANCY Pelosi has underwent hip replacement surgery after being rushed to hospital due to a fall.

The former US House speaker was seen clinging to a fellow lawmaker as she fell down a marble staircase in Luxembourg.

AFP

Nancy Pelosi, 84, was rushed to hospital after she fell down a staircase on an overseas trip[/caption]

Instagram / royalsofluxembourg

Pelosi was on an official visit to Luxembourg[/caption]

Instagram / royalsofluxembourg

Nancy Pelosi is seen in a portrait taken hours before she fell down a marble staircase[/caption]

Pelosi, 84, was airlifted by the US military to a hospital in Germany after she fractured her hip.

She was initially rushed to local hospital in Luxembourg for an emergency evaluation.

The California Democrat was said to have underwent a “successful” operation, according to her spokesperson Ian Krager.

“Earlier this morning, Speaker Emerita Pelosi underwent a successful hip replacement and is well on the mend,” her spokesperson said.

While Krager’s statement didn’t provide details on the injury, The New York Times reported that Pelosi “tripped going down marble stairs at the Grand Ducal Palace and took a hard fall”.

The incident happened while the Democrat was attending an official event on Friday.

She had traveled with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the World War Two Battle of the Bulge.

Pelosi’s future events on the trip had to be canceled due to her injury.

The group was set to attend scheduled events to honor veterans on Friday and Saturday.

The Democrat praised doctors and said she received “excellent care”, according to her spokesperson.

“She looks forward to returning home to the US soon,” he added.

Hours earlier, Pelosi was pictured clutching the hand of Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul, a representative from Texas, in a portrait to mark the event.

McCaul posted that he was “praying for a speedy recovery” for Pelosi, on social media.

Pelosi served as the Democratic leader in the House for 15 years before stepping down two years ago.

She was re-elected to represent her San Francisco district, just last month, for another two years.

MCCONNELL’S FALL

Former Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, 82, also suffered an accident this week.

The Kentucky senator collapsed at a GOP lunch on Tuesday.

“Leader McConnell tripped following lunch,” his office confirmed after the scare.

“He sustained a minor cut to the face and sprained his wrist.

“He has been cleared to resume his schedule.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

TOURISTS with suspected alcohol poisoning are fighting for their lives in Fiji just weeks after six backpackers died from tainted shots in Laos.

Guests at the Warwick Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast allegedly became ill after drinking a cocktail at the venue’s bar on Saturday night.

The group were taken to the nearby Sigatoka Hospital with “nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms,” according to local media.

It is said that two of the victims were later transferred to Lautoka hospital.

They are reportedly aged between 18 and 56.

The ABC reported that seven tourists were in a critical condition and four of those affected were believed to be Australian.

Cops and health officials were investigating an alleged alcohol poisoning at a resort on Fiji’s renowned Coral Coast after seven guests fell ill after drinking alcohol, according to local media.

On Sunday afternoon, Dfat updated its travel advice for Fiji, highlighting a warning about the risk of alcohol poisoning.

The updated advice read: “Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.

“Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) told Guardian Australia through a spokesperson on Sunday evening that it was providing consular assistance to two Australian families in Fiji but declined to provide further details.

The suspected alcohol poisoning incident comes after six people died from methanol poisoning in November after drinking tainted alcohol while in Vang Vieng, Laos.

A vodka and whisky factory believed to be the source of a deadly batch of drinks that killed six backpackers has been closed by Laos police.

Simone White, a 28-year-old lawyer from London, was one of the victims fatally poisoned by methanol whilst partying in the traveller hotspot Vang Vieng last month.

Police have arrested the owner of the factory that pumped out cheap local liquors known as Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky and banned the sale of the drinks, according to ABC.

The run-down site outside the capital city Vientiane has been shutdown by authorities until it sorts out its production process.

At the now-abandoned factory blue drapes have been placed over stacks of empty bottles and Tiger Whisky packaging lay beside an extinguished fire outside.

The six poisoning victims were all staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel, where eight staff have also been arrested after reportedly refusing to call an ambulance for the dying guests.

The detained workers are believed to be Vietnamese nationals, but no charges have yet been brought against them.

The manager and bartender at the hostel, Duong Duc Toan, was investigated last week by local police and detained. 

The foreign travellers fell ill just hours after drinking free shots of Tiger Vodka given out by the hostel’s bar, but it is not clear if this was the source of the methanol contamination.

Toan previously denied any drinks served at the hostel could have made guests ill.

Among the victims were Danish friends Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald, 21, who died after they were left “vomiting blood” for 13 hours.

Peter Jordan

Simone White, 28, a lawyer from Orpington, Kent, died after drinking booze suspected to have been laced with methanol[/caption]

CHRIS Rock returned to Saturday Night Live and opened the show with a blistering monologue that took aim at everyone from Jake Paul to Bill Clinton.

The controversial comedian, 60, savaged YouTuber turned boxer Paul after he defeated former heavyweight king Mike Tyson in a huge stadium fight.

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Chris Rock was in fiery form on last night’s SNL[/caption]

He said: “Who is this Jake Paul? This 27-year-old punching a 60-year-old in the face. Is this what the white man has reduced himself to? Stop it! Who’s he going to fight next, Morgan Freeman? I hate Jake Paul. I got landlord hate for him.”

Rock weighed in on the murder of healthcare boss Brian Thompson and the glorification of his alleged killer Luigi Mangione.

He ranted: “I really feel sorry for the family. Everybody’s fixated on how good-looking this guy looks.

“If he looked like Jonah Hill, no one would care. They’d already given him the chair already — he’d be dead. But he actually killed a man — a man with a family, a man with kids. I have condolences.

“This is a real person, you know? But you also got to go, ‘You know, sometimes drug dealers get shot.’”

And he served former President Bill Clinton a zinger when comparing him to Donald Trump.

In defense of two-time President Trump, he fired: “Come on, man, this is not the most dignified job in the world.

“We’ve had presidents show up to the inauguration with pregnant slaves, okay? And I’m just talking about Bill Clinton.”

The seven-minute opening gambit certainly had some memorable lines but viewers were distracted by the way Rock was reliant on the teleprompter.

One person posted on X: “Chris Rock’s acting is pretty terrible. Like my guy is reading straight from the teleprompter and struggling.”

Another said: “Is Chris Rock reading straight from the teleprompter?”

A third wrote: “Watching snl rn and chris rock didn’t memorize a single line.”

In his defense, one said: “Chris Rock is 60 yrs old. Memorization gets a lot harder at that age. His delivery was good, despite relying on the teleprompter. I laughed during the monologue. Sure, lots of his jokes have an edge, but his take is funny.”

Elsewhere in the show, Rock was joined by his Hollywood pal Adam Sandler for a gory medical sketch.

The pair starred together on SNL in the early 90s and some of that old magic was still there.

Rock, Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Emil Wakim and Sarah Sherman were partnered together for the laugh out loud scene.

Sherman played a hapless nurse called Leslie who made blunder after blunder on a patient lying underneath a blue sheet.

Among her gaffes was the removal of the wrong organ, prompting her to say: “Oh my God. I’m so embarrassed. Okay, I’m just going to own it, that was me.”

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Gracie Abrams was the musical guest[/caption]

An X-ray then showed an AirPod in the patient’s chest, which Leslie was again responsible for.

The patient, who was played by Sandler, then woke up having not been given enough anesthetic.

Blood sprayed everywhere, before Sandler said: “If Leslie was a guy, would I punch her in the face? Yes. If I were a woman, would I punch her in the face? Without a doubt.

“But every workplace needs a Leslie. Yeah. Everyone needs – everyone needs a Leslie.”

The chaotic sketch ended with Leslie unplugging Sandler’s heart monitor to charge her AirPods.

Alex Murdaugh is serving two life sentences for fatally shooting his wife, Maggie, and youngest son, Paul in South Carolina.

Nevin Shapiro was among the 1,499 recipients of commutations announced by the White House on Friday.

The route extends from Shibbari BRT terminus in Gazipur to the airport and spans 20.5 kilometers and extends another 22 kilometers from the airport to Gulistan. TBS report December 15, 2024, 12:45 p.m Last modified: December 15, 2024, 1:34 p.m The 10 AC buses will run under BRTC along the BRT lane. Photo: TBS “> […]