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Cheapest places to rent in the USA revealed – Midwest prices skyrocket but a tourist hotspot is seeing a drastic drop

RENTING in the US is getting cheaper or more expensive, depending on where you live.

That’s according to new research which has found the US rental market is experiencing a regional divide.

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Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale says a regional divide is emerging in the rental market[/caption]
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Southern cities including Nashville and Dallas have seen some of the largest falls in rents[/caption]

Realtor.com’s September Rental Report found rents in the Midwest are rising while southerner rents are declining.

Rents grew fastest in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Minneapolis, while the fastest declines occurred in Nashville, Dallas, and Austin, Texas.

Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale said housing supply and demand was one of the most influential factors on rental affordability.

“The balance between housing supply and demand is a key factor shaping regional rent patterns,” Hale said.

“In markets across the South, increased multi-family inventory is easing competition among renters and driving down prices. 

“On the other hand, in the Midwest, where demand has still outpaced supply, we continue to see rising rents.

“Nationally, the relative stability in rent prices should translate into slower shelter inflation in the months ahead, easing one of the biggest recent drivers of price increases.”

While rents are dropping in many parts of the country, eight of the 10 midwestern markets saw year-on-year rent increases in September.

Cincinnati grew the fastest at 3.4%.

This was followed by St. Louis (2.6%) and Minneapolis (1.9%) also ranked among the top 10 fastest growing markets.

Only Chicago (-2.6%) and Detroit (-0.3%) experienced rent declines.

According to the new research, southern metros dominated the list of markets with the largest annual rent drops.

Eight of the top 10 metros with the steepest declines were in the south.

Nashville, Tennessee, saw the sharpest decline (-4.8%).

Other Southern cities on the list include Dallas; Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta; Miami; and San Antonio

The rapid growth of new multi-family housing in these areas is cooling the market, providing much-needed relief for renters.

RENTS TIED TO RATE CUTS

The new research comes after The U.S. Sun revealed projections from economists that housing costs would drop in three months due to the Federal Reserve’s move to slash rates.

The new projections come after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point last month, a move that will affect millions of Americans and marked the first time the central bank has cut rates since 2020.

The rate cut is designed to regulate inflation, which economists say will stimulate the economy and make things more affordable for consumers.

Housing experts said that while the rate cuts will take some time to work their way into the economy, the rate-cutting cycle will likely put downward pressure on the cost of living.

Housing experts said a federal rate cutting cycle will bring down the cost of construction and encourage more development which in turn increases the supply of houses.

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The 13 most common mistakes parents make with newborns – and how to avoid them  

FEEDING, sleeping, changing and generally keeping them safe – there is so much to think about with a new baby.

And all parents will make some mistakes along the way.

a woman holding a baby with a sweater bottle and pills in the background
From extra jumpers to gut health, experts reveal the 13 things they would never do with a baby

Lesley Bland, midwife at My Expert Midwife, said: “Most of us know the basics of what to do with a newborn.

“We support their heads, keep them warm, and change their wet and dirty nappies as often as needed.

“And we tend to know what we shouldn’t do with them.

“But are you aware that there are lots of things you should never do?”

Here, Lesley and eight other experts, all speaking at The Baby Show, which returns to Olympia London from October 25 to 27, reveal the most common mistakes parents make, the consequences – and how to avoid them.

1. Following the crowd

As a new parent, it can be easy to compare yourself to others.

But Lucy Shrimpton, sleep and wellbeing expert at The Baby Show and founder of The Sleep Nanny, urges mums and dads to avoid doing so as much as possible.

“One thing I believe you should never do with a new baby is feel pressured to follow anyone else’s routine or timetable,” she said.

“It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your baby’s sleep, feeding, or development with others, or to think you should be doing things a certain way because someone else says so.

“But every baby is different, and the most important thing you can do is to tune into your baby’s cues and trust your own instincts.

“There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to parenting, and what works for someone else might not be the best thing for you or your baby.

“Trust your connection, create your own rhythm, and let go of the pressure to fit into a standard that doesn’t feel right for you.”

She also wants to remind parents that it’s “perfectly OK” to ask for help when you feel stuck.

“You’re not expected to have all the answers, and the right experts can provide the tailored support you need when things feel uncertain,” Lucy added.

“Your intuition is powerful, and with the right guidance, you can find what works best for you and your baby.”

Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed agrees. She said: “Never compare your baby with others.

“I learnt this the hard way, but truly every single baby is unique when it comes to eating, feeding, sleeping and their entire personality.

“Your friend’s baby is not your baby so they are bound to be very different.”

2. Bundling with blankets

As winter draws closer, resist the urge to wrap your little one up in blankets, Pip Davies, aka Midwife Pip, said.

“It can be tempting to make sure your new baby is super warm and cosy, but actually being too hot is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so following safe sleep guidelines on layers and dressing baby is really important,” she added.

Lesley said: “Never place them in a cot or bed with soft toys, bumpers, loose blankets or anything else that could become a suffocating hazard.”

a white dog is laying on a yellow chair
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Experts have warned parents never to leave their youngsters alone with family pets – even if they’re friendly[/caption]

3. Layering up

The same goes for when you’re out and about.

“Don’t over dress babies in a baby carrier,” Vern Hill, babywearing expert, founder of Carifit and dad-of-two, said.

“Always take one layer off as you and the carrier combined count as a layer.

“So strip them down before you pop them in for a carrier walk or nap.

“The golden rule for babywearing at Carifit is that we feed them, layer them, and then we get moving.

“Often, a hot or hungry baby will be far less settled in their carrier so this tip can be a game changer.”

Lesley added: “Never overheat your baby.

“Do not place them in full sun, avoid placing them near heaters and radiators, and think about how many layers you have them dressed in and how many blankets you put over them at night.

“As a rule, there should be no hats or coats on indoors, and babies only need one layer in addition to what you are wearing to feel comfortable.

“For example, if you have a t-shirt on, place your baby in a t-shirt and a long-sleeved babygrow, or if you have a t-shirt and a sweater on, put baby in a t-shirt, a long sleeved babygrow and a single layer blanket (a folded blanket counts as two layers).”

4. ‘Exercising their lungs’

One of the most common misconceptions, according to parenting expert Rachel FitzD, is that newborns should be left to “exercise their lungs”.

“Never leave your new baby to cry,” the author of Your Baby Skin to Skin said.

“Babies cannot meet their own needs in any way at all and so are totally dependent on their carers for everything, 24/7.

“Your nan may tell you that babies need to ‘exercise their lungs’ or that, by always picking them up the minute they start to whimper, you are creating bad habits and a clingy child, but this isn’t true.

“Babies are unable to learn how to self-soothe or tell the difference between night or day for many months and so leaving them to cry simply increases their stress … and yours.”

How to baby-proof your house

IF you've got a baby coming very soon, here's our top tips on how to get your home ready for their arrival...

Secure Furniture and Appliances: Use brackets or straps to anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall. Ensure that large appliances like fridges and ovens are stable and cannot tip over.

Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby-proofed.

Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to prevent little fingers from poking into sockets. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach or secured.

Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Store hazardous substances, sharp objects, and small items that can be swallowed out of reach.

Use Corner and Edge Protectors: Attach soft corner and edge protectors to furniture with sharp edges. Consider using them on low tables, countertops, and fireplace hearths.

Secure Windows and Doors: Install window guards or locks to prevent windows from opening more than a few inches. Use door knob covers and door stoppers to prevent pinched fingers.

Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the cot. Ensure the cot meets current safety standards.

Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Regularly check the floor for small objects that could be choking hazards. Be mindful of items like coins, buttons, and small toys.

Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding. Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in.

Use Baby Monitors: Place baby monitors in the nursery to keep an eye on your little one. Ensure the monitor cords are out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.

By taking these steps, you can create a safer environment for your baby.

5. Smoking

Most people know not to smoke around babies.

But did you know that you shouldn’t even hold a newborn after a cigarette?

That’s according to Lesley. She said: “Never handle them if you have been smoking.

“Even if you have been smoking outside and then come inside, you will have smoke on your clothes and body.

“Before handling a baby, you should wash your hands and change your clothes.

“Even second-hand smoke is associated with an increased risk of SIDS.”

6. Choosing only milk

Cow’s milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around six months.

“But avoid offering it as a main drink until they are at least 12 months old,” nutritionist Charlotte said.

“This doesn’t offer the appropriate nutrition for your baby in their first year of life.”

And when you do introduce it, choose only pasteurised whole milk and semi-skimmed milk.

“Skimmed and one per cent milk should not be given as a main drink to children under five because they do not contain enough calories,” the NHS says.

7. Bottle additions

When feeding, you should never add anything to a baby’s bottle, Charlotte added.

“Anything else can be a choking hazard and/or isn’t recommended for young babies.”

a baby is sleeping on a bed with white sheets
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Never label a child a ‘bad sleeper’, experts say[/caption]

8. Labelling ‘bad sleepers’

You’ve almost certainly heard someone refer to their baby as a “bad sleeper”.

Whether they take a long time to fall asleep or wake up constantly throughout the night, the phrase is incredibly common.

But it shouldn’t be, Heidi Skudder, founder of Positively Parenthood, said.

“Never label your baby a ‘bad sleeper’,” she said.

“So many parents are told that they were also a ‘bad sleeper’ when they were young, but there is no such thing as a bad sleeper, just multiple reasons as to why a baby doesn’t sleep.

“Focus on addressing the root cause of your baby’s sleep issues as well as focusing on establishing positive sleep habits and your baby will soon go from a ‘bad’ to ‘great’ sleeper.”

9. Accompanying pets

Whether it’s in the bath or on the sofa with the dog, Lesley and Rachel implored parents never to leave their newborns alone.

“After the constant companionship of being in the womb for nine months, the transition to being in the big wide world takes time and expecting a newborn to be able to tolerate being alone day or night is expecting too much,” Rachel said.

“A good sling in the daytime and a next-to-me crib or Moses basket by your bed overnight means that your baby gets the constant closeness that is absolutely essential in the early weeks and months whilst you get on with your life.”

Did you know that your baby’s gut health is super important for their overall development?

Lucy UptonThe Children's Dietitian

Lesley added: “Never leave a baby unattended in the bath – even in a bath seat or bath support.

“They should also never be left unattended with animals – even the most family-oriented dog can turn on a baby.

“They can be triggered by noises, smells, or being poked and prodded.”

10. Ignoring their gut

We hear a lot about looking after our gut health in adulthood.

“But don’t overlook your newborn’s gut health,” Lucy Upton, The Children’s Dietitian, said.

“Did you know that your baby’s gut health is super important for their overall development?

“A healthy gut microbiome helps support their immune system and even plays a role in brain development!

“Plus, a less-than-ideal community of gut bacteria can increase the risk of allergies and asthma, and more later on.  

“How you feed your baby can affect their community of gut bugs, with breast milk , for example, containing things like its own community of bacteria and food for your baby’s gut friends.    

“You can consider  introducing probiotics to your little one from birth, but the key is to choose one that’s clinically tested, with good scientific backing for your baby’s gut and overall health, but that’s also easy to administer in drop form for example.”

Where to find parental support

NSPCC – Offers support for parents, from helping to get babies to sleep, bonding with your baby, managing family life, dealing with bullying and even parental mental health.

Action For Children – Offers a parenting programme “to help parents and children bond, learn, or overcome difficulties”.

Family Lives – Call free on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. 

11. Taking a nap while nursing

New parents are often exhausted, and it can be easy to drift off at any moment.

But Danielle Facey, The Breastfeeding Mentor, wants you to take extra care not to fall asleep when nursing.

She said: “Never fall asleep nursing on an unsafe surface.

“First, it’s crucial to be mindful of the strong effects of oxytocin and prolactin.

“These hormones, released during nursing, can make new mothers feel extremely sleepy, so it’s important to avoid the risk of accidentally falling asleep while breastfeeding.

“Finding a comfortable but safe position for you and your baby is key to preventing any potential hazards.

“The Lullaby Trust has advice and research on practising safe bedsharing and cosleeping.”

12. Ignoring pain

Danielle also wants to remind mums that breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful.

“It is a myth that breastfeeding should be excruciatingly painful,” she said.

“If it is, you need support.

“If you experience any pain while breastfeeding, it’s essential not to push through it.

“Pain is typically a sign of an underlying issue, and it’s always best to seek advice from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who specialises in breastfeeding support.

“They can provide you with expert guidance, which is often more effective than consulting your GP on breastfeeding issues.”

13. Worrying about ‘too much love’

And finally, you really can never love your kids too much, according to Vern.

He said: “Never feel like you can spoil them – you can’t.

“Hold them, kiss them, cuddle them, wear them in your baby carrier as much as you’d like.

“Research shows that it will calm them and calm you, as carried young babies are designed to be ‘attached’ to their primary caregivers so you can’t spoil them with contact and no you won’t make a rod for your own back.”

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby under the age of 12 months where no cause is found.

Around 89 per cent of deaths happen when the tot is under six months old.

It is relatively rare, with 182 babies dying from SIDS in the UK in 2021.

While doctors don’t know exactly what triggers it, there are ways to significantly reduce the chances of SIDS occurring:

  • Put your baby on their back for all sleeps – day and night
  • Share a room with your baby for the first six months
  • Place your baby on their own, clear, flat sleep surface (e.g. cot or Moses basket)
  • Keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth
  • Never sleep on a sofa or armchair
  • Do not co-sleep if you or anyone in the bed has been drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking drugs or medication that makes you drowsy

These things are especially important for babies who were born prematurely or of a low birth weight, as they are typically at higher risk of SIDS.

Source: The Lullaby Trust

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I ‘instantly’ won $2 million playing Mega Multiplier lottery – and it’s all because I made a ‘popular choice’

A LUCKY lotto winner has revealed how he scooped a $2million jackpot at the Mega Multiplier Lottery after making a “popular choice”.

Michael Buckner, 58, from South Carolina decided to buy a $20 ticket for an instant lotto game instead of trying his luck at a casino – and it paid off big time.

Michigan Lottery
Michael Buckner opted to buy instant tickets instead of going to the casino and it paid off big time[/caption]

He revealed how he was caught in a dilemma while choosing between playing a game at a nearby casino or easy lotto tickets, hoping to get an instant prize.

“I was trying to decide between going to the casino or buying instant tickets and ended up deciding to buy instant tickets,” the lucky man said.

He described how he felt it was all unreal the moment he scooped the jackpot.

“When I scratched off the $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier game and saw I won $2 million, I didn’t think it was real,” he added.

“I called my girlfriend to tell her what I won, but she didn’t believe it either. It still hasn’t fully sunk in!”

Buckner then visited the Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize.

Instead of getting small but regular payments, he decided to get about $1.3million in full as a one-time payment, according to Michigan Lottery Connect.

“Michael made a winning decision when he spent $20 to buy a $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier instant game ticket,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli.

“Instant games are a popular choice with players throughout Michigan and helped the Lottery post a contribution of more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund in the 2024 fiscal year for the sixth consecutive year.”

Buckner now plans to share the money with his family and save the rest for his retirement.

It comes after a lucky lottery player was left shocked when he won a multi-million dollar jackpot after trying for over three decades.

Kevin Connor of Leicester, Massachusetts — just west of Worcester — won the $2.64 million Megabucks jackpot on Saturday, August 24.

However, the person responsible for the win is his wife, CBS News reported.

This is because she is a major inspiration for all the lottery tickets he has bought in the more than 30 years he has played.

“He plays a combination that consists of his wife’s old landline number from when they first started dating, as well as his wife’s favorite number,” lottery officials told the outlet.

Connor purchased the ticket as part of his usual lottery routine after playing golf at the Hillcrest Country Club.

The winning numbers were: 5, 6, 8, 9, 24, 32.

Connor told lottery officials he was in Maine with the family for the weekend when he realized he had won big.

After the draw, he checked the lottery app and his life changed when Connor beat the odds of one in 7,059,052 to win the top prize.

However, he had a tough decision to make before he could take the cash home to his wife.

Winners of large lottery prizes have to decide if they want to take home a lesser lump sum after taxes or the full amount.

Those who choose the latter will accept their cash in a series of annual payments where taxes are deducted each year.

Connor took the most popular option of taking home the lump-sum prize of $1.8 million before tax.

Around “90% of all lottery winners take the lump sum distribution,” Lottery lawyer Andrew Stoltmann previously told The U.S. Sun.

Last week, a lottery player in Michigan who won a $4 million jackpot chose to sacrifice over $1 million to immediately receive the cash.

Meanwhile, a raft of lottery players in the same state have been urged to check their tickets as almost 30 prizes go unclaimed.

Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?

The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.

Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.

Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.

Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.

Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.

Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.

Top lottery winners in the US

Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.

  • Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California.
  • Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California.
  • Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida.
  • Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016.
  • Unknown winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
  • Unknown winner – he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine.
  • Unknown winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
  • Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
  • Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
  • Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021, from Michigan.
  • Unknown winner – $842.4 million Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024, from Michigan.

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Dua Lipa joins Cher to perform her iconic hit at Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as they stun on the red carpet with Zendaya

DUA Lipa was joined by pop royalty Cher as she took to the stage for a belting performance at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The Levitating hitmaker donned a strapless leather dress with thigh-high side splits and chain detail as she took to the stage in Ohio.

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Dua Lipa was joined by pop queen Cher as she took to the stage at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony[/caption]
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Dua, 29, kicked off proceedings in Ohio by belting out Cher track Believe[/caption]
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Cher joined the Brit singer for the chorus of the 1998 track[/caption]
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The pair held hands during the vocals[/caption]

Dua, 29, finished off her sexy stage look with fishnet stockings and long black boots.

She was joined by house band Roots as she kicked off the event with Cher’s 1998 track Believe – before the pop queen herself joined her to continue the tune.

Cher, 78, showed off her age-defying look in an edgy black PVC corset top with long sleeve detailing.

She pulled on shorts, fishnet stockings and trousers with open detailing on the thighs to complete her very modern look.

The If I Could turn Back Time singer styled her dark hair into neat waves before wowing the Cleveland crowds.

The pair held hands as they completed the iconic chorus.

Later in the night, they were seen posing with American actress Zendaya, 28.

The Greatest Showman star donned a daring gold halterneck dress with an x-shaped design across her chest.

The exposed panels across her body showed off her toned abs while a slit in the skirt offered another racy detail.

The screen star styled her locks poker-straight flowing down her back and finished off her outfit choice with gold point-toe heels.

Later in the night, the Euphoria actress was the one to induct Cher into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

She told how the star “does it all, and really, really f**king well,” before she added: “Where do I even begin?

“Cher is not one person. Her name is just as legendary as her legacy,” she said.

“Her voice is so singular that any song she sings becomes a Cher song.

“She’s navigated a multitude of musical genres, defined new ones and reinvented others.”

Cher then gave her own speech and told the adoring crowds: “The one thing I have never done, is I never give up.”

CHER SLAM

Previously, Mamma Mia 2 star Cher slammed her absence from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She vented to American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson, 42, about her omission, despite scoring a number one hit in the past seven decades.

Cher previously told the Breakaway hitmaker: “I’m not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

“You know what, I wouldn’t be in it now if they gave me a million dollars. I’m not kidding you.”

She then added: “I’m never going to change my mind,” – yet appears to have been proven wrong.

AP
Cher told the crowds at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland how she ‘never gave up’[/caption]
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They joined forces with US actress Zendaya backstage[/caption]
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The trio fooled around for a funny snap[/caption]
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Zendaya showed off her sensational figure in the daring frock paired with gold-toe shoes[/caption]

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Florence and the Machine: Where is the lead singer now?

FLORENCE Welch has fascinated the world with her vocals and poetic storytelling since almost two decades.

From overcoming personal challenges to collaborating with global icons such as Taylor Swift, her journey is as captivating as her music.

Florence Welch is known for being the lead singer of Florence and The Machine
Getty Images - Getty
Florence Welch is known for being the lead singer of Florence and The Machine[/caption]

She collaborated with various artists over the years

Florence Leontine Mary Welch is an English musician, singer and songwriter.

She was born on August 28, 1986, in Camberwell, London.

Her father, Nick Welch, was an advertising executive, while her mother, Evelyn Welch, was an academic with a passion for Renaissance history.

Florence’s grandmother Cybil Welch recognised her early singing talent and her passion for music and encouraged Florence  often to perform at weddings and funerals.

However, her early years were not without challenges.

Florence struggled with dyslexia and dyspraxia, which made school life difficult.

Music became her refuge, offering her an escape from the struggles that haunted her childhood.

She attended Thomas’s London Day School and Alleyn’s School in South East London.

Florence then enrolled at Camberwell College of Arts before dropping out to focus on her musical career.

Florence and the Machine

In 2006, Florence formed Florence and the Machine with her friend and collaborator Isabella Summers.

The band quickly gained attention with their blend of indie and rock.

On July 6, 2009, their debut album Lungs was released.

It was a success, with peaking at number one in the UK and number two in Ireland.

Release of their second album

In  2011, Florence and the Machine saw significant success with their second studio album Ceremonials, which was released on 31 October 2011.

The album debuted at number one in the UK and number six in the US.

In December 2011, she paid tribute to Amy Winehouse at the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul concert in New York City, where she performed Amy’s Back to Black.

The band’s hit Spectrum was remixed by Calvin Harris, becoming their first UK number-one single in July 2012.

Florence also collaborated with the DJ on Sweet Nothing, which topped the UK charts and was nominated for a Grammy.

She also performed with the Rolling Stones at the O2 Arena in London to sing their song Gimme Shelter.

Third album and collaborations

In June 2015, Florence and the Machine released their third album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, which topped charts globally and earned three Grammy nominations.

That same year, they headlined Glastonbury Festival for the first time, filling in for Foo Fighters after Dave Grohl’s injury.

In 2016, she collaborated with Lady Gaga on the track Hey Girl, featured on Gaga’s Joanne album.

In 2017, she contributed the song To Be Human to the Wonder Woman soundtrack and made an appearance in Terrence Malick’s film Song to Song.

Florence and the Machine released their fourth album High as Hope in 2018 and Florence performed with Mick Jagger during the Rolling Stones’ No Filter Tour.

She also published her first book, Useless Magic: Lyrics and Poetry in July 2018, which featured her lyrics and artwork.

In 2021, Florence announced her involvement in a musical adaptation of The Great Gatsby, contributing music and lyrics alongside producer Thomas Bartlett.

The musical premiered on 5 June 2024 at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Dance Fever album

In 2022, Florence and the Machine released their fifth studio album Dance Fever.

Hints of the album surfaced in early 2022 when fans began receiving tarot cards marked with King and Chapter 1.

The lead single, King, along with a music video directed by Autumn de Wilde, was released on 23 February.

Following this, the second single, Heaven Is Here, was released on 7 March, with another de Wilde-directed video.

On 9 March, Florence officially revealed the album’s title, Dance Fever, describing it as “a fairytale in 14 songs.”

Shortly after the third single My Love premiered, accompanied by a music video and the announcement of the album’s release date—13 May 2022.

In 2023 the band released a compilation album, called Under Heaven Over Hell.

The 39-track long collection gathers tracks from all five studio albums.

Florence Welch and Taylor Swift perform onstage during The Eras Tour in Miami in October 2024

Florence also collaborated with Taylor Swift on the song Florida!!! on Taylor’s album The Tortured Poets Department.

The two artists later performed the song during Taylor’s Eras Tour, with performances in London on August 20, 2024 and Miami on October 18 and 19, 2024.

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Brave Sir Chris Hoy endured ‘worst pain’ wearing cold cap during cancer treatment so he wouldn’t lose hair for his son

BRAVE Sir Chris Hoy endured the “worst pain” of his life wearing a cold cap during his cancer treatment so he wouldn’t lose his hair.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist, 48, announced yesterday he has just four years to live.

a man stands in front of a yellow lotus bicycle
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Sir Chris Hoy has revealed he has just four years to live[/caption]
a woman sits on a wooden bench with two children
Sarra Hoy
The Olympic legend’s wife Sarra Kemp with their children Callum, 10, and Chloe, seven[/caption]
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Sir Chris taking part in celebrations for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022[/caption]
a man and a woman are posing for a picture on a red carpet that says boss
Sir Chris revealed weeks ago Sarra has MS
Rex

He kept his terminal diagnosis a secret for a year and has described how his world “fell apart in one sentence”.

Sir Chris and his wife Sarra have thrown a protective ring around their two children, Callum, 10, and Chloe, seven.

Heartbreakingly, she was told she had incurable and degenerative MS just weeks before his cancer news – with the couple opting not to tell the kids about their mother’s illness.

They took them away for a half term holiday this week, hoping that the “dust will have settled” on Sir Chris’ bombshell interview by they time they return to school.

The cycling champion is currently in Copenhagen covering the World Track Cycling Championships for the BBC – and will be on TV this afternoon.

He began chemo in November last year and recalled how 10-year-old son Callum kept asking if he’d lose his hair.

Sir Chris told the Sunday Times the cold cap was “like your head being in a vice”, but he kept it on during all six rounds over 18 weeks.

He said that it was the worst pain he’s ever experienced, adding while grinning sheepishly: “And I’ve got a very high pain threshold.”

Sir Chris and Sarra told their children about the cancer during dinner one night, to which Callum asked: “Are you going to die?”

The former Olympian explained the medication would hopefully mean he would “be here for many, many years”.

Sir Chris had announced in February he was being “treated for cancer” and claimed it was going well – though knew in reality it was just “management”.

And despite his terminal diagnosis, the Team GB legend has continued his media duties, including covering the Paris Olympics for the Beeb over the summer.

Today he has posted a photo alongside some of the broadcasting team from the Ballerup Super Arena and said it’s “great to be out”.

He told fans: “You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me.”

How Chris Hoy went from lad on £5 bike inspired by ET to 6-time Olympic champion

By Jonathan Rose

SIR Chris Hoy began cycling at the age of six after he was inspired by the 1982 film ET.

Before he moved on to track cycling, he rode a BMX bike until the age of 15.

Sir Chris was ranked second in Britain, fifth in Europe and ninth in the World.

His dad picked up a £5 bike from a jumble sale – four years later Sir Chris was competing in the semi-final of a BMX world championship race.

“I was six when I saw ET,” he told The Guardian in 2020. “It changed my life. I wasn’t interested in cycling at all before.”

“The bikes I’d seen in Edinburgh just seemed functional things for getting from A to B,” continued Hoy, who grew up in Murrayfield.

“Then I saw those BMX bikes on screen and I was hooked. It wasn’t the scene where they cycle across the sky, but when they get chased by the police and they’re doing jumps and skidding round corners.

“It was the most exciting thing I’d ever seen. I wanted to do that.”

Four years later he became part of the British national squad.

A world championship medal came in 1999 with silver in the team sprint.

Sir Chris went on to become the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time.

Sir Chris and Sarra have chosen low-risk but less effective treatments for Sarra’s MS.

On some days Sarra struggles to fit in the key in the door, Sir Chris said.

Sir Chris has also now written a heartbreaking memoir detailing his experience of terminal cancer.

He said recording the audio version of his memoir is the hardest thing he has ever done.

The book ends with Sir Chris’s message to his children – which he said will be the words they listen to when he is gone.

DIAGNOSIS

The star had gone to the doctor in September last year after feeling a strain in his shoulder.

A tumour was found in his shoulder – before a second scan found the primary cancer in his prostate.

The prostate cancer had metastasised to Sir Chris’s bones – including his shoulder, pelvis, ribs, and spine.

Sir Chris recounted how he told his children that no-one lives for ever but he hopes to “be here for many, many more years”.

He began chemotherapy in November.

The sportsman suffered a violent allergic reaction in gruelling chemo sessions – but only missed five days of training on a bike.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

  • needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
  • needing to rush to the toilet
  • difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
  • straining or taking a long time while peeing
  • weak flow
  • feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
  • blood in urine or blood in semen

Source: NHS

Well-wishes for the BBC pundit have poured in since his health announcement.

Sir Mark Cavendish, who holds the record for most stages won in the Tour de France, hailed Sir Chris as a “hero of a human being”.

Amy Joy Williams, MBE, the British former skeleton racer and Olympic gold medallist, added: “A pure superhuman who everyone loves. x”

And, Paddy McGuinness shared: “Some man”, as Dame Kelly Holmes wrote: “Sending love to you Chris.” While comedian Jack Whitehall penned: “Sending you all the love mate.”

All That Matters: My Toughest Race Yet by Sir Chris Hoy is published on November 7.

a page that says i have a bit of news last year i was diagnosed with cancer
INSTAGRAM@CHRISHOY
Chris Hoy revealed his diagnosis in a statement on Instagram[/caption]
a man in a black shirt stands in front of the eiffel tower
Getty
Sir Chris in Paris over the summer for the Olympics[/caption]
a man wearing three gold medals from the london olympics
PA
The six-time Olympic gold medallist in 2008[/caption]
a group of people posing for a picture with one wearing a lanyard that says video radio
Instagram
Sir Chris posted this photo with the BBC team in Copenhagen today[/caption]

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