Latest news with #SarahKhan
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Lawyer explains if you can ask messy neighbours to tidy up as it could knock £89k off YOUR home's value
We explain the rules on whether you can ask neighbour's to tidy up HOUSE THAT Lawyer explains if you can ask messy neighbours to tidy up as it could knock £89k off YOUR home's value Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) YOU might scrub your home till it sparkles, but if your neighbour's garden looks like a scrapyard, it could end up costing you tens of thousands. New research shows that messy or neglected homes next door can wipe as much as £89,000 off your house price, according to Churchill Home Insurance. 1 The state of your neighbour's house could affect your home's value From overgrown lawns and broken fences to rubbish-filled drives and shoddy DIY jobs, a scruffy property next door can seriously sabotage your sale. According to a survey of estate agents by Censuswide, homeowners across the UK could lose £43,000 on average, or 16 per cent of their property's value, thanks to untidy neighbours. Matt Lanniage, from The Property Expert, also pointed out that having a messy neighbour could put a buyer off completely. He said: "A neighbour's garden is not only a matter of first impressions; it's also an indicator of the type of person you are about to move next to. "I've sold homes on the same street as much as 10% more if it can be highlighted that the neighbours are nice and considerate. With permission we often use the neighbours first names as part of our marketing strategy." But can you order a neighbour to tidy up? we spoke to experts to find out. What actually counts as 'messy' The top turn-offs include: Abandoned or broken-down cars Peeling paintwork or graffiti Untended front gardens Overflowing bins Dodgy DIY or poor-quality extensions Broken fences, walls or gutters Can I make my neighbour tidy up? Almost all estate agents, 97 per cent, in fact, say you should try talking to your neighbour first. Coronation Street star turned millionaire bikini boss shows off HUGE mansion she built herself A polite conversation can go a long way. Some people might not even realise their home is putting off potential buyers. Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: "Sometimes, a simple, friendly conversation with your neighbour could be the most valuable step you take before putting your home on the market." You could even offer to help, especially if your neighbour is poorly or elderly. Patrick Ansell, head of litigation at Taylor Rose, said: "In most cases, the cause is unintentional. The owner could be elderly or unwell, or the property might be vacant due to probate etc." "A respectful conversation is usually the best first step. Most people are reasonable and may already be aware of the issue, but unable to resolve it without help." If you've tried and nothing's changed, you might need to contact Citizens Advice or your local council. The Top Five Reasons Neighbours Squabble One study by Compare the Market revealed the top reason British neighbour's argue Broken fences - top of the board was broken fences and whose responsibility it was to fix it Parking: one of the leading drivers of neighbour disputes, with 54.1 per cent of people having issues with people parking in front of their house, parking bay or driveway Trees - complaints about a neighbour's tree cracking your garden path was also common with nearly half of participants finding it frustrating Bin wars - outdoor bin etiquette continues to ignite the most furious debates between neighbours Nosy Neighbours - some people have their eyes and ears at the ready to have a peek causing problems for others Your council can act if the property is causing a nuisance or breaking environmental rules. But this should be a last resort. If you do need to go down this route, then it's worth being prepared, Mr Ansell added. He said: "Before escalating, it's wise to document everything first. Keeping a diary of conversations and key events (e.g. incidents) and taking photos can be vital evidence if legal action becomes necessary. You should also consult an estate agent to understand how much the problem is affecting your property's value, although there is no guarantee that a successful claim will result in this amount being awarded to you. "Disputes must be disclosed when selling a property, which can deter buyers, so resolving the issue early is normally in everyone's best interests." How to boost your home's value While you can't control your neighbour's mess, you can make your own home irresistible to buyers. Property expert Liv Conlon, who stages hundreds of homes each year through her business says first impressions count - and fast. 'You've got 10 seconds to impress a buyer. Make it count,' she says. Start by giving your entrance a glow-up: a fresh coat of paint on the front door in a smart shade like black or navy, two matching potted plants, and a spotless doormat can totally transform your kerb appeal. Inside, focus on the living room — clear clutter, pull sofas away from the walls to create cosy conversation zones, and use a large rug to define the space. Statement accessories like oversized lamps or chunky vases also give the impression of a polished, show-home finish. And don't forget the bathroom. Fresh towels, a matching soap dispenser and a clean bath mat can make even a basic space feel more luxurious. Simple styling updates can cost just a few quid, but add serious value when it's time to sell. You can read more about Liv's top styling tips here.
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Second potential measles exposure at Brantford labour and delivery ward
A local health unit is warning of another potential measles exposure in a labour and delivery ward. People may have been exposed to the airborne virus at Brantford General Hospital on June 3 between 7:30 and 11:06 p.m., Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) said in a Friday media release. The warning follows an earlier potential exposure in the same unit on May 26. 'If you were present at the above location at the identified time or you have been exposed to measles elsewhere in the community, please complete our measles exposure form at ,' the release said. The form walks people through a risk assessment and gives guidance on next steps. 'Generally speaking,' if someone is vaccinated and delivering at term, the risk of their baby getting measles after being born 'is quite low because mom's antibodies cross the placenta throughout pregnancy,' Dr. Sarah Khan told The Spectator earlier in the week. The hospital has implemented 'a range of protective and preventive measures' to keep people safe when visiting the hospital, a spokesperson told The Spectator earlier in the week. The GEPH area — which includes Brantford and Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties — had reached 283 local cases as of June 10, according to Public Health Ontario. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Having a baby soon? Here's what you need to know about measles
Last week, Grand Erie Public Health warned of a potential measles exposure at Brantford General Hospital's (BGH) labour and delivery unit. The same day, Ontario's top doc reported there had been a premature infant that died from measles and other health complications, as well as six cases of babies with measles at birth. What does that mean for people preparing to give birth? The Spectator asked Brant Community Healthcare System (which oversees the hospital and the Willett Urgent Care Centre) and Dr. Sarah Khan, an associate medical director with Hamilton Health Sciences. Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) has implemented 'a range of protective and preventive measures' to keep people safe when visiting the hospital, a spokesperson told The Spectator. This includes placing all patients with symptoms of measles in a negative-pressure room with precautions for contact until four days after the onset of rash. Patients exposed to measles who are considered non-immune are placed in a negative-pressure room from five days after exposure until Day 21. Health-care providers wear PPE, including a fitted N95 respirator mask, and all BCHS employees born after 1970 are required to have two doses of the measles vaccine. BCHS and Grand Erie Public Health keep in touch to ensure they're aware of people with symptoms who may go to the hospital for care, or suspected cases in hospital the health unit should follow up on. 'We strongly encourage patients experiencing symptoms to call ahead to the emergency department to support the safe management of the triage process,' the spokesperson said. A measles sign at the entrance to the Brantford General Hospital emergency department tells patients with measles symptoms to notify staff upon arrival. Since the outbreak began in the fall, Public Health Ontario has recorded six cases of congenital measles — meaning a diagnosis in the first 10 days of life. But Khan said as long as a mother is vaccinated, the risk of a baby catching measles is quite low. During pregnancy, the fetus is almost like a 'foreign tissue' and the body's immune system has to 'contain itself' so as not to attack it. This can result in 'a higher risk of more severe infections as the immune system's guard is down,' Khan said. In pregnancy, complications of measles include secondary bacterial infections like severe pneumonia or hepatitis because of the effect of the virus on the immune system. Someone who is pregnant with measles might need intensive care for help with breathing and help with keeping blood pressure stable. They're also at risk of miscarriage, a stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction (where the baby doesn't grow properly), or premature labour and birth, Khan said. Congenital measles can lead to pneumonia, hepatitis, long-term scarring on the lungs, and a severe brain infection called sclerosing panencephalitis, which can be fatal. But prematurity itself comes with 'a host of complications to the infant,' depending on how early they're born, Khan said. 'Generally speaking,' if someone is vaccinated and delivering at term, 'the risk of that infant acquiring infection after being born is quite low because mom's antibodies cross the placenta throughout pregnancy,' Khan said. So even if a baby is exposed to someone with measles after they are born, their risk is 'much lower' compared to a baby born to someone with no previous measles vaccination. Nothing is a 'zero risk,' but it's 'a significant risk reduction,' Khan said. Someone who is unvaccinated and has been exposed may be able to get passive immune prophylaxis, to reduce the risk of severe disease. It basically means 'giving antibodies from donor pooled blood product' that give the 'same kind of immunity' someone gets when they are vaccinated and their own body produces those antibodies, Khan said. If infants less than six months are exposed to measles they would also be offered this. A hospital works to mitigate risk by screening for symptoms, testing people who are at risk or exposed, managing visitors, and through patient placement. 'For example we would place infants who have been exposed in a different space of the hospital that still provides neonatal intensive care but reduces the risk of transmission to other high-risk infants,' Khan said. Khan said while they 'do see cases from time to time' in the Hamilton area, it hasn't been hit as hard as neighbouring communities. 'And that is likely because we have higher rates of vaccination among our general population,' she said. 'I don't think we're at a state of panic,' but this is 'a wake-up call' to get more people get vaccinated 'to protect exactly the populations that we're now starting to think harder about' such as babies, pregnant women, and immunocompromised populations, she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Bloomberg
11-06-2025
- Bloomberg
Crypto Kidnap Suspects Plead Not Guilty, Are Held Without Bail
Two men accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian tourist in an attempt to force him to turn over access to his cryptocurrency accounts pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging them with first-degree kidnapping. The defendants, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, made their pleas before New York State Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro in Manhattan on Wednesday and were held without bail pending another appearance in July. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan asked Carro to keep the two men in prison, while their attorneys requested they be released on $1 million bail packages.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Is feminism really that easy?
Known for Sabaat and currently starring in Sher, actor Sarah Khan's recent rejection of feminism was delivered with casual ease. "I'm from the old times," she told Independent Urdu. "I'm a stay-at-home woman. I don't like standing in long queues to pay bills." Among Pakistani actors, it's become almost a ritual to distance themselves from feminism. By doing so, Sarah joins a growing list of celebrities who risk being labelled ungrateful, deluded, brainwashed — or, perhaps most cuttingly, a "pick me." But set aside, for a moment, the troubling ease with which "pick me" accusations are lobbed at unpopular women. Sarah's remarks might actually be the most honest a celebrity can afford to be. In Pakistan's entertainment industry — and, to varying degrees, far beyond it — any political stance is a liability. But Pakistan's entertainment scene also comes with its own peculiar set of restraints: given the lamentable state of storytelling across its small and big screens, feminism might well spell the end of homegrown cinema and television as we know it. Could Sarah embrace feminism and still survive in this business? If all the internet demands is a declaration, then there's no expectation that she challenge the industry's tired tropes: marital rape framed as romance, cheating husbands and weeping wives, villainous in-laws on loop. And yet, even those who do claim feminism rarely escape scrutiny. In another timeline, Sarah might call herself a feminist - and still end up like Mahira Khan, defending Humsafar as decidedly feminist. Unless she waits for a script that aligns with her politics — a patience more feasible for veterans like Sania Saeed than for the younger lot — Sarah, like many, must navigate an industry with few real choices. Celebrities may not be anti-feminist so much as anti-permanence, determined to keep all doors open in a volatile landscape. At this cultural juncture, perhaps it's time to retire the reflexive urge to dismiss them as uninformed or unserious. After all, feminism doesn't require credentials. Or does it? Of flawed feminists Of all the accusations hurled at women who reject feminism, "pick me" might be the most accurate - not with derision, but as a simple observation. These women do get picked, or at least, they don't get dropped. It is far easier to be a perfect anti-feminist than to be a flawed feminist. In 2025, the internet remains the primary venue for these debates. It is many things — chaotic, compulsive, connective — but it is not, by design, a place for dialogue. In lieu of coalition, we get temporary publics that vanish with a single accidental refresh. Sarah's remarks, unfortunately but unsurprisingly, are rewarded. She earns the approval of many women, even more men, her corporate backers, and, most reliably, the algorithm and its appetite for controversy. In contrast, claiming feminism would likely win her no one - not even feminists. Consider, for instance, the loudly marketed feminism of Priyanka Chopra or Gal Gadot, which always stops short of calling out the genocidal regimes they represent. This is simply because feminism, unlike celebrity culture, has never been about victories or perfection - both imply a final destination, a tangible reward. But feminism is, and has always been, a long, often grueling project of constructing alternatives. When Sarah says she isn't a feminist because she doesn't like standing in queues to pay bills, it's hard not to smile. Who has ever dreamt of engaging with mind-numbing bureaucracy? However, to move from personal inconvenience to structural critique — to ask who is forced to endure such banalities and who can afford to opt out — requires a working knowledge of class, capitalism, and economic inequality. Sarah's discomfort is valid. She has two choices: repeat polite, vague affirmations of "women's empowerment" or be honest about what bothers her. Shorthands without shelter It can be an uncomfortable realisation, especially for those whose first exposure to feminist politics comes online: the "right" politics is not a moral instinct and in fact, requires labour and access. Harsh realities, too, are not always radicalising, not unless you find others to hold onto. Isn't this why we extend grace to our mothers? Most would never call themselves feminists, yet we recognise in their lives the slow work of navigating time, access, and patriarchy. This grace comes from understanding that naming something is a privilege; not everyone has the means or the language to do so. Despite the many ways of practicing feminism, it's language is still a matter of access and cultural capital — online and offline both. But even the language aside, to suggest that feminism should come naturally — without friction, without labour, without missteps — misses the point of any resistance movement. At any given moment on the Pakistani internet, someone is explaining, often impatiently, why using the n-word is wrong, why blackface is racist, or why cultural appropriation matters. Frequently, this confidence to correct comes from assuming proximity to discourse equals clarity. God forbid anyone asks why feminism is good or racism is bad. These are no longer merely uncomfortable questions, but bad-faith attacks that feminists are all too tired to answer. A natural reflex to these presumably futile remarks is to let disappointment or betrayal creep in. It is a good strategy to cope with the bad days. But good days must come bearing patience for an unlearning that takes its sweet time. After all, both vitriol-spewing trolls and young feminists will find us in the same world of shorthands. In this world, there is no luxury of time and space to write in case you missed it, when ICYMI is an option. We know that Instagram/TikTok reels perform best at under 60 seconds, that X posts are limited to 280 characters, and that long, boring blocks of text belong to Medium or LinkedIn. It is within this sheer compression of context that many find feminism and anti-feminism that come too easily, more as identity than practice. While one can survive being stripped of context and care, the other cannot. This is why it simply should not matter whether Sarah calls herself a feminist or not. And without doubt, calling Sarah a "pick me" is more damaging than her remarks about feminism. After all, saying "I am a feminist" is just another shorthand unless there is a corresponding space to figure out whatever the hell that means.
