Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused deep disruptions in the global food supply, raising prices and increasing the risk of food insecurity in poorer nations in the Middle East and North Africa, America's top spy agency said in an unclassified report released by Congress on Wednesday.

Recently, when a friend asked me which manicure she should get, I drew a blank. From milk bath nails to the structured gel manicure, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to trends and techniques, and whittling it down to just one feels impossible. Looking back through the archives, though, it’s clear that this year’s most talked-about manicures have one thing in common: they’re often specific to a place or country.

French schools sent dozens of girls home for refusing to remove their abayas -- an over-garment from the shoulders to the feet worn by Muslim women -- on the first day of the...

The Duchess of York will make her debut on ITV’s Loose Women to launch a breast cancer awareness campaign following her treatment for the illness earlier this year. Sarah Ferguson underwent an eight-hour single mastectomy operation after discovering she had an early form of breast cancer during a routine mammogram. The special episode, billed as Ferguson’s first TV appearance since revealing her diagnosis, will launch its “Don’t Skip Your Screening” campaign to highlight the importance of being checked for cancer. The duchess will join presenters Christine Lampard, Coleen Nolan and Brenda Edwards on the show’s panel to discuss the campaign and her own experiences since being diagnosed with breast cancer. Ahead of the show on Thursday (2 November), Ferguson revealed she nearly skipped the screening appointment “that saved my life” adding that her cancer journey “underlines the importance of getting screened” regularly. “I couldn’t face a journey into London on a hot day this summer and it was only my sister Jane’s insistence that I went, that persuaded me,” the mother-of-two said. “My cancer was completely symptom-free – I never found a lump and did not feel ill.” Doctors noticed a “shadow” in one of her breasts during the screening in May, which was later diagnosed as cancer. Ferguson added that she is “proud” to support the campaign, which is being backed by NHS England, to encourage other women to attend the appointments when they are invited. In July, Ferguson confirmed she underwent an eight-hour-long single mastectomy, adding that the diagnosis was “scary” for her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, during an episode of her podcast Tea Talks. She said: “I think it’s scary for any family member out there, you really start looking at your own demise. It’s a wake up call, and you think, right okay, how am I going to deal with this?” Ferguson also advised her listeners to “do the screening, catch it quick”, while thanking the medical professionals at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London for their care and treatment. Earlier this year, Ferguson also explained how the mastectomy helped her overcome the “self-hatred that stemmed from years of being compared to Diana. During a separate episode of her podcast, Ferguson suggested she had to have a “body part cut off” before she could “wake up”. She told her co-host, Sarah Thompson: “Not because of seeing death, but waking up to stop worrying, stop self-hatred, stop self-doubt, stop all these things. Stop not liking yourself, really, please, honestly. “Does it take that?... Yes, it did in my case,” Ferguson continued. “[I] didn’t like myself and that was because I think I was always compared to Diana and I think at the end I sort of believed my own press which is not too good.” Charity Breast Cancer Now said it is “extremely grateful” that the show is “shining a bright spotlight on breast screening” and “highlighting the important issue of tackling the shortfall in women having breast screening caused by the Covid-19 pandemic”. In a statement, it added: “Breast screening is a vital tool in helping to detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. “We encourage all women to attend breast screening appointments when invited and to regularly check their breasts, reporting any unusual changes to their GP as soon as possible.” The duchess will join the panel on Loose Women on 2 November from 12:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Read More Sarah Ferguson shares heartfelt tribute to Matthew Perry following his death Doctor highlights most commonly misdiagnosed health conditions in women Mom explains how to ‘raise your baby like it’s your third’ Doctor highlights most commonly misdiagnosed health conditions in women Mom explains how to ‘raise your baby like it’s your third’ ‘It was terrifying’: All the things Jada Smith Pinkett has said about her alopecia

Lewis Hamilton will head into this weekend’s British Grand Prix with only six months remaining on his £40million-a-season Mercedes deal. The PA news agency spoke to David Coulthard, 13-race Formula One winner and Channel 4 pundit for the broadcaster’s live coverage of Sunday’s race at Silverstone, to look at the key questions surrounding Hamilton’s next deal. When will Hamilton’s new contract with Mercedes be announced? Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that 38-year-old Hamilton’s extension will not be announced at Silverstone this week, but for me, it is just a case of when they get it done. I am not aware Lewis is having a change of heart about whether he wants to go racing or not, and I don’t think Mercedes are having second doubts. Wolff said financial terms, and the duration of the next deal, have been agreed. So, why the hold-up? Mercedes will want a certain amount of time from Lewis for their partners. Mercedes will have sold sponsorship on obtaining access to their drivers. Some businesses will have signed up with the Silver Arrows because Lewis is there, rather than George Russell. Perhaps Lewis might be wanting to do fewer days or have fewer commitments? What Lewis will be signing up for goes way beyond him driving at a grand prix. It is about what rights he retains in terms of his image, and what rights he sells to the team. Mercedes are buying more than just Lewis’ driving services. They are buying his promotional image and his PR image. Could Hamilton join Ferrari, or even Red Bull? I don’t think there is any realistic chance that Lewis will leave Mercedes unless there is a major fallout. And I can’t see that happening. Who would the major fallout be with? Even if it was with Toto, Lewis’ relationship with Mercedes’ parent company Daimler is much longer than Toto’s emergence as team principal of Mercedes. How much longer will Hamilton go on for? I am sure there are quotes from drivers when they were younger, who said they could not see themselves racing into their late 30s and beyond. I am sure Lewis will have said something similar. But he’ll look at Fernando Alonso, and think ‘if Fernando, who is 42 this month, is still competitive, than why not me?’ However, the only reason for Hamilton to hang around is to try and win races and compete for championships. Scoring points will not change his life. He needs to see what Mercedes can show him that gives him the confidence he will be competitive next year, rather than having to stay around for another three seasons. How will Hamilton handle retirement? Lewis has had an incredible journey in life, with his achievements on the track, and his exposure off it. He has got a very healthy view of how it is being Lewis Hamilton – the Formula One driver that goes from country to country – and Lewis Hamilton – the individual, the personality, the celebrity. But none of those personality-driven events he goes to will ever give him the adrenaline buzz he gets from racing a Formula One car. Very few things in life will ever give him that feeling so when the time does arrive for him to retire, he has to be certain he is ready to stop. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 memorable races staged at Silverstone Phenomenal circuit and incredible atmosphere – Mark Webber remembers Silverstone It hurts – Lando Norris reflects on his ‘toughest season’ ahead of British GP

Global food costs fell to the lowest level in two years in May, reviving hopes that sticky inflation

If you are counting down the days until the leaves start turning brown to get started on the fall foliage hikes and apple picking, Blundstone and L.L.Bean have the collaboration for you. On Tuesday, the Tasmanian brand beloved for its outdoors-focused footwear and the Maine-based label known for its Boat and Tote (and in more recent years, the “ironic” versions of it) have partnered to release the ultimate hiking boot.

The meme economy rarely falters, and as the impetus for much of our social posting,

When it comes to transitional fashion, it doesn’t get much better than denim. Navigating that tricky time when it’s not warm enough for T-shirts, or cold enough for coats, is easy when you’ve got a capsule wardrobe of denim delights. And with tons of catwalk and celebrity inspiration around, this autumn/winter, you’re spoiled for choice in the denim department. From baggy jeans to retro skirts, these are the denim trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this season… 1. Wide-leg jeans As seen on the catwalks at Diesel, Coach, Jean Paul Gaultier and more, wide-leg jeans are an autumn essential. Take your cue from the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid with extra-long baggy jeans teamed with trainers or loafers, or opt for a cropped pair to show off a pair of statement ankle boots. Monsoon Lucille Print Blouse, £42 (was £60); Lara Wide Leg Jeans, £80 Crew Clothing Parker Wide Leg Jeans, £69 2. Midi dresses A denim midi dress is incredibly versatile at this time of year – especially if it’s indigo, as opposed to summery light blue. A sleek pinafore is perfect for layering with long-sleeved ribbed tops or rollneck jumpers, while shirt-dresses go well with chunky trainers or knee-high boots. Aspiga Trinity Tencel Denim Dress, £150; Montreal Trainers, £99 V by Very Curve Sleeveless Button Through Denim Dress, £38; Scoop Neck Puff Sleeve Jersey Top, £18; Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers, £61.20 (were £85), Very 3. Embroidered jeans The latest Noughties look making a comeback, embellished and embroidered denim was a major trend on the AW23 runways, and now it’s hit the high street in a big way. From cute floral motifs to cool graphic designs, these elevated jeans take denim to the next level. Lucy & Yak Olly Jacket with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £70; Dana Mom Jeans with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £65; JoJo Socks, £7.50 (vest and shoes, stylist’s own) Fanfare High Waisted Recycled Embroidered Faces Jeans, £159 4. Split skirts As summer’s micro minis take a back seat, Nineties split-front skirts are the style to be seen in this season. Try an indigo or black knee-length skirt teamed with ankle boots for a laid-back weekend look, or go full-on grunge with a faded, floor-sweeping maxi. Oliver Bonas Washed Black Scalloped Pocket Denim Skirt, £65 PrettyLittleThing Vintage Mid Wash Split Front Denim Maxi Skirt, £32 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Doorscaping: How to create a fabulous front door display for autumn More than a quarter of middle-aged women living with ‘metabolically healthy obesity’ – study Jonnie Peacock on Strictly Come Dancing representation: ‘It’s important to break people’s perceptions’

Prime Day GoPro deals are here, ready to capture your next adventure or ASMR walk

This week’s new entertainment releases include a documentary on Apple TV+ that chronicles the atypical path Stephen Curry took to becoming a basketball legend, new tunes from the rock band Greta Van Fleet and a “Justified” limited series starring Timothy Olyphant

Monster Beverage Corp missed Wall Street estimates for second-quarter sales on Thursday as higher cost of living weighed