What would the Tolka Row author make of the internet’s obsession with fat stacks of fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes? In this delightfully varied pancake world I decided to take on the Japanese soufflé pancake, a popular recipe on social media, via Canadian-American cookbook author Kat Lieu. Given that Lieu’s recipe involved separating the egg white and yolk to whisk separately, and tiny but specific measurements – I was predisposed to saying this popular dish is overrated. How hard could it be to make Japanese soufflé pancakes? The recipe I followed was Lieu’s soufflé pancakes which can be found in her cookbook Modern Asian Baking at Home.

February 17, 2026 15:30 UTC

Imagine breezing through the aisles at your favourite supermarket with a £100 E-giftcard in your pocket. From fresh fruit and veg to cheeky treats and everything in between, you can fill your trolley without worrying about the bill. Why not treat yourself to that fancy cheese you always eye up, or host a special dinner for friends and family? If you’re a Premium subscriber, simply fill in the form below and you’ll be in the running. Don’t miss out - your next big shop could be on us!

February 17, 2026 15:30 UTC

From February 25, dual British nationals, including children, could be denied entry to the country unless they have a British passport, under the latest travel changes. Apply for, or renew your passport here: https://t.co/AUxlAmPXx1#TravelReady pic.twitter.com/yJ5gAAet1U — His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) February 17, 2026Passport changes for dual British nationals entering UK from this monthAlthough British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement, they will have to meet other conditions. Going forward, in order to travel to the UK, dual nationals will now need a valid British passport. Currently, dual British nationals have been able to enter the UK using their non-British passport without cost. A Home Office spokesperson commented: “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK.

February 17, 2026 15:29 UTC

Danniella Westbrook continued in her recovery from her facial reconstruction as she was spotted out and about in Dubai on Monday. The former EastEnders actress, 52, has undergone extensive surgery in the UAE to correct facial issues, starting with her septum falling out in 2000. Last year, Danniella revealed she was finally getting her face rebuilt as she headed into the 'very long' surgery. The actress has in the past undergone various reconstructive operations in a bid to fix her 'collapsing' face due to her previous cocaine addiction and osteoporosis. Danniella last appeared on TV on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, where she reached the final, finishing in first place.

February 17, 2026 15:23 UTC

Henry Pollock will make his first England start in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland as one of three changes in personnel to the side defeated by Scotland. Pollock lines up at number eight as part of a reshaped back row that sees Ben Earl move to openside and Tom Curry come in at blindside, with Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper dropping to the bench.

February 17, 2026 15:22 UTC





Speaking to Daily Mail, the outspoken reality star declared that men who go on the hit Channel Nine experiment dreaming of influencer fame are 'horribly mistaken'. 'When it comes to men making money out of reality TV, especially MAFS, it just does not happen,' Tim said. 'When it comes to men making money out of reality TV , especially MAFS, it just does not happen,' Tim said. He argued that true influence comes from driving tangible sales or building a brand independently of reality TV fame. 'If you're Kim Kardashian and you can actually make a difference to sales, then you're an influencer.

February 17, 2026 15:22 UTC

French soldiers on a tanker from Russia's so-called shadow fleet that was suspected of being involved in drone flights over Denmark. Photograph: Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty ImagesA senior Russian official has said Moscow could deploy its navy to protect Russian-linked vessels from potential European seizures. The threat raises the prospect of retaliatory action against European shipping as pressure on the Kremlin’s so-called shadow fleet intensifies. [ Why is a Russian ‘shadow fleet’ using Irish waters?Opens in new window ]More than 600 vessels have been targeted by sanctions from the EU, UK and US. Earlier this year, the French navy briefly intercepted a tanker suspected of operating within the shadow fleet before allowing it to continue its journey.

February 17, 2026 15:21 UTC

A controversial review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations has been paused following backlash from schools. “I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers. “To that end, I am pausing the review of SNA allocations. This is despite the overall number of SNA posts in the school system, including special classes and special schools, set to increase from September 2026. Union Fórsa welcomed the Government’s decision to pause the SNA review, saying it offered the minister to “engage meaningfully with schools and stakeholders on a better approach to planning and managing SNA supports”.

February 17, 2026 15:18 UTC

An Irishman who has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months has received a stay on his deportation until next month. Mr Culleton was driving home after finishing work in Massachusetts when he was detained by ICE agents on September 9 last year. He said he had a work permit but was arrested and taken to an ICE facility in El Paso, Texas. Mr Culleton’s lawyer, Ogor Winnie Okoye, said the US government has historically given exemptions and forgiven certain immigration violations – such as working without authorisation or overstaying – to immediate relatives of US citizens. “We are committed to advocating for Culleton’s right to remain in the United States based on legal merits of his case.

February 17, 2026 15:11 UTC

Zara McDermott stole her boyfriend Louis Tomlinson's style as she sported a red tracksuit for a gym workout. It appears Zara may have taken a leaf out of her boyfriend Louis' book as he is often seen sporting a red Adidas jacket. Zara revealed that in recent weeks she had noticed a lump on her armpit, however said it felt more like a swollen gland. Zara revealed that in recent weeks she had noticed a lump in her armpit. Zara revealed her diagnosis in November 2023, telling fans she had the 'early signs' of the disease.

February 17, 2026 15:06 UTC

Pictured at the launch of the Local Enterprise Week 2026 schedule of events in Offaly were, front row, l-r, Cllr. Claire Murray; Ann Dillon, Director of Services; Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise, LEO Offaly; Cllr. John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, Offaly County Council; Eoghan Ryan, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council; Lisa Molloy, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, LEO Offaly; Paul McLoughlin, Director of Services Back row, l-r, Sarah Dunne, LEO Offaly; Cllr. Declan Harvey Photo: Paul MooreLots of Offaly events planned for upcoming Local Enterprise WeekSmall businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to attend numerous events aimed at helping them start or grow their business as part of this year's Local Enterprise Week in Offaly. Speaking at the launch, Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise, said: “Local Enterprise Week is about equipping Offaly’s entrepreneurs and business owners with the insights, confidence and connections they need to thrive.

February 17, 2026 15:06 UTC

Pitbull to try and break record for largest gathering of people wearing bald capBy Lauren Del Fabbro, Press Association Entertainment ReporterSinger and rapper Pitbull has said he will try and break the world record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps during his headline slot at a London festival this summer. “Every time you put on that bald cap, you know you’re about to have the time of your lives. Dale!”The idea came after BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James texted the singer with the idea to break the world record for the largest number of people wearing a bald cap in a single place. He is also known for the songs On the Floor, Give Me Everything, Feel This Moment and Don’t Stop The Party. The official attempt to break the record will take place on Friday, July 10th at BST Hyde Park Festival.

February 17, 2026 15:06 UTC

Two Midlands boxers on Irish team for tournament in Bulgaria next weekTwo Midlands boxers are included on the 20-strong Irish team that will compete at the Europe's oldest multi-nations tournament, the 77th Strandja Memorial Tournament, in Bulgaria next week. Held in Sofia, Bulgaria and beginning on Monday next, February 23, Strandja regularly attracts top talent from 5 continents. The 2025 edition included teams from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, alongside Europe’s Elite boxers. Interim High performance Head Coach, Damian Kennedy, will lead the team in Bulgaria. Team Ireland includes both Elite champions and silver medallists in a team that blends proven championship experience with emerging talent."

February 17, 2026 15:05 UTC

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February 17, 2026 15:04 UTC

New figures show that building costs are stabilising following volatility, say surveyors. Photograph: Getty ImagesEasing construction inflation could boost Government plans to spend €275 billion on modernising the Republic’s ailing infrastructure, say experts. Building costs are stabilising following volatility sparked by the Ukraine war and Covid lockdowns, new figures show. Most quantity surveyors believe inflation will continue easing this year, while some predict a slide in costs, according to the SCSI president. Rising building costs hindered previous development plans, sparking political rows over the final cost of motorways and other developments.

February 17, 2026 15:02 UTC