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Wrexham Aims to Extend Remarkable Run

Wrexham’s historic FA Cup run has reached new heights, as the team advances to the fifth round for the first time since 1994, following a win against Ipswich Town.

Wrexham is on the cusp of achieving a historic milestone, as the team aims to secure a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals for only the fourth time in its history.

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took the reins as co-owners, Wrexham has been on an upward trajectory, with significant progress made under their leadership.

The club's remarkable ascent has been so rapid that there has been little time for introspection, as Wrexham continues to push forward.

Following their victory over Ipswich Town, which marked their first appearance in the FA Cup fifth round in 29 years, manager Phil Parkinson took a moment to appreciate the significance of this accomplishment.

Parkinson emphasized the importance of appreciating each season, stating, "Every season in football is special, and you have to make the most of it."

He also highlighted the value of the FA Cup, noting that it was crucial to build on their previous win over Nottingham Forest with another successful outcome.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Wrexham, please visit our dedicated page.

A live broadcast of Wrexham's FA Cup match against Ipswich is available to watch.

Josh Windass scored the decisive goal against Ipswich, as Wrexham built on their third-round win over Nottingham Forest with another impressive home victory in the fourth round.

This win marked a fitting conclusion to a week in which celebrity owners Reynolds and McElhenney celebrated their fifth anniversary at the helm of the north Wales club, which they took over in February 2021 when the team was seventh in the National League.

Parkinson expressed his delight at securing a spot in the fifth round, stating, "It's great for our owners, Rob and Ryan, to mark their fifth year in charge with this achievement."

The manager is looking forward to the draw on Monday night, saying, "We can enjoy that moment, but for now, we'll focus on the league."

Parkinson's priorities have shifted back to the league, as was the case after their previous FA Cup win.

Star player Ollie Rathbone is focused on continuing the club's upward trajectory, aiming to achieve even greater heights.

In an interview with BBC Match of the Day Wales, Rathbone said, "The club is on an incredible journey, and we want to keep contributing to it."

He also expressed his satisfaction with the team's return to winning ways at home, describing it as "another special night."

Parkinson's ambitious streak soon resurfaced, as it has throughout his successful tenure at the club.

When asked about the frequency of memorable nights, the 58-year-old manager responded, "We've had many great nights, and we want more – we're greedy, and why not?"

Parkinson acknowledged that his team has a strong chance of drawing a Premier League opponent in the fifth round.

While Parkinson hopes for another home tie in the next round, goal-scorer Windass has a different preference for the draw.

Windass expressed his desire to avoid a big team away from home, saying, "Hopefully, we won't get a top team on the road, as it can be tough to get a touch on the ball."

The 1,269 away supporters in attendance had a disappointing evening, as their team failed to register a single shot on target.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna made 10 changes to his starting lineup from their previous win over Derby County, highlighting his focus on securing a top-two spot in the Championship.

McKenna had no regrets about his decision to make wholesale changes, as his team remains in contention for an immediate return to the top flight.

The Ipswich boss stated, "The players who came in are good, but when you make a lot of changes, it can take time to gel – I believe in the players who started, and the whole group will benefit from this experience."

McKenna emphasized the importance of having a strong squad, saying, "We have 16 league games in a short space of time, and we'll need all our players to contribute."

He also acknowledged the disappointment for the away supporters but expressed his confidence that the team will learn from the experience and use it to their advantage in the coming weeks.

McKenna reflected on the lessons learned from the match, saying, "We're disappointed for our supporters, but we'll use this experience to improve and prepare for the challenges ahead."

The Ipswich manager is already looking to the future, focusing on the upcoming league games and the opportunity for his team to bounce back from this defeat.

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Probe Underway into DNA Discovered at Nancy Guthrie’s Residence

According to the sheriff’s department, efforts are underway to determine the owner of the DNA, although the location of its discovery has not been released.

Local authorities have discovered DNA at the residence of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of American news anchor Savannah Guthrie, that does not match her or anyone in her close circle, according to officials.

Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie

The Pima County Sheriff's Department is currently working to determine the origin of the unidentified DNA, but has not disclosed its exact location.

Several gloves have been found by investigators, with one discovered approximately two miles away from Nancy Guthrie's residence.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home nearly two weeks ago, and authorities suspect she was taken against her will.

The sheriff's department has clarified that reports of a glove being found inside or on the property of Nancy Guthrie's home are incorrect.

All evidence collected has been submitted for laboratory analysis, according to the department.

On Thursday, the FBI released a description of the suspect, stating that the individual is a male, approximately 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in (175-177cm) tall, with a medium build.

Investigators were able to gather identifying details about the suspect by analyzing footage from a doorbell camera located outside Nancy Guthrie's home.

The suspect was seen wearing a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack in the footage, as reported by the FBI.

Following the release of the doorbell footage, investigators received over 13,000 tips, including 4,000 within a 24-hour period.

The FBI has increased the reward for information regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance from $50,000 (£36,700) to $100,000.

The county sheriff's department stated that the suspect description remains a primary focus of the investigation, but added that no individual or possibility is being ruled out.

Investigators have also made a broader appeal for neighbors to share any video footage that may be relevant to the case.

Authorities have noted that Nancy Guthrie, 84, requires daily medication and has limited mobility.

Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have posted multiple social media appeals directed at their mother's abductor.

The family believes Nancy Guthrie is still alive and has indicated their willingness to pay for her safe return.

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Malinin Crashes to Eighth in Free Skate Upset

At the Milan-Cortina 2026 event, USA’s Ilia Malinin, heavily tipped to claim the men’s figure skating title, experienced a disappointing outing, suffering two falls, which ultimately led to him finishing off the podium, while Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov secured the top spot and the gold medal.

At the Milan-Cortina 2026 event, Ilia Malinin of the USA, who was heavily tipped to win the men's figure skating gold, experienced a disappointing performance, falling twice and ultimately missing the podium, allowing Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov to claim the top spot.

For further information, Mikhail Shaidorov's gold medal win is detailed in a separate article, which also discusses Ilia Malinin's unexpected loss.

Access to additional content is restricted to users based in the UK.

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Business

Decline of Dining Out Trend Raises Concerns

According to the restaurant industry, it is currently dealing with a dual challenge: increasing expenses and a decrease in consumer spending power.

James Deegan's go-to order at his favorite restaurant, the grilled chicken burger, has lost its appeal due to a significant price hike.

Vicki sitting at an outdoor table eating a bowl of salad. She is holding a fork with a bite of food and has a cup of coffee, cutlery, and a menu on the wooden table. The restaurant’s exterior has large windows and decorative flowers are visible behind them.
Vicki and her family tend to avoid ordering starters and alcoholic drinks to keep restaurant bills down

The price increase from £12 to £18, plus the cost of a drink, has made dining out a costly affair for James.

This substantial price jump has led to James reducing his restaurant visits to just a couple of times a month, as he can no longer afford to dine out as frequently as he used to.

As a 27-year-old carer for autistic individuals, James must closely monitor his expenses to cover all his outgoings, limiting his social activities in the process.

James emphasizes the need to budget for small pleasures, which he once took for granted, in order to make ends meet.

The UK's cost of living crisis has been well-documented, with James having relied on a food bank in the past when his finances were strained, and one of its effects is a decrease in people's disposable income.

This reduction in disposable income means people have less money to spend on social activities, such as vacations, drinks at the pub, or eating out at restaurants.

The hospitality industry is facing a significant challenge due to decreased consumer spending and rising business costs, including taxes, food, wages, and energy expenses.

Many restaurants have increased their prices to remain operational, but some have still been forced to close down.

James wearing a light grey T‑shirt standing indoors in a bright room. Part of a doorway or wall panel is visible behind him, with a window and a ceiling light in the background.
James says he can only afford to dine out once or twice a month as meal prices have risen

According to the Hospitality Market Monitor, the number of restaurants in the UK decreased by nearly a fifth between December 2019 and December 2025, from 43,000 to 35,500.

A YouGov report found that people in Britain are dining out less frequently, with the majority citing price increases and the rising cost of living as the primary reasons.

The report, published in October, surveyed 2,000 respondents, with 38% stating they were eating out less often than the previous year.

Of those who reported eating out less, 63% attributed it to price increases, while 62% cited the increased cost of living.

Petrit Velaj, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant industry, opened his own Greek restaurant, Rozafa, in central Manchester in 2010.

Rozafa has received awards for its cuisine and has hosted famous diners, including Priscilla Presley and Boris Johnson.

Petrit, who hails from Corfu, enjoys sharing traditional Greek culture and music with his customers, in addition to serving authentic Greek dishes.

However, he is uncertain about the restaurant's future prospects.

Petrit expressed his passion for cooking and providing excellent service, stating that it brings him joy to see customers happy.

Petrit wearing a white chef’s jacket standing inside his restaurant, just in front of the kitchen and bar. Shelves behind him hold hanging utensils, spices, and kitchen equipment. Bottles of spirits and Greek decorations are arranged along the back wall. There is also an espresso machine visible in the background.
Petrit opened Rozafa in 2010 and loves his job – but he's not sure how much longer it's viable

He explained that for every £100 the restaurant earns, approximately £55 goes towards paying various taxes, leaving £45 to cover other expenses.

These expenses, including gas, electricity, water, rent, food, and wages, have increased over the years, making it challenging for the restaurant to operate.

As the owner of two restaurants, including one in Stockport, Petrit is responsible for 18 employees, some of whom have been with him for 20 years.

He is aware of the financial burdens his staff face and sometimes forgoes his own salary to ensure they are paid.

Fortunately, Petrit's children are now financially independent, alleviating some of his concerns.

He believes that running a restaurant has become increasingly difficult since he started in the industry.

Petrit, like many chefs, is critical of National Insurance rises and increasing business rates, as well as local issues such as limited parking and unclean streets, which deter customers.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay shares Petrit's concerns about tax, warning that restaurants are "facing a bloodbath" and advocating for more cautious implementation of business rate increases.

Shortly after Ramsay's comments, the government announced a support package for pubs, but not restaurants.

The interior of the Rozafa restaurant containing tables set with white cloths, cutlery, wine glasses, and red candle holders. Black chairs are arranged around the tables, and single red roses in vases are placed as centrepieces. Toward the back, staff members are working at a bar and open kitchen area with shelves of bottles and hanging utensils.
Some months cashflow is so tight at Petrit's restaurant Rozafa he isn't able to pay himself a wage

Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed particular concern about the impact of business rates on pubs compared to other high street businesses.

Petrit fears the potential closure of Rozafa, not only for himself and his staff but also for the local community it serves.

Several well-known restaurants in Manchester city centre, including TNQ Restaurant & Bar, have closed down in the past year.

Petrit believes that restaurants play a vital role in society, providing a space for people to come together and experience different cultures.

Kate Nicholls, chairwoman of the UK Hospitality trade body, agrees that restaurants are essential to the cultural and economic well-being of British towns and cities.

Nicholls emphasizes the importance of restaurants in creating jobs and attracting people to high streets, which in turn benefits other local businesses.

She stresses that restaurants are valuable assets that must be supported to prevent their loss.

Vicki and one of her children sitting at a dining table in a restaurant - other customers can be seen in the background
Vicki's family tend to eat out in restaurants once a week

Nicholls warns that if restaurants are not utilized, they will be lost, highlighting the need for community support.

Even individuals with above-average disposable incomes are feeling the effects of the higher cost of living, leading to changes in their dining habits.

Vicki Broadbent, a children's author and parenting blogger, comes from a family of restaurateurs and values the importance of restaurants in bringing people together.

Vicki and her husband, who live in Harrogate with their three children, typically dine out once a week, which they consider a privilege.

For Vicki, dining out is not only about enjoying good food but also about spending quality time with her family and reconnecting after a busy schedule.

However, as a higher rate taxpayer, Vicki and her husband are also feeling the financial strain and have adapted their restaurant habits accordingly.

Vicki notes that she and her family have stopped ordering starters due to their high cost, with prices ranging from £7-9 per dish, which could be better spent on a more substantial main course.

The expense of dining out is further compounded by Vicki's two teenage boys, who have outgrown the children's menu and now require more substantial portions, driving up the overall cost of their meals.

To keep costs in check, Vicki and her husband typically opt for soft drinks and water instead of alcoholic beverages, reserving the latter for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Vicki and one of her children sitting at a dining table set with plates, cutlery, a bowl of sliced fruit, a teapot, and a glass jug. The child is wearing a T‑shirt with a rainbow design and she is wearing a black top with a colourful beaded necklace. The table is black glass and the wall behind them is white and has a framed picture.
The restaurant bills for Vicki's family are also increasing as her two boys are now hungry teenagers

In an effort to save money, the Broadbents sometimes choose to order takeaways instead of eating out, although Vicki observes that portion sizes have decreased over time, making it challenging to find good value.

Vicki remarks that the value of takeaways is often short-lived, as her teenagers tend to feel hungry again just a few hours later, leading her to question the worth of spending £100 on a meal that does not provide long-lasting satisfaction.

When selecting a restaurant, Vicki is often swayed by establishments that offer discounts, a strategy that Sarika Rana, head of consumer research at YouGov, says is common among many diners.

According to YouGov's October report, the rising cost of living is significantly influencing people's dining habits, with many still valuing the experience of eating out but being forced to make adjustments due to financial constraints.

The report found that half of the surveyed diners had altered their behavior to save money, with strategies including choosing less expensive restaurants and reducing the number of dishes ordered, while 46% of respondents said they forego desserts altogether.

In Crewe, James is being mindful of his expenses, recognizing that careful budgeting is necessary to enjoy a meal with friends or family without breaking the bank.

For James, eating out serves as a vital way to unwind and recharge after periods of intense care work, but he wishes that indulging in such small pleasures did not require so much financial planning and effort.

James expresses frustration at the difficulty of affording modest luxuries like dining out, describing the situation as "crazy" and "ridiculous".

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