DOCTORS have sounded the alarm over an eight-fold rise in ketamine addiction in a decade.

The powerful tranquilliser is popular with Generation Z because of its relatively low cost, experts say.

Getty

Addiction to ketamine has risen eight-fold in a decade, experts have warned[/caption]

Clinics in England treated 3,609 people of all ages for addiction last year, eight times more than 426 in 2014, figures reveal.

Ketamine, also referred to as “K” or “Ket”, numbs pain and can cause a trippy high.

Dealers sell it in powder form for around £20 to £40 a gram compared with £40 to £60 a gram for low-quality cocaine.

Doctors say heavy use can cause liver disease and permanently damage the bladder and kidneys. It is linked to constipation, depression and loss of mental sharpness.

Many medics fail to understand how addictive it can be, an NHS report said.

Led by Dr Irene Guerrini of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, it called the drug’s prevalence “concerning”.

It said: “As ketamine use increases, more individuals are seeking treatment for addiction.

“Long-term use can seriously harm both physical and mental health, diminishing quality of life, affecting personal relationships and impairing academic or professional performance.”

Dr Guerrini called for stricter guidelines on how the NHS uses the drug and more funds for treatment and prevention.

Ministers are considering uprating 34878330from a Class B to Class A drug.

MILLIONS of Vodafone and Three customers are set for a huge boost to their mobile signal as the newly-merged mega network reveals its £11billion grand plans.

A major improvement to services will start for more than seven million users of Three and its budget sub-brand SMARTY in just two weeks time.

Alamy

The £16.5billion tie-up makes VodafoneThree the UK’s biggest mobile network[/caption]

PA

Both brands will continue to co-exist – but there are some changes coming[/caption]

Customers will receive a 20 per cent average speed uplift on 4G.

And within a few months, 27million mobile subscribers across both Vodafone and Three will benefit from better signal with shared access across both networks at no extra cost, the new joint VodafoneThree firm claims.

This will eradicate dreaded “not spots” from 16,500 sq/km of the country – the equivalent to 10x the size of London.

VodafoneThree has confirmed that its various brands will remain separate.

This not only includes Vodafone and Three, but also VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile which piggyback on their network kit.

However, Vodafone will be the only brand for business customers.

“A new era of connectivity has begun,” said Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree.

“We will connect every nation, every community, in every corner of the UK.

“We will build the UK’s best 5G network with an unprecedented £11bn privately funded infrastructure project, laying the digital foundation for our country’s growth ambitions.”

The network is pledging to bring 99.95 per cent of the population 5G Standalone – the fastest version of 5G speed around – by 2034.

And by this time next year, bosses are planning to launch trials of space-based satellite mobile network coverage too to eliminate even more “not spots”.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I’m delighted that this huge investment is being made in mobile phone network infrastructure, better connecting people with families, loved ones and work by providing stronger, more widespread 5G coverage.”

BROADBAND SHAKE-UP

Changes are afoot for broadband services too.

Three’s brand will disappear from its mobile broadband over the next 12 months and brought together with Vodafone’s Full Fibre, all under the Vodafone name.

The firm has announced a new partnership with Community Fibre on top of existing deals with CityFibre and Openreach.

Two extra customer care centres are opening in Belfast and Sheffield as well, bringing 400 jobs back to the UK.

Vodafone and Three both operate their own stores across the country but the company says it has “no planned retail redundancies”.

The £16.5billion tie-up makes VodafoneThree the UK’s biggest mobile network.

A WARNING has been issued to shoppers over a quick payment option that can cost £1,000s.

Which? is urging caution over use of the “pay by bank” feature which lacks key consumer protection.

Getty

Which? has issued a warning over the “pay by bank” payment feature[/caption]

The payment feature lets shoppers pay for products without the need to enter bank details or use a card.

It is used by popular online retailers such as WHSmith, Just Eat, Funky Pigeon and Ryanair.

You can also use it to settle credit card balances or pay bills.

However, Which? has raised concerns people may be unaware it can leave them unprotected if something goes wrong with a purchase.

The option lacks Section 75 and chargeback protections that shoppers get when paying through other methods.

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, a credit card company can be held jointly liable for a purchase that turns out to be shoddy or does not materialise.

This means a shopper can potentially get a refund from the credit card company if they cannot recover their costs from a retailer.

Those using a debit card or credit card for purchases can also potentially get their money back via the chargeback scheme.

Which? said pay by bank is a “potential game changer” for businesses as they can sidestep card transaction fees and also benefit from receiving customer funds immediately.

There is also appeal for shoppers as refunds can be processed instantly.

While card details are not shared when making a transaction – eliminating the risk of them being stolen or compromised.

People do have general purchase rights under the Consumer Rights Act, meaning that goods must be fit for purpose, as described and of satisfactory quality.

But Which? said these protections are not always easy to enforce and in some cases may end up with people needing to go to a small claims court.

People may also face difficulties in the event of a business going bust.

This could particularly be the case if there is an issue with a future-dated purchase such as a flight, a festival, or a household big ticket purchase such as a kitchen or a sofa.

Jenny Ross, Which? money editor, said: “Innovations like pay by bank present opportunities for businesses and consumers alike, but they’re not without risk, particularly as they lack the rigorous purchase protections you get when paying by card.

“We’re calling on the regulator to act to ensure consumers can use pay by bank with confidence, but in the meantime, we’d urge consumers to think carefully before using it to book events or make substantial purchases – for now, your good old-fashioned credit or debit card may be the best option.”

A spokesperson for banking and finance industry body UK Finance said: “There are a range of options for making payments online which provides customers with choice as to how they wish to pay.

“Different payment methods do come with different levels of protection and it’s worth being aware of these when shopping online, particularly when making higher value purchases.”

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

TEMPLEGATE takes on Thursday’s action looking for winners.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

HICKORY (4.25 Newbury, nap)

Jamie Osborne’s flyer was a game winner of Ascot’s Victoria Cup before getting a bump at the start at Sandown last time. That meant he was way out the back before flying home to hit the frame. He could do with another win to secure his place in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot and has every chance.

HARRYELLA (8.00 Chelmsford, nb)

Was an impressive winner on his last visit to this Essex track and didn’t get a clear run when second at Wolverhampton last time. He’s got more to offer and this longer trip will suit in-form James Fanshawe’s hopeful.

DEEP WATER BAY (4.33 Nottingham, treble)

Was a typical Sir Mark Prescott improver when winning on handicap debut when stepping up in trip. He has an extra quarter-mile in front of him today which should see him take another big leap forward.

Templegate’s tips

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column is being kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

You may think you are sailing through a set of tasks, thanks to Saturn – but Neptune is now also on team Aries, and asking you to stop, look and listen.

A better set of steps may ask more but reward you more too, especially emotionally.

Love and money could set each other off so try to keep them apart.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

The first step on a journey can be the hardest – but you’ve spent a long time planning this and you are ready.

As soon as you start, you can feel how right this route is for you, so start now.

In love? Two names can find a unique way to become one.

Single? The One waits at desk number one.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Switching off your ever-busy mind and tuning in to the rhythms of your body can set up a day of peaceful togetherness.

Overthinking may have created a distance between partners that spontaneity can easily close.

If you’re single, ignoring a physical pull towards someone so different could be a mistake.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Your fresh and sparkling Jupiter personality is a lot more outgoing – test this out when a chance appears to speak, or maybe sing, in public.

You also have a gift for seeing straight through a love list of “maybes” and landing on a name that could change your world.

But do keep your attention focused on just one.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

When you need to work hard, you can and you will – but this must be your own decision.

A set of demands that are coming your way right now may feel hard to handle.

Focus on your own inner feelings.

In love? A fantasy date can be written into reality.

Single? Love crosses a finish line.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Maybe a parent-child bond isn’t always perfect – but it is unique.

Remember this if you are tempted to compare stories with a stranger.

Making sure forms are properly filled in comes naturally to you – consider taking this skill in the direction of a new career or maybe even your own business at some point.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Getty

Disrupter planet Pluto has an impact on you in ways you may resist at first[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

The more convinced you may be that you have found The One – in terms of love or work, or maybe property – the more you should make sure you do the right research.

Jupiter enthusiasm can cause you to get carried away – so tick all your boxes first, then share your excitement.

Luck circles “R”.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Guided by the moon in your chart, make the time to contact someone you have been thinking about a lot.

Whatever happened in the past, the future can be good, if you allow yourself to try.

You could be a little gung-ho about physical risks, so beware of saying “yes” before you check everything out.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

You might suddenly care about a cost that has never bothered you before.

This can be because of who is connected to this cash, and what they really mean to you.

Exploring this further is easier when you bounce off a trusted friend.

A delayed call may annoy you, but do find out the cause.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

You usually avoid emotional insight if you can – but now is the time to go deeper into it.

All the reasons why certain people have surprised or shocked you can start to become clear when you let yourself ask the questions you usually swerve.

You can discover so much that’s great about yourself through this process.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Supplied

A work bond may be unpredictable, but it’s good for you to be challenged[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

You recognise how much power a work secret could give you – and this is why you need to share it.

You can achieve success in the right way, not by short cuts or sly moves – and the result will mean so much more.

On the question of love, a bond may seem boring, but so much is happening under the surface.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

When friends who love to create things together form a team, victory in a competition can be within their grasp – but the best prize is the deepening of bonds and trust.

Venus helps you hear the truth in words of love, even if it is concealed by haste or hesitation.

The luck factor links to names with a double “L”.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

A similar unit rents for $30,000 a month and sells for almost $6 million. 

"I've made the decision to respectfully end our engagement and return the ring," Mazepa told Page Six exclusively.

ANANDA Lewis, the Talk show and 90s MTV host, has died after a long battle with breast cancer.

Her sister confirmed the news today in a heartbreaking post on Instagram.

She said: “She’s free and in his heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.”

In 2020, Ananda revealed she had been diagnosed with stage three cancer.

She said she had not been getting regular mammograms due to a fear of radiation.

In 2024, the late TV host revealed her cancer had reached stage four after she went against medical advice and refused a double mastectomy.

Ananda rose to fame in the late 90s when she landed a role as one of MTV’s VJ’s where she hosted the likes of Total Request Live and Hot Zone.

In 1999, The New York Times described her as “the hip-hop generation’s reigning It Girl.”

She left MTV in 2001 to host her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show.

Getty

Ananda Lewis has died aged 52[/caption]

CONSUMERS can still find products sold at Joann Fabric and Crafts at one competitor and alternatives at three other retailers.

Joann notably went bankrupt in January after significant financial woes.

Alamy

Getty

Customers can still get some of their favorite items at alternative stores (stock image)[/caption]

It’s the second time the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with the first being in March 2024.

While Joann was able to restructure and re-emerge with a reduced footprint at the time, the second bankruptcy earlier this year was the final nail in the coffin.

Joann cited around $615 million in debt, with monthly costs of $26 million to keep stores operational.

Executives also said that the company encountered “an unexpected ramp-down, and, in some cases, the entire cessation of production of key JOANN inventory items,” per court filings.

This sudden loss of inventory led to subsequent revenue losses and an inability to cover debts.

Initially, the beloved crafts retailer was expected to only close 530 of its stores and continue with a remaining 270, but in February it confirmed that everything would be shuttered permanently.

Final going-out-of-business sales ended on May 31, with no Joann stores now remaining.

MICHAELS’ MOVE

Except, top competitors like Michaels have bought some of Joann’s private label brands and intellectual property, per a recent press release.

The retailer even set up a dedicated web page for former Joann customers that showcased sewing, quilting, and fiber arts supplies that used to be found at the now-bankrupt store.

“Michaels is responding by expanding its selection of customer-loved brands starting this month to ensure every creator has access to the tools and materials they want,” the company noted in the release.

A total of over 600 products will be added.

Top options previously seen at Joann include Big Twist, Bernat, Lion Brand, and Red Heart yarn.

There will also be 60 new Loops & Threads yarn options, along with New Brother and Singer sewing machines.

Items from Fiskars, Velcro, Coats & Clark, and Clover will also be at Michaels over 1,200 locations nationwide, along with the Oliso Smart Iron and Pellon sewing and quilting supplies.

OTHER OPTIONS

Crafters should also look to Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Amazon for yarn, fabric, and creative items.

Hobby Lobby also has over 1,000 stores and similar materials to both Joann and Michaels.

Walmart and Amazon also do have a wide selection of craft supplies.

The only issue is that sometimes prices are more expensive at the giants than the retailers with a specific focus in the market.

CARD CHAOS

Joann also sparked controversy among customers during the months leading up to its final closures.

Some customers were in uproar after the retailer decided to only allow gift cards until February 28, long before all stores would be shuttered.

“I just want you to know how incredibly upsetting it is that you cut off our ability to use gift cards,” a shopper fumed in the comments section of one of Joann’s Instagram posts.

“So upset you cut off gift cards so quickly and with little notification,” another added.

Joann also isn’t the only retailer to file for bankruptcy so far this year.

Fast fashion brand Forever 21 filed in March, also it’s second, and closed its remaining locations.

Rite Aid also filed for its second bankruptcy and confirmed more store shutdowns.

HOWIE Mandel’s dirty joke about Sofia Vergara has been cut from this week’s America’s Got Talent episode, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal. 

The comedian’s NSFW comment made the audience gasp, with some exclaiming it was “gross” as they filmed auditions for season 20 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

NBC

The Osaka Philharmonic play harmonica sounds when dry ice sticks touch their nipples[/caption]

NBC

Judges Howie Mandel and Mel B appeared stunned by the audition[/caption]

NBC

Sofia Vergara’s jaw dropped when she witnessed the surprising act[/caption]

Tuesday night’s AGT episode featured more auditions for various dancers, singers, acrobats, and others who showcased their unique talents. 

Things took a wild turn when the Osaka Philharmonic group, which flew in all the way from Japan that same day, took the stage to show off their bizarre skillset. 

As the group walked out and introduced themselves to judges Howie, 69, and Sofia, 52, as well as Simon Cowell and Mel B, they presented a very stern demeanor. 

They continued their serious act as they took out harmonicas, which they began to play, but revealed their silly side when the group took off their shirts. 

The leader of the group proceeded to use a frozen stick of dry ice to touch the men’s nipples – resulting in the musicians letting out a harmonica note each time they were tapped to create a symphony. 

At one point during the audition, Simon, 65, went on stage and removed his shirt to partake in the strange audition. 

When the American Idol alum was on the stage, Howie was heard making a NSFW quip about co-star Sofia, according to a source present at the taping. 

“During the audition, Howie said that Sofia should get on the stage and ‘be next.’ He was apparently implying it’d be funny to have Sofia on stage topless like the contestants were. 

NBC

At the end of the audition, Simon went up on stage and partook in the performance[/caption]

NBC

The theatre burst into applause when Simon took the stage[/caption]

“When he said that, those in close proximity who overheard the comment gasped, with some even saying it was ‘gross,’” the insider claimed. 

However, they added that Howie was “clearly joking,” and while Sofia’s jaw briefly dropped when she heard the quip, she did not appear to take offense to it. 

Though the show included the Osaka Philharmonic’s wild audition in a long segment, they appeared to cut out Howie’s comment as it wasn’t featured during the episode. 

OH SHIRT!

The contestants were a huge hit with the crowd, garnering loud cheers and a standing ovation from their hilarious act. 

While Simon, Sofia and Howie enjoyed the performance, Mel B gave the group her ‘X’ buzzer and was not interested in seeing more. 

“I just didn’t get it,” the Spice Girls singer said as she shook her head in disappointment. 

Despite her initial disapproval, the returning judge admitted she “took back her X” after watching the group incorporate Simon into their act at the end. 

“I’m gonna take my X back! When you move forward, incorporate Simon again because if Simon’s involved, definitely yes from me,” the pop star said.

The other trio of panelists enjoyed what they saw and gave the group an enthusiastic “yes” to move on to the next round.   

“I want you to freeze my nipples again. Four yeses. I’m actually losing my mind,” Simon told the AGT hopefuls. 

The comedic group was a hit with the at-home audience too, with one saying: “Hearing ‘do you want to freeze my nipples’ was not on my #AGT bingo card.”

“Acts over why are we freezing Simon’s nipples? And a tweet I never thought I’d have to write,” quipped another.

“This is the most unhinged audition yet,” a third exclaimed.

America’s Got Talent season 20 airs on Tuesdays at 8 pm EST on NBC.

NBC

Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell judge AGT’s season 20[/caption]

NBC

Simon and Sofia laughed during the group’s wild audition[/caption]