This week’s list of unmissable news brand content includes King Charles paying tribute to a late national treasure, a Formula One champion ranking his ‘off track’ fashion look and challenging misconceptions about blind people…
1. Champion on the track and in style
The latest cover star of The Sunday Times’ Style magazine and Formula One Champion Lewis Hamilton ranks his top 10 ‘off track’ fashion looks.
Style’s latest YouTube video dives into how Hamilton defines his style in the F1 paddock, how each track and location influences what he wears, and explores his love for supporting new and upcoming designers.
2. Challenging misconceptions about blind people
Comedian Chris McCausland, who lost his sight aged 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, has joined the latest Strictly Come Dancing series to challenge misconceptions about blind people.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, McCausland said: “There are people who have never been exposed to somebody who is blind that have antiquated ideas. People think you can’t do anything if you’re blind.”
McCausland recalls an incident where he was praised for climbing stairs unaided and expresses his desire to show that blind people are more capable than many believe.
“It’s all about doing things that people think you can’t do and doing things that I think I’d struggle to do, and finding ways of doing it.”
3. King Charles pays tribute to a national treasure
King Charles and Queen Camilla give a touching tribute to beloved late actress Dame Maggie Smith, following the news that the Harry Potter and Downton Abbey icon dies aged 89.
The royals refer to the legendary actress as a “national treasure”. In a statement, the King said: “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”
4. Fine dining restaurant staffed entirely by the homeless community
Michelin-starred chef, Adam Simmonds, is giving those experiencing homelessness the opportunity to train under him and kickstart their careers, in the hope of giving them a second chance at rebuilding their lives in the wildly understaffed hospitality industry after facing his own struggles.
The Independent informs readers that over 309,000 people in England are considered homeless right now, including 140,000 children, according to Shelter – that’s a 14% jump in a single year.
With the cost of living soaring and support avenues stretched, many of those affected feel they have nowhere to turn, whether they’re recently released from prison, staying in hostels or estranged from family and friends. Having no fixed address or even a criminal record makes it difficult to become a functioning part of society again, but now a new London enterprise is breaking down barriers to help marginalised groups get a second chance.
5. eBay makes money-saving change for sellers
Online retailer eBay scraps fees for private sellers across almost all of its categories, Metro reports. The change means UK sellers will no longer have to pay final value or regulatory operating fees on items except for when selling vehicles.
The site removed selling fees for fashion items in April 2024, to compete with competitors such as Depop and Vinted, ideal for any eco-conscious fashion lovers looking for a closet clear out. Dropping fees was an effort to provide users with a more streamlined and safer platform.
Ditching the extra charges has already led to a double-digit increase in listings for popular items such as jeans, shirts and dresses while keeping items out of landfills, according to the site.
