A SlashGear feature outlines a 10-item smart-gadget lineup to upgrade a home office, from smart speakers and displays to smart lights, plugs, thermostats, remotes, locks, cameras, and a robot vacuum, detailing how each device can boost productivity, streamline control, enhance security, save energy, and keep the workspace tidy, with practical notes on compatibility and setup.
Costco highlights five space-saving home-office gadgets: the Acer 15.6-inch portable monitor (about $79.99 after a $10 discount) for a second screen, Belkin's 3-in-1 charging stand to charge phone, watch, and earbuds, HP Smart Tank Wireless Printer with refillable ink tanks, ApexDesk ZT Electric Desk Riser with a retractable lower surface and standing-desk capability for $249.99, and the iHome Portable Bluetooth Candle Speaker with ambient LED lighting and up to nine hours of battery life for $29.99, all rated highly by Costco shoppers for boosting productivity and saving desk space.
Senior ZDNET editor Allison Murray shares her Presidents' Day home-office wishlist, detailing seven gadgets she plans to buy to boost comfort and productivity: a Logitech Pop Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ($80) to replace her Apple Magic Keyboard; an adjustable laptop stand ($30) for better eye level; Gunnar blue-light glasses ($39) to reduce eye strain; a Rocketbook reusable notebook ($30) to digitize notes; an Epson Workforce Pro printer ($135) for wireless printing; a LapGear lap desk ($40) for couch work; and an Ember Smart Cup ($88) to keep coffee warm. She notes these picks reflect her evolution since going full-time remote in 2019 and aim to upgrade her setup during Presidents' Day deals.
Provisional Home Office data show about 60,000 foreign nationals were removed from the UK in the 19 months since Labour took office in July 2024, a 15% rise from the prior period, while January 2026 recorded the lowest removals in almost three years largely due to fewer voluntary departures. Under Labour, voluntary departures have made up around three-quarters of removals, but that share fell to 62% in January; final figures may change when published. Labour has pledged to increase returns for people with no legal right to be in the UK, and there are no official statistics on the number of people in the country illegally. For more, BBC Verify’s migration tracker is referenced in the update.
Labour, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, outlines a plan to overhaul policing in England and Wales, proposing a sharp reduction in forces (from 43 to around a dozen), professional licences for officers, and ministers gaining power to sack chief constables. A centerpiece would be forming a national mega-force by merging the NCA, Counter Terrorism (and other national policing elements), aiming to better tackle organised crime and modern threats. The changes, argued to reflect a tougher crime landscape, would take years and provoke fierce political and institutional debate over local ties, accountability, and cost. Critics, including Conservatives and the Police Federation, warn about morale, practical impact, and the erosion of local policing links, while some senior officers see potential benefits if implemented with evidence and buy-in.
Sponsored by Tom's Guide, this feature highlights five affordable IKEA accessories to upgrade a home office: RUNDHULT USB‑C cable, STÄNKREGN ring light, VÄSTMÄRKE wireless charger with lighting, ÖVNING footrest, and LÅNESPELARE monitor stand. Each item is priced under $30, with the total just over $100, offering improved lighting, cable management, ergonomics, and desk organization for a brighter, more comfortable workspace.
BuzzFeed Shopping reviews 31 essential home office items that are considered 'lifesavers,' highlighting useful products vetted for real-life usefulness, catering to diverse needs and budgets.
The UK government plans to appeal a court decision that prevented it from intervening in the use of a hotel in Epping to house asylum seekers, citing concerns over community tensions and the government's authority to manage asylum housing.
The article reviews five Linux distributions suitable for home office desktops, highlighting openSUSE for its user-friendly configuration tools, Fedora Silverblue for its atomic and reliable system updates, Ubuntu LTS for its stability and hardware support, Linux Mint for its ease of use and backup features, and Zorin OS for its polished interface and customization options.
A user improves their Mac workspace by placing a Thunderbolt dock on a non-permanent, clamp-mounted cable management tray under the desk, effectively decluttering their home office setup for under $30, with the main upgrade being a longer Thunderbolt cable.
The author shares her experience with the DeerRun Q1 Mini under-desk treadmill, emphasizing the importance of keeping it slow for stability, wearing ankle fitness trackers to accurately count steps, storing it conveniently next to the desk, wearing supportive shoes, and taking time to balance after workouts. She highlights how this device has improved her activity levels and overall well-being while working remotely.
Kallie Plagge, senior copy editor at The Verge, shares her well-organized home office setup featuring an L-shaped desk, separate work and gaming stations, ergonomic chair, various tech gadgets including mechanical keyboards, gaming mouse, dual monitors, and a collection of Pokémon merchandise, along with a desk bike for exercise during work.
The UK Home Office has paused decisions on Syrian asylum claims, leaving many asylum seekers, like Hussam Kassas, in a state of uncertainty and fear. Kassas, who fled Syria due to persecution, is at risk of losing his job and home as his student visa nears expiration. The pause affects 6,500 people and has been implemented to reassess the safety of Syria under new rebel-led authorities. The decision has drawn criticism from asylum seekers and advocates, who argue it leaves vulnerable individuals in limbo and unable to return to Syria safely.
Prince Harry's determination to secure state-funded protection for his family in the UK, despite leaving royal duties, has drawn attention and warnings from royal commentator Jennie Bond. She acknowledges his protective instincts, shaped by his mother's fate and military service, but cautions about the potential fallout with King Charles and the Home Office. Bond highlights inconsistencies in Harry's actions but admires his resolve to pursue the case.
Kylie Robison, a senior reporter at The Verge, shares insights into her home office setup, which is part of her studio apartment. Her workspace features a Mittzon desk from Ikea, a MacBook Pro M4, multiple monitors, and various personal items like family photos, a glass achievement award, and a collection of tech gadgets. She also has a fondness for Nintendo's Kirby and Zelda memorabilia, and her cat Fang, who amusingly only has his fangs left after dental issues. Robison humorously requests not to be judged for her cable management.