Author: Dave Carter

Local election officials have expressed serious concerns over councils’ ability to prepare adequately for the upcoming May local elections, following the government’s reversal of its earlier decision to postpone certain council votes. Initially, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed had authorized delays in elections for 30 councils across England, pushing them back until 2027. However, this… Continue reading Councils face 'uphill struggle' to be ready for elections by May

A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered significant issues with NHS payroll errors, which have resulted in thousands of NHS employees being sent to debt collection agencies due to alleged overpayments. Freedom of Information data obtained by the BBC reveals that the number of referrals to bailiffs for recovering overpaid wages increased from 1,807… Continue reading Bailiffs used to pursue NHS staff over pay errors

The government has reversed its decision to postpone 30 council elections following a legal challenge brought by Reform UK. This change, covered widely in today’s newspaper headlines, has been described by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as a victory for democracy. Meanwhile, council leaders have expressed their frustration over the rapid and unexpected policy shifts,… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Farage forces elections U-turn' and 'Tributes to Godfather Star'

Jet2 has imposed lifetime bans on two passengers following an altercation aboard a flight traveling from Turkey. The incident occurred on flight LS896, which was en route from Antalya to Manchester, but had to make an unscheduled stop in Brussels due to the severe misconduct of the two individuals involved. Video footage circulating on social… Continue reading Jet2 hands passengers life ban after mid-air fight

A recently opened business faced immediate threats from paramilitary groups demanding protection payments, according to a shop owner who spoke anonymously to BBC News NI. The owner recounted how right after setting up shop, two men approached and insisted she pay for protection, warning that refusal could lead to deadly consequences. “My friend told me… Continue reading Paramilitary protection money a 'stranglehold' on businesses

A locum consultant cardiologist, Dr Velmurugan Kuppuswamy, has been removed from the medical register following findings of sexual harassment against two junior female colleagues while he was employed at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. During his tenure, Dr Kuppuswamy engaged in inappropriate behaviour, including calling one colleague a “bad girl,” squeezing her waist, and sending… Continue reading Doctor told junior colleague she was a 'bad girl' and squeezed her waist

Freestyle skier Kirsty Muir narrowly missed out on securing a Winter Olympic medal for Team GB once again, finishing in fourth place in the big air event. Her combined score was 174.75 points from her top two runs, just 3.5 points behind Flora Tabanelli of Italy, who took the bronze. This result came a week… Continue reading Winter Olympics 2026: Kirsty Muir fourth in freestyle skiing big air

Passengers traveling on the London Underground fell victim to a sophisticated text message scam involving homemade “SMS blaster” devices concealed inside suitcases, a court has been informed. According to the prosecution at Inner London Crown Court, commuters received fraudulent texts indicating a failed parcel delivery, accompanied by a link intended to “resolve” the supposed issue.… Continue reading Tube passengers targeted in 'smishing' scam, court told

Documents submitted to Companies House reveal that six companies associated with Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, are in the process of being wound up. Ferguson is listed as the director for all six firms, which are scheduled to be removed from the official register within ten days unless an objection is raised. Details… Continue reading Six of Sarah Ferguson's companies are being dissolved

Legislation currently being considered in the House of Lords aims to reclassify certain hate crimes as aggravated offences, specifically those motivated by a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or disability. This change would mean that crimes targeting individuals on these grounds are subject to harsher penalties under the law. The amendment is part of the broader… Continue reading Disability and LGBT hate crimes set to become aggravated offences