Author: Dave Carter

Local authorities in northern France have reported the deaths of four individuals who were trying to cross the English Channel. The tragic incident occurred off the coast near Boulogne, situated between the beaches of Équihen and Écault, south of Calais. According to a statement from French officials in Calais, a “taxi boat sinking” took place… Continue reading Four people die in Channel crossing attempt, French authorities say

Gary Middleton, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has announced his decision to step down from his role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Foyle, citing significant mental health difficulties. He will officially resign from his position on Friday, bringing an end to his tenure at Stormont, which began in… Continue reading Gary Middleton: DUP MLA steps down over 'significant' mental health challenges

After retiring, Steve Wainwright found an inventive way to keep himself engaged by crafting oversized models of common household objects. With a background in engineering and electrical work, the 62-year-old from Peterborough transformed everyday items into large-scale replicas, bringing a touch of whimsy and creativity to his daily life. Among his creations are a towering… Continue reading Peterborough man creates supersized household objects

Michael Campbell, also known professionally as Michael Patrick, has passed away at the age of 35 after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Diagnosed with the terminal illness in February 2023, Campbell had become a celebrated figure in the UK theatre scene, notably earning one of the country’s most prestigious drama awards for… Continue reading Michael Campbell: Actor with MND who won top award for playing Richard III dies

The UK foreign secretary is set to urge for the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz later on Thursday, following warnings from the Iranian navy that ships passing through without authorization risked being attacked. During her annual address outlining the UK’s foreign policy priorities, Yvette Cooper will advocate for Lebanon to be included in… Continue reading UK to urge full reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Families who depend on respite care for severely disabled children are expressing growing concern over the potential closure of one of two specialist centres operated by NHS Lothian. Internal communications obtained by BBC Scotland News reveal that financial difficulties are prompting NHS Lothian to consider shutting either the Sunndach facility in Livingston or the Calareidh… Continue reading Families fear for future of respite centre for disabled children

The BBC’s executive complaints unit (ECU) has ruled that the broadcast of a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards violated the corporation’s editorial standards. The incident occurred in February when a Tourette syndrome campaigner inadvertently shouted the slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award category. Despite the offence… Continue reading BBC upholds complaints over racial slur in Baftas broadcast

The strike action taken by resident doctors in England is being managed effectively by the NHS, according to its chief executive. Sir Jim Mackey, in a letter addressed to health managers, reported that despite the initial challenges of the ongoing six-day strike which commenced on Tuesday, the NHS remains in a stable position after the… Continue reading Hospitals coping well with doctor strike so far – NHS boss

The latest headlines highlight the fragile situation surrounding the ceasefire agreement brokered between the US, Israel, and Iran. The Guardian reports that as of Thursday, the future of the ceasefire appeared uncertain, with the involved parties presenting conflicting accounts of the terms. The paper illustrates this with an image of a building in Lebanon struck… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Fragile ceasefire at risk' and 'Putin mocks Starmer'

More than 20,000 students enrolled in weekend courses have recently been informed that they were mistakenly granted maintenance loans and childcare grants. These students now face demands to repay the funds immediately. The Student Loans Company (SLC) and various universities have sent letters stating that the courses these students attended were never eligible for such… Continue reading 22,000 students told to pay back 'mis-sold' maintenance loans