Grand National stats: Can trends find 2026 winner of Aintree race?

Since the year 2000, the Grand National has been contested 25 times, with the exception of 2020 when the race was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Among all winners in this period, Tiger Roll holds the distinction of being the shortest-priced victor at 4-1 in 2019, marking a remarkable achievement as the first horse… Continue reading Grand National stats: Can trends find 2026 winner of Aintree race?

HMP Durham prisoners were not given enough underwear, says watchdog

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has stated that prisoners at HMP Durham are now receiving sufficient underwear and socks following concerns raised by a watchdog. The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) reported that new inmates had previously been provided with fewer than half of the personal clothing items mandated by national guidelines. Specifically, last year, new… Continue reading HMP Durham prisoners were not given enough underwear, says watchdog

Alwinton farming family cut off by state of road

The Byatt family, who live in a remote part of Upper Coquetdale in Northumberland, describe the access road to their farm as possibly the worst in the UK. Located at Philhope Farm, their home is reached via an unclassified road running along the valley, which has deteriorated significantly over the years. Harry Byatt expressed frustration… Continue reading Alwinton farming family cut off by state of road

Longleat celebrates 60 years since launching as a 'world first'

Sixty years ago, Henry Thynne, the 6th Marquess of Bath, introduced a groundbreaking concept in wildlife attractions by opening the Lions of Longleat drive-through park. This safari park, developed in partnership with circus owner Jimmy Chipperfield, was the first of its kind outside Africa and attracted significant public attention and controversy. “People were quite scandalised,… Continue reading Longleat celebrates 60 years since launching as a 'world first'

Dogs found crammed in living room doing 'really well', says RSPCA

Earlier this year, more than 250 poodle-cross dogs were rescued from a severely overcrowded property, and an image showing the dogs tightly packed in a living room sparked widespread attention. The RSPCA has since confirmed that the photo, contrary to some social media speculation, was genuine and not digitally created. Lee Hopgood, the RSPCA’s operational… Continue reading Dogs found crammed in living room doing 'really well', says RSPCA

Want to help garden birds? Don't feed them in warmer months, says RSPB

The UK’s largest bird conservation charity has issued a warning about the potential risks of feeding garden birds during the warmer months. While many people enjoy placing food out to attract wild birds, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommends pausing this activity between May 1 and October 31. The advice aims… Continue reading Want to help garden birds? Don't feed them in warmer months, says RSPB

Ten cases a day – how 'blitz courts' could tackle the Crown Court backlog

At Nottingham Crown Court, a series of cases were rapidly processed in a packed session aimed at easing a significant backlog within the criminal justice system. One of the first defendants, described by the judge as a “depraved individual,” had been caught sending intimate photos of himself to a 13-year-old girl and possessed nearly 200… Continue reading Ten cases a day – how 'blitz courts' could tackle the Crown Court backlog

Newspaper headlines: 'I'm not Epstein's victim' and 'We see you, Vlad'

Several UK newspapers have highlighted a number of prominent stories swirling around international security and domestic politics. US First Lady Melania Trump made headlines with a sudden address at the White House on Thursday evening. In her speech, she vehemently rejected allegations linking her to convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, stating, “I… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'I'm not Epstein's victim' and 'We see you, Vlad'

Grand National 2026 runners: Pinstickers' guide to Aintree race horses

Here is a summary of the horses numbered 28 to 31 with their trainer, jockey, form, age, weight, and commentary along with ratings and odds: — **28. Jordans** – **Trainer:** Joseph O’Brien (IRE) – **Jockey:** Ben Jones – **Form:** 2-85P0 – **Age:** 7 – **Weight:** 10-8 – **Commentary (John):** Acquired from France two years ago.… Continue reading Grand National 2026 runners: Pinstickers' guide to Aintree race horses

County Tyrone: Called Out play considers toxic masculinity and gender-based violence

A recent theatre production in Northern Ireland has been challenging young audiences to reflect on how they respond when friends exhibit harmful behaviour. The play, titled *Called Out*, takes a hard look at toxic actions directed towards women and issues around gender-based violence. It has reached around 1,500 schoolchildren and young people through free performances,… Continue reading County Tyrone: Called Out play considers toxic masculinity and gender-based violence