A selection of nine cities have been announced as contenders for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, including Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, and Milton Keynes. The government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) revealed the longlist on Wednesday, which also features Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon, and Wrexham. Each city on the list is set… Continue reading Blackpool, Ipswich, Milton Keynes among nine finalists for UK City of Culture 2029
Category: UK News
Ad for AI video app which said it could 'remove anything' banned
The UK’s advertising watchdog has banned a YouTube advertisement for an artificial intelligence-powered video and image editing tool after complaints that it promoted the digital removal of a woman’s clothing. The commercial for PixVideo – AI Video Maker, which appeared in January, depicted a “before” and “after” image of a young woman. In the initial… Continue reading Ad for AI video app which said it could 'remove anything' banned
NI education: Importance of nursery schools should not be overlooked, says principal
Claire Evans, the principal of St Teresa’s Nursery School in west Belfast, has expressed concerns that the Stormont Executive’s draft childcare strategy may be neglecting the vital role that nursery education plays. Writing directly to Education Minister Paul Givan, Evans warned that the plan appears to prioritize expanding general childcare facilities rather than safeguarding the… Continue reading NI education: Importance of nursery schools should not be overlooked, says principal
Kent university students to be offered vaccine in meningitis outbreak
Following a lethal meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area of Kent, authorities have initiated a “targeted vaccination programme” at the University of Kent. The number of invasive meningitis cases has risen from 13 to 15, including two fatalities: a 21-year-old university student and Juliette, an 18-year-old sixth form pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in… Continue reading Kent university students to be offered vaccine in meningitis outbreak
Greyhound racing to be banned in Wales after Senedd vote
The Senedd has voted to prohibit greyhound racing in Wales, marking a significant step to end the sport in the country. The decision received strong support from animal welfare advocates, who highlighted the dangers inherent in the sport and pointed to the deaths of thousands of dogs across the UK linked to racing activities. The… Continue reading Greyhound racing to be banned in Wales after Senedd vote
Was response to 'unprecedented' meningitis outbreak too slow?
An outbreak of meningitis in Kent has prompted strong reactions from parents and students, some of whom feel that health authorities were too slow to respond, following the deaths of two young people and the hospitalization of 13 others. Despite these concerns, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) maintains that it acted as promptly and… Continue reading Was response to 'unprecedented' meningitis outbreak too slow?
Meningitis: Parents of teen who died in 2025 call for more government support
In October 2025, Helen and Lee Draper tragically lost their daughter Megan to meningitis. Megan was a student at Bournemouth University at the time of her passing. Afterward, her parents discovered that Megan had not been vaccinated against the particular strain of meningitis she contracted, known as Meningitis B. This revelation highlighted gaps in the… Continue reading Meningitis: Parents of teen who died in 2025 call for more government support
Dates confirmed for new driving test booking rules
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced new regulations set to be introduced within the coming months, aiming to improve the fairness of the driving test booking process. These alterations will impose tighter controls on who can interact with the online booking system, particularly focusing on empowering learner drivers themselves. Starting from 12… Continue reading Dates confirmed for new driving test booking rules
Organisers confirm Derby 10k was 400m short
The organisers of this year’s Derby 10k have acknowledged that the racecourse was approximately 400 metres (1,312.3 feet) shorter than the official distance. This conclusion came after a detailed review was conducted following feedback from participants whose GPS devices indicated discrepancies in the length of the course. The Derby County Community Trust initiated the investigation… Continue reading Organisers confirm Derby 10k was 400m short
Killer kicked officer at police station, inquiry shown
An inquiry into the tragic Nottingham attacks has revealed footage capturing the moments when Valdo Calocane, the assailant, became violent while in police custody. On 13 June 2023, Calocane fatally stabbed Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, also attempting to cause harm to three additional victims. CCTV recordings presented during the inquiry show Calocane… Continue reading Killer kicked officer at police station, inquiry shown