Children in care made to pack up their lives in bin bags

Children in Wales who are taken into care have reported losing personal items after being made to put their belongings in black bin bags. Elliott, who is now 15, lost a pendant given to him by his grandmother, who he didn’t know when he would see again, during his first move. Other children complained of… Continue reading Children in care made to pack up their lives in bin bags

Strangford Lough: Two people rescued from burning yacht

A yacht near the entrance of Strangford Lough caught fire over the weekend, but fortunately, both people on board were able to escape unharmed. The coastguard received a call from the crew of the 35ft yacht at around 5:30 pm on Saturday, reporting that their engine had overheated and was smoking heavily. The Portaferry RNLI… Continue reading Strangford Lough: Two people rescued from burning yacht

Keir Starmer says government will have to be unpopular and make tough choices

Keir Starmer, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, has stated in an interview with the BBC that in order to bring about important reforms, his new government is going to have to be willing to make some unpopular decisions. Speaking with Laura Kuenssberg in his first significant interview since taking office, Starmer explained that… Continue reading Keir Starmer says government will have to be unpopular and make tough choices

Mental health inquiry: 'We don't want other families to suffer'

A full public inquiry into the deaths of mental health patients in Essex is set to take place, with findings that could have implications for mental healthcare across the country. Melanie Leahy and Lisa Morris, both mothers who have lost sons to mental health issues, have waited years for this moment. Baroness Lampard is set… Continue reading Mental health inquiry: 'We don't want other families to suffer'

Female and non-binary acts 'sick' of being overlooked on line-ups

The male-dominated nature of the music industry, particularly the rock and alternative music scenes, has been highlighted once again, with the recent announcement of Slam Dunk festival’s 2025 line-up featuring only two female-led acts causing disappointment and frustration amongst fans and musicians alike. Cherym, a punk trio from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, spoke out about their… Continue reading Female and non-binary acts 'sick' of being overlooked on line-ups

Spotted dick to jambalaya: Chef's 50 years of feeding MPs

Terry Wiggins is retiring from his position as the head of catering at Westminster’s Portcullis House after 50 years of service. Throughout his five decades at the House of Commons, Wiggins has served some of the world’s most powerful leaders. He estimates that he has served dishes to 13 prime ministers. Despite retiring this month,… Continue reading Spotted dick to jambalaya: Chef's 50 years of feeding MPs

Weather: Met Office issues yellow warning for thundery rain

The southern parts of the UK have been issued with a yellow weather warning, as the Met Office predicts heavy rain and thunderstorms. The warning covers much of southern England up to counties such as Sheffield and Stoke on Trent, as well as southern and mid Wales. The forecasters have warned that between 21:00 BST… Continue reading Weather: Met Office issues yellow warning for thundery rain

Great North Run welcomes 60,000 participants for 43rd event

This year’s Great North Run is poised for one of its biggest turnouts yet, with thousands of participants gearing up to take on the half marathon course. Approximately 60,000 runners are set to begin in Newcastle, then head through Gateshead, South Tyneside, and finish in South Shields. The elite wheelchair race will kick off at… Continue reading Great North Run welcomes 60,000 participants for 43rd event

How did gun crime in Nottingham inspire hit BBC drama Sherwood?

The BBC drama series Sherwood, which is known for its gritty and hard-hitting portrayal of gun crime and gangs in post-industrial Nottingham, has returned for a second series and has once again gripped viewers. However, the credibility of the opening plotlines has been debated by some on social media. Written by award-winning Nottinghamshire playwright James… Continue reading How did gun crime in Nottingham inspire hit BBC drama Sherwood?