The plans were submitted to the council in June 2026

Plans could see an office building in a Cambridgeshire city converted into apartments, if approved. A proposal has been submitted to Peterborough City Council requesting permission to convert Blenheim Court in Peppercorn Close, Peterborough.

The plans would see the building become 20 apartments made up of 10 studios and 10 one-bedroom apartments. The change of use application, if approved, would turn the building from commercial use to residential use.

The proposal was submitted by applicant Shaz Nawaz last month. The application states: “The project is the change of use from commercial office space to residential dwelling houses (apartments). The site comprises of two office units, 05 & 06 Blenheim Court.

“Each unit will have 10 individual self contained apartments (5 studios and 5 one bed apartments), total 20 apartments across both office units.”

The site offers vehicle access and 20 parking spaces split evenly between the two sites, which the applicant said is “enough to cover the proposed 20 residential units”. The site lies within flood zone one, the lowest level and so has no known flood risks, the applicant claims.

The site is located nearby to amenities such as Maskew Retail Park and Boulevard Retail Park and a range of restaurants including Subway and The Lounge. Queensgate Shopping Centre is also just a short drive away.

The city council will now consider whether the plans can be approved.

Need to know

England booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a victory over Mexico

Everything you need to know about England’s potential World Cup schedule

1. Round of 16 result against Mexico: England booked their place in the quarter-finals after claiming a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16. Jude Bellingham grabbed a quickfire brace, and Harry Kane converted a vital penalty to ensure the side defeated the host nation within normal time, despite Jarell Quansah receiving a red card in the second half.
2. Upcoming Norway fixture: The Three Lions are now gearing up to take on an Erling Haaland-led Norway in their pivotal quarter-final encounter. The Manchester City forward bagged a brace to guide Norway past five-time champions Brazil 2-1 and secure their hard-earned place in the last eight.
3. Quarter-final schedule: This eagerly awaited quarter-final against Norway is set for Saturday, July 11. In the UK, the match will be a 10pm kick-off, taking place at the spectacular Miami Stadium in Florida.
4. Semi-final schedule: Should England overcome their quarter-final challenge, they will contest their semi-final fixture on Wednesday, July 15. The match will begin at 8pm and require the squad to head back to the Atlanta Stadium.
5. Potential semi-final opponents: A triumph over Norway would arrange a challenging semi-final against another side in the knockout bracket. Their possible rivals at this point include Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland or Colombia.
6. Final schedule: If England reach the final, the match will be played on Sunday, July 19. The showpiece occasion will kick off at 8pm at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
7. Potential final opponents: Making it to the final would mean facing a formidable side that has battled through the other half of the knockout bracket. Among the possible opponents standing in the way of the ultimate prize are France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, the USA or Belgium.

READ MORE: Where can I watch England vs Mexico World Cup highlights this morning?

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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A manhunt has been launched for a father convicted of causing the death of his seven-month-old daughter in a drink-driving crash after he failed to appear for his trial and sentencing.

Police are appealing for information to trace Emmanuel Sakyi, 31, from Milton Keynes, who was convicted in his absence of causing death by dangerous driving and jailed for 15 years.

The renewed appeal comes after officers arrested a 40-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender as part of efforts to locate Sakyi. She has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Sakyi disappeared before proceedings at Aylesbury Crown Court and remains on the run.

The case relates to a crash on December 4, 2022, when Sakyi drove his grey Peugeot 508 on the wrong side of the road between Bond Avenue roundabout and Fenny Lock roundabout in Milton Keynes.

He was more than two-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit when his car collided head-on with a Fiat 500.

His daughter, Emmanuela, who was just seven months old, suffered fatal injuries.

Prosecutors said she was not properly secured in a suitable child seat at the time of the collision.

Sakyi was driving his grey Peugeot 508 on the wrong side of the road between Bond Avenue roundabout and Fenny Lock roundabout in Milton Keynes and was more than two-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit when his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a Fiat 500

After the crash, Sakyi fled the scene on foot before he was later arrested by police.

However, he failed to appear for his trial and sentencing, leading to his conviction in his absence and the launch of an ongoing manhunt.

As part of the renewed appeal, Thames Valley Police has released collision reconstruction footage and images of the crash in an effort to help locate him and highlight the consequences of dangerous and drink-driving.

Sakyi is described as a Black man of medium build with black hair and brown eyes. He is around 5ft 3in tall.  

Detective Inspector Justin Thomas, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘Nearly four years ago, seven-month-old Emmanuela lost her life because her father chose to drink-drive. Emmanuel Sakyi should be behind bars. Instead, he remains at large.

‘We have made an arrest and are continuing our enquiries to locate Sakyi, but we still need the public’s help.

‘We are releasing the collision reconstruction footage and damage to Sakyi’s car today to demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of the choices he made that day. Emmanuela’s death was entirely preventable.

‘Her mother, Ruth Oppong, aged 34, was sentenced to one year and nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court after being convicted of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving and causing unnecessary suffering or injury to a child.

‘We know there are people within the community who know where Sakyi is or have information that could help us find him.

‘I would urge anybody who is assisting him, harbouring him, or helping him evade justice to consider the seriousness of this case and do the right thing.

‘Emmanuela lost her life and Sakyi has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. Our determination to locate him has not diminished.

‘We hope those who knew Emmanuela, and those who have followed this case, will help us ensure that justice is served.

‘If you know where Sakyi is, or have any information which could assist our investigation, please contact Thames Valley Police.’

Anyone with information about Sakyi’s whereabouts should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 20260622-2396.

Police are advising the public that if they see Sakyi, they should not approach him and instead call 999 immediately.

Information can also be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Historic Market Weighton sits roughly half-way between York and Hull and on the site of Roman trade routes.

Today, its traditional high street bustles with independent shops, cafes, pubs and local trades.

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The town is a perfect refuelling stop for those walking the Yorkshire Wolds Way, a 79‑mile National Trail that follows the gentle chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds from Hessle on the Humber Estuary to Filey Brigg on the North Sea coast.

At less than half-way into the traditionally followed route from the shadow of the Humber Bridge, the town is marked by a small detour off the main A1079 York to Hull road.

The Londesborough Arms in the centre of Market Weighton began life in the late 18th century as The Devonshire Arms, an old coaching inn built around the 1780s for the 5th Duke of Devonshire and connected with the nearby Londesborough estate (Image: Kevin Glenton)

This scenic East Yorkshire town in the Vale of York is loved by visitors who pass through – even if some say its name wrong.

The name as read causes confusion and many newcomers ask how to say it, much as they do the village of Sleights in North Yorkshire.

For the avoidance of doubt, the proper local pronunciation is Market WEE-ton, or even WEE-tn, but not the commonly mispronounced “Market WEIGH-ton, or WAY-ton”, due to the spelling.

The proper local pronunciation is Market WEE-TON, or WEE-TN (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Market Weighton’s history was detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086 before which it was known as Wictsun.

The town acquired the “Market” tag later, when a charter was granted in 1251, after which it grew into a robust trading hub, particularly for sheep.

William “Giant” Bradley, born in Market Weighton in 1787, was the tallest recorded British man and is still celebrated in his hometown with a statue, heritage trail and Giant Bradley Day. (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The town’s most famous resident is William “Giant” Bradley, born in Market Weighton in 1787.

The “Yorkshire Giant” was Britain’s tallest recorded man and is immortalised with a statue in the town centre, a bypass on the A1079 is named after him and the town continues to proudly host the well-liked Giant Bradley Day annually.

This year’s event is on Sunday July 12 in Market Weighton’s High Street.

Ofsted highlighted that ‘each pupil is supported to feel valued as part of this inclusive and caring community’

A Huntingdon school has been praised by Ofsted in its latest Ofsted report. St Peter’s School on St Peter’s Road received a rating of ‘expected standard’ across all areas assessed.

The report, published on Friday, July 3, recognises significant improvements across the school, and was rated ‘expected standard’ in seven areas. These are: achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing and post 16 provision.

The inspection, in May, highlighted a calmer, more purposeful learning environment and strong relationships between staff and pupils. The school, part of The CAM Academy Trust, which caters to ages 11 through to 18, was also praised for its inclusive ethos, with inspectors noting that pupils feel safe, supported and valued as members of the school community.

Emma Butler, Principal of St Peter’s School, said: “This report reflects the hard work and commitment of our whole school community. I am incredibly proud of our staff and our pupils.

“The improvements recognised by Ofsted are the result of a shared determination to provide the very best for every young person. We know there is more to do, but we are absolutely committed to continuing this journey.”

The education watchdog said: “Each pupil is supported to feel valued as part of this inclusive and caring community. Pupils grow to become confident, capable and compassionate young people.”

The inspection found that pupils demonstrate “growing confidence in applying key knowledge and skills” and they are “well prepared for their next stages of education, employment or training”.

Claire Heald, CEO of The CAM Academy Trust, said that this was a “very positive outcome” for the school and “reflects the strength of leadership and the dedication of staff”. She added: “The report recognises a school that is inclusive, ambitious and firmly focused on ensuring every pupil succeeds. We look forward to continuing to build on this strong foundation.”

The Guardian, external leads on the government crackdown on large political donations, as Nigel Farage faces further allegations of breaking Parliamentary rules in relation to gifts he received from a convicted fraudster. The Daily Mirror’s headline reads “Farage and the con’s cash”. The Daily Express, external quotes the Reform UK leader on its front page, who described the allegations as a “hit job”, saying he had done nothing wrong.

Dementia patients are being “cast aside” and treated as “second-class citizens”, according to the Daily Mail, external. Its report quotes the head of the Alzheimer’s Society, who claims patients are being sent home by the NHS with little more than an information leaflet. The Department for Health told the paper it wanted everyone affected by what it called the “devastating condition” to access high-quality, personalised support.

The Daily Telegraph, external says President Trump has warned Nato allies to step up defence spending “immediately”, or face the consequences. On the eve of a summit in Ankara, the US has complained that many countries are “lagging behind”, according to the paper. The Times, external says Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to face a rebuke from the President over his defence spending plans.

Financial regulators are warning of an “arms race” to keep up with the use of Artificial Intelligence in the sector, according to a report in the Financial Times, external. It says the Financial Conduct Authority is calling for greater powers to stay on top of the rapid growth of AI.

The sale of the weight-loss drug, Wegovy, at pharmacies from today leads the i Paper, external, but the paper says it is unlikely to be available for free on the NHS for another two years. It says pharmacies have warned there is already “huge demand” for the drug, with one online chemist pre-approving 10-thousand customers.

England’s late World Cup kick-off proved difficult for some of the papers. The Sun’s , externalfront-page admitted the game was on so late it couldn’t bring readers the score, instead asking “how’s the hangover?”, with a number of pubs staying open until just a few hours ago. The Daily Star , externaltakes a similar approach. “Hangover of God” reads its headline, a nod to Diego Maradona’s famous hand of god goal against England 40 years ago.

Around 1.4 million people from the subcontinent – now India, Pakistan and Bangladesh – are known to have served in the British Indian Army in WW1.

In the years that followed the war, officials visited every town and village in Punjab in an effort to record the names and fates of each of the 320,000 servicemen who came from that state alone.

Following India’s partition in 1947 the state of Punjab was split between India and Pakistan.

Scores of cracked, fragile, leather-bound volumes filled with hand-written records, and each embossed with a village name, now line shelves at the Lahore Museum in Pakistan.

Members of the UK Punjab Heritage Association initiated the project to digitise and analyse the records, a process that has taken several years.

“As a Punjabi myself I feel really proud that I can do this part for the community,” says Jasmin Basra, a PhD student at the University of Greenwich, who participated in the pain-staking research.

During the process, Basra unexpectedly stumbled across the names of two of her own relatives, a great-great-grandfather and his brother, who also served in WW1 fighting for the British Indian Army.

“That connection was emotional. As a second-generation British Punjabi, there is almost a disconnect from Punjab as well as not being fully connected to British history, but I think this is a tangible link to all of it,” she says.

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

NEW YORK (AP) — The United States’ 250th birthday carries ambitions to galvanize Americans behind nationwide community-service drives and patriotic brand launches. Well-known U.S. nonprofits hope to inspire a record-setting level of volunteerism, while major companies such as Walmart and Coca-Cola are sponsoring tributes and selling limited-edition merchandise.

But the private sector’s unifying ambitions have been met with a mixed response, complicated by an uneasy national mood. Fewer Americans see their country as exceptional compared to 10 years ago, according to a recent survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, part of a broad decline in patriotic sentiment. Views of the American flag — a prominent feature of semiquincentennial celebrations — are divided by politics, age and race.

Rival events, planned by two different commissions, are adding to the conflicted feelings. Late last year President Donald Trump created Freedom 250, a nonprofit led by his allies, to organize alternative programming to America250, the official nonpartisan group formed in 2016 by Congress.

“The American dream is alive again. That’s something that nobody thought they’d be saying when you went through that last four years of incompetence,” Trump said at his June 24 campaign-style rally kicking off Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair, which lost nearly all scheduled musical performers over concerns the event had grown too politically charged.

Philanthropy sees local impact as key to engagement

The tone contrasted with one of America250’s tentpoles: America Gives. The initiative aims to strengthen volunteering habits by encouraging Americans to serve with its nonprofit partners and log those hours in an online tracker.

Salvation Army USA National Commander Merle Heatwole lamented that a number of potential participants have assigned political agendas to the nonpartisan program, which is co-sponsored by his Christian aid nonprofit. Still, he celebrated that thousands of churches supported their “Good Neighbor Day” of volunteering in May.

“Some people have shied away because they’re not sure whether this is a nonpartisan effort, or whether it’s connected to the Trump administration versus the Democratic administrations,” Heatwole said. “That, I think, has hindered it slightly. But I think that overall, people are excited about having an opportunity to get involved.”

The America Gives tracker counted ”just over 38 million hours volunteered entering the holiday weekend.” It’s unclear how many hours would set the single-year record. Americans recorded 4.99 billion service hours in a one-year span from 2022-2023, according to an AmeriCorps analysis of Census Bureau data.

Most nonprofits aren’t leveraging semiquincentennial campaigns, one consultant found. Jayne Cravens, whose 30-year nonprofit career has included volunteer coordination, said nonprofits lack the infrastructure to provide meaningful service experiences. That’s especially so after the Trump administration gutted AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, in 2025. Nonprofits scrambled to replace lost workers and funding.

Audra Watson, who leads youth civic programs at the nonprofit C&S, is spearheading a three-year effort to increase civic engagement among 20 million people ages 14 to 24.

She finds most young people are getting engaged through appeals outside of the 250th. While the milestone has sparked “some excitement for some young people,” she said, those participants are “hand-raisers” already “deeply excited about history.”

The more they encourage young people to consider local impact, where she said they hold the most influence, the more she finds they depart from partisanship.

“For some young people, the 250th is their thing,” she said. “But for many, many more of them this is about really taking that energy and catalyzing that energy around issues of their community.”

Dueling logos muddle the market

Marketing consultants say brands have to tread carefully, given a divided nation and shrinking national pride.

Further jumbling 250th celebration advertising, marketing executives noted, have been the two competing logos. The America250 emblem depicts a bold red, white and blue continuous ribbon that spells out “250.” The Freedom 250 design features the words “Freedom 250” written in a classic serif font, placed inside a circular arrangement of 13 stars, a nod to the original U.S. flag

“Once you have two competing logos, it’s confusing,” said Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce.

Walmart, an America250 founding sponsor, is sponsoring a mobile recording studio that is collecting oral histories across the country. The Library of Congress will archive a selection of stories, the company said.

Coca‑Cola launched “Paint the Nation,” a large-scale public art initiative resulting in dozens of murals created with local artists. The company said each mural will reflect local culture and community pride, creating a “visual legacy that extends beyond the anniversary year.” Commemorative mini-cans are also being issued for all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

Aaron Hilton of Suffolk, Virginia says he’s seen lots of paper plates, cups and T-shirts with the America 250 reference. He’s not interested, blaming his lack of enthusiasm on the Trump administration.

“I’ll end up getting the Coke because I do drink Coke, but otherwise I really don’t want to buy anything like that,” said Hilton, 36. “I’m not feeling really patriotic about this.”

Darrell Brown, 60, of Alexander, Arkansas, has already bought commemorative T-shirts and flags. Every year, he decorates his lawn with a 7-foot inflatable Uncle Sam. This year, he’s added more American flags than usual to commemorate the milestone.

Brown saye he’s been sticking to merchandise with America250 references. He finds it politically divisive to have two logos.

“I don’t believe this should be a political issue,” he said. “I think it should be just about celebrating the country, regardless if you’re a Democrat or Republican.”

Grassroots programming defined commemoration 50 years ago

Future generations might be pleasantly surprised to see all their communities accomplished under the milestone’s banner, according to M.J. Rymsza-Pawlowska, a cultural historian who wrote a book about the 1976 bicentennial.

She recalled that the Vietnam war and Watergate still felt fresh during those celebrations. President Richard Nixon initially replaced Lyndon B. Johnson’s bipartisan planning commission with one composed of political appointees interested in a top-down celebration of American supremacy.

But Nixon scrapped those plans in place of federal funding for grassroots programming, Rymsza-Pawlowska said, which grew into forms of civic engagement still popular today. Environmental pick-ups and get-out-the-vote work were common forms of bicentennial volunteerism.

Private funders still support such efforts, though not at the scale possible with government backing. State humanities councils launched a “By the People” campaign to fund community-driven programs exploring the nation’s culture and imagining its future. Her Washington, D.C. chapter created an oral history project that promises “an intimate and complex portrait of what it means to call the nation’s capital home” today.

“We don’t really know what the ultimate legacy of the 250th will be,” Rymsza-Pawlowska said. “A commemoration is just an opportunity to do a thing that you were already doing but have an occasion for it. And possibly get some money for it.”

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Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.