Donald Trump accused China of infiltrating 220 million American voter files in what he called the biggest election meddling scheme in history in a dramatic primetime address to the nation from the White House.

The President also accused Venezuela of being behind a campaign to influence US elections and claimed the ‘deep state’ was part of a widespread cover-up in a speech that revived his allegations of fraud in his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.

‘The People’s Republic of China carried out what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history, resulting in China’s illicit acquisition of 220 million U.S. voter files,’ the President alleged.

‘That information includes names, addresses, phone numbers, political party preferences, and other sensitive data,’ he added.

No evidence of voting machine insecurity or fraud in the 2020 election has been established. Trump’s claims have come under heightened scrutiny; some major broadcast networks like ABC and NBC refused to carry his remarks live.

‘In a rare move, NBC and ABC fake news have both said that they would not cover this speech,’ Trump stated. ‘They know how corrupt our system is and … They and others in the media are part of a plot.’

A March 2021 US intelligence report assessed that China did not deploy interference efforts.’ It also concluded that Beijing considered but did not deploy influence operations on the 2020 election. 

Trump claimed that China wanted him to lose the 2020 election. ‘I was wise to them, charged them billions and billions of dollars worth of tariffs,’ Trump said of his first term. 

He also accused ex-dictator of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro of conspiring to meddle in US elections

Trump also announced the release of hundreds of previously classified files about US elections.

Referencing newly declassified files, Trump said that some documents reveal ‘that members of the deep state’ worked to ‘actively suppress and downplay information about the extent of China’s sinister election rally.’

Referring to another newly released CIA report, Trump said the Nicolas Maduro regime developed methods to digitally alter vote totals in ways that could not be detected, even with an audit, no matter how deep they went.’

The 2021 report also claims that though ex-Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro may have wanted to sway US public opinion against Trump during the 2020 election, he lacked the ability to do so. 

The President has maintained for the better part of a decade that he won the 2020 election against Joe Biden. 

The administration has been investigating the circumstances of Trump’s 2020 loss, including the seizure of election records in Fulton County, Georgia, the hotly contested area around Atlanta.

The President’s fresh allegations about the 2020 election had his MAGA supporters in an uproar about the alleged plot against the Republican.

‘This may be the most important Oval Office address since the Cuban Missile Crisis,’ Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno wrote on X. ‘The time for complacency with China is over.’

Trump accused China of accessing 220 million American voter files

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United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was spotted in February after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant for the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center

Meanwhile, Democrats bemoaned the address as a tireless rehashing of the Republican’s longstanding gripes and that his claims lacked evidence. 

Beyond the White House, a significant portion of Republicans believe the 2020 election was ‘stolen.’ 

According to an April Reuters poll, nearly two in three Republicans (63 percent) agree that the 2020 contest was stolen from Trump via election fraud. 

One in five (21 percent) independents agreed, while just 9 percent of Democrats also said the 2020 election was taken from Trump. 

The speech comes amid the backdrop of the administration’s efforts to have the Senate pass the SAVE America Act. 

If passed, the measure implements election reforms such as requiring proof of US citizenship to register or update voter registrations for federal elections. 

It also would mandate the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls and force states to check federal databases to see if voters are allowed to cast ballots. 

The measure has passed the House but has been stalled in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to pass, including support from a handful of Senate Democrats. 

Critics say the bill establishes barriers preventing eligible voters from casting ballots, while proponents argue it secures the electoral process. 

The White House announced the address on Monday but gave few details about what the special event would focus on. 

The following day, the President teased, ‘What we’re going to talk about Thursday, it doesn’t get bigger because without free and fair elections, you don’t have a country.’

‘We’ll be discussing other things too, but it’s going to be a very big announcement’

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Thursday said that the US ‘Should have the safest and most secure elections in the history of the world … and what the President will be speaking about tonight will show you that perhaps that is not the case.’

Certain broadcasters were concerned about the speech; ABC and NBC chose to stream the remarks as opposed to broadcasting them on their networks. 

Two women have been rushed to hospital after the shocking incident this evening.

Two women have been rushed to hospital after a car crashed through a barrier on a bridge and landed on the M8 motorway. The incident happened at around 8:40pm on Thursday between Renfrew Road and junction 27 of the motorway, near Paisley.

Two women have been taken to hospital but no more information is available on their condition at this stage. Emergency services remain at the scene and the M8 has been closed westbound.

It is understood the vehicle crashed into a barrier on Renfrew Road and landed on the motorway. An image from the scene shows the grey vehicle lying on the motorway as a number of bystanders gather nearby.

Smashed glass and debris from the vehicle can be seen on the tarmac. Road users are advised diversions are in place and to expect delays when travelling in the area.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The M8 is closed westbound at Junction 27, White Cart Viaduct in Paisley, following a one-car crash reported around 8.40pm on Thursday, 16 July, 2026.

“Renfrew Road is also closed between Abbotsinch Retail Park roundabout and Arkleston Road roundabout due to associated damage to barriers.

“Two females have been taken to hospital for treatment. Emergency services are in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use an alternative route”

A Traffic Scotland spokesperson said: “Junction 27, White Cart Viaduct. The M8 is closed westbound due to a road traffic collision.

“Drivers should use caution on approach and expect delays. Traffic is being diverted locally.”

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The incident happened involved the theft of headwear at 3.25pm on May 26 in Whitby.

North Yorkshire Police have launched a CCTV appeal, as the person pictured could have information that could assist officers.

Recommended reading:

A force spokesperson said: “If you have any information that could assist our investigation, please contact us online in the first instance:

• Email: scott.nixon@northyorkshire.police.uk

• Online: Visit our website, select ‘Tell us about’, then choose ‘An existing case or report’

• Live chat: Available via our website, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

“If you are unable to use these options, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

“Please quote reference 12260096204 when providing information.

Happily, none of Northern Ireland’s coastal spots were ranked among the bottom 30. Conversely, one made it into the ‘best’ list in this year’s Which? seaside town rankings

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The best seaside town in Northern Ireland has been crowned – and it’s not Ballycastle or Portrush.

Each year, the readers of Which? vote on which coastal spot is their favourite. It’s been another bad year for England’s Bognor Regis, which came last for a second year in a row. Visitors complained of how expensive it is and how the place feels rundown.

Happily, none of Northern Ireland’s coastal spots were ranked among the bottom 30. Conversely, one made it into the ‘best’ list.

There are a number of contenders. Portrush in County Antrim is probably the country’s best-known seaside town. It sits on a jagged peninsula and features three massive sandy beaches.

Newcastle in County Down is another classic. It sits directly between the Irish Sea and the massive Mourne Mountains. It is the perfect mix of mountain hikes and seaside strolls. So is Ballycastle in County Antrim. The historic market town is regularly voted one of the best places to live. It has a beautiful Blue Flag beach and a bustling traditional harbour.

But it’s none of these that made it into the Which? list. That honour goes to Portstewart in County Derry.

Portstewart is one of the prettiest spots on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, and it’s easy to see why people love it. Portstewart Strand is a big draw. The two-mile Blue Flag beach is managed by the National Trust and backs onto a dramatic dune system. What makes it unusual is that you can drive right onto the sand, which is a big plus if you’ve got kids or gear to haul. It’s great for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, or just a long walk through the dunes.

Beyond the beach, there’s a lot to like. The Promenade harks back to the Victorian-era seafront with cafes, ice cream parlours, and sea views. It’s the social heart of the town, especially in summer.

Much like Broadstairs in Kent, Portstewart has an ice cream dynasty called Morelli’s. The ice cream institution sits on the Prom and has been running since the early 1900s.

If you’re minded to play golf, then you’ll love Portstewart Golf Club. It has three courses, including a championship links course right along the coast. Royal Portrush, one of the world’s top links courses, is nearby too.

For the more culturally minded, Flowerfield Arts Centre was Northern Ireland’s first. It’s set in a Victorian mansion and has exhibitions and events year-round.

The town is brilliantly placed as a base for exploring the wider coast, providing easy access to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle, and Mussenden Temple. The area’s also become a bit of a pilgrimage spot for Game of Thrones fans, thanks to nearby filming locations.

Compared to buzzier Portrush next door, Portstewart tends to feel a little quieter and more residential. It is a nice base if you want proximity to the sights without quite as much bustle.

TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Bamburgh — 84%
2. Tynemouth — 82%
3. St Andrews — 81%
4. Aldeburgh — 80%
5. Crail — 80%
6. Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
7. Portmeirion — 80%
8. St Davids — 79%
9. Bude — 78%
10. Southwold — 78%
11. North Berwick — 77%
12. Plockton — 77%
13. St Ives — 77%
14. Swanage — 77%
15. Lyme Regis — 76%
16. Lytham St Annes — 76%
17. Portstewart — 76%
18. Conwy — 75%
19. Dornoch — 75%
20. Filey — 75%
21. Lynmouth — 75%
22. Sidmouth — 75%
23. St Mawes — 75%
24. Tenby — 75%
25. Tobermory — 75%
26. Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
27. Whitley Bay — 75%
28. Broadstairs — 74%
29. Falmouth — 74%
30. Llandudno — 74%

BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Ilfracombe — 57%
2. Minehead — 57%
3. Bridlington — 56%
4. Cleethorpes — 56%
5. Fishguard — 56%
6. Seaton — 56%
7. Torquay — 56%
8. Abersoch — 55%
9. Colwyn Bay — 55%
10. Morecambe — 55%
11. Newquay — 55%
12. Barry Island — 54%
13. Skegness — 54%
14. Mablethorpe — 53%
15. Margate — 53%
16. Paignton — 53%
17. Southport — 53%
18. Herne Bay — 52%
19. Littlehampton — 51%
20. New Brighton — 51%
21. Weston-super-Mare — 50%
22. Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
23. Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
24. Southend-on-Sea — 47%
25. Bangor — 46%
26. Blackpool — 46%
27. Fleetwood — 46%
28. Great Yarmouth — 46%
29. Lowestoft — 46%
30. Bognor Regis — 41%

Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.

Nearly all the men had intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer – but 10 years after treatment only two had died from the disease.

These outcomes are as good as surgery or radiotherapy, but with less than half the risk of side effects such as urine leakage or loss of sexual function.

Joint senior author Professor Hashim Ahmed, consultant urologist at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said the findings demonstrated that “focal therapy delivers excellent long-term cancer control across a broad range of patients”.

“It makes a compelling case for more centres to offer this treatment,” he added.

Focal therapy was introduced more than 20 years ago but at present only about 1,000 men a year in the UK receive it – despite there being up to 15,000 who could benefit.

The therapy is not suitable for men whose cancer is in multiple parts of their prostate or has spread beyond the gland.

The ex-mayor was convicted of rape after pleading not guilty

A former town mayor will be deported to Latvia after losing an appeal after being convicted of rape. Aigars Balsevics, former Mayor of Wisbech, was jailed for six and a half years in 2023 for two counts of rape committed in 2021.

The 45-year-old’s conviction followed a lengthy trial at which he pleaded not guilty. The convicted rapist was served with a deportation decision to Latvia in 2023. Following this, Balsevics made written representations “amounting to a human rights claim”.

The Latvian national argued deportation would damage his relationship with his two children. However, Upper Tribunal Susan Kebede overturned an earlier ruling.

Although Judge Kebede found Balsevics to have a “genuine and subsisting parental relationship with his two children”, the judge concluded “that there were no very compelling circumstances outweighing the public interest in his deportation”.

Judge Kebede concluded that the factors in Balsevics’ favour including “his prior standing in the community and the benefits he conferred on his community” were “outweighed by the nature and seriousness of his offending”.

The judgement document added: “As such, I find that the appellant’s removal to Latvia, pursuant to the deportation order issued against him, would not be disproportionate and would not be in breach of Article 8.”

A Government Home Office spokesperson said: “We will do everything in our power to remove foreign criminals from British soil. More than 70,000 illegal migrants and foreign national offenders have been returned since this government took office, a 41% increase.”

In 2015, Balsevics became a councillor on Wisbech council. In 2019, he became Deputy Mayor, before eventually becoming Mayor in 2020.

Cambridge City Council will debate restrictions on HMOs at a council meeting after residents shared concerns about parking and the ‘character’ of communities

Cambridge’s HMO hotspots have been revealed in new data as the council considers restrictions after a petition raised locals’ concerns. Donna Ferguson, a campaigner behind the petition, said she knew the “strength of feeling” around HMOs but was still surprised by how quickly they reached their goal.

She said: “We knew there was going to be a huge amount of support for this campaign, but we weren’t sure we would manage to get that many signatures in such a short space of time. It’s been an absolutely huge effort and it’s because of all the volunteers that we have.”

They’ve urged the council to implement Article 4 Directions to require landlords to seek full planning permission for HMOs of six people and less. Currently, those with up to six people can be converted under permitted development rules.

The petition also calls for the council to set a 10 per cent HMO threshold within 100m to “prevent harmful over-concentration”. Donna, who is also chair of Guest Road Area Residents’ Association (GRARA) in Petersfield, said HMOs make up a third of properties in their local area.

She said: “It’s one of the smallest parking zones in Cambridge and we have a very large number of HMOs. What happens is a resident will go somewhere with their car, come back, and there’s absolutely no space for residents to park.

“They’ll end up parking on a single-yellow line and get a ticket – pretty much every resident who lives here has had a ticket for parking near their home because there’s no space to park.”

Donna compiled data from the council and university and student accommodation registers to create a heatmap of where HMOs are most concentrated. She found that there are “at least” 1,481 HMOs in Cambridge – 935 licensed by the council and 532 managed by University of Cambridge colleges, Anglia Ruskin University or other registered student accommodation providers.

Donna said: “I hope that when people can see on a map where the different HMOs are it will help inform the council about where the Article 4 Directions need to be in place.” HMOs must be registered with the council if they house five or more people – but this doesn’t include smaller HMOs.

She said she hopes the map will help the council understand that “right across the city, HMOs are clustering – and there’s already a large number of HMOs you can’t see on this map”.

She added that “as a general rule of thumb” if the HMO can be entered “directly from a public street” it’s included in the dataset – so if students need to go through a porter’s lounge or college-managed entry barrier, it’s excluded.

Donna’s report found 468 HMOs sitting in clusters of three to six within 50 metres of each other, and a further 289 in “hyper-dense clusters” of seven or more within 50 metres. A single address on St John’s Road on the edge of Jesus Green has 31 HMOs within 50 metres – the same length as an Olympic swimming pool.

She said: “There’s some parts of Cambridge where HMOs are very densely concentrated – that kind of changes the character of the neighbourhood and the community. Before, it was perhaps long-standing members of a community.”

Market has the largest concentration of HMOs, with a total of 320, and 210 that are within 50m of another five or more HMOs. Petersfield and Romsey wards are also densely populated with HMOs, with 151 and 154 in total respectively – 59 and 37 of which are within 50m of another five or more HMOs. The street with the most HMOs was Mill Road, with 52.

Cambridge consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in the UK and with a student population of roughly 35,000 there is no shortage of demand for affordable housing.

Donna said: “HMOs are a crucial part of the housing mix – people know that students need to live in Cambridge and there needs to be low-cost housing. But HMOs can cause problems in neighbourhoods – they can put pressure on parking, pressure on bins and lead to issues around noise and antisocial behaviour the way any property full of adults can.”

She said other university cities like Oxford and Bristol have already introduced restrictions on HMOs, leaving Cambridge as an outlier. She said: “If the council adopts both those measures then it will have a way of regulating HMOs and empowering residents to have a say – when would that ever be a bad thing?”

Cambridge City Council will debate whether to introduce Article 4 Directions and a maximum threshold on HMOs at Thursday’s council meeting. To view the full dataset and heatmap visit: https://cambridgehmos.netlify.app/.

If you own an air fryer, you’ll know how hard it is to clean spotless

Air fryers are hugely popular kitchen appliances capable of cooking everything from sausages to chips to baked goods. Their versatility also makes them a magnet for stubborn residue, grease and grime, which can become baked on if you neglect to clean the appliance after each use.

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent persistent build-up and to maintain good hygiene.

There are numerous approaches to cleaning an air fryer, with many people favouring natural methods. However, I picked up a dedicated air fryer cleaning spray from Home Bargains, made by Elbow Grease, which is available from a range of retailers, including Home Bargains, for just £1.

The product description reads: “Elbow Grease Air Fryer Cleaning Spray cuts through tough grease with ease, leaving your fryer spotless and smelling fresh with a zesty lemon scent.

“Perfect for all air fryer brands, it makes cleaning quick and hassle-free.”

At just £1 and generously sized, the product has kept me going for months — you only need a few sprays to coat the entire appliance.

I simply spray it across the whole air fryer, leave it to work for a few minutes, then give it a gentle scrub with washing-up liquid.

I use the spray on both the air fryer baskets and the interior, and it effortlessly dissolves grease.

On top of that, it leaves a wonderfully fresh lemon fragrance throughout the kitchen after each clean, eliminating any food odours that may have accumulated.

The manufacturer states it’s suitable for everyday maintenance cleaning or deep cleans, positioning it as the only spray required.

Air fryer users are particularly enthusiastic about the spray, with one review stating: “I have only just bought this item and it’s marvellous. Grease just disappears better than anything else I’ve tried.”

Another commented: “Bought this two weeks ago. It does the job well. Only need to spray it and wipe it, then rinse.”

A third remarked: “Very happy with this purchase. It’s a great product that works well.”

The final instalment of the Heartstopper saga was originally set to be released as a fourth series, but despite a shorter running time, each individual’s storyline is still handled with care.

The film explores conversations around eating disorders, mental health, alcohol dependency and difficult family dynamics.

Locke and Connor are also both producers for this final chapter, which Connor says allowed them to “be the creative input and mouthpiece for the cast” who “all care about these characters and the story”.

Locke, 22, jokes that a lot of the time people are just handed producer credits, but clarifies “we actually put some effort in and took it seriously”.

There is some sadness though at saying goodbye to each other in a professional sense, with Locke noting that the show has “changed my life in pretty much every way”.

“It’s the biggest thing that will ever happen to any of us,” Connor adds.

“I value Joe as a friend, if we work together again that’s great but he’s a great actor and I love watching his work,” he says.