Fiona Higgins was correct to question public cuts, says Record View.

Glasgow Labour councillor Fiona Higgins took to social media in 2024 to accuse a local authority official of misleading the public on cuts to teacher numbers.

An official complaint about Higgins was made to the council ethics body and a probe was launched.

The saga will go to court this week over claims the watchdog did not allow relevant information to be introduced by the councillor during the investigation.

The judicial review is important on a number of levels that go beyond the merits of this individual case.

Councils have been cut to the bone in recent years and have had to make painful cuts.

Local councillors have been the last line of defence for communities in stopping service cuts.

It is therefore essential that there is transparency in where the axe falls locally.

It is even more vital that councillors can speak freely if they feel town hall chiefs are not being open.

The complaint against Higgins appears to have been an over-reaction and also ill-judged.

She had a duty to speak up for parents and pupils alike and should not have faced a probe by a watchdog.

Her judicial review is one aspect of this investigation and it will be watched with interest by observers.

But we fear this row could already have had a chilling effect on free speech in local authorities.

Higgins deserves the support she has received and we wish her every success.

Race must widen to save the party

Scottish Labour are about to embark on a contest to elect their 11th leader of the devolution age.

This comes on the back of five defeats in a row to the SNP and shedding support at every Holyrood election.

To say the party of John Smith and Donald Dewar is in the last chance saloon is the understatement of the year.

With so many issues to debate, Scottish Labour should have a contest that includes candidates on all wings of the party.

It now seems that left-winger Monica Lennon will not make the ballot and it may become an all-male battle between Joe Fagan and Michael Marra.

This would be a shame because Lennon, unlike many in her party, is popular among the wider electorate.

The upcoming contest has to end with a divided party uniting to put forward a bold vision of change.

Lennon’s exclusion would make it harder for Scottish Labour to come together.

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Chinese scientists claim to have found the most effective way to bury and detonate a nuclear device inside a large asteroid to prevent a potentially cataclysmic collision with the Earth.

Asteroids pose a major threat to human civilisation, having caused catastrophic environmental changes and mass extinctions in the past.

In recent years, astronomers have routinely flagged asteroids measuring tens to hundreds of metres across that have frequently made close flybys of the Earth.

A vast number of large asteroids near our planet also remain undiscovered, with warning times for potential collisions often ranging from a few days to weeks. For large asteroids that are hundreds of metres wide, methods like the one tested by Nasa’s 2021-22 Dart mission cannot achieve effective deflection within short timeframes.

To directly destroy or rapidly deflect large asteroids from their orbits, scientists at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology note, nuclear detonation is the most effective method.

In extreme cases, it may be the only feasible approach for dealing with large space rocks or asteroids with short warning times, the researchers argue in a study published in Space: Science & Technology.

In the methods theorised so far, however, the impact and position of nuclear detonation on an asteroid cannot be autonomously selected.

The latest study outlines a new approach to detonate a nuclear device on a large near‑Earth asteroid.

The researchers simulated a spacecraft releasing a penetration device to excavate a deep crater on the asteroid and then guiding a nuclear device into it for detonation.

They assessed the damage caused to the rock by nuclear explosions of various sizes and burial depths.

They also examined the effects of factors like launch-vehicle characteristics and impact velocity.

The researchers found that an explosion the size of 200 Hiroshima bombs could completely blast apart an asteroid about 100m across.

They further found that burying the bomb about 30 metres beneath the surface tripled the change in the asteroid’s speed compared with a more shallow explosion.

For instance, a kilometre-scale asteroid with a deep crater detonation at 20 meters could achieve a velocity increment exceeding 30cm per second away from the Earth.

The findings provide an important foundation for planning and designing defences against large-sized or short-warning-time asteroids headed for the Earth, the scientists said, adding that nuclear blasts could be the most effective means of dealing with large asteroids with short warning times.

“This study can provide references for the engineering design of defence against large near-Earth asteroids,” the scientists wrote.

Manchester United are enjoying an under-the-radar transfer window as they continue to target a handful of positions

Manchester United are one game closer to the new Premier League season. And Michael Carrick’s squad has so far only been bolstered by three new senior arrivals.

United fans were made to wait for their club to spring into action this window but were rewarded by a flurry of incomings. Andrey Santos was quickly followed by ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans through the door. Young prospects in Tynan Thompson and Kit Margetson were also snapped up.

Their latest pre-season outing saw them defeat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm. But one position that the club are keen to reinforce is left-back. Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui can operate there, but a surprise move for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has been mooted.

United have long held an interest in the defender and another transfer that might be completed this week could enable Carrick’s side to pounce. Mirror Football takes a look at the latest transfer news out of Old Trafford.

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Myles Lewis-Skelly boost

United were first linked with Lewis-Skelly last year when he found himself falling down the left-back pecking order at Arsenal. Both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie were getting more minutes.

This was soon resolved when Mikel Arteta moved the 19-year-old into midfield and he impressed. However, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes is set for a Gunners medical on Monday, according to The Times. If the Brazilian does sign, he’ll become one more star Lewis-Skelly has to compete with for first-team minutes. Not to mention, his reported £80m transfer sum will leave a dent.

Any fee Arsenal get from selling Lewis-Skelly would be pure profit when taking into account Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, so if United lodge the right offer, it could be too good to turn down.

The Independent reports that they are currently waiting to see whether the Gunners are open to doing business regarding Lewis-Skelly and that United’s interest remains strong.

Man Utd star ‘agrees’ to move

On the outgoings front, reports from Italy suggest Joshua Zirkzee has agreed to join Juventus on loan with no obligation to buy. The Dutch forward does not appear to be part of Carrick’s first-team plans.

United bought Zirkzee for £36m in 2024 and he became the first signing under the ownership of INEOS. He previously played in Italy with Bologna.

It is understood that Zirkzee has become a difficult player to sell and, having not been able to cut it at United, is far more likely to head out on loan, either with or without an option to buy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Zirkzee has agreed to such a deal with Juventus and has already ‘said yes’ to the Italian outfit. However, the move is hinging on the Old Lady being able to offload striker Jonathan David.

Countdown to Kickoff: The Ultimate 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

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Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season with more than 1,400 live games across the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

Every subscription now comes with 135 channels alongside free subscriptions to HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu.

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The mother of the boy, 10, said his clothes were ripped and he sustained a small cut at the park in Ely, Cardiff

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A young boy was left injured after “shards of glass” were deliberately glued to a playground slide. The disturbing incident took place between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday at Mill Road park in Ely, Cardiff.

The mother of the 10-year-old, who has chosen to remain anonymous, revealed that her son’s clothing was torn and he suffered a minor cut. She explained: “He was at the park with his nan, sister and cousin playing and went on the slide unaware that glass had been glued to the slide.

“His shorts are ripped and he’s thankfully okay [but] does have a little cut. My son made a comment to his nan stating he never wants to use that park again as he doesn’t trust it.”

The mum said she feels angry that someone would try to harm an innocent child using a park, adding: “I’m upset that my child got hurt in a place that he should have been safe to play.

“[I’m] also angry at the fact someone did this knowing that it would hurt a child. My child is now very wary and does not want to return to that park as in his words he ‘does not trust that park’.”

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She confirmed she had reported the matter to police and contacted the council. A warning sign has since been erected on the slide to alert other park visitors, reports Wales Online.

A South Wales Police spokesperson confirmed: “South Wales Police was called at approximately 1.20pm [on] Friday, July 31, with a report that shards of glass had been glued to a slide in a park in Ely.

“It was reported that a child sustained a minor cut and damage to their clothing after using the slide. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

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By JAMES COHEN, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 16:55 BST, 2 August 2026 | Updated: 05:04 BST, 3 August 2026

Donald Trump has added two more trophies to his collection after winning both the club and senior championships at his golf course in New Jersey this weekend.

Trump, 80, carded an improbably low 2-under-par score of 70 at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster over the weekend, bringing his reported tally to over 40 total victories across his various golf properties.

Social media footage showed the US President receiving a round of applause in front of the club leaderboard following the round, with a caption confirming he had collected two trophies for his performance.

The par at Bedminster is set at 72, meaning Trump allegedly finished two strokes under par to secure the double victory.

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The reported 70 comes a year after the White House published a scorecard claiming Trump had carded a 3-under 69 at the same annual tournament in 2025 to win by 10 gross strokes.

Trump was seen visiting troops during his trip to New Jersey, though observers noted he was still wearing his golf glove while greeting military personnel.

Donald Trump has added two more trophies to his collection after winning both the club and senior championships at his golf course in New Jersey this weekend

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‘With his golf glove on. How disrespectful,’ one X user wrote in response to a video. 

Another added, ‘He wears his golf shoes and driving glove wherever he goes, I’m guessing….???’ 

The avid golfer has consistently touted his prowess on the course, declaring: ‘I’ve played a lot, and I’ve played well. There are very few people who can beat me in golf.’

However, his remarkable track record and reported scores have frequently drawn skepticism from critics and sports journalists over the years.

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Sportswriter Rick Reilly, who authored a book on Trump’s golf habits, has previously questioned the legitimacy of his club championship wins, once stating: ‘When it comes to cheating, he’s an 11 on a scale of one to 10.’

Trump’s outing on the course comes shortly after he said he has called off strikes on Iran ‘subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL’ with the Islamic regime. 

The president said on Truth Social on Saturday evening that although he remains ‘locked and loaded’ to launch an attack, he halted the strikes in hopes of reaching a peace deal. 

Trump’s announcement came after reports claimed he was talked down by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over concerns that further strikes could dramatically escalate the conflict in the Middle East. 

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Sources told Axios that the Crown Prince urged Trump to defuse the situation, following days of tit-for-tat threats between the White House and Tehran. 

Trump, 80, carded a 2-under-par score of 70 at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster

In Trump’s Truth Social post on Saturday night, he threatened to unleash ‘power not seen since World War II,’ but said he agreed to tentatively pause the attack. 

‘We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to,’ Trump wrote. 

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‘This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. 

‘Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL. The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment.’ 

Benjamin Lawrenson, 24, of Woodlands Drive, Selby, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court after pleading guilty to detaining the woman against her will on November 3, 2022 in Sheffield.

He was jailed for 26 weeks, suspended for 18 months on condition he complies with an 18-month supervision period, completes up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity and carries out 180 hours of unpaid work.

A two-year restraining order was imposed. During that period Lawrenson is banned from contacting the victim directly or indirectly, including via social media, and must not visit any address where she lives.

It can be incredibly frustrating when a parcel goes missing from your doorstep or recycling bin — here’s what you need to know about getting a refund or replacement

Few things are more frustrating than eagerly awaiting a much-anticipated delivery, only for those hopes to be shattered when the parcel is misplaced, lost or stolen. Packages can go missing whether they have been left on the doorstep or tucked away in a designated safe spot, such as a recycling bin or another out-of-sight location.

Losing a parcel is enormously frustrating, particularly when the contents are expensive or important. To help shoppers understand their rights when it comes to missing packages, experts have highlighted several key factors that consumers ought to be aware of before pursuing a replacement or refund — or indeed establishing whether they are entitled to one at all.

Specialists outlined the most effective steps to take when a delivery has gone astray. Lee Graham of Quadient said: “If a delivery was left somewhere you didn’t agree to, your first step should be to contact the company you bought it from. Your relationship is with them, and they have the relationship with the carrier, making them best placed to investigate what happened and resolve the issue.”

Where the blame lies

First and foremost, the customer should consider whether it was their own instruction to the courier to leave their parcel in a designated spot. Should a package be left in a random location by the courier and subsequently go missing or be stolen, the liability falls with the retailer, reports the Express.

However, if a customer has given explicit permission for a parcel to be left in a specific place, such as a recycling bin, and it is then lost, the responsibility may shift to the customer.

Eamonn Turley, CEO at insurance comparison site Multi Quote Time, explained: “Generally speaking, the retail provider retains liability for the products until they enter into the customers’ physical custody, except where the customer has given express consent to leave the parcel.

“If a parcel is left unattended in a recycle bin or on a doorstop (without consent) and subsequently lost or stolen, the customer will likely be eligible for either a replacement product or reimbursement through the provisions of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.“

Ciaran Dearden, at law firm Freeths, further explained: “Consumers are often told to pursue the courier when a parcel goes missing, but in most cases the legal responsibility remains with the retailer until the goods are received by the customer or left at a property in accordance with the customer’s specific instructions.

“If a parcel is left in a recycling bin, on a doorstep or elsewhere without the customer’s agreement and is then lost or stolen, the customer will usually be entitled to a replacement or refund.

“However, where the customer has specifically instructed that the parcel be left in a particular location, the legal position may be different and responsibility may pass to the customer once the parcel has been left in that agreed place.”

Customers specifying a designated area

A consumer’s legal entitlements may alter if they have requested a particular spot for their parcel to be left. Ciaran explained: “If a customer has given specific instructions for a parcel to be left in a recycling bin or another designated location, it is delivered to that location and is then lost or stolen, the retailer may argue that delivery was completed and responsibility had passed to the customer. In those circumstances, a customer is likely to face greater difficulty in obtaining a refund or replacement from the retailer.”

In certain cases, a customer may still be able to pursue a claim if the courier or delivery company did not adhere to the delivery instructions. He continued: “The customer may still have a claim if the courier failed to follow the delivery instructions or left the parcel somewhere other than the agreed location.

“It would also be worth checking whether any home insurance policy provides cover for the theft of delivered parcels.

“From a practical perspective, customers should still raise the issue with the retailer. Many retailers take a commercial approach to customer service and may choose to replace or refund a missing parcel to maintain goodwill, even where there is a credible legal argument that responsibility had passed to the customer once the parcel was delivered as instructed.”

How to submit a complaint

Should a parcel go missing and the retailer is not legally responsible for the loss, it may still be worth lodging a formal complaint. Eamonn went on to explain: “Generally, when it comes to being legally liable for a problem, consumers consider themselves to be liable to the retail providers as this is whom they entered into an agreement with.

“Although the retail provider may be able to collect damages from the delivery provider if there was a failure by the delivery provider to follow standard procedures; generally, consumers would need to submit complaints and/or claims directly to the retailer requesting a replacement/return or other form of redress.

“In addition to submitting formal complaints to the retailers, consumers also can keep documentation related to their attempts to resolve issues with the retail providers (such as delivery confirmations and communication records), as well as attempt to use Alternative Dispute Resolution processes before bringing the matter to Small Claims Court.”

What to do if you think your parcel has been stolen

If you suspect your parcel has been stolen rather than simply misplaced or discarded, there are several steps you can take. Your first port of call should be to review any CCTV footage you have access to, whether that be a dedicated security camera or a Ring doorbell.

Lee explained: “It’s also worth keeping any evidence you have, particularly doorbell camera or CCTV footage, as well as tracking information and delivery photographs. If you believe your parcel has been stolen, report it to the police and obtain a crime reference number.

“Too many parcel thefts still go unreported to the authorities because many people believe nothing will happen. As retailers and delivery companies will often simply replace stolen goods, the incident may be resolved for the individual without ever being recorded as a crime, meaning the real scale of parcel theft remains difficult to appreciate.”

United are expected to assess several defensive options before making a final decision, with both players fitting the profile of young, home-grown talent the club are keen to recruit. Arsenal, meanwhile, remain reluctant to sanction Lewis-Skelly’s departure unless circumstances change significantly before the transfer deadline.

Two American men tried Pimm’s for the first time while they were punting in Cambridge, and their blunt verdict resonated with a lot of people who have had similar experiences

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Brits know that Pimm’s is the perfect summer drink, and it features in many homes when the weather warms up a little, as it tastes fantastic with ice and lots of fruit. To serve a classic British Pimm’s, mix one part Pimm’s No. 1 with three parts chilled carbonated lemonade, load the glass or pitcher with plenty of ice, and garnish generously with fresh mint, cucumber slices, strawberries, and orange wedges.

And that’s pretty much how two Americans in the UK had it served to them when they tried it “for the first time,” while doing a quintessentially British activity in Cambridge.

Kalani, who posts on TikTok as @kalanighosthunter, and his pal shared that they’d never had Pimm’s before, but were intrigued about why the drink has such a big hype around it. Kalani said they were going to “go punting here in Cambridge” and try some Pimm’s while they were at it.

For those who don’t know, punting is riding in a flat-bottomed boat pushed with a pole. Naturally, people who live in Cambridge will know this.

The pair went up to a boat that was selling all different types of alcoholic beverages, and they both tried the “UK’s drink of the summer”.

Kalani noted that there were “some strawberries in there, some mint,” as he took a sip. His friend described it as “so refreshing,” but Kalani’s one-word verdict was that the drink was “dangerous”.

“You don’t even taste the alcohol,” he shared, and his friend said that on a “very hot day” like when they were on the boat, all you want to do is guzzle it because it’s cold.

They joked that things could “get interesting” if they continued to drink the Pimm’s.

Kalani said: “It kind of reminds me of if I combined a Sprite and iced tea. The strawberries are the best part […] it has that nice alcohol flavour in there. That was delicious”.

The pair really enjoyed their punting experience, saying it was really relaxing, but the Pimm’s certainly stole the show for them both, as Kalani joked he needed a “jug, a pitcher,” or “a gallon” of the beverage.

In the comments, someone wrote: “Beware because Pimm’s doesn’t half creep up on you. One minute you’re punting along, all civil and elegant, and the next you’re pole dancing on the punting pole singing Rihanna at the top of your lungs”.

Another penned: “Pimm’s while punting in Cambridge? You, my friend, have hit peak Britishness”.

Somebody else warned against how strong Pimm’s can be, saying it’s 25% alcohol. “I had Pimm’s at my wedding. I was having a few between each double vodka, thinking it was just juice. I was hungover for three days”.

A woman replied: “My mother thought Pimm’s was a mixer. She was mixing it with vodka or gin for years. I drank spiked Pimm’s as a child because she thought it was just a little bit of vodka or gin with some lemonade and another mixer”.

ITV is reviving Name That Tune for the first time in 29 years, with presenter Alison Hammond set to host the brand-new series.

The broadcasting company revealed the news of the revival earlier this year, and has now confirmed when it will return to TV screens.

ITV confirms when revival of Name That Tune will air

The music quiz show originally began in the United States in the 1950s before launching in the UK in 1976, and becoming a weekly half-hour show in 1983.

It was transformed into its own show in 1983 due to its widespread popularity.

The original UK series was hosted by comedian Tom O’Connor until 1983, with Lionel Blair taking over until 1988.

The show last appeared on UK television in 1998, when it was briefly revived by Channel 5 and presented by Jools Holland.

ITV’s new version will challenge contestants to identify famous songs in a series of high-energy rounds.

Tracks will span generations and genres, all leading up to a dramatic finale.

The show’s band will also be performing in the new UK version, made up of a group of elite musicians who have performed with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Adele and The Spice Girls.

Alison Hammond said: “As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and start singing along when one of my all-time favourite tunes comes on!

“And trust me… that will take serious self-control!

“I grew up absolutely loving the original show, so being part of this now feels like a real full-circle moment.

“I cannot wait to get into the studio, put the contestants through their paces, and see who really knows their music.

“And let me tell you, being joined by the super-talented Name That Tune band, who’ll be belting out some of the biggest songs on the planet in their own unique, electric style… oh, it’s going to be next-level.

“Bigger, louder, and more feel-good than ever, this is going to be EPIC!”

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime at ITV, added: “Name That Tune is such an iconic brand, we are excited to be bringing this refreshed global format to the UK audience.

“It’s a fun family series that not only sees contestants challenged in the studio, but viewers can play along with all the family, providing a unique playlist that spans generations.”

Recommended reading:

When is Name That Tune returning on ITV?

The rebooted gameshow Name That Tune will air in the first quarter of 2027, according to TV Zone.

It will consist of nine episodes.

Noah Rubenstein, President for Prestige Entertainment Group and Owner of Name That Tune, said:  “Name That Tune has been bringing people together through music for generations, and we’re excited to see ITV introduce it to a new era of UK audiences.

“With its unique mix of competition, nostalgia, and entertainment, this format continues to prove its global appeal.”

Will you be watching the revival of Name That Tune on ITV? Let us know in the comments.