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Cambridge cycle street divides locals over ‘cost and benefits’

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Cambridgeshire Live

England’s first cycle street has sparked fierce debate, with some questioning the investment while others welcome sustainable transport improvements

Cambridgeshire Live readers expressed strong opinions beneath our article about Adams Road being made England’s first ‘cycle street’. Many questioned the cost of the project, while others supported changes that facilitate walking, cycling, and bus travel.

The scheme aims to create safer cycling routes across the city and forms part of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) Comberton Greenway. Construction work to transform Adams Road into a cycle street began on Monday, October 13.

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It is anticipated to take approximately 30 weeks to finish. The road has been closed to cars, with signage directing motorists to alternative routes, since work began.

Adams Road is amongst the busiest cycle routes in Cambridge, with roughly 3,000 cyclists using it during peak periods. The scheme seeks to enhance cyclist safety by reducing on-street parking to eliminate blind spots, redesigning junctions, and providing wider pavements.

One reader, Banthebikes, comments: “Ask everyone in Cambridge what they think about this and you will get a different answer, only a couple of people that live there say it’s good, but the majority of Cambridge people think it’s another waste of money and will not be used.”

Rhodabike believes: “Every street in Cambridge can be cycled on. Adams Road is not the first ‘cycle street’ here, let alone the whole of England. Who came up with this absurd claim?”

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Freddly says: “It’s important that projects like this go into ‘poorer’ areas of the city too. The value of houses on Adams Street will go up; less wealthy citizens in other areas should also benefit from the car removal bounty, too. ‘The road has been blocked off to cars with signs providing drivers with diversions around the area.’ This is the key, and the rollout of programmes that increase the convenience of active and bus travel, while simultaneously increasing the *in*convenience of reaching destinations by car, is welcome.”

Brexit498 asks: “First, what is this costing? As for the climate argument, the existing tarmac (in good condition) was torn up (a lot of energy) and replaced with new tarmac. How is this good for the climate? Or is the climate researcher working for the contractor’s PR department? Then we have the spin doctors’ favourite, up to 3,000 cyclists per day: Google showed six in the pics. Let’s see a full statistical analysis of use by time of day.”

Sedis disagrees: “The existing road surface was absolutely not in good condition. Whilst I think a lot of the work should not have been a priority and the money would have been better spent elsewhere, the road surface did need attention.”

Calumen Nomen writes: “Enjoy waiting a lot longer for the ambulance /police/ fire brigade when it’s your turn to need any of them. Nobody with any sense is ‘into’ cycling. That’s why we invented things like cars.”

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Sedis says: “Cars can still use the road and there are parking bays, so I don’t know why this is being called a cycle street. The footpath is wider in places, but the benefits of this are somewhat nullified, as where the parking bays and ‘rain gardens’ will be, it is just as narrow as before. Some of the rain gardens and bays are adjacent to lamp posts, which seems like poor planning. This project has very little to do with active travel and is just further gentrifying what was already a very nice area.”

Julianhancock thinks: “By all means. The city would, however, either cease to function or see many services move out, given the percentage of workers who have to commute in because they can’t afford to live in or even near the city. And no, better public transport, park and rides etc would not be the answer, given that very many people don’t actually work in the city centre and/or work shifts.”

Would you like to see more ‘cycle streets’ across Cambridge? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

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Street fight breaks out between families wielding studded planks and metal poles | News UK

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Street fight breaks out between families wielding studded planks and metal poles | News UK

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A vigilante family took the law into their own hands in a neighbour’s row, which saw a large group brawl with shocking weapons.

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Four members of the Jenkins family got into a fight with brothers Adam Miller and Kristian Thomas, who they believed ‘ransacked’ their home with golf clubs.

A court heard violence flared after brothers Miller and Thomas suspected that family member Corey Jenkins was involved in drug dealing in the Ravenhill suburb of Swansea.

The pair grabbed golf clubs to attack the Jenkins’ family home by smashing the downstairs windows.

The brothers fled to the nearby home of a relative called David Dallimore – but the Jenkins family found them.

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Four members of the family – Paul, Christopher, Corey and Lisa Jenkins – armed themselves with an array of weapons and headed to Mr Dallimore’s house, where ‘large-scale public disorder’ erupted in the street.

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Shocked onlookers filmed as the attack widened (Picture: Wales News Service)

The violence was captured on both CCTV and mobile phone footage shown to a court.

Corey Jenkins, 23, brandished a plank of wood ‘studded with nails’ and a metal pole, while Paul Jenkins, 64, carried a hammer and Christopher Jenkins, 45, and Lisa Jenkins, 45, wielded sticks.

During the brawl, Thomas struck a neighbour of the Jenkins family, Kirsty Choi, on the head with a metal pole while she was attending to a member of the Jenkins family who was lying on the ground.

The Jenkins family, all of Ravenhill, Swansea, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

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Paul and Christopher Jenkins have previous convictions, while Corey and Lisa Jenkins have no prior criminal history.

Pictured here are still from the CCTV of the attack. A vigilante family took the law into their own hands in a neirhbour's row - and were armed with planks studded with nails. Four raging member of the warring Jenkins clan were in a shocking street brawl with two brothers who had ransacked their home with golf clubs. A court heard violence flared after brothers Adam Miller and Kristian Thomas suspected that family member Corey Jenkins was involved in drug dealing in the Ravenhill suburb of Swansea. And the pair grabbed golf clubs to attack the Jenkins' family home by smashing downstairs windows. The brothers fled to the nearby home of a relative called David Dallimore - but the Jenkins clan hit back. Four members of the Jenkins family - Paul, Christopher, Corey and Lisa Jenkins - armed themselves with an array of weapons and headed to Mr Dallimore's house where "large scale public disorder" erupted in the street. The violence was captured on both CCTV and mobile phone footage shown to a court. Corey Jenkins, 23, brandished a plank of wood "studded with nails" and a metal pole, while Paul Jenkins, 64, carried a hammer and Christopher Jenkins, 45, and Lisa Jenkins, 45, wielded sticks. During the brawl, Thomas "struck out" with a metal pole, striking a neighbour of the Jenkins family, Kirsty Choi, on the head while she was attending to a member of the Jenkins family who was lying on the ground. The Jenkins family, all of Ravenhill, Swansea, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Paul and Christopher Jenkins have previous convictions, while Corey and Lisa Jenkins have no prior criminal history. Kristian Dale Thomas, 39, of Tudno Place, Penlan, Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and been convicted at trial of the unlawful wounding of Miss Choi when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He was described as possessing an "extensive" criminal record, including handling stolen goods, possession of offensive weapons, affray, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. Adam Miller, 34, also of Tudno Place, Penlan, had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon when he appeared alongside his brother. He was also described as having an "extensive" criminal history, encompassing affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, arson, public disorder, and criminal damage. Both men were cleared at trial of violent disorder in connection with the Rhodfa'r Brain incident. Mr Dallimore was likewise found not guilty. Judge Catherine Richards stated that Miller and Thomas had instigated the incident when, "wanting to take the law into their own hands", they descended on the Jenkins' home and smashed windows. She noted that the Jenkins family had subsequently armed themselves and engaged in an act of "vigilantism" with no regard for its impact on the wider community or the fear they would cause fellow residents. Taking into account discounts for their guilty pleas, Paul Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins were each handed 18-month prison sentences, while Corey Jenkins received 22 months behind bars. Lisa Jenkins was handed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work and comply with a nightly curfew for the following two months. Accounting for discounts on his guilty plea, Miller was sentenced to nine months in prison. Thomas received a 26-month custodial sentence. WALES NEWS SERVICE
The families began a massive brawl in the street (Picture: Wales News Service)

Kristian Dale Thomas, 39, of Tudno Place, Penlan, Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and been convicted at trial of the unlawful wounding of Miss Choi when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

He was described as possessing an ‘extensive’ criminal record, including handling stolen goods, possession of offensive weapons, affray, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

Adam Miller, 34, also of Tudno Place, Penlan, had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon when he appeared alongside his brother.

Both men were cleared at trial of violent disorder in connection with the Rhodfa’r Brain incident. Mr Dallimore was likewise found not guilty.

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Pictured here are still from the CCTV of the attack. A vigilante family took the law into their own hands in a neirhbour's row - and were armed with planks studded with nails. Four raging member of the warring Jenkins clan were in a shocking street brawl with two brothers who had ransacked their home with golf clubs. A court heard violence flared after brothers Adam Miller and Kristian Thomas suspected that family member Corey Jenkins was involved in drug dealing in the Ravenhill suburb of Swansea. And the pair grabbed golf clubs to attack the Jenkins' family home by smashing downstairs windows. The brothers fled to the nearby home of a relative called David Dallimore - but the Jenkins clan hit back. Four members of the Jenkins family - Paul, Christopher, Corey and Lisa Jenkins - armed themselves with an array of weapons and headed to Mr Dallimore's house where "large scale public disorder" erupted in the street. The violence was captured on both CCTV and mobile phone footage shown to a court. Corey Jenkins, 23, brandished a plank of wood "studded with nails" and a metal pole, while Paul Jenkins, 64, carried a hammer and Christopher Jenkins, 45, and Lisa Jenkins, 45, wielded sticks. During the brawl, Thomas "struck out" with a metal pole, striking a neighbour of the Jenkins family, Kirsty Choi, on the head while she was attending to a member of the Jenkins family who was lying on the ground. The Jenkins family, all of Ravenhill, Swansea, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Paul and Christopher Jenkins have previous convictions, while Corey and Lisa Jenkins have no prior criminal history. Kristian Dale Thomas, 39, of Tudno Place, Penlan, Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and been convicted at trial of the unlawful wounding of Miss Choi when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He was described as possessing an "extensive" criminal record, including handling stolen goods, possession of offensive weapons, affray, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. Adam Miller, 34, also of Tudno Place, Penlan, had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon when he appeared alongside his brother. He was also described as having an "extensive" criminal history, encompassing affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, arson, public disorder, and criminal damage. Both men were cleared at trial of violent disorder in connection with the Rhodfa'r Brain incident. Mr Dallimore was likewise found not guilty. Judge Catherine Richards stated that Miller and Thomas had instigated the incident when, "wanting to take the law into their own hands", they descended on the Jenkins' home and smashed windows. She noted that the Jenkins family had subsequently armed themselves and engaged in an act of "vigilantism" with no regard for its impact on the wider community or the fear they would cause fellow residents. Taking into account discounts for their guilty pleas, Paul Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins were each handed 18-month prison sentences, while Corey Jenkins received 22 months behind bars. Lisa Jenkins was handed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work and comply with a nightly curfew for the following two months. Accounting for discounts on his guilty plea, Miller was sentenced to nine months in prison. Thomas received a 26-month custodial sentence. WALES NEWS SERVICE
The Judge said the Jenkins family armed themselves in an act of ‘vigilantism’ (Picture: Wales News Service)

Judge Catherine Richards stated that Miller and Thomas had instigated the incident when, ‘wanting to take the law into their own hands’, they descended on the Jenkins’ home and smashed windows.

She noted that the Jenkins family had subsequently armed themselves and engaged in an act of ‘vigilantism’ with no regard for its impact on the wider community or the fear they would cause fellow residents.

Paul Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins were each handed 18-month prison sentences, while Corey Jenkins received 22 months behind bars.

Lisa Jenkins was handed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work and comply with a nightly curfew for the following two months.

Accounting for discounts on his guilty plea, Miller was sentenced to nine months in prison. Thomas received a 26-month custodial sentence.

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Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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The ‘spectacular’ event coming to Bury – thanks to Parklife

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Manchester Evening News

This year, the Prestwich Carnival will be supported by it’s bigger, louder neighbour.

A Prestwich carnival is being put on with the help of Manchester’s biggest music festival. Parklife, which previously brought more than 80,000 visitors a day to Heaton Park in Manchester each year, has helped ‘make sure the carnival can carry on’, according to a local councillor.

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The two-day Prestwich tradition will take place on the weekend of June 13 and 14, featuring a trademark parade, funfair, activities for families, and food. Its main stage will host three tribute acts – “Tina Turner” on the Saturday, and “Abba” and “Robbie Williams” on the Sunday – as well as a host of local artists and entertainers.

Local councillor Alan Quinn says the yearly carnival ‘brings the community together and makes Prestwich a place people want to live’.

Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter

“It will be absolutely packed. The boozers will be packed, the cafes will be packed, the restaurants will be packed,” Coun Quinn went on. “With all the crap in the world going on, people look forward to an event like that. We want to bring people together and unite people. It’s just great to see people smile.”

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But this year’s event wouldn’t have been ‘as big or spectacular’ without the support from Parklife, according to the Prestwich representative.

The festival organisers have helped arrange and pay for logistical parts of the fair including toilets, security, and first-aid responders. In exchange, the carnival organisers have made sure the event doesn’t clash with the Parklife weekend on June 20, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands.

Hannah O’Riordan from Parklife said: “Parklife are really pleased to be supporting Prestwich Carnival this year. It’s great to be able to share our experience from delivering large-scale events in Heaton Park to help support a brilliant local event that brings the whole community together.”

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The £35k carnival was also funded by local business sponsors and donations from the neighbourhood.

Some have raised concerns about the road closures due to take place as part of the regeneration projects taking place in Prestwich Village, which has caused widespread disruption to local businesses. But the LDRS understands the closure on Fairfax Road is due to be finished by the time of the carnival.

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Peter Capaldi turned down Celebrity Traitors series 2

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Peter Capaldi turned down Celebrity Traitors series 2

The first series, which was a spin-off of the popular BBC show The Traitors, first aired last year, with comedian Alan Carr going on to win.

With the second series coming this autumn, speculation is continuing as to which celebrities will take part in it.

There are, however, some stars who have ruled themselves out.

Peter Capaldi turned down Celebrity Traitors series 2

The Scottish actor revealed he turned down being part of series two of Celebrity Traitors during an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

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He said: “I think there’s a level of fame that.

“I think it propels you into the public eye, at a level of exposure that I don’t really want.

“I like doing, you know, it’s like doing my music things – it’s very difficult for people in that business to understand that you want to keep it small.”

Capaldi is not the only one to speak about the show and choosing not to be part of it.

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Bafta-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin said that she would have taken part if it did not film so late into the night.

On ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show, host Ross asked his star-studded sofa whether any of them had been approached to take part in the popular reality TV show.

Referring to its first series, which premiered last autumn and featured Ross among the star-studded cast, Maxwell Martin said: “Yeah, I would have been with you, darling.

“But, I can see from the civilian one how late it gets on that show.

“That’s a Scottish summer and they’re not leaving that castle until it gets dark, that’s 11pm, 12am… if you’re a traitor it’s 1am… 2am… I want to be in bed by 8pm.”

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Rumoured names for Celebrity Traitors series 2

There are many names that have been reportedly asked to take part in the new series.

Adolescence star Stephen Graham has been rumoured to join the line-up, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reports that an insider said the BBC is “absolutely desperate to nail down Stephen for the show” and that he would be a “star signing”.

The Football Factory and EastEnders star Danny Dyer is also rumoured, with The Sun reporting that he is in the line-up after turning the offer down for the first series.

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Danny DyerDanny Dyer is among the names rumoured for Celebrity Traitors series 2 (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Other celebrities rumoured to take part include Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, comedian Daisy May Cooper and comedian Bob Mortimer.


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Even Oasis singer Liam Gallagher hinted that he had been considered for the show, replying to a fan on X: “I’ve been asked.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “We aren’t commenting on speculation and details for The Celebrity Traitors series two will be announced in due course.”

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Who would you love to see take part in the next series of Celebrity Traitors? Let us know in the comments below.

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Man arrested after alleged arson attack on supermarket

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Belfast Live

He remains in custody at this time.

An Antrim supermarket has thanked customers for their support after a reported arson attack.

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A man aged in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences following a reported incident on their premises in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at a Spar store on Greystone Road in the town. While no injuries were reported, extensive damage was caused to the premises and a neighbouring business, and the defibrillator outside the store was damaged.

Posting on Facebook, Spar Greystone said: “The clean-up operation has begun after the incident this morning.

“Staff are very grateful for all the calls and messages of concern and the support from the community that we are proud to serve.

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“Just as a side note, our defib was damaged in the incident and not available to use, unfortunately. Thanks for the support.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “A man has been arrested following a report of an arson attack on a property in Antrim in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 14th April.

“At approximately 3.35 am, police received a report of a shop on fire in the Greystone Road area of the town.“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the fire.

“No injuries were reported, however extensive damage was caused to the business.

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“A man in his 20s was arrested a short time later on suspicion of a number of offences, including arson, attempted criminal damage and theft. He remains in custody at this time.“This is being treated as arson, and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 123 14/04/26.

“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

A NIFRS spokesperson added: “Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a premises on Greystone Road, Antrim, at 3:31 am on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. Two appliances from Antrim Fire Station attended the incident. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets and one jet to extinguish the fire.

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“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition, and the incident was dealt with by 5.20 am.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Major storm hitting remote US islands, Saipan mayor warns of danger

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Major storm hitting remote US islands, Saipan mayor warns of danger

A super typhoon with ferocious winds and pounding rains was battering a group of remote U.S. islands in the Pacific Ocean, forcing residents to seek shelter from flying tree limbs and collapsed buildings.

The center of the monster storm Super Typhoon Sinlaku was roaring along the Northern Mariana Islands early Wednesday local time, the National Weather Service said.

It’s the strongest tropical typhoon on Earth so far this year and was packing sustained winds of up to 150 mph (241 kph) that were likely to bring widespread power outages to the islands that are home to roughly 50,000 people.

Some areas already were seeing extensive flooding.

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“It’s hitting us hard,” Mayor Ramon “RB” Jose Blas Camacho of Saipan, told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. “It’s so difficult for us to respond with this heavy rain, heavy wind to rescue people. Objects are just flying left and right.”

Camacho said some people have been rescued. He said trees were thrown about and wooden and tin structures had collapsed. He said he hoped the glass door to his office doesn’t break.

“It’s already bending. That’s how powerful this is,” he said.

The typhoon slowed to a crawl as it approached the islands, raising fears that the fierce winds won’t go away quickly and worsen its impact.

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“This is not going to be be an easy night for anyone across Tinian or Saipan. This is going to be a loud night,” said Landon Aydlett, a meteorologist with the weather service. Most residents “will wake up to a different island,” he said during a Facebook video broadcast.

Saipan is the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands. Conditions were expected to worsen overnight, the National Weather Service said.

Camacho was concerned about the slow speed of the storm.

“That’s the scary part, ” He said, saying “it’s better to speed up so it can just exit.”

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Farther south, in Guam, a U.S. territory with several American military installations and about 170,000 residents, “torrential rainfall is occurring and flash flooding is ongoing,” the weather service said. We ask that everyone remain indoors and away from windows.”

Aydlett described the typhoon Tuesday night as “a very slow gradual crawl.”

“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation,” he said.

Flash flooding was expected to continue along the two islands into Wednesday. About 50,000 people live on three islands in the area, with the most on Saipan, known for its laid-back resorts, snorkeling and golf as well as the capital.

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While it’s expected to weaken slightly over the next few days, Sinlaku was crossing the islands as a Category 4 typhoon.

Saipan was the site of one of World War II’s bloodiest battles in the Pacific, in which more than 50,000 Japanese and American soldiers and local civilians died.

In Guam, where Typhoon Mawar knocked out power for days in 2023, U.S. military officials warned personnel to prepare for the storm and shelter in place. The military controls about one-third of the land on the island, a critical hub for U.S. forces in the Pacific.

Before turning toward Guam and the Northern Marianas, the storm left significant damage to the outer islands and atolls of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, Aydlett said from his weather service station on Guam.

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Glen Hunter, who grew up on Saipan, has weathered numerous typhoons.

“We sit in what they call ‘Typhoon Alley,’” he said early Tuesday after waking up to strong gusts and seeing downed trees.

For the most part, residents live in sturdy, fully concrete homes and those in substandard wooden houses with tin roofs tend to stay with family or in government shelters, he said.

Tourism-dependent Saipan was still recovering from 2018’s Super Typhoon Yutu when the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, he recalled. The economy has yet to rebound, he said.

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President Donald Trump on Saturday approved emergency disaster declarations for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, allowing for additional help with emergency services.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it is coordinating support across multiple agencies, dispatching nearly 100 FEMA staff as well as personnel from the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A super typhoon is a name given to the strongest tropical cyclones that brew in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, where Earth’s most intense storms usually form.

Monitored by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Guam, super typhoons are the equivalent of Category 4 or 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic, with winds of at least 150 mph (240 kph). There have been more than 300 super typhoons identified since the warning center started using that name nearly 80 years ago.

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Associated Press reporters Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; Gabriela Aoun Angueira in San Diego and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu contributed to this report.

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Boris Johnson ‘faces danger’ as he ventures behind frontlines for Channel 5 show

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Wales Online

Former PM travels to frontline near Zaporizhzhia for ‘potentially life-threatening’ documentary

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has embarked upon a “potentially life-threatening” expedition for a new Channel 5 programme.

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Boris Johnson: Into the ‘Kill Zone’ will show the 61-year-old undertaking “a deeply unofficial and secret assignment” as he journeys behind the frontline of the Russia/Ukraine conflict.

Revealing details about the documentary, the broadcaster stated Johnson visits shattered villages, a frontline chapel and a makeshift bomb factory and must take shelter during a missile attack, reports the Mirror.

A synopsis for the documentary from Soho Studios and Two Rivers Media states: “Quietly entering the country so as not to draw attention to himself, Boris travels beyond Kyiv in a 72-hour unprotected journey to the frontline ‘kill zone’ near Zaporizhzhia, where drones, artillery and the realities of modern warfare quickly replace diplomacy and political rhetoric.”

READ MORE: ‘We went too far’ says Boris Johnson over Covid lockdownsREAD MORE: Boris Johnson ‘discussed idea of cable car stretching whole length of Wales’ while PM

“Boris witnesses the realities of modern war at close range.”

It continues: “Embedded with Ukrainian soldiers, he visits shattered villages, a frontline chapel, secret drone bases and even a makeshift bomb factory hidden inside abandoned cottages, and shelters in an under-siege eighth story flat during a missile strike.”

The former PM also accompanies mobile gun teams and Kyiv’s volunteer air defenders for a “terrifying and freezing night shift protecting the capital from Russian drone attacks”.

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He said: “The Ukrainians are fighting the same war, against the same drones, that are being sent against civilians by the same alliance of tyrannies. We have spent four years psalming platitudes and telling them that their fight is our fight.

“On the basis of what I have seen, we are risibly failing to live up to our pledges, and to give them the help they need.”

Guy Davies, consultant editor for commissioning at Channel 5, described how the politician “takes us on a traumatic and revelatory journey” throughout the programme.

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“It is clearly a cause that is close to his heart and we see him in a new light – no longer looking at the war from the statesman’s perspective, away from the frontline, but in the trenches and more able to speak freely,” he added.

Soho Studios’ founder Ian Lamarra commented: “Seeing a recent British Prime Minister on the frontline of a conflict, with his life in genuine danger, is extremely powerful.”

Boris Johnson: Into the ‘Kill Zone’ is set to air on Channel 5.

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Ian Huntley died as a result of a blunt head injury

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Ian Huntley died as a result of a blunt head injury

Huntley died as a result of a blunt head injury, an inquest has heard.

The 52-year-old died in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on March 7 after he was attacked with a metal bar in a workshop at HMP Frankland in Durham on February 26, an inquest opening hearing was told.

The County Durham and Darlington Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield was sitting in Crook, County Durham, on Tuesday.

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Listed under the name Ian Kevin Huntley, the inquest opening lasted less than five minutes.

Coroner’s officer Bradley King read a statement in which he said: “This 52-year-old male was born on January 31 in 1974 in Grimsby.

“His last employment status and occupation is recorded as being a prisoner.

“He resided at HMP Frankland.

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“He died on March 7 2026 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

“I understand the circumstances to be that Mr Huntley was struck over the head multiple times by another prisoner with an object described as a metal bar.

“The assault left Mr Huntley with significant head injuries.”

Mr King said Home Office Pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton conducted a post mortem on March 9 and gave the cause of death as “blunt head injury”.

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Huntley’s body was formally identified on the day he died.

The inquest was told that a police investigation was under way and that Anthony Russell, 43, has been charged with murdering Huntley at the maximum security jail.

Mr Chipperfield adjourned the hearing until May 27 when there will have been an update in the criminal proceedings.

Russell will attend Newcastle Crown Court on April 24 for a pre-trial preparation hearing.

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Huntley was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

The ex-school caretaker killed the best friends after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002.

He dumped their bodies in a ditch 10 miles away.

They were not found for 13 days, despite a search involving hundreds of police.

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At the time, Huntley lived with Maxine Carr, who was a teaching assistant at Holly and Jessica’s primary school.

He denied murdering the girls but was convicted after a trial at the Old Bailey in 2003. He was jailed for life with a recommended minimum term of 40 years.

Carr gave Huntley a false alibi and was jailed for 21 months for perverting the course of justice.

She is now living under a new identity.

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Is Running A Marathon Even Good For You?

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Is Running A Marathon Even Good For You?

Medical comment provided by Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.

It’s a tough feat, even for tough feet: the 42.2km course of a standard marathon is a challenge many runners aspire to beat.

More and more of us are reaching the impressive milestone. 2026′s Brighton Marathon, for instance, saw a record-breaking 14,000 finishers.

Generally, being able to complete the race is seen as a marker of amazing health. Certainly, exercise is great for us, and runners can be expected to live as many as 12 years longer than less active people.

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But given that ultra-endurance running has been associated with GI issues, and that tendinopathy, stress fractures, and even a higher risk of kidney and heart issues can hit on race day, we asked GP Dr Donald Grant to share whether they’re overall good or bad for our health.

Is running a marathon good or bad for us?

Sure, the day itself can be tough – “The marathon itself places a significant amount of stress on the body, particularly on the heart, joints and muscles, and it’s not uncommon to see temporary inflammation, fatigue or minor injuries following the event”.

That’s especially true if you haven’t prepared well for the event. But the race is only one session in what is usually a multi-week programme.

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“Many of the long-term health benefits actually stem from the training element, where continuous exercise helps improve cardiovascular well-being, strengthen muscles and support mental well-being,” said Dr Grant.

“For most people, these benefits will outweigh the short-term strain of the event itself, provided they train appropriately.

Sticking to a well-organised endurance training plan can “strengthen the heart and make it more efficient, reducing blood pressure.

“These adaptations are linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.”

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So, while “The intense and repetitive strain placed on the body, particularly the joints, muscles, and connective tissues, can increase the likelihood of overuse injuries such as tendonitis and knee problems,” in general, “Running a marathon can be very good for your health when approached responsibly, but it can be harmful if undertaken without proper preparation and care.

“The difference lies in how well the demands of training and racing are balanced with recovery and overall lifestyle.”

When do the benefits of running max out?

Of course, you definitely don’t have to run a marathon to see health benefits.

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Some research has suggested that the Goldilocks zone for maximum longevity is about two and a half hours of running per week (for reference, the average marathon finish time for UK women is about five hours, and obviously happens in one day).

“While running offers clear health benefits, these don’t necessarily continue to increase the longer or more intensely you train. Even moderate distance running is sufficient to improve cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being,” Dr Grant said.

“With extreme endurance events such as marathons, it could be said that benefits plateau and the risks of factors such as overuse injuries or fatigue may increase. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you.”

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Three NI court cases adjourned amid fears prison van could get stuck in fuel protests

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The cases include those of a man who punched and choked his former partner and a man who kicked, punched and struck his dog with the butt of his shotgun

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Three men who were due to appeal their prison sentences have had their cases adjourned due to the fuel protests.

The appeals were about to be called at the County Court in Antrim when defence counsel Neil Moore highlighted that if the appeals failed, the prison van could get stuck at Nutts Corner on its way to HMP Maghaberry.

“I am in no way prejudging your mindset,” he told Judge Sandra Crawford but added that “the roundabout at Nutts Corner, if not already closed, could be closed” by the time the cases are dealt with.

That meant if the appeals were unsuccessful, the prison staff and the defendants “would have the unenviable situation” of being stuck for an unknown length of time, the barrister told the court.

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The three appeals against sentence included the case of a man who punched and choked his former partner, a man who kicked, punched and struck his dog with the butt of his shotgun and a third defendant who assaulted his partner and damaged her property.

Mr Moore said that having spoken to court staff and the prosecution, suggested dates had been identified for each of the cases to be slotted in.

Judge Crawford said, given that the situation over the fuel protests has “now crystallised,” she agreed with Mr Moore and adjourned the three cases.

Follow live updates from the protests across Northern Ireland via our live blog here.

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More than 1,000 phones seized in raid on London shop in theft crackdown

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More than 1,000 phones seized in raid on London shop in theft crackdown

More than a thousand suspected stolen mobiles have been seized by police as part of a crackdown on phone theft across London.

Metropolitan Police raided a convenience store in Kilburn High Road, north London, last Tuesday as part of a week of action in Brent focusing on tackling theft, robbery and e-bike related crime.

Around 1,161 phones were seized as part of the raid, the force confirmed today, double the amount of phones initially suspected. The force had originally reported that hundreds were found in the store last week.

Four men, aged 22, 25, 34 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, possession of drugs and intent to supply.

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More than a thousand phones were stacked on shelves
More than a thousand phones were stacked on shelves (Metropolitan Police)

Bodycam footage of the raid showed a number of armed officers move through the shop towards the back of the store, where they used bolt cutters to unlock a door into a room where multiple shelves were stacked high with smartphones.

Police procured a warrant after intelligence led them to believe the venue was being used to supply Class B drugs.

Three of the suspects were released on bail, while one was released under investigation.

Inspector Yu Zhang, from the Met’s local policing team in Brent, said last Thursday that the force was not only targeting phone snatchers, but those who profit from the stolen devices.

The force is using new technology to tackle the crime wave
The force is using new technology to tackle the crime wave (Metropolitan Police)

“We understand mobile phone theft remains a major concern for Londoners and that’s why we have worked hard to drive down offending,” Inspector Zhang said. “Seizures such as this show that we are not only targeting individual phone snatchers, but also those who handle and profit from stolen devices.

“Londoners deserve to feel safe and we are committed to relentlessly disrupting the organised criminal networks fuelling this crime”

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The arrests come as fewer than one per cent of mobile phone thefts actually result in a charge, The Independent revealed in March via freedom of information request. Nearly nine in 10 cases were closed without a suspect being identified, with the Met Police closing 95 per cent of their investigations.

The force has said mobile phone theft offences dropped from 81,365 in 2024 to 71,391 last year across the capital as part of its focused crackdown on the crime.

Earlier this year, the force arrested 248 individuals and seized 770 stolen phones as part of four weeks’ worth of intensified activity to combat mobile phone theft across London.

Officers are using intelligence, drones and high-powered Sur-Ron electric bikes, to catch offenders and disrupt the stolen mobile phone market.

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