The prime minister told reporters that he asked a musician, who was performing when the fire started, what happened.

“He said that there was a fire at the cut-out switch, and after that things happened very quickly. There was blasting and everybody tried to flee from the smoke and flames.

“Many of them were not able to make their way out because they went to the back of the building and tried to hide themselves from the smoke and flames in the toilet, and that’s where we found most of the bodies.”

The bar – named locally as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao – is located in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok. It is a popular restaurant and entertainment venue in the area, Thai outlet the Daily News reported, external.

Confronting pictures taken after the fire had been brought under control show many body bags lined up outside the bar, and a large cordon around the area.

Inside, the furniture, walls and ceiling are completely blackened, and parts of the ceiling is peeling off.

Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt visited the scene and claimed the flammable interior decorations inside the venue meant the fire spread quickly.

“There are initial, heartbreaking reports that tables selling candy and other merchandise have been set up and obstructing the fire exits,” he told the Daily News.

“However, this matter requires a thorough and official investigation by forensic officers.”

“I’m not interested in setting out, ‘these are the views of David Trystan’ or ‘these are the views of the Welsh Government’,” he says.

Dr Dafydd Trystan Davies has been an irrepressible part of public life in Wales for three decades. A former chief executive of Plaid Cymru, a former chair of the party, a candidate in a multitude of elections, the former university lecturer has advised, chaired, campaigned and worked to advance the causes he believes in – not least his party.

If you run or cycle in, or around, Cardiff, you’ll have seen him. He’s a devoted parkrun attendee, also spotted on the ultra trails, a guide runner for those with visual impairment, and has been a chair of governors at a Cardiff primary school.

In 2026, after three parliamentary and three Senedd attempts, he could finally add elected representative to his CV when he was named Senedd member for Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf.

As results elsewhere in Wales were still being counted, he was carrying his bike up the stairs at the front of the Senedd, the first to take his oath so he begin work as a Senedd member.

Days later, he found himself visiting Cathays Park to be told by the First Minister he would like him to take a cabinet role.

Aberdare born, there are few in the political world who do not know him, or praise his collegiate nature.

He admits there was something of a novelty standing in an election he could win, for the first time.

“I was chuckling with a good friend of mine in the Labour Party a week before the election saying, ‘Oh, I know what it must felt felt like to be you for most of your life now’ because the response was very good.

“There was a level of warmth that I’ve never experienced before.,” he says.

Behind the scenes, in the build-up to the election that even months ago, when it was clear Plaid Cymru would do well, he was one of those tasked with working out their plan of action.

Then Rhun ap Iorwerth made him minister for “government effectiveness and the constitution”.

A less simple title to get your head around, what does that actually mean?

“It’s about getting things done,” he says. “There are two things. One is trying to make some constitutional progress. It is relatively clear at one level that’s what I need to do, but it’s super complex to do that, because that involves a set of negotiations with the UK Government and building the case for further constitutional reform and then the other bit, simply, is getting things done.”

In terms of that, the party – even before they published a manifesto – put out a document with a list of things they were going to do in their first 100 days.

He has ministerial overview of that.

“Every week we sit down and look at the list, see how we’re doing, seeing where, and as with everything in government, there are things that are making really good progress, and there are things that need a little more attention and it’s then focusing my time on those things that need a little more attention, and working through them.”

Having had various roles in various parts of the machine, what has surprised him. “I think the relentlessness of the overall scale of the work,” he says

“Seeing it right from the centre, there’s an awful lot of it. You’ve got to remember to breathe, take a step back, and that’s part of the role, too sort of saying, ‘actually, are these the right things? Are they going to have an impact on people’s lives?

“So I think I think having enough experience to say, ‘Actually, we just need to breathe, we need to pause, we need to work this out, we need to plan properly, we don’t need to we don’t need to rush at everything to do’.

“There’s been a tendency in the past, I think, with Welsh Government to chase headlines, to produce plans, but not then to follow them through,” he said.

“So if there’s one thing I’d love to be able to say is ‘what we said we were going to do, we did, and we followed it through properly’.”

He adds: “When you are hoping to win an election, you’ve got to both win the election, and then plan as to what you’re going to do on the first day if you are fortunate enough to win it.

“I’m still at a loss to understand why the Labour Party didn’t do that in 2024 and I was clear, and Prif Weinidog and others have been absolutely clear, we had to hit the ground running, and have plans in place, and have a set of coherent plans in place.

“The Labour government in the UK has done, individually, some decent things but you’ve never had a sense that there was a coherent message and hopefully what you’ve had from the Prif Weinidog and the cabinet is a sense, “Okay, the Welsh government wants to do things, we have a set of priorities, and we’re going to work hard to deliver on those priorities.”

That day circulated as 100 days in his diary is August 26, but such a clear statement of intent, and putting a day on it, increases the scrutiny and expectation.

“I think there’s an understanding that setting out ambitious targets, gives a challenge to us all, as cabinet ministers, as as the system, as Welsh Government.

“I also think that the population at large isn’t given enough credit at times. I am an optimist about these things. I think if you explain to people what you’ve done and how you’re doing things….”

But, I put it to him, Plaid Cymru as an opposition party was unrelenting in its criticism of Labour missing targets, look at any debate of waiting times. Is he ready for the equivalent if Plaid’s expansive list doesn’t have a tickbox next to each item.

“With such a list, there is a challenge. I think in truth, though, the challenge is a slightly longer-term one, because a lot of what the 100 days plan is about setting ambitious goals to put the the foundation blocks in place.

“Getting the right foundations in place is something I remain confident that we can do across the whole range of areas, but hopefully we can do that.

“Let’s see on August the 26th,” he says.

“But the second bit then is that the longer-term challenge is by 2030, we will have to have delivered on waiting times, on child poverty, on childcare, on on the economy, on schools.”

He now sits on that front row of the government benches in the parliament. He’s already found himself front and centre as the person tasked with making closing comments on behalf of the government in a debate on international spending which saw a cross-party walkout, such was the anger at Joe Martin of Reform UK.

So what is it like being there, and in such a fractious Senedd.

“I’ve tried on numerous occasions to be elected to the Senedd. I think is an enormous privilege to be elected, and every day I’m clear that that is a privilege and if you don’t enjoy that privilege,…you should enjoy it, because you’ve worked towards it and you’re there now.

“But how do I how do I respond to a rather fractious Senedd? What I hope I’ll I’ll do, and it’s I don’t think I can do anything else, is wherever possible be consensual, be cooperative, be collaborative, be thoughtful, be open.”

Has the early tone in the chamber surprised him? “It has a little. I mean, I’m fairly old-fashioned, I think people should should start their arguments from facts.

“That may be that may be from a different century but I think if you start your arguments from facts, and then argue about what the political solutions are, you’ve got a level of respect to the Senedd and to the debate. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

“I think of some some of those that have gone before me, I had plenty of arguments in my time with people like Lee Waters and David Melding but you could never you could never suggest that either of them didn’t base what they were putting forward on facts.

“We need to get a bit of that back, there’s a challenge when people don’t”.

“But hopefully, if we and I can continue to do things from that middle ground, from that common sense, then that will be a good thing”.

Since getting the role, he vowed to make, wherever possible, constituency journeys on public transport. Now, as a minister, he has the option to use a ministerial car and will have diary commitments across the country.

That has opened him up to criticism online. but he has been buoyed by those interjecting to confirm he has indeed been seen on two wheels – or two feet – since the election.

When he flew to Belfast for a ministerial engagement he put out a tongue-in-cheek statement including a picture someone had generated of him in a canoe.

“I’m flattered that people thought I might have taken to a canoe to get to Belfast to meet the First Minister of Northern Ireland, it was my first flight in my ministerial role,” he said. “Thanks to whoever made this picture though – it made me smile,” he said.

While the promise was made about his constituency role, he plans to follow through as much as possible as a minister.

“Clearly, it’s one thing to travel on a bus to St Mellons as I’ll be doing next week for our surgery. It’s a different thing to travel on a ministerial engagement to give a speech in Lampeter, for example…I mean, once our new coach is in place, it may be it may be better but until that point, um, our public transport needs a bit of a bit of attention across the country. “

As was repeated a number of times in the campaign, Plaid Cymru will not put a referendum on Wales’ position in the UK to the public in this term, it has committed to a commission to look at options. He’s told the Senedd that means it will “engage with the public in a national conversation about Wales’s constitutional future, and strengthen the evidence base for further reform”.

When asked if there was a timeframe for when that commission would be set up and report back, he said “shortly”.

As that 100 days ticks down – we meet just before that halfway point – I ask what has been done.

“On the constitution, there are there are two elements. The first element is around discussions with the UK Government and others around Wales’s constitutional journey, around justice powers, around policing, further devolution, around rail, around fair funding, around fiscal framework.

“Those discussions have begun with with the with the UK Government, whomsoever they are today,” he says.

“We’ve had some interesting, positive initial conversations about some of the more mechanical things,” he says. “I’ve represented Wales on the counter-terrorism ministerial board, and we’ve been discussing some really challenging security issues and how devolved governments alongside the UK Government and other partners could work together.

“I think those conversations are progressing,” he said.

“I think on the broader issues, clarity on devolution of policing say, I think will have to wait until we know who the next Prime Minister of the UK is.”

That man is expected to be Andy Burnham, and there has been some whispers his time in Manchester as a devolved mayor could benefit Wales.

“I think given his given his background, there is a chance of positive engagement. We’ll start, as the as Prif Weinidog did with the with the current Prime Minister of the UK, in a constructive and cooperative manner.

“There’s lots to be done, there’s lots of issues to be addressed, so I hope the new Prime Minister of the UK will be ready, able, and willing to address those issues.

“For there to be progress on constitutional matters, the more consensual and cooperative those discussions are, the better. So I’m not interested in setting out, “These are the views of David Trystan,” or, “These are the views of the Welsh Government,” even.

“I think engaging the Welsh public, the Welsh electorate, the Welsh population more broadly, and reaching my ideal position which is, to quote John Smith’s beautiful phrase, “The settled will of the Welsh people on a number of issues.”

“I think that’s reached on Crown Estate. I think we’re there on a number of next steps of devolution, that’s where I’d like to get to.”

In the hours before Senator Lindsey Graham‘s unexpected death, he discussed the issues he would like to tackle – and shrugged off his health concerns.

The longtime Republican from South Carolina spoke with President Donald Trump by telephone on Saturday night when he discussed his recent trip to Ukraine, and the president confided in him about his planned strikes on Iran, Axios reports. 

An unidentified person who spoke with Graham in the moments after, told the outlet he complained he was feeling unwell.

When the person then urged Graham to immediately seek medical attention, the Republican from South Carolina said he would do so on Sunday morning after his scheduled appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press.

He then joked, ‘I can’t die now. I still need to do the Russian sanctions, get Iran sorted out and do Israeli-Saudi normalization,’ according to the outlet. 

But just a few hours later, the senator, 71, was seen laying on the gurney as first responders attempted life-saving measures on Saturday night in the pictures obtained by TMZ. 

He appeared to be intubated as EMTs pushed the gurney into a nearby ambulance that was headed for George Washington University Hospital.

Authorities first received a 911 call about a ‘cardiac arrest’ at Graham’s home at around 8.30pm, according to multiple reports. Hordes of first responders were then seen descending on the street outside Graham’s house.

Just about 25 minutes after the call, first responders had started CPR as the senator suffered from cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by The Washington Post.

By the early hours of Sunday, Graham’s office announced he had ‘passed away from a brief and sudden illness.’ 

His cause of death has since been revealed to be ‘Aortic Dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.’ 

The Mayo Clinic defines an aortic dissection as a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s main artery. It can be fatal if blood rushes through the tear. In Graham’s case, plaque buildup on his heart weakened the aortic walls, causing a tear.

‘The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized, and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death,’ Graham’s spokesperson said in a statement just before 5pm.

DC Fire and EMS medical units and EMS supervisors deliver Senator Lindsey Graham to George Washington Hospital Emergency Room on the night of July 11, 2026. Senator Graham passed away in the early hours of July 12, 2026

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Amidst the July 4th recess break in Washington, DC this past week, Graham travelled to Ukraine, met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, and even visited a drone facility which was later destroyed by the Russians.

Graham has also been targeted by Iranian leaders. An Iranian State TV host noted in a Sunday broadcast that she congratulated ‘the Iranian people on the death [of] U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been sent to hell.’

Political commentators, liberal and conservative alike, stepped up with their own theories about Graham’s cause of death after agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were spotted at Graham’s residence.

Director Kash Patel had said his agency was providing all necessary resources for the probe. 

FBI Director Kash Patel is seen at a press conference in Washington, DC on July 1, 2026

Megan Mobbs, Director of the Center for American Safety and Security at the Independent Women’s Forum, a conservative think tank, noted on X that ‘cardiac arrest tells us how his life ended. It does not tell us why his heart stopped.’

She also added that, ‘given the threat environment, the identities of America’s adversaries, and Senator Graham’s prominent role confronting them, the American people deserve certainty.’

‘That means a complete forensic autopsy, preservation of all relevant biological specimens, comprehensive toxicology and histology, and consultation with federal law enforcement and counterintelligence authorities,’ Mobbs concluded.

Conservative commentator Matt Van Swol shared a video of Graham on X from Ukraine this last week, noting, ‘I’m sorry, but Lindsey Graham dying out of the blue like this doesn’t make any sense at all.’

‘We have him on camera yesterday looking perfectly healthy. None of this is making any sense,’ Van Swol said.

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Right-wing journalist Laura Loomer called for an ‘investigation,’ into Graham’s death, especially as Russian president Vladimir ‘Putin’s advisor Alexander Dugin called for Lindsey Graham to be ‘flattened’ exactly 4 months ago.’

While several figures were quick to assume foreign involvement in Graham’s death, others pointed to medical explanations.

Townhall columnist Dustin Grage shared that he was ‘told by a source in South Carolina that Senator Lindsey Graham has dealt with blood pressure issues since his 40s,’ also noting that, ‘His father also died of cardiac arrest at age 69.’

‘I know the conspiracy theories won’t stop, but sometimes life just happens. Not everything is a conspiracy,’ Grage added.

Top conservative talk radio host Dana Loesch commented on Grage’s post, noting that she agreed with his sentiment that Graham’s death appeared to be ‘sudden, but cardiac issues usually are.’

Trump shared a tribute to the late Senator on Truth Social shortly after the announcement was made.

‘Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!,’ Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Graham was one of Trump’s closest allies in the US Senate, consistently voting to enact the President’s agenda. The White House has lowered the flags to half-mast in his honor.

The senator was also a staunch supporter of Ukraine and Israel, and he advised the President on foreign policy matters pertaining to Russia and Iran.

In late March 2025, just a little more than a month after Trump took office, the President posted a lengthy endorsement of Graham, referring to the senator as ‘a wonderful friend.’

Vice President JD Vance posted his own lengthy tribute to Graham on Sunday, with whom he spent two years as colleagues in the US Senate, specifically adding that Graham ‘fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted.’

Congressman Jim Clyburn, the only Democrat representing South Carolina in Washington, also offered his condolences, sharing that their ‘political relationship was sometimes partisan and passionate, but always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina.’

The Princess of Wales beamed as she handed over the Wimbledon trophy to Italy’s Jannik Sinner after he beat Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final tonight. 

Kate was watched by her proud family, Prince William and two of their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, while their youngest son Prince Louis was notably absent. 

The princess looked radiant as she wore a green dress to watch the match in the Royal Box this afternoon, before presenting the golden trophy to 24-year-old Sinner following his triumph against Zverev. 

Having lost the first set, Sinner won 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Centre Court to claim his second title in as many years at the All England Club. 

The Italian, who did not have rival Carlos Alcaraz to contend with due to injury, breezed to victory in a little under four hours to become just the 10th man to retain the title in the Open era.

Kate couldn’t stop smiling as she shook Sinner’s hand to congratulate him, before handing over the trophy as thousands watched on from the stands. 

Earlier in the day, the princess shook hands with British player Arthur Fery, who made history by becoming the first wildcard to make it to the semi-final in 25 years.

The 5ft 9in player’s fairytale run finally came to an end after he was beaten by Zverev on Friday.

Kate looks radiant in a green dress as she holds the golden trophy to hand to the winner 

The princess smiles as she is watched by thousands at Centre Court this evening 

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Kate stands and waits to give the trophy to Wimbledon’s men’s singles champion 

The Princess of Wales smiles and claps as Sinner holds his trophy in the air 

Sinner puts his hands in the air as he soaks up his win at Wimbledon this evening 

But his newfound friendship with the Royal Family has appeared to continue unabated – as he spoke of inviting William and Kate’s children to play tennis with him.

Kate initially appeared unfazed by the 29C heat beaming down on Centre Court today, until she and her family briefly disappeared before returning with woven sunhats. 

George used a portable fan to cool himself down while also sporting a pair of orange sunglasses to watch the match. 

Kate was in attendance at Wimbledon for the men’s final last year when she handed Sinner the trophy following an enthralling four-set battle.

She was joined in the Royal Box on that occasion by her husband William, eldest son George and daughter Charlotte. 

The princess donned her ‘Wimbledon bow’ – a brooch featuring the tournament’s iconic colours.

After the game tonight, runner-up Zverev joked: ‘First of all, Jannik, I don’t really like you any more! I lost to you nine times in a row.

‘But he showed once again why he is the best player in the world. It was great to share the Centre Court with you on finals weekend. A great honour to be here. It didn’t go my way but congratulations to you first of all.

Charlotte and Kate turn to talk to each other while wearing their sunhats this afternoon 

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Prince George and Princess Charlotte wear hats during the heatwave at Wimbledon today 

The Prince of Wales with Prince George in the Royal Box cooling down with a handheld fan

The Princess of Wales walks alongside her eldest son Prince George as they arrive at Wimbledon 

Kate was seen walking with William, Charlotte and George on day 14 of the Championships on Centre Court

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She waved to spectators on Centre Court as she took her place in the Royal Box with her family

‘Also in relation to Jannik’s team, who have been with him for many years now. You are number one now but you were outside the top 10 when you started and you are all the way to being Grand Slam champions and world No1. It is a team effort, Jannik will be first to admit it, so congratulations to you as well.

‘To my team, we had pretty good two months I would say, even though we lost this final. We had an amazing two months and we came into Wimbledon having never reached the quarter-final, and we reached a first final. 

‘At 29, this is the first time I believed I could win this trophy, so thank you to you guys as well.

‘I would like to thank the crowd for these two amazing weeks. Every time I played the court was full, I never felt support like that at Wimbledon before and you are a big reason I made it to the final, so thank you for that.’

The Maltby Cricket Club, in Stockton, is celebrating eight decades since its post-war reformation in 1946.

As part of the celebrations Middlesbrough and a Darlington double promotion footballer Gary Gill, owner of the Chadwick’s Inn Maltby restaurant, met Sir Geoffrey alongside Maltby Cricket Club Chairman Chris Francis.

In a show of support, Sir Geoffrey has signed a number of club shirts that will be auctioned to raise funds during the anniversary celebrations.

Sir Geoffrey said: “It was lovely to meet Gary and Chris and it is clear they both have a great passion for cricket and for Maltby Cricket Club.

“As President of Scarborough Cricket Club, I see first-hand the pressures many local clubs are under and the challenges they face in maintaining facilities, attracting volunteers and encouraging the next generation to become involved in the game.

“Times are tough for many local cricket clubs and I sincerely wish Maltby Cricket Club every success in the world.

“Reaching an 80th anniversary is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful milestone for everyone connected with the club.

“It is a time to reflect on the club’s proud history, celebrate the people who have helped build it and bring the community together to help secure its future.

“Let’s hope the people of Maltby get down to the ground this summer and support the club.

“Community backing is vital and I wish everyone associated with the club all the very best for the future.

“It’s fantastic that Gary Gill is supporting the club and hopefully more will follow.”

Mr Gill said: “Maltby Cricket Club has been a huge part of the local community for generations and everyone connected with Chadwick’s is proud to support the club as it celebrates this wonderful 80th anniversary.

“We were honoured that Sir Geoffrey took the time to meet us and pass on his good wishes.

“He remains one of the biggest names the game has ever produced and his support means a great deal to everybody connected with the club.

“The shirts he signed will help us raise valuable funds and hopefully encourage even more people to get behind the club.

“Local cricket clubs are at the heart of their communities and it is important that we all do our bit to support them.

“We would love to see as many people as possible come along to the celebrations, enjoy the cricket and help ensure the club continues to flourish for many years to come.”

The club, which competes in the North Yorkshire & South Durham Cricket League, says the anniversary is as much about the future as it is the past.

Chairman Chris Francis said: “Having someone of Sir Geoffrey’s stature supporting our 80th anniversary celebrations means a great deal to everyone connected with the club.

“We are extremely grateful for his kind and supportive words and generosity in signing the shirts, which will help us raise important funds and raise awareness for us.

“Gary instigated our meet with Sir Geoffrey and for that we are very grateful.

“This anniversary is a celebration of the club’s proud heritage, but it is also about ensuring Maltby Cricket Club continues to thrive for future generations.

“We hope the local community will join us in marking this special occasion and supporting the club throughout the season.”

The club was reformed in 1946, making 2026 its 80th year since the post-war era.

The signed shirts will be auctioned as part of Maltby Cricket Club’s anniversary events, with proceeds helping to support the club.

For half a century, millions of workers have repeated a task across the deserts in northern China: inserting forearm-length sticks into shifting sand, first in a row, then in an intersecting line, gradually forming a grid. Then saplings are planted at the center of each small square.

The technique, known as “straw checkerboards,” is a simple yet widely used method to stabilize sand dunes against the wind and help plants take root by using water supplied through an irrigation system.

The widespread lattice it created across the sand has become the iconic image of China’s decades-long campaign against the spreading of desert conditions, known as the Three-North Protective Forest Program or the Green Great Wall.

The generations of work have yielded measurable progress, but scientists caution that preserving the gains will require decades of continued effort.

For a long time, drought, overgrazing and farming removed vegetation, harmed the soil and made areas vulnerable to wind and sandstorms. That kind of degradation of the land over time is known as desertification. The area of desertified land in northern China peaked in 2000, and it has been reduced by over 1,000 square kilometers (400 square miles) each year since then, according to data published by state media.

The Chinese government said the initiative launched in 1978 has played a crucial role in transforming vast regions covering nearly half of China from “the desertification advancing and people retreating” to “greenery advancing and the desertification retreating.” Forests planted by the program now cover a cumulative 500,000 square kilometers (200,000 square miles) .

“The broad significance of the Three-North Program is not only the scale of restoration, but the long-term political commitment behind it,” said Barron Joseph Orr, chief scientist for the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification. In a response to The Associated Press, he wrote that reversing desertification is possible when it becomes part of long-term development strategies.

Elsewhere, efforts to combat desertification have included a project launched in Africa in 2007 to plant trees across a number of countries to hold back the Sahara Desert.

Measuring the success of the Green Great Wall

The progress is the result of the efforts of frontline sand-control workers, along with top-level planning and substantial state investment, said Zhu Jiaojun, a scientist at the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, who has long been dedicated to the construction and management of the program. He added that increased rainfall in recent years in some areas has made vegetation restoration easier.

“The achievement of desertification combat is due to people’s hard work and a bit of luck with climate,” he said.

According to long-term monitoring data by Zhu’s team, China’s desertified land has shrunk by around 10% overall since 2000, and areas of severely or extremely desertified land have decreased by more than 40%. Forest cover in the program area has risen from around 5% in 1978 to 14% in 2022.

In a recent government-organized media tour to a corner of Kubuqi Desert, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) to the west of Beijing, 60-year-old Yin Yuzhen recounted her early days of being a sand-control worker as “very lonely.” Working alongside her husband near her hometown in the neighboring Mu Us desert, she said that it felt delightful to encounter any other creature.

“Even the passing of a bird across the sky made me happy,” she said.

Four decades ago, she recalled, the sand often blew so thick that it made it hard to see a short distance.

“But now we can see the sun. We can see the green in the distance. We can see the road,” said Yin.

She and her husband now work from dawn to noon every day, attending to trees and fixing or replacing checkerboards. They are joined by their children and sometimes local volunteers.

Zhu, the scientist, estimated that over 300 million rural laborers have been involved in the program, mostly on a paid, part-time basis.

Sustaining both land and livelihood

Orr said restored ecosystems in drylands can become increasingly self-sustaining over time, but they still require careful management and long-term monitoring, with success depending on factors such as water availability and soil health.

The environmental advocacy group Green Camel Bell in Gansu province works to explain desertification and its risks to farmers and herders, plant trees with them in dryland areas, and help restore and sustain vegetation.

“Efforts to combat desertification and restore forests should be linked to local livelihoods, so communities do not see economic development and ecological protection as an either-or choice,” said its founder Zhao Zhong.

Orr agreed that restoration efforts have a much greater chance of succeeding if they’re structured to help communities benefit economically.

Zhu said that a key question for the project is how conservation can be sustained if the scale of human intervention and investment is reduced.

“This is what we are very concerned with and this is also the biggest challenge,” he said.

Yin hopes the younger generation will continue her work.

“We need to teach young people to love this Earth. If we love it with all our hearts, nature will love us in return,” she said.

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Video producer Olivia Zhang contributed to this story.

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The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

CCTV footage shows a man loading ‘some kind of wooden stick’ into a car on the morning before Miss Widdecombe was murdered

A man was seen loading a “wooden stick” into a car outside a home reportedly linked to the suspect arrested for the murder of Ann Widdecombe, it has been reported. The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

On Sunday, there was a substantial police presence at a house in Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham – more than 200 miles from the former minister’s home in Devon.

It comes after Devon and Cornwall Police said a 28-year-old white British man had been arrested on suspicion of murder in the South Yorkshire town on Saturday evening.

CCTV footage seen by The Telegraph appears to show a man leaving an address linked to the suspect at around 7am on Wednesday – the day Miss Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked.

The man is said to have been seen putting “some kind of wooden stick” into the passenger side of a red car before driving off, the newspaper reported.

Neighbours in Byrley Road told the Press Association police arrived at the terraced property just before the kick-off of the England World Cup match on Saturday night.

A number of units arrived and officers took a red car from the driveway at about 3am.

On Sunday evening, a South Yorkshire Police Tactical Support Group van was parked outside the house with at least two other marked vehicles, and forensics officers in white overalls were going in and out of the property.

One neighbour said: “It all happened just before the match. When we came home from watching it there were just two plain police cars there but everyone says there were loads more here before that.”

A woman said: “Nothing happens on this street. We’ve been here 12 years and nothing has ever happened.”

Asked about the man who lives in the house, she said the rest of the family moved out some time ago.

She said: “He’s been living there on his own. We’ve never even seen him. We don’t really know him. I don’t think anybody knows him. It’s so strange.”

Miss Widdecombe, who was 78, was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

On Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “At this point, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder.

“At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.”

He said detectives “remain open-minded about the potential motive” and stressed there is not believed to be any threat to the wider public.

He added: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive.

“Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it’s unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.”

READ MORE: Ann Widdecombe police rule out political motive as they question man

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Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the force has “mounted an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure”.

“The operation has been running at a lightning pace for 48 hours,” he added.

“I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody and that will undergo some further work from us today.

“Well done to all – this is clearly British policing at its very best.”

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It has a mix of character cottages, modern family homes and more

Cambridgeshire has no shortage of towns and villages offering commuters the opportunity to live in affordable, rural-locations while being within easy reach of major employment hubs. Doddington is an attractive option for commuters seeking the tranquility of village life while having easy access towards Ely, Peterborough, Huntingdon and Cambridge.

Around half way between Chatteris and March, the village is home to more than 2500 residents, according to the 2021 census. A third of residents leave the village each day for work.

Steve Bowles, director of estate agents Next Level Property says: “Doddington ticks every single box” with “very few” people choosing to ever leave the village once moving there.

“Unlike many villages that have become little more than commuter locations, Doddington still feels like a proper village. People know their neighbours. Local events are well supported…while sports clubs, community groups and local organisations ensure there’s always something happening,” he adds.

Alongside its community spirit, Mr Bowles also says the variety of housing is one of the village’s biggest strengths. Its character cottages, modern family homes, rural homes with generous gardens and bungalows means there is something for buyers at every stage of life.

Despite its rural setting, it doesn’t compromise on convenience. It offers a GP surgery and minor injuries unit, a primary school, a choice of pubs and restaurants, and ample green space.

The village also boasts a wealth of local history with landmarks including St Mary’s Church and its Victorian Clock tower, giving the village character and identity.

Surrounded by the Fenland landscape, residents can enjoy open skies, sunsets, peaceful country walks and wildlife, while remaining well connected to some of the region’s largest towns and cities.

According to sales data over the past 12 months provided by Next Level Property, the average house price in Doddington is £285,000.

Andrew Castle and Tim Henman commentated on the Wimbledon men’s singles final together before paying emotional tributes to each other after the match’s conclusion

Tim Henman paid a heartfelt tribute to Andrew Castle following his final Wimbledon commentary for the BBC.

Castle, who has served as the corporation’s lead television commentator at the Championships for the past 23 years, is departing after this summer’s tournament. The announcement came ahead of play getting underway at the All England Club, with Castle discussing the change in an interview with The Times before the BBC later confirmed the news with an official statement.

Before bidding farewell to his viewers, Castle received a warm send-off from his long-time colleague, Henman, in an emotional live exchange on BBC One.

The four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist said: “Andrew, I’ve got to head up to the studio now, but I want to take the opportunity to thank you so much for sharing the commentary box with you for so many years.

“You’ve been an absolute star, you’ve taught me so much, and I’ll miss you a lot, but what a great way to finish off.”

Castle responded by saying: “I knew you when you were an annoying 14-year-old, and I’ve known you that whole time. Thanks for your company, and you, Andre.”

Andre Agassi and Henman joined Castle in the commentary box for the men’s singles final, in which Jannik Sinner successfully defended his title, defeating French Open champion Alexander Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Castle continued: “Tim, all the best, and take care. See you, mate. I shall never forget Tim Henman shooting up in 2013 when Andy Murray won and elbowing me right in the head on match point because he was so excited.”

He signed off by saying: “What a pleasure and a privilege it has been to watch him [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Roger] Federer and [Novak] Djokovic and [Rafael] Nadal, and Andy Murray perhaps in particular, over the years. Take care and thank you.”

Earlier in the broadcast, Castle sent a parting shot to the BBC as he claimed he’d been ‘booted’ out of his role. He said: “Yes, I am a bit sad about it, of course. I have fabulous memories, even working with John (Lloyd). And John is finishing as well, we’re being put out to grass, I mean, that’s it. Booted.”

Lloyd responded warmly: “I’ve had a good run. We were talking about it earlier. I started when there was still black-and-white TV, so it’s been a while.

“You didn’t start that young, you’re much younger than me, and you were great to work with, and I loved every minute of it.”

Castle brought proceedings to a close with: “Well, I did too. My kids were eight and 10 when I did my first Wimbledon final, and they’re now married. One has children, and there’s one expecting on the way, so don’t tell me there’s nothing to do.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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