Data released by the government on Thursday, July 9, revealed that the North East saw the largest increase in suspension rates between the 2014/2015 and 2024/2025 academic years.

The sharp increase in suspensions over the past decade has prompted questions from educators and parents alike about why more children are being removed from classrooms.

New government research shows that 51 per cent of suspensions across England between 2023/24 and 2024/25 were handed out to pupils for repeatedly misbehaving in the classroom.

Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards adults accounted for another 15 per cent of suspensions, while physical assaults against other pupils or adults amounted to 18 per cent of exclusions. 

Other reasons included bullying, vandalism, racist abuse, drug and alcohol incidents, theft, and sexual misconduct.

However, many are divided over whether rising suspension rates reflect worsening behaviour or a failure to understand the factors driving it.

People across the North East have been sharing their views on social media following the recent findings.

Some believe suspensions often punish pupils for behaviours linked to underlying issues – many of which they cannot help. 

One Facebook commenter said: “Too many schools punish children for neurodivergent behaviour and trauma-related behaviour that children can’t control.

“Detention and corrections do not correct behaviour when there is no discussion around the unwanted behaviour and no empathy for what a child may have experienced that led to the behaviour in the first place.”

Others argued that schools focus too heavily on punishment rather than prevention.

One user wrote: “Because schools keep giving out detentions for stupid things and not guiding pupils by example. Lend them a pen, then they have it all day and other teachers don’t have to give detention for not having one.”

There are concerns that children are missing out on valuable learning time due to being excluded from lessons. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Some believe the root causes of poor behaviour start at home, with teachers expected to pick up the responsibility of discipline.

One user said: “The problems start in the home. Parents need to teach their children to follow rules instead of complaining when teachers try to control them.”

Another wrote: “Nowadays this very soft gloves approach to parenting and teaching has backfired and collectively an irresponsible and defiant generation is being raised all over the world.”

Education leaders in the North East have been raising concerns over suspension and exclusion rates over the last two years.

In a statement released by The North East Association of Directors of Children’s Services in May 2024, leaders said factors such as child poverty, increasing numbers of children with complex special educational needs and disabilities, and worsening mental health have increased the pressure on schools.

They also warned that some additional needs are only being recognised after a child has already been suspended or excluded – meaning opportunities for early intervention can be missed.

Schools and local councils have highlighted stretched budgets, limited pastoral resources, and long waits for specialist mental health services as ongoing challenges.

Whether the causes are rooted in home life, school discipline policies, unmet special educational needs or wider social pressures, the figures point to a growing challenge facing classrooms – particularly in the North East.

By ALYSSA GUZMAN, US NEWS REPORTER and AP

Published: 19:53 BST, 8 August 2026 | Updated: 20:09 BST, 8 August 2026

 

Former US President Joe Biden‘s prostate cancer has spread to other parts of his body and is causing him pain, his son Hunter Biden revealed. 

Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father’s deteriorating condition, describing it to BBC as very sad to watch.

‘The cancer has spread, metastasized into his bones and further,’ he said. ‘It’s very painful and it’s very debilitating in many respects.’

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The former president revealed his cancer diagnosis in May of last year, less than four months after he left the White House.

Hunter Biden said the diagnosis had been tough on the family.

‘It’s really sad to watch,’ Hunter said. ‘The only thing that I’d say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good.

‘He is the center of our family…He is our rock.’  

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The update comes after former First Lady Jill Biden told Today her husband would ‘live with cancer the rest of his life.’ 

Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread to other parts of his body and is causing him pain, his son Hunter Biden revealed

Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father’s deteriorating condition

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‘I think if he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, that’s one thing because that can be cured, but the fact that it metastasized to his bones, that makes it a whole different story,’ she said in June. 

‘So I think Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life.’ 

Joe has previously undergone radiation and hormone treatment for his ailment. He also had surgery to remove cancerous skin cells in September. 

Hunter said his father remains ‘out there,’ speaking publicly about the issues that are important to him.

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‘He’s still doing his thing,’ he said. ‘He so believes in this country.’

Joe, 83, was the oldest man to serve as US president and his age was a source of concern for much of his four years in office. 

He and his White House advisers have faced intense criticism for allegedly concealing the extent of his problems, especially after he was forced to abandon his bid for re-election after a disastrous debate with his eventual successor, President Donald Trump.

However, the former president has been open about his politics since leaving office, and will publish a memoir, Promise Me, America, after the midterm elections. 

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‘It’s really sad to watch,’ Hunter (pictured behind Joe) said. ‘The only thing that I’d say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good.’

Earlier this year, Joe’s inner circle were concerned that the 83-year-old Democrat was showing the strain of cancer treatment while still appearing publicly.

Two former Biden officials and an elected Democrat told The Washington Post in February that the former president at times appeared more fatigued in private interactions since announcing his health issues. 

Another source at the time told The Post that Biden remains ‘encouraged and positive about his prognosis given his positive response to treatment.’ 

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The operation to bring alleged mob boss Daniel Kinahan back to Ireland finally got underway this morning.

Daniel Kinahan broke his silence as the operation to bring the alleged mob boss back to Ireland got underway. The country’s most wanted fugitive said he was “looking forward to getting back home”.

The 49-year-old is due to be flown back to Ireland on a Government jet. The Irish Air Corps €53 million Dassault Falcon 6X took off from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel on the outskirts of Dublin at 10.30am on Saturday.

It will land in the United Arab Emirates city in the evening before Kinahan boards before the aircraft flies back to Ireland, landing at the Casement Aerodrome on Sunday afternoon.

Gardai – Irish police – are on board the direct flight to the United Arab Emirates as part of a complex operation that has been in the works and carefully planned for weeks, reports the Irish Mirror.

Scots podcaster James English, who runs the Anything Goes podcast, has shared a clip of an interview with Kinahan, who claims he is “looking forward” to getting back on Irish soil.

The 42-year-old Glaswegian, who interviewed Kinahan in 2022 before he and key allies were sanctioned by the United States, shared the portion of his interview with him on Saturday.

“I reckon the security is going to be crazy,” Kinahan told James English. “And I’m sitting here reflecting in the little phone box, s***hole box, and I’m thinking of what happened, how I got here, all the stuff that’s happened in my life, the whole lot just reflecting.”

Kinahan said he wanted to do “good things and big things” but life “didn’t go that way” for him.

“And when you look at things, you know everything’s in God’s hand. If anything happens, it’s the way it’s supposed to happen.

“And I’ve just been sitting, reflecting, and this place I’m after staying in is an absolute really bad s***hole. So I’m looking forward to getting home.”

He added: “And it’s crazy when you think of it. Think of the life of where I come from, where I’m born, everything that I’ve been through, and then going back to Ireland now, 25 years later.

“And I’m still the same as I was, still the same friends from when I grew up with, still the same people that I know.

“I was always proud to be Irish, and I wanted to do good things and big things. Obviously, life didn’t go that way for me. All the stuff from all the media, what people think of me, and the perceptions they have of me.”

He continued: “But I’m still so proud to be from Ireland. Proud to be from Oliver Bond flats and bred there.

“And the mentality, the humor, the food. I guess I’m gonna have a lot of that when I come back in anyway. So I’m looking forward to getting back home.”

The Director of Public Prosecutions has already ruled that Kinahan is to be charged with serious gangland offences in Ireland.

It is understood he is to face charges of directing a crime gang – an offence that can see anyone convicted of it jailed for life.

Khadeen Parris, 16, old died as a result of a stab wound.

A second man has appeared in court on suspicion of murdering a teenager who was stabbed in Northamptonshire last month.

Samwari Solomon, aged 20, of Motherwell, has been charged with the murder of Khadeem Parris. The 16-year-old died as a result of a stab wound following an incident at an address in Abington, on Tuesday, July 7.

Solomon appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court today. He was remanded into custody and will appear at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, August 10.

It comes after another man, Fuad Mohamud, appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 14, charged with Khadeem’s murder.

The 21-year-old, of no fixed address, appeared at Northampton Crown Court on July 15 where he was further remanded in custody until his next hearing on Monday, August 17.

A 19-year-old man, a 56-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender remain on police bail, pending further inquiries.

Police and paramedics were called to the property after the alarm was raised. A post-mortem examination later confirmed the teen had suffered a fatal stab wound, prompting Northamptonshire Police to launch a murder probe.

Khadeem’s devastated family paid tribute to their “funny, smiling boy” in a moving tribute. They described the tragic youngster, who was due to start college this month, as a resilient young man who was excited about the future.

They said: “Khadeem was such a funny, smiling boy. He was always singing, he loved a joke, and he was such a kind son – he had a kindness inside of him.

“He had such strength too. He had coped with such a lot in his young life and he was making plans and so looking forward to the future. He was ready and excited to be starting college in August to study to be a plumber and electrician, and really wanted to make the most of the opportunities open to him.”

The tribute also spoke of Khadeem’s love of computer games and football, and the special bond he shared with his older brother and younger sister.

His family added: “Words can’t explain how we feel at this time. We cannot understand it and we are utterly heartbroken at his loss. Khadeem, we love you, we miss you and you will always be in our hearts.”

A touching message has also appeared on social media from a Dundee woman believed to have been close to Khadeem. In a Facebook post, Courtney Blaney shared a picture of the pair and wrote: “Forever me n you Khadeem Parris rest easy my boy,” alongside a dove and white heart emoji.

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A riverside pub is one of the best stops in the Tyne Valley, customers say, describing it as a ‘charming pub in a lovely setting’.

Sunday lunch at The Boatside Inn, Warden (Image: The Boatside Inn)

The Boatside Inn, situated in the picturesque hamlet of Warden, is just a few miles west of Hexham and minutes from the A69.

It combines a traditional stone‑built pub, beer garden and B&B rooms beside the River South Tyne, making it a popular choice for motorists breaking their journey or exploring Hadrian’s Wall.

The Boatside Inn’s website said: “Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed lunch, an evening meal, a Sunday roast or a peaceful overnight stay, you’ll enjoy freshly prepared seasonal food, regularly changing specials, an excellent selection of beers, wines and spirits, and a warm Northumbrian welcome.

The Boatside Inn has ‘lovely and polite’ staff, reviews said (Image: The Boatside Inn)

“With comfortable guest accommodation, a peaceful riverside setting and award-winning food, The Boatside Inn is the perfect destination for visitors exploring Hexham, Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland, as well as for locals looking to enjoy great food, quality drinks and genuine hospitality.”

Tripadvisor reviews praise the ‘lovely cosy’ atmosphere, ‘delicious’ food and ‘attentive’ staff.

One review said: “What a lovely place to eat. We happened on this place by chance on our visit to Hexham. We loved it so much we went for lunch two days in a row.”

Fish and chips (Image: Tripadvisor)

Another said: “Atmosphere is lovely. Food and drinks are so nice – we had soup of the day and some side dishes.

“It was delicious and just enough for us. After dinner we also ordered sticky toffee and raspberry crumble, which were amazing. Again, highly recommend this place with very friendly staff.”

One reviewer said it was the ‘best bar meal’ they’d eaten ‘in ages’.

“We were in the area for the races and a walk and booked online here. Lovely cosy pub, dog friendly, staff were attentive and very helpful re the menu choices. Service was quick, and food was amazing. Worth every penny. Well deserved after a long walk.”

Food at The Boatside (Image: Tripadvisor)

Another added: “Visited with friends for the first time and we all enjoyed the food and friendly service. The menu choices were nothing too fancy, with standard basic pub food on offer. The food was absolutely delicious and well presented. I have to say it was faultless and one of the best pub lunches I’ve had for a long time.”

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson said Saturday that his 14th season would “probably” be his last.

Johnson missed four days of training camp this week for personal reasons before he returned Friday.

The 36-year-old Johnson was a first-round pick in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2022. He earned second-team honors in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Johnson took a leave of absence during the 2021 season as he battled anxiety and depression and has since shared his story at mental health clinics in the area.

He said his latest leave had more to do with family issues, specifically taking care of his parents, and that his priorities had shifted more toward life outside football.

“I’m looking potentially this is probably going to be my last year,” Johnson said after Saturday’s practice. “Just because I am getting to that point of, those priorities away from football are starting to merge. Not that I don’t enjoy (it), I love everything about this game, preparing for it, but it’s kind of where I’m at in my career.”

Johnson has been a pillar at right tackle and won a pair of Super Bowls with the Eagles.

“I still feel like I can be a premier tackle in this league,” Johnson said. “My movement and everything feels good.”

Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, said his potential retirement came into focus last season after conversations with his family and an injury-plagued season. He missed Philadelphia’s final seven regular-season games and the wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Johnson was suspended for 10 games by the NFL in 2016 for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He was also suspended the first four games of the 2014 season for violating the policy.

He said his teammates already knew he was considering ending his career.

“I feel like planning on having a really good last year,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to soak in these last six months, seven months.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

By DAVID OLASEINDE

Published: 18:27 BST, 8 August 2026 | Updated: 19:33 BST, 8 August 2026

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has vascular dementia.

The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a prerecorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Presented by former teammate Jamie Williams, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and hugs from the many Hall of Famers on stage.

Nearly eight minutes into a nine-minute speech, Craig announced his diagnosis, saying his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career.

“The changes were gradual,” Craig said. “At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.”

Symptoms of vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, include: confusion; trouble finding the right words; difficulty paying attention; trouble organizing thoughts or actions; difficulty planning and following through with plans; slowed thinking; uncertainty about what to do next; and memory issues.

“Two things could be true,” Craig said. “Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

“I want people to know that this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, still a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and the platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents who started it all.”

Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig become one of the most versatile players in league history.

He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, helping the 49ers win three of their five Super Bowls.

In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.

“When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something because he saw something in me that others didn’t,” Craig said. “He didn’t just want a running back, he wanted a complete football player. He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why a 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard receiving season means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I can appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since.

“What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be. None of that happens without great teammates. What made those 49ers teams special: We weren’t selfish. We didn’t care who got the credit. We cared about winning.”

Craig was selected from the seniors category and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 with Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Donald Trump’s estranged niece has likened his suddenly voluminous hairstyle to Hermey the Elf from the animated “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” claiming the recent hair obsession mirrored one his late father went through as he struggled with dementia.

Speaking on SiriusXM host Dean Obeidallah’s YouTube show, Mary Trump reacted to viral online speculation surrounding the president’s hairstyle that was sparked during a campaign rally in Nevada this week.

“I’m not going to say anything about whether it looked good or not. I don’t really care,” Mary Trump told Obeidallah. “However, he looked like Herby the Dentist from ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ — that’s what, that was my takeaway.”

She went on to draw parallels between the president’s hair consciousness and his late father, developer Fred Trump. According to Mary, the elder Trump grew increasingly preoccupied with his hair loss after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, eventually wearing an ill-fitting toupee and dyeing both his hair and mustache.

“He would leave the dye on too long. So he would end up with a magenta mustache,” she said, adding that family members, including Donald Trump, found the situation embarrassing. “And now here’s Donald potentially… being all obsessed about his hair kind of like his dad.”

Obeidallah noted during the interview that the elder Trump began showing signs of dementia around the same age Donald Trump is now, questioning whether the sudden shift in appearance could be connected to cognitive changes.

President Trump has repeatedly touted having aced cognitive tests administered by his White House health team.

The commentary follows a flurry of viral reactions to the president’s speech at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, where he spoke on economic policies, endorsed local Republican candidates and referred to Canadian leadership as “nasty.”

Social media users quickly began debating the source of the president’s updated look.

“Is Trump rocking a wig, or what the hell is going on here?” one user user asked, after posting: “Trump’s hair, uh, has a lot more volume than normal.”

Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who previously voted to impeach Trump, also weighed in, posting on X: “Trump has a weave!!”

The official Democratic National Committee account posted a photo of the president from three months earlier featuring a flatter, slicked-back style to emphasize the contrast.

Supporters defended the president’s appearance.

“This is proof that President Trump is aging in reverse,” one supporter wrote on X. “His hair looks absolutely amazing today.”

The president has previously acknowledged his efforts to maintain his signature hairstyle. At a CPAC conference in 2018, he admitted to the audience, “I try like hell to hide the bald spot, folks. I work at it.”

During a 2015 campaign stop in South Carolina, he brought a woman on stage to verify his hair was real, and in 2016, he famously allowed host Jimmy Fallon to mess up his hair during an appearance on The Tonight Show.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.