The attack took place at the Blackfriars Station in London, around 6pm on May 17, 2024

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Police are investigating an assault on a railway worker who was sprayed in the face with a chemical substance, leaving them with chemical burns and a temporary loss of vision.

The incident happened at Blackfriars Station in London at around 6pm on May 17, 2024, The Mirror reported. Four men got off a train at Sevenoaks before running through the ticket barriers without paying.

While on duty, the railway worker confronted one of the men. The others initially ran off but later returned to the scene.

When they rejoined their friend, one of the men sprayed an unknown liquid from a Lucozade bottle directly into the worker’s face before the group fled.

The victim immediately felt a burning sensation in his eyes and then lost his vision. He was taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered chemical burns to his face and eyes.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident, describing the assault as “horrific” and stating that the victim was simply carrying out his job.

Detective Constable Victoria Callaghan said: “We believe the man in the CCTV footage could assist our ongoing enquiries into this horrific attack on a man simply doing his job. We urge anyone who recognises him to come forward.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the man in the CCTV image is asked to text 61016, quoting reference 529 of 17 May 2025. Information can also be given by calling 0800405040 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

It will be a dry start to Monday with outbreaks of rain later in the day

It will be a dry start to Monday before becoming cloudier with rain in the afternoon, according to the latest forecast from the Met Office.

The forecaster says that Monday will begin with areas of low cloud and fog but it will remain dry in the morning with some sunshine in places, before becoming cloudy everywhere in the afternoon with outbreaks of rain, some heavy and freshening easterly winds.

The maximum temperature for Monday will be 9C.

Tuesday and Wednesday are set to be cloudy and windy with outbreaks of rain.

On Thursday, the rain will likely clear to sunshine before wintry showers move in later in the day.

Looking ahead to next weekend, predominantly cyclonic patterns are expected to dominate the UK.

The early part of this period could see colder conditions becoming established more widely for a time, bringing with it the likelihood of some snow, primarily to the north and northeast of the UK.

However, this should offer a few days’ respite from the wet weather across the south of England.

By the end of this period, the track of Atlantic depressions may shift a little further north than during the last few weeks. This will maintain broadly unsettled weather, with further spells of rain and perhaps strong winds at times.

Many parts may become somewhat milder, given more of a westerly influence, though there remains the chance that colder conditions could linger towards the northeast.

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

The 14-minute set included guest performances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with cameos from the likes of Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G and Jessica Alba, who could be seen dancing on the porch of his famous casita, a staple of his shows designed to look like a traditional Puerto Rican home.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s government on Sunday released from prison several prominent opposition members, including one of the closest allies of Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, after lengthy politically motivated detentions.

Their releases come as the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez faces mounting pressure to free hundreds of people whose detentions months or years ago have been linked to their political activities. They also follow a visit to Venezuela of representatives of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s acting president after the Jan. 3 capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. military. Her government began releasing prisoners days later.

Some of those freed Sunday joined families waiting outside prisons for their loved ones to be released. They chanted “We are not afraid! We are not afraid!” and marched a short distance.

“I am convinced that our country has completely changed,” Juan Pablo Guanipa, a Machado ally and former governor, told reporters hours after his release. “I am convinced that it is now up to all of us to focus on building a free and democratic country.”

Guanipa spent more than eight months in custody.

Venezuelan-based prisoners’ rights group Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least 30 people Sunday.

In addition to Guanipa, Machado’s political organization said several of its members were among the released, including María Oropeza, who livestreamed her arrest by military intelligence officers as they broke into her home with a crowbar. Machado’s attorney, Perkins Rocha, was also freed.

“Let’s go for the freedom of Venezuela!” Machado posted on X.

Guanipa was detained in late May and accused by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello of participating in an alleged “terrorist group” plotting to boycott that month’s legislative election. Guanipa’s brother Tomás rejected the accusation, and said the arrest was meant to crack down on dissent.

“Thinking differently cannot be criminalized in Venezuela, and today, Juan Pablo Guanipa is a prisoner of conscience of this regime,” Tomás Guanipa said after the arrest.

Rodríguez’s government announced Jan. 8 it would free a significant number of prisoners — a central demand of the country’s opposition and human rights organizations with backing from the United States — but families and rights watchdogs have criticized authorities for the slow pace of the releases.

The ruling party-controlled National Assembly this week began debating an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners. The opposition and nongovernmental organizations have reacted with cautious optimism as well as with suggestions and demands for more information on the contents of the proposal.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez on Friday posted a video on Instagram showing him outside a detention center in Caracas and saying that “everyone” would be released no later than next week, once the amnesty bill is approved.

Delcy Rodríguez and Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke by phone in late January. His spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, in a statement said he “offered our support to help Venezuela work on a roadmap for dialogue and reconciliation in which human rights should be at the centre” and then “deployed a team” to the South American country.

Machado remains in exile after leaving Venezuela in December. After she was briefly detained in January 2025, she had not been seen in public for 11 months when she appeared in Norway after the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

Juan Pablo Guanipa on Sunday said Machado “exercises undeniable leadership” and is needed in Venezuela along with other exiled political leaders to move the country forward. He, Oropeza and others who were released within hours of each other visited detention centers in Caracas, where they called for the release of all prisoners detained for political reasons.

“It is a bittersweet happiness because I know that many are still imprisoned,” Oropeza said outside Helicoide, the notorious prison where she was held after her August 2024 detention. “And I want to tell you that one of the reasons we were unjustly imprisoned for more than a year in that place is the same reason we walked out today: To fight for the liberation of our beloved Venezuela and for the liberation of all political prisoners.

“Because there are no bars that can silence us.”

___

Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.

Washing machine countdowns often feel like they take an eternity, with many people noticing cycles extend beyond the displayed time – but there’s a good reason for it.

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Waiting for the washing machine cycle to finish can be one of life’s most frustrating experiences – it frequently seems to go on forever. In principle, it should be fairly simple. When you begin a wash, your machine usually displays a countdown timer, informing you of the remaining time before you can take out the laundry and either hang it to dry or transfer it to the tumble dryer.

Yet many people will recognise the irritation of watching a timer that seems to crawl along interminably, and most would agree that washing machine countdowns are fundamentally misleading. When the display indicates one minute left in the cycle, it rarely means an actual minute.

A TikTok user previously posted a sketch on the platform about this common frustration – jokingly implying that when the timer shows one minute remaining, there’s still sufficient time to go for a stroll, enjoy a pint at the pub, and have a meal before returning home precisely as the cycle finishes.

The issue resonated with many viewers, with one person remarking: “Yes! I’ve stood there waiting, and it took another five minutes! I was so mad.”

Another concurred, writing: “Waiting for the click is like an eternity, it’s like, just tell me if you need extra time.” A third commented: “The biggest lie ever told.”

Nevertheless, there appears to be an explanation for why washing machine cycles take longer than expected, according to Vivien Fodor, the laundry category manager for Hotpoint UK. She revealed that the reason for these timing changes is that the machine is optimising its performance to operate more efficiently, which ultimately helps reduce your bills.

Vivien noted: “Many individuals depend on the timers of their washing machines and dryers to organise their daily tasks – and they are correct in doing so!”

“This is the reason why most contemporary appliances come equipped with displays that indicate how much time remains in your cycle.

“However, as the washing continues, the timer doesn’t always reflect the total time set at the start and, in the end, can differ by a few minutes.

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“Whilst the difference is not usually big, this can be frustrating. However, there is a perfectly good explanation for this – and it is actually helping you to save energy and money.”

She added, “Washing machines are designed to save resources wherever possible, be it water, energy, or laundry detergent.

“So, there are several checks that a washing machine will do during its cycle. These are usually automated and are there to tell the machine if it is taking more or less time than expected to fill, wash or spin.”

As a result, the machine will adjust the time to end at certain points of the cycle – sometimes sooner, sometimes later.

“The only difference is that people only notice when it’s the latter! As the parameters differ with some loads being heavier than others, such as bedding and towels, this automated function ensures your laundry is washed properly yet economically every time, regardless of the load type.”

TURNING Point’s halftime show closed out with a heartfelt message from its late founder, Charlie Kirk.

The conservative nonprofit’s country-focused set was framed as a rival to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.

Turning Point’s show was headlined by Kid Rock and featured Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

The alternative halftime show closed out with Kid Rock, who performed a slow cover of slowed-down version of Cody Johnson’s ‘Til You Can’t.

The camera panned over to a montage of Kirk, who founded Turning Point in 2012 and led the nonprofit until he was killed during a debate at a college in Utah in September 2025.

“I want to honor God in all that I do. I want to be a great husband, a great father. I want to serve this country,” a voice-over of Kirk said set over a montage of his tenure at Turning Point.

On a dramatic night:

“I want to try to continue to lead this movement and to speak truth and to never lie, to stop thinking about yourself all of the time, and instead think about what you should do to help other people and defend this country above yourself.

“I am so inspired by this army of freedom fighters. We’re going to be around for the next 100, 200 years because we know in the end our ideas will win.”

The video also featured photos of Kirk with his wife, Erika, and their two children.

“God should be the most important thing in your life. But then beyond that, it’s getting married, having children, building families. My kids are the most important thing in my world. My wife, my kids, my relationship with God. Top three things,” Kirk said in the montage.

“And the more often that you choose the deep, the difficult, but the right path over the easy path is the one that will reward you, your family, and this beautiful nation.”

The two-minute long montage closed out with a tribute to Kirk: “In Loving Memory of our Founder and CEO, Charlie Kirk.”

It also included the Bible verse: “Here I am, Send Me.”

TPUSA’s halftime show aired when Bad Bunny took the stage at the Super Bowl for a distinctly Puerto-Rican inspired performance.

The musician brought stars out Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin as he performed his all-Spanish language setlist.

Bad Bunny performed several songs off of his Grammy-award winning album Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

He closed out the show yelling “God bless America!” while surrounded by flags from countries all around the world.

On its improved cloud and fog guidance, it said: “This advancement will be vital for industries such as aviation, where precise weather information is critical to manage flight schedules, avoid delays, and ensure safe take offs and landings, especially in situations with low cloud bases, mist and fog.”

BAD BUNNY called on a clan of big shots from Hollywood and beyond to jazz up his fiery Super Bowl halftime show.

The Puerto Rican’s saucy performance was always going to cause a stir – but he made absolutely sure that tongues would be wagging by recruiting A-list help.

Lady Gaga joined Bad Bunny for a breathtaking performance of ‘Die With a Smile’ in Santa Clara.

And there was also space on the bill for Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin.

But those who looked closer spotted a number of other high-profile celebs dancing in the ‘casita’ – or ‘little house’ – which was part of the on-field set.

One of them was Chilean-American acting star Pedro Pascal, seen looking suave dressed all in white with a pair of tinted glasses.

Pascal, 50, is perhaps best known for his role in Narcos, and has been nominated for a Golden Globe.

Jessica Alba was another big name in the mix.

The Californian, 44, enjoyed the peak of her acting career in the 2000s and has since made millions as a successful businesswoman.

She was joined on stage by Cardi B – the New York rapper of Dominican and Trinidadian heritage whose boyfriend, Stefon Diggs, plays for the New England Patriots.

Donald Trump has launched into a furious rant over the Super Bowl halftime show, branding the performance ‘disgusting’ and ‘an affront to the Greatness of America’

Donald Trump has launched into a furious rant about the Super Bowl LX halftime show, with the 47th President of the US calling the performance “disgusting” and “one of the worst EVER “.

Trump skipped the NFL blockbuster match entirely, claiming his absence was due to “distance issues”. However, despite the distance, he made plenty of time to criticise Grammy Award-winning music superstar Bad Bunny from afar.

And it wasn’t long before he erupted on social media.

Bad Bunny appeared to direct a subtle jab at Mr Trump during his halftime spectacular, with clips of his Grammy Awards speech shown on a small television screen before a family – including a young child. In the footage, the artist stated: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.”

It was that particular moment which prompted the US President into response. Using his own social media platform, Truth Social, Mr Trump condemned the show in his characteristic angry style, reports the Daily Star.

He wrote: “The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.”

He subsequently suggested viewers were baffled by proceedings, stating: “Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting – especially for young children watching throughout the U.S.A. and all over the World.”

Mr Trump proceeded with his outburst by describing the performance as a “slap in the face” to America, before diverging into self-congratulation regarding the economy and criticising what he labelled the “Fake News Media” for inevitably lauding the show.

“There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show,” he fumed, forecasting enthusiastic coverage from publications that “haven’t got a clue what’s going on in the REAL WORLD”.

However, the interval controversy wasn’t his sole complaint.

The US President additionally targeted the NFL’s contentious kickoff regulation, which limits player motion before the ball is secured or touches the turf.

“And, by the way,” he continued, “the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”.

The nursery is not only full of history and surrounded by open fields, the staff ‘provide the best possible care and education for all children’

We all know that Cambridgeshire is filled to the brim with historic buildings, architecture, and generally aesthetically pleasing places. Whether that is Ely Cathedral, often cited as one of the most famous landmarks in Cambridgeshire, or Kimbolton Castle, the final home of King Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

However, the quaint village of Madingley is home to a private nursery school, housed in a building dating back to the 19th-century. Stephen Perse Cambridge Early Years is a nursery offering baby, toddler, rising threes, and Kindergarten classes.

This private nursery was opened in 2020 by the Stephen Perse Foundation, who operate four nursery schools located in the Cambridgeshire and Saffron Walden areas. This ”picture-book” Victorian schoolhouse has architectural features built in simplified Tudor style, including gault brick in rat-trap bond, fish-scale tiles, and coped gables and kneelers.

“Imagine a picture-book Victorian schoolhouse, overlooking open fields and next door to woodlands. It’s idyllic – and it’s our lovely rural site at Madingley”, says the Stephen Perse Foundation.

Madingley nursery, for ages 1-3, is located in a lodge, complete with creative spaces and cosy areas. The kindergarten and reception classrooms run in the gorgeous Victorian schoolhouse. They have a large playground with climbing frames and balancing equipment, aimed at improving kids’ coordination, and sensory play areas featuring a mud kitchen.

The school has the luxury of being situated in a rural area surrounded by trees and fields, so the children have the opportunity to explore and learn more about the wonders of nature. The school boasts about promoting curiosity and allowing young learners the freedom to experiment and explore environments designed to maximise their learning.

Offering everything from physical activity and mindfulness to musical experiences and role play, this school sets out to ensure each child’s learning is tailored to their needs and encourages further stages of development.

This distinguished school has a current outstanding rating on Ofsted, and their public report says: “Children flourish in this very welcoming nursery under the expert care of extremely caring and highly experienced staff.

“Leaders and staff promote a joint passion and dedication to providing the best possible care and education for all children.”