The 16 children found living in “deplorable” conditions inside an Ohio home are part of the same family, officials said Wednesday.

Authorities arrested four adults Tuesday on felony child endangerment charges after finding the children in a rural southern Ohio home. Some were in dire need of medical treatment, authorities said.

The four people charged appeared in court Wednesday where a judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said Wednesday that the conditions inside the house were almost indescribable, saying it “really looked third world.”

“It’s just almost beyond comprehension,” he said without providing details about what was inside.

It appeared that the children spent most of their time in just one room for much of the four years they lived there, Wilson said.

The Ohio Bureau of Investigation and local sheriff’s department searched the home in the small village of Hamden on Tuesday.

Law enforcement arrested Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders. They have not yet been assigned lawyers.

Vinton County prosecuting attorney William Archer said they were charged with second-degree felony child endangering because it involves “serious physical harm.”

Hamden has a population of less than 1,000 people and is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southeast of Columbus.

The children ranged from ages 1.5 to 18 and included both boys and girls, officials said. Seven were transported to hospitals in Columbus and two were flown by helicopters.

___

Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio.

Good afternoon and welcome to second-round Wimbledon coverage of Jannik Sinner versus Nuno Borges.

Sinner, the defending champion, struggled in his opener against Miomir Kecmanovic, with the Serbian taking the top seed to five sets. The world No 1 awkwardly slipped in the third set and required medical attention but prevailed in the end, coming through 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3.

The match on Monday was not short of drama and incident. Sinner seemed to be struggling with a foot injury that turned his white shoes red but said afterwards it was nothing to worry about.

“Look, the foot is all good, it just seems much worse than it is,” Sinner said. “It’s just a toenail. I didn’t want to disturb Miomir [and take a medical time-out]. I think we both had a good rhythm. It was a great match from both of us.”

Borges had a much easier time in his first-round match. The 29-year-old from Portugal saw off Tristan Boyer in straight sets 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. Borges reached the third round last year which was a marked improvement on his previous showings at SW19 – three first-round exits in a row prior. 

This is a second meeting between the two players, with Sinner leading the head-to-head 1-0. The Italian will no doubt be looking to maintain that winning record.

By LIAM MORGAN, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 17:51 BST, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 18:03 BST, 1 July 2026

The acquisition follows a record period of expansion for CTS Group and a series of strategic acquisitions across the workwear, packaging and wider supply chain sectors.

Based in Daventry, ShoeStation Direct is a well-established online retailer of safety footwear, workwear and PPE, trading through its own website and leading online marketplaces.

Combined with CTS Group’s existing operations, the acquisition makes the group’s safety division the UK’s leading online seller of safety footwear and supports CTS Group’s long-term strategy of acquisition-led expansion, ecommerce growth and investment in technology.

The deal also strengthens CTS Group’s direct distribution relationships with major brands including Birkenstock, Dunlop, Scruffs, DeWalt and Caterpillar, giving customers access to a market-leading product selection.

Founded in 2021, CTS has grown rapidly and now employs around 140 people across its Yorkshire sites in Northallerton, Thirsk and Harworth. The company turned over £45 million in its last financial year, is currently running at around £60 million, and is forecast to reach £100 million by 2028.

AJ Swinbank, CEO of CTS Group, said: “The acquisition of ShoeStation Direct is a major step forward and a significant investment in the future of the business. It strengthens our safety division with a powerful combination of product range, well-known brands and a large, loyal customer base.

“Our acquisitions are driven by a clear long-term vision and a defined goal of £100m in revenue for the financial year 2028, and ShoeStation Direct gives us a powerful platform to accelerate that plan.

“Bringing it into the group also lets us invest further in AI, ecommerce technology and supply chain systems, which will be central to CTS Group’s next phase of growth.”

ShoeStation Direct has been built by its founding family, who have chosen to retire following a sustained period of growth.

Declan Quinn, of ShoeStation Direct, said: “After 20 years building the business, we are looking to take things a little easier and spend more time with our growing family. A business like ours needs a great deal of time and energy, and as with any family business, we have sacrificed a lot to get it to where it is today. It is the right time to leave it in safe hands.

“Having been approached by several businesses, we felt CTS was the right fit. They have the expertise and resources to enhance and grow what is a very well-respected business within the trade, while keeping the legacy going.”

AJ Swinbank added: “We are proud to be taking ShoeStation Direct into its next chapter and building on the strong foundations the family has created. Our focus now is on developing the business, investing in systems and people, and continuing to deliver excellent products, service and availability for customers across the UK.”

WAGs Ashlyn Castro and Megan Pickford made sure they are camera ready on Wednesday as they showed their support to their England footballer partners ahead of their World Cup clash against DR Congo. 

Jude Bellingham‘s girlfriend Ashlyn dressed to impress in a black halterneck top and jeans as she took her seat in the Atlanta Stadium. 

Ashlyn made sure she is picture perfect as she donned a glamorous palette of makeup for the football game. 

Elsewhere England captain Harry Cane’s wife Kate looked stylish in a Toteme grey co-ord as she arrived at the game with her children. 

Kate looked ever the proud wife as she carried ‘Go Daddy’ signs as well as a giant picture of Harry’s head.  

Meanwhile influencer Megan showed off her incredible figure in a tiny green cropped England shirt which she teamed with skinny white low-rise trousers.

The blonde beauty styled her long locks in voluminous curls and toted her belongings in a green Chanel handbag.

Megan looked in good spirits as she touched up her makeup from the stand and kept cool as she fanned herself with a portable electric fan. 

Meanwhile Jordan Pickford’s influencer wife Megan made sure she is picture perfect as she posed for selfies in the crowd

England captain Harry Cane’s wife Kate looked ever the proud wife as she carried ‘Go Daddy’ signs as well as a giant picture of Harry’s head

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The WAG looked stylish in a Toteme grey co-ord as she arrived at the game with her children

Harry pictured in action as the clash began 

The Daily Mail revealed last week how wives and girlfriends of the England team had enjoyed a night out in a New York night spot ahead of the game against Panama last weekend which the Three Lions won 2-0.

The girls put on their glad rags and downed $30 cocktails at the ultra trendy French themed Maison Close venue from 10pm until the joint shut at 2am.

A bouncer at the venue had even told the Daily mail how some of the WAGS had wanted to ‘carry on partying’ and he had suggested another nightclub further along the road.

But in the end the WAGS, led by Ollie Watkins glamorous wife Ellie, decided to have an early night and had back to their hotel where they had a lie in before heading to the Met Life stadium.

Defender John Stones wife Olivia, posted a picture on her social media showing the wags all sat in a row at the venue, which had been a joint birthday and getting to know you bonding session.

She captioned the image as ‘girls night out in the big apple’ highlighting it with Statue of Liberty emoji and a red apple.

Footage posted online and revealed by the Daily Mail, shows Ellie enjoying herself as she dances in the club and in another photo, she is posing with her sister.

A bouncer at the club said: ‘There was around a dozen of them, they were the wives and girlfriends of the English soccer team and they arrived in two limos.

‘They had two security people with them and the party was booked by someone with an English name, I think it was someone’s birthday but I can’t be sure.

‘They were singing and dancing and having a good time, they were doing what young women do when they come to New York, they enjoyed themselves.

‘They were here until 2am when we close and then they wanted to know where else they could carry on parting, I gave them the name of a late night club but I don’t think they went.’

On its website Maison Close describes itself as offering ‘an unparalleled vibe dining experience to neighbours and visitors to New York through approachable traditional French cuisine, elevated beverages and a celebratory atmosphere.’

Ashlyn donned a glamorous palette of makeup for the football game

She looked tense after DR Congo scored within the first seven minutes 

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Megan showed off her incredible figure in a tiny green cropped England shirt which she teamed with skinny white low-rise trousers

The WAG looked eager for the game to get started 

The blonde beauty styled her long locks in voluminous curls and toted her belongings in a green Chanel handbag

Megan looked in good spirits as she touched up her hair and makeup from the stand 

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The WAG took to Instagram to say she was ‘patiently waiting’ for the England squad 

She added: ‘We have arrived in Atlanta’ as she shared a snap of the crowd 

Megan had her phone at the ready 

Ivan Toney’s partner Katie Bio showed her support as she watched in the stands with their two children

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Katie waited patiently for the game to start 

DR Congo stunned England early to take the lead after Brian Cipenga found the net 

Ellie shared a photo in her hotel room and wrote: ‘Tennis at 10 football at 2’ 

Ellie cut a stylish figure in an England shirt and blue miniskirt 

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Also on the menu is caviar and blinis with 250g of the prized delicacy setting customers back an eye-watering $1650.

Maison Close is in Lower Manhattan, on the east side and close the achingly hipster area of Tribeca.

A source said: ‘It was a getting to know you bonding session for the WAGs and they all had a great time.

‘They were singing and dancing and having a fabulous time, let’s face it it’s New York isn’t so it was always going to be glamorous and fun.

‘They got in late but were up and about early so they could have a late breakfast get ready and go to the game.’

Other WAGS in New York include John Stones wife Olivia and Bukayo Sako’s girlfriend Tolami Benson and for some it was the second night clubbing in a week after several went to trendy New York night spot Somewhere Nowhere in the heart of Manhattan.

England will take to the field at 5pm UK time, no doubt kickstarting an early finish from work for many fans as they head to the pub for the match.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel was asked if this was an opportunity to put on a dinner-time show for the kids, who may have been in bed for each of their group matches.

‘We would love to entertain them,’ the former Chelsea boss said – but warned that a fraught evening may be in store in living rooms across the country.

‘Maybe we need to define entertainment,’ he added. ‘We don’t know what’s coming and I don’t want to ruin expectations.

‘Everyone wants to play exciting football and fun football, but it can also be entertaining if you feel the spirit and the energy of the team. 

‘Hopefully, everyone is allowed to watch tomorrow because they have to go to bed early normally. 

‘Hopefully, they feel the spirit and how much it means to this team. I see it every day, I feel it every day, and hopefully we can transmit it through the TVs and make them proud and happy.’

On a more sober note, Tuchel confirmed that both Jarell Quansah and Reece James would not be in the squad for the closed-roof clash against the Africans, as England’s full-back curse continues. However, he said that both had come close to making the cut.

It came after Ellie, and friends of the England WAGs, were forced to hit back at pundit Roy Keane, after he criticised them for wearing shirts sporting their partner’s names.

Sources say they have vowed to carry on showing their support by wearing the football shirts, as some did last night as England took on Panama in their last group match.

A friend of some of the WAGs said: ‘They are adamant they will wear whatever they want.

‘Why should they let someone like Roy Keane tell them otherwise? He’s a miserable old git.

Megan kept cool as she fanned herself with a portable electric fan

Megan was seen posing for selfies ahead of watching the England game

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The influencer couldn’t contain her smile as she watched England warm up 

‘The girls love to show support for their partners by wearing their names on their back, or at least an England shirt. It’s a case of go away, grandad.

‘Some of them ignored it, some have been giggling about why they wind him up so much.’

Keane made the comments on Gary Neville’s podcast The Overlap, when he was asked what he would like to put in Room 101 – meaning it would no longer exist.

‘Oh, the jersey?’ he said. ‘The World Cup, when all the players’ wives and families are going to the match, all the wives are in the jerseys with the players’ names on the back, wow.

‘Children is fine, but the wives and partners wearing their jerseys with their name on the back, wow.

‘A year later they are separated, most of them. And they’re all getting pictures, and they’re pointing at a Jimmy or Johnny on the back, wow. We know who you are married to.’

Ellie hit back just a few hours before England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana last Tuesday.

In a video posted on TikTok, the 30-year-old showed off her outfit – a white sleeveless crop top and a pair of blue jeans – writing underneath, ‘Roy Keane do you approve?’ followed by smiling, heart and England flag emojis.

It comes after WAG Ellie posted a hilarious update after her wardrobe malfunction – telling her eager followers she has been bra shopping.

Ellie shared that she forgot to pack her vital underwear when she went to the Ghana game in Boston.

Ollie Watkins’ influencer wife Ellie was among the WAGs bound for the city of Atlanta on Wednesday, as the Three Lions prepare for their first World Cup knockout tie

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Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro shared scantily-clad snaps of herself in a sexy white crop top and tiny denim shorts

The influencer pampered herself during her time in New York, before the WAGs began their journey to Atlanta

Ashlyn shared the snaps in a promotional post for the drinks brand Sprinter

John Stones’ wife Olivia showed that she was making the most of her time in New York after England won their third group game against Panama on Saturday

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Olivia enjoyed a night out in NYC with other England WAGs including Ashlyn and Ellie

It came after Ellie, and friends of the England WAGs, were forced to hit back at pundit Roy Keane, after he criticised them for wearing shirts sporting their partner’s names

It led to her describing the day as a ‘nightmare’ and she had to change her ‘planned summery outfit’ because of the miserable rainy weather.

As a result, she swapped her wardrobe for a white tank top, jeans and a red jacket topped off with an England baseball cap – she even jokingly had a dig at Roy Keane and asked if he ‘approved’ following his criticism of WAGs wearing shirts with their partner’s name on them.

But on Wednesday after flying into New York from Boston she posted an update on her social media cheekily telling fans she had ‘got the goods’ as she posted a picture of mannequins wearing bras, adding a laughing emoji.

While not naming the store the picture matches the display for the trendy lingerie firm Skims who have a flagship store on 5th Avenue in the heart of New York’s shopping district.

I know you’re going to think me a party-pooper for what I’m about to say, but hear me out.

I’ve been speaking to pension experts who tell me there is one mistake most of us make that could seriously derail retirement – but you’re not going to like hearing it… or the remedy.

Forecasting and analysis firm Oxford Economics will reveal in a report today that 92 per cent of households should be able to cover their essential costs in retirement.

That’s the good news – and is largely thanks to the state pension, which provides the backbone for most incomes in older age.

Now for the bad. Those who take their tax-free lump sum and spend it on anything other than creating an income stream in retirement will see a big hit to their lifestyle when they do finally retire.

The report estimates the proportion of households able to maintain their lifestyle in retirement is eight percentage points lower for those who take theirs than households overall.

Higher earners who take their lump sum are the worst affected because their personal pension – from which the tax-free chunk is taken – forms a greater proportion of their retirement wealth.

I’m hardly going to win friends by telling you not to take yours. 

The option to withdraw 25 per cent of your pension pot tax-free up to a £268,275 cap from the age of 55 (rising to 57 in 2028) is one of the most-loved tax perks around – a well-earned reward for decades of gruelling delayed gratification.

Millions use it for something enjoyable, such as buying a new car, going on a bucket-list holiday or redoing the kitchen.

Such luxuries are hard to pay for solely out of income while you’re working. Many need their lump sum to pay off debts or clear the mortgage ahead of retirement.

But Helen Morrissey at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, which commissioned the report, warns that taking it ‘is a bigger decision than most people realise’.

‘People should consider the fallout on their retirement income before going ahead,’ she adds. 

‘Thousands take their lump sum when they don’t have an immediate need for it and put it into a savings account where it earns a low return. It could be earning much more if left invested in a pension.’

There’s no reason why you can’t take your tax-free lump sum over time or delay it until you need it, but it would take a fundamental change in mindset.

Withdrawing it in full has become the default decision, perceived as a no-brainer, according to a report from the Pensions Commission in May.

As many as 83 per cent of people accessing their defined contribution pensions since 2015 have taken a lump sum from at least one of theirs.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank blames the name. It says we should change it from tax-free ‘lump sum’ to tax-free ‘element’, so it’s no longer seen as something to take all in one go.

Would-be prime minister Andy Burnham and his new Chancellor could help, too. Lump sum withdrawals surged ahead of last year’s Autumn Budget amid fears the Labour Government was poised to slash the perk 

Not the catchiest name, but you can hardly blame people for thinking they should take their tax-free cash as a lump sum when it has ‘lump sum’ in the name.

Would-be Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his new Chancellor could help, too. Lump sum withdrawals surged ahead of last year’s Autumn Budget amid fears the Labour Government was poised to slash the perk. 

Savers withdrew a colossal £3.9billion in pension lump sums in the 12 months to October, according to official figures – up 81 per cent compared to the same period in 2022/23.

Burnham could stop this from happening again by pledging not to touch the tax-free lump sum this Parliament.

Finally, maybe we all need to reframe how we think about the lump sum. By not taking it immediately, we’re not giving something up but instead ending up with more money to spend overall.

Helen Morrissey, retirement specialist at investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, says that tax-free lump sums could earn more if invested in a pension rather than in a savings account

Say you had a £400,000 pension pot and withdrew 25 per cent as a tax-free lump sum to stash in a savings account earning 3 per cent interest a year. 

You could have about £134,000 by the time you retire ten years later, according to calculations by wealth manager Broadstone.

If your remaining pot kept growing at 5 per cent a year, after ten years it will have reached £448,688, giving you a combined value of £582,688.

However, if you had left the entire £400,000 pension pot to keep growing until age 65 without taking any tax-free cash, it could reach £651,558 – an extra £68,870.

You would now also be able to withdraw a considerably larger 25 per cent tax-free lump sum of £162,889.

That’s more money to spend on fun purchases – or get you through retirement. Put that way, it doesn’t sound so bad after all. 

Criminal Record has brought together a round-up of Sunday’s biggest crime stories.

Each day on Criminal Record, we will bring you a round-up of the biggest crime stories of the day across the country.

From criminal trials and the ongoing gangland war to an assault on our streets, if you love to read about crime in Scotland – this is the place to be every day.

Here’s what has been making the news across the country on Wednesday.

Crown denies protecting Nicola Sturgeon in Murrell plea deal

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Prosecutors have insisted they did not remove thousands of pounds worth of purchases from Peter Murrell’s indictment to spare Nicola Sturgeon embarrassment.

More than 700 items worth almost £59,000 – including make-up, women’s clothing, hair products and fitness gear – were dropped from the charge sheet as part of a plea agreement before the former SNP chief executive admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds.

The Crown Office was forced to deny claims made by campaigner Sean Clerkin that the deleted items were intended to shield Murrell’s estranged wife, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, insisting the plea was accepted to secure a conviction without the need for a lengthy and costly trial.

READ MORE: Prosecutors deny Sturgeon was spared ’embarrassment’ after women’s items deleted from Murrell indictment

Woman mowed down in attempted murder horror

Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after a woman was deliberately struck by a car in broad daylight in Renfrewshire.

The 49-year-old was seriously injured when a white Vauxhall Corsa mounted the pavement on Clippens Road in Linwood at around 3.45pm on Tuesday.

Shocking footage shows two women standing at a bus stop before the car suddenly veers onto the pavement, ploughing into one of them before speeding away. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as they work to trace the driver.

READ MORE: Chilling murder bid footage as crazed driver mows down woman at bus stop

Gangland lieutenant once targeted by IRA hitmen

A former boxing promoter jailed for helping run notorious gangster Robert “Birdman” O’Hara’s drugs empire was once the target of an alleged IRA assassination plot.

Mario Rea was last week sentenced to six years in prison after admitting his role in O’Hara’s organised crime network, which continued operating while the killer directed associates from behind bars.

The 47-year-old’s long links to Scotland’s criminal underworld previously saw him issued with an Osman warning after intelligence suggested Real IRA-linked gunmen had travelled to Scotland to kill him following a dispute over a tobacco deal.

READ MORE: Ex-boxing promoter Mario Rea was targeted by IRA hitmen years before gangland rap

Man arrested after Livingston stabbing

A man has been arrested after a 62-year-old was seriously assaulted in Livingston.

Emergency services were called to Howden Road West on Tuesday evening where the victim was found with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and taken to hospital.

A 31-year-old was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the incident as police continued their investigation. Officers also cordoned off homes in the Ladywell area as part of ongoing enquiries.

READ MORE: Man ‘stabbed’ in Livingston attack as police lock down residential street

Teen murder accused claims he acted in self-defence

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A teenager accused of murdering 15-year-old Amen Teklay has told a court he believed his alleged victim was about to stab his friend when he struck him with a sword.

Giving evidence at the High Court in Glasgow, the 16-year-old claimed Amen had produced a knife during a confrontation in Clarendon Street before turning towards his co-accused.

The boy admitted stabbing Amen but insisted he acted to protect his friend, telling jurors he feared the teenager was about to launch an attack. The trial, where both accused deny murder, continues.

READ MORE: Boy accused of murdering Amen Teklay struck teen with sword as he thought ‘he’d stab his pal’

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The new charge is expected to bring in around £600,000 for the authority in 2026/27, with more than 900 homes believed to be vacant long-term in the region.

Owners of long-term empty homes in Perth and Kinross – including Perth and Kinross Council – will be hit with a 300 per cent charge on their council tax from July 1.

This week councillors voted to allow additional flexibility to help those caught up by the steep surcharge, previously set at 200 per cent.

There are approximately 920 homes lying vacant long-term in Perth and Kinross; the higher surcharge is expected to generate around £600,000 in 2026/27, rising to £800,000 a year thereafter.

No changes were proposed for second homes, of which there is a similar number, which will retain the 200 per cent charge.

A property which is deemed a “long-term empty home” is one which has been unoccupied for over a year. Exemptions include homes which are actively being marketed for sale or let within two years of being occupied and those undergoing repairs/renovation where a new buyer cannot be subject to the increase for up to six months since the date of purchase.

The 300 per cent council tax charge on long-term empty homes was agreed as part of the SNP administration’s budget on March 4, 2026.

The Conservative group opposed the charge.

On Wednesday, June 24 PKC’s Finance and Resources Committee was asked to note the increased surcharge and agree to maintain existing discretionary provisions.

Discretion is applied for situations such as work being done to bring a long-term empty home back into use or exceptional circumstances outwith the direct control of the owner.

It is given for a maximum of 18 months and takes the form of a 10 per cent discount from the date a surcharge would ordinarily be applicable.

Conservative councillor Ian James said: “I was always told council tax is raised to provide local services and, if you’ve got an empty property, I’m just wondering what services we’re providing for these empty properties?”

He added: “I know there are a lot of exemptions but we’re putting an admin burden unnecessarily on people who have bought a property. It’s empty for a reason.

“I’m helping a client – and I call them a client because we’re robbing them – but they have a property and it’s going to cost them £1000 a month.”

Independent councillor Grant Laing asked if any council properties would “fall foul” of the scheme.

PKC’s strategic lead for Housing and Communities Elaine Ritchie said: “Yeah, the HRA [Housing Revenue Account] will have to pay this 300 per cent increase and we do have some long-term voids, not empty properties, and that’s where we’re doing capital investment work.

“However, we work really closely with our Council Tax team to look at exemptions and what not but we’re in the same position as private owners.

“It doesn’t come back into the HRA, it goes into a separate pot of funding so there will be a financial impact on the HRA as a result.”

Cllr Laing asked if repairs and work being done to bring a property back into use might count as an exemption.

Ms Ritchie explained the current exemption allowed a maximum discretionary period of 18 months and sometimes the complexities and “extensive works” involved take longer.

Local Taxes team leader Kevin Fraser explained legislation did not allow PKC to treat its own housing stock or housing association stock any differently.

The SNP convener Stewart Donaldson moved the 300 per cent charge for approval with the current discretionary provisions in place.

It was seconded by council leader Eric Drysdale and supported by SNP councillors on the committee.

Conservative group leader John Duff tabled an amendment to increase the discretionary period from 18 months to two years.

This was seconded by Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers. It was supported by Conservative, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors on the committee.

Independent – former SNP – councillor Grant Laing abstained.

Nine councillors voted to extend the discretionary period to two years and six SNP councillors voted to maintain the 18-month discretionary period.

Following the meeting, Cllr Duff said: “We opposed the introduction of a 300 per cent council tax charge on long-term empty properties at the budget.

“Despite this, it will come into effect from July 1 this year and will affect over 900 households across Perth and Kinross.

“There are many legitimate reasons why a property may be uninhabitable or unoccupied. In some cases, owners may already be facing significant financial pressures, and this increase risks compounding those challenges.

“My amendment provides our local taxes team with the flexibility to offer discretionary relief in appropriate cases, for up to two years.

“This ensures we can take a balanced and compassionate approach, supporting those in genuine difficulty, while remaining within the council’s agreed policy.

“ I have also asked officers to bring forward a future report so that councillors can fully assess the real-world impact of these changes and respond if necessary.”

For decades, the west African island nation of Cape Verde was perhaps best known for the music of late singer Cesária Évora. This summer, however, the Atlantic archipelago has gained fame for a different reason: football. As one of the surprise stories of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, Cape Verde has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

The team has qualified for the knockout stages after a run that included a 0-0 draw with the reigning European champions, Spain. The Cape Verde goalkeeper, Vozinha, has also become one of the most recognisable faces of the tournament. His follower count on Instagram increased from around 50,000 before the Spain match to over 17.4 million by the end of June.

With a population of just over 500,000 people spread across ten islands (nine inhabited), Cape Verde is used to defying the odds. The arrival of the Portuguese in the 1460s made the archipelago a strategic hub in the making of the Atlantic world. On Santiago Island, they founded the oldest European settlement south of the Sahara Desert, Ribeira Grande.

This city, which is now called Cidade Velha, became a hub linking continents through maritime trade, migration and, tragically, the transatlantic slave trade.

Resource deprived and plagued by frequent droughts, the end of the slave trade in the mid-19th century marked a period of decline. This period continued until the archipelago gained independence in 1975 through a joint liberation struggle with Guinea-Bissau.

A key figure in this movement was Amilcar Cabral, who was born in Guinea-Bissau to Cape Verdean parents and was educated in Cape Verde. He emerged as one of Africa’s most influential leaders in the anti-colonial struggle and gained widespread support across European countries thanks to his diplomatic skills.

After attaining independence, Cape Verde was declared an “unviable” state by the then US secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, and thereafter by some international financial institutions. They saw it as too small and resource-poor to survive on its own.

Yet 50 years later, the nation has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to an upper-middle-income state.

Transition to democracy

Political stability enabled Cape Verde to introduce pioneering democratic reforms in the 1990s. After 15 years of single-party rule, the country’s first election in 1991 saw the incumbent African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde peacefully transfer power to the newly founded opposition Movement for Democracy.

This formed the foundation for what has become one of Africa’s strongest democracies. Cape Verde is routinely praised for its pragmatic politics and overall good governance, ranking third out of 54 countries on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance behind the Seychelles and Mauritius. It has the second-highest life expectancy in Africa, at between 75 and 77 years, as well as high rates of literacy and human development. Its child mortality rates are also among the lowest in Africa.

In a country where football is deeply woven into everyday life, a broad commitment to human development has been complemented by sustained investment in youth football and talent development by Fifa that has boosted sporting infrastructure.

With one of the highest migration rates in the world, the Cape Verdean diaspora is another key aspect of the archipelago’s success story. Often called Cape Verde’s “11th island”, the emigrant population is estimated to be larger than the resident population.

Migrant remittances constitute much bigger financial flows to the country than foreign aid or foreign direct investment. This was particularly relevant during the COVID pandemic. The World Bank and Cape Verde’s central bank reported a record increase in remittances of over 30% for 2021 as emigrants responded to the socioeconomic shocks caused by pandemic restrictions.

The Cape Verdean football federation has tapped into this diaspora for the national team. From 2002, players developed abroad have been recruited to represent the archipelago. These include players based in Portugal, France, the Netherlands and even Ireland.

In 2019, Ireland-born defender Roberto Lopes (known as Pico) recalled being contacted by the then-coach of Cape Verde, Rui Águas, on LinkedIn and first ignoring the message because it was in Portuguese and he thought it could be spam.

Cape Verde’s story is not one of perfection. The vast majority of the population is aged under 35 and many young people there face unemployment, precarious work and limited opportunities. This is prompting many to seek better futures abroad.

Despite the progress achieved through the passing of the Parity Law in 2019, which requires that neither women or men hold less than 40% or more than 60% of positions in electoral lists, women’s political representation and gender equality also remain a significant challenge for the nation.

As the archipelago’s independence day approaches on July 5, Cape Verdeans all over the world have every reason to celebrate. And if Cape Verde pulls off another upset in their match against Argentina on July 3, it would be a fitting tribute to a nation that has spent the last 50 years proving that size need never define ambition.

The detective thriller series One Dollar is coming to ITVX, with all episodes available from 23 August

ITVX has announced that the compelling thriller series One Dollar will be joining its streaming platform, with all episodes launching on 23 August.

Starring Craig Zobel, whose portfolio includes Westworld, Mare of Easttown and The Penguin, the drama was conceived, penned and executive produced by Jason Mosberg.

Ideal viewing for Happy Valley enthusiasts, the series is set in the declining Pennsylvania town of Braden, where One Dollar traces the path of a solitary one-dollar note as it circulates amongst locals. Throughout its journey, it weaves together multiple lives that eventually intersect with a savage multiple homicide at the town’s steel mill.

Each instalment centres on a different individual, progressively exposing the community’s concealed truths, profound social rifts and inter-community friction as the murder inquiry progresses.

The ensemble features John Carroll Lynch as steel mill proprietor Bud Carl, Philip Ettinger as Garrett, a lone father struggling financially, and Nathaniel Martello-White as private detective Jake, who is resolute in exposing the reality behind the murders. Additionally, Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr. portrays Randall Abatsy.

One Dollar is a CBS Studios production in collaboration with Anonymous Content, with worldwide distribution managed by Paramount Global Content Distribution, reports the Express.

Executive producers for the series include Rafael Yglesias, Jason Mosberg, Graham Gordy, Alexandre Dauman, Matt DeRoss and Craig Zobel. Viewers who have already seen the series have heaped praise upon the programme.

Over on IMDB, audiences have been sharing their thoughts.

One viewer commented: “Excellent drama. Low key, but gripping. Good human interest stories around a murder mystery. Nice to have fresh faces, and down-to-earth characters instead of the usual Hollywood starlet/beautiful botoxed/face-lifted people. Loved it.”

Another wrote: “Despite its low review, I went with my better judgment and decided to watch One Dollar as the storyline intrigued me. I’m so glad I did, as it’s one of the better shows I’ve watched this year.

“From the start, the viewer knows a crime has occurred, but wonderful writing allows multi-character storylines to develop in a way that the crime itself becomes the backdrop, and it’s the personal stories of individuals that are the focus of the show. This can only be accomplished by great acting and original storytelling. Thoroughly deserves a better score than it currently has.”

One Dollar is available to stream on ITVX