Sonny Rollins, one of the defining musicians of postwar jazz and among the last surviving stars of the bebop era, has died aged 95.

Rollins’ publicist Terri Hinte confirmed his death, writing that “one of the most honoured and influential figures in American music of the 20th century and beyond, died this afternoon at his home in Woodstock, NY.”

No cause of death was given, but the saxophonist reportedly suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory problems in recent years, forcing him into retirement more than a decade ago.

Across a career spanning more than six decades, Rollins became celebrated for his expansive improvisations, muscular tenor saxophone sound and constant stylistic experimentation.

He recorded more than 60 albums as a bandleader and worked with many of the central figures of modern jazz, including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane.

His 1956 album Saxophone Colossus became one of the landmark recordings in jazz history and gave Rollins the nickname that followed him for the rest of his life. In 2017, when the album was inducted into the US Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, the institution described it as “one of the defining albums of Rollins’ career,” praising the “power, grace and humour” of his solos.

Born Theodore Walter Rollins in Harlem on 7 September 1930 to parents from the US Virgin Islands, he grew up in New York during the rise of bebop and began playing professionally while still in his teens.

According to the New York Times, Rollins made early recordings with the pianist Bud Powell and the trombonist JJ Johnson before joining sessions led by Miles Davis and Monk.

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Like many jazz musicians of the era, Rollins struggled with heroin addiction in the early 1950s. He served jail sentences including imprisonment for armed robbery before eventually seeking treatment at a federal rehabilitation facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

“I began to have a deeper philosophy of what life was about. From that point on is when my consciousness awoke,” he told the Associated Press in 2007.

After overcoming addiction, he entered the most acclaimed phase of his career. Between 1956 and 1958, Rollins released a succession of albums now regarded as jazz classics, including Tenor Madness, Way Out West, A Night at the Village Vanguard, and Freedom Suite.

The latter included a 19-minute composition addressing racial inequality during the early civil rights era. Decades later, Rollins said: “Being a Black musician – in fact being a Black person – everything you do is political whether you want it to be or not.”

At the peak of his success, Rollins abruptly stepped away from public performance in 1959, dissatisfied with his own playing despite widespread acclaim. During his self-imposed exile, he spent hours practising alone on New York’s Williamsburg Bridge, later returning with a comeback album titled The Bridge in 1962, according to the Washington Post.

“What made me withdraw and go to the bridge was how I felt about my own playing,” he later told The Guardian. “I knew I was dissatisfied.”

Rollins continued to experiment stylistically over the following decades, embracing free jazz, calypso, funk, and R&B influences while maintaining the improvisational approach that made him one of jazz’s most admired performers.

He composed the score for the 1966 British film Alfie starring Michael Caine, and in 1981 reached a broader audience by contributing saxophone solos to the Rolling Stones album Tattoo You, including the hit “Waiting on a Friend.”

After the September 11 attacks in New York, Rollins evacuated his apartment near the World Trade Center carrying only his saxophone before travelling to Boston days later for a concert later released as Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert. The recording won him a Grammy award for best jazz instrumental solo for the track “Why Was I Born?”

Over the course of his career, Rollins received numerous honours including a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2004, the National Medal of Arts in 2010 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2011. Presenting the National Medal of Arts, Barack Obama said Rollins had inspired him “to take risks that I might not otherwise have taken”.

Rollins is survived by his nephew Clifton Anderson and nieces Vallyn Anderson and Gabrielle DeGroat.

Saughton Prison’s most notorious inmates have committed terrifying crimes.

Shamed former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell will be joining some of Scotland’s most notorious prisoners behind bars while he awaits sentence for embezzling party funds.

HMP Edinburgh, better known locally as Saughton Prison, has housed violent men and women across the country since it first opened its doors more than a century ago.

One of its most high profile residents is “Limbs in the Loch” killer William Beggs who is serving life for murdering 18-year-old supermarket worker Barry Wallace in Kilmarnock in December 1999 and then dumping his body parts in various locations including Loch Lomond.

Beggs recently took staff at the jail to court claiming his human rights were breached over the handling of his mail.

He said some was late or damaged and an Amazon parcel was refused. However the case was dismissed by a judge

Another notorious resident is 31 year old Alexander Pacteau who is serving life for murdering 24-year-old Irish trainee student student Karen Buckley in Glasgow in April 2015.

Pacteau beat Karen to death in his car with a spanner then tried to dissolve her remains in caustic soda after meeting her outside a night club in Glasgow’s West End.

Pacteau was accused last July of having a mobile phone in his cell at the prison but the charge was dropped.

Donald McAvoy half brother of Scots Hollywood star James McAvoy‘ is currently awaiting sentencing for slashing a fellow inmate during visiting time at Saughton last October.

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A number of people convicted of violence relating to last year’s gang war in Edinburgh and Glasgow are in Saughton.

They include Logan Carlin, 24, who set fire to a beauty salon in Edinburgh linked to city crime boss Mark Richardson.

The incident on March 6 was among the first in the gang war involving the feuding Daniel and Lyons crime clans.

Carlin was arrested as part of Police Scotland’s Operation Portaledge – an initiative set up to tackle gangland violence – and jailed for more than seven years in February at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The prison has also seen incidents and violence linked to the conflict in the past year including an attack on a Richardson associate. It is also a jail where violence is never far away.

A recent report found that Saughton had the second highest number of weapons seizures among the country’s jails with 455 since 2020. Only Low Moss in Bishopbriggs near Glasgow had more.

Last year a prisoner set free from Saughton on the Scottish Governments early release programme described conditions there as “Hell on Earth”.

The 41-year-old complained harsher sentences for sex offenders were fuelling the rise in the prison population.

The first-time con, released after serving four months of a ten month sentence for drug driving, added ” I’ve been assaulted by people “There’s not enough for prisoners to do.

“It’s overcrowded. I’m traumatised.”

The jail has also housed a large number of sex offenders over the years including serial killer Peter Tobin.

Tobin was convicted of the murders of Angelika Kluk, Vicky Hamilton and Dinah McNicol and died while a prisoner there in 2022.

Iain Owens and Paul Brannan were also housed at HMP Edinburgh after being convicted in the horrific “Beastie House” paedophile ring case.

Another Saughton inmate is transgender prisoner Isla Bryson, formerly Adam Graham, who was jailed for eight years for raping two women following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow in 2023.

Saughton has four halls: Glenesk, Hermiston, Ingliston and Ratho.

Ratho houses the Vulnerable Prisoner Unit – which separates sex offenders from the general population who might harm them.

The facility has a capacity of 870 but is often overcrowded.

Inmates have access to in-cell landline telephony to call approved numbers.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) allocates 200 free call minutes per month to help prisoners maintain contact with loved ones.

Families can also register for video-link sessions via the SPS Virtual Visits platform.

Murrell also joins a long list of famous and infamous Saughton inmates from the past.

They include naked rambler Stephen Gough who was repeatedly imprisoned for public nudity.

Scottish sculptor and artist Eduardo Paolozzi was held there for three months during World War II because of his Italian heritage.

While former Scottish Socialist party MSP Tommy Sheridan served part of a six-month sentence for preventing a poll tax warrant sale at the Edinburgh jail.

A prison insider said:” A lot of people think modern jails are a cushy number.

“But Peter Murrell will soon discover that is not the case.

“Saughton is as tough as it gets in the Scottish prison system.”

HYDRATION is something many people do not think about until they feel thirsty. But by that point, the body is already running a little low on fluids.

As we get older, staying hydrated becomes even more important for everyday health and wellbeing.

READ MORE: Fitness expert explains why short challenge can kickstart your health journey

The body changes over time. One of those changes is that the sense of thirst can become less strong. This means you might not feel thirsty even when your body needs water.

At the same time, the body can hold on to less water than it used to. This makes regular drinking throughout the day more important than ever.

Water plays a big role in how you feel. One of the first signs of not drinking enough is low energy. You may feel more tired, sluggish or less motivated. Sometimes people think it is just age or lack of sleep, but it can simply be low fluid intake.

Hydration is also important for joints. Water helps keep the joints cushioned and moving smoothly. When you are not drinking enough, you may notice more stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while.

Staying hydrated can help the body feel looser and more comfortable.

Digestion is another area where water makes a big difference. It helps food move through the system and can prevent issues like constipation. Many people find that increasing water intake helps them feel lighter and more comfortable after meals.

Even your brain is affected by hydration. Not drinking enough water can impact focus, memory and mood. You might feel a bit foggy or less sharp without realising why. Something as simple as a glass of water can often help improve concentration.

The good news is that improving hydration does not need to be complicated. You do not have to drink huge amounts all at once. It is better to sip water regularly throughout the day. Keeping a bottle nearby is a simple habit that makes a big difference.

You can also get fluids from food. Fruit and vegetables like cucumber, oranges and tomatoes all contain water. Soups and herbal teas also count towards your daily intake.

Another simple tip is to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. After a night’s sleep, your body is often slightly dehydrated, so this helps kick start your system.

As the weather warms up, especially in spring and summer, you may also need more fluids than usual. Being active, walking more or exercising will increase your needs even further.

The main message is simple. Hydration is not just about quenching thirst. It supports your energy, your joints, your digestion and your overall health.

CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, has reported that US intelligence believes Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei – who was injured in an Israeli strike on the first day of the war which killed his father and predecessor – is holed up in an undisclosed location, making communication with his envoys difficult and therefore delaying pace of talks with the US.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust recruited the participants across more than 50 studies over the past year.

The research focused on areas including reproductive health, genetics, neonatal care and community-based trials, and coincides with International Clinical Trials Day.

Alison Loftus, head of research and development at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s been another remarkable year when it comes to delivering world-leading research studies in Bolton.

“We would like to thank everyone, from our colleagues who help to support research to our individuals who consent to taking part, as without them we wouldn’t be able to continue our work to discover new ways of treating illnesses and conditions.”

One major study currently underway is OBS UK, which tests a standardised care bundle to manage heavy bleeding during and after childbirth.

Another is the Generation Study, a genomic screening project for newborns to detect more than 200 rare but treatable genetic conditions.

Neonatal services at the trust have exceeded recruitment goals in several studies, thanks to support from across medical, nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Professional teams.

There has also been a shift towards delivering research in community settings, in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s goal of making clinical trials more accessible and inclusive.

Recent community-based studies include the TRICEPS trial, which is exploring whether nerve stimulation and home-based rehabilitation can improve arm and hand recovery following a stroke.

The REDUCe-2 study is examining whether long-term abdominal drains can improve the quality of life for people with advanced cirrhosis.

Bolton is also contributing to Genes & Health, the world’s largest community-based genetics and health study focused on British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani populations.

Ms Loftus said: “Our continued focus to work beyond traditional hospital settings to deliver ground-breaking research is creating potentially life-changing outcomes.”

If you would like to find out more about research opportunities in Bolton, visit Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s website.

Temperatures in the UK are set to reach a record 36C on Tuesday, and the NHS has issued a ‘stay inside’ warning between 11am and 3pm

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As temperatures continue to rocket across the UK, a ‘stay inside’ warning has been issued, urging elderly Britons in particular to keep safe during the extreme conditions.

Temperatures are forecast to reach a record 36C on Tuesday, rising from the already sweltering highs of Monday, and alongside the benefits of the warm weather come some more worrying health risks.

The heat can trigger dehydration, heatstroke and overheating, which can aggravate symptoms for those who already suffer from heart or breathing problems.

While a heatwave can affect everybody, those most vulnerable include older people.

The NHS states that those aged over 75, particularly women, are likely to feel the effects of the heat most acutely.

People who live alone or in a care home are also at greater risk, as are those taking multiple medications or living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The health service advises staying out of the heat where possible, especially during the sunniest periods, predicted between 11am and 3pm.

The warning states: “If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.”

When remaining indoors, it is also essential to keep your living space as cool as possible.

It is advised to keep windows shut during the day and open them at night once the outside temperature has dropped.

Electric fans can provide relief if the temperature is below 35 degrees. The NHS urges people to check the temperature of rooms, particularly those where individuals at higher risk sleep and spend time.

It is essential to keep a close eye on anyone who feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, as this could be a sign of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

The health service also stresses the importance of keeping cool, staying hydrated with cold food and drinks, and applying cool water to your skin.

The guidance warns that during heatwaves, significantly more people than usual become seriously ill or lose their lives, making it vital to take every precaution to stay as cool as possible as the warm weather persists.

The NHS has issued a heatwave warning urging elderly people and other vulnerable groups to stay indoors as UK temperatures are forecast to reach a record 36C

As temperatures continue to rocket across the UK, a ‘stay inside’ warning has been issued, particularly for elderly Brits, urging them to keep safe during the extreme conditions.

Temperatures are forecast to reach a record 36C on Tuesday, rising from the already sweltering peaks of Monday, and alongside the pleasures of the warmth come some rather worrying health risks.

The heat can trigger dehydration, heatstroke and overheating, which can worsen symptoms for those who already suffer from heart or breathing difficulties.

While a heatwave can affect everybody, those most vulnerable include older people.

The NHS states that particularly those aged over 75 and women are likely to feel the effects of the weather more acutely.

Those living alone or in a care home are also at greater risk, as are people taking multiple medications or living with Alzheimer’s disease.

The health service advises staying out of the heat where possible, particularly during the sunniest spells, anticipated between 11am and 3pm.

The warning states: “If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.”

When remaining indoors, it is equally essential to keep your living space as cool as possible.

It is advised to keep windows shut during the day and open them at night once outdoor temperatures have dropped.

Electric fans can provide relief if the temperature is below 35 degrees.

The NHS urges people to monitor room temperatures, particularly in areas where those most vulnerable are living and sleeping.

It is crucial to keep a close eye on anyone who feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, as this could be a sign of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

The healthcare provider also stresses the importance of cooling yourself down, consuming cold food and drinks, and applying cool water to your skin.

The guidance cautions that during heatwaves, significantly more people than usual fall seriously ill or lose their lives, making it vital to take every precaution to stay as cool as possible as the scorching weather persists.

Bolton & District Pensioners Association shared its concerns after new Office for National Statistics figures revealed the second largest drop in Greater Manchester.

In Bolton, men are now expected to live just 54.6 years in good health, a reduction of five years since 2019 to 2021, while women’s healthy life expectancy has fallen from 60.4 years to 55.3 years, a drop of 5.1 years.

Alan Johnson, chairman of the association, said: “As a group, we are not just concerned about the well-being of pensioners.

“We care deeply about what the future holds for our children and grandchildren.

“They could become the first generation worse off than their parents.”

John Reehill, who spoke at a recent meeting, said the figures reflected the long-term impact of austerity and growing inequality on public health.

Mr Reehill said: “It is becoming increasingly clear that austerity is not only making people unhealthy, it is costing lives.”

The association has launched a campaign against further NHS cuts and privatisation.

Following the release of the latest data, members agreed to broaden the campaign to emphasise the value of investment in prevention, housing, employment, mental health support, and wider public health services.

The group said the report should act as a wake-up call for both local and national decision-makers.

The decline in healthy life expectancy marks the lowest recorded in Bolton since the ONS began reporting on the measure in 2011 to 2013.

That is the rationale, that somehow Burnham brings a magic touch, injecting excitement and pizazz into a government that in two years has lost its way. The Sir Keir Starmer administration is marooned, holed, driven on to the rocks by torpor and a sheer inability to get things done. All that promise, which secured Starmer a landslide, lost in a swirling sea of scandal and uselessness. Starmer, we now realise, is ill-suited to No 10, he is not a commander, a doer, not even, as one captain of industry said to me this week, “a COO”. Ouch. Starmer, he said, would be a competent down table senior manager, “on the executive committee, but as the lawyer”.

Jet2 Flight LS1266 from Tenerife to Birmingham was cruising at 30,000ft when the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 22 – the plane, carrying 220 passengers

A flight from a popular tourist spot to the UK was forced to divert to Portugal after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack mid-flight.

Jet2 Flight LS1266 from Tenerife to Birmingham was cruising at 30,000ft when the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 22. The plane, carrying 220 passengers, was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport near Porto, Portugal.

Passengers said cabin crew rushed down the aisle, asking if anyone onboard had medical training. They described lights flickering during the rapid descent, while children wailed as the plane quickly lost altitude.

“My partner and I were asleep when we were woken by chaos,” a passenger told The Sun.

“Lights began flashing and hostesses who were visibly upset, seeking a doctor. Our two-year-old began crying like many other children on board because the aircraft was dropping so quickly for an emergency landing.”

The aircraft landed in Porto at 2.11 am local time and emergency services boarded immediately. Medical staff attended to the pilot in the cockpit before he was taken to the hospital.

Passengers are understood to have remained on board for over an hour before disembarking and then spent about 13 hours in the terminal while the airline organised replacement crew.

A pilot flew in from Manchester to take travellers to Birmingham on a different aircraft.

“We were stranded in Portugal for over 13 hours without accommodation… There was nowhere to stay. They said accommodation was too expensive,” one passenger reportedly said.

Jet2 said the incident was due to one of the pilots feeling unwell.

“Flight LS1266 from Tenerife to Birmingham diverted to Porto on Thursday (21st May), due to one of the pilots feeling unwell,” Jet2 told The Sun.

“At no point was safety compromised, and customers subsequently continued their journey. We would like to apologise to customers for this unforeseen delay.”