Connect with us

NewsBeat

Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Monday, August 3)

Published

on

Wales Online

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has withdrawn its support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election.

The FAW has become the first national governing body to publicly pull its backing of Infantino, just days after he dramatically U-turned on proposals to ‘sell off’ major competitions like the World Cup. FIFA planned to create a private company, open to investment, to run its headline competitions to raise billions of pounds.

The association told Sky News it “hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027-2031 term.” See more what on the FAW said here.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Egg sandwiches are so much better if you swap mayonnaise for 1 tastier ingredient

Published

on

Wales Online

Egg mayonnaise sandwiches are a classic summer lunch, but they can often turn greasy and oily in hot weather. I have discovered a simple way to keep them tasty using an ingredient most people have at the back of their fridge.

August is my preferred month for egg mayonnaise sandwiches, as it’s typically when I dust off my picnic blanket and dine outdoors more frequently to savour the final days of warm summer sunshine. It’s an affordable and simple sandwich to prepare without needing to switch on the oven, but egg filling can rapidly turn into an oily mess at this time of year if you rely on mayonnaise.

Advertisement

Mayonnaise is commonly used in sandwiches, as it helps bind the ingredients and boasts a naturally rich flavour that complements eggs beautifully. However, mayonnaise is laden with fat, and in my experience, it tends to seep through the bread in warm weather, leaving the sandwich unpleasantly greasy.

Nobody wants a soggy sandwich, so I set out to discover whether there was an alternative method for making egg filling. After experimenting with numerous recipes, I can confidently say it tastes far better when you substitute Greek yoghurt instead.

I appreciate that spreading yoghurt on your sandwiches might sound peculiar, but it lends the egg filling a considerably superior texture, which is why I now refuse to use mayonnaise for my lunch or picnics.

Advertisement

Greek yoghurt has a thick, creamy consistency comparable to mayonnaise, yet it contains no oil whatsoever, allowing you to enjoy your sandwich free from all that excessive greasiness.

Mayonnaise tends to be high in fat, which not only contributes unnecessary calories to an egg filling but can also overwhelm the other ingredients, leaving the filling tasting cloying and bland.

Greek yoghurt is my preferred choice, as its fresher and slightly tangier flavour beautifully offsets the richness of the eggs, resulting in a considerably more flavoursome sandwich.

Advertisement

Having made egg filling with Greek yoghurt throughout the summer, I have not only developed a preference for it, but many of my relatives have also declared it tastier, and now regularly request that I prepare the sandwiches for family gatherings.

How to make tasty egg filling without mayonnaise

You will need:

  • Six eggs
  • 60g of Greek yoghurt
  • Two to three spring onions
  • Two teaspoons of Dijon mustard
  • One teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Method:

Begin by cooking the hard-boiled eggs. Place them in a pot of cold water, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to medium-low for 10 minutes.

Once cooked, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice-cold water and leave them to rest for a further 10 minutes.

In the meantime, combine the Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl and stir until smooth. Use this time to chop the spring onions as well.

Advertisement

Once the eggs are ready, peel and chop them into small pieces. Alternatively, mash them with a fork if you’d prefer a creamier, more spreadable consistency.

Add the chopped eggs and spring onions to the bowl and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined. You’ll now have a wonderfully tasty filling — no fatty mayonnaise required.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Belfast Fleadh Day two events guide with lots of free events across the city

Published

on

Belfast Live Icon

After a thrilling start to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast yesterday, the city is readying itself for a second day of music and culture treats today, Monday 3 August.

Over 800,000 people are expected to visit the city over the course of the week for the world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance, hosted by Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.

Public transport is the recommended way to travel into Belfast, as a large area of the city centre is pedestrianised this week to create a safe and welcoming festival zone.

Main routes across the wider city are open, but motorists should check routes in advance and allow additional travel time. No stopping is permitted around the event zone perimeter to help buses run smoothly. There are specific drop-off and pick-up zones for private hire taxis.

Advertisement

Roads around City Hall Donegall Square North, Donegall Square South, Wellington Place and Chichester Street, are all still in use today, to help keep public transport moving around the city as much as possible, so take extra care in these areas, use the traffic crossings and follow the directions of event stewards.

Park & Ride shuttles are running every 10-15 minutes at peak times between Eikon Exhibition Centre and Grand Central Station and between Giant’s Park and Belfast Harbour Estate into Laganside Bus Centre. Park & Ride spaces can be booked in advance via the RingGo app or pay on the day, using contactless machines only, with all spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dedicated accessible parking, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, is available for Blue Badge holders at Dunbar Street (outside Common Market) and Winetavern Street/Smithfield. A free city centre loop bus is also running for those with mobility needs and those carrying large instruments, equipment or costumes.

Today’s highlights are set against the iconic backdrop of Belfast City Hall with the main ‘Gig Rig’ stage a hive of activity from 12 noon when Innova Irish Dance company bring an energetic start to a full day of performances. Today you can see the Aisling School of Irish Dance, Flute Church Band Portadown, Ronan McEvoy and Filidh.

Advertisement

Auris – Luke Savage are our headliners at 9pm, combining funky basslines, saxophone, electric guitar and a pinch of groove with traditional jigs and reels – get ready to dance!

The MAC will also host the Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Awards at 2pm today, celebrating traditional Irish musicians with additional needs.

This free, uplifting event recognises the talent, commitment and contribution that are part of the tradition at every level.

Due to exceptional demand, the Waterfront Hall will now host the special celebration of 50 years of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, this evening at 8pm, featuring The Priests alongside leading traditional performers, showcasing the richness of Irish traditional music, song, and dance. Tickets are £15.

A flavour of other events happening today:

  • Rock Choir Performance at UNTOLD, 28 Bedford Street, 11am, (free)
  • Echoes of Erin School of Irish Dance performance at Victoria Square 12pm-4pm (free)
  • The Neuroscience of the Harper’s Brain talk at Black Box, 2pm and 7pm (£10)
  • Ar Shiúl Leis Na Sióga – ‘Away with the Fairies’ exhibition launch, 2pm at the Belfast Barge, (free)
  • Sets Céilí with the Duntally Céilí Band, The Europa, 8pm (£13)

Families can enjoy:

  • Scéal sa SpéirStories in the Sky, inter-generational crafts and storytelling, tent outside 2 Royal Avenue, 10am,1pm, (free)
  • The art of the Bodhrán with Ogham Art, Falls Library, 10.30am (free)
  • Children’s Trad Trail with Glengormley School of Music, Native, Queen’s Quay, 12 noon – 2pm (free)
  • Lenadoon Community Festival family fun day, Lenadoon Millennium Park, 1pm-4pm (free)
  • Children’s daily seisiúns at the tent outside 2 Royal Avenue, 3pm-5pm (free)

Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week) is also welcoming people to visit their Irish language hub at The MAC with dedicated activities for beginners and fluent speakers, while the Instrument Makers’ Village opens today (10am-5.30pm daily) at Belfast Met, Millfield Campus. It will be there until Sunday for competitors and visitors to pop in and talk to makers of harps, violins and banjos – or treat themselves to something new!

Elsewhere in the city:

Advertisement
  • Clifton Street Cemetery Tours (free)
  • Mary Anne’s Poor House Tales self-guided tour at Clifton House (£5)
  • Live music from Cormac Ó Briain, Caifé Ceoil, Áras Mhic Reachtain, Antrim Road, 11am-12.30pm (free)
  • Tour of Friar’s Bush Graveyard, 11am, 2pm and 4pm (free)
  • Live music at Lisburn Road Library with Sarah Ann Rée and Paddy McKeown, 2pm-3pm (free – booking via Eventbrite)
  • Walk exploring the Flora, Fauna & Folklore of Colin Glen, 2pm-4pm, Colin Glen Park (free)
  • The Art of Lament with Bróna McVittie at Falls Road Library, 12 noon-1pm (free – booking via Eventbrite)
  • Flute Appeal open session led by renowned flute player Marcas Ó Murchú at St Galls GAC 7pm-11pm (free)

A drop-in Accessibility Hub is also available at CastleCourt Shopping Centre, Unit 59 on the first floor, 11am – 7pm daily, operated by Open Arts, with support from Volunteer Now.

Temporary portable toilet provision is available in City Hall grounds, on Fountain Lane, Hill Street and Verner Street (beside St George’s Market), with each site including a minimum of two accessible Portaloos. There is also a parent and child changing space in the City Hall grounds and on Hill Street, along with a mobile Accessoloo changing place toilet to the rear of 2 Royal Avenue on Bank Square.

There are also visitor servicing points at Ulster University on York Street, Visit Belfast Welcome Centre on Donegall Square North, ICC Belfast/Waterfront Hall and Grand Central Station. For all the latest on the Fleadh across the week, including what’s on info and event updates, follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

For all the latest public transport information, visit translink.co.uk/fleadh and use the Journey Planner app.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter here

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Ariana Grande to take a break from public life amid ‘endless’ scrutiny

Published

on

Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande seated together and smiling during a Wicked promotional event in November 2025

This speculation has increased since the release of her latest album, Petal, which was released on Friday, and her appearance in promotional material for the launch.

In the music video, Grande plays a performer who is repeatedly told in auditions that she is “not good enough”, is “desperate” and that she “should get some work done” then that she has “too much work done.” The character eventually takes a chainsaw to the critics.

Grande’s representative stressed to People that the star was looking forward to finishing her tour “on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.

They added: “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved. She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night.”

Advertisement

Fans expressed a combination of support for the star and concern about her wellbeing, with the message #weloveyouariana trending on social media.

Her tour continues in Chicago on Monday, with three dates at the city’s United Center. It will then move to London’s O2 arena for 10 dates from 15 August, with the tour concluding there on 1 September.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

‘Neighbour keeps climbing into my garden for son’s football – should I call police’

Published

on

Belfast Live

A woman living alone in Northern Ireland has asked whether she should call the authorities – they’ve even put a ladder up

A resident has questioned whether she should contact police after a neighbour repeatedly climbs into her garden to retrieve his son’s football. Posting on Reddit, the woman explained she had only recently moved into her new home, and the young boy is an avid football enthusiast.

Advertisement

She noted that while she normally throws the ball back, the situation arises frequently due to a goal positioned against the fence. Upon moving in, she discovered a ladder propped against the fence.

The Northern Ireland woman, who lives alone, expressed her discomfort at people entering her garden uninvited. She explained: “I moved into a new house end of last year and am having an ongoing problem with my neighbours behind my house. They have a football-loving child and have a goal set up against our shared wall, so a fair few footballs go over the fence. Until I moved in, the house was empty for about a year, so they had a ladder against the fence and obviously used it to climb over and get the balls themselves, which I understand was necessary.”

She continued: “However, I’ve been living here for over six months now and I throw the balls back whenever I see them but sometimes I notice a ball when I’m in the middle of doing something and then when I get a chance to go out and throw it back it’s gone, so obviously they’re still doing it.”

“I’ve seen the child out playing football and he’s fairly young and too small to be able to climb in and out so it’s clearly an adult doing it. It makes me really uncomfortable having someone around my garden without me knowing especially as I’m a woman living alone, and having the ladder as easy access against the fence also makes me feel like my house isn’t secure.

Advertisement

“I’ve had a chat with him and said I’ll throw the balls back when I see them but it’s still happened since that so I don’t know what I can do. Is it enough of an issue to get police involved or am I overreacting and it’s something I just have to learn to live with?”.

Many suggested that installing a security camera was the most sensible solution. One person advised: “Put a camera up. I would also put clear signs up and tell your neighbours. You could play a bit innocent and say “I’ve put cameras up because I think someone keeps coming into my garden.

One said: “I would hate that OP. Tell your neighbours you understand they had a system in place when the house was empty, but now you are living there you will throw any balls you find back over the fence, or their kid can knock your door to ask permission to retrieve it. No more climbing the fence, and absolutely no more ladder on the fence for climbing over it!

“When my nephew’s balls go over the fence, he has to wait for the neighbours to throw them back. No way would he be allowed to just go into their garden for it!”

Advertisement

Another respondent offered an alternative suggestion: “Another option which I haven’t seen mentioned is a line of cheap and flimsy trellis along the top of the fence. This will hopefully discourage them from climbing over because it will break if they put any weight into it. I guess if they break it, that could be considered damaging your property.”

A user suggested: “What age is the child? Anything over 6/7 and I would say it’s likely they are doing it. I doubt the police would be terribly interested, if you have an issue maybe get a CCTV camera (or even just a dummy one) and make a big fuss about installing it when one of the parents is in the back garden.”

The resident responded: “He looks about 7, but because my garden is lower than theirs, it’s a high climb back over, so I would be surprised if it wasn’t an adult tbh, I guess a camera is probably the easiest thing, thanks”

Another user advised being straightforward about the concerns: “Cameras, planting and sprinklers seem unnecessary complications when there’s a really simple solution. Tell them you are a woman on your own and having someone scale a ladder to get in your garden doesn’t make you feel safe, and tell them not to do it any more.”

Advertisement

Regarding the matter, West Yorkshire Police stated: “Involving the police in this type of issue is not always the best course of action as a first response. It can escalate the issue and cause more problems for both parties.

“If possible, speak to your neighbour about the problem and try and resolve it between you. Please note, if you keep the toys and refuse to give them back, you may eventually end up facing prosecution yourself.”

Curwens solicitors stated: “You are not expected to tolerate repeated damage to your property, especially after raising concerns. English law supports your right to the peaceful enjoyment of your home and garden. However, you are also legally obligated to return every ball that ends up in your garden. Failure to do so could be considered ‘theft’ and lead to criminal prosecution! While it’s always best to resolve disputes amicably, if that fails, there are legal remedies available. Consulting a solicitor for tailored advice may be beneficial, especially if the damage continues or escalates.”

The legal firm further explained: “To prove negligence, you would need to demonstrate that your neighbour owed you a duty of care, breached that duty (by failing to control their children), and that this directly caused damage to your greenhouse. Repeated incidents, particularly after you’ve raised the issue, strengthen your claim that the parent has been negligent.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Huge mob of Moroccans chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ clash with Spanish police after marching through Ceuta as enclave remains gripped by fear

Published

on

Migrants carry a fellow migrant, who they say was injured when the Spanish police and military tried to contain the migrants to an area of a beach

Tensions are rising in Ceuta where police have clashed with groups of migrants who flooded the Spanish enclave on Thursday.

Video footage from Sunday showed a group of migrants carrying an injured man wrapped in a blanket who they said had been assaulted by police, while shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’.

Clashes subsequently ensued, with footage showing Spanish National Police officers carrying batons and charging towards migrants during the demonstration.

Around 60,000 people swam from Morocco into the Spanish city located on the northern coast of North Africa on Thursday. 

Advertisement

The Spanish territory, which shares a land border with the North African country, was overrun as tens of thousands of migrants arrived in just 24 hours. 

Arrivals in Ceuta alleged that Moroccan police officers encouraged them as they journeyed towards the enclave. 

Mohammed Ahmidho, 37, who heard about the surge of migrants into Spain via social media, said he heard officers saying ‘Come to Spain’ as he neared the border.

Some analysts have suggested that Morocco might have allowed migrants to cross the border to put diplomatic pressure on Spain, which has recently improved ties with Rabat’s arch-enemy neighbouring Algeria. 

Advertisement

Migrants carry a fellow migrant, who they say was injured when the Spanish police and military tried to contain the migrants to an area of a beach

Spanish National Police officers carrying batons charge towards migrants

Spanish National Police officers carrying batons charge towards migrants

A police officer uses a baton to strike a migrant during clashes between migrants and police

A police officer uses a baton to strike a migrant during clashes between migrants and police

Advertisement
An injured migrant lies in the street after clashes during a demonstration in Ceuta

An injured migrant lies in the street after clashes during a demonstration in Ceuta

Some Moroccans also claimed to have been guided by viral social media posts covering a Spanish immigration loophole. 

It comes as Spain’s Supreme Court recently ruled that migrants who are stopped at sea attempting to reach Melilla or Ceuta, both Spanish enclaves, could not be summarily sent back to Morocco.

The chaos in Ceuta also spread to Spain’s second North African enclave of Melilla on Friday.

Advertisement

The African enclaves have been enduring days of chaos with cars torched and migrants forcing their way into buildings after the unprecedented influx on Thursday.

Extraordinary footage showed huge numbers of people sprinting up beaches, swimming ashore and dispersing into the streets of Ceuta, which borders Morocco, with some shouting ‘Long live Spain.’ 

The EU said it would hold a video call on Tuesday after 22 bloc members issued a joint open letter calling for an urgent meeting to agree a speedy coordinated response, and to prevent further uncontrolled crossings. 

On Friday morning, Italy‘s government said it was considering ‘extraordinary measures’ including closing the open border Schengen agreement with Spain.

Advertisement

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: ‘The images coming from Ceuta are striking and demonstrate, once again, that uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a concrete threat to the security of Europe’s borders.’

France said it will tighten its borders with Spain, with the interior minister giving ‘instructions to immediately step up controls’ across their borders.

Finland said it backs an Italian call for Spain to be excluded from Europe’s passport-free Schengen area.

Moment Moroccans march through Ceuta and clash with police

Moment Moroccans march through Ceuta and clash with police

Advertisement
Clashes between migrants and police in Ceuta

Clashes between migrants and police in Ceuta

Advertisement
A migrant, who the other migrants say was injured when the Spanish police and military tried to contain migrants to an area of a beach, lies on the ground

A migrant, who the other migrants say was injured when the Spanish police and military tried to contain migrants to an area of a beach, lies on the ground

Migrants, many of them from Sudan, settle down for the night on Playa del TrampolÃn in Ceuta on August 2

Migrants, many of them from Sudan, settle down for the night on Playa del TrampolÃn in Ceuta on August 2

Migrants, many of them from Sudan, take part in evening prayers on Playa del TrampolÃn in Ceuta

Migrants, many of them from Sudan, take part in evening prayers on Playa del TrampolÃn in Ceuta

Migrants who crossed into Spain from Morocco sleep on a beach

Migrants who crossed into Spain from Morocco sleep on a beach

Advertisement

‘Spain has completely failed to protect the Schengen Area’s external border from infiltration. This cannot continue,’ Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said on X.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded Friday that Morocco ‘take back illegal migrants immediately’.

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in a letter to EU leaders, blasted the ‘selfish’ reaction of some EU countries. 

At least 72 people died during the recent mass influx of migrants into Spain’s Ceuta enclave, Spanish officials said on Sunday, though Moroccan officials later presented a lower estimate.

Advertisement

Most of the estimated 60,000 people who rushed into Spain’s north African territory – most by swimming – have returned to Morocco since the territory’s largest mass migrant crossing.

‘The latest figure that we have is 72,’ the government’s delegate to Ceuta, Miguel Angel Perez Triano, told reporters, when asked about the number of fatalities. The previous toll was 67 deaths.

Later Sunday, Morocco’s interior ministry issued its own toll, saying 11 people had died trying to reach Ceuta. They said 10 people had drowned while one fell from a rocky area.

After migrants flooded into the city, many local shops chose to close early. Although things are slowly returning back to normal, citizens of Ceuta continue to live in fear.

Advertisement

Salvador Ortega, a resident of the enclave, told the Daily Mail that locals are accustomed to seeing small numbers of migrants cross the border, but said the latest arrivals amount to what he described as an ‘invasion’, leaving many residents fearful and uncertain.

‘There are helicopters and ambulances and police everywhere. This is an unsustainable situation that has all the marks of a national emergency, but [Sanchez] is not ready to admit fault with this premeditated invasion.

‘We need the military, from all over Spain and also from the EU. We need help from the EU. The situation is disastrous, especially for those of us in the midst of it.’

Sanchez is facing growing criticism after his government launched a programme earlier this year to provide legal status for some 500,000 undocumented migrants. 

Advertisement

The city that prides itself on being home to four cultures was still grappling with the aftermath of the border surge, with locals disagreeing on what caused it and who exactly is to blame.

‘It’s not the young men’s fault,’ said Mohamad Abdelkader Driss, 44, a waiter at a fish restaurant in town. 

‘If you open the border, of course everyone comes in, but the young men aren’t to blame. The authorities are responsible.’

The humanitarian crisis caused by the sudden rush of people reignited a debate around immigration in Europe and beyond. 

Advertisement
60,000 migrants swam into Ceuta on Thursday

60,000 migrants swam into Ceuta on Thursday 

Supporters of the remigration movement attend a protest organized by several hard-right groups on August 2 in Ceuta

Supporters of the remigration movement attend a protest organized by several hard-right groups on August 2 in Ceuta

Demonstrators hold flags and a banner as groups of hard-right protesters gather in front of the Moroccan embassy in Madrid

Demonstrators hold flags and a banner as groups of hard-right protesters gather in front of the Moroccan embassy in Madrid

Supporters and counter-protesters face each other during a protest organized by several far-right groups on August 2, 2026 in Ceuta

Supporters and counter-protesters face each other during a protest organized by several far-right groups on August 2, 2026 in Ceuta

Advertisement

Over the weekend, hard-right, anti-immigrant Spanish politicians and well-known right-wing influencers descended on the city, sparking counterprotests that included members of the Spanish city’s large Muslim population, many of whom are of Moroccan descent.

Alvise Pérez, a far-right Spanish politician and member of the European Parliament, called on Saturday evening for migrants to be expelled as he faced an angry crowd of rival protesters. 

Pérez eventually had to shelter in a bar as residents banged on the windows, until police escorted him away.

Among the counter-protesters on Saturday was 20-year-old Ceuta resident and student Noor Ahmed. She denounced the protest and presence of figures like Pérez in her city as opportunistic.

Advertisement

‘They just want to take advantage of the humanitarian crisis Ceuta is currently experiencing,’ Ahmed said.

Santiago Abascal, the leader of the far-right Vox party, visited Ceuta on Sunday, slamming the Spanish government for the surge in migrant arrivals, which he called ‘an invasion.’

‘The frontiers of Ceuta and Melilla are the walls of our home and homeland, and they are not being protected by a corrupt and traitorous government,’ he said.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Glasgow hailed for saving Commonwealth Games as baton passes to Amdavad

Published

on

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 02: A fireworks display takes place on the River Clyde during the Closing Ceremony on day ten of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at The Hydro on August 02, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

The man responsible for delivering Glasgow 2026 said the city had “saved and reinvented” the Commonwealth Games, three years after its future was plunged into doubt.

Ahead of Sunday’s closing ceremony – which featured a dazzling fireworks display over the River Clyde – Phil Batty recalled how Glasgow stepped up when the original hosts pulled out.

And he believes the legacy of the sustainable, scaled-back Games will shape the future of the multi-sports event.

The Commonwealth flag was last night ceremonially handed over to the Indian city of Amdavad, which will stage the centenary event in 2030.

Advertisement

But Batty said Glasgow’s decision to host the event for a second time in 12 years would never be forgotten.

He told BBC Scotland News: “We have created a Games here that will inspire more nations to host but, probably more importantly, that every nation feels it could host at some point in the next 100 years.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Ram-raiders caught stealing huge whisky haul after smashing Ford Transit into Co-Op

Published

on

Daily Record

CCTV footage has been released showing a ram raid were the thieves stole a haul of whisky.

Ram-raiders were caught on camera smashing their way into a store – to steal a huge haul of single malt whisky. CCTV footage captured the moment Gary Hay and Peter Winks forced entry into a Co-Op store with a stolen grey Ford Transit van.

The impact saw the door cave in before Hay, dressed in a long coat and tweed hat, squeezes through the dislodged entrance. He then emerges back onto camera trying to carry a large number of bottles of whisky.

The haul is so large he drops some of the booze to the floor and scrambles to try and retrieve them. Winks, 45, is also seen trying to assist him before the pair get back into the van and drive away from the store in Dundee.

Advertisement

A court heard the whisky collection included three bottles of 70cl Glen Scotia, Timorous Beastie, Creagdhu and Old Pulteney. The total value of the alcohol taken during the incident just after 4am on March 8 was around £600.

The pair both pleaded guilty to stealing the whisky and the £68,200 van from Enterprise Hay has now been jailed for 34 months and Winks for 33-and-a-half months.

Footage of the incident was released by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) after the conviction.

Advertisement

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Brussels airport to close temporarily with flights suspended

Published

on

Brussels airport to close temporarily with flights suspended

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium, the country’s second busiest airport and the country’s main hub for low-cost airlines, will shut as part of a £43 million (€50 million) redevelopment project.

Airport authorities said the closure, lasting 11 weeks, will allow engineers to carry out the most extensive infrastructure work in the airport’s history, including a complete reconstruction of its 3,200-metre runway.

Brussels airport to close for 11 weeks with flights cancelled

Charleroi’s single-runway design means the airport cannot remain partially operational during the works, which will include rebuilding the runway, upgrading terminal areas, and improving aircraft parking stands.

Advertisement

The refurbishment will also include the replacement of drainage systems, airfield lighting, and taxiway markings.

The airport said: “A complete refurbishment of Charleroi airport’s sole runway (which has an estimated lifespan of 25 years), together with other major infrastructure modernisation works, has been scheduled by [airport infrastructure company] SOWAER for the second half of 2028.

“To minimise the overall duration of the disruption, the various construction projects will be carried out simultaneously.

“These investments are intended to ensure the airport’s long-term safety, operational performance and attractiveness.”

Advertisement

It added that “this will require a temporary suspension of air traffic during the works.”

Thankfully for passengers, the planned works are not for another couple of years.

The plan is that the airport will shut down from August 15 to October 31, 2028 for the works.

Advertisement

The airport is expected to reopen on November 1, 2028.

It is expected to have a big impact on passengers, with Charleroi Airport handling 11.2 million travellers during 2025.

More than two million passengers are expected to be affected by the closure.

How will the Brussels airport closure affect UK passengers?

Ryanair, which operates more than 80% of flights from the airport, will be the most affected airline.

Advertisement

The low-cost carrier flies around 660 to 670 flights per week from Charleroi, serving 114 destinations across more than 26 countries, and has more than 10 aircraft permanently based at the airport.

Wizz Air, the airport’s second-largest carrier, will also be heavily impacted.

The airline operates around 45 to 50 departures each week to up to 16 destinations across Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe.

Advertisement

Other affected airlines include Pegasus Airlines, Air Corsica, and Volotea.


Recommended reading:


Nearest alternative airports

For those still looking to travel to the area, some alternatives to Brussels South Charleroi Airport that are nearby are:

  • Brussels Airport
  • Lille Airport
  • Luxembourg Airport

Have you flown into Brussels South Charleroi Airport before? Let us know in the comments.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Transfer news LIVE: Vinicius to Arsenal FC twist, Guimaraes medical; Man Utd get huge Hall boost; Chelsea latest

Published

on

Transfer news LIVE: Vinicius to Arsenal FC twist, Guimaraes medical; Man Utd get huge Hall boost; Chelsea latest

Manchester United are edging closer to signing Lewis Hall and are pursuing a deal for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose future could be impacted by Guimaraes’ arrival at the Emirates Stadium. Hall has reportedly rejected a return to Chelsea, who are making progress over Pep Chavarria after signing Valentin Barco and still eyeing Alex Scott amid shock Arsenal and Barcelona links to Joao Pedro. Liverpool are preparing a new move for Bradley Barcola, while they could sell Tottenham target Cody Gakpo.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Teen’s success story as he becomes Centrepoint’s student of the year

Published

on

Teen’s success story as he becomes Centrepoint's student of the year

Samsom, 18, came to the UK in 2023 as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child after fleeing Eritrea. His journey took him through Ethiopia, Libya, Italy and France, where he spent weeks rough sleeping before eventually crossing the Channel by boat.

Explaining why he made the journey, he said he wanted to learn English and believed the UK would offer better opportunities for young people. He explained, “I was homeless when I travelled from Libya to Italy. I had nothing.”

When he arrived in Britain, aged just 16, he was placed with a foster family before moving into supported accommodation, thanks to the youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint.

As a result, he developed greater independence and confidence in his daily life, including cooking, shopping, and attending important medical appointments on his own. He was also able to undergo surgery that improved sight in his right eye. “Centrepoint helped me manage my health and supported me in undergoing an operation to restore my vision,” he said.

Advertisement

Now studying English and maths, Samsom has made remarkable progress, including being awarded Student of the Year by his college. He later also received an Educational Excellence Award at Centrepoint’s annual ceremony, recognising outstanding achievement among young people.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, her said, “I will do more next year than I did this year. I feel happy, I feel proud”.

Growing Food Poverty Among Homeless Young People, Centrepoint Reports

Centrepoint, the youth homelessness charity, has warned of rising food poverty among vulnerable young people after issuing 314 emergency food vouchers in the first three months of 2026 alone compared with 1,095 across the whole of last year.

The scheme provides rapid support, often within an hour, helping young people access essentials during periods of crisis. Nearly a quarter of those seeking help are homeless, including rough sleepers and young people forced to sofa surf.

Advertisement

The charity said many struggling to afford food are either working or receiving benefits yet still cannot cover basic living costs. Around 8% are employed but earn too little to get by, while 5.7% rely entirely on welfare payments. Almost a third reported going without food for at least a day because of financial hardship.

A spokesperson said the support allows young people to “focus on rebuilding their lives instead of worrying about their next meal.”

”We Can’t Do This Alone”

Last year, over 118,000 young people faced homelessness. That’s one young person every four minutes. At a time of life when most of their peers are trying new things and taking their first steps into adulthood, these young people found themselves alone and afraid, and unsure where to turn.   

It doesn’t have to be like this, with the right support at the right time, these young people can escape homelessness or avoid it altogether.   

Advertisement

At Centrepoint, provide more than a bed for the night. We provide a safe place to rebuild, support into education and work, and the confidence to believe in a better future.   

Youth homelessness is not inevitable. With the right help at the right time, it can be prevented and it can be ended.   

Our mission is to end youth homelessness – and you can help us.   

Whether it’s running a marathon or holding a sleep out, you, your friends, family and co-workers can join our movement to end youth homelessness and give vulnerable young people a brighter future.  

Advertisement

To find out more, donate or get involved, please visit our website http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/newspaper

”Invisible barriers prevent young people from accessing jobs“

Centrepoint (Image: Centrepoint)

A man supported by the youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint, has opened up about his employment struggles, saying there are “so many invisible barriers” between him and finding work.  

Josh, 23, came to Centrepoint two years ago and currently lives in supported housing.  

He has applied for hundreds of jobs and has found the experience incredibly difficult. “It’s been horrible. There are so many invisible barriers when it comes to getting employed that most people aren’t taught about or don’t even know exist.”  

Advertisement

“It’s those ones which are the hardest to overcome, not the ones you can see. It’s really frustrating because you want to work, yet no matter how hard you try, there just aren’t the opportunities.   

Currently, there are over one million young people in the country who are not employed, in education or in training. A government report, released in June, warned this could rise by a quarter without urgent action.   

A second report on the issue is due out later this year.   

For Josh, after two years of searching and tirelessly working with Centrepoint’s Jobs, Employment and Training team, he finally found a 3-month placement as a Barista and will soon be starting an internship with the company that helped him start it.   

Advertisement

He said: “It’s been great to find a rhythm. I feel really productive and my confidence has just grown. I was so desperate to start work again and I really believe this has given me a platform to build from.   

A new job now means Josh can look to get a home of his own, he said: “I started the process but while I was out of work I paused for a little bit. This new opportunity means I can start planning to move out pretty soon.   

He’s also got his eyes on going into business: “I’d also like to start my own media company, which has been my dream since I was quite young. A new job means I’m one step closer to that. For example, it’s allowed me to get a new PC, so I can do some rendering and stuff like that but it’s only the start.   

“I just want to be in a position where I can help as many people as possible.”  

Advertisement

On how Centrepoint has helped him, Josh said: “It’s given me the security of knowing I have somewhere to live and that if I’m having other problems, such as not being able to find a job, then I don’t have to worry about it as much.   

“They’ve helped with my finances, my employment, and I’m just really grateful. It gave me stability at a time when I needed it the most.”

Hopes to ‘normalise’ sensory differences with specialised boxes

Centrepoint (Image: Centrepoint)

Youth homelessness charity Centrepoint is working with the cardfactory foundation to support young people and staff with sensory differences. 

Those behind the idea hope it will ‘normalise’ sensory differences. Marc Pescod, Educational Psychologist, at Centrepoint said: “It’s to form a culture.  

Advertisement

“People worry about being different, but seeing others doing the same can remove barriers that make us feel distracted, uncomfortable and unhappy.  

“It can allow us to bring people down to a place where they feel more comfortable in spaces that they deserve to be in.”  

The boxes are filled with a range of objects such as putty, bean bags, colourful rubber balls, and even a large soft toy animal which can be held during support sessions.   

It also comes with an information sheet that explains what’s in the box and who to contact if staff have questions.   

Advertisement

Marc added: “We all have sensory needs but different tolerances to it.

“Reducing these barriers means someone can focus on other barriers they find challenging in their life and if a sensory box is the difference between a young person doing their maths exam or opening up then that’s a huge difference.”

Pushpinder Gill, head of the cardfactory Foundation, concluded: “Every young person deserves to feel a sense of belonging and dignity, particularly during challenging periods in their lives. 

“We’re proud to support Centrepoint as they continue to develop practical solutions that help young people build confidence, overcome challenges and reach their full potential.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025