Why you’re paying up to £170 more for subscriptions than you did five years ago – and how to beat rises

The UK is experiencing a significant decline in bank branches, with over 6,200 closures since 2015, driven by a shift to online banking; NatWest and Santander have announced further closures in 2025. While some banks like HSBC and Nationwide plan to maintain their branches, many customers, especially in rural areas, face challenges accessing banking services. Want More Context? 🔎

Emma Raducanu reached her first semi-final of 2025 at the Washington Open, defeating Maria Sakkari 6-4, 7-5 after trailing 5-2 in the second set. The 22-year-old previously overcame seventh seed Marta Kostyuk and Naomi Osaka, and will face either Anna Kalinskaya or fourth seed Clara Tauson in her quest for a WTA final since winning the US Open in 2021. Want More Context? 🔎

Gaia Pope, a 19-year-old described as loving and intelligent, suffered from PTSD and anxiety after being a victim of sexual abuse, leading to her tragic disappearance and death in 2017. Her case highlights the systemic failures in supporting young abuse victims in the UK, where only a fraction receive necessary help despite an estimated 500,000 children facing abuse annually. Want More Context? 🔎

A Southwest Airlines flight experienced a sudden drop of 500 feet shortly after takeoff from Hollywood Burbank Airport to avoid a mid-air collision with a Hawker Hunter jet. Passengers reported panic during the incident, though the plane landed safely in Las Vegas, with no major injuries except for two flight attendants receiving medical attention. Want More Context? 🔎

A three-year-old boy, Ketorrius ‘KJ’ Starks Jr, tragically died after being left in a hot car for over five hours by a child protective services driver who stopped for personal errands. Found unresponsive in Birmingham, Alabama, he was pronounced dead at the scene, sparking devastation among his family and prompting the Department of Human Services to terminate the driver's contract. Want More Context? 🔎

The German government plans to ask all 18-year-old males about their willingness to join the armed forces through a compulsory questionnaire as part of a strategy to increase military personnel from 182,000 to 260,000, potentially reinstating conscription if necessary. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is leading efforts to enhance Germany's military capabilities, including an advertising campaign and incentives like subsidized driving licenses and language courses to attract more volunteers. Want More Context? 🔎