10 travel trends for 2025 – from dabblers to noctourism, but don’t forget ‘the brilliant basics’

An American drug mule, Chelsea Blanton, 29, was sentenced to 17 months in prison for smuggling 28 kilos of cannabis valued at £80,000 into Manchester Airport after traveling from Texas, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. Blanton, who had no prior UK convictions, was motivated by a potential $8,500 payout and will serve half her sentence before facing deportation to the U.S. Need More Context? 🔎

A Boeing E-4B 'Doomsday Plane' recently landed at Joint Base Andrews, sparking speculation about President Trump’s potential involvement in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, especially following his meeting with national security advisers. The aircraft, designed for command and control in nuclear scenarios, took an unusual route, indicating a possible urgent mission related to the rising tensions in the Middle East. Need More Context? 🔎

A man named Jonah Lynch, 27, was astonished to find a foot-long 'monster' steak bake at Greggs in Cardiff, which he purchased for the regular price of £1.65. He and his coworker, Tom, were surprised by its size—double that of a normal pasty—and Jonah ended up eating the whole thing for breakfast, receiving praise from his colleagues. Need More Context? 🔎

A Georgia woman, Adriana Smith, was kept on life support for four months after being declared brain-dead, due to a state law banning abortions after six weeks, resulting in the birth of her son, Chance, who is now in neonatal care. Her case underscores the ongoing debate over abortion rights in the U.S., highlighted by recent legislative efforts that could impose severe penalties for abortion providers and women seeking the procedure. Need More Context? 🔎

Thomas Campbell, 38, was found murdered in his Mossley home, bound with duct tape and suffering multiple injuries, including stab wounds and burns, as prosecutors claim the attack was orchestrated by John Belfield, who denies involvement. Belfield, in a relationship with Campbell's ex-girlfriend, allegedly plotted the robbery with accomplices, including Colleen Campbell, who provided information about her ex-husband's movements. Need More Context? 🔎

A 69-year-old woman, Jennifer Abbott, known professionally as Sarah Steinberg, was found stabbed to death in her Camden home on June 13. The Metropolitan Police are appealing for information regarding her missing diamond-encrusted Rolex watch, which may be linked to her murder, and urge anyone with details to come forward. Need More Context? 🔎