First heat-health alerts issued for 2025 while storms bring flood risk

Two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, were sentenced to four years in prison for cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree and damaging Hadrian's Wall in September 2023. The Newcastle Crown Court heard their actions stemmed from "drunken stupidity" and resulted in significant emotional and social repercussions for the community. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Two men were sentenced to four years in jail for cutting down a beloved tree in Northumberland,...

After a leak at the Ministry of Defence, officials scrambled to protect up to 100,000 Afghans from the Taliban, leading to two years of costly court battles and rescue plans kept secret from MPs and the public. Following the lifting of a superinjunction, the full extent of these efforts and their implications can now be revealed, as reported by Holly Bancroft. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: After a secret leak, officials raced to...

Boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk unveiled the 'Kestrel' mosaic in Trafalgar Square, a symbol of Ukrainian resilience against Russian aggression, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding lives and culture in Ukraine. Joined by Sir Richard Branson and others, Usyk launched a fundraiser to support 64 families displaced by the war, highlighting the ongoing struggle for freedom and identity. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk unveiled a giant mosaic in London to...

Hundreds of millions of pounds have been allocated to relocate Afghan nationals whose personal details were leaked in a data breach in February 2022, affecting 19,000 individuals who supported British forces. The Afghanistan Response Route, costing around £400 million to date, has faced scrutiny, particularly after a superinjunction was lifted, revealing the government's failure to protect these vulnerable individuals from potential Taliban reprisals. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Hundreds of millions of pounds...

A drought has been declared in the West and East Midlands of the UK, joining other regions following one of the driest starts to the year since 1976, with reservoir levels significantly low due to reduced rainfall. Environmental officials warn that without substantial rain, hosepipe bans may extend further, impacting water usage as temperatures soar during the ongoing heatwave. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The UK is experiencing severe drought conditions due to...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce new mortgage reforms aimed at helping first-time buyers, including increased affordability options allowing loans at 4.5 times income and lower salary thresholds for specific mortgage programs. Additionally, a government-backed mortgage guarantee scheme will encourage banks to offer riskier loans, with plans to review lending rules to recognize rent records as proof of repayment capability. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The government is making it easier for...