Floods, ceiling holes and loose sockets – life in a new-build

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Elounda, Crete, prompting a tsunami warning that affects Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, and Portugal. The earthquake, occurring at a depth of 43 miles, has not resulted in any injuries or significant damage, according to local officials, though the Greek government advised residents and tourists to evacuate coastal areas. Tremors were felt as far away as Turkey and Egypt, following a previous 5.9 magnitude quake off Greece’s coast last week,...

Chronic water shortages in Gaza are exacerbated by Israel's military offensive, leading to increased displacement and the depletion of fuel for desalination and sanitation facilities. The UN warns that without immediate fuel deliveries, these critical services may shut down entirely soon. Residents, particularly children, are suffering from health issues due to contaminated and salty water, as they have no choice but to consume it, with medical professionals reporting a rise in kidney-related conditions linked to...

SummaryAuthorities arrested Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste for assisting inmates who escaped from an Orleans Parish jail; Harris remains at large while Baptiste provided food to a captured inmate. Jail worker Sterling Williams is charged with aiding the escape by disabling a toilet, allegedly under threat from an inmate, but his attorney claims he acted on orders regarding a clogged toilet. As the search for the five remaining escapees continues, the reward for information leading...

Ministers are attempting to sell a 1,300-truck Brexit border check facility in Kent, which is expected to become redundant due to a recent UK-EU trade agreement. The Border Control Point at Sevington, built in 2021 for anticipated post-Brexit checks, is now seen as a potential "white elephant," leading port operators to seek compensation for the £120 million spent on 41 similar facilities. Discussions are ongoing with Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover about repurposing the...

Sir Keir Starmer's government is set to implement significant changes to penal policy, aiming to alleviate chronic overcrowding in jails in England and Wales by eliminating jail time for offenders with sentences under a year, as recommended by an independent review. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to accept most of the recommendations, which advocate for reduced prison terms and increased use of deferred sentences, while facing political pushback from opposition figures concerned about public...

Nearly 9000 young people will lose their eligibility for unemployment benefits in 2027 due to new government rules. The 2025 Budget introduces a change that shifts the financial responsibility for 18- and 19-year-olds back to their parents instead of the state. Consequently, single individuals in this age group will not qualify for income support if they are not employed or studying, provided their parents can support them. Full Article