SQA officials say exam organisation abolishment promise is just ‘sexy rebrand’

A severe two-hour rainstorm in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, has led to significant flooding, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. The city of Arrecife experienced the worst of the flooding, with reports of sewage odors due to overwhelmed drainage systems, while towns like Tahiche and Costa Teguise were also affected. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and holidaymakers are encouraged to check their travel plans, as the flooding has caused substantial damage, including...

Hived driver Kevin Smith, who joined the company in 2021, delivers parcels in Richmond, West London, highlighting the challenges faced by delivery drivers, such as customer complaints and the need for resilience. Hived, an all-electric fleet that has reduced emissions by 76%, focuses on quality and customer experience by optimizing delivery routes through an app and providing proof of delivery. The streamlined process at their new depot and the flexibility in work hours aim to...

Home Office data indicates a 7% increase in stop and search incidents involving women in England and Wales, totaling 59,549 searches for the year ending March 2024, compared to the previous year. In contrast, searches of men decreased by 2%, with 447,952 searches recorded, marking a 4% drop. This trend highlights a significant divergence in police search practices between genders, with women experiencing an uptick in searches while men face reduced scrutiny. Full Article

A new immersive virtual reality experience titled "Titanic: Echoes of the Past" allows users to explore a detailed recreation of the Titanic, highlighting both its grandeur and the tragedy of its sinking in 1912. The experience begins on a modern research vessel, leading participants 12,500 feet below the ocean to view the wreckage while narrating the stories of passengers, including William Harbeck, a cinematographer who perished during the disaster. The VR simulation emphasizes the diversity...

A major incident has been declared in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, following a suspected gas explosion that partially destroyed a terrace house on Saturday evening. Emergency services, including fire crews and the East Midlands ambulance service, evacuated nearby homes to ensure the safety of residents and to account for all individuals in the area. As of Saturday night, it was still uncertain if the explosion had resulted in any casualties. Full Article

A man allegedly stole four live canaries from Perfect Pets in Swindon by hiding them in his trousers, as captured on CCTV. The shop owner, Neil Eatwell, reported the theft, valued at £175, and suspects a woman accompanying the thief acted as a lookout. Eatwell expressed concern for the birds' well-being, noting their trusting nature and previous incidents of theft, and is collaborating with local authorities to identify the suspects based on community tips. Full...