‘Wasteful’ pennies scrapped in US – could it happen to UK’s 1p too?

Poundland is set to close 25 stores in August following its acquisition by investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1, part of a restructuring plan aimed at reducing its network from around 800 to 650 locations. The first wave of closures will occur on August 10 and 15, with an additional 43 stores scheduled for closure by mid-October as part of a broader strategy to secure the chain's future. Want More Context? 🔎

The UK government has halted the issuance of social care visas, a move that may exacerbate recruitment challenges in the care sector, which has already seen a reliance on overseas workers. Nadra Ahmed of the National Care Association warned of impending winter pressures as the industry faces a significant workforce crisis amid ongoing financial struggles. Want More Context? 🔎

A nine-year-old girl was critically injured by a stray bullet during a planned gang-related shooting in Hackney, London, on May 29, 2023, targeting members of rival Turkish gangs. Prosecutors allege Javon Riley, who denies involvement, played a key role in orchestrating the attack, which was executed by an unidentified gunman on a motorbike, resulting in injuries to three adults as well. Want More Context? 🔎

On July 22, 2005, Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian electrician, was shot by police at Stockwell Tube Station after being mistakenly identified as a suspect in a failed bombing. Twenty years later, his family held a vigil, expressing their ongoing grief and frustration that no officers have been held accountable for the shooting, which they claim stemmed from prejudice and incompetence. Want More Context? 🔎

The US Department of Justice plans to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, amid ongoing scrutiny over the Epstein client list. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the administration's commitment to justice, as Maxwell's family claims she did not receive a fair trial and could potentially challenge her imprisonment based on a previous DOJ agreement. Want More Context? 🔎

Habibur Masum, 26, was sentenced to at least 28 years for the brutal murder of his estranged wife, Kulsuma Akter, 27, whom he stabbed 26 times in front of their baby in Bradford. Masum tracked Kulsuma to a refuge, where he confronted her in the street, revealing a history of violence and control that left her fearing for her life. Want More Context? 🔎