Suspect in Olivia Pratt-Korbel Case Apprehended in Liverpool

Suspect in Olivia Pratt-Korbel Case Apprehended in Liverpool

Aerial footage captures the dramatic arrest linked to the nine-year-old’s tragic death

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, as revealed by dramatic aerial footage from Liverpool on the evening of 22 August. The man, from Huyton, is also under investigation for two counts of attempted murder.

Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest on Friday, stating that the suspect remains in custody for questioning. The tragic incident occurred when Olivia was fatally shot after a gunman pursued another man into her family home in Dovecot. The attack also left her mother, Cheryl, 46, injured.

The investigation into this heartbreaking case continues, as detectives work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The community remains in shock, with tributes pouring in for Olivia, described as a bright and loving child.

Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, as justice is sought for Olivia and her family during this difficult time.

Chelsea Weighs Injury Concerns in N’Golo Kante Contract Discussions

Chelsea Weighs Injury Concerns in N’Golo Kante Contract Discussions

Persistent fitness issues could influence future decisions for the World Cup winner

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that N’Golo Kante’s recurring injury setbacks will be a critical factor in upcoming contract negotiations. The French midfielder, whose current deal expires next summer, has faced ongoing hamstring issues over the past few years, leaving his availability inconsistent.

Kante, a World Cup winner, is a vital part of Chelsea’s lineup, combining exceptional ball-winning ability with relentless energy and improved passing quality. However, his frequent absences due to injuries have posed challenges for the team.

Chelsea’s new ownership is keen to avoid situations where key players leave as free agents, as happened with Andreas Christensen and Toni Rudiger. Kante’s contract, along with that of Italian midfielder Jorginho, is set to run out at the end of the season, adding urgency to the discussions.

When asked about the influence of Kante’s fitness on contract talks, Tuchel admitted, “We have to consider everything. His potential, his influence, his quality are undeniable. But we must also factor in his age, salary, and injury record. All of this shapes the decision-making process.”

Despite the setbacks, Tuchel reiterated Kante’s unique value to the team, noting his impact on both defence and attack. “He makes players around him better. His presence builds confidence that you can’t quantify. But for such a key player, it’s essential to be consistently available to make a difference.”

Tuchel acknowledged the wider repercussions of Kante’s absences, including the time it takes for him to regain match fitness and rhythm after returning from injury. “The time he’s out isn’t just the matches he misses. It’s also the games he needs to find his rhythm again, which can extend the impact of his absence.”

As Chelsea navigates these challenges, the club is expected to review all aspects of Kante’s role and contribution before deciding on a potential extension. With Kante’s unmatched abilities still in demand, other clubs may also look to secure his services if he explores opportunities beyond Stamford Bridge.

Judge Declares Fraudulent Claims Invalid in Florida Building Collapse Settlement

Judge Declares Fraudulent Claims Invalid in Florida Building Collapse Settlement

Over 450 false claims rejected in $1.1 billion compensation case

A Florida judge has invalidated hundreds of fraudulent claims submitted to a $1.1 billion settlement fund for victims of the Champlain Towers South condominium collapse, which claimed 98 lives in June 2021.

More than 450 of the 741 claims, many seeking approximately $50,000 each, were deemed unrelated to the tragedy. Court-appointed receiver Michael Goldberg described these claims as attempts to “exploit this tragedy at the expense of true victims.”

During a brief hearing, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman confirmed that none of the false claimants appeared to provide evidence under oath. “They were required to submit proper documentation and attend the hearing, which they failed to do,” the judge stated.

Goldberg traced many of the dubious claims to individuals from western states, including California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, and linked them to a website allegedly promoting guidance on filing unsubstantiated claims in class-action settlements. These claims were disproven using government records, first responder accounts, and court documents.

The settlement fund, approved in June, is designed to compensate families of those who perished, as well as individuals who lost property in the collapse. The fund comprises contributions from 37 sources, such as insurance companies, engineering firms, and a neighbouring luxury condominium suspected of contributing to structural issues at Champlain Towers South.

A Dubai-based billionaire developer also purchased the collapse site for $120 million, adding to the settlement pool.

Champlain Towers South, constructed in the early 1980s, had a history of maintenance issues, raising concerns about its original construction quality and inspections. Experts are also investigating potential links to sea level rise and saltwater damage caused by climate change.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology continues to investigate the collapse, with final conclusions expected in the coming years. Meanwhile, a hearing next week will determine the allocation of legal fees, estimated to total $100 million.

Missouri School Revives Controversial Corporal Punishment Policy

Missouri School Revives Controversial Corporal Punishment Policy

District reintroduces spanking as a disciplinary option amid mixed reactions from parents and educators.

A Missouri school district has reinstated corporal punishment, allowing spanking as a last-resort disciplinary measure. The decision by the Cassville school board applies only to families that provide written consent, and the policy was introduced after requests from parents in the community.

Superintendent Merlyn Johnson clarified that reintroducing corporal punishment was not part of his original agenda. However, he acknowledged the community’s support, stating, “This is something that has happened on my watch, and I’m okay with it.”

Corporal punishment had been banned in the district since 2001, but Cassville is part of a traditional community where other districts in Barry County still permit it, even if the practice has become dormant. Parents were recently surveyed, and feedback revealed concerns over student behaviour and disciplinary challenges. The school board’s decision followed discussions about potential solutions, including an interest in “old-fashioned” methods.

The new policy specifies strict guidelines: spanking can only be administered by a principal with a witness present, never in front of other students, and must avoid causing harm. The use of a paddle is limited to one or two swats for younger students and up to three for older ones. Additionally, all incidents must be documented and reported to the superintendent.

Mr Johnson explained that this measure is intended as an alternative to suspensions, which often disrupt students’ learning. “With suspension, kids miss class and fall behind. Spanking allows them to remain in school and continue learning,” he noted.

Corporal punishment remains legal in 19 U.S. states, primarily in the South, including Missouri. The Supreme Court ruled in 1977 that such practices are constitutional, leaving regulation to individual states.

Cassville has also implemented other disciplinary measures, including a Success Academy for students struggling in traditional classrooms and a ban on electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches.

The district plans to evaluate the impact of these policies at the end of the school year. “We reassess every year and adapt to what’s best for our students and community,” Mr Johnson said, leaving the door open for potential changes.

This decision has sparked debate, with some parents expressing gratitude while others remain critical of reintroducing corporal punishment in modern education.

NASA’s Artemis Rocket: The Evolution of Lunar Exploration

NASA’s Artemis Rocket: The Evolution of Lunar Exploration

How the Space Launch System compares to Apollo’s Saturn V in power, design, and mission goals.

NASA is set to launch the most powerful rocket ever built, the Space Launch System (SLS), as part of the Artemis I mission on 29 August. Departing from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission will test the SLS and the Orion spacecraft, marking the first step in NASA’s plan to return humans to the Moon by 2025.

The SLS, NASA’s modern heavy-lift rocket, combines features of the Space Shuttle and the Saturn V, which carried Apollo astronauts to the Moon over 50 years ago. While similar in purpose, the two rockets differ significantly in design, capabilities, and cost.

The Saturn V, the most powerful rocket until now, was first launched in 1967 and supported Apollo missions, including Apollo 11, which landed the first humans on the Moon in 1969. Standing 363 feet tall and weighing 6.5 million pounds, it produced 7.6 million pounds of thrust. The rocket had three stages and also launched NASA’s first space station, Skylab, in 1973.

In comparison, the SLS stands slightly shorter at 322 feet and weighs 5.5 million pounds. Despite this, its Block 1 configuration generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust, making it more powerful than the Saturn V. The SLS also utilises two solid rocket boosters, reminiscent of the Space Shuttle design, and has two stages instead of three. Future iterations will deliver even greater thrust.

Both rockets are non-reusable, unlike modern commercial rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9. However, the SLS benefits from technological advancements, featuring updated systems to support the more ambitious Artemis programme.

Artemis I will send the uncrewed Orion spacecraft on a 42-day journey around the Moon to test its systems and re-entry capabilities. If successful, Artemis II will conduct a crewed lunar flyby in 2024, followed by Artemis III in 2025, which will land astronauts on the Moon for the first time since 1972.

Cost remains a key difference. Adjusted for inflation, the Saturn V cost $1.5 billion per launch, with development totalling $51.8 billion. The SLS, however, costs an estimated $4.1 billion per launch, reflecting the expense of cutting-edge technology and its development.

The Artemis programme represents a new era in space exploration, leveraging lessons from Apollo to advance humanity’s reach. With Artemis III, NASA aims to achieve another historic milestone—returning humans to the Moon’s surface.

Protesters Disrupt Scholz Event Over Russian Gas Dependence

Protesters Disrupt Scholz Event Over Russian Gas Dependence

Topless demonstration highlights public discontent as German chancellor faces plummeting approval ratings.

During an open-day event at the Chancellery in Berlin, two topless protesters confronted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to demand an immediate embargo on Russian gas. Their bodies bore the message “gas embargo now,” underscoring frustration with Berlin’s stance on Russian energy imports.

The demonstration occurred as Scholz posed for photographs with the public. Security swiftly removed the women from the scene.

Criticism has mounted over Scholz’s reluctance to impose a full embargo on Russian energy following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While his coalition government warns that such measures could trigger severe economic repercussions, it has committed to phasing out Russian oil by the end of the year and reducing Russian gas imports by mid-2024.

The protest capped off a challenging week for the 64-year-old chancellor, who has struggled with waning public support amid rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis. Earlier in the week, Scholz faced heckling in Neuruppin during a speech on government measures addressing economic pressures.

Adding to the controversy, Scholz drew backlash for his delayed response during a joint news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who accused Israel of committing “50 Holocausts.” Scholz later condemned the statement but faced criticism for not doing so immediately.

Further scrutiny emerged from Hamburg, where opposition leaders accused Scholz of withholding details about a significant tax fraud case that occurred during his tenure as the city’s mayor. Scholz denied wrongdoing, attributing gaps in his responses to memory lapses.

To compound matters, a recent poll revealed a significant decline in Scholz’s approval ratings, dropping from 46% in March to just 25% in August. Additionally, 62% of Germans now view his performance negatively, up sharply from 39% five months ago.

Anthony Fauci to Exit Government Service After Five Decades

Anthony Fauci to Exit Government Service After Five Decades

The infectious disease expert and White House adviser plans to continue advancing public health and mentoring future leaders after stepping down in December.

Dr Anthony Fauci, a leading figure in infectious disease research and the chief medical adviser to the White House, has announced his departure from government service this December, concluding over 50 years of public health contributions.

The 81-year-old has served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984. He first joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1968, rising to prominence for his leadership during major public health crises, including the AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Joe Biden, in a statement on 22 August, commended Dr Fauci for saving countless lives through his work. “His expertise has touched the lives of all Americans and strengthened our nation’s resilience,” Biden said, adding, “I extend my deepest gratitude for his service. The world will continue to benefit from his insights.”

Dr Fauci’s decision to step down was anticipated, as he had previously indicated plans to leave before the end of President Biden’s first term. Over his career, he has advised seven U.S. presidents, shaping responses to global health challenges.

Taking the helm of NIAID during the 1980s, Dr Fauci helped transform the agency’s response to the AIDS crisis, a time when federal action was criticised as insufficient. More recently, he became a household name during the Trump administration, navigating misinformation, political attacks, and controversies surrounding COVID-19.

While Dr Fauci often clashed with the Trump administration over unproven treatments and mitigation strategies, he remained committed to science-based responses, emphasising the importance of vaccines and public health measures. He also highlighted systemic challenges, including fragmented healthcare infrastructure and politicised attitudes toward science.

In a statement, Dr Fauci clarified that his departure is not a retirement. He plans to continue contributing to science and public health, mentoring the next generation of researchers, and addressing future infectious disease threats.

“After more than 50 years of service, I am ready for the next phase of my career, driven by the same energy and passion I’ve always had,” Dr Fauci said. He expressed confidence in the leadership he leaves behind at NIAID and pride in global advancements in research and innovation.

As his tenure ends, Dr Fauci reaffirmed his dedication to science and public health. “Thanks to research investments, we’ve saved lives and tackled deadly diseases worldwide. I’m honoured to have played a role and look forward to continuing this work.”

John Oliver Criticises HBO Over Streaming Cuts

John Oliver Criticises HBO Over Streaming Cuts

The comedian calls out HBO for content removals, labelling the service a “tax write-off to appease Wall Street.”

John Oliver has taken a jab at HBO, the network behind his show Last Week Tonight, during a recent episode aired on the same platform.

The host used a segment of his weekly programme to highlight the recent removal of several TV shows and films from the streaming service HBO Max. These deletions are part of Warner Bros Discovery’s strategy to merge HBO Max with Discovery+ into a single service.

One major casualty of these cuts is the Batgirl movie, which has been shelved indefinitely despite its completion and a production budget of $90 million.

During a discussion about Sarah Palin’s campaign for Alaska’s House seat, Oliver mocked the situation by referencing a source that described Palin’s appeal as “Sarah, Inc.” He quipped: “It sounds like the title of a sitcom starring Kat Dennings that’s already vanished from HBO Max.”

Oliver also parodied HBO’s iconic tagline, saying: “HBO Max. It’s not TV. It’s a series of tax write-offs to appease Wall Street.”

This critique comes just weeks after Oliver accused Warner Bros, HBO’s parent company, of “burning down his network.” He sarcastically remarked: “Hi there, new business daddy. Seems like you’re doing an excellent job. I do get the impression you’re burning down my network for the insurance payout, but I’m sure that feeling will pass.”

Mother’s Heartbreak Revealed in Inquiry into Fatal Hotel Fire

Mother’s Heartbreak Revealed in Inquiry into Fatal Hotel Fire

Family members recount the devastating impact of the 2017 blaze at Cameron House Hotel that claimed two lives.

An inquiry at Paisley Sheriff Court has heard the profound emotional toll on Jane Midgley, whose son Simon and his partner Richard Dyson perished in a devastating fire at the five-star Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond in December 2017. The fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is investigating safety lapses and the events surrounding the tragedy.

Simon Midgley, aged 32, and Richard Dyson, 38, were killed in the blaze that also left the hotel’s safety measures under scrutiny. The inquiry heard a moving statement from Jane Midgley, read by Crown counsel Graeme Jessop, in which she described her son as a lively and optimistic individual, full of plans for the year ahead. She recalled Simon’s last words to her: “2018 was going to be our year.”

Reflecting on the devastating loss, she revealed the emotional strain it caused her, saying she still cannot come to terms with the suddenness of her son’s death. “Losing a child is heart-breaking and I will never be able to accept that Simon is gone,” she said. The thought of her son trapped in the building, fighting for his life, fills her with overwhelming guilt, as she was unable to be there to help.

The inquiry will examine whether changes can be made to improve guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. As evidence was presented, some family members in the courtroom were visibly moved.

Post-mortem reports confirmed both men died from smoke inhalation caused by the fire, suggesting they were still alive as the blaze raged. Despite efforts to save them, Richard Dyson was declared dead at the scene, while Simon Midgley succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

The hotel’s operator, Cameron House Resort (Loch Lomond) Ltd, was fined £500,000 for fire safety violations, and night porter Christopher O’Malley received a community payback order. The fire was traced back to O’Malley improperly disposing of hot embers, which ignited a fire in the hotel’s kindling storage. The hotel admitted failing to implement adequate fire safety measures between 2016 and 2017.

During the inquiry, Darren Robinson, the hotel’s night manager at the time, described the fire alarm system and the events of that fateful night. The fire panel alerted staff to smoke detection, prompting Robinson to investigate. Within minutes, a full alarm was triggered, and the fire broke out explosively. Robinson recounted his actions, including trying to evacuate guests and call emergency services while facing the chaos of the fire. Several guests had to be rescued, including the couple in the room where Simon and Richard had been staying.

Legal Action Filed Against CIA Over Alleged Spying on Assange Visitors

Legal Action Filed Against CIA Over Alleged Spying on Assange Visitors

Journalists and lawyers accuse the agency and a Spanish firm of violating constitutional rights during their visits to the WikiLeaks founder.

A group of US journalists and lawyers who visited Julian Assange has filed a lawsuit against the CIA and its former director, Michael Pompeo, for allegedly spying on their communications during their visits to the WikiLeaks founder. The lawsuit also targets the Spanish security company Undercover Global and its ex-CEO, David R Morales Guillen, for violating their constitutional rights.

Assange, who has been detained at London’s Belmarsh prison since 2019, is fighting extradition to the United States. He was arrested after being removed from the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly called for his release.

The legal action, filed in New York’s Southern District, accuses Pompeo of overseeing an illegal surveillance operation targeting Assange’s visitors within the Ecuadorian embassy. Richard A Roth, the plaintiffs’ lead counsel, explained that American citizens are protected from government surveillance by the US Constitution, even when activities occur abroad.

He emphasised that visitors, including lawyers, journalists, and medical professionals, carry confidential information on their devices and had a reasonable expectation of privacy while inside the embassy, which they believed was not compromised by US government agents.

Stella Moris Assange, Julian’s wife, expressed her distress over the treatment of her husband and the impact on their children. “Julian’s young boys miss their father deeply. The vicious attacks against him and the illegal actions taken against him are beyond anything I could have imagined.”