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Florida Police Use Tactics to Stop Wrong-Way Driver on Interstate

Florida Police Use Tactics to Stop Wrong-Way Driver on Interstate

Driver apprehended after dangerous pursuit on I-4, facing charges of DUI and reckless fleeing

A wrong-way driver was arrested early Sunday morning after leading Florida police on a dramatic highway pursuit. The incident occurred on Interstate 4, where the driver was seen heading east in the westbound lanes, as shown in footage released by the Florida Highway Patrol.

In response to the dangerous manoeuvre, a police trooper executed a Precision Immobilisation Technique (P.I.T.) to safely bring the pursuit to a halt. However, the driver continued to evade arrest, prompting a second P.I.T. manoeuvre, which eventually caused the vehicle to stop on the highway’s inside shoulder.

The driver, whose identity has not been revealed, was arrested and charged with one count of fleeing law enforcement with disregard for safety and one count of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.

Travel Mayhem Expected as Train Strikes Disrupt Services Across UK

Travel Mayhem Expected as Train Strikes Disrupt Services Across UK

Commuters face severe delays and cancellations with multiple train operators hit by Aslef’s walkout

Commuters in London and across the UK are bracing for a major disruption on Tuesday as train services are set to be severely impacted by a large-scale strike. The walkout, organised by the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, will affect six major train operating companies, causing widespread travel chaos.

The affected services include Gatwick Express, Great Northern, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern, and Thameslink, with most lines offering only very limited services. Some train operators, such as Southern, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink, will have no services running at all, except for a few restricted shuttle routes.

South Western Railway will provide limited services between Waterloo and Basingstoke, as well as to Feltham, Guildford, and Woking between 7 am and 7 pm. However, most other services will not be operational. Passengers are strongly advised to only travel if absolutely necessary and to check their entire journey before setting out, as other train companies may also be affected by the disruption.

In addition to Tuesday’s strike, the Aslef walkout is part of a rolling series of strikes planned for the upcoming days, with further disruption expected on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Northern Trains and TPE will be affected on Wednesday, while Greater Anglia and C2C will face walkouts on Friday. West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway will be impacted on Saturday.

The ongoing strikes are part of a broader dispute between the union and the Government over pay and conditions. Aslef General Secretary Mick Whelan criticised the Government for failing to engage in meaningful talks, pointing out that many of their members have not seen a pay increase in five years, despite rising inflation and living costs.

In response, the Rail Delivery Group, representing the train operators, urged the union to work with them to find a fair resolution, stressing the importance of resolving the dispute to improve service reliability.

The strikes also mark the first significant test of the new minimum service levels legislation, which is intended to ensure that 40% of services can still run during industrial action. However, none of the train operators are using this legislation to maintain services during the walkout.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson expressed disappointment that train companies were not using the minimum service levels law, stating that the public expected all available powers to be used to minimise disruption.

Shetland Fire Festival Welcomes Women into ‘Jarl Squad’ for the First Time

Shetland Fire Festival Welcomes Women into ‘Jarl Squad’ for the First Time

Historic change at Lerwick Up Helly Aa as women join the torchlight procession alongside men

For the first time in the history of the Shetland fire festival, women will participate in the prestigious “jarl squad” at the annual Lerwick Up Helly Aa. This significant change comes after officials decided in 2022 to allow female participants to take part in leading the famous torchlight procession.

Previously, the tradition had been male-only, with the procession led solely by men. However, this year’s event marks a momentous occasion with both men and women taking centre stage during the festivities.

One of the women stepping up to lead the procession is Jenna Moar, a 16-year-old from Shetland and the daughter of Richard Moar, the chief jarl for this year’s festival. Her participation in the squad marks an exciting development in the longstanding tradition of the event.

Lerwick Up Helly Aa, held annually on the last Tuesday of January, features a grand spectacle where over 1,000 torches are lit, and participants dressed in Viking-style costumes march through the streets. The event kicks off at 8:20 am with morning parades, followed by the much-anticipated evening procession at 7 pm.

The event is organised by a committee of 17 volunteers, with one new member elected each year by the guizers (costumed participants), further cementing the community-driven nature of the festival.

Molly Rainford and Tyler West Celebrate Moving into Their First Home Together

Molly Rainford and Tyler West Celebrate Moving into Their First Home Together

Strictly Come Dancing couple share their joy as they take the next step in their relationship

Strictly Come Dancing stars Molly Rainford and Tyler West have excitedly shared the news of their first home together. The couple, who initially met while competing in the 2022 series of the BBC show, began dating during the live tour last year.

Their relationship has continued to flourish, and the pair recently revealed their milestone by posting a sweet video on Instagram. The footage featured them in their new apartment, sharing a playful handshake they’d created during their Strictly tour.

West captioned the post, writing: “Well guys, it was only right that we let you into our little home, the next part of our journey starts now.” He also tagged their new home’s Instagram account, which has already garnered over 10,000 followers.

The announcement was met with a wave of congratulatory messages from their Strictly colleagues and famous friends. Professional dancer Neil Jones commented, “This is what life is about,” while Fleur East, former contestant and host of It Takes Two, added, “Wooo!! Congrats, here for the home content.”

Earlier this month, Rainford spoke about the “exciting” next step in their relationship, revealing how the couple had been choosing dining tables and sofas as they planned their shared space.

Reflecting on their romance, Rainford previously told Fabulous magazine that their connection grew stronger towards the end of the Strictly tour, where they spent a lot of time together. She shared, “We were just doing everything together, and it just progressed from there really.”

E Jean Carroll Smiles After Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million

E Jean Carroll Smiles After Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million

Jury decision sees Trump hit with substantial damages following defamation and abuse claims

E Jean Carroll was seen grinning as she exited a New York court on Friday, 26 January, after a jury ruled that Donald Trump must pay her $83.3 million in damages. This latest ruling follows her previous victory last year when a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.

The nine-member jury awarded Carroll $65 million in punitive damages and over $18 million in compensatory damages, stemming from Trump’s defamatory remarks about the former Elle magazine columnist. This amount is in addition to the $5 million Carroll received in 2024 after Trump was found guilty of both sexual abuse and defamation.

The verdict was reached after roughly three hours of deliberation, concluding a tense and highly publicised two-week civil trial in a Manhattan federal courtroom.

Manchester City Break Tottenham’s FA Cup Jinx with Ake’s Late Winner

Manchester City Break Tottenham’s FA Cup Jinx with Ake’s Late Winner

Nathan Ake’s 88th-minute strike secures City’s progression, ending a five-game losing streak at Spurs’ stadium

Manchester City’s long-running struggle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finally came to an end as they triumphed 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, thanks to a dramatic late goal from Nathan Ake. The win, secured in the 88th minute, was City’s first-ever goal in Tottenham’s new stadium, ending a five-match losing streak that had seen them fail to score.

The match was a tense affair, with City creating plenty of chances but struggling to break the deadlock. Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Jeremy Doku all missed significant opportunities. City’s best chance early on was ruled offside by the slimmest of margins after Oscar Bobb’s close-range rebound.

For much of the game, Tottenham had little control, with City finding spaces in the middle of the park. Without Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, Spurs’ midfield looked vulnerable, and City exploited it well, with Mateo Kovacic frequently driving the ball forward. However, Spurs’ defence held strong, with key interventions from Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro preventing City from scoring.

As the game wore on, the tension grew. City continued to press, but Tottenham managed to hold them off, with the crowd becoming more engaged. With the clock winding down, Guardiola’s side finally broke the deadlock. After a scramble in the box following a corner, Ake pounced on a loose ball and poked it home, sparking wild celebrations.

Tottenham’s appeals for a foul on goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario were rejected after a VAR review, and the goal stood. This victory keeps City’s treble hopes alive, and they will now progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

In other FA Cup news, Chelsea will face a replay against Aston Villa, while Nottingham Forest also had to settle for a draw at Bristol City.

Ake’s Late Goal Secures FA Cup Progress for Man City Against Tottenham

Ake’s Late Goal Secures FA Cup Progress for Man City Against Tottenham

Nathan Ake’s 88th-minute strike ends City’s Tottenham curse, keeping their treble defence alive

Manchester City’s treble defence remains on track after a dramatic late goal from Nathan Ake secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round. The goal, scored in the 88th minute, ended City’s five-match losing streak at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and ensured their progression to the next stage of the competition.

For much of the match, it seemed as though City’s woes in North London would continue. Despite dominating possession, the visitors struggled to break down Spurs and were on the brink of another frustrating defeat. However, Ake’s timely intervention following a Ruben Dias flick from a corner was enough to seal the win.

The goal was initially contested by Tottenham players, who claimed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had been fouled in the build-up. After a VAR review, the decision was upheld, much to the relief of City fans.

With this victory, Manchester City’s hopes of defending their trio of trophies from last season remain alive, as they look to add the FA Cup to their Premier League and Champions League titles.

Elsewhere, Chelsea advanced to the English League Cup final, while their FA Cup progress is still uncertain following a goalless draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. The two teams will now meet for a replay at Villa Park.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest was also held to a 0-0 draw at Bristol City, requiring a replay to continue their FA Cup journey. Sheffield Wednesday earned a replay after Djeidi Gassama’s 84th-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Coventry.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Faces Threats for Engaging in Powersharing Talks

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Faces Threats for Engaging in Powersharing Talks

MPs and Leaders Condemn Intimidation of DUP Leader Amid Negotiations with UK Government

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has been subjected to threats after engaging in negotiations with the UK Government to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland. The threats have sparked widespread condemnation from political figures across the spectrum.

The Lagan Valley MP revealed that he had been targeted for his efforts to push forward talks, which aim to resolve the longstanding political deadlock caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol. He encouraged others in the unionist community to withhold judgment on a potential deal, urging them to assess the progress before making final decisions.

The DUP has maintained a near two-year boycott of the Stormont institutions due to disagreements over post-Brexit trade arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Amid ongoing speculation that a deal is imminent, the UK Government has introduced new legislation, the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill, which sets a February 8 deadline for the formation of a devolved government.

Despite the looming deadline, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson remains resolute, asserting that threats will not deter him from engaging in talks. “I’m proud of my service to the country, unlike those who never put on a uniform or served our nation,” he said. “Threats from individuals who’ve never served in defence of the community won’t distract me from my goal to move Northern Ireland forward.”

The DUP leader added that the provisional IRA had previously targeted him but failed to derail his commitment to securing a positive future for Northern Ireland. His comments were echoed by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, who labelled those issuing threats as “cowards and idiots.”

Lord Empey, former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, also condemned the threats, arguing that those responsible for the intimidation had achieved nothing but “misery, deaths, and destruction.”

Baroness Foster, the former DUP leader, expressed her shock and sent solidarity to Sir Jeffrey, condemning those who hide behind the anonymity of the internet to spread harm.

Support for Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was voiced across the House of Commons, with Northern Ireland Office Minister Lord Caine affirming that the entire House stood behind him. As for the ongoing negotiations, senior Conservative MP Julian Smith expressed hope that the DUP’s engagement with the government would result in a favourable deal regarding the Windsor Framework, which addresses post-Brexit trade concerns.

Parents Could Miss Out on Childcare Scheme in April Amid Funding Delays

Parents Could Miss Out on Childcare Scheme in April Amid Funding Delays

Local Authorities Yet to Finalise Funding Rates, Leaving Parents and Providers in Uncertainty

Parents may face challenges accessing the government’s new childcare scheme in April as several local councils across England have yet to release final funding rates, putting many nurseries and childminders in a state of uncertainty.

The flagship programme, which offers 15 hours of funded childcare for eligible two-year-olds, has left many families in limbo as childcare providers, unable to confirm rates, struggle to decide if they can participate.

Bianca Gaubert, the owner of Brick By Brick Pre-School in Beckenham, south-east London, described the situation as “dire” and expressed concerns about committing to the scheme without knowing the exact funding figures. “To offer the two-year-old funding will be impossible with the current lack of information,” she said, emphasising the difficulty of answering parents’ questions when the future funding rate is unknown.

Despite the scheme opening for applications in January, many local authorities still have not confirmed the funding rates needed for early years settings to operate the scheme, with some planning to issue them as late as March. This delay could mean eligible parents miss out on their entitled childcare places in April.

The Early Years Alliance, led by Neil Leitch, criticised the government’s “announce first, think later” approach, pointing out that nurseries and pre-schools need adequate time to budget and plan for these changes. With the start of the scheme just weeks away, many providers are still uncertain about offering funded places, which could result in parents being unable to access their rightful childcare places.

Moreover, local authorities, like Bedford Borough, have begun consultations on funding rates but have not yet reached final decisions. Some councils, including Sandwell and West Berkshire, do not plan to confirm rates until mid-March, putting them under immense pressure as the April deadline nears.

The government’s proposed childcare expansion, aimed at alleviating the financial strain on working parents, has faced significant challenges due to these delays. With the rollout of free childcare hours starting from April, the Government’s promise to deliver on this significant policy shift is now at risk.

The Local Government Association (LGA) and childcare providers are calling for clearer and quicker communication from the government to ensure providers can plan effectively and that no child is left without a place.

Despite these issues, the Department for Education (DfE) insists the scheme is on track and expects councils to confirm rates soon. “We are confident in the strength of the market to deliver,” said a spokesperson, noting that a £204 million funding boost in September and additional funds in April will help meet demand.

Kylie Jenner and Daughter Stormi Steal the Show with Matching Outfits at Paris Fashion Week

Kylie Jenner and Daughter Stormi Steal the Show with Matching Outfits at Paris Fashion Week

Florence Pugh and Jennifer Lopez Join the Glamorous Front Row at Haute Couture Week

Kylie Jenner made a stunning appearance at Paris Haute Couture Week, bringing her daughter Stormi Webster along for the occasion. The reality star and business mogul, aged 26, attended the Valentino runway show alongside her five-year-old daughter, who looked just as chic in a matching black ensemble complete with sunglasses and a small black handbag.

Jenner, who shares Stormi and one-year-old son Aire with rapper Travis Scott, stood out in a striking black and feathered outfit. This mother-daughter duo’s coordinated look was a highlight of the event, echoing a similar moment from 2022 when Jenner’s half-sister Kim Kardashian attended with her daughter, North.

Also gracing the front row was “Oppenheimer” actress Florence Pugh and music icon Jennifer Lopez, both of whom chose elegant black outfits. Jenner’s mother, Kris Jenner, also joined the fashionable crowd.

Earlier that day, Kylie was spotted in a stunning cream bodice gown with a sheer overlay as she sat next to actress Kelly Rutherford and YouTuber Amelia Dimoldenberg at another show. The star, who is dating Timothée Chalamet, also attended the Simone Rocha and Jean Paul Gaultier presentations, where she flaunted a metallic platform shoe to complement her dress. Kylie shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse on her Instagram, tagging the designers and calling the show “beautiful.”

Jenner’s Haute Couture Week appearances are becoming a regular fixture, with the entrepreneur previously dazzling in a Schiaparelli dress featuring a faux fur lion’s head.

Meanwhile, Kelly Rutherford opted for a more playful pink Simone Roche look, paired with a striking red bow. Lopez made a grand entrance at the Elie Saab show, sporting a plunging green dress and a floral cape, while also making headlines for her stunning white Schiaparelli coat adorned with 7,000 real rose petals, designed by Daniel Roseberry. Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Lopez revealed her “Hearts + Flowers Era” was in full swing.