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Former First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced his decision to step down as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) in the forthcoming 2026 Holyrood election. Having taken office as the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in March 2023, succeeding Nicola Sturgeon, Yousaf’s resignation marks a notable chapter in Scottish politics, not only because of his leadership role but also due to his historical significance as the UK’s first leader of an ethnic minority in a devolved government and the first Muslim to lead a major UK party. Yousaf’s tenure as an MSP has been extensive, spanning 15…

Ben Stokes, the renowned English cricketer, expressed his profound frustration after an intense match the previous night, as he shared during a conversation with the BBC. Specific to his mindset, Stokes detailed the immense effort and dedication he had invested leading up to that pivotal moment in the game. He began to outline the emotions he was battling, emphasizing how the culmination of his hard work seemed momentarily overshadowed by the challenges faced on the field. Reflecting on his performance, Stokes articulated a strong sense of optimism as he assessed his game. He noted, “I felt so good about everything,”…

On December 17, 2024, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 7.3 struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. This seismic event has caused widespread destruction, leading to the collapse of numerous buildings, including those housing multiple western embassies. Reports indicate that landslides have also occurred, burying vehicles and contributing to the chaos unleashed by the quake. The earthquake struck at precisely 12:47 local time (01:47 GMT), prompting immediate international concern over the safety and welfare of Vanuatu’s residents. Initial assessments of the situation indicate that the full extent of the devastation remains unknown, as both power and mobile networks have…

In a notable shift that could signal positive economic developments, pay growth in the United Kingdom has increased for the first time in over a year. According to the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), regular pay, which excludes any bonuses, has risen at an annual rate of 5.2% between the months of August and October. This upturn in pay growth is significant as it not only reflects a recovery in earnings after a prolonged period of stagnation but also suggests that wages are now increasing at a rate that outpaces inflation, which has seen earnings…

**Old Wounds and New Energy in Syria’s ‘Capital of the Revolution’** In the heart of Homs, which has often been referred to as the “capital of the revolution,” a mixture of joy and despair hangs heavily in the air. As the country moves away from the tumultuous rule of President Bashar al-Assad, the population is caught between the celebratory atmosphere and the haunting echoes of a decade-long conflict that has severely scarred their lives. Baraa, now a university student at 20 years old, reflects on the harrowing memories she carries from her childhood. “Even now, I look back and wonder…

In a shocking event that has sent ripples through military and political circles, a high-ranking general in the Russian armed forces, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, has been killed in an explosion in Moscow. Kirillov, who was a prominent figure overseeing the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence Forces (NBC), met his demise on a fateful Tuesday when he was reportedly exiting a residential block. The tragedy occurred due to a device that had been ingeniously concealed within a scooter, which detonated as he and his assistant were departing the area. This information was confirmed by Russia’s investigative committee, which has opened an…

According to a recent report from the Environment Agency (EA), an alarming projection indicates that around eight million properties in England could be at risk of flooding by the year 2050, with an estimated one in four homes facing this threat. The analysis highlights how the ongoing effects of climate change are contributing to exacerbated flood risks, primarily owing to heightened rainfall and rising sea levels. This scenario calls for immediate attention as the data reveals a significant escalation in flood hazards impacting properties across England. The Environment Agency’s study stands as the first of its kind, elucidating the repercussions…

In recent years, shoplifting has surged in England, reaching alarming levels that have left many retailers feeling vulnerable and unprotected. One poignant illustration of this trend comes from Martin Gaunt, a shopkeeper based in Truro, Cornwall, who reports having conducted over 50 citizen’s arrests in the past two years to combat the rampant theft his store faces. Gaunt runs Happy Piranha, a gift shop where he finds himself constantly on guard against shoplifters. He describes the situation as “relentless,” filled with instances of theft that frequently escalate to confrontations where aggressors threaten him physically. The troubling reality of Gaunt’s predicament…

The poignant story of Alex Spencer and her late son Declan serves as a powerful testament to love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. Declan, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, tragically passed away at the young age of 24. His untimely death has left Alex and her family grappling with a profound sense of grief that remains unabated. In her words, “There has not been a day since I’ve lost Dec that I’ve not cried.” This statement underscores the pervasive nature of her sorrow, which continues to shape her life even over a year after his passing. Declan had crafted…

Carlos Watson, the founder of Ozy Media, has received a significant prison sentence of 116 months for his involvement in a substantial fraud scheme aimed at deceiving investors. The sentencing by United States District Judge Eric R. Komitee marks a pivotal moment for both Watson and Ozy Media, a company that once enjoyed considerable attention and success in the digital media landscape. Prosecutors outlined that this years-long deception led to losses amounting to “tens of millions of dollars” for investors who put their trust in Watson’s promises for the startup to thrive. The legal issues surrounding Watson’s activities were extensive.…