Nation falls silent a year after Southport attack
A year after the tragic attack that claimed the lives of Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9) during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, the nation paused for a three-minute silence to remember the victims. On July 29, 2024, the girls were fatally attacked by 17-year-old Axel Rudakuban. The attack also injured ten others and left deep psychological scars on many. Rather than floral tributes at the site, residents were invited to place flowers in Southport Town Hall Gardens and support charitable causes created in the girls’ honour. Charities like Elsie’s Story, Bebe’s Hive, and Alice’s Wonderdance now serve as living legacies. Families and school staff have spoken of both immense grief and the outpouring of kindness that has followed. The Council and community leaders have provided safe, respectful spaces for mourning, reflection, and healing. Across Sefton and the wider region, flags were lowered as a mark of respect. Amid devastating loss, hope and love continue to shine through such acts of remembrance and compassion.
Ukraine: Trump shortens Russia's peace deal deadline
U.S. President Donald Trump has shortened his previously declared 50-day ultimatum for Russia to reach a peace deal in Ukraine, now stating that Vladimir Putin has “10 or 12 days” to agree or face severe economic sanctions. Speaking during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, Trump expressed frustration with ongoing Russian aggression, especially recent missile strikes on civilian areas, including care homes in Kyiv. Trump claimed he had come close to brokering a ceasefire with Putin five times but said a final agreement remains elusive. The initial 50-day delay had sparked criticism, with some arguing it gave Moscow undue leniency amid intensified summer offensives. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy welcomed the decision to send more Patriot air defence systems and emphasised the need for increased protection from relentless Russian attacks. Ukraine’s frontlines remain under pressure, though no collapse is anticipated. Trump’s growing urgency reflects a strategic shift as the war enters its fourth year, with heightened expectations for swift action and greater Western coordination to defend Ukrainian sovereignty. See
Greece claims 'invasion' in Crete as it tries to halt asylum
Greece has suspended the right to seek asylum for at least three months amid a sharp rise in migrants arriving via the Libya–Crete route. The controversial policy, described by Migration Minister Thanos Plevris as necessary to avoid a national emergency, has been criticised by human rights advocates for violating EU and international law. Over 7,000 migrants reached Crete between January and June 2025, with overcrowded detention centres now housing refugees in harsh conditions. Many, like Mustafa from war-torn Sudan, are detained without legal recourse or access to proper shelter and care. Critics argue that even in times of crisis, the right to claim asylum must be protected. The government maintains the move is temporary and driven by national security and tourism concerns, while EU officials say they are reviewing the legality of Greece’s actions. As desperation grows among detainees, the situation raises urgent ethical and legal questions about how Europe handles asylum in the face of rising migration, public fear, and political pressure.
Waves reach US west coast after Russian earthquake as Japan lifts tsunami warnings
One of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, registering a magnitude of 8.8. Occurring in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the quake triggered tsunami warnings across Japan, Hawaii, the U.S. West Coast, and other Pacific nations, prompting evacuations of over two million people. Fortunately, no deaths were reported. Kamchatka, known for seismic activity, experienced intense tremors, causing panic and damaging buildings. Tsunami waves exceeding 5 meters struck Severo-Kurilsk, flooding ports and sweeping away boats. A volcano on Kamchatka also began erupting after the quake. In Peru, over half of Pacific ports were closed as a precaution. Videos from the region showed calm heroism in hospitals during surgeries and chaos as residents fled in fear. Though the most severe threats have passed, aftershocks are expected. Authorities have urged vigilance, and emergency services remain on high alert. This event underscores the vulnerability of nations situated on seismic fault lines and the need for preparedness and compassion in times of natural disaster.
