Leeds United lost 3-2 to Championship side Wrexham in their first pre-season run out in America, a game that highlighted shape ideas, bright debuts and selection calls for Daniel Farke.According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Joel Piroe struck a post with an early penalty then levelled with a deft backheel. Harry Wilson, on at half-time, immediately released Willy Gnonto for a big chance, Ao Tanaka then lost possession for the winner, and Wilson chipped just over in stoppage time.Farke switched from an injury-hit back three to a back four after the break. Ethan Ampadu partnered Joe Rodon, and a 4-2-3-1 of Lukas Nmecha up top, Wilson at 10 and Dan James and Gnonto wide looked a good fit.Sean Longstaff underlined that he is firmly in the midfield conversation. He impressed even before scoring, and given he began last season as a regular, he looks more than bench cover alongside likely starters Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach.Seventeen-year-old Callum Mills was the pick of the youngsters, starting behind Piroe and threading the pass that should have brought a Gnonto goal. Full-back Jayden Lienou and centre-back Alfie Cresswell also started, while Rhys Chadwick, Ollie Pickles, Charlie Crew and Freddie Lane came on, Crew almost creating an equaliser.Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had a minor setback and is training individually on camp, and Jaka Bijol has a knee knock. Sebastiaan Bornauw was not risked because of a minor issue and Ilia Gruev is still out, leaving Piroe and Nmecha as the only natural strikers.
Author: admin
Leeds lose 3-2 to Wrexham as Harry Wilson impresses and youngsters catch the eye
Man stabbed in Stoke-on-Trent will be ‘sadly missed’
Police have formally identified a man who died after being stabbed last week.Christopher Bradley, 44, from Stoke-on-Trent, died on Ridgway Road near Hanley Park in the Shelton area of the city on Thursday evening.A tribute issued through Staffordshire Police said he was “loved so much” and “sadly missed” by family members.Last week police arrested men aged 19, 20 and 25 on suspicion of murder and also arrested a 17-year-old boy.Det Ch Insp Ian Fitzgerald said: “Our thoughts remain with Christopher’s family and friends and our investigation is continuing.”
Andrew Tate’s alleged victims waiting 13 years for justice, lawyers say
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsThe women awaiting a civil trial for allegations of rape and sexual assault against controversial influencer Andrew Tate will have been waiting 13 years for justice by the time he could come to court, their lawyer has said.Tate and his brother Tristan, who hold dual US and British citizenship, were arrested by US Marshals in Miami two weeks ago after new charges were brought against them by the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). British police are also seeking the brothers’ extradition to the UK, where they would face a potential criminal trial over the alleged offences, which include rape, sexual assault and sex trafficking, which the pair deny.It is understood the claims made in the civil case are entirely separate to those subject to extradition requests. In a hearing for the civil case at the High Court in London on Monday, lawyers for Andrew Tate said they understood he intends to appeal any extradition order from the US, meaning the proceedings abroad could drag on for “anything up to 10 months”. Andrew Tate is currently in detention in the US (Getty)The civil case centres around claims made by four women – now in their late twenties and early thirties – who allege they were subjected to sexual violence by Tate between 2013 and 2016, while he was based in the UK.Three of the women reported allegations of rape and sexual assault against Tate to Hertfordshire Constabulary in 2014 and 2015, with the case concluded in 2019. The civil trial was then adjourned in May after the force said it will reinvestigate the alleged offences.Lawyers representing Hertfordshire Police said the force expects to conclude its criminal investigation in around “10 to 12 months”.Speaking on behalf of the women, David Messling said their “concern remains they have been waiting what will be 13 years by the time police conclude their criminal investigation”.Andrew, 39, and Tristan Tate, 38, are facing 59 criminal charges between them in the UK over alleged offences including rape, sexual assault and sex trafficking.They are also facing legal proceedings in Romania, where they currently live. They were already facing the prospect of extradition to the UK over those proceedings after Bedfordshire Police secured European arrest warrants for the pair in 2024.Representing Tate, Vanessa Marshall KC said it would be “premature” to set a potential trial date and that there was a “lot of unknown” regarding the multiple ongoing proceedings.She said the UK government will need to submit any formal extradition case by 16 September.Lawyers for the Tates in the US are expected to meet with federal prosecutors in Miami on Monday to work out a schedule for the potentially months-long process of fighting extradition to the UK.Andrew Tate, left, and his brother Tristan are expected to appeal any extradition request (Vadim Ghirda/AP) (AP)The White House said last week the brother’s should not expect any help with the proceedings.The court heard it is possible that the current police investigation in the UK could now “supersede” the Romanian proceedings because of Tate’s arrest in the US.The pair have previously “unequivocally” denied wrongdoing, with Andrew Tate describing himself and his brother as “very innocent men”.The Tates promote wealth, male dominance and misogyny through their social media empire and are among the world’s most controversial internet personalities. The former professional kickboxers have millions of social media followers and are vocal supporters of US President Donald Trump.In June, their attempt to bring a legal challenge against the CPS after it did not disclose the names of their alleged victims in UK criminal proceedings was thrown out by a High Court judge.
Wolves transfer news: Scottish midfielder valued at £3m ‘interesting’ Cesar Peixoto, Bundesliga clubs – Sports Mole
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Estoril Praia midfielder Jordan Holsgrove.Despite the initial expectation that major changes would be made to the squad after Premier League relegation, Wolves have only signed one player – Rafiki Said – since the start of the World Cup.With just three new additions in total, Cesar Peixoto and the Wolves fanbase will hope that more deals are on the way ahead of the start of their return to the Championship.Although Tommy Doyle and Marshall Munetsi have returned to the group after loan stints at Birmingham City and Paris FC, Wolves still require fresh faces for the centre of the pitch.According to Record, there is interest in bringing in Holsgrove over the coming weeks.© Iconsport / Carlos Silva/Icon SportWho is Jordan Holsgrove?The report claims that Estoril Praia value the 26-year-old in the region of €3.5m (£2.99m).German clubs Werder Bremen, Hamburger SV and Augsburg are also said to be admirers of the former Scotland Under-21 international.Although Holsgrove was with Reading during his academy days, he has spent his professional career abroad.
Most notably, Holsgrove has spent time at Celta Vigo, Pacos de Ferreira and Estoril, with three campaigns coming with the latter.A total of four goals and 16 assists have been contributed in 83 appearances for the Portuguese side.Meanwhile, his record in Primeira Liga reads six goals and 19 assists from 100 appearances, Holsgrove making an impression in front of Wolves boss Peixoto who had been solely in Portugal before the switch to Molineux.© ImagoDo Wolves need a player like Holsgrove?In recent years, Holsgrove has generally been used as a defensive midfielder, rather than someone who is particularly attack-minded.Wolves already have players such as Andre and Doyle who are of similar profile, with there theoretically being more of a need for an attacking midfielder.That said, Peixoto may see certain qualities in Holsgrove that suit his style of play.The jury would likely be out on Holsgrove if he did make the move to Wolves, but he could prove to be a valuable asset over the course of a 46-game Championship campaign.
Fire in Burton Latimer pocket park started deliberately
A fire which destroyed a bench in a Burton Latimer pocket park is believed to have been started deliberately.Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) was called to the pocket park in Station Road in Burton Latimer, shortly before 11.15pm on Friday (July 24).After tackling the blaze, crews remained on the scene for more than an hour to ensure the fire was fully out. A fire service spokesman said: “The Burton Latimer fire crew arrived at the scene shortly after and found a bench on fire. They used wildfire backpacks to extinguish the flames.Fire /NFRS“The bench was fully destroyed, and a fence post sustained some fire damage. The crew returned to their station shortly before 1am.“The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”A sustained period of hot, dry weather has left the region at heightened risk of fire. After a series of wild fires Northants Fire and Rescue Service warned the public to be extra vigilant. Continue Reading
Fines Plummet as Cambridgeshire Councils Pocket KES 17M from Litter Penalties
A steep, unexplained drop in fixed penalty notices for littering across Cambridgeshire has raised sharp questions about local enforcement priorities, even as municipal councils have quietly pocketed nearly £100,000 (KES 17 million) in fines since early 2023. The uneven application of the law suggests a disjointed approach to civic hygiene across the county.
Data obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the BBC reveals a stark geographic divide in how environmental laws are enforced. While Cambridge City Council aggressively pursued offenders to generate the vast majority of the county’s revenue, neighboring authorities have virtually abandoned the practice, leaving frustrated citizens and volunteers to clean up the mess.
The Revenue and the Retreat
Since the beginning of 2023, local authorities across Cambridgeshire have issued a total of 889 fixed penalty notices specifically for littering. However, the data exposes a massive concentration of enforcement in one single jurisdiction:Cambridge City Council: Issued 776 fines, generating approximately £83,000 (KES 14.1 million), representing a staggering 86% of the county’s total revenue.
Peterborough City Council: Issued just 45 fines over the same three-and-a-half-year period.
South Cambridgeshire: Issued 33 fines.
East Cambridgeshire: Issued 22 fines.
Huntingdonshire and Fenland: Issued a combined total of just 13 fines.Despite Cambridge City Council’s historical dominance in enforcement, their own statistics reveal a precipitous decline in regulatory action. The council issued 374 fines in 2023, which dropped to 271 in 2024, plummeted to 82 in 2025, and sits at a mere 49 halfway through 2026. Authorities have not provided a definitive explanation for this 86% collapse in enforcement activity.
The Civic Response: Volunteers Stepping In
The vacuum left by retreating municipal enforcement has forced private citizens to shoulder the burden of public hygiene. In Peterborough, where the city council averaged barely one littering fine per month, community frustration has boiled over into direct action.
Harry Machin, a dedicated volunteer litter picker in Peterborough, successfully lobbied and raised private funds to purchase and install independent waste bins across the city to curb the crisis. Machin pointedly suggested that other councils across the county should study Cambridge City Council’s earlier, more aggressive enforcement models to deter widespread environmental degradation.
A Global Challenge: The Economics of Waste
The bureaucratic struggles in Cambridgeshire mirror complex waste management and enforcement challenges in rapidly expanding global municipalities. In Nairobi, Kenya, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) frequently wrestles with the exact same dynamic: balancing the deployment of enforcement officers against the severe economic costs of urban pollution.
When municipal authorities in the UK or East Africa signal that littering carries no financial penalty, compliance evaporates. Uncollected waste severely compromises urban drainage infrastructure, directly contributing to localized flooding and escalating public health risks.
While fly-tipping (illegal dumping of large-scale waste) reportedly doubled last year in Peterborough, the BBC investigation deliberately focused purely on casual littering. The data clearly indicates that without sustained, aggressive financial penalties, the cost of maintaining public cleanliness is simply transferred from the perpetrators directly onto the shoulders of exasperated taxpayers and volunteers.
How to pick the right portable power station for off-grid adventures – Jackery
JackeryNot every outdoor adventure needs the biggest battery. Understanding how much power you actually need can help you choose a portable power station that’s practical, portable and perfectly suited to your summer plans.From family camping trips in the Lake District to music festivals, campervan tours of the Scottish Highlands and weekends by the Cornish coast, more Britons are embracing outdoor adventures this summer. While escaping the grid has its appeal, most people still want to keep everyday essentials powered – whether that’s charging a phone, running a portable fridge or making a morning coffee.That’s where portable power stations come in. And Jackery, a global leader in portable power solutions, can help you choose the right one.Unlike traditional petrol generators, portable power stations provide clean, silent and emission-free electricity, making them ideal for campsites, festivals and family holidays. They’re easy to use, require little maintenance and can even be recharged using portable solar panels, offering greater independence during longer stays outdoors.But with a growing range of sizes and capacities available, how do you know which one is right for your trip?Match the power station to your adventureThe biggest mistake many first-time buyers make is assuming they need the largest battery available. In reality, the best portable power station depends on how you travel and what you plan to power.JackeryDay trips, picnics and festivalsIf you’re heading to the beach, spending the day at a country park or camping overnight at a festival, your power needs are likely to be fairly modest. Charging smartphones, tablets, cameras, drones, Bluetooth speakers and LED lighting requires relatively little energy.For these lighter-duty adventures, the Jackery Explorer 500 v2 is an ideal entry-level option. With a 512Wh capacity and 500W output, it provides enough power for everyday essentials while remaining compact and highly portable at just 5.7kg. It also supports ultra-fast charging, reaching full capacity in as little as one hour when using combined AC and solar charging, while its long-lasting LiFePO₄ battery is designed for years of reliable use.JackeryWeekend camping and family holidaysFamilies spending a few nights camping or travelling in a campervan often need to power a wider range of equipment. Portable fridges, laptops, coffee machines, lighting and small cooking appliances all add to your daily energy requirements.For these scenarios, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 strikes an excellent balance between portability and performance. Offering a 1070Wh capacity and 1500W output, it’s capable of running multiple devices simultaneously while remaining compact enough to transport easily. Whisper-quiet operation makes it particularly well suited to campsites where noise can disturb neighbouring campers, while its durable LiFePO₄ battery and advanced battery protection technology are built to withstand years of regular use.JackeryExtended off-grid adventuresFor motorhome owners, caravanners or anyone planning several days away from mains electricity, a larger power station provides greater flexibility. Whether you’re using an induction hob, electric kettle, portable grill or charging several devices at once, higher capacity means fewer compromises.The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is designed for these more demanding situations. With a substantial 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output, it can comfortably power most everyday appliances while remaining significantly lighter and smaller than many comparable units. Multiple charging options – including AC, vehicle charging and solar – make it easy to top up wherever your journey takes you.Get even more from solar chargingFor longer camping holidays or extended off-grid stays, pairing a portable power station with Jackery SolarSaga solar panels allows you to generate renewable electricity throughout the day. Instead of relying solely on campsite hook-ups or returning home to recharge, you can harness solar energy to keep your power station topped up while reducing your environmental impact.It’s a practical solution for anyone spending several days outdoors, particularly during the longer daylight hours of the British summer.Power your holiday with confidencePortable power stations have become an increasingly valuable travel companion, helping families, campers and outdoor enthusiasts stay connected and comfortable without sacrificing the peace and quiet of the outdoors.The key is choosing the right capacity for your style of travel rather than simply buying the biggest model available. Whether you need lightweight power for festival weekends, reliable energy for family camping or a higher-capacity solution for extended motorhome adventures, Jackery offers a portable power station to suit every journey.With fast charging, durable LiFePO₄ batteries, intuitive operation and the option to recharge using SolarSaga panels, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a comfortable, sustainable and worry-free summer adventure, wherever the road leads.Continue Reading
Izzy shines for Shropshire against Staffordshire
Spinner leaves rivals in a spin with six of the bestA superb spell of bowling from spinner Izzy Crann saw Shropshire’s Under-18 girls to a 96-run win when they hosted Staffordshire at Calverhall.Shropshire Under-18 girls secured a revenge win against Staffordshire Picture: Cricket Shropshire | Cricket ShropshireShe returned brilliant figures of 6-23 from her 10 overs as Staffordshire were bowled out for 144 while Elizabeth Daniels-Sanders claimed 2-19.They were replying to Shropshire’s total of 240 in their 50 overs which featured opener Ashvini Samanta anchoring the innings with 52, Milly Parry hitting 37 and Amy Connelly 34.It was revenge for the reverse fixture when Shropshire lost by four wickets at Moddershall CC.Batting first, they were dismissed for 124 with Freya Jones top scoring with 28. The hosts then claimed the victory despite Crann and Parry claiming two wickets apiece.A half-century from Mille Parry and a four-wicket haul for Ridhima Chimania helped the Under-16 girls to a 12-run win over Staffordshire at Alberbury.Batting first, Shropshire were bowled out for 176 after 41 overs with Parry top scoring with 51 while opener Megan Brindley chipped in with 25 at the top of the order and Anvai Bhawar made 33.A steady start from Staffordshire saw them reach 72 before they lost their third wicket, but then skipper Crann’s miserly spell of 2-8 from 10 overs and Chimania’s 4-21 put them on the back foot. They were bowled out for 164 in the 46th over.The Under 13 Girls suffered two defeats when they travelled to Astwood Bank CC to take on Worcestershire in two T20 games.The hosts batted first in the opening game and made 198-6 with Verity Pardoe picking up 2-11 from her three overs as the bowling duties were shared around. In the reply, skipper Zara Tomkins made 31 but Shropshire were bowled out for 86.In the second game, Shropshire batted first and made 113-8 from their 20 overs with Ava Mainwaring hitting 66 off 46 balls. In the reply, Gianna Filippi claimed two early wickets, but Worcestershire claimed the win by six wickets.Shropshire’s Under-18 boys struggled to get going with the bat when they hosted Northamptonshire at Shrewsbury CC in their County Cup.Batting first, they were bowled out for 164 with Krrish Chadha top scoring with 28 and Morgan Ward hitting 23. Callum Dovaston took two early wickets in the reply, but Northants claimed the victory by eight wickets.The Under-16 boys had a similar issue hosting the same opposition at Wem as they were bowled out for 86. Northants knocked the runs off without losing a wicket.Dylan Barkley led the way with the bat when they travelled to Loughborough Grammar to take on Leicestershire and Rutland.He made 69 while Will Parkinson-Witte and Luca Evans chipped in with 29 apiece and Jake Adams hit 20 as Shropshire were bowled out for 210. Leicestershire reached their victory target for the loss of two wickets.Skipper-for-the-day Matthew Morris top scored with 35 when they took on Northamptonshire at in a 50-over game at St Georges.Parkinson-Witte chipped in with 24 and Barkley hit 23, but Shropshire were dismissed for 152. The visitors eased to victory for the loss of three wickets.The Under-14 boys fell short in their chase when they hosted Oxfordshire at Shrewsbury CC.Batting first, the visitors were dismissed for 222 with George Randall claiming 3-55 and Hugo Bebb 3-27.Reuben Kundu hit 41, Daniel Ball 31 and Eli Graves 20, but Shropshire were restricted to 195-7 from their 45 overs.Continue Reading
Shortlists revealed for Liverpool City Region Property Awards – Insider Media
Stephen Bailey was the compère at last year’s event
Insider can now reveal the shortlists for this year’s Liverpool City Region Property Awards, which is taking place on Thursday 24 September at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.
A highlight in the property industry’s calendar, the Liverpool City Region Property Awards brings together the region’s property and public sector professionals to celebrate the achievements of the sector over the last year.
Every year, Insider brings together a panel of expert judges to help decide on the shortlist and winners. This year’s judging panel included:
Daniel Bimpson, senior investment manager, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Zoe Brooke, managing director, Ezrah Consulting
Iain Taylor, managing director, IMT Consulting and design review panel member, Places Matter
Chris Cheap, formerly managing director of transactions, Avison Young
Patrick Nolan, chair, Imagine LiverpoolAs well as the shortlists for the nine categories below, there will also be a shortlist revealed for the Future Ambition Award, which showcases projects which have the potential to transform the region. The winner of this award will be decided by an audience vote on the night.
Commercial Development of the Year
Atlantic Park, Bootle (Curtins)FINSA UK HQ – Grandidges Quay, Birkenhead Port (FINSA and Peel Ports Group)Mossley Hill Mental Health Facility (GRAHAM)
Residential Development of the YearSponsored by: GTC
Foxfield Park, Moreton, Wirral (Lovell)Lighthaus, Liverpool (Starlight Investments)Hartley Locks, Liverpool (Torus)
Heritage Project of the Year
Britannia Pavilion Project, Royal Albert Dock (Clan Contracting)Walker Art Gallery, William Brown Street (Hawthorn Design Partnership)The Residence (Winter Melia)
Deal of the Year
Letting in Liverpool ONE to Lefties for First UK Store (Landsec)Acquisition of Canning Place, Liverpool (Avison Young)Unconditional Acquisition of Cherry Vale, a 58-acre site in Widnes, from Harworth Estates (Keepmoat)
Developer/Housebuilder of the YearSponsored by: CMS
Nexus ResidentialLovellKeepmoatWinter Melia
Property Consultancy of the YearSponsored by: Lovell
WSP UKRidge and PartnersAspinallVerdiAvison YoungSutcliffe ProjectsRWinvest
Social Impact Award
PLACED AcademyKnowsley Wellbeing and Nature Alliance (Morgan Sindall Construction and Grow CIC)Bootle Strand Transformation – Phase 1A-C Demolition Works (Sefton Council)KQ Futures (Knowledge Quarter Liverpool)Liverpool Wall of Wonder Mural Project (St Johns Shopping Centre and Liverpool John Moores University)Mossley Hill Mental Health Facility (GRAHAM)
Sustainability Award
Britannia Pavilion Project, Royal Albert Dock (Clan Contracting)Atlantic Park, Bootle (Curtins)FINSA UK HQ – Grandidges Quay, Birkenhead Port (FINSA and Peel Ports Group)Living Wall, Urban Biodiversity & Growing Together Programme (St Johns Shopping Centre)Sandbank Point (Magenta Living)
Workplace Fit-out / Refurbishment Of The Year
CENTRAL TECH (Sciontec)Brabners Liverpool Office RefurbishmentSt Mary’s College Crosby – Sports Hall Refurbishment
CMS is the headline sponsor for the Liverpool City Region Property Awards 2026 and the event is also supported by GTC, Lovell and Invest Liverpool City Region. This year’s event includes a special keynote from Mayor Steve Rotheram and tickets are still available here.
Teenager, 16, charged with murder of boy in Luton park with four others arrested
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a teenager who died from multiple stab wounds at a park in Luton.Four other teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of the same murder.Officers were called to Kingsway Recreation Ground at around 6.30pm following reports that several teenagers had been spotted “carrying large knives”.A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds but died a short time later, Bedfordshire Police confirmed.The alleged victim has not yet been formally identified, but his family are being supported by specially trained officers, police said.Police will likely not identify the boy who has been charged due to his age.Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit are leading the investigation.Officers were called to Kingsway Recreation Ground following reports of teenagers ‘carrying large knives’ | GOOGLEOn Saturday, police said two boys, aged 16 and 17, had been arrested on suspicion of murder. The pair had initially been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.The younger of the two is the boy who was charged on Sunday night.The three remaining 17-year-old boys have all been arrested on suspicion of murder, violent disorder and carrying a weapon.
