Fery studied at Stanford University in the United States, majoring in Science, Technology, and Society, and quickly became a darling of the College Tennis circuit. Working through the ranks on the senior tour, he played his first main-draw match at Wimbledon 2021 in the doubles, before making his singles debut in 2025. That year, he claimed his first victory on the Challengers tour, claiming the trophy in Barranquilla.While Fery might be a new name to much of the British public, he has been on the tennis world’s radar for a while, with former doubles world No. 1 Jamie Murray praising his game to Sky Sports. ‘He’s someone who plays proper grass-court tennis, coming forward and knowing how to play at the net, move at the net and also his composure,’ said Murray, describing Fery as ‘awkward’ to play thanks to his ‘good court-craft’.‘He has an inner confidence about himself, and I didn’t think he was worried about going on to Centre Court.’Fery’s route to the quarter-finals has not been drama-free, of course. Yes, there have been two five-setters in a row, but Fery garnered headlines from his very first match, when he devised a unique way of dealing with a famously hot-tempered player, Damir Dzumhur, in Round One. When the Bosnian player began arguing with the referee, with Fery himself, following a let call, the Brit put on some earplugs during the changeover and claimed all but three games in the next three sets.Speaking in a press conference following the match, Fery played it cool. ‘I mean, it was expected, to be honest. He does that with everyone. I guess I was just ready for it before the match. If it’s a let, it’s a let for everyone, right? It’s not just a let for him.’
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Who is Arthur Fery? The millionaire’s son and west London-raised tournament wildcard who’s the last Brit standing at Wimbledon
Teenager, 18, died a week after telling mum he had a headache
Aaron Mills started feeling unwell last December(L-R) Aaron Mills, his mum Deniz, his dad Anthony and his sister Casey(Image: Supplied)A teenager who told his mum he had a headache tragically died five days later. Aaron Mills, 18, was a “shining light” who “always made people welcome” according to his dad Anthony.As a massive Liverpool FC fan like his dad, Aaron was delighted when he moved to Liverpool in September of last year. He had started a football science degree at Liverpool John Moores University and dreamed of becoming part of the coaching staff at his beloved club. He was also a talented player, coach and referee.The first semester went well for the student, who lived at Byrom Point student halls in Liverpool city centre, however when he returned home to Kidderminster in December to see his family, Aaron fell ill.The teenager started to feel unwell shortly after surprising his dad by turning up at his 50th birthday party back home, however the symptoms didn’t seem alarming at first.Dad Anthony said: “We partied, we sang together, danced together, it was brilliant. Then on December 29, he was feeling a bit groggy, that’s all.“He spent some time in bed and then he came down at night and watched a film with us. Then the following morning, he went down to his mum at 6am and said he had a headache.“He had some paracetamol and went back to bed. And then half an hour after that, he woke me up because he was moaning. I went into his room and he was having a seizure.”Aaron in the dressing room at Anfield(Image: Supplied)Aaron was rushed to hospital on December 30, where it was discovered that he had meningitis, specifically a strain of Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria. Aaron’s condition quickly deteriorated and he died on January 3.According to the UK Health Security Agency, MenB bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading.Anthony added: “I knew what it was, so I didn’t hesitate. We rang the ambulance. Him having the seizure, that was within half an hour of speaking to his mum.“There were no warning signs that something was serious. We didn’t stand a chance. It went from a headache to a seizure, and he never recovered from that seizure.”Describing what his son was like, Anthony told the ECHO: ”He had this soft, gentle way about him and he made everybody feel warm and welcome. He was just a kind and generous person.“He was my best friend. My dancing buddy, my singing buddy, my football buddy. Liverpool Football Club, he was just crazy about it. It was his religion.“He was off to Liverpool, the city he loved, and he was doing football science, hoping to become part of the coaching staff. His ultimate dream was to be working at Liverpool Football Club.“We dropped him off at university, it was a special time for us. I was just so proud because he was going to live his life and have adventures.“After being in university, he really came out of himself and you could see the kind of man that he was going to become. I just really enjoyed his company.”Aaron showing his LFC tattoo(Image: Supplied)Aaron’s death was devastating, however the family said they have tried to look at ways his legacy could continue. They allowed his organs to be donated and around 300 people attended his funeral, all wearing a Liverpool top in memory of him.The teenager also had a season ticket at Kidderminster Harriers, his local team. The team paid tribute when he died with a standing applause in the 18th minute and presented Aaron’s friends with a signed shirt with “AARON 18” on the back.His parents then turned to the question of why Aaron was not vaccinated. A vaccine for Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) is always offered in school, which Aaron did have. However, he did not have one for MenB and this vaccine is not routinely offered to young people.After the outbreak in meningitis in Kent earlier this year, Anthony started emailing MPs about this discrepancy and secured a meeting with Sharon Hodgson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Health and Social Care.The government then agreed to offer the MenB vaccine this summer for Year 13 students and under 25s who will be starting university as undergraduates or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn.Friends and family are now in the process of organising a 100 mile charity run, over five days in September, from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster on Wednesday, September 16 at 9am to Anfield on Sunday, September 20.A close family friend, Shaun McEntee, has chosen to take on the entire challenge. Many of Aaron’s friends and family will be running and/or cycling parts of the route with Shaun.Some will join for the last leg to Anfield. Stopping at Byrom Point, staff and students from LJMU will join the run through the city centre and on to Anfield, where more friends and family will be waiting at the Shankly Gates.Anthony said: “Shaun is the son-in-law to Aaron’s godfather. He was up there in hospital to support us. It affected Shaun because he knows what Aaron was.“He’s got two young kids and he told me that he wants his kids to be just like Aaron. He approached me with this challenge. There isn’t a more fitting challenge. He had a season ticket at Kidderminster Harriers, he used to go there with his mates.“And of course, Liverpool was his religion. He was living in Liverpool for the last part of his life and that’s where all his hopes and dreams were. So it is a poignant journey, doing it from Aggborough to Anfield.”Anthony is hoping to get official support for the challenge from LJMU and Anfield.He said: “The local mayor (in Kidderminster) is going to be there, our MP’s going to be there. There’s going to be a big send-off for him from this end. We’re just trying to put the feelers out to Liverpool Football Club to try and give him a big welcome.”You can donate to a fund in memory of Aaron here.
Murder investigation after bodies of woman and children found in property
Bedfordshire Police were called on Monday (July 6) after concerns were raised about a mother and her two children who had not been seen for several days.
After making enquiries, officers forced entry into a property in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, where they discovered the bodies of the three victims.
A murder investigation has been launched by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected. We recognise that this will cause concern in the local community and beyond. This is the early stages of what is an incredibly complex investigation.
“We are committing all necessary resources to establish exactly what has happened and to find the person responsible.
“As a result of enquiries undertaken so far, we have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”
He added: “While there is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, we will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.
“I would ask anyone who may have information about this incident, or who may have heard or seen any suspicious activity in Carnoustie Drive, particularly on Friday and Saturday, to please come forward to police as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation.
“I would also ask people to be mindful of the privacy of the victims and avoid speculating about what might have happened.”
Those with information are urged to contact police via the webchat service at https://orlo.uk/B4bzB or by calling 101, quoting Operation Snowdrift.
Arise Sir Nishan – King Charles knights University of Leicester Vice-Chancellor | News | University of Leicester
7 July 2026
King Charles knighted the University of Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, in an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle today (Tuesday 7 July).
Professor Canagarajah was recognised in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for his inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion.
During the ceremony, the head of state followed tradition by touching the shoulders of the kneeling Professor Canagarajah with a sword, before formally conferring the honour.
Professor Canagarajah, who travelled to Berkshire with his wife Thabhi, said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award from King Charles. It is a recognition of the efforts of so many others who have contributed to my success, including my dear friends and family and colleagues both past and present.
“I also hope it will serve as an inspiration for others. As a boy from the once war-torn land of Sri Lanka, to being recognised by royalty is quite a remarkable journey. It is because of the transformative power of education and the opportunities it presents that this has been possible. That is why I remain committed to removing barriers for others so that they too can fulfil their true potential.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Canagarajah has shown an unwavering commitment to education as a force for improving lives and creating a fairer society. As the first minority ethnic Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, in the first plural city in the UK, he has used his influence to give voice to those who are so often overlooked and under-represented and has taken actions to overcome barriers and create opportunities for others.
He has led one of the most diverse universities in the country – 38% of students are from the most disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Professor Canagarajah established the first IntoUniversity centre in Leicester, securing significant philanthropic funding, and supporting 1,000 disadvantaged young people. He secured the University’s first female Chancellor – Dame Dr Maggie Aderin PhD – and created an inclusive team with two female Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
Professor Canagarajah established a Civic Universities Partnership, securing over £3m for local community projects and, as a leader of a University of Sanctuary, supported refugees and Ukrainian and Palestinian academics. His achievements are reflected in the fact that the University received three University of the Year accolades, achieving Teaching Excellence Framework Gold and top 30 in the Research Excellence Framework. He has taken on national roles to contribute to Higher Education, most recently in 2025 as Chair of UCEA. He is also the former Chair of The Conversation and a former member of the Universities UK board.
Professor Canagarajah has spearheaded efforts to ensure that the University benefits its locality and during his tenure, the University was granted Freedom of the Borough by Oadby and Wigston Council in recognition of its impact as well as a Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant for support of armed forces communities.
Along with his unwavering commitment to community, his has been a powerful voice for social change, enabled by national roles in tackling racial discrimination and increasing diversity.
Internationally, Professor Canagarajah has been a trailblazer for Leicester by championing new partnerships based on mutual benefits for partners as well as their localities. It led to Professor Canagarajah being invited to join the largest-ever government trade mission to India led by the Prime Minister. Partnerships have also been forged in Thailand, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the USA and Canada. He has also overseen a new key partnership with the Apollo Hospitals Group in India.
Local say Anglian Water should ‘fix leaks’ before imposing hosepipe ban
Anglian Water has said it cannot rule out a hosepipe ban this summer as Cambridgeshire faces another heatwave, but readers say fixing leaks should come firstDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers18:00, 07 Jul 2026Locals say that if the leaks were fixed then there wouldn’t be water shortages(Image: Getty Images)The prospect of yet another heatwave has prompted Anglian Water to revisit its stance on whether to implement a hosepipe ban across the Eastern region. In June, the water authority released a statement confirming it had “no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this year.”However, the latest meteorological forecasts — which indicate another prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather this July — have compelled Anglian Water to reconsider its position.Ian Rule, Anglian Water’s Director of Water Services said: “Although we’re not putting hosepipe bans in place at the moment, the situation is changing very quickly and we can’t completely rule them out for this summer.”The forthcoming hot weather will mark the third heatwave experienced this year. Anglian Water suggested heatwaves could become the ‘new normal’ as the climate crisis deepens.Mr Rule added: “Right now, we’re facing another hot spell, and we know we’re likely to see more of this weather this summer – not to mention the years to come.”Several readers argued that leaks should be addressed first. Banallbikes writes: “They should repair all the leaks and we wouldn’t be short of water.”Whynot2 comments: “As a lot of people are now on a meter, they pay for what they use, so why would they want to waste it?”Welshknight thinks: “Nationalise it and scrap the bonuses and implement a pay restraint of 80k/annum. Sort them out.”While over on our Facebook page, Wendy C comments: “If they actually got their act together and repaired the water leaks which I’ve seen several of, and 2 near to where I live, then perhaps that might just help save water.”Mark D says: “What after how much water has gone up, you must be joking, build more reservoirs with the profits.”Clare D mentions: “The water that comes out of our taps is grey water anyway, it’s full of chemicals and other nasties. Why are they not sourcing water from underground springs rather than giving us recycled water?”Darren S asks: “Why are the car washers still using tens of thousands of gallons of fresh water to wash dusty cars every day if there are shortages.”Claire P writes: “Maybe they need to start planning for the future. When was the last reservoir built? Didn’t we have a wet match? How much do the shareholders get when we have so many leaks?”Georgina C feels: “Until they fix the 6 or so leaks I drive past daily, and have for weeks/months, I doubt many will adhere to it.”De Havilland Mark believes: “Weather has nothing to do with the water shortage, stop building 1000s of new houses and no new reservoirs.”Leon E remarks: “Okay, I will put a water bill ban on then.”Do you believe that hosepipe bans are good for the environment? Comment below or HERE to have your say.
Arsenal to sign former Leeds keeper Illan Meslier on a free
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The 26-year-old was recently let go by Leeds United, making 205 appearances.However, he did not make a single appearance during the 25/26 season, failing to be third choice in the pecking order behind both Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow. Meslier made himself prominent at Leeds in 19/20, making his debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January 2020. He played the final eight games of the 19/20 season as Kiko Casilla was banned for racism towards Charlton forward Jonathan Leko. He would go on to be the first-choice keeper for five years, until a poor season in 2024/25 saw him dropped by Daniel Farke. Last season, he spent the majority of the season playing in the Premier League 2 with Leeds U21 .Meslier is the eighth goalkeeper to have been signed by Mikel Arteta during his seven-year spell at Arsenal. Role at ArsenalArsenal’s goalkeeper union, led by Iñaki Caña will be getting a new recruit alongside David Raya, and Kepa.(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Meslier is expected to be third choice as well when he arrives at the Premier League Champions, behind both Spaniards, David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, there are rumours that Kepa could leave Arsenal in this transfer window if the right offer comes up; he has a £5 million release clause in his contract, the same release clause that the Gunners activated a year ago. Setford loanEmbed from Getty ImagesOne positive of the move is that Meslier’s signing will allow Tommy Setford to go out on loan and get some crucial first-team football for his development. Setford signed from Ajax in the summer of 2024, and has made two appearances at the club. One in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End, and a cameo in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.He was seen in the squad for Mikel Arteta’s side during the majority of their title-winning season in 25/26.
Water safety reminder ahead of heatwave | Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service
With temperatures set to hit 30 degrees again this week, we are reminding people of the dangers of entering open water.
During the last heatwave, crews were called to various water rescue incidents, including one at the River Tame in Fazeley.
Crews were called just after 6pm on Thursday 25 June following reports that two boys were stranded in the river. They were rescued using a sled and thankfully were not injured.
Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships, Nick Jones, said: “When temperatures rise, we see an increase in water rescue incidents across Staffordshire.
“Thankfully, nobody has been seriously hurt but numerous people have required assistance after getting into difficulty in water.
“I would like to remind people that whilst open water might seem inviting during this warm weather, there are hidden dangers and even strong swimmers can get into difficulty.
“If you do get into difficulty in water, remember to float on your back until help arrives.”
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: “With temperatures set to remain high this week, it’s really important that people understand the risks and dangers associated with swimming in open water.
“Lakes and reservoirs can appear safe and inviting, but hidden hazards such as strong currents, underwater obstacles, sudden changes in depth and cold water shock can quickly turn a day out into an emergency.
“We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather safely, which is why we’re encouraging people to follow water safety advice and avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
For more water safety tips, visit Water safety.
Liverpool transfer news live – Yan Diomande approval, Virgil van Dijk exit claim
Liverpool’s pursuit of a winger to replace Mohamed Salah this summer may hinge heavily on Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer activity.Initially, the Reds looked poised to swoop for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, who impressed for the Ivory Coast at World Cup 2026. But with his price tag set at over £100m and the Reds wanting to pay nearer £86m, reports suggest Paris will be his next destination.Bradley Barcola, who is currently employed by PSG, has also been linked with a move to Anfield and there has now been a significant update regarding both of these stars.Lee Kang-in, a PSG winger who was competing for minutes with Barcola and whose sale could get the ball rolling regarding Diomande, is set to join Atletico Madrid.That’s according to RMC Sport, which claims an agreement has been reached on a £34m deal. This may spark a series of transfers into life where Diomande and Barcola are concerned as Liverpool watch on…
Why do wealthy Luton men live 10 years longer? – AOL
New research shows men in wealthier parts of Luton live, on average, 10 years longer than those from the most deprived areas.The data also suggests life expectancy for both men and women in the borough is “significantly” lower than the national average.Luton Borough Council is developing a strategy to help people stay healthier for longer. But how did the figures get so bad?What do the figures tell us about life expectancy?The figures were compiled by the council’s public health team, which reviewed a comprehensive set of data on older people, alongside their experiences and views.Average life expectancy in Luton is 78.6 years for men and 82.6 for women — both lower than the national average.There is also a substantial gap between the most and least affluent areas. Men in poorer neighbourhoods are likely to die 10 years earlier than those in wealthier districts, while the gap for women is seven years.What is causing the big gap in life expectancy?Prof David Hewson said poverty was the main reason why people in deprived areas had shorter livesDavid Hewson, professor of health and ageing at the University of Bedfordshire, said poverty was the underlying issue.”The people who have the least money, the most deprivation, are always going to have problems related to health,” he said.”So you’ve got inadequate housing, you’re going to have potentially lower levels of education, your diet won’t be as good, you’re less likely to do physical activity, whereas the people who are better off are going to have the opposite.”However, he added that people in deprived areas can still do well if they become more active and improve the quality of their diet.What else did the figures show?Keeping active is essential for over-50s who want to stay healthyResearchers also examined healthy life expectancy (HLE) — the number of years people can expect to live in good health.The figures use mortality data and people’s own assessments of their health.According to the research, HLE for men in Luton is 56.9 years, while the age for women is 55.8 years.The report says both figures are “significantly lower than the national average”, which is 60 years for men and 60.7 years for women.The figures have fallen in recent years and, unlike the national trend, women in Luton have a lower HLE than men.People in the borough also report losing good health up to five years earlier than the England average.What’s the solution?Rumi Choudhury from Luton Borough Council is leading the drive towards a healthy ageing strategyThe council is developing a healthy ageing strategy focused on the over-50s.Rumi Choudhury, who holds the public health portfolio, said it would bring together existing support while increasing focus on prevention.”It will also address poverty, deprivation, loneliness and social isolation,” she said.The strategy aims to boost participation in physical activity among older people.What sort of activities help people stay healthier for longer?Walking cricketers score points by hitting the ball rather than runningProf Hewson said GPs and social prescribing schemes can connect people with community activities, such as a wellbeing garden on the edge of Luton.But he added that outreach beyond healthcare settings was essential, for example engaging with people at regular community events such as a church, mosque or temple.He is involved in a walking cricket project for over-50s.Alan Field, the chairman of Sandy Cricket Club in Bedfordshire, plays the walking version and said: “I’m keeping active without really knowing it. “[We find] we’ve actually walked over a mile in a session.”You do it without realising it and you’re bending for the ball, you’re stretching, you’re throwing. It’s coordination.”We’re also engaging with each other socially.”Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
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‘Excessive’ BT ad screens outside Molineux Stadium rejected
Plans to turn a phone box outside Molineux Stadium into a digital advertising screen and free wi-fi access point have been turned down for being “excessive”.BT wanted to convert the kiosk at the end of Staveley Road, Wolverhampton, into a Street Hub, external featuring two 75-inch screens with an interactive tablet and internet access.The plan would also see the removal of two other nearby kiosks, which the company said would improve access along pavements. City of Wolverhampton Council rejected the scheme, saying the hub would “appear visually prominent and incongruous”, and “fail to integrate satisfactorily with its surroundings”.In its application, external, BT pointed out that two similar schemes rejected by the council had later been approved on appeal, with planning inspectors saying the benefits outweighed any drawbacks.It also referenced government plans to improve digital access, and said the council would benefit from free advertising time on the screens for public information messages.In its decision notice, the local authority said it would add “unnecessary visual clutter to an area where signage exhibits a disciplined and proportionate approach”, and would fail to preserve the area’s character.
