Storm Éowyn has caused severe weather conditions across the UK, particularly affecting Northern Ireland and Scotland with wind gusts up to 100mph. The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning, indicating a 'danger to life'. The storm led to widespread disruption, including school closures, public transport suspensions, and thousands of homes without power. Emergency services were overwhelmed with incidents of structural damage and fallen trees. In Scotland, winds exceeded 90mph, causing power outages and travel chaos, with ScotRail cancelling all services and schools closing as a precaution. Coastal flooding and infrastructure damage were also reported. As the storm moves northeast, conditions are easing, but further warnings for snow and ice have been issued for the weekend.
On Thursday, 23 January 2025, Three UK experienced a significant network outage affecting thousands of customers, including users of Smarty and iD Mobile. The issue, starting around 1pm, disrupted phone calls and, in some cases, access to emergency services. Despite initial reports that data services and 999 calls were unaffected, customer complaints prompted an investigation. The outage tracker Downdetector recorded over 10,000 reports, with social media flooded with frustrations over missed appointments and stranded individuals. Three UK apologized and restored services overnight but warned of potential further disruptions due to Storm Éowyn. Ofcom is in contact with Three to assess the situation, and while compensation eligibility remains unclear, guidelines suggest refunds may be appropriate. This incident follows regulatory approval for Three's £16.5bn merger with Vodafone, expected to complete in 2025. Three has deployed additional engineering resources to mitigate further disruptions and advises customers to restart devices or toggle airplane mode to restore service.
In a historic move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law amidst escalating tensions, citing actions by the opposition Democratic Party as a threat to democracy. This unprecedented declaration since the country's transition to democracy involves stringent restrictions on political activities and media. The political landscape of South Korea is set to face further upheaval as both national and international observers remain on high alert.
Former television presenter Melanie Sykes has discussed her reasons for leaving the TV industry, pointing to her negative experiences on the BBC's 'Celebrity MasterChef' as a major factor. In her memoir 'Illuminated', she criticised judge Gregg Wallace for his unprofessional conduct, which she described as 'jaw-dropping.' Sykes alleged that Wallace's behaviour created a hostile environment on set, and expressed her disappointment after being advised by him that participating in the show would benefit her career. She has since chosen to exit the television industry. In light of these accusations, alongside broader allegations against Wallace from others spanning 17 years, an external review is being undertaken by Banijay UK. Despite calls to suspend 'MasterChef,' the BBC continues to air the show, although Wallace has stepped back from his hosting duties. Sykes and other former contestants are now calling for systemic changes to improve work culture in the television sector.
In England and Wales, victims of online stalking are set to receive new legal protections. These measures are inspired by the experiences of actress Nicola Thorp, who suffered a two-year ordeal of harassment. The new 'Right to Know' statutory guidance will allow police to disclose the identities of online stalkers sooner, aiming to empower victims and enhance their safety. The initiative is part of wider reforms to improve Stalking Protection Orders, following a critical review of how police handle stalking cases. The government is committed to revising current laws to ensure consistent support for stalking victims nationwide.
Manchester United clinched a significant 2-0 victory against Everton at Old Trafford, marking Rúben Amorim's first home league win as head coach. Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee scored the vital goals, propelling United up the Premier League table and leaving Everton manager Sean Dyche facing a team struggling with relegation worries.
In a nail-biting Championship match at Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers secured a narrow 1-0 win over table-toppers Leeds United. The defining moment arrived in the first half when Todd Cantwell scored his debut goal for Blackburn via a penalty. Despite dominating possession, Leeds struggled to convert opportunities, with Blackburn's goalkeeper Aidan Pears playing a crucial role in maintaining the clean sheet. The victory propels Blackburn into the playoff spots, marking a significant turnaround in their season, while Leeds face challenges ahead to regain their momentum.
The article commemorates the life of Liz Hatton, a young photographer from Harrogate who battled desmoplastic small round cell tumour. Her brave journey included fulfilling a photography bucket list, reaching out to high-profile figures, and leaving behind significant contributions to cancer awareness. Liz's legacy is celebrated by her remarkable achievements and enduring influence in the photography community.
Morrisons, the popular UK supermarket chain, is experiencing notable food shortages due to a cyber attack on its supply chain management provider, Blue Yonder. This incident has primarily affected the supply of fresh produce, leading to customer frustration as grocery aisles remain barren. While ambient and frozen products are spared, thanks to backup systems, the supermarket faces challenges in managing stock levels effectively. Shoppers have taken to social media to voice their concerns, highlighting the impact on their shopping experiences and questioning the lack of communication from Morrisons regarding the issue. The supermarket is striving to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
A EuroMillions ticket-holder in the United Kingdom has secured a colossal £177 million prize, making it the third-largest National Lottery win in British history. The lucky numbers were 7, 11, 25, 31, and 40, with Lucky Stars 9 and 12. This historic win surpasses the wealth of famous UK personalities such as Harry Styles and Adele. Lottery advisor Andy Carter highlighted the timing, calling it an exciting pre-Christmas surprise for the winner. Initial reporting errors led to confusion about the winning numbers, but a correction has since been issued. This victory joins a history of substantial EuroMillions wins in the UK, with previous jackpots reaching £195 million and £184 million. Participants are advised to check their tickets and play responsibly.