The Girly Gig Army is a women-only music group that started in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and now has more than 700 members across nearby towns. The group helps women enjoy music events together, make friends, and build confidence, especially if they might otherwise go alone.
Key Facts
The Girly Gig Army began as a WhatsApp group started by Lucy Havard.
It was created so women would not have to attend music events by themselves.
The group has grown from Eastbourne to include Brighton and Hastings.
Members meet at live music events and also during the day to get to know each other.
Wearing t-shirts and badges helps members recognize and approach one another.
Helen Foster, a member, said the group helped her after losing her husband.
More than 700 women have joined since it started.
The group aims to build a welcoming community and reduce feelings of awkwardness when going out alone.
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California has not yet released the contract it made with Baby2Baby, a nonprofit chosen to provide free diapers to new parents through a state program. Despite state laws that require public access to such contracts, the release has been delayed, while lawmakers consider a bill that could allow state agencies more time to respond to public records requests.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a multimillion-dollar diaper contract with Baby2Baby more than two months ago.
Baby2Baby is a nonprofit that already has ties to the Newsom administration and the First Partner.
California has not released the contract or the competitive bidding records despite repeated requests and legal requirements.
The Newsom administration took 24 days to decide if the records would be released and said it may take an additional 42 days to provide them.
Assembly Bill 1821 is being considered in California to extend the time state agencies have to answer public records requests.
The original version of AB 1821 also included proposals to allow agencies to sue over "malicious" requests and charge fees for records, but these were removed due to public opposition.
Lawmakers argue that public agencies are facing an increase in broad records requests, which burdens their resources.
Critics and transparency advocates oppose delaying public access to government information.
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Local councils in England have started to share data with Airbnb to identify illegal subletting of social homes on short-term rental sites. Nearly 6,000 social homes are suspected to be rented out illegally, and authorities have found about 470 cases so far, with penalties including eviction and fines.
Key Facts
Councils and Airbnb are working together to find illegal short-term rentals of social housing.
The Cabinet Office’s fraud team coordinates the data-sharing scheme.
About 6,000 social homes in England might be illegally sublet on platforms like Airbnb.
So far, 470 cases of social housing fraud have been identified.
Penalties for illegal subletting include eviction, fines, and up to two years in prison.
Illegal rentals cause costs averaging £78,300 per case to taxpayers, including temporary housing and legal fees.
Campaign groups say fighting illegal subletting may not significantly help the housing crisis.
Residents report frequent strangers, damage to common areas, and suspicious lockboxes in buildings with illegal sublets.
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A government review led by Disability Minister Stephen Timms found that the current system for disability benefits in England and Wales is not working well. The points-based assessment does not fit many conditions, especially mental health issues that change over time, and the process is difficult for disabled people. The review recommends a major overhaul of the welfare system to better support disabled individuals.
Key Facts
The review was led by Stephen Timms and involved disabled people and charities.
It found that the points-based system is outdated and cannot handle fluctuating conditions like mental health problems.
The current system scores disabilities based on how they affect daily activities and mobility.
Many people gave negative feedback about the assessment process, which they found dehumanizing.
The review will be released in two parts: an interim report soon and full recommendations this fall.
About 4 million adults receive the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps cover disability costs.
PIP is not means-tested, and roughly one in six recipients are working.
The government aims to replace the work capability assessment with a single system for disability and universal credit claims.
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A former NHS surgeon, Salil Korambayil, was convicted of rape and is serving a 14-year prison sentence. His ex-partner, Angharad, shares her experience of being misled and emotionally abused during their relationship while she was pregnant and a new mother.
Key Facts
Salil Korambayil was a trainee surgeon who worked at Royal Cornwall Hospital and was convicted of rape.
He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his crimes.
Angharad, his ex-partner and mother of his child, met him in 2016 and described him as charming at first.
Korambayil lived a double life, acting caring at home while abusing others.
In August 2020, a rape accusation against Korambayil was made but not initially investigated due to lack of support.
Angharad was pregnant when these events unfolded and gave birth in November 2020.
Korambayil was suspended and arrested in April 2021, leading Angharad to leave their home for safety.
Angharad now recognizes she was emotionally abused and manipulated during the relationship.
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The preliminary hearing continues for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson’s lawyers are questioning the DNA evidence that connects him to the murder weapon, while prosecutors say the DNA testing is reliable enough to move forward to trial.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September.
A rifle wrapped in a towel was found at the scene and linked to Robinson through DNA evidence.
Robinson’s defense team questioned the FBI DNA analyst’s methods and conclusions during the hearing.
The defense lawyer argued that the analyst could not definitively match Robinson’s DNA to the rifle.
Prosecutors say the reliability of DNA evidence is for the trial to decide, not the preliminary hearing.
Robinson has not entered a plea and has not commented on guilt or innocence.
Defense lawyers have tried but failed to remove the death penalty option in this case.
The hearing includes testimonies from FBI analysts and Utah County prosecutors.
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Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan will be sentenced for felony obstruction after being convicted of helping a Mexican immigrant avoid federal agents. The case is linked to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and drew national attention as it involved conflicts over immigration law enforcement.
Key Facts
Hannah Dugan, 67, was a Milwaukee County circuit judge for nine years before resigning after her conviction.
She was convicted on December 19, 2024, of felony obstruction for aiding an immigrant to evade federal officers.
The Trump administration prosecuted her as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
Republican lawmakers pushed for her impeachment and called for a harsh sentence after the conviction.
Dugan did not testify at her trial but plans to make remarks during her sentencing hearing.
Prosecutors say she violated her judge’s oath and endangered law enforcement and public safety.
Federal sentencing guidelines suggest 15 to 21 months in prison, but the judge can decide the actual sentence.
Dugan’s lawyers argue she has been punished enough through resignation and threats and plan to appeal any sentence.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, faces a sexual assault allegation he denies. Despite past controversies, he gained support as an outsider challenging party veterans but is now urged to drop out before the July 13 deadline to allow a replacement in the key Senate race.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a 41-year-old Maine oysterman running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat.
He gained early support with a grassroots campaign against establishment-backed candidates.
Platner faced past controversies, including a tattoo some identified as a Nazi symbol and questionable social media posts.
A former girlfriend accused Platner of sexual assault in 2021, which he denies.
His supporters are now urging him to withdraw by July 13 so the party can pick a new candidate.
Platner’s outsider campaign style bypassed traditional party vetting systems.
The Democratic Party had initially backed Maine Governor Janet Mills before she dropped out.
Similar scandals have affected election outcomes before, like Democrat Cal Cunningham in 2020.
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Former officials say that President Donald Trump’s changes to the US intelligence agencies could make national security more political. The acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, has removed 19 officers accused of belonging to a secret group called the ‘deep state.’
Key Facts
President Trump is making major changes to the US intelligence agencies.
Bill Pulte is the acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard.
Pulte has fired 19 intelligence officers linked to the ‘deep state.’
The ‘deep state’ is a term used for officials believed to work secretly to oppose government decisions.
Former intelligence officials warn this overhaul could interfere with the impartial work of national security.
They are concerned that political views might influence intelligence operations.
The changes have raised worries about separating politics from national security efforts.
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The Maine Democratic Party Executive Director said that the campaign of Senate candidate Graham Platner has tried to affect the decision of who might take his place on the Democratic ticket after he was accused of sexual assault. The party emphasized the importance of keeping the process fair and transparent.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for Maine Senate.
Platner has been accused of sexual assault.
His campaign has reportedly tried to influence the choice of his replacement on the ticket.
The Maine Democratic Party Executive Director spoke about these efforts on Tuesday.
The party stressed that the fairness of the replacement process is very important.
The party is focused on maintaining transparency in deciding a replacement candidate.
This issue concerns the upcoming election in Maine.
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US authorities charged Lawrence Bishnoi, leader of an Indian criminal gang, for planning the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. This case is part of a larger investigation involving 37 people linked to international crime groups active in multiple countries.
Key Facts
Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh are accused of organizing the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Nijjar, a Sikh independence activist, was shot outside a temple where he was president.
Bishnoi directed the murder from an Indian jail using smuggled cellphones.
The investigation involved US, Canadian, and European law enforcement agencies.
A total of 37 defendants are charged with crimes including kidnapping, racketeering, extortion, drug trafficking, and murder.
Officials are still searching for several fugitives in the US, India, and Europe.
The murder increased tensions between Canada and India, with Canada accusing India of involvement.
The criminal groups operate internationally in countries like the US, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, and the UK.
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A recent AP-NORC poll shows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is viewed more positively by American Jews than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The poll also reveals shifting opinions among Jewish Democrats, with more supporting Palestinians and feeling the U.S. is too supportive of Israel.
Key Facts
Mamdani has a 44% favorability rating and 39% unfavorable among Jewish adults; Netanyahu has 32% favorability and 59% unfavorable.
Mamdani’s net favorability is +5%, Netanyahu’s is -27%.
38% of Jewish respondents think the U.S. supports Israel too much; 24% say it supports Palestinians too much.
30% of Jewish adults believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians; 49% say it has not; 21% don’t know enough.
59% of Jewish adults identify as Democrats, 27% as Republicans, and 14% as independents or don’t lean.
Among Jewish Democrats, 51% feel the U.S. supports Israel too much, and 62% say the U.S. is not supportive enough of Palestinians.
40% of Jewish adults approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of Israel; 58% disapprove.
Mamdani has faced scrutiny for his views on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but has condemned antisemitism and promises to protect Jewish communities in NYC.
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An 18-month-old toddler in Arizona was declared dead after being pulled from a pool but was later found alive in the hospital morgue. The child was then sent to another hospital for treatment and showed signs of improvement, though he may need physical therapy.
Key Facts
The toddler was found face-down in a pool during a Super Bowl gathering in Gilbert, Arizona.
He was pronounced dead at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center around 6:20 p.m. on February 8.
Hours later, when hospital staff went to move the child to the morgue, he was found to be breathing.
The child’s parents and hospital officers had noticed signs like gasping for air before he was declared dead.
Hospital staff initially said the gasping was agonal breathing, which means air leaving the lungs after death.
One nurse reportedly said she felt a pulse, but the doctor insisted on declaring death and stopped life-saving efforts.
After being found alive, the toddler was airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital for care.
The child made notable progress but will likely need physical therapy.
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Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed debated in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary. The debate was their first meeting since another candidate, Mallory McMorrow, ended her campaign, making this race even more important for Democrats.
Key Facts
Haley Stevens is a U.S. Representative from Michigan.
Abdul El-Sayed is the former health director of Wayne County, Michigan.
They competed in a Democratic primary debate for a U.S. Senate seat from Michigan.
The debate took place on a Tuesday and was hosted by Nexstar’s WOOD TV8.
State Senator Mallory McMorrow had recently dropped out of the race.
McMorrow’s exit makes this race more critical for Michigan Democrats.
Both candidates discussed their plans and responded to each other during the debate.
This Senate race is seen as a must-win for the Democratic Party.
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A man died after being shot by an ICE officer during a traffic stop in Houston, Texas. The stop was part of a planned operation to arrest a person suspected of being in the country illegally.
Key Facts
The incident happened on July 7, 2026, at about 6:50 AM Central Time.
ICE officers tried to stop a vehicle during a targeted enforcement operation.
The operation aimed to arrest a person believed to be in the U.S. illegally.
The man was fatally shot during the traffic stop.
The agency confirmed the shooting but provided limited details about the event.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
The incident took place in Houston, Texas.
ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the U.S.
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Utah has revoked the license of Provo Canyon School, a boarding school where Paris Hilton says she was abused as a teenager, due to multiple health and safety violations. The school must close by August 6, and it cannot get a new license for five years.
Key Facts
Utah's Department of Health and Human Services revoked the license of Provo Canyon School's Springville campus.
The school failed to meet safety and staffing requirements and had incidents of neglect and physical restraint.
The closure order requires all services to stop by August 6, 2024.
The school has 15 days to request a hearing or appeal the decision.
Staff did not seek timely medical care for a student with serious injuries, leading to earlier restrictions.
Paris Hilton, a former student, accused the school of abuse and has worked to pass laws protecting teens in similar facilities.
The school is a psychiatric treatment center for youth aged 12 to 18 and is now under new ownership.
The state will monitor the closure process carefully to ensure safe placement for the students.
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A Michigan sheriff’s deputy and bystanders rescued a man trapped inside a burning pickup truck. Body camera footage captured their quick actions to free him from the fiery wreck.
Key Facts
The rescue took place in Michigan.
A man was trapped inside a pickup truck that caught fire.
A sheriff’s deputy and several good Samaritans helped free the man.
The incident was recorded on a body camera worn by the deputy.
The rescue was described as dramatic due to the urgent and dangerous situation.
The event occurred on July 7, 2026.
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Karmelo Anthony, a 19-year-old convicted of murder in Texas, is asking for a new trial and for the judge to step down. His lawyers say prosecutors broke their agreement and forced him to give up his right to testify, among other legal problems.
Key Facts
Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, 17, at a track meet in 2025.
Anthony’s defense team filed a motion for a new trial and asked for the judge’s removal.
The lawyers claimed prosecutors made Anthony waive his right to testify by threatening to use unrelated character evidence.
Prosecutors are accused of breaking a deal not to use evidence about the teenagers’ characters or past behavior.
Anthony’s attorneys said his right to a public trial was violated due to restrictions on cameras and live streaming in the courtroom.
The defense argued that the jury was wrongly told to ignore Anthony’s self-defense claim.
The case drew national attention partly because Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white, raising issues of race.
No Black jurors were selected for the trial; prosecutors said this was due to jurors’ work backgrounds, not race.
Protests with racist messages occurred in the community, including actions by a banned far-right group leader.
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The parents of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., a Bucknell University football player who died after collapsing during training camp, support criminal charges against the coach overseeing the workout. The Pennsylvania attorney general charged the coach with felony hazing, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless endangerment related to Dickey’s death.
Key Facts
Calvin Dickey Jr. was a freshman football player at Bucknell University in 2024.
He collapsed and later died during the first day of football training camp.
Coach Mark Kulbis instructed players to do 100 “up-downs” (burpees) and plank drills.
Dickey had sickle-cell trait, a condition that can raise the risk of severe injury or death during intense exercise.
Prosecutors charged Kulbis with aggravated hazing, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing.
The coach’s lawyer says the training program was proper and met standards.
NCAA requires testing for sickle-cell trait for Division I athletes and recommends gradual training for affected players.
Dickey’s parents only learned of his sickle-cell trait from the mandatory test weeks before camp started.
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A Utah girls' boarding school where Paris Hilton said she was abused as a teenager has had its license revoked by state officials. The school faced complaints for unsafe treatment, neglect, and physical restraint, and must close by August 6 unless it successfully appeals.
Key Facts
The Provo Canyon School in Utah lost its license because it failed to provide safe care for children.
State regulators reported misuse of physical restraint and neglect from 2025 onward.
Paris Hilton, who attended the school in the 1990s, publicly accused the facility of abuse.
Hilton has campaigned to close the school and testified before Congress for youth protection laws.
The school described itself as a psychiatric treatment center for girls aged 12 to 18.
The school has 15 days to appeal the license revocation decision.
Officials said they are reviewing legal options but remain committed to adolescent care.
The boys’ campus of the same school also faced restrictions after failing to protect a boy’s safety.
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