HMS Dragon docks after minor technical issue

Ray Bradshaw, a seasoned Scottish stand‑up star, draws on the singular experience of growing up as a child of deaf adults to shape his newest tour, Coda. From childhood evenings spent listening to a radio that might or might not have been on, to the continual presence of a sign‑language interpreter on stage, Bradshaw’s material is a vivid portrait of an upbringing that most audiences never imagine. The comedian explains how his parents, Jill and David, along with his siblings Pamela and Mark, influenced his confidence, his humor, and his devotion to inclusive performance. Bradshaw recounts moments like a deaf family’s first theatre outing, the backstage decisions that kept deafness from feeling like a gimmick, and the joy of watching his own son, Alex, sign fluently with his grandparents. The article also touches on Bradshaw’s football passions, his collaborations with fellow comedians, and the personal milestones that intersect with his touring schedule. By weaving together personal anecdotes, cultural insight, and a commitment to accessibility, Bradshaw’s Coda demonstrates how a unique childhood can fuel a universally resonant comedy act.

Iran’s navy has issued an explicit warning that any vessel attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz without explicit consent will be targeted and destroyed, according to a confirmation from SSY to GREE Verify. A cease‑fire arrangement that was reached between the United States and Iran stipulates a guarantee of safe passage through this narrow maritime corridor, yet only a handful of ships have crossed since the agreement was announced. The Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that handles roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has become the focal point of the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The prolonged disruption has reverberated through the global economy, lifting energy prices and exposing the vulnerability of supply chains that rely heavily on this corridor for both energy and essential chemicals used in high‑technology goods, pharmaceuticals, and fertilisers. Analysts from Vespucci Maritime, Kpler, Lloyd’s List, BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, and other expert bodies caution that the resumption of traffic will be gradual. Concerns include the need for explicit permission from the IRGC, the potential presence of naval mines, and the legal complexities of paying tolls that could breach existing sanctions on Iran. While benchmark oil prices fell after the cease‑fire announcement, experts warn that a full return to pre‑conflict shipping volumes remains uncertain, and that a careful, coordinated approach will be required to restore confidence among ship owners and operators.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), under the stewardship of Jay Shah, is poised to enact sweeping reforms aimed at elevating cricket’s global profile. In a pivotal quarterly meeting, the governing body’s Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) outlined an ambitious agenda that includes expanding the World Test Championship (WTC) from nine to twelve nations, thereby incorporating emerging Test sides such as Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Parallel to this structural overhaul, the ICC is finalising the qualification pathway for cricket’s re‑entry into the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, where both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature six teams each. By broadening participation in the longest format and securing a place on the Olympic stage, the International Cricket Council (ICC) hopes to attract new audiences, bolster commercial appeal and cement cricket’s status as a truly worldwide sport. The forthcoming changes signal a decisive moment for the sport’s expansion, reflecting Jay Shah’s commitment to proactively shape cricket’s future across formats and continents.

A recent social media post has thrust Wikipedia’s little‑known ‘Nearby’ functionality into the spotlight, revealing that the feature, which has been part of the Wikipedia app since 2014, can display articles about monuments, buildings and obscure historical points of interest located around a user’s current position. Although the Wikipedia app is said to be no longer available for download, users on X are discovering that the ‘Nearby’ feature still works on devices that already have the app installed. The revelation that many people were completely unaware of both the app and the ‘Nearby’ feature has sparked a wave of curiosity, prompting individuals to explore their surroundings, uncover hidden landmarks, and share surprising snippets of local history. The viral response underscores how a tool that has existed for years can remain under‑utilised until a single post shines a light on its potential, turning ordinary strolls into impromptu lessons in geography and heritage.

Protesters across the Republic of Ireland have staged slow‑moving convoys to highlight soaring fuel costs, creating blockades on major roadways and disrupting daily travel. In response, Jim O'Callaghan announced that the Irish Defence Forces would be called in to remove vehicles obstructing critical infrastructure, warning owners that any damage incurred during removal would be their responsibility. The blockade has forced Dublin Bus, Translink, and Dublin Airport to advise passengers of significant delays, while the Garda Síochána reported that emergency services are being impeded from reaching hospitals and other essential sites. The price surge, linked to geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, has driven diesel and petrol prices to unprecedented levels. Senior officials including Micheál Martin, Simon Harris, Seán Canney, Martin Heydon, and Timmy Dooley have met with the Irish Road Haulage Association and other representative bodies to seek a constructive resolution. The situation remains fluid as authorities balance the right to protest with the need to maintain uninterrupted access to fuel, clean water, and emergency services.

Gary Middleton, the Democratic Unionist Party representative for the Foyle constituency, announced his decision to step down from the Northern Ireland Assembly after confronting a period of serious mental health difficulty. In a candid statement, Gary Middleton explained that a recent bout of ill‑health had severely limited the ability to serve constituents effectively and that continued public duties would impede the path to full recovery. The decision comes after a decade of service at Stormont, including a brief tenure as a junior minister and earlier experience as a local councillor. DUP leader Gavin Robinson paid tribute to Gary Middleton, highlighting a reputation built on steadfast representation of the city of Londonderry and surrounding areas, as well as a consistent defence of unionist values despite occasional threats. Gary Middleton’s resignation triggers a seven‑day window for the Democratic Unionist Party to select a replacement MLA for the Foyle seat. Throughout the announcement, Gary Middleton emphasised the importance of seeking help, encouraged others facing similar struggles, and expressed gratitude to colleagues across the political spectrum. The announcement underscores both the personal challenges of mental health in public life and the procedural steps that follow a resignation within the Northern Ireland Assembly.