A town at the heart of Greater Manchester’s textile legacy
The government has apologised for historic practices in NHS hospitals that saw stillborn babies buried in communal graves without parents’ knowledge. More than 1,000 infants were interred in Wirral, with a further 270 in Oldham, prompting renewed calls for support and records retrieval.
Sephora has opened its first Scottish store in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter, drawing long queues and crowds. Shoppers enjoyed live performances and exclusive brands not previously available in Scotland, as the brand expands its UK footprint. A Glasgow store will follow in August.
Tony Bartlett has been convicted of murder after violently shaking Atticus Bartlett, a 13‑month‑old, in Chard, Somerset, in July 2022. He has received a minimum 18‑year sentence. The case involved heavy drinking, the baby’s fatal injuries, and a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
Bev Craig is poised to become Greater Manchester mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate power after the Makerfield byelection. Results indicate Labour leads with a substantial margin, while Reform UK trails and Greens widen their foothold. Turnout remains relatively low despite the historic scale of the vote.
A surgeon has been struck off after a botched emergency procedure at Royal Oldham Hospital left a patient in severe pain and reliant on a second operation to salvage bowel function. Tribunal finds the operation to connect the small intestine and stomach was “not compatible with life.”
A round-up of recent Fringe reviews highlights how new plays and games are probing technology’s reach—from AI ethics in Prove You’re Human to aging and human longing in Lifelong Protocol and Water Colour, with sharp direction and performances shaping urgent conversations.
The Hundred has undergone a branding revamp under private ownership, with teams rebranded to IPL-style identities. Attendance has stagnated this season despite record investment, and executives say bold branding is essential to attract new fans while navigating ongoing financial strains and market adjustments.
The wasp spider has been spotted in Worcestershire and other areas, expanding its range northward amid warmer winters. Experts say the species is spreading from the south and establishes itself when weather stays warm, with female spiders laying eggs before winter. Public reporting and careful monitoring are urged.