Minibuses Stolen from Summerhill School in Kingswinford

On June 16, 2024, intruders rammed the gates of Summerhill School in Kingswinford, Dudley, stealing two minibuses designed for wheelchair access. West Midlands Police are currently investigating the incident. Summerhill School’s headteacher, Tim Harris, stated that the theft has significantly impacted school activities, making it unlikely for disabled students to participate in planned trips. Police have requested public assistance in locating the vehicles, which are white Citroen vans potentially with altered branding.

Algorithm Fault Leads to Wrongful Investigations by DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has flagged nearly 200,000 UK residents for housing benefit fraud due to a faulty algorithm, according to an FOI investigation by The Guardian. Research shows that two-thirds of the flagged claims were legitimate, resulting in £4.4 million spent on erroneous checks. The algorithm assesses personal characteristics to identify high-risk claims, but its effectiveness has been questioned due to a high number of false positives.

Former MP Julian Knight Stands as Independent Candidate

Julian Knight, former Conservative MP for Solihull West and Shirley, has announced his candidacy as an independent for the upcoming election. Despite previous allegations of wrongdoing, he was cleared by the police. Knight is focusing on local issues, pledging to secure better deals for the area and maintain local policing. Polls show him trailing, but he remains optimistic about his campaign’s reception.

Yellow Heat Warning Issued for Parts of the UK

The UK has received a yellow heat warning with temperatures expected to reach 30°C. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) alerts that the heat may impact vulnerable populations. The North East will see temperatures up to 23°C and remains the only region unaffected by the warnings. Forecasters predict possible thunderstorms after the heatwave subsides.

Free Streaming App for Amazon Fire Stick Users

Amazon Fire Stick users have discovered Fawesome, a free app offering over 100,000 movies and TV shows without registration. The ad-supported service features a broad range of content but has received mixed reviews due to frequent advertisements interrupting viewing. The app, available since 2017, remains a popular alternative amid rising streaming costs.

Clarification on ‘Mandatory’ Speed Limiters in the UK

UK drivers will not be subject to the new EU regulations mandating speed limiters in vehicles sold in the EU starting July 7, 2024. While ISA technology will be included in UK-bound cars from European manufacturers, the UK has not adopted the EU’s General Safety Rule. The Department of Transport stated that the new laws affect only the EU and Northern Ireland.

Heatwave and Fuel Consumption Advisory for UK Drivers

As the UK experiences a heatwave with temperatures nearing 30°C, drivers are advised to be cautious about fuel consumption. Higher temperatures can cause faster fuel depletion, leading to potential inaccuracies in gauges. Experts recommend refilling tanks earlier than usual to avoid potential issues. There are, however, no risks of fuel explosions, as clarified by RAC spokespeople.