Jess Flaherty

Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashed shortly after departing Detroit Metropolitan Airport on August 16, 1987, after its crew failed to set the flaps and slats for takeoff. A power failure disabled the aircraft’s central aural warning system, and the plane struck a streetlight, crashed into an Avis building and vehicles on Middlebelt Road, and caught fire. All six crew members and 148 passengers died, along with two people on the ground, while four-year-old Cecelia Cichan survived with severe injuries. Raised by relatives and kept out of the public eye for decades, she later discussed the disaster in the 2013 documentary Sole Survivor.

Chef Andy Hearnden recommends starting bacon in a cold pan with a small amount of water rather than butter or oil. The water initially controls the temperature and allows the bacon fat to render before evaporating, after which the bacon fries in its own fat, producing more even browning and a crispier texture through the Maillard reaction. Viewers responded positively to the technique.

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, directed by Jane Schoenbrun and starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, has earned a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes after preview screenings. The queer slasher follows a young director attempting to revive a failing franchise while becoming fascinated by the actress who played its original final girl. Critics and fans have praised its nostalgic yet inventive approach, emotional exploration of desire, playful style and commentary on slasher conventions and patriarchy. The film is scheduled for a UK-wide cinema release on August 21, with early screenings beginning August 13.

The article highlights The Way Way Back as an underrated Steve Carell film in which he departs from his usual comedic roles to play Trent, a controlling and emotionally abusive antagonist. It describes the film’s coming-of-age story, praises performances by Sam Rockwell and Toni Collette, and cites Reddit users and the film’s 83% Rotten Tomatoes score as evidence of its appeal.

Cornish Dairy Co recommends using clotted cream instead of conventional fats or oils to make roast potatoes crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. The recipe involves parboiling and roughing up floury potatoes, melting clotted cream in a preheated roasting tray, coating the potatoes, and roasting them at 200°C for 45–55 minutes. Optional herbs and garlic can be added, and the cream is sold at major UK supermarkets.

People who move house in Great Britain must update the address on both their driving licence and vehicle log book (V5C); changing one does not update the other. Failing to update the V5C can create an enforcement risk of up to £1,000, although the penalty is not automatic. Vehicle-tax Direct Debit details and certain private-registration records may also require separate updates. Temporary university accommodation is exempt when the person remains contactable at their permanent address, and Northern Ireland licence holders must use the DVA process.

Marty Supreme, a 2025 sports comedy-drama directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet, is praised by reviewer Luke Ecclestone as one of the best films of the decade. The film follows aspiring table-tennis champion Marty Mauser through an intense and often humorous 1950s-era quest for success. It has received a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and is now available on Prime Video.

Regularly drying the rubber seal and detergent drawer after each laundry cycle prevents mould and grime buildup in washing machines, according to cleaning tips shared on Reddit. Users report that this habit reduces residue, odours and pet hair accumulation. Others suggest leaving the machine door and drawer open, minimal daily dishwashing, maintaining fewer belongings and routinely clearing out expired fridge items to streamline home cleaning tasks.

Shoppers report difficulty finding cress in UK supermarkets, prompting online discussion about its apparent disappearance despite its past popularity as a staple ingredient. Some users note nostalgic memories of growing it at school, while others say availability has recently improved in certain stores like Sainsbury's.

Mallorca is highlighted as one of Europe’s most attractive summer destinations, praised for its beaches, mountain landscapes and picturesque villages. A TikTok account showcases the island’s architecture, clear waters and scenic locations including Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Sa Calobra and Cala Comtessa. See Mallorca reinforces the island’s appeal, citing its natural beauty, vibrant capital and worldwide popularity among summer travelers.

A veterinary expert warns that bad breath in dogs may indicate serious conditions such as gum disease, infection or diabetes. A survey by Medivet & Partners shows many owners neglect dental hygiene, with a third never brushing their pets’ teeth. Dr Reena Patel advises acclimating dogs to mouth handling, using pet-safe toothpaste and gradually introducing a soft toothbrush. She urges consistent daily brushing to prevent plaque buildup and maintain overall oral health.

A 19-year-old crew member aboard the research vessel NOAAS Discoverer suffered the loss of her left leg after a great white shark attack in the Pacific Ocean in 1994. Colleagues rescued her in a chaotic struggle caught on camera, driving the shark away with force and gunshots. She later recounted the experience in media appearances, while experts note that great white sharks play a key ecological role and often attack humans by mistaken identity.

David Attenborough urges immediate action to secure a sustainable future, warning that humanity is nearing an unprecedented environmental disaster. Recent comments from climate experts and UN leadership highlight escalating global emergencies, with extreme weather events now commonplace. Attenborough stresses that decisive choices over the next decade could rewild the planet and avert catastrophe, emphasizing collective responsibility and the power to shape the planet’s future.

The article highlights enduring acclaim for the BBC crime thriller Luther, praising its dark tone, intense storytelling and Idris Elba’s performance. Critics and fans describe season five as sharply written, fast‑paced and emotionally powerful, while acknowledging its grim atmosphere. The show remains a recommended pick for crime drama enthusiasts and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

A BBC-backed legal drama, Common, has resurfaced as a highly praised but often overlooked film exploring the implications of the UK's Joint Enterprise doctrine. The story follows a teenager charged as an accessory to murder despite not participating in the crime, drawing inspiration from the real case of Jordan Cunliffe. Viewers and critics describe the film as powerful, emotional and politically charged, with strong performances and an intense portrayal of the legal system’s complexities.

Alan Titchmarsh outlines practical methods to keep roses healthy and blooming throughout summer, advising gardeners to distinguish between dead and old stems, avoid cutting shrub roses too low, and thin out old growth to encourage rejuvenation. He recommends pruning between February and March and creating well‑spaced branch frameworks to reduce issues like mildew and black spot. He emphasizes feeding roses with moisture‑retentive, nutrient‑rich soil improved with organic matter to support vigorous growth and sustained flowering.

Gardeners are encouraged to refill birdbaths daily with fresh water to help robins and other birds cope with summer heat, according to the RSPB. Expert Adrian Thomas advises weekly cleaning of birdbaths with non‑toxic disinfectant to prevent disease. Additional recommendations include delaying hedge‑cutting until late August to protect nesting birds, mowing lawns less often to support insects and seed‑feeding birds, and avoiding strimmers to prevent injury to wildlife.

A highly praised BBC crime drama, The Gold, recounts the Brink’s‑Mat robbery through two six‑episode seasons featuring a strong ensemble cast and earning a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score. Viewers and critics highlight its gripping storytelling, high‑quality performances and compelling depiction of the international money trail that followed the historic heist. All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer, with purchase options on major streaming platforms.

An engaged Italian couple died during a tandem bungee jump from the Ponte Canale bridge near Terni when the snap‑hooks connecting their cord to the structure failed, causing them to fall 330 feet. The facility’s manager stayed open late at their request and said the equipment had been used safely earlier that day. Police focused their investigation on the safety harness and clips, noting the elastic cord remained intact and should have supported their combined weight. The site was closed pending a full inquiry.

Alan Titchmarsh advises gardeners to support wildlife by avoiding chemical sprays, growing a wide variety of plants, and not limiting gardens to native wildflowers. He highlights how diverse planting and longer grass help insects and other species thrive, noting that mixed borders can host more insect species than traditional wildflower meadows.

A long-term British expat in Benidorm recommends visiting during cooler periods to avoid crowds and extreme heat following recent red-alert temperatures. He highlights early mornings as the most peaceful time, with mild weather and empty beaches. Benidorm’s tourism numbers reached record highs in 2025, reflecting its continued popularity. The UK is also experiencing easing temperatures after a heatwave, with the Met Office forecasting warm but less extreme conditions for the weekend.

A veterinarian outlines five popular dog breeds he would avoid owning due to health issues, temperament or demanding care needs, citing French bulldogs’ chronic medical problems, Boston terriers’ temperament mismatch, huskies’ high energy and noise, Belgian Malinois' extensive exercise requirements, and dachshunds’ risk of spinal disease and sudden aggression. He stresses the views are based on his lifestyle and urges owners not to take offense.

Alan Titchmarsh advises gardeners to plant perennials now to ensure year-round colour, emphasising choosing plants suited to soil type and light conditions. He highlights hostas, lady’s mantle, and polemonium for shaded areas while noting most herbaceous perennials thrive in full sun, offering vibrant seasonal displays.