New stations in £445m rail plan for Wales

England's Under-21s are off to a lively start against the Czech Republic in their European Championship group stage match, with early pressure and a dangerous cross-shot forcing the Czech keeper into action. The game's just kicking off, but England looks sharp.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just a warm-up—it's a glimpse at the next generation of England's football talent. Strong performances here could mean future stars for the senior team, and fans always love seeing their young players dominate early. Plus, rivalries at any level add some extra spice!

Canada’s wildfire season is already the second-worst on record, trailing only last year’s devastation—and officials warn it’s not over yet. The government’s latest forecast suggests the flames could keep spreading, raising concerns about air quality, displaced communities, and long-term ecological damage.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires aren’t just a seasonal nuisance anymore—they’re becoming a recurring crisis with real consequences for health, homes, and the environment. This isn’t just about burning trees; it’s about how climate change is turning extreme weather into the new normal, and why we should all be paying attention.

Rory McIlroy had a rough finish in his first round at the 2025 US Open, struggling late while JJ Spaun took the solo lead after Ludvig Åberg faltered on the 12th hole. The action at Oakmont is heating up, with leaderboard drama unfolding in real time.

Editor’s Note: McIlroy’s shaky start raises questions about his form in a major tournament where every stroke counts—especially at a tough course like Oakmont. For golf fans, this sets up an unpredictable weekend, with new contenders like Spaun making early waves. If McIlroy can’t recover, it could be another missed shot at ending his major drought.

Democrats are up in arms after Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press event in Los Angeles featuring South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. California Governor Gavin Newsom and others called the ejection "sickening" and "dictatorial," framing it as an affront to democratic norms. Meanwhile, protests erupted nearby, with demonstrators dancing and chanting in defiance of police.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about one senator being kicked out—it's a flashpoint in the broader clash over free speech, political dissent, and how power is wielded in public spaces. The heated rhetoric from Democrats suggests they see this as symbolic of a larger, worrying trend. And with protests simmering in the background, it’s clear tensions aren’t cooling anytime soon.

A convicted sex offender and former priest, Patrick Wattigny, has revealed during a parole hearing that the New Orleans archdiocese initially gave him a second chance—even after he was caught sending inappropriate texts to a minor. Instead of removing him from ministry, church leaders reportedly urged him to promise he wouldn’t reoffend, allowing him to continue as a priest until he was later arrested and sentenced for molestation.

Editor’s Note: This story exposes yet another disturbing example of how some church institutions prioritize protecting their own over holding abusers accountable. It’s not just about one priest’s crimes—it’s about systemic failures that enable predators to stay in positions of power, often at the expense of vulnerable victims. For survivors and advocates, it’s a grim reminder of why transparency and reform remain urgent.