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New law to help families of missing people
Missing people's relatives are to be given the power to deal with legal and financial issues in the initial months after someone vanishes under new Government proposals.
Families will be able to deal with issues such as suspend direct debits for mobile phone and utility bills under a so-called power of guardianship unveiled by the Ministry of Justice.
Under current law, families of missing people have no way to make alternative arrangements until their loved one can be presumed dead.
– Justice Minister Helen GrantWhen a person disappears with no explanation, their friends and family are left with an unbelievable amount to cope with - all of the unanswered questions and difficult emotions.
We want to do everything we can to help families of missing people to deal with the administrative problems that can make life even more trying at such a difficult time.
That is why we want to put measures in place so they can make alternative arrangements for the legal and financial affairs of their missing loved one.
'Huge inequality' in funding of schools
Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said:
While there is no excuse for complacency, you have to take into account how many rural and coastal schools are funded compared to inner city schools.
In the last decade, the intense focus has been on raising achievement in inner city schools, both in support and funding through the London and City Challenges.
The Pupil Premium has helped to address the funding gap to a certain extent but overall there is still a huge inequity in funding.
Schools in poorly funded authorities have less money to attract excellent teachers in key subjects, to buy in additional support and to reduce class sizes and teaching loads.
A Department for Education spokesman said they would consider Ofsted recommendations and respond in due course.
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James Gandolfini death 'an awful shock'
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said: "It's an awful shock. James Gandolfini was a fine actor, a Rutgers alum and a true Jersey guy. I was a huge fan of his and the character he played so authentically, Tony Soprano.
"I have gotten to know Jimmy and many of the otheractors in the Sopranos cast and I can say that each of them are an individualNew Jersey treasure.
"Mary Pat and I express our deepest sympathies to Mr Gandolfini's wife and children, and our prayers are with them at this terrible time."
The 'minimum wage dress' goes on sale for £3.68
A £3.68 - dubbed the Minimum Wage Dress (MWD) - has gone on sale aimed at women who "want to look good on a budget".
The MWD costs the same as an hour's pay on the minimum wage for under-18s "to enable ladies to look super sophisticated, no matter how little cash they have to spare".
The MWD, made by Figa Store in Leicester, is available in three colours - neon green, pink and black - and goes on sale today from retailer SheLikes.com.
Brits 'spend 100 hours in bath or shower each year'
Brits spend 100 hours in bath or shower each year, according a new study released today.
The study also shows that we spend nearly an average of 20 minutes in a bath.
It also found that 20% of men accuse their partner of showering too long compared to 15% of women, but reveals that in fact men spend 30 seconds longer in the shower on average.
The study by E.ON also states that those aged 18-24 take 25% more time in the bath and take twice as long in the shower than people older than them.
Over a quarter of people (26%) listen to music in the bathroom, while one in seven (15%) sing to themselves, the report added.
Tributes to an 'extraordinary actor'
Shocked and saddened by James Gandolfini's passing. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
From @realmikefox on Twitter:So sad to lose James Gandolfini. One of the sweetest, funniest, most generous actors I’ve ever worked with. Sending prayers to his family.
From @SusanSarandon on Twitter:My thoughts and prayers go out to James Gandolfini's family. An extraordinary actor. RIP, Mr. Gandolfini.
From @robinwilliams on Twitter:Advertisement
Racegoers prepare for Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot
Racegoers are preparing for Gold Cup Day, also known as Ladies' Day, one of the highlights at Royal Ascot.
Ladies' Day is known for its display of flamboyant and exotic hats and the most extravagant creations.
Racegoers also traditionally bet on the colour of the hat the Queen will wear on the day.
Bookmakers Coral believe she will wear a blue hat and makes the colour its 3-1 favourite.
However, punters have been backing purple and its odds have fallen from 8-1 to 5-1.
Read more: Queen tipped to wear pink at Royal Ascot Ladies' Day
CQC 'reviewing legal advice' on not naming individuals
– David Behan. chief executive of the Care Quality CommissionEver since I commissioned this independent review it has been our intention to place the report into the public domain.
We received legal advice that we could not name individuals and to do so would be to break the law. We are now seeking a review of the original legal advice.
Queen's horse favourite for Gold Cup success
The Queen will be hoping her horse Estimate triumphs in Royal Ascot's Gold Cup today as the famous race stages its Ladies' Day.
Over the years the Queen has had 21 winners at the Royal Ascot. This year her filly is a favourite to win.
RSPB: 'Nature in the UK is in trouble'
– Mike Clarke, chief executive of the RSPBNature in the UK is in trouble and some of our more familiar garden species are amongst those suffering serious declines.
Gardens provide a valuable lifeline for species like starlings, toads, hedgehogs and butterflies, which are struggling to find homes in the wider countryside.
Our aim is to provide one million homes for nature across the UK, because if there's no home for nature, then there's no nature - it really is that serious.
