Author: News Desk

Stuart Broad’s fairytale England finale gives Ashes era the ending it deserves The Independent says a thrilling Ashes series deserved a dramatic conclusion, and that’s exactly what happened as England cricket fought back to win by 49 runs and level the series at the Oval. Australia retain the urn, that was decided when the rain denied any possibility of a result at Old Trafford, but on a final day, with momentum shifting firmly in favour of Pat Cummins’s side, England again just showed their determination. Ultimately, it was going 2-0 behind in the first two Test matches that cost England…

Fearless Ben Stokes ends Ashes with England truly made in his image The Guardian says They say it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. It took Ben Stokes so many more than that to get here, to the fifth day at the Oval, England captain, 2-1 down in the Ashes, 50 or so overs left to go, Steve Smith in, and his team still needing seven wickets to level the series. All those matches he has played, for schools, clubs, county and country, through the age groups in Christchurch and Wellington and Cockermouth, for Cumbria, for Northern…

Tax jumps on wine and spirits but falls on fizz Drinks could start to cost more from Tuesday after the Treasury announced a major shake-up of the way alcohol is taxed.  Under the Treasury’s “common-sense” principles, tax is being levied according to a drink’s strength. Duty will increase overall, with most wines and spirits seeing rises, but will fall on lower-alcohol drinks and most sparkling wine. Taxes on draught pints will not change, an additional measure designed to support pubs. These changes were originally planned for February this year but were postponed by the chancellor as the cost of living…

UK house prices fall at sharpest rate for 14 years, says Nationwide UK house prices dropped at their fastest annual pace for 14 years in July, according to Nationwide. House prices dropped by 3.8% – the biggest decline since July 2009. The banking society said mortgage interest rates remain high making affordability a challenge for house-buyers. July saw mortgage costs hit the highest levels in 15 years as lenders grabbed with inflation and uncertainty over rates set by the Bank of England. The average price of a home in the UK is £260,828, which is 4.5% below a peak in…

Euphoria actor Angus Cloud dead aged 25 US actor Angus Cloud – who played Fez on the hit show Euphoria – has died at the age of 25.  Cloud died on Monday at his family home in Oakland, California. “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today,” said a statement from Cloud’s family. Cloud buried his father last week, according to family, and was in a “battle with mental health”. “The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend,” the statement…

The island’s viewership needs a lot-a TLC.

‘I support my union, I do, and I stand with them but I do not support striking.’

Ukraine war: Same Moscow skyscraper hit in new drone attack A Moscow skyscraper – which had already been attacked by a drone – has been hit for a second time in two days, mayor Sergei Sobyanin has said. He said several drones were shot down overnight but “one flew into the same tower at the Moskva City complex” that was targeted on Sunday. The building’s glass facade was damaged but no injuries have been reported. Russia blamed Ukraine for the latest attack, whilst Kyiv has not commented. In a brief statement, Mr Sobyanin said that “glazing was destroyed over 150…

‘The tears just won’t stop,’ wrote his co-star Storm Reid.

Lebanon clashes: Thousands flee violence at Palestinian refugee camp More than 2,000 people have fled violence between rival fractions at a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, the UN said. The clashes between Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement and Islamist groups left 11 people dead, the UN says. A ceasefire has been agreed although gunfire was still being heard on Monday. The Ein el-Hilweh camp – the largest in Lebanon – houses more than 63,000 registered refugees according to the UN. It sits just outside the jurisdiction of the Lebanese security forces. It is left up to rival factions…