Portugal is observing a national day of mourning on Thursday after a Lisbon funicular derailed, killing 15 people in the capital's worst accident in recent history. Authorities have given no details about those killed or the 23 people reported injured, leaving the casualty toll provisional. The 19th‑century Elevador da Gloria is a popular tourist ride, often crowded with visitors at this time of year for its short, steep ascent. Pathologists […]

Three-quarters of UK firms did not donate time, money or goods to charities last year, according to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). The charity's Corporate Giving report shows 25% of British businesses contributed in some form, and it argues that if firms pledged to give at least 1% of pre-tax profits each year, charities could receive around £5 billion more (€5.8 billion).\n\nCAF's figures for 2024 show British businesses donated about […]

Scientists have confirmed the Sycamore Gap tree was at least 100 to 120 years old when it was felled in 2023. The tree stood in a natural gap beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and was studied by Historic England, the body safeguarding the country’s historic environment. The assessment suggests it first appeared in the landscape in the late 19th century. The felling occurred overnight in September 2023, and Daniel Graham […]